Best Home Warranty Companies in Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s cold winters and proximity to the ocean can cause major wear and tear on systems both inside and outside your home. To protect these systems and other home appliances, consider investing in a home warranty plan.

Below we’ve outlined the best home warranty companies in Rhode Island, pricing and plan options, and important tips to help you when purchasing a home warranty.

Rhode Island’s best home warranty companies

It may be the smallest in area and the eighth smallest in population, but Rhode Island is the second most densely populated state (most people per square mile) behind New Jersey. If you’re considering a move to Rhode Island, here are some fun facts about the Ocean State:

• It shares the southeastern corner of New England with a portion of Massachusetts. 
• The total area of the state, including that of Block Island some 10 miles offshore, is 1,214 square miles.
• The state bird is the Rhode Island Red Hen.
• The state tree is the red maple.
• It features an extensive shoreline and mild summer climate, which contribute to its reputation as a vacation state.
• The first circus in the United States was in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1774.

Rhode Island is a popular tourist destination for beach goers. In 2017, over 24.8 million visitors vacationed in the tiny state. With its booming tourism industry, selling or buying a house in Rhode Island is always a good investment. A great way to make sure you get top dollar for your house and to protect it from unexpected expenses is to add a home warranty.

Top home maintenance problems in Rhode Island

Because of its proximity to the ocean, Rhode Island experiences a range of temperatures, both daily and annually, and considerable weather diversity over short periods. The constant flux in weather can impact your home systems and appliances and cause them to break down faster.

Although the state is far enough north that conditions are generally mild throughout the year, humidity levels are relatively high. It’s important to stay on top of routine house maintenance to prevent major replacement costs. Here are several seasonal home maintenance tasks homeowners need to tackle indoors and outdoors to keep their home and appliances in the best shape possible.

Monthly tasks

• Change air filters—Change filters in your HVAC unit and clean range hood filters.
• Check smoke/carbon dioxide detectors—Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they’re working properly. 
• Inspect your home’s exterior—Walk around the house and look for problems with the foundation, vents, gutters, and drainpipes.

Biannual tasks

• Deep clean the entire house—Clean appliances, windows, lighting, and every crevice and corner of your home. 
• Inspect your water heater—Test the pressure relief valve on the water heater to prevent corrosion and help it run efficiently.
• Change smoke/carbon dioxide detectors batteries—Make it a habit to change batteries every time you set the clocks for daylight savings time.
• Vacuum refrigerator coils—This will reduce your power consumption and keep it running efficiently.
• Clean your washer and clothes dryer—Clean the water inlet filters and check hoses in the washer, and vacuum lint from ducts and surrounding areas.

Seasonal tasks

• Inspect your roof—Check for damage from winter storms and make sure to replace any loose or damaged shingles.
• Check your sprinkler systems—Blow out your sprinkler systems and restart outdoor water sources.
• Complete an HVAC inspection—Schedule a professional inspection for your heating and air system.
• Repair driveways and sidewalks—Repair cracked, broken, or uneven driveways and walkways.
• Inspect gutters and drainage systems—Keeping gutters clean will prevent water damage to your home.
• Clear branches—Hire a professional tree trimmer to remove damaged or dead branches that might fall on or near your home.
• Keep weeds in check—Remove weeds and vines around your outdoor A/C unit and from the house’s foundation.
• Prep sprinkler systems—Drain sprinkler systems and other outdoor water sources. Cover outdoor pipes to prevent freezing.
• Winterize your garden and landscape—Bring in plants that are not cold tolerant or insulate outdoor plants for the winter. 
• Winterize your pool—Drain, clean, and cover your swimming pool before colder weather hits.
• Clean chimneys—Hire a certified chimney sweep to inspect and clean flues and vents.

Who is eligible for a home warranty in Rhode Island?

Home warranties are like extended service contracts for appliances or home systems. They cover home systems and appliances no matter what type of home you have—townhome, condo, or even a mobile home. Home warranties are great for:

• First-time home buyers—Warranties will help put new homeowners at ease when buying a house. Companies like American Home Shield offer a basic plan that can fit any budget. 
• Seasoned homeowners—A home warranty is perfect for homes with older appliances. Total Home Protection offers two home warranty plans, Gold or Platinum, that provide coverage for appliances and systems.
• Real estate agents and homesellers—Warranties make a great add-on incentive for a buyer and can help a home sell faster. 

What is covered under a Rhode Island home warranty?

