Having a home is a joyful experience, but with it comes many responsibilities, including maintaining and paying for repairs for home appliances and systems. Home warranties provide financial protection and relieve stress whenever home appliances, like your AC unit or dishwasher, break down, as the home warranty provider pays for the repair or replacement costs, saving you from sudden expenses that cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
My review of the best home warranty companies in North Carolina shares my top picks for home warranties based on North Carolina’s weather conditions, property concerns, and other critical factors like finding a company with strong coverage and exceptional customer service. Using Today’s Homeowner’s review methodology, I’ve ranked these companies based on coverage, customer service, affordability, reputation, and much more to support you as you choose between different North Carolina home warranty providers.
Here’s how we ranked and reviewed the nation’s top home warranty companies to bring you the most accurate information.
Our team of experts reviewed over 70 home warranty providers to compare plan options, coverage limits, prices, and customer feedback.
We collected over 100 sample quotes from dozens of home warranty companies to give you an accurate look at industry pricing.
Our rating system scores providers based on 6 key factors: coverage options, affordability, customer experience, reputation, claims processes, and availability.
Top North Carolina Home Warranty Companies
- Liberty Home Guard: Best For Customization
- American Home Shield: Best Coverage Limits
- Choice Home Warranty: Best Claim Acceptance Rate
- Select Home Warranty: Best Overall Value
- Elite Home Warranty: Best Customer Satisfaction
Company | Rating | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Response Time | BBB Rating | Link |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$50-$60 |
$75 |
12-48 hrs. |
NR |
VISIT SITE | ||
$35–$75 |
$100–$125 |
24-72 hrs |
B |
VISIT SITE | ||
$44.99-$58.99 |
$70 |
48 hours |
A+ |
VISIT SITE | ||
$46–$55 |
$85 |
24-48 hrs. |
B |
VISIT SITE | ||
$52–$58 |
$60 |
24-48 hrs. |
B |
VISIT SITE |
Company | Rating | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Response Time | BBB Rating | Link |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$50-$60 |
$75 |
12-48 hrs. |
NR |
VISIT SITE | ||
$35–$75 |
$100–$125 |
24-72 hrs |
B |
VISIT SITE | ||
$44.99-$58.99 |
$70 |
48 hours |
A+ |
VISIT SITE | ||
$46–$55 |
$85 |
24-48 hrs. |
B |
VISIT SITE | ||
$52–$58 |
$60 |
24-48 hrs. |
B |
VISIT SITE | ||
$38–$62 |
$75–$125 |
48 hours |
B |
VISIT SITE | ||
$38–$48 |
$75–$125 |
48 hours |
B |
VISIT SITE | ||
$17–$60+ |
$65–$100 |
2–24 hrs |
A- |
VISIT SITE | ||
$28–$68 |
$100–$150 |
2–24 hrs |
B |
VISIT SITE |
Today’s Homeowner works with an independent reviews team to create evidence-based research that helps our readers make informed decisions. The reviews are always independent. For transparency, we may be compensated if you purchase through a link.
Liberty Home Guard
4.6
Our Rating
Liberty Home Guard is my top choice for “Best Customization” because of its three flexible, customizable plans that offer extensive coverage and an extensive 42 add-ons for everything ranging from roof leaks, pest control, carpet cleaning, and sump pumps to electronics. Some of these options, such as the electronics add-on, are practically unheard of in the home warranty industry, so definitely take advantage of them if you prefer specialized coverage for extra peace of mind.
In addition, Liberty Home Guard offers a fast customer service response time and multiple customer service options. You can submit a claim online directly by logging into your policyholder account or by calling). According to their website, “Liberty Home Guard will dispatch a licensed technician to your home within 24 – 48 (business) hours of your request. Extenuating circumstances do apply.” The company continues to earn high ratings from reputable companies like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot, providing even more evidence that your home mishaps are in good hands.
