Home warranty shopping isn’t always fun. There’s so much misinformation, scary rumors about shady companies, lawsuits to sort through, and headache-inducing contracts to read. It’s enough to make most of us want to walk away before we get started. I get it.
But as a homeowner in North Carolina, you don’t want to walk away from a home warranty just yet because you’ve already invested so much into your home. A home warranty is that icing on the cake that protects you financially when your HVAC system inevitably breaks down during record heat or your roof starts leaking after the wet season. So, what can you do?
Using Today’s Homeowner’s unique review criteria, I’ve compiled a list of the best home warranty companies in North Carolina to help you efficiently weigh your options. These companies are reputable, affordable, and provide many types of coverage, which I’ll dive into to help you assess what plan is right for your home, needs, and budget. Don’t worry — I won’t hold back on criticism either, as I’m here to give you a balanced look at these companies, what they offer, and where they shine and fall short since no company out there is perfect in every regard.
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.
Read our full Home Warranty Review Methodology for more details.
Top 5 Home Warranty Companies
- North Carolina homeowners should prioritize comprehensive coverage for appliances and home systems to give themselves the best peace of mind. They should also include roof leak coverage to ensure their roofs don’t leak during the wet season.
- If you read anything in the sample contract, make it the exclusions. Be sure to look out for exclusions regarding preexisting conditions and older appliances. American Home Shield is one of the only companies that doesn’t exclude preexisting conditions, so keep that in mind. Preexisting conditions are one of the most common reasons home warranty providers deny payouts, and you don’t want to find yourself in that situation.
- I’ll cut to the chase. Here’s a case where a home warranty isn’t necessary: When you have a manufacturer’s warranty covering normal wear and tear, you don’t need a home warranty on top of that. So, save your money until your manufacturer’s warranty is about to expire, then opt for home warranty coverage to protect yourself financially.
My Expert Recommendation
My recommendation for North Carolinians is American Home Shield because of their high coverage limits of up to $4,000 for appliances and $5,000 for home systems. This amount of coverage is MUCH higher than most home warranty companies offer as the industry standard is around $2,000 to $3,000. I love that American Home Shield provides excellent roof leak coverage as an add-on because North Carolina gets a fair amount of rain and snow, especially if you live in Boone or Black Mountain. Unlike providers such as Choice Home Warranty, which only provides $500 in roof leak coverage, American Home Shield affords a generous $1,000 in roof leak coverage, reassuring me that they’d be able to cover the cost of patching up my roof after heavy rain or snow in North Carolina.
North Carolina Home Warranty Companies I Didn’t Include
I didn’t include Like New Home Warranty because of their F Better Business Bureau rating and the warning the BBB put out advising consumers to be cautious about using this company’s services due to failure to provide refunds, poor customer service, and sketchy sales tactics. As if that wasn’t enough, the provider’s website is sorely lacking, and I can’t find sample contracts. Most home warranty companies have a sample contract on their website so potential customers can look into what the provider includes in a standard policy. When a company doesn’t have one available, this is a giant red flag.
Compare The Highest Rated Home Warranties In North Carolina
| 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 |
Quote and cost data gathered January 2024. Cost data are updated and monitored continuously.
Our Reviews of the Best Home Warranties in North Carolina
Liberty Home Guard
4.6
Our Rating
Liberty Home Guard (LHG) has exceptional customer reviews, with a nearly 5-star rating from Trustpilot and a 4.5-star rating from Better Business Bureau reviewers. These are much better ratings than providers like American Home Shield have — something to note as Liberty’s reviews indicate a long history of supporting their customers and living up to expectations.
What makes Liberty Home Guard stand out from the crowd is their huge list of add-ons — over 40 options, with unique offerings like a reverse osmosis water filter, carpet cleaning, power washing, window washing, and even pest control. You can also opt for their pro-series appliance coverage if you have premium appliances like those from American Range, KitchenAid, or Chambers. This add-on coverage increases the coverage cap, ensuring these appliances are appropriately covered if they need to be replaced.
Despite their fantastic plan and add-on selection, Liberty Home Guard has lower-than-average coverage limits of up to $2,000 depending on the plan and appliance or home system in question. This is on the lower side of the industry average cap of $2,000 to $3,000 — significantly lower than providers like American Home Shield, which has up to $5,000 for home systems and $4,000 for appliances. If you have premium appliances, Liberty Home Guard might not be the best choice unless you opt for additional coverage through their pro-series add-ons.
Another drawback is Liberty’s policy to only cover up to an item’s book value. Liberty will only reimburse you for what the home system or appliance is worth with depreciation factored in, so you may need to spend some of your money on buying a new appliance or system if yours has depreciated a lot. While I’ve seen this with other providers, it’s a frustrating policy for homeowners.
Liberty Home Guard is my top choice for a home warranty provider, especially if you have unique home features like a casita guest unit, saltwater pool, or reverse osmosis water filter that you want coverage for. These are uncommon add-on choices in the industry, so Liberty is your best bet if you need customization. These options can help your North Carolina home stay pest-free and cozy during every season. You can even opt for carpet cleaning, which is handy during muddy, wet times.
In addition, LHG has fantastic customer ratings from the BBB and Trustpilot, giving me a lot of faith in their customer service. Liberty does, however, have downsides, as do all providers. One of their biggest letdowns is their lower coverage caps of up to $2,000 — on the lower side in the industry, leaving you with less coverage should a significant system, like your HVAC, go down or if you have premium appliances that cost more to repair or replace.
