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When Tennessee homeowners are deciding on the best ways to insulate themselves from unexpected expenses, they have several types of coverage to consider. Alongside the protection homeowners insurance provides for certain perils, a home warranty can be a great way for homeowners to protect their home systems and appliances from age and normal wear and tear.
A home warranty covers the major systems and appliances that keep the home running smoothly, but it’s important to understand that no two warranties are created equal. For this reason, homeowners will need to do their homework to find the plan and provider that is best for them. To aid in the search, this guide has everything homeowners will need to know about the best home warranty companies in Tennessee.
- BEST OVERALL: American Home Shield
- RUNNER-UP: Cinch Home Services
- BEST REPAIR GUARANTEE: AFC Home Club
- BEST ADD-ON COVERAGE: Liberty Home Guard
- ALSO CONSIDER: Select Home Warranty
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Tennessee
Home warranty services can vary significantly from one provider to another, with each company offering its own scope of coverage at a particular price point. This means homeowners will need to do their research to find the home warranty plan and provider that is best suited for their needs.
Understanding the importance of each of the following factors can help homeowners build a list of questions to ask home warranty companies, so when the time comes to compare home warranty providers—say, Select Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield—they will be prepared to move forward confidently.
Policies and Plans
Broadly speaking, home warranties cover home systems and appliances in the event they break down due to age or normal wear and tear. However, exact coverage terms can vary from one company to another. To determine which companies they might want to include on their short list, some homeowners may turn to ratings of home warranty companies posted on customer review sites. But to truly compare their options, homeowners will need to analyze several specific factors, beginning with each company’s coverage options.
Home warranty companies often break down coverage into multiple policies and plans, ranging from basic to comprehensive. However, the specific items included within each company’s standard coverage will vary significantly, as will the available add-on coverage options. In Tennessee, home warranty add-ons can range from coverage for pools and spas to sprinkler systems and roof leaks. For this reason, homeowners will want to make this one of their first considerations when analyzing home warranty companies.
Maximum Coverage Limit
The coverage limit on a home warranty refers to the maximum amount the home warranty company is willing to pay on covered repairs. Like many of the other factors on this list, coverage limits can vary significantly between providers. In addition, coverage limits often change depending on the type of repair—kitchen appliance repairs may be covered for less than HVAC repairs, for instance. To complicate things further, some companies set these limits per item, while others may apply coverage limits to the entire policy term. Because coverage caps can directly impact the extent of repairs homeowners can have covered, prospective customers will want to pay close attention to this detail.
Average Monthly Rate
When homeowners are building a home protection plan, cost considerations are often a top priority. With a home warranty, coverage costs can be broken down into two main categories: monthly rates and service fees. Homeowners often make monthly payments in return for their home warranty coverage, although they will likely have the option to pay for an entire year of coverage up front as well.
While the exact price a homeowner pays for their coverage will depend on several factors, including the age, condition, and location of their home as well as the specific coverage options they select, a company’s average monthly rates can give prospective policyholders a rough idea of what they can expect to pay. For that reason, comparing average monthly rates across multiple companies can help homeowners decide which policies are likely to fit their budget before they even request a quote.
Discounts
Budget-minded customers may be happy to learn that many home warranty companies offer discounts they can use to lower the total cost of their coverage. However, the specific discount opportunities available, and the steps homeowners need to take to qualify for them, will depend on the home warranty company.
Some companies may run promotional discounts for new customers, while others may give discounts as rewards for customers who purchase multiyear policies or pay for a full year’s worth of coverage up front. To get the best rate for their coverage, homeowners will need to keep their eyes peeled for any potential discount opportunities they may be able to take advantage of and apply to their home warranty.
Service Fee
Alongside average rates, service fees make up the other half of the home warranty cost equation. While homeowners typically pay rates on a monthly basis, service fees are paid when submitting repair requests. It’s easy to overlook these expenses when picking a home warranty, but homeowners will want to pay close attention to their service fee options, as they will be required to pay a service fee if they find themselves in need of system or appliance repairs.
While some companies may standardize one service fee across all policies, others may present customers with multiple service fee options. Homeowners who have the opportunity to choose their service fee will want to be aware of how these fees interact with their monthly rates. In general, choosing a lower service fee will result in paying more per month, so they will need to consider how each of these costs fits into their budget before choosing a fee.
Waiting Period
It’s common for home warranty policies to kick off with a waiting period: a brief window of time between when the policy begins and when the first repair request can be submitted. Although waiting periods are typically pretty short at around 30 days, this can still present a potential gap in coverage, which some homeowners may be eager to avoid.
