Best Home Warranty Companies in Louisiana

A home warranty plan, also known as home appliance insurance or home repair insurance, can protect Louisiana homeowners from unexpected repair costs on major systems and appliances. If you’re looking for a home warranty in Louisiana, keep reading to learn about the top providers in the state, common home maintenance issues faced by Louisiana homeowners, and how to find the best home warranty provider for you and your home.

Louisiana’s best home warranty companies

Louisiana is bordered by Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, and the Gulf of Mexico. It’s the 25th most populous state in the United States and has been nicknamed the Sugar State, the Bayou State, and the Pelican State, among others.

Louisiana’s state flower is the magnolia, the state bird is the eastern brown pelican, and the Louisiana state tree is the bald cypress. Its most well-known city is New Orleans, but it’s also home to Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Metairie, Lafayette, Monroe, and Lake Charles. The state’s abbreviation is L.A. 

As of 2013, Louisiana’s population was 4,670,724, with the largest percentage of residents residing in New Orleans. Louisiana has a rich historical background; Spanish explorers originally discovered the state, but it became a French crown colony in 1731. After being ceded to Spain and then reverted to France under Napoleon, it was sold to the United States in 1803.

The state is a leader in sulfur, salt, natural gas, and petroleum production, but it’s also known for its jazz music, crawfish and beignets, and the Mardi Gras festival.

According to Zillow, the median home value in Louisiana is $147,200, and the median price of homes for sale in Louisiana is currently $215,900. The data also shows that while home values have increased 1.2% since 2018, a slight decrease is projected over the next year.

Unique factors could be the reason for this drop-off, from the more noticeable effects of climate change in the region to the national attention its received for erosion, flooding, and hurricanes. The housing market is cooling down across the country and this, coupled with the high risks of homeownership in Louisiana, make a home warranty that guards against costly repairs worthwhile.

Top home maintenance problems in Louisiana

Nearly every home in the United States has at least one appliance and most homes have a full suite: a dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, washing machine, and dryer are all common household items. While most appliances last roughly 10 to 15 years, they usually require regular attention in the form of maintenance or repairs during their lifetime.

Appliance repair costs vary by city and region, and the most common repairs also vary by locale. In Louisiana, regional factors like extreme heat and clay soils impact homes in unique ways. Here are some of the top home maintenance problems in Louisiana:

1. 1. HVAC malfunctioning—Air conditioners enable people to live comfortably in their homes, especially in the South where temperatures tend to be warm year-round. Louisiana HVAC units work overtime and are prone to problems.
   2. Roof problems—Hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe seasonal storms can take a toll on roofs, even for new homes. Make sure roof coverage is included in your Louisiana home warranty plan. Select Home Warranty covers roof leaks for free.
   3. Electrical issues—Both the gray and fox squirrels are rampant in some parts of Louisiana and, while cute to some, they cause damage with their chewing habits. They’re known to gnaw electrical wires, which can cause power outages and even fires.
   4. Mold—Louisiana’s high humidity levels can cause mold in houses across the state. Mold can creep into dryers, front- and top-loading washers, dishwashers, and refrigerators, putting homeowners at risk for infection.
   5. Foundation crack repair—Because Louisiana’s soil culture is diverse, foundation failure is common in southern Louisiana. This can be caused by improperly compacted soil when the foundation was made or failure due to your drainage system. Additionally, plumbing leaks can lead to excess water and shifting beneath your home.
   6. Improper installation and maintenance of appliances—Thousands of homes in Louisiana date back to the ‘40s, ‘50s, and ‘60s. Homeowners in older homes may run into problems with appliances that have aged or weren’t well-maintained by previous owners.
   7. Range hood and cooktop breakdown—A quality range hood and cooktop can last 10 to 15 years, but these appliances get daily use, especially in Louisiana where cooking is a pastime, family meals are a regular evening occasion, and gatherings center around food.
   8. Washing machine and dryer issues—Washing machines can leak or not drain, and dryers can have trouble heating up. Both can have problems if the power source is affected.
   9. Refrigerator overworking—Refrigerator repairs may peak in June, July, and August when the appliance is working overtime to keep food cool.

Who is eligible for a home warranty in Louisiana?

Whether you own a tiny home, mobile home, RV, duplex, or a standard single-family home, there’s protection available for you. Some home warranty providers provide policies that are specific to less common home types, like mobile homes, while other policies apply to a wide variety of homes.