Liberty Home Guard excels with their comprehensive plans. While they don’t have the highest coverage caps of all the providers on this list, their selection of plans and over 40 add-ons are outstanding. I’d recommend to North Carolina homeowners the Total Home Guard plan, which covers both home systems, such as plumbing systems and HVAC, and appliances such as stoves and dishwashers.
During my secret shopping, Liberty offered me $200 off plan costs if I subscribed to their email list. Accounting for this discount, LHG’s Total Home Guard, the company’s most comprehensive plan, costs around $720 per year based on quotes I received. This discount is a HUGE savings of around 28% off.
The following monthly costs don’t factor in available discounts.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
| Appliance Guard | $49.99 | $125 | 2 months free, free limited roof leak protection, $200 off coupon (website or phone) |
| Systems Guard | $54.99 | $125 | 2 months free, free limited roof leak protection, $200 off coupon (website or phone) |
| Total Home Guard | $59.99 | $125 | 2 months free, free limited roof leak protection, $200 off coupon (website or phone) |
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Raleigh, NC. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
You can’t go wrong with Liberty’s extensive add-on list, especially with unique offerings like a casita guest unit and pest control (a plus for North Carolinians dealing with aggravating chinch bugs and billbugs).
- Pool and spa: $19.99/month
- Additional spa: $9.99/month
- Lawn sprinkler system: $9.99/month
- Saltwater pool: $23.99/month
- Generator: $19.99/month
- Casita guest unit: $35.99/month
- Sump pump: $8.99/month
- Well pump: $12.99/month
- Septic system pumping: $12.99/month
- Ejector pump: $14.99/month
- Grinder pump: $14.99/month
- Limited roof leak: $11.99/month
- Re-key: $9.99/month
- Gutter cleaning: $14.99/month
- Pest control: $14.99/month
- Carpet cleaning: $19.99/month
- Window washing/cleaning: $19.99/month
- Power washing (exterior flooring): $19.99/month
- Central vacuum: $8.99/month
- Stand-alone freezer: $5.99/month
- Water softener: $13.99/month
- Swamp cooler: $14.99/month
- Second refrigerator: $7.99/month
- Trash compactor: $7.49/month
- Ice maker (in-fridge): $3.99/month
- Freestanding ice maker: $14.99/month
- Wine cooler/fridge: $11,99/month
- Water dispenser water line: $4.99/month
- Instant hot water dispenser: $9.99/month
- Reverse osmosis water filter system: $14.99/month
- Lighting fixtures: $7.99/month
- Plumbing fixtures: $7.99/month
- Electronics protection: $19.99/month
- TV mounting (up to 65-inch TVs): $14.99/month
- TV mounting (up to 85-inch TVs): $19.99/month
- Pro-series refrigerator: $14.99/month
- Pro-series stand-alone freezer: $14.99/month
- Pro-series range/oven/cooktop: $12.99/month
- Pro-series dishwasher: $7.99/month
- Pro-series microwave: $4.99/month
- Pro-series washing machine: $4.99/month
- Pro-series clothes dryer: $4.99/month
Exclusions
North Carolina homeowners will want to note that solar systems are not included in any Liberty policy since North Carolina is the 4th most popular state for solar power due to the beautiful sunshine and financial incentives offered.
- Preexisting conditions
- Flues, vents, chimneys, and exhaust lines
- Electronics, computerized, “smart,” or Internet/enabled components and parts
- Filters associated with any covered items
- Remote receiving and transmitting devices
- Radon and other leak detection monitoring systems
- Fire sprinkler systems
- Lighting
- Solar systems and applications
- Cosmetic defects
- Disposal of appliances, systems, or components
- Cranes or other specialty vehicles required to install, remove, or access your appliances or home systems
- Glass parts
- Noise
- Malfunction due to storms or other acts of God
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it’s imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
Liberty Home Guard ranks high for competitive monthly rates but loses a point for their higher-than-average add-on prices. For example, Choice Home Warranty only charges $3.33 per month for coverage on a second refrigerator, but Liberty charges $7.99 each month for comparable coverage. This difference is more than double, and their add-on prices can dramatically increase your monthly premium if you select several. With that said, you’ll find unique add-ons that no other company I’ve seen offers, so these add-ons may be worth it for your peace of mind.
For the best savings, I’d recommend lingering on Liberty’s website for a few minutes and visiting another tab in your web browser. When I did this, Liberty offered me two months free and $200 off my home warranty purchase, a deep discount for their plans, which cost less than $750 a year based on the quote I received for a two-bedroom home in Raleigh, NC.
Liberty Home Guard’s customer service representatives are consistently polite, knowledgeable, and quick to respond when I call their line. I haven’t experienced any pushy sales reps, which I greatly appreciate as some companies, like Select Home Warranty, have called me many times and left a barrage of voicemail messages. I also like Liberty’s website, which has a mix-and-match quote process that allows you to easily customize your plan, see your new rate, and weigh your coverage options. This setup enhanced my shopping experience and made deciding which plans I prefer easier.
