Best Home Warranty Companies in South Carolina

If you’re a South Carolina homeowner, it’s important to protect your home without having to pay exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses. That’s where a home warranty comes in. Keep reading to learn about the best home warranty companies in the state, common home maintenance issues faced by South Carolina homeowners, and important home warranty buying tips.

South Carolina’s best home warranty companies

South Carolina is located in the southeastern part of the United States and is bordered by North Carolina, Georgia, and the Atlantic Ocean. Also known at The Palmetto State, South Carolina’s state bird is the Carolina Wren, the state tree is the Sabal Palm, and the largest and oldest city is Charleston. South Carolina and its neighboring states have been known to be one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation, so the time to buy a home and pair it with a home warranty is prime.

Top home maintenance problems in South Carolina

Maintenance is critical when it comes to owning a property and this fact is especially true in South Carolina, where hurricanes and tropical storms are a real threat. In today’s hot housing market, maintenance is even more important when you’re trying to protect your investment in the hopes of selling it in the future.

There are four critical maintenance areas all homeowners should pay attention to:

In addition to the four areas above, here are some other tips to keep in mind when maintaining your home:

• Inspect and clean your refrigerator door seals. When they don’t seal properly, your refrigerator can run its compressor more frequently and cause it to overwork.
• Change your air filters every three months to maintain good indoor air quality.
• Drain your hot water heater every spring to remove sediment from the bottom.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home to ensure they’re working properly.
• Inspect for pest damage. If you find a pest infestation, hire a pest control professional immediately to address the problem.

Who is eligible for a home warranty in South Carolina?

All South Carolina homeowners are eligible to purchase home warranties year-round. Whether you live in a single-family house, mobile home, townhouse, duplex, or condo, you can buy a home warranty at any time. If you’re a real estate agent or landlord, you’re also eligible to buy a home warranty.

MORE: Mobile Home Warranty Coverage

What is covered under a South Carolina home warranty?

Most home warranty companies in South Carolina will cover your home’s basic systems and appliances. Each home warranty provider will have a few plans for you to choose from and may provide additional coverage for items such as a pool or at-home spa.

Standard appliances such as washers, dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerators are covered under basic plans and include repair and replacement, while items such as your garage door openers, garbage disposals, water heater, pool, or second refrigerator may be included as an optional add-on. Your electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, and heating system are also covered under a home warranty.

Some providers, like American Home Shield, offer customizable plans that allow you to pick and choose which systems or appliances you want covered. Other home warranty providers, like First American Home Warranty, offer full coverage on all of your home’s existing appliances.

MORE: 2019 Home Warranty Coverage – Plans and Pricing

How much does a home warranty cost?

Expect to pay between $350 to $600 per year for a home warranty in South Carolina. If your home has special features like a pool that you want coverage for, expect to add $100 to $500 to your plan.

How does a home warranty work in South Carolina?

Once coverage begins, here’s how your home warranty would work if an item broke down:

1. You call your home warranty company to file a claim.
2. After you’ve filed a claim, the home warranty company contacts a contractor in their network who will then contact you to find a time when they can come to assess the issue.
3. At your house, the contractor will determine if they should repair or replace the item. They will look at the condition of the appliance and the cause of damage.
4. If a repair is necessary, the contractor can typically complete it while at your house (if they have the correct parts). If a replacement is necessary, you’ll have to schedule a follow-up appointment for a technician to come back out and install the new appliance or system.
5. At this time, you’ll pay the service fee.

Keep these factors in mind when using your home warranty:

• Only damages that are caused from normal wear and tear are covered under most plans. Ask about extended coverage if this is a concern of yours.
• When signing up for a warranty, the age, make, and model of your appliances will figure into whether or not that appliance will be covered.
• Not all appliances are covered under all home warranty plans, so make sure the warranty you choose covers the appliances you need coverage for.

Why is a home warranty in South Carolina necessary?

Whether you have a brand new home with updated systems and appliances or an aging home with items that are starting to break down, a home warranty is definitely worth it for South Carolina homeowners. Your systems and appliances will break down eventually and it’s better to be proactive and protect your investment before it’s too late.

For example, the average cost of a refrigerator repair in South Carolina is upward of $1,300. You can save yourself from paying this amount and having to search for a trusted contractor by investing in a quality home warranty.

How to buy a home warranty in South Carolina

Before you begin your home warranty search, there are several things to consider. First, be aware of the current condition of your home and its systems and appliances. Make note of any repairs that need to be made and which items have pre-existing conditions.

Additionally, make a list of which appliances and features you want covered. If you want only system coverage, opt for a plan that covers major systems. If you want a combination of appliance and system coverage, find a plan that gives you this type of coverage. Whatever plan you go with, carefully read what is and isn’t covered before signing a contract so you’re not surprised when you have to file a claim.

 Ask yourself a few simple questions to help narrow down what type of coverage you’re looking for:

• How old is your house?
• Do you have systems or appliances with pre-existing conditions?
• Do you already have appliances with coverage?
• Did your home inspection detail any issues with current systems or appliances?
• What is your budget?

Once you’ve carefully thought about these questions, purchasing a home warranty is easy and takes a few minutes over the phone. To get a quote, call one or more of the companies listed above and a specialist will help you choose the plan that’s right for you and your home.

South Carolina home warranty reviews

Below are a few reviews from South Carolina home warranty owners:

My air conditioner broke down and it was hot and miserable. Choice Home had a repairman here the next day. Great job. Fast and reliable. — Darlene

They really work with you. One year and one month for 20% off of the regular price with $15,000 cap looked pretty good. Then they discuss a better deal, made more sense to get that one. It worked for our family. Thank you Choice Home Warranty. — Hugh

Plumber did a great job. Extremely nice. Neat and clean with his work. 100% satisfied. — Roger

Our conclusion

As a South Carolina homeowner, you owe it to yourself to keep your home protected—there’s no better way to stay protected than with a home warranty. We believe the best home warranty companies in South Carolina include American Home Shield and Choice Home Warranty.

Getting coverage is easy and is just one phone call away. With these two companies, you’ll receive the best care from highly qualified service agents at an affordable price. Don’t wait for something to go wrong before you decide that a home warranty is right for you. Call a home warranty specialist to discuss how their home warranty and appliance protection plans can help you today.