Regardless of the investment you’ve put forth into your house, it’s wise to protect it. Whether you have a 100-year-old charmer in Baton Rouge or a mobile home outside of New Orleans, it can be eligible for home warranty coverage.

MORE: Is your mobile home covered? Learn about and compare mobile home warranty plans.

Louisiana home warranty coverage

In general, home warranties cover major home systems and appliances, but the exact coverage terms vary from provider to provider. To ensure you’re getting the right plan for your home at a price you feel comfortable with, it’s important to understand what’s covered and if there are any special advantages to choosing one provider over another.

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

One of the most trusted providers out there, 2-10 HBW offers two plans: a home warranty and a structural warranty for builders. The home warranty covers home appliances and systems, including the heating system, plumbing, water heater, electrical panel and wiring, refrigerator and ice maker, oven, dishwasher, built-in microwave, that break due to wear and tear.

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty plans don’t cover cosmetic defects, smells, noises, or cleaning. HVAC tune-ups, wine coolers, septic systems, pool equipment, and other major systems and appliances can be covered as optional add-ons.

MORE: View 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty plans

The Home Service Club

This provider is known for its quick turnaround on claims. The company offers two plans, Standard Coverage and Comprehensive Coverage, that start at just $45.95 per month. Standard Coverage provides protection for common systems and appliances, like the HVAC, plumbing, water heater, electrical system, refrigerator, oven and range. Comprehensive Coverage includes all systems and appliances from the Standard plan with 15 additional items. Optional add-ons, like the roof, a spa, and pool equipment, are available with either plan.

MORE: View The Home Service Club plans

Select Home Warranty

If your budget is tight but you still want comprehensive home protection, consider one of Select Home Warranty’s three plans. The Bronze Care plan covers appliances, Gold Care covers systems, and Platinum Care covers appliances and systems.

The company also offers more advantages to customers, like free roof protection, a 30-day trial, and a unique list of optional add-ons, like lawn sprinkler systems and septic systems. Coverage costs roughly $36 to $42 per month.

MORE: View Select Home Warranty plans

American Home Shield

This provider offers four plans, including an Appliance Plan that provides protection specifically for 10 major home appliances including the refrigerator, dishwasher, garbage disposal, oven, range, cooktop, built-in microwave, washer, and dryer. The other plans available are the Systems Plan, the Combo Plan, and the Build-Your-Own Plan. If you’re interested in customizing your coverage or want to focus solely on appliances, get a quote from American Home Shield. Coverage costs roughly $20 to $65 per month.

MORE: View American Home Shield plans

Note: Most home warranty providers won’t cover an appliance or system that has a pre-existing condition or hasn’t been properly maintained or installed. Read the fine print of your coverage contract to understand exactly what is and isn’t covered in your policy.

How much does a home warranty cost in Louisiana?

The cost of a home warranty for your house in Louisiana will vary depending on the provider you choose, the amount of coverage you’re interested in, the type of home you own, and other factors.

There are typically three types of home warranty plans available, which are split by the number and types of items covered. Most home warranty companies provide basic plans, combo plans, and optional-add ons, but other providers divide their plans into systems plans, appliance plans, and hybrid plans that provide coverage for both.

A one-year home warranty service contract typically costs between $300 and $600 annually, with basic coverage falling at the lower end of the spectrum and comprehensive coverage plans at the higher end. For example, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty coverage plans start at $33 per month with a service fee of $100.

If you’re averse to a monthly payment, consider the long-term benefits. A study by Puls found that the average cost for an appliance repair ranges from $79 to $500, meaning that the annual cost of your Louisiana home warranty plan could “pay for itself” in between one and two service visits. This is especially true if the repairs cover major systems, like the air conditioning and plumbing, which can cost $1,500 or more for a complex repair.

How does a home warranty work in Louisiana?

Once you’ve purchased a home warranty for your property, the provider will typically make you wait for 30 days before coverage begins, although some providers offer shorter waiting periods (The Home Service Club has a 10-day waiting period for customers).

When your plan goes into effect, you can contact the home warranty company anytime you notice an appliance or system that isn’t working correctly or is broken. Most providers have a 24/7 number you can call, or you can submit your claim online. Your claim is usually approved within 24 to 48 hours, but some home warranty companies may delay response for claims submitted on weekends and holidays.

