5 Best Home Warranty Companies in Ohio (2024)
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Ohio experiences cold winters and warm summers, so it’s essential to keep your HVAC system in good condition. A home warranty protects you in case of a system breakdown, helping to cover costs and speed up the repair process for numerous home appliances and systems.
We analyzed 57 leading home warranty companies to find the best fit for Ohio homeowners. We recommend Liberty Home Guard for its solid HVAC protections and extensive add-on coverage options. If you need more comprehensive coverage for additional systems and appliances, consider American Home Shield. Read on to discover our picks for top Ohio home warranty companies and find the right plan for your needs.
Key Takeaways
Ohio’s Top 5 Home Warranty Companies
According to our research, the highest-rated home warranty companies in Ohio include the following:
Summary of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Ohio
We conducted in-depth comparisons of the top Ohio home warranty companies. Before making our recommendations, we considered their coverage options, customer service, plan costs, service fees, and transparency. The table below highlights several comparison metrics we used:
| Company | BBB Rating | Monthly Cost in OH | Service Fee | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NR | $49–$59 | $65–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
| B | $29–$89 | $100–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
| B- | $44–$47 | $60–$75 | VISIT SITE | |
| B | $44–$84 | $75–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
| B | $34–$92 | $75–$125 | VISIT SITE |
Note: BBB ratings are accurate as of April 2024.
Note: We based the pricing information in this table and throughout the article on sample quotes we obtained for a 2,083-square-foot, single-family home in Cincinnati, Ohio. Your pricing may vary depending on your home’s location, size, type, and plan selections.
Do I Need a Home Warranty in Ohio?
Not everyone needs a home warranty in Ohio, but it can be a valuable investment for those concerned about expensive home appliances and system repairs. For example, if your air conditioning system stops working midsummer and you don’t have a home warranty, you’ll need to scramble to find a technician and get repairs. You may pay hundreds for emergency services; air conditioning repairs alone can cost $650 or more.
Alternatively, if you had a home warranty plan with $2,000 coverage caps for air conditioning repairs, your only out-of-pocket cost would be the service call fee for the visit, typically $60–$150. Your plan would also cover other essential household items, such as your electrical system and dishwasher, helping you to save on repair costs long term.
Home warranties are popular with both existing homeowners and first-time owners. We surveyed 1,000 homeowners with home warranty plans to discover the typical buying experience. We learned that 35.7% of homeowners purchased coverage with their new home. Having a home warranty before emergencies occur offers peace of mind for the future.
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in Ohio?
A home warranty costs $42–$57 per month in Ohio or $504–$684 with an annual premium. Various factors impact your home warranty’s final cost, including your chosen coverage plan, location, and provider. Here are some useful tips to make your home warranty plan more affordable:
- Select the right service call fee: Some home warranty companies let you select a higher or lower service fee to adjust your monthly premium. A higher service call fee decreases your monthly premium, whereas a lower service call fee means you will spend less on technician visits. Be aware that your monthly premium increases with a lower service fee.
- Pay only for what you need: Most home warranty companies offer both comprehensive and specialized coverage plans. You’ll spend less on an appliance-only or system-only plan since they provide more targeted coverage. Our survey revealed that most Ohio respondents chose a home warranty specifically for heating and cooling protection. You can save money by selecting a system-only plan if you just need system coverage. We recommend looking for plans that cover only the systems and appliances you need.
- Reconsider buying add-ons: Add-ons can dramatically increase your monthly premium. Buy add-ons only if they provide you with greater value. Some home warranty companies include free rook-leak coverage, which might reduce your monthly cost.
Ohio Home Warranty Company Reviews
Below are detailed reviews for our recommended Ohio home warranty providers.
Liberty Home Guard
Best Customer Ratings
American Home Shield
Best for Comprehensive Coverage
Select Home Warranty
Best Value
First American Home Warranty
Best Appliance Coverage
AFC Home Warranty
Best for Customization
Are Home Warranties Worth the Money in Ohio?
Whether home warranties are worth the money depends on your situation. The main benefit of a home warranty is the cost savings you’ll have on appliance and system repairs. For example, suppose you’re in the process of buying or selling a home. If you’re a seller, you won’t be on the hook for any repair or replacement costs while the house is on the market. If you’re a buyer, you can rest easy knowing you won’t have to shell out big bucks for major repairs right after purchasing a new home. In this scenario, a home warranty is worth the money.
How Are Home Warranties Regulated in Ohio?
Our research shows that Ohio doesn’t clearly label home warranties as insurance in most cases. This means the state doesn’t regularly enforce regulations on companies selling home service contracts. That said, Ohio’s Department of Insurance (ODI) allows homeowners who own a home warranty to file a complaint online.
Home warranties also self-regulate via industry associations. The leading industry organizations that oversee the home warranty industry are the National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) and the Service Contract Industry Council (SCIC). Each organization has the common goal of protecting consumers from unfair business practices. In addition, they both have a member directory that lists compliant companies to help you choose the right Ohio home warranty.
Home Warranty Cost Calculator
We created a calculator to break down the estimated annual cost of a home warranty.
To calculate your projected annual cost, use the following steps:
- Enter your monthly premium
- Enter your service call fee
- Enter your estimated number of claims
It’s best to request a quote directly from one of our recommended providers, as annual costs and service fees vary.