Liberty Home Guard has a fantastic 4.5-star rating from customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau and a 4.7-star rating from Trustpilot. These are incredibly high ratings for a home warranty provider, with only Elite Home Warranty rivaling these scores in my experience researching dozens of home warranty companies. Not only that, but Liberty receives many positive reviews citing exceptional customer service, fast claim resolution, and competent, timely technicians. Negative feedback usually highlights lower coverage limits, exclusions, and being charged extra service fees. However, the reviews were overwhelmingly positive, more than most home warranty providers receive, so I’d factor that in when considering Liberty’s reviews.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | NR* / 4.5 out of 5 stars | 2,504 |
| Trustpilot | 4.7 out of 5 stars | 2,643 |
| Yelp | 1.4 out of 5 stars | 59 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
*Note (As of 4/4/24): the Better Business Bureau recently shifted LHG’s A+ rating to “NR.” We reached out to a representative from the BBB, and they told us, “This business is not currently rated. BBB has recently received numerous complaints against this business and will issue a rating after it has fully evaluated them.” When asked about whether they revoke ratings after an increase in complaints, the rep said, “Yes, if they feel they need to review the complaints first before issuing an accurate rating.” This scenario has happened to LHG twice in the last two years, but each time the BBB has restored their A+ rating after a thorough review.
One of the reasons Liberty has a perfect score in this category is the many ways you can submit claims. Like most providers, you can submit a claim to Liberty over their online portal or the phone, but Liberty also has a mobile app. Liberty’s mobile app allows you to manage your home warranty account and file claims on your phone, giving it an edge over other providers. Another considerable benefit is Liberty’s above-average claim response time of 12 hours and superior emergency service coverage — because you really don’t want to be left without a working sump pump during the rainy season in North Carolina. Most home warranty companies, such as American Home Shield, take closer to 48 hours or more to respond, so this is a massive plus for Liberty.
Liberty Home Guard is available to customers in all 50 states, including the beautiful Tar Heel State.
American Home Shield
4.3
Our Rating
American Home Shield (AHS) has fantastic coverage limits of up to $4,000 for appliances and $5,000 for home systems, depending on the plan. If you choose their most comprehensive plan, the ShieldPlatinum plan, you even receive up to $1,000 in roof leak repairs. This is critical for North Carolina homeowners in rainy or snowy parts of the state, as this precipitation strains your roof faster than lots of sun.
Another massive benefit of AHS is that they cover unknown preexisting conditions. In other words, they would still provide coverage if you don’t know that your appliance or home system had a preexisting issue before your policy became active. This is a VERY rare offering in the industry and one that providers like Select Home Warranty or Liberty Home Guard don’t offer. If you have an older home with aging appliances, this is a benefit I’d personally take advantage of as you likely don’t know all of the preexisting conditions your appliances currently have.
American Home Shield has lousy customer reviews, with Trustpilot and Yelp giving it less than 2.5 stars. Many of the representatives I’ve spoken with don’t seem very knowledgeable, which is echoed in customer reviews. The service fees AHS charges are also high at $100 or $125. Most providers offer at least one service fee under $100 — like Select Home Warranty with their $75 service fee.
If you have an older home or premium appliances, I’d recommend American Home Shield’s ShieldPlatinum plan, which covers appliances and home systems. The provider has outstanding coverage of up to $4,000 for appliances and up to $5,000 for your HVAC, giving me peace of mind that pricier systems and appliances will be adequately covered should they break down or need considerable repairs. Plus, American Home Shield doesn’t exclude appliances with preexisting conditions, so if you are concerned about this or have older appliances, this is a massive bonus that will ensure you’re not left without coverage.
However, AHS’s poor customer reviews are a concern and something I definitely don’t want to see during my research. Still, the provider is BBB accredited, giving me some peace of mind.
American Home Shield offers a systems-only home warranty plan and two comprehensive plans, with their ShieldPlatinum plan coming with an impressive $1,000 in roof leak repair coverage. However, this doesn’t include metal roofs or eco-roofs, so keep this in mind. You also receive unlimited AC refrigerant coverage, up to $250 for code violations, permits, and modifications per agreement term, and an impressive $5,000 in HVAC coverage. All of these factors make ShieldPlatinum my preferred choice.
All American Home Shield plans come with rekey service for the cost of your service fee, which includes rekeying up to six keyholes or four identical keys. This benefit is a great perk, as we should all probably change our locks more than we do. Other member perks include tech installation and support, indoor service and maintenance, and 10% off and free shipping on air filters. These are unique benefits that I haven’t seen many providers advertise, so I’d take advantage of these if you choose AHS.
The following plan costs don’t include the available discount.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee* | Available Discounts |
| ShieldSilver | $29.99 – $59.99 | $100 – $125 | Same-day discount of $125 off first year (website) |
| ShieldGold | $49.99 – $79.99 | $100 – $125 | Same-day discount of $125 off first year (website) |
| ShieldPlatinum | $79.99 – $109.99 | $100 – $125 | Same-day discount of $125 off first year(website) |
*If you choose the lower service fee of $100, you pay the higher monthly premium. For example, the $79.99 rate for the ShieldPlatinum plan pairs with the $125 service fee.
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Raleigh, NC. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
I’d recommend North Carolina homeowners take advantage of AHS’s affordable roof leak repair coverage, which protects you up to $1,000 and is perfect for easing your worries during heavy rain or snowfall.
- Roof leak repair: $10/month
- Electronics protection plan: $14/month
- Pool & built-in-spa equipment: $18/month
- Guest unit: $15.99/month
- Septic pump: $5/month
- Well pump: $8/month
Exclusions
Homeowners should remember that repairs due to mold, which may happen more frequently during North Carolina’s wet season, won’t be covered. Otherwise, AHS’s exclusions are nothing unusual.