Here’s a theoretical example of what you could expect if your HVAC system went out in the middle of July:

1. If you notice that your air isn’t blowing, submit a claim online or call the 24/7 number to let them know that something’s wrong.
2. Once your claim has been seen by the appropriate department, a service technician will contact you directly to schedule a time for a visit.
3. At the appointment, the tech will diagnose the issue and they may report their diagnosis back to the home warranty company to ensure the repair or replacement is covered under your plan. If the cost of the repair or replacement isn’t fully covered, the best home warranty companies will be able to let you know immediately how much the out-of-pocket cost will be.
4. In the best cases, the technician will be able to repair or replace the HVAC unit part on the same day. In other cases, they may need to schedule a second visit.
5. Once the repair or part replacement has been completed, you’ll be expected to pay a service fee for the technician’s visit in addition to any cost above the HVAC unit’s coverage cap per what’s outlined in your home warranty contract. If the service did not exceed the coverage cap, the home warranty company will pay the technician directly and you’ll be responsible only for the service fee, which typically ranges from $75 to $125 per visit.

Note: The best home warranty companies in Louisiana won’t charge you multiple services fees for repeat visits and appointments if the problem persists after the initial repair or replacement. 

Why is a home warranty necessary?

When deciding whether a home warranty is suitable for your living space, it can be insightful to take a look at the items that will be covered under the plans you’re considering and decide if they’re of value. For example, if your HVAC system is old or has broken down frequently in previous years, the warranty can come in handy to provide coverage for issues in the sweltering summer months.

Similarly, if you cook regularly and can’t imagine going without your stove, built-in microwave, range hood, or refrigerator for weeks, much less paying for costly repairs to these appliances, you can benefit from a home warranty.

If the home warranty plan provides you coverage over an appliance or system that you consider “essential” to your lifestyle, the peace of mind the plan provides you will be invaluable. 

Buying a home warranty in Louisiana

As you consider how to protect your investment, it’s important to read the fine print of the contract you’ll sign and to weigh all options prior to signing on the dotted line. For example, some providers may build in wiggle room that makes it easier for them to deny payouts.

Here’s a list of what to look for when considering a home warranty provider in Louisiana:

• Coverage caps should be generous, above $500 for each appliance or system
• A reasonable service fee, which usually ranges between $50 and $125 per visit
• A sample contract should be easily accessible online
• Reputation can give you insight into customer services and payout experiences, so the provider should have a Better Business Bureau rating above a C
• Availability in your area of Louisiana
• Coverage for older appliances and home systems
• Prioritized customer service through avenues like a 24/7 service line available 365 days a year and online claim submissions
• Plan options in case you want just appliances covered, just systems covered, or want to choose the appliances and systems included in your coverage plan
• Benefits and perks specifically relevant to your Louisiana home, such as free roof leak coverage

Louisiana home warranty reviews

Of the home warranty companies we’ve recommended for Louisiana, only 2-10 Home Warranty has received an A rating from the Better Business Bureau and is BBB accredited. However, Select Home Warranty follows close behind with B and B+ ratings, respectively.

While the information available on the Better Business Bureau website about each company is insightful, it isn’t definitive with regard to whether a company is a good or bad option for your Louisiana home warranty. For example, while The Home Service Club is “Not Rated” on BBB, the company’s website has a host of positive reviews from real customers, like Pauline W. who, on October 8, 2019, wrote:

“With this weather in our place, an A/C is a need, a necessity! That is why I am so happy that the A/C in my son’s room, which got broken last week, was repaired by a professional in less than a day.”

Our conclusion

While we recommend home warranty plans for any individual that owns a home, they’re especially valuable to first-time homebuyers and owners of older homes in Louisiana. A plan will also make sense for you if you’re not confident making repairs on your own or don’t have the time to do so.

Any of the providers listed in this article would be an excellent choice for coverage in Louisiana, but do your own research to supplement the information we’ve provided. Looking at consumer reviews on trusted websites, like the Better Business Bureau and TrustPilot, and reading the fine print on your contract contract are both things you should carefully do prior to making a commitment to any company. Local insight from friends, family, and neighbors who currently have a home warranty plan they’re happy with may also help lead you in the right direction.