These homeowners may be happy to discover that some home warranty companies are willing to waive the waiting period under certain circumstances. For instance, a new customer may have their waiting period waived if they agree to an in-home inspection of their covered appliances and home systems. Prospective customers looking to bypass the waiting period will therefore need to consider their options carefully before committing to a home warranty company.
Claims Process
Though homeowners can turn to online reviews of home warranty companies to get an idea of the typical customer experience, analyzing the claims process can be another great way for them to understand what they can expect when working with a particular provider. For example, some companies may respond to repair requests within just a few hours, while others may take a couple of days. In addition, some providers may allow homeowners to choose their own handyman for repairs, while others may restrict their options to the company’s preferred network of contractors. To choose a company with a claims process they are prepared to navigate, homeowners will want to consider how these factors could potentially impact their experience when the time comes to request repair services.
Workmanship Guarantee
The workmanship guarantee on a home warranty refers to the length of time completed repairs are guaranteed under the policy’s contract or terms of agreement. If initial repairs fail to resolve the underlying issue with a system or appliance, a workmanship guarantee protects the homeowner by allowing them to schedule follow-up repairs without having to pay an additional service fee.
However, the precise length of the workmanship guarantee will depend on the home warranty company, with some companies guaranteeing repairs for as few as 30 days and others guaranteeing them for up to a year or more. Because a shorter workmanship guarantee can increase the likelihood of homeowners having to pay multiple service fees, they will want to include this on their list of factors worth considering.
Our Top Picks
In order to find the best home warranty companies in Tennessee, we looked for companies offering reliable standard coverage alongside a lengthy list of add-on coverage options. During our research, we paid close attention to cost and customer experience factors to understand the overall value provided by each company.
Best Overall
American Home Shield
Specs
- Maximum coverage limit: $5,000 (for HVAC repairs)
- Average monthly rate: $53
- Service fee: $100 or $125
- Claims process: Online, phone
- Workmanship guarantee: 30 days
Pros
- Relatively high $5,000 coverage limit on HVAC repairs
- Coverage for unknown pre-existing conditions included
- Rust, corrosion, and sediment coverage included
- Free or discounted HVAC tune-ups
Cons
- Relatively short 30-day workmanship guarantee
Why It Made the Cut: With high coverage limits on HVAC repairs, free or discounted system tune-ups, and some unique standard coverage inclusions, American Home Shield may be a great choice for Tennessee homeowners. With American Home Shield, homeowners can rest easy knowing their HVAC systems are protected, with the company providing a hefty $5,000 coverage limit and offering free or discounted tune-ups, depending on the customer’s policy tier. These perks can make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to keep this critical home system in good, working condition. Prospective policyholders will want to note that American Home Shield’s workmanship guarantee is relatively short at just 30 days. However, homeowners prioritizing low costs and high coverage limits over lengthy workmanship guarantees may find what they’re looking for with this home warranty company. American Home Shield policies also come with some notable standard inclusions, such as coverage for malfunctions caused by rust, corrosion, and sediment buildup, which may not be covered by other companies. American Home Shield is also one of the best home warranty companies for pre-existing conditions, with underlying issues protected under the company’s standard coverage, assuming those issues cannot be detected via a simple visual or mechanical inspection. These standard coverage terms are consistent across all policy tiers, so customers can take advantage of them regardless of which plan they select.
Runner-Up
Cinch Home Services
Why It Made the Cut:
From affordable monthly rates to an impressively quick turnaround time on repair requests, Cinch Home Services has a lot to offer Tennessee homeowners.
Deal-seeking homeowners may prefer Cinch Home Services, with the company offering relatively affordable rates to Tennessee customers at a cost of around $37 per month. Although the exact price a customer pays for their home warranty coverage will depend on several factors, including their home and the coverage options they select, these low average rates may indicate that Tennessee homeowners can get a good deal on their policy by going with Cinch Home Services.
Despite the company’s low rates, Cinch policies include coverage on items that may not be considered standard elsewhere, including coverage for rust and corrosion as well as certain pre-existing conditions. This coverage can provide more opportunities for homeowners to put their home warranty to use, packing more value into a Cinch Home Services policy.
It’s important to note that the company’s service fees are somewhat high, ranging from $100 to $150, so homeowners who choose this provider for their home warranty will need to be prepared to pay this amount before any repairs can be scheduled. However, these higher fees may be worthwhile when considered alongside the company’s claims process, as its terms of service state that representatives will begin contacting contractors within 2 hours of receiving a repair request. This is a very quick turnaround time, which may make it easier for homeowners to schedule the repairs they need without delay.