- Construction or carpentry costs
- Restoration of walls
- Flues, chimneys, venting, and exhaust lines
- Repairs or replacements due to cosmetic defects
- Repairs due to mold
- Natural disasters
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it’s imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
While not as affordable as providers like Select Home Warranty, AHS offers competitive rates. However, their higher service fee options of $100 or $125 bring this score down slightly, as some of their competition, like Select Home Warranty, only charge $75 per service visit. On a positive note, American Home Shield doesn’t charge extra for after-hours or emergency calls, which you’ll find some companies like Elite Home Warranty do ($150 per visit). Plus, for AHS’s slightly higher price points, you’re receiving coverage of around two times the industry standard, so AHS is giving you a lot of value for what you’re paying.
For more information about AHS’s comprehensive ShieldPlatinum plan, check out this quick video
I found the American Home Shield quote process straightforward and quick. Their online quote calculator was easy to use and clearly laid out each plan, what it covered, and add-on pricing. AHS’s biggest con was the massive number of follow-up phone calls after you request a quote. I was barraged by calls and it became annoying quickly. However, AHS’s service guarantee of 30 days is a significant benefit, as you can have a technician sent back to your home after a completed repair free of charge within 30 days if an issue comes up with a fixed appliance or system.
American Home Shield has poor customer ratings on third-party websites such as Trustpilot and Yelp. However, the Better Business Bureau accredits them and gives them a solid B rating, indicating a history of good customer service and complaint management. Customer complaints call out difficulty canceling contracts, poor customer service, and not enough service technicians in their area. However, positive reviews highlighted the extensive repair and replacement payouts customers received for major systems and appliances and how it saved them from going into credit card debt.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B / 2.11 out of 5 stars | 11,118 |
| Trustpilot | 2.2 out of 5 stars | 5,271 |
| Yelp | 1.1 out of 5 stars | 1,273 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
You can file a claim through American Home Shield’s online portal or over the phone 24/7/365. Their claim responses take between 24 to 48 hours, which is better than some but not as fast as Liberty Home Guard. However, AHS’s workmanship guarantee really sets them apart. Suppose you have a technician repair your appliance or home system, and an issue arises within 30 days after a completed repair. In that case, AHS will send another technician without charging an extra service fee. This is a refreshing change from providers like Elite Home Warranty, who I’ve seen receive reviews about additional service charges.
American Home Shield has nationwide coverage, excluding Hawaii and Alaska, and, according to its website, a huge network of over 17,000 contractors. Not only this, but it has 24/7/365 customer service, giving me faith that North Carolina homeowners can receive prompt service whenever something goes awry at home.
Choice Home Warranty
4.3
Our Rating
As gauged by customer reviews, Choice Home Warranty (CHW) has a high claim acceptance rate, meaning you’re less likely to be denied when submitting a claim to repair your appliance or home system. Anyone shopping for a home warranty should consider claim acceptance rates, as this ultimately determines whether replacements or repairs are paid for from the company’s pocket or your own.
I love that Choice offers excellent emergency services with a fast turnaround, so you don’t have to worry about being stuck with a broken-down dishwasher over the weekend.
Choice Home Warranty has a weaker company reputation of all the providers on this list, primarily because of their consumer fraud lawsuit with the Arizona Attorney General. While this suit hasn’t been settled against Choice, I don’t like seeing lawsuits in general during my research into home warranty providers.
Another drawback to Choice is that their roof leak protection add-on is only up to $500 for access, diagnosis, repair, and roof replacement. This may not be enough if you experience a lot of damage to your roof during North Carolina snow or rain.
Choice Home Warranty is my pick for anyone concerned about claim acceptance and securing an affordable monthly premium. With Choice’s many offered discounts, solid B rating from the Better Business Bureau, and fast claim turnaround, I feel confident recommending this company to North Carolinians. While I don’t love the ongoing lawsuit with the Arizona Attorney General, nothing has been solidified with that yet, and Choice has otherwise had positive reviews from most review websites and the Better Business Bureau.
Another bonus is Choice’s affordable pricing at $55 per month when I received quotes for a two-bedroom home in Raleigh, NC. Many providers only offer their most comprehensive plan at $60 or more, making this a significant savings for homeowners on a budget.
Choice Home Warranty only has two plan options, but I’d strongly advise against their Basic Plan because it lacks coverage for so many common appliances, such as your dryer, washer, refrigerator, and air conditioner — which you really don’t want to be left without on a muggy Carolina day. However, I like their Total Plan as it covers all of these appliances and other items like plumbing stoppages, cooktop exhaust fans, and garbage disposals.
The following prices reflect the automatically added 5% discount at the online checkout during my secret shopping.
| Plan | Monthly Cost* | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
| Basic Plan | $46.67 | $85 | 5% discount, annual payment discounts and 1 month free (online or phone) |
| Total Plan | $54.75 | $85 | 5% discount, annual payment discounts and 1 month free (online or phone) |
* The monthly cost figures provided include the 5% discounted rate offered at the time of writing. Choice Home Warranty has been running this promotion since the beginning of this year.
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Raleigh, NC. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
While Choice’s selection of add-on coverages isn’t as extensive as Liberty Home Guard’s, CHW’s add-ons are more affordable. North Carolina homeowners may particularly benefit from the limited roof leak protection to give you peace of mind during the rainy season.
