The Florida Climate Center reports that northern Florida’s dew point temperature averages range from 55 to 60. The southern half of the state’s averages are above 60. What does that mean? It means Florida is literally the most humid place in the United States. It also means that Floridians need air conditioning more than anyone in the country.
What happens when the central air, air conditioning or cooling system in your home breaks down? Well, if you have a home warranty plan, it kicks in and covers the cost of repair or restoration. If you don’t, you may want to explore the plans from the best home warranty companies in Florida.
The 4 best home warranty companies in Florida of 2019
- Choice Home Warranty – Best comprehensive coverage
- Select Home Warranty – Best discounts and deals
- Cinch Home Services – Best service provider network
- Complete Appliance Protection Inc. – Most transparent
|
Provider |
Basic Plan Cost | Upgrades | Better Business Bureau Rating |
| Choice Home Warranty | Total Plan is $510 with an $85 service call fee for 13 months | Cost for optional pool/spa coverages varies | B- |
| Select Home Warranty | Gold care is $52 per month
Platinum care is $58 per month Bronze care is $36 per month |
Pool coverage is about $10 per month | B |
| Total Protect | Deductible at $150:
Appliances plan $31.95 Systems plan $29.95 Combo plan $43.95 Deductible at $125: Appliances plan $35.95 Systems plan $33.95 Combo plan $48.95 Deductible at 100: Appliances plan $39.95, Systems plan $37.95, Combo plan $53.95 |
Pool and spa coverage is customized | B+ |
| Complete Appliance Protection Inc. | Essential plan is $540 per year
Advanced plan costs $660 annually Comprehensive and Ultimate plans are $780 and $900 per year, respectively Pool heater and pool pumper are $12 per month each |
There is a multitude of a la carte add-ons | A+ |
The 4 best home warranty companies in Florida of 2019
Choice Home Warranty – Best Comprehensive Coverage
Imagine having a home warranty plan that covers all of your home’s systems and major appliances down to the plumbing stoppage, ceiling fans and whirlpool bathtub. Choice Home Warranty’s Total Plan does that for just over $500. That price point doesn’t seem to be advantageous for the money-conscious homeowner, but it’s actually set for a 13-month contract. For less than $40 a month, you can have your most important appliances and your HVAC system protected.
Be aware that their service calls are $85, though, which is a little steeper in price than normal. However, that does mean you will reach your deductible faster.
Select Home Warranty – Best discounts and deals
Some homeowners don’t need all the bells and whistles. They just want the basics and they want their plan to be affordable. Select Home Warranty offers two plans that fit this description. It has a reasonably priced Gold Care plan that covers only your home’s systems: cooling, heating, plumbing, electrical, water heater and duct work. It also has a similarly priced Bronze Care plan that covers all of your home’s major appliances: washer, dryer, refrigerator, oven, microwave and cooktop.
In addition to economical plans, this budget-focused company gives two months free for new customers, along with roof coverage at no cost and discounted coverage for new customers who sign up online.
Cinch Home Services – Best service provider network
What sets Cinch Home Services apart from its competitors is its service provider network. They pre-screen every contractor and evaluate their performance. If you’re concerned about the quality and experience of the service provider that’s coming to your house, you can ask Cinch Home Services what their rating is in their internal system. They also offer a 180-day guarantee on all covered repairs.
In addition to top-notch contractors, this company’s most notable offering is its appliance plan. It focuses on often overlooked kitchen appliances such as a range exhaust hoods and built-in trash compactors. It also provides mechanical parts and components that get impacted by rust and corrosion.
Complete Appliance Protection Inc. – Most transparent
Complete Appliance Protection bills itself as having a no-nonsense coverage. There is no fine print or legalese. Unlike most of the home warranty companies in Florida, it carefully outlines what the company’s plans cover and how much they cost. Perhaps most importantly, this almost nationwide home warranty company offers a month-to-month service contract. If clients aren’t satisfied, they can opt out of their plans. That’s practically unheard of in the home warranty business.
Complete Appliance Protection’s plans tend to be pricier than average, though. The most basic plan starts at $540 per year. Their mid-range plan is $660. Their higher plans range from $780 to $900 per year. It also has an impressive list of affordable add-ons, including a sought-after monthly fee for major appliances.
What is a home warranty company?
A home warranty plan operates like an insurance plan for your home’s systems, such as its electrical, heating and cooling. Depending on which plan you sign up for, your major appliances, such as your washer and dryer, may also be covered.
Home warranty plan holders are responsible for paying either an up-front or monthly fee. When a system breaks down, you initiate a service call. A contractor gets dispatched to your home and completes the repair. You’ll pay a service call fee and the cost of any repairs until you meet your plan’s deductible. Plans vary greatly as to what they cover and how much they cost.
How should I choose the right home warranty company?
Many homeowners sign up for a home warranty plan when they purchase their house. Their rates are negotiated through their buying agent. Existing homeowners can purchase a home warranty plan directly from a home warranty company. In that case, it’s critical to carefully scrutinize each plan and compare pricing.
“Oftentimes you aren’t covering apples to apples,” said Mark Benson, realtor at Keller Williams Realty Naples.
For example, a basic coverage plan will cover heating, cooling and electrical but will not provide you any coverage for pool repairs.
“Do your homework,” he said. “Do your comparison shopping. You might be going for the cheapest and might not realize they might not cover a lot of things.”
It’s also important to ask a home warranty company about its service provider network, including how many contractors they work with, where they are located and what their service record is.
The bottom line
Choosing the best home warranty company means thinking about how much coverage you really need and what you’re willing to spend. A good rule of thumb is: if the cost of your possible repairs or system restoration will be more than the annual cost of a home warranty plan, it’s a good idea to sign up for a plan. If not, you can stash that money away and front the cost of the repairs.
