Best Home Warranty Companies in Tennessee (2024)
We chose Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield as top home warranty providers for Tennessee. Read our guide for detailed ratings and company reviews.
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Tennessee homeowners looking to protect their investments should consider a home warranty. Home warranties provide peace of mind by covering costly repairs or replacements of major systems and appliances if they malfunction. To help you find the right provider, we researched 57 of the best home warranty companies across the country and narrowed the list to our top choices.
We recommend Liberty Home Guard due to its high customer service rating and specialized coverage options. We also chose American Home Shield as an excellent option for Tennessee homes needing comprehensive system and appliance protection. Continue reading for the full Tennessee provider list and choose the right plan for your needs.
Key Takeaways
Tennessee’s Top 5 Home Warranty Companies
The highest-rated Tennessee home warranty companies include the following:
Note: Cost information in this article is based on a quote we pulled for a single-family home smaller than 5,000 square feet in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Summary of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Tennessee
We compared our top providers on several factors in the table below. Each company’s cost data is the average of 120 sample quotes we pulled across various states.
| Company | BBB Rating | Monthly Cost in TN | Service Fee | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NR | $49–$59 | $65–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
| B | $29–$89 | $100–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
| A+ | $44–$58 | $70 | VISIT SITE | |
| B- | $44–$47 | $60–$75 | VISIT SITE | |
| B | $44–$84 | $75–$125 | VISIT SITE |
Note: We based the pricing information in this table and throughout the article on sample quotes we obtained for a 1,900-square-foot, single-family home in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Your pricing may vary depending on your home’s location, size, type, and plan selections.
What Is the Cost of a Home Warranty in Tennessee?
Our research shows the average cost of a home warranty in Tennessee is $55 per month. Annually, expect to pay an average of $660 for a coverage plan. In addition to plan premiums, you must pay a service call fee each time you file a claim. You’ll pay roughly $75–$125 for a service fee. After surveying 1,000 homeowners with home warranties, we found that the average service call cost is $80.
The following items are the main factors that affect plan costs:
- Add-ons
- Coverage caps
- Extent of coverage
- Service call fee
- Your location
- Your home’s size and type
Your chosen premium frequency could also affect your overall costs. Many providers offer special discounts and free months of service for choosing an annual plan over a monthly option. In fact, our survey revealed that 52.5% of respondents selected an annual premium, while 45.8% chose a monthly plan. We recommend comparing sample quotes from several providers to find the best premium savings.
Factors To Consider Before Buying a Tennessee Home Warranty
Before you begin researching home warranty companies in Tennessee, we recommend considering the following factors:
Home Age
Consider the age of your home before buying a home warranty. If you are moving into new construction, you likely don’t need a home warranty plan for your first year of homeownership. This is because Tennessee’s New Home Warranty Act mandates that home builders provide a one-year warranty on the systems’ installation and workmanship.
Company Reputation
Research a provider’s overall reputation before signing up for a coverage plan. We highly recommend choosing providers with BBB accreditation. Also, look for companies associated with industry organizations, such as the National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA).
Contract Terms
Carefully review sample contracts. Reputable providers display them on their websites or send them via email upon request. Seek answers to the following questions: Are there limits on how much the provider will pay per covered item? Does it require maintenance records before offering coverage? Reading the fine print beforehand helps avoid claim denials in the future.
Service Response Time
When an unexpected breakdown occurs, you want it repaired quickly. Confirm a provider will process a service request within 24–48 hours. Our survey revealed that most policyholders received claim approval in 24 hours or less. Also, ask how quickly it sends a service technician to your home outside normal business hours.
Tennessee Home Warranty Company Reviews
Liberty Home Guard
Best Customer Ratings
American Home Shield
Best for Comprehensive Coverage
Elite Home Warranty
Best for Flexible Coverage
Select Home Warranty
Best Value
First American Home Warranty
Best Appliance Coverage
How Do Home Warranties Work in Tennessee?
Home warranties are service agreements that cover the repair or replacement costs of your home’s major systems and appliances. Suppose a covered item fails, you file a claim, and the company’s service technician determines the breakdown occurred due to normal wear and tear. In that case, the home warranty will cover the repair or replacement of the item up to its established coverage limit.
Are Home Warranties Worth It in Tennessee?
Yes, home warranties can be the right choice in many situations. For instance, a home warranty can be a wise investment for individuals who own many aged systems and appliances. According to the International Association of Home Inspectors, home appliances last an average of five to 20 years, depending on the item. If you know your appliances are within that age range, a home warranty can help reduce appliance repair or replacement costs.