- Central vacuum: $3.33/month
- Limited roof leak: $5.83/month
- Pool: $15/month
- Second Refrigerator: $3.33/month
- Septic System: $10/month
- Septic Tank Pumping: $5.42/month
- Spa: $15/month
- Additional Spa: $15/month
- Sprinkler system: $8.33/month
- Stand-alone freezer: $3.33/month
- Sump pump: $3.33/month
- Well pump: $8.33/month
Exclusions
Choice Home Warranty has standard exclusions, with nothing unusual sticking out to me:
- Audio or visual equipment
- Internet connection components
- Upgrades or modifications to original systems or appliances
- Pool accessories
- Fireplaces
- Doorbell
- Central vacuum ductwork, accessories, hoses, and blockages
- Portable or above-ground spas and pools
- Act of God incidents
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it’s imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
You’ll find that Choice offers largely competitive plans, with its Basic Plan only costing $46.67 per month — around $5 less than North Carolina’s average monthly premium. A massive boost to Choice’s affordability ranking is their cost-effective add-ons, which mostly cost less than $15 per month. If you compare this to more expensive providers like American Home Shield or Liberty Home Guard, who typically have add-ons that cost $20 or more each month, this is a significant benefit to your bottom line. Even a $10-a-month saving on an add-on saves you $120 every year, so this is no small difference.
I love Choice’s fast online quote calculator, which provides an instant quote for you, along with its vast network of over 15,000 vetted contractors, allowing them to make a repair appointment for you quickly. Choice vets all its local contractors, saving you time and effort. The only downside I experienced with Choice regarding customer experience was that the quote calculator doesn’t display all plan prices on the same page, so you need to go back and forth between pages to compare pricing. I also received a fair amount of follow-up calls and voicemails, which felt a bit excessive.
While Choice Home Warranty doesn’t have the best ratings (at least not next to 4-star-plus providers like Liberty Home Guard and Elite Home Warranty), it scores pretty well with a B rating from the BBB and a 3.7-star rating from Trustpilot. I like that Choice’s positive reviews highlighted professional customer service agents, fast repairs, and quick claim acceptance rates. In contrast, negative reviews drew attention to issues with having to continuously reopen claims to get repairs done, which I wouldn’t want to deal with when my washer is leaking all over the floor.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B / 1.04 out of 5 stars | 4,371 |
| Trustpilot | 3.7 out of 5 stars | 38,655 |
| Yelp | 1.1 out of 5 stars | 127 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Choice Home Warranty has an excellent claim process with 24/7/365 availability and emergency services — which some providers like Elite Home Warranty make you pay extra for, but Choice includes in their plans. On top of this, you have multiple options for claim submission via Choice’s online portal or customer service phone line. Customer reviews repeatedly praise Choice for their high claim acceptance rate — a critical factor to consider when shopping for providers, as you don’t want to be left with a broken down air conditioning unit in the hot North Carolina weather thinking that your provider will cover it when they won’t.
Tar Heel State residents can receive coverage from Choice Home Warranty, which covers all U.S. states except California and Washington. I’m especially taken with Choice’s ability to handle over three million customer claims and 6,600,000 service requests in their 14 years because it demonstrates a highly sustainable business model.
Select Home Warranty
4.2
Our Rating
Of all the companies on this list, Select Home Warranty offers the best value for a low price. Their less-expensive service fees, competitively priced monthly premiums, and cost-wise add-ons are excellent choices for the budget-conscious homeowner. I especially like that Select offers up to $3,000 in HVAC coverage (more than LIberty Home Guard at $2,000 with their usually higher prices) as North Carolina homeowners typically put a lot of stress on their HVAC through the hot summer months and cold, snowy winters.
Another benefit of Select’s plans is their low $75 service fee. Many providers, like Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield, have costlier service fees of $100 or more, meaning you pay at least $100 every time a technician comes around. The $75 feels much easier on the wallet.
If you need coverage for premium appliances or unique add-ons like a water filter, you won’t find it with Select, which only has nine available add-ons. While this isn’t a deal-breaker for everyone, Select won’t be best for homeowners needing coverage for luxe appliances or unique fixtures like a wine cooler or second fridge.
The biggest downside to Select’s coverage is that they won’t cover unknown preexisting conditions. While this is somewhat common in the industry, some providers like American Home Shield have this valuable coverage. When a provider doesn’t have coverage for unknown preexisting conditions, they may reject your claim if the technician finds an issue they deem was present before your policy was active. For example, if your clothes washer had a clogged drain you didn’t address, you could end up without coverage for a more serious problem if it breaks down. Select also has hyper-specific exclusions that could lead to claim denials. In their sample contract online, I found that odd items, such as dishwasher racks and rollers (which I would consider part of the dishwasher myself), are excluded from coverage. These exclusions could lead to more claim denials — a serious issue for homeowners wanting to protect themselves from enormous repair costs.
Select Home Warranty is an excellent choice for homeowners on a fixed income or tight budget. The median income per household in the U.S. is $74,580 per year — about $8,000 more than the average North Carolina household. Select may be a particularly good choice for North Carolina homeowners looking to save extra money and stay within budget. Not only are Select’s premiums competitively priced, especially when factoring in what seem to be their continually offered discounts, but their service fees are less expensive than most at only $75.