Use the table below to compare your calculated repair and replacement costs for common appliances.
| Item/System | Average Cost to Repair | Average Cost to Replace |
|---|---|---|
| Exhaust Fans | $16–$300 | $250–$950 |
| Refrigerator | $40–$350 | $200–$5,000 |
| Dehumidifier | $50–$200 | $1,300–$2,800 |
| Microwave | $50–$400 | $60–$2,000 |
| Washer | $50–$450 | $400–$2,300 |
| Dishwasher | $50–$500 | $400–$3,000 |
| Freezer | $90–$500 | $160–$2,900 |
| Dryer | $100–$400 | $450–$2,300 |
| Oven | $100–$430 | $400–$3,000 |
| Electric Range | $100–$500 | $230–$3,000 |
| Gas Range | $100–$500 | $230–$3,000 |
Note: Life span and repair cost data sourced from InterNACHI and Home Depot.
How To Choose a Home Warranty in Ohio
Some providers may fit your unique situation better than others. Here are a few pointers to help you choose the best home warranty:
- Ask a professional: Talk to your local real estate agent if you have questions about home warranties. Many real estate agents know the ins and outs of home warranties and can give you provider recommendations based on their experience.
- Be wary of price: Going for the cheapest option may not always be the best option. Our research found that companies that charge less for coverage plans tend to have lower coverage limits. Consider a company that covers the full replacement cost of your home items.
- Understand your needs: Think about the home appliances and systems you use most daily and purchase a plan covering those items. Avoid buying a comprehensive plan if you don’t need some coverage options.
- Bundle with home insurance: Some homeowners insurance providers offer bundling discounts when you pair a home warranty plan with a home insurance policy.
- Check for coverage overlaps: You may not need a comprehensive home warranty plan if you recently purchased new major appliances or systems. New appliances and systems usually have manufacturer’s warranties, eliminating the need for a home warranty.
- Limit your claims: Avoid filing claims on small issues you can repair yourself. This reduces the number of service call fees you’ll pay since providers charge a fee each time they send a technician to your home.
How To Read a Home Warranty Contract in Ohio
Reading a home warranty company’s sample service contract helps you understand the company’s coverage, exclusions, and special conditions. While no two Ohio home warranty companies provide the same contract language, most follow a similar outline of terms and conditions. Here are the sections to focus on when reading a sample contract:
The coverage section of the sample contract lists all the items and the specific components a company covers. Companies also list their optional add-ons within this section.
The limitations and exclusions section outlines the items, components, damages, and situations a company won’t cover. We recommend carefully reading this section to avoid an unexpected claim denial.
Most home warranty companies list state-specific terms within their sample contracts towards the end of their service contracts. Generally, these state-specific terms list amendments, arbitration clauses, or actions you can take when filing a dispute.
What is the Best Home Warranty Company in Ohio?
We recommend Liberty Home Guard for Ohio homeowners who need specialized home protections, such as system-only coverage. The company scored 4.5 out of 5 stars in our review due to its extensive add-on catalog and excellent third-party review scores. American Home Shield is a great option for Ohio homeowners who want extensive comprehensive coverage for their older systems and appliances. Its 4.4 out of 5-star rating reflects its high coverage caps and rare preexisting condition protections.
Regardless of the coverage type, we recommend getting quotes from at least three home warranty companies to compare plan pricing and coverage options.
Other Resources for Residents in Ohio
FAQ About Ohio Home Warranty Companies
What are the costs involved with purchasing an Ohio home warranty?
Purchasing an Ohio home warranty involves two costs: a monthly or annual premium and a service call fee. Whether you use it or not, the premium is what you pay to own the policy. You pay the service call fee when a technician visits your home to diagnose or fix a problem.
How is a home warranty different from a homeowners insurance policy in Ohio?
A home warranty differs from a homeowners insurance policy in that it covers items in your Ohio home that fail due to normal wear and tear. Homeowners insurance covers items in your home damaged by theft, fire, or storms. Both policies can save you significant money on repairs because they provide complementary coverage.
What is the biggest benefit of a home warranty in Ohio?
The biggest benefit of an Ohio home warranty is financial protection for your home appliances and systems. Home warranties cover repair and replacement costs when faced with breakdowns from regular use. They help keep your system in working order and ensure it continues functioning properly.
Who pays for an Ohio home warranty?
The homeowner who purchased the Ohio home warranty pays for the coverage, usually via a monthly or annual premium. The homeowner also pays a service call fee for each filed claim. Remember that home warranty plans have coverage caps in the contract’s fine print indicating how much the provider will cover for a repair. If the repair costs more than the coverage cap, the homeowner must pay the remaining amount.
How Do I Find the Best Home Warranty Company in My Area?
Find in-depth reviews on the best home warranty companies for the top cities in Ohio below.
Find Home Warranties in OH
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our home warranty ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to score each provider objectively. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys.
We score each provider against our review standards, which include four comparison categories: coverage, value, trust and transparency, and availability and service. We rate each provider across 31 factors within these categories. Each factor is assigned a point value based on its importance to a homeowner, totaling 100 points. We then convert the final scores to a 5-star rating.
Here’s a breakdown of our weighted factors:
- Coverage (40%): We scored coverage based on included home systems and appliances, add-on options, and unique benefits. We also compared coverage caps and policy exclusions.
- Additional coverage items
- Annual coverage cap
- Home systems coverage
- Major appliances coverage
- Obstructed wall coverage cap
- Value (30%): We compared the coverage level received to monthly pricing to determine plan value. We considered premium pricing, service fees, and flexibility in customizing plan costs.
- Average monthly cost
- Cost flexibility
- Lowest service fee
- Trust and Transparency (16%): We evaluated each company’s reputation using Better Business Bureau ratings and customer reviews on third-party review sites. We read through plan change policies, workmanship protections, and sample contract availability.
- Brand reputation
- Policy change flexibility
- Sample contract availability
- Workmanship guarantee length
- Availability and Service (14%): We award higher scores for faster claim processing and response times. We also considered service technician policies, including options for choosing your technician.
- Claims process
- Guaranteed response time
- Service flexibility
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