Attribute | Liberty Home Guard Score | Average Company Score |
---|---|---|
Plans + Coverage | 100.0 | 81.3 |
Affordability | 88.9 | 83.8 |
Customer Experience | 78.4 | 77.0 |
Company Reputation | 91.4 | 58.6 |
Claims Process | 100.0 | 72.2 |
Availability | 100.0 | 84.8 |
Overall | 92.5 | 76.1 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- A lower service fee option of $65
- 42 add-on options (including roof-leak coverage)
- Excellent customer service options
Cons
- Customers can’t choose their contractors
- Lower coverage cap per item than some (typically $2,000)
Total Home Guard is Liberty’s most comprehensive plan, covering both major home systems like your HVAC system and appliances like your oven and refrigerator. Otherwise, you can choose between Liberty’s other two plans, which are strictly for appliance protection or system protection, if your budget is a little tighter or you only require protection for one of these categories.
Compared to other providers I’ve researched, Liberty stands out for its flexible and customizable home protection plans with more add-ons – 42 in total – than I’ve personally seen from any other provider. You can select from a massive range of add-ons, such as limited roof leak protection, gutter cleaning, pest control, well pump, sump pump, and even carpet cleaning.
Most systems by this provider have a $2,000 coverage cap, which is lower than most home warranties but not by a huge margin. However, keep this lower cap in mind if you have luxury appliances.
Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee |
Appliance Guard | $49.99+ | $65 – $125 |
Systems Guard | $54.99+ | $65 – $125 |
Total Home Guard | $59.99+ | $65 – $125 |
American Home Shield
4.3
Our Rating
Founded in 1971, American Home Shield has been providing strong home warranty plans in North Carolina for decades, giving them plenty of experience and a strong reputation in the field. I’ve chosen this company as one of my recommended home warranty providers in North Carolina because of its top-notch reputation and standout protection, which often covers what other companies won’t — think preexisting conditions that were undetectable, older appliances, and improperly installed appliances. The company offers high coverage limits of $3,000+ in most cases, giving you the best protection should any of your appliances or systems need massive repairs or replacements, so you won’t be stuck paying for the remaining balance.
Attribute | American Home Shield Score | Average Company Score |
---|---|---|
Plans + Coverage | 89.6 | 81.3 |
Affordability | 93.3 | 83.8 |
Customer Experience | 83.8 | 77.0 |
Company Reputation | 82.9 | 58.6 |
Claims Process | 84.0 | 72.2 |
Availability | 100.0 | 84.8 |
Overall | 88.0 | 76.1 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Allows you to customize your deductible in relation to premium
- Protects what many warranty providers don’t (i.e., older items or breakdowns due to a lack of maintenance)
- Covers duplicate items, such as fridges, with no extra fee
Cons
- Premium prices are slightly higher than average
- Offers fewer add-on options than other providers
- No appliance-only coverage plans
American Home Shield offers three coverage plans along with a wide range of add-on options for that extra peace of mind. The provider shares that it covers older items, no matter their age, undetectable preexisting conditions, and breakdowns caused by lack of maintenance or improper installation — both unique benefits in this industry.
Available add-ons include pool & built-in spa equipment, guest unit, septic pumps, well pumps, and a home electronics protection plan.
An important exclusion to note is that the SilverShield plan doesn’t protect kitchen or laundry appliances. This plan is strictly for your HVAC system, plumbing system, and electrical system. You’ll need to opt for ShieldGold or ShieldPlatinum for coverage on those appliances if that’s a priority.
Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee |
ShieldSilver | $29.99 or $39.99 | $100 or $125 |
ShieldGold | $49.99 or $59.99 | $100 or $125 |
ShieldPlatinum | $79.99 or $89.99 | $100 or $125 |
Choice Home Warranty
4.3
Our Rating
What makes Choice Home Warranty a top home warranty provider is its high claim acceptance rate — a critical component to consider when selecting a home warranty, as you don’t want the company to deny your claims, leaving you stuck with big repair bills. It also offers 24/7/365 availability, including emergency services, so if your plumbing system bursts overnight, you won’t be left waiting until morning. In addition, Choice Warranty has a strong reputation, being rated strongly by the BBB, Trustpilot, and other noteworthy organizations.