However, the downside is that Select Home Warranty will deny your claim if a technician finds your appliance or system has a preexisting condition. Some of their sample contracts also gave me pause because they state exclusions like the range hood not being included in coverage for your range, which I don’t find intuitive at all. So, definitely review your policy closely.
Select Home Warranty offers an appliance-only, systems-only, and comprehensive policy featuring coverage for both. I’d personally recommend North Carolina homeowners skip the Bronze Care plan, which only covers appliances (unless you’re in a condo and your association covers major home systems) because HVAC coverage is SO essential for homes in areas with a lot of rain, heat, and cold weather as your HVAC undergoes more stress. The Platinum Care plan is only a few dollars more and provides coverage for home systems and appliances, so it’d be my choice to cover up to $3,000 on HVAC systems at an affordable price point.
The following prices reflect the $150 discount and two months free, which Select automatically applied at checkout. I see this discount regularly on Select’s website during my secret shopping, so I recommend checking out their online quote calculator for this discount.
| Plan | Monthly Cost* | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
| Bronze Care | $44.42 | $75 | $150 off (website), two extra months free (website) |
| Gold Care | $44.42 | $75 | $150 off (website), two extra months free (website) |
| Platinum Care | $47.75 | $75 | $150 off (website), two extra months free (website) |
*.The monthly cost figures provided include the discounted rate offered at the time of writing. Select Home Warranty has been running this promotion since the beginning of this year.
Editor’s Notes The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Raleigh, NC. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
Select Home Warranty offers a small but very affordable range of add-ons. North Carolina homeowners may especially benefit from the sump pump coverage, which protects homes against water damage during the wet season.
- Central vacuum: $3.33/month
- Lawn sprinkler system: $5.83/month
- Pool: $8.33/month
- Roof leak: $0/month
- Septic system: $5.83/month
- Spa: $5.83/month
- Stand-alone freezer: $3.33/month
- Sump pump: $3.33/month
- Well pump: $3.33/month
Exclusions
Select Home Warranty has the following exclusions with all of their plans:
- Secondary damage (i.e., your home warranty may cover roof damage but won’t cover water damage caused by the leak)
- Incorrect installation or malfunctions due to construction damage or improper wiring
- Issues with systems or appliances related to hazardous or toxic materials (for example, mold, asbestos, and gas leaks)
- Common areas in condominiums or family homes
- Solar heating systems
- Damage caused by natural disasters and rust
- Defects or damages caused by the foundation and structure of the home
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it’s imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
Select Home Warranty is one of the most affordable home warranty companies, with prices starting as low as $44.42 with the two months free and $150 discount available online. These prices are outstanding, with their most comprehensive plan, the Platinum Care plan, costing only a couple of dollars more for systems and appliance coverage. I’m particularly interested in Select’s lower service call fees, which are only $75, next to many competitors like American Home Shield, with service fees of $100 to $125. This can save you $75 to $150 a year if you choose Select and have three service calls a year compared to a provider like American Home Shield. You’d save up to $450 in three years, so don’t underestimate the power of a less expensive service call fee.
My experience with Select’s website and online quote calculator was top-notch. The quote calculator was easy to use and immediately generated an estimate, so you don’t have to wait for an agent to call you, as is the case with Elite Home Warranty. Plus, Select’s quote page had detailed breakdowns of what each plan covered and didn’t cover, so you can compare plans and coverage quickly without hunting for the information. Their add-on costs were also transparent and obvious, helping me to factor these costs into my budget more efficiently. Some providers like Choice Home Warranty really make you dig for this information, so I appreciate how easy it is to find everything on Select’s website.
Select Home Warranty has a solid company reputation with a B rating from the Better Business Bureau and a nearly 4-star rating on Trustpilot from close to 5,000 reviews (far better than American Home Shield’s below-2-star rating). Customers praised Select’s easy claims process, affordable pricing, and responsive customer service reps.
In contrast, customers pointed out that they were upset with the company’s HVAC coverage — a significant concern for North Carolina homeowners dealing with cold and hot seasons. Another common complaint was long wait times and many claim denials with the provider trying to get out of paying any way they could. While these aren’t great, I recommend taking negative reviews with a grain of salt, as we don’t know what policy the customer had and if the exclusions were fair within the context of their contract.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B / 1.38 out of 5 stars | 2,108 |
| Trustpilot | 3.8 out of 5 stars | 4,821 |
| Yelp | 1.0 out of 5 stars | 9 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Like many providers, Select offers two ways to submit a claim: over the phone or on its online portal. Within about 48 hours, you’ll have a technician appointment scheduled. I don’t find Select a standout in this category as it has an average response time for non-emergency claims and a standard claims process, but nothing negatively stands out either.
Homeowners throughout the entire United States and the District of Columbia can enroll in policies with Select Home Warranty. Their excellent availability and nationwide presence give me faith that they can fulfill their service requests and promises.
Elite Home Warranty
4.3
Our Rating
Elite Home Warranty has standout coverage with up to $6,000 in appliance coverage and $10,000 in home systems coverage, depending on your plan and add-on choices. These coverage limits (the maximum amount the provider will pay out) are unheard of in this industry, and I’ve never seen another company match them. American Home Shield is a close second, but most other providers only offer maximum coverage limits of $2,000 to $3,000 — about half to a third of what Elite offers. If you have luxury appliances or want extra peace of mind that your coverage caps are high enough to protect you if you need a complete HVAC replacement when your AC gives out during a muggy, hot summer in North Carolina, Elite is a top choice.