A home warranty covers repair and replacement services on a number of major home appliances and systems. Though home warranty coverage depends on the company and coverage level you choose, most plans typically cover the repair or replacement of:

• Air conditioning
• Dishwashers
• Doorbells
• Furnace/heating
• Water heater
• Ductwork
• Garbage disposals
• Indoor plumbing stoppages
• Ceiling fans
• Electrical systems
• Range and oven

Here are some items that typically aren’t covered and will require you to purchase additional coverage:

• Outdoor sprinklers
• Faucet repairs
• Ice makers
• Refrigerators
• Washers and dryers
• Garage door openers
• Spa or pools

With the extreme weather variation in Rhode Island, it’s important to choose a warranty that will cover a variety of home systems. Choice Home Warranty offers two plans, a Basic Plan and a Total Plan, that include appliances as well as electrical and plumbing systems.

Another good option for Rhode Island residents is Select Home Warranty. They offer three plans with unique add-ons: Bronze Care covers appliances, Gold Care covers systems, and Platinum Care covers both appliances and systems. There is also an option to add protection for items that most home warranty companies don’t cover, such as roof leak protection and septic system coverage.

How much does a home warranty cost in Rhode Island?

The average cost of a home warranty in Rhode Island is around $318 per year, which is slightly lower than the national average. Extended coverage averages an additional $100 to $500 per year—this will depend on the amount and types of items added. Deductibles average between $45 to $125 a year.

How does a home warranty work in Rhode Island?

Most home warranty plans operate in a similar manner. In general, the typical process looks like this:

1. A home system or appliance breaks or stops working.
2. The homeowner calls the home warranty company.
3. The home warranty company contacts an approved repair provider.
4. The repair provider calls the homeowner to make an appointment.
5. The provider performs the repair or determines if a new appliance is needed.
6. The home warranty company pays for the repair or replacement and the homeowner pays a service fee.

Why is a home warranty in Rhode Island necessary?

Home warranties are optional, but they’re a great asset to have to help keep your house in good working condition. They’re particularly valuable if you plan to sell or rent your home. Homes with warranties typically sell 10 percent faster than those without.

Even if you aren’t selling a home, warranties are helpful for those who lack an emergency fund for major repairs, as a home warranty protects against expensive, unforeseen repair bills and provides peace of mind to customers. 

Buying a home warranty in Rhode Island

There are several factors to take into consideration before you purchase a home warranty in Rhode Island. An important factor is the age of the house. Older homes typically don’t come with a warranty unless the previous homeowners purchased one and are forwarding it to you as part of the sell.

Here are some other factors to consider:

• Age of the appliance—New appliances won’t need a new warranty because all brand new appliances are usually covered under a manufacturer’s warranty for about 12 months. Once the manufacturer’s warranty expires, purchasing new appliance coverage makes sense. 
• Climate and location—Rhode Island can have extreme weather variation on any given day and season. When choosing a home warranty, consider how close you live to the coast—this will affect the normal wear and tear of your home systems and appliances.
• Laws and permits—Regulations that affect home warranties will vary by state. Rhode Island doesn’t have a regulating authority or registration process for home service contract companies. Instead, there are General Regulatory Provisions as it relates to the disclosure of service contract agreements.

Rhode Island home warranty reviews

Here are a few home warranty reviews from Rhode Island residents with a home warranty:

Molly Mitchell on Choice Home Warranty:

“Repair person came to fix my garbage disposal, but 24 hours later, it went out again. The repair person called again after I contacted Choice. He said it would have to be replaced. He contacted the company and it was approved. It was replaced the next day as he worked with my schedule.”

Fiona on Select Home Warranty:

“Had a plumbing issue. The online process of the claim was easy. They called me 30 minutes later to finish it up. I had an appointment set within 24 hours to fix the issue! Great service!”

Allen Benson on Total Home Protection:

“This is the first year I have purchased [a] home warranty. I’m really impressed that it is inclusive of my pool. It’s not difficult at all to get in contact with a representative or even file a claim. It can be done online. And once they schedule an appointment, you are always matched with a professional who is knowledgeable and eager to get ready to work. I’m definitely going to continue utilizing Total Home Protection.”

Our conclusion

A home warranty in Rhode Island is a worthwhile investment, especially for homeowners who live closer to the shoreline of the state. Selecting the best home warranty company will depend on several factors, but keep in mind the location of your home and its age (including the age of your systems and appliances). If you home is older, you should definitely invest in more comprehensive coverage for your home.