Attribute | Choice Home Warranty Score | Average Company Score |
---|---|---|
Plans + Coverage | 83.3 | 81.3 |
Affordability | 88.9 | 83.8 |
Customer Experience | 78.4 | 77.0 |
Company Reputation | 85.7 | 58.6 |
Claims Process | 88.0 | 72.2 |
Availability | 100.0 | 84.8 |
Overall | 85.5 | 76.1 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong claim acceptance rate
- Consistent $100 service fee
- 24/7/365 availability and emergency services
Cons
- Limited number of add-ons
- Basic plan excludes many common appliances
Choice Home Warranty provides nine add-on options, including pool/spa, sump pumps, limited roof leak, stand-alone freezer, and septic tank pumping. Overall, these choices are more limited than some, but its coverage can still be comprehensive enough depending on your home and needs.
The provider’s liability won’t exceed $3,000 per contract item, meaning you’ll pay any remaining expenses past this limit. However, this is a standard limit in the industry, so it’s not something that I would heavily weigh when deciding between providers.
Choice offers two warranty plans: a Basic Plan and a Total Plan. Homeowners should note that Choice’s Basic Plan excludes the air conditioning system, refrigerator, washer, and dryer. However, these appliances are part of the Total Plan. Other exclusions from both plans include fireplaces, doorbells, central vacuum ductwork, and pool accessories.
Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee |
Basic Plan | $46 | $100 |
Total Plan | $55 | $100 |
Select Home Warranty
4.2
Our Rating
Not only do Select Home Warranty’s plans start as low as $36 per month, but they also provide more affordable service fees. For the budget-conscious homeowner, Select Home Warranty is a solid choice due to its combination of cost-effective pricing and standard, comprehensive coverage options. It ranked especially well in customer experience for its simple, quick quote process; many points of contact after a quote; and service guarantee.
Attribute | Select Home Warranty Score | Average Company Score |
---|---|---|
Plans + Coverage | 83.3 | 81.3 |
Affordability | 91.1 | 83.8 |
Customer Experience | 81.1 | 77.0 |
Company Reputation | 82.9 | 58.6 |
Claims Process | 76.0 | 72.2 |
Availability | 100.0 | 84.8 |
Overall | 84.5 | 76.1 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Plans start at $36 a month (more affordable than most)
- Lower service fees between $60 and $75
- Free roof-leak protection is included with every plan
Cons
- Fewer number of add-ons available
- No coverage for unknown preexisting conditions
Select Home Warranty shares that it offers monthly premiums as low as $36, which is more affordable than most home warranties on the market. Its service fees range between $60 and $75, depending on your plan and location, which is less expensive than most. Overall, its coverage limits are standard, with HVAC systems having a cap of $3,000 and most other appliances receiving a $500 cap.
Select provides fewer add-on choices than other providers on this list, offering a total of nine low-cost add-ons with prices ranging from $3.33 to $8.33. Some of its add-on options include stand-alone freezers, pools, lawn sprinkler systems, and sump pump coverage.
During secret shopping, I found that the company offered a bonus of $150 off the plan of your choice along with additional perks like two extra months of service completely free, so be on the lookout for special offers while shopping this company’s plans.
Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee |
Bronze Care | Starting at $36 | $60 to $75 |
Gold Care | Starting at $44 | $60 to $75 |
Platinum Care | Starting at $48 | $60 to $75 |
Elite Home Warranty
4.3
Our Rating
Elite Home Warranty is my pick for “Customer Satisfaction” because of its outstanding customer review history online and continual rankings and awards from Top Consumer Reviews, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Its affordable starting price of $59.99 is another significant factor that can save you considerable money over time. Overall, I recommend this provider for its top-notch customer service ratings and incredible coverage limits.