During my secret shopping, I found that Elite Home Warranty has more-affordable add-ons. For example, Liberty Home Guard offers water filter coverage at $8.99, but Elite’s coverage for water filters is around $4 per month, making it less than half of Liberty Home Guard’s cost.
In North Carolina, Elite Home Warranty’s liability for repairs, parts, or replacement is limited to $500 (regardless of your plan) if the repairs or replacements needed are a result of a lack of maintenance. For example, if you don’t keep up with yearly checkups and cleaning services by a technician, you may only receive up to $500 in coverage for your cooktop, compared to the usual $2,000 per year. While this isn’t an unheard-of exclusion, it’s frustrating and leaves a bit of a gray area that can lead to claim denial. If you don’t keep up meticulously with maintenance, you may want to consider another provider like American Home Shield, which isn’t as strict.
Another con is that Elite excludes commercial-grade appliances from all policies, so if you have any, this may be an instant deal-breaker for you.
Elite Home Warranty is a BBB-accredited provider with outstanding customer reviews of nearly 5 stars on three major third-party review websites, giving me a lot of faith in their customer service and process. I’m impressed with their outstanding coverage limits of up to $6,000 for appliances and up to $10,000 for home systems, which is double to triple what most providers in the industry have in their policies. However, you’ll want to read their policies closely because some exclusions, like commercial-grade appliances and a lack of maintenance, can lead to a claim denial or only receiving $500 in coverage if you fail to maintain your home systems or appliances.
Another drawback is Elite’s emergency services. Unlike American Home Shield or Liberty Home Guard, Elite charges a bigger fee of $150 if you need service after business hours. So, if you need emergency repairs because your AC breaks down on a hot summer day in Raleigh or your dishwasher starts leaking all over your wood floors, you must pay a higher service fee for this coverage. While not ideal, this isn’t a complete non-starter for me. As long as you don’t have commercial-grade appliances, I’d recommend Elite to North Carolina homeowners with premium or luxe appliances, as they’re one of the few providers with high enough coverage caps to protect you if those break down and need a replacement.
Similar to American Home Shield, Elite has higher-than-average coverage limits with as much as $6,000 in appliance coverage and $10,000 for systems payouts. I cannot stress enough how unusually high these coverage caps are. Remember, coverage caps are the maximum a provider will pay out, so seeing these caps (which are two to three times what most providers offer) is hugely reassuring for anyone wanting more peace of mind. Premium appliances not only cost more to purchase initially but also require pricey repairs and replacements, so shopping for above-average coverage caps is something I’d suggest considering if you have luxe appliances or home systems.
In terms of options, you can pick from an appliance-only, systems-only, and comprehensive plan that covers both. I’d personally recommend the Elite Complete plan, as it protects you financially should appliances or systems fail. It was only $10 to $15 per month when I received quotes for a two-bedroom home in Raleigh.
The following prices don’t reflect available discounts.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
| Elite Appliance | $44.99 | $100 | $150 sign-up, first month free, 30-day free trial (phone) |
| Elite Systems | $49.99 | $100 | $150 sign-up, first month free, 30-day free trial (phone) |
| Elite Complete | $59.99 | $100 | $150 sign-up, first month free, 30-day free trial (phone) |
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Raleigh, NC. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
With Elite Home Warranty, North Carolina homeowners have a plethora of options, so you can mix and match coverage to best suit your needs. North Carolina homeowners may benefit from annual HVAC maintenance and limited roof leak repair to protect their homes during and after the wet season.
- Attic exhaust fan: $69.99/year
- Central vacuum: $49.00/year
- Effluent pump: $99.99/year
- Ejector pump: $99.99/year
- Freestanding freezer: $59.99/year
- Freestanding ice maker: $59.99/year
- Freestanding spa equipment: $119.99/year
- Generator: $99.99/year
- Geothermal heating and cooling system: $299.99/year
- Grinder pump: $99.99/year
- Guest house: $299.99/year
- HVAC annual maintenance: $299.99/year
- Jetted/hot tub: $99.99/year
- Lawn sprinkler system: $99.99/year
- Lift pump: $99.99/year
- Limited roof leak repair: $99.99/year
- Pool & spa equipment: $199.99/year
- Pool equipment: $149.99/year
- Premium appliances: $249.99/year
- Premium benefits: $199.99/year
- Premium systems: $299.99/year
- Premium systems Plus: $499.99/year
- Septic system: $129.99/year
- Service lines: $349.99/year
- Sump pump: $99.99/year
- Swamp cooler: $149.99/year
- Water filtration System: $99.99/year
- Water softener: $99.99/year
- Well pump: $99.99/year
- Wine cooler: $69.99/year
Exclusions
Like all providers, Elite has exclusions, which I found normal, other than the commercial-grade appliance exclusion, which may not work for some homeowners.
- Natural disaster-related damages
- Acts of God
- Commercial-grade appliances
- Units in a rental property
- Cosmetic damage
- A lack of maintenance
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it’s imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
Elite Home Warranty has competitive monthly premiums with outstanding coverage limits, meaning you’re receiving a ton of value for that price point, BUT additional fees are a concern. Between its after-hour charge of $150 on top of your regular service fee or the $150 service fee you’re automatically charged for professional-grade appliances, this can quickly add up and make the plan less affordable. You must also opt for specific add-ons, like the premium systems add-on ($299.99 extra each year), to hit the maximum coverage caps of up to $10,000 on home systems. While this can be a good investment for homeowners with luxe appliances, it will add around $25 to your monthly premium, making it a more costly plan. Still, its add-ons are pretty affordable overall, costing between $15 and $20, and you’re receiving above-average coverage, making it a valuable addition to your plan if you feel you’ll get your money’s worth in repairs and replacements over time.