How To Choose the Best Home Warranty Company in Tennessee
The best home warranty for your home depends on several factors. Here are a few criteria to consider:
- Plan type: It’s important to know the type of coverage you need before purchasing a home warranty plan. For example, purchasing an appliance-only plan wouldn’t make sense if you recently upgraded your home appliances. Ensure your selected plan covers the right appliances and systems based on your immediate needs.
- Local vs. national providers: Consider the type of company you wish to purchase a plan from. Local providers may use contractors you’re familiar with but may lack national brands’ standard features, such as an expansive coverage list.
- In-network contractors vs. your own: Consider how you prefer handling claims with your provider. If you’re more hands-on, consider a company that allows you to choose your service technician. If you’d rather let the home warranty take care of it, a provider with in-network technicians makes sense. Note that some home warranty companies don’t provide a workmanship guarantee for service providers you hire. However, your local repair shop will typically give you a workmanship guarantee on any completed repairs.
How Are Home Warranties Regulated in Tennessee?
Home warranty regulations vary significantly from state to state. In Tennessee, the Department of Commerce and Insurance doesn’t clearly indicate it regulates home service contracts. However, it provides consumers with information on how to avoid home warranty scams. The state’s Attorney General’s Office also provides consumer protection. You can file a complaint on the Tennessee Attorney General’s website.
In states where there isn’t clear government intervention, industry associations take up that role. The Service Contract Industry Council (SCIC) is a major organization that oversees home warranties. It has a member directory where you can find information on reputable and compliant home warranty companies.
Home Warranty Cost Calculator
We created a calculator to break down the estimated annual cost of owning a home warranty. Enter your monthly premium, service call fee, and estimated number of claims to see your projected annual cost. It’s best to request a quote directly from one of our recommended providers, as annual costs and service fees vary between them.
| 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 |
Expert Takes on Home Warranties
We reached out to experts in industries associated with home warranties, such as real estate and appliance repair. We sent them some frequently asked questions, and these were their responses:
- Are there questions I should ask about the claims process? According to David Tully, founder of LPT Realty, you should confirm how long the company will take to respond to your claim. “You need to understand how to file a claim to your provider and how quickly you can expect a response from them.” He adds, “Also, get to know the turnaround time they would take for the repairs and replacements.” We recommend asking how they source parts and how long it takes to receive them for repairs.
- Do home warranties provide cash reimbursement? Kurt Walker, a Mill City Home Buyers real estate expert, says most companies will offer cash reimbursements instead of repairs or replacements. “However, you must be aware that the cash payout might not cover the cost of replacement,” he warns.
- Why should I buy a Tennessee home warranty? Marcus Fernandez, attorney and co-owner of Kinney, Fernandez, and Boire Law, recommends buying a home warranty even if you already own a home insurance plan. “They go beyond what your homeowners insurance covers by catering to the inevitable wear and tear of home systems and appliances, which typically isn’t covered by insurance.”
What Other Home Warranty Companies Are Available in Tennessee?
While Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield are your best options for Tennessee home warranty companies, other providers, such as Elite Home Warranty, are available.
Our Conclusion
Liberty Home Guard is our top pick for Tennessee’s best home warranty company. The company has received high ratings in our detailed scorecard due to its 60-day workmanship guarantee, double the industry standard, and extensive add-on catalog. Another top provider is American Home Shield, which rated well for its comprehensive protections and generous coverage caps. Elite Home Warranty is another solid choice for Tennessee homeowners who want more flexibility with their home coverage.
We recommend getting quotes from at least three companies to compare pricing and find the best plan that fits your budget.
Other Resources for Residents in Tennessee
How Do I Find the Best Home Warranty Company in My Area?
Find in-depth reviews on the best home warranty companies for top cities in Tennessee below.
Find Home Warranties in TN
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Home Warranties
Are home warranties worth it for older Tennessee Homes?
Yes, a home warranty can be worth it for an older Tennessee since it likely has older major systems and appliances that can fail due to wear and tear. The exception is if your home systems and appliances have preexisting conditions, as many providers exclude coverage for these. If you want coverage for items with preexisting conditions, American Home Shield covers certain preexisting conditions and does not require a home inspection before beginning coverage.
What add-ons are good for Tennessee homeowners?
While your unique situation calls may not require these add-ons, a few solid additional coverage options Tennessee homeowners should consider are roof-leak repair coverage and additional air conditioning due to the regular rainfall and hot summers.
What types of homes do home warranties cover?
The type of home a home warranty covers varies per provider. Most providers cover single-family homes, mobile homes, condos, and townhomes. Multi-family homes and apartment complexes are usually not covered. Home warranties also cover rental properties.
How long do home warranties guarantee their work?
A home warranty typically guarantees its work for 30 days after it repairs or replaces your covered item. Some companies, such as AFC Home Warranty, guarantee their work for the length of your plan.
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 the 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 to choose 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.