Attribute | Elite Home Warranty Score | Average Company Score |
---|---|---|
Plans + Coverage | 100.0 | 81.3 |
Affordability | 86.7 | 83.8 |
Customer Experience | 86.5 | 77.0 |
Company Reputation | 82.9 | 58.6 |
Claims Process | 68.0 | 72.2 |
Availability | 100.0 | 84.8 |
Overall | 87.5 | 76.1 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 24/7 claim filing available
- Incredibly high payout limits of up to $6,000 and $10,000 (appliances and systems, respectively)
- No maintenance record is required for claim submission
Cons
- Charges extra fees for weekend visits or premium appliance service
- You can’t purchase a policy online (must speak with a representative)
Like Liberty Home Guard, Elite Home Warranty offers appliance-only and system-only plan options, as well as its Elite Complete plan, which combines coverage for both. Its plans are highly customizable, with the option to cover items like ice makers, built-in microwaves, garage door openers, and much more.
This BBB-accredited provider has outstanding coverage limits, with appliance payouts as high as $6,000 and system payouts as much as $10,000, which is significantly higher than most providers I’ve come across. You also won’t feel limited with its more than 25 add-ons, including specialized options like generators, freestanding ice makers, water softeners, and guest houses.
Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee |
Elite Appliance | Starting at $44.99 | $100 |
Elite Systems | Starting at $49.99 | $100 |
Elite Complete | Starting at $59.99 | $100 |
FAQs About North Carolina Home Warranties
What is a Home Warranty and How Does it Work?
A home warranty is a plan covering most of the expense of repairing or replacing home appliances, like a dishwasher, or major home systems, like your HVAC system. When a covered item stops working under normal conditions, the warranty provider pays for the replacement or repair services. For each repair or replacement, you’ll pay a small service fee, but the warranty will cover the majority of other costs. When something breaks down, submit a service request to your provider. Then, they’ll arrange for a contractor to visit your home, diagnose, and fix or replace the appliance.
Home warranty companies offer policies directly to the public, much like auto or homeowners insurance. If you’re interested in buying a home warranty, start by determining your coverage needs, then contact multiple reputable home warranty providers for information about their policies and quotes. always read the fine print of the home warranty so you know exactly what is covered and if the policy is worth it to you.
What Does a Home Warranty Cover?
Before investing in a policy, familiarize yourself with the following lists, breaking down what is and isn’t covered in most home warranty policies.
Common items typically covered by a home warranty include:
- Dishwasher
- Clothes washer and dryer
- Refrigerator
- Water heater
- Built-in microwaves
- Oven and stovetop ranges
- Heating and air conditioning system
- Plumbing system
- Electrical system
Common items not usually covered by a home warranty include:
- Windows
- Doors
- Gutters
- Bathtubs or showers
- Smart home systems
- Electronics
- Damage to appliances caused by theft or disasters (i.e., storm damage)
Do You Need a Home Warranty if You Have Homeowners Insurance?
You don’t need a home warranty if you have homeowners insurance but it is worth purchasing if you want financial assistance for the regular wear and tear of your appliances and home systems. While homeowners insurance isn’t required by North Carolina law, almost all mortgage lenders require it to protect their investment in your home, so many homeowners already have it. If you have homeowners insurance, you may be wondering if purchasing a home warranty is worth the investment or if you’re paying for the same coverage doubly.
The simple answer is you’re not. There are major differences between these two policies. Homeowners insurance covers damage to the exterior of your home in case of disaster or vandalism and often includes liability coverage if someone is injured on your property. In contrast, a home warranty covers appliances and home systems like your HVAC system, dishwasher, washer and dryer, and plumbing system. A home warranty is usually not required, unlike a homeowners insurance policy, which most mortgage lenders require to protect your home and their investment.