Elite’s website provides an educational, user-friendly experience with many pop-ups that share extra information about each item’s coverage so you fully understand what your policy will and won’t cover. I appreciate this transparency as a consumer and enjoyed my experience talking to Elite’s customer service representatives. Like those of many customers who wrote reviews, my experience was positive, with the representative walking me through Elite’s plans and providing more of an educational rather than a pushy sales experience — something I greatly appreciate as a more introverted individual who doesn’t like aggressive sales tactics. However, I found that Elite lacks follow-through at times. For example, I had an agent follow up with me over text, and I responded with another question but never heard back, which is a bit disappointing.
Elite Home Warranty is a BBB-accredited provider with an outstanding A+ rating and practically perfect customer review scores from BBB, Trustpilot, and Yelp. Many customers praise Elite for their speedy turnarounds when sending technicians out to resolve issues, professional customer service representatives, and higher satisfaction with Elite over previous experiences with other home warranty providers — something I love seeing during my research. Plus, I saw a fair number of reviews praising Elite for its honest, educational customer service representatives who weren’t pushy and genuinely seemed like they wanted to help the customer find the best fit for their home. There were so few negative reviews that I can’t summarize them effectively. The only drawback to Elite’s reputation is their newness as a company. They’ve been in business for four years, which doesn’t mean they can’t offer good service, but they do lack experience compared to providers like American Home Shield.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A+ / 4.97 out of 5 stars | 371 |
| Trustpilot | 4.7 out of 5 stars | 60 |
| Yelp | 4.8 out of 5 stars | 4 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
While Elite has a good claim response time of 24 to 48 hours during business hours, I’ve docked points from it due to its lackluster emergency services. Unlike most providers who have these services built into their plans at no added cost, Elite charges a $150 fee for emergency services outside of regular business hours on top of your service fee (which could be $100 or more, depending on your chosen plan and location). I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to pay an extra fee on top of the service fee when I’m already frustrated with my leaking clothes washer or broken down AC unit on a sweltering North Carolina summer day.
Other than California, Wisconsin, and Texas, Elite Home Warranty provides nationwide coverage, so North Carolina homeowners can rest easy. Our team gives Elite a perfect score in this category for its widespread availability and overwhelmingly positive reviews from homeowners nationwide, demonstrating their consistent service.
Calculate the Cost of North Carolina Home Warranty
Answer a few questions below in the following cost calculator to receive an approximate cost for how much you’d pay out-of-pocket each year for a home warranty in North Carolina.
| 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
In North Carolina, the Department of Insurance regulates home warranty policies by overseeing these providers’ activities and ensuring they follow state regulations and consumer protection laws. All home warranty providers operating in North Carolina must be licensed from this department to sell policies.
The North Carolina Attorney General advises that North Carolina residents be cautious about home warranty policies. If you have a complaint about a home warranty provider, use the General Consumer Complaint page to contact the appropriate office.
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain regulations, it’s vital for readers to do their own research, as the mentioned regulations are not exhaustive.
North Carolina Home Warranty News
North Carolina homeowners should be cautious about any home warranty mailers they receive. The Better Business Bureau shares that many scammers have switched from car warranty to home warranty schemes. Some mailers read, “Not all consumers have previous coverage. We are not affiliated with your current mortgage.”
If you receive a mailer with this, don’t contact the company using the mailer. Instead, contact your current home warranty company and reach out via an email or phone number you find directly on their website. Be wary of mailers with $200 tear-away “vouchers,” which are a common part of these scam mailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need a Home Warranty in North Carolina?
While not legally required, a home warranty in North Carolina can help homeowners on a tight budget deal with costly repairs and replacements for their home systems and appliances. Instead of worrying about replacements, which can cost thousands of dollars for a single system, you pay a more affordable monthly premium and small service fee to the company, which then handles most (or all, depending on the policy) of the cost of replacing or repairing covered home appliances and systems.
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in North Carolina?
The average cost of a home warranty in North Carolina is $51 per month. However, your home warranty cost will vary depending on the provider, type of plan, and any add-ons you select for additional coverage.
How To Save Money When Shopping for Home Warranties In North Carolina?
You can save money when shopping for home warranties in North Carolina by gathering quotes from several providers, looking online for discounts (for example, Select Home Warranty offers a discount for annual payments), and talking to a customer service representative over the phone. In my experience, you can almost always get a better deal when you speak with someone over the phone, so it’s worth the extra few minutes.
Is a Home Warranty Worth It for North Carolina Homeowners?
A home warranty is worth it for North Carolina homeowners because it gives you peace of mind that you won’t be left dealing with a massive repair bill. Instead, you have a predictable monthly premium and small service fee, which is much less than the cost of the repair itself usually, and you don’t have to worry about expensive appliances or AC failures, which are common in North Carolina due to its hot, humid summers and wet months, making a home warranty worth it for many homeowners.
Other Resources for North Carolina Homeowners
- Best Moving Companies in North Carolina
- Best Solar Companies in North Carolina
- Solar Incentives in North Carolina