Specs
- Maximum coverage limit: $3,000
- Average monthly rate: $37
- Service fee: $100 to $150
- Claims process: Online, phone
- Workmanship guarantee: 180 days
Pros
- Coverage for unknown pre-existing conditions included
- Rust and corrosion coverage included
- Relatively low $37 average monthly rate
- Quick response within 2 hours of service request possible
Cons
- Relatively high $100 to $150 service fee
Best Repair Guarantee
AFC Home Club
Why It Made the Cut:
AFC Home Club offers homeowners a few unique perks, including locked-in monthly rates, flexible options for choosing technicians, and a lengthy workmanship guarantee, among other benefits.
New customers can reap the reward of several benefits with AFC Home Club. For instance, the company promises to lock in rates for a period of 5 years, allowing homeowners to retain their original rate even if standard rates increase during that time. When they find themselves in need of repairs, homeowners with coverage through AFC Home Club will have the flexibility to select their own technician, which may appeal to those with a trusted, local handyman in mind. Customers also have the option to choose from the company’s preferred network of contractors, so there’s plenty of flexibility in terms of selecting a technician. Whichever option they choose, homeowners with AFC policies will benefit from the peace of mind provided by the company’s lengthy workmanship guarantee, which runs for the entire length of the policy. With policies lasting either 1 or 3 years, this is a very long guarantee, which could help homeowners keep out-of-pocket costs low if they need to request follow-up work on covered repairs.
Homeowners considering AFC Home Club will want to be aware that the company will only approve HVAC repair requests if the customer can provide a satisfactory maintenance record from a licensed technician that shows service was completed within the previous 12 months. Though this requirement could present an additional annual cost, routine maintenance can extend the life of the HVAC system, which could save homeowners money in the long run. New customers also have the opportunity to bypass the standard 30-day waiting period by scheduling an inspection of their home systems and appliances. This can help homeowners avoid any gaps in their home warranty coverage when buying a new policy.
Specs
- Maximum coverage limit: $3,000
- Average monthly rate: $51
- Service fee: $75 to $125
- Claims process: Online, phone
- Workmanship guarantee: 1 or 3 years
Pros
- Customer-selected technician option
- Extremely long 1- or 3-year workmanship guarantee
- 5-year guarantee on monthly rate
- Waiting period waived with home inspection
Cons
- Annual HVAC maintenance required
Best Add-on Coverage
Liberty Home Guard
Why It Made the Cut:
Homeowners who choose Liberty Home Guard may have the opportunity to build their ideal home warranty, as there’s a plethora of coverage options and a list of service fees to choose from.
Alongside its standard coverage, Liberty Home Guard offers an impressive portfolio of more than 40 service add-ons homeowners can purchase to customize their plan and expand the scope of their home warranty coverage. Among Tennessee customers, the most popular add-ons include pool and spa, stand-alone freezer, ice maker, septic system pumping, and limited roof-leak coverage. The company also gives customers a wide range of service fees to choose from, with options as low as $60, allowing homeowners to reduce the out-of-pocket costs associated with scheduling repairs on their home systems and appliances.
When homeowners are comparing providers, it’s worth noting that Liberty Home Guard caps individual repairs at $2,000. Though this coverage limit may appear somewhat low at first glance, it’s important for homeowners to understand that this limit is applied per item, not per term, so cumulative costs are not limited to this amount. Liberty customers who pay up front for a 1-year policy will receive an extra 2 months of coverage at no extra cost. Simply put, this means homeowners who pay in full can secure 14 months of coverage for the price of 12, lowering the long-term costs of their home warranty.
Specs
- Maximum coverage limit: $2,000 (per item)
- Average monthly rate: $55
- Service fee: $60 to $125
- Claims process: Online, phone
- Workmanship guarantee: 60 days
Pros
- Wide variety of service add-ons
- Low $60 minimum service fee
- 2 months of free coverage with annual payment
Cons
- Relatively low $2,000 coverage limit per item
Also Consider
Select Home Warranty
Why It Made the Cut:
Select Home Warranty’s frequent promotional discounts and membership rewards can help homeowners lower the total cost of their policy, which comes with free limited roof-leak coverage.
With Select Home Warranty, every policy comes with free limited roof-leak coverage. Because this type of coverage is often only available as an extra add-on at an additional cost with other companies, having it included within Select Home Warranty’s standard coverage is notable, as it creates more opportunities for homeowners to utilize their coverage.
Before signing on the dotted line, customers considering Select Home Warranty will want to be aware that the company may take as long as 4 days (96 hours) to process repair requests. While this is worth noting, it’s important for homeowners to recognize that this response time is specific to claims submitted on a weekend or holiday, so repair requests received during normal business hours may be processed much faster.