For example, a home warranty doesn’t cover your home’s gutters, windows, or exterior. So, if a disaster occurs, like a hurricane (which isn’t uncommon in North Carolina), you would be left without coverage if you didn’t have homeowners insurance. On the other hand, if your dishwasher breaks down due to normal wear and tear, a home warranty will cover the repairs or replacement, whereas your homeowner’s insurance won’t.
Is a Home Warranty Worth It in North Carolina?
A home warranty is worth it in North Carolina if you are unable to pay for major replacements or repairs out of pocket. A home warranty costs between $222 to $1,877 per year on average, depending on your home and its appliances. While this may seem steep, the cost of major repairs and replacements around your home is far more costly. For example, suppose your entire HVAC system needs replacement. In that case, this typically costs between $5,000 and $12,500 — a huge amount of money out of pocket and far more expensive than what you’d pay for several years of a home warranty policy. Remember, even smaller repairs, like washing machine repairs, can cost up to $450.
Plus, for any repairs or replacement, you’re also paying for labor fees out of pocket. Most appliance repair technicians charge anywhere between $50 to $200 an hour, which quickly adds up.
In contrast, a home warranty costs around $85 to $100 a month on average. For each claim, you’re responsible for the service fee, which is around $70 to $125 per call. Either way you look at it, this is substantially less money than paying for out-of-pocket repairs and replacements. In 2023, homeowners reportedly spent an average of $2,458 a year across home maintenance projects — this alone is much more expensive than the cost of a typical home warranty, so for most homeowners, a home warranty is a good idea.
Do I Need a Home Warranty in North Carolina?
You need a home warranty in North Carolina if your home’s systems and appliances are older or in poor condition. The warranty will cover the majority of repair and replacement costs, although providers will factor in existing wear and tear, so keep this in mind. While not legally required in North Carolina, home warranties provide peace of mind for many homeowners looking for added protection and to avoid large out-of-pocket repair costs.
If you have many new appliances, a home warranty may be less worthwhile for you if your appliances are still under the manufacturer’s warranty. However, it’s unlikely that all of your appliances and home systems are covered simultaneously, so weigh the risk of something breaking when you’re not covered while making your decision.
Home warranties are helpful if you’re unfamiliar with contractors in your area because the home warranty provider will arrange for a reputable contractor to service your home after you’ve submitted your claim.
Another reason to purchase a home warranty is that North Carolina's weather is notoriously humid and hot. So, it’s not unlikely that your AC unit may break down faster if you’ve been blasting it throughout much of the year. The last thing any homeowner wants is their AC unit breaking down on the hottest day of the year and then being stuck without the money to repair or replace it immediately. A home warranty prevents this headache.
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in North Carolina?
The average cost of a home warranty in North Carolina is $1,184. This average is based on a monthly payment of $87, two service fees of $70 per year, and two claims annually.
In addition to these averages, North Carolina homeowners should consider specific factors, like temperature and storms, that will impact their home warranty costs. Here are a couple of things to factor in when weighing how important home warranty coverage is:
- Age of Appliances: Do you have relatively new or older appliances? If many of your appliances are old, home warranty coverage is critical because it can cover the repair or replacement services for these appliances. Even if you have new appliances, you never know when they may break down, so a home warranty provides that extra peace of mind that you won’t be stuck with a massive repair bill.
- Coverage Exclusions: When considering your coverage options, look into what each policy doesn’t cover. Common home warranty exclusions include windows, doors, showers, gutters, and smart home systems. Other exclusions include cosmetic issues, damage from natural disasters, and a lack of maintenance. If you don’t keep up with appliance maintenance, don’t expect your home warranty provider to cover the repair bill.
- Weather: North Carolina is a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers that have many homeowners cranking up the AC. This constant use increases the risk of your AC failing, especially on a particularly hot day, or other home systems becoming taxed and needing repairs sooner than expected, even with proper maintenance.
Home Warranty Cost Calculator
Use the following home warranty cost calculator for a more precise idea of what it’ll cost each year to have a home warranty on your home.
Editor’s note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced from Angi.com.
Appliance | Average Repair Cost | Average Replacement Cost |
---|---|---|
Dehumidifier | $50–$200 | $1,300–$2,800 |
Microwave | $50–$400 | $60–$2,000 |
Dishwasher | $50–$500 | $400–$3,000 |
Exhaust Fans | $16–$300 | $250–$950 |
Electric Range | $100–$500 | $230–$3,000 |
Gas Range | $100–$500 | $230–$3,000 |
Dryer | $100–$400 | $450–$2,300 |
Oven | $100–$430 | $400–$3,000 |
Washer | $50–$450 | $400–$2,300 |
Freezer | $90–$500 | $160–$2,900 |
Refrigerator | $40–$350 | $200–$5,000 |
North Carolina Home Warranty Regulations
North Carolina residents are not required to have a home warranty by law, but it can be a good investment to protect yourself from expensive repairs. All North Carolina home warranty policies must be registered with the Department of Justice.
It’s also prudent to complete a quick Google search for any providers you’re considering to see if pending or recent lawsuits have emerged. At the time of writing, I was unable to find any recent lawsuits regarding my recommended providers.
North Carolina Home Warranty News
North Carolina homeowners should be cautious about a new home warranty scam threatening homeowners. The Better Business Bureau shares that scammers have been switching from car warranty to home warranty schemes, with mailers being sent that read, “Not all consumers have previous coverage. We are not affiliated with your current mortgage.”
If you receive a mailer like this (many of which have $200 tear-away “vouchers”), do NOT contact the number on the mailer. Read the fine print and contact your current home warranty company, if applicable, or speak with a live customer service representative from a reputable company if interested in enrolling in a home warranty.
Other Resources for North Carolina Homeowners
- Best Moving Companies in North Carolina
- Best Solar Companies in North Carolina
- North Carolina Solar Incentives
Methodology: How We Evaluated North Carolina's Top Home Warranty Companies
At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. Our home warranty company ratings emphasize what matters most to you — whether you’re looking for low-cost coverage, a hassle-free repair process, 24/7 assistance, or all of the above.
Our ratings are based on publicly available information about each company, secret shopping online and over the phone, customer-review analysis, and discussions with real estate professionals and repair contractors.
A company can earn a maximum of 100 points across six categories converted to a five-star scale. We researched more than 60 home warranty providers to develop the following formula:
- Plans and Coverage (24 points): A home warranty provider can score highest in this category if it offers multiple robust plans that cover all basic systems and equipment, as well as optional add-ons. We examine each company's exclusions and limitations to determine the coverage amounts for each item. Companies with coverage limits of $3,000 or more perform best in this category, and bonus points go to companies that cover unusual items such as electronics and leaky roofs.
- Affordability (22.5 points): When evaluating costs, we not only consider monthly plan prices, but we also take into account the cost of add-on coverage, service fees, and whether companies offer free cancellation periods or money-back guarantees. If a provider allows potential customers to view sample contracts before getting a quote, that transparency earns more points in this category.
- Customer Experience (18.5 points): A home warranty company must give its customers ample support when they experience issues. We gauge overall support by looking at customer reviews and conducting homeowner surveys. We also go through the quotes process with each company and take meticulous notes about the friendliness of salespeople, how detailed each quote is, and how often the provider contacts us after giving a quote.
- Company Reputation (17.5 points): In this category, we look at a combination of customer reviews and reputable organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). We also consider the years of company experience, how satisfied its employees are, and whether it has been hit with any consumer rights violations or lawsuits.
- Claims Process (12.5 points): We score providers highly when they offer short response times, multiple ways to file claims, and around-the-clock availability. Companies can earn bonus points if they have a good reputation for quick and easy claims processing.
- Availability (5 points): Providers that serve more areas can have experience dealing with a wider range of homeowner headaches. A company earns the maximum points in this category if it offers services in most U.S. states.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.