Based on average quotes, Select Home Warranty’s baseline rates may be somewhat high in the Tennessee market. However, the company often provides prospective customers with discounts they can use to lower the total cost of their coverage. Promotional discounts are routinely available on the company’s website, and though the exact terms of these promotions may vary, they can often help new customers save a significant amount of money on their home warranty. In addition to these discount opportunities, Select Home Warranty also rewards customers who pay in full for annual policies by providing them with 2 additional months of coverage free of charge.
Specs
- Maximum coverage limit: $3,000
- Average monthly rate: $62
- Service fee: $75 to $100
- Claims process: Online, email
- Workmanship guarantee: 60 days
Pros
- Free limited roof coverage with every policy
- 2 months of free coverage with annual payment
- Frequent promotional discounts
Cons
- Somewhat high $62 average monthly rate
- Relatively slow claim response of up to 96 hours after receiving service request
Our Verdict
We gave the award for Best Overall to American Home Shield because of its standard coverage inclusions and added HVAC benefits, including high coverage limits and free or discounted tune-ups. The Runner-Up award goes to Cinch Home Services due to its rapid claims response time and relatively low rates in the Tennessee market, among other factors.
How We Chose the Best Home Warranty Companies in Tennessee
To determine the best home warranty companies in Tennessee, our research weighed a variety of factors, including each company’s standard coverage and add-on coverage options, accounting for how these offerings may relate to the unique needs of homeowners in the Volunteer State.
Cost factors, such as average rates, service fees, and discount opportunities, were also considered to assess the total value offered by each provider. In addition, we analyzed each company’s claims process, from average response times to workmanship guarantees, to understand the potential customer experience with each provider.
Before You Choose One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Tennessee
When comparing local home warranty companies, Tennessee residents will need to consider several factors to find the provider that is best suited for their specific needs—but in order to do this, homeowners must first understand what their needs are. After all, the best home warranty for older homes may differ from the best home warranty for mobile homes, and home warranty companies that cover septic systems in their standard policies may cost more than those that do not. In addition, while some customers may be seeking a home appliance warranty, others may be primarily focused on protecting their home’s key systems. With so much to consider, taking the time to create a list of priorities can make it easier for homeowners to compare providers, acting as a guiding light in their home warranty search.
Cost of Opting for One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Tennessee
On average, home warranty costs come to around $600 per year across the nation, though the exact cost a homeowner pays for their coverage will vary based on several factors: the rate, the service fee, and any applicable discount opportunities. In addition, home warranty costs in Tennessee may not exactly align with national averages, so rates could be higher or lower for homeowners in this state.
When committing to a policy, homeowners will make several decisions that can influence their out-of-pocket costs. For example, the coverage options the homeowner selects will play a role in determining their monthly rates, and some home warranty companies may ask homeowners to choose their service fee, which can impact the cost of a policy. Along the way, homeowners will need to consider how the cost of a home warranty might fit into their household budget to set themselves up for success.
The Advantages of Opting for One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Tennessee
It’s understandable that some homeowners find themselves questioning whether they need a home warranty, especially when considering the many costs of homeownership. But although this type of coverage does present an additional monthly cost, there are many reasons homeowners might decide a home warranty is worth it for them. For the homeowners who opt for them, the best home warranties in Tennessee can provide several benefits, including:
- The overarching peace of mind that comes with knowing the home’s major systems, such as HVAC systems, are protected—in some cases, with coverage amounts as high as $5,000;
- Direct access to a network of trusted, reliable service professionals for repairs, with the potential option for customers to select their own local handyman or technician; and
- Plentiful cost-saving opportunities through discounts and promotional offers that can lower the overall price of a home warranty policy.
FAQs
Choosing a home warranty is no easy feat. As such, it’s possible that homeowners may have some lingering questions about finding and securing the best plan for their home. To eliminate uncertainty and find the best home warranty companies to suit their needs, Tennessee homeowners can begin by reviewing the following frequently asked questions and their answers.
Q. How much is a home warranty in Tennessee?
Based on the companies included on this list, the average monthly cost of a home warranty is $52 in Tennessee, though costs may vary with other providers.
Q. What is the best home warranty with no waiting period?
Although most home warranties begin with a waiting period, some companies may be willing to waive the waiting period under certain circumstances, such as if the customer schedules an inspection on their systems and appliances, or if they can show proof that they are switching from another home warranty provider.
Q. How long are home builder warranties in Tennessee?
Tennessee home warranty laws require builders to cover workmanship, materials, and mechanical systems on newly constructed homes for the first year.
Q. Who regulates home warranty companies in Tennessee?
The regulatory body that oversees home warranties varies from state to state. In Tennessee, the Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) is responsible, though companies must also comply with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations.