At a Glance: Best Home Warranty Companies in North Carolina
● Liberty Home Guard: Highly customizable plans with a wide range of add-ons
● Elite Home Warranty: Modular, build-your-own coverage structure
● Sears Home Services: Appliance-centered protection backed by a major brand
● Select Home Warranty: Affordable core system and appliance coverage
● Old Republic Home Protection: Traditional provider with strong real estate presence
● American Home Shield: Broad coverage options with high limits
Each of these providers operates in North Carolina, but they differ significantly in plan structure, optional features, service model, and the types of homes they suit best.
How to Choose a Home Warranty in North Carolina
Choosing a home warranty in North Carolina begins with understanding how the state’s climate and housing profile influence system wear. Air conditioning systems tend to run for many months of the year due to warm temperatures and humidity, increasing the likelihood of wear-related failures. Heating systems see significant use during cooler months in western and northern parts of the state. Plumbing, electrical systems, water heaters, and kitchen appliances also experience heavy use across all regions.
A good home warranty should align with your home’s age, maintenance history, and the specific systems and appliances most important to you. Some plans are highly customizable, allowing you to add specific components you care most about. Others provide broad, straightforward protection for standard systems and appliances.
Beyond coverage, consider:
● Service fees and premium balance: Lower monthly cost may come with higher per-claim fees.
● Claims process: Timely response is especially important during peak HVAC season.
● Technician selection: Some providers allow you to choose your own contractor; others assign technicians.
Your ideal provider should match both your home profile and how hands-on you want to be with service.
The Best Home Warranty Companies in North Carolina List
1. Liberty Home Guard
Liberty Home Guard is often selected by homeowners who want a highly customizable service plan. Rather than choosing from a few fixed plans, customers can start with a basic systems or appliances package and build up coverage with a wide array of add-ons. This flexibility is especially useful for homes with non-traditional systems or additional features like second refrigerators or sump pumps.
Coverage can include core home systems such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing, as well as major appliances like dishwashers and refrigerators. Optional coverage includes items like roof leaks (limited), septic systems, and home entertainment wiring. Liberty Home Guard’s online claims portal provides easy tracking, and technicians are assigned from the company’s network.
Best For: Homeowners who want tailored protection beyond standard coverage.
Pros
● High degree of customization
● Large add-on catalog
● Online account and claims portal
Cons
● Assigned technicians only
● Add-ons can increase total cost
2. Elite Home Warranty
Elite Home Warranty approaches coverage differently by allowing you to build your plan item by item. Instead of predefined bundles, you assemble coverage based on your home’s specific needs. This can be particularly valuable for North Carolina homeowners who want targeted protection rather than broad “one-size-fits-all” plans.
Elite’s structure allows for flexibility without forcing you into unnecessary coverage. If your appliances are newer but your HVAC system is aging, you can prioritize the latter. Coverage limits are generally competitive, and customer support handles claims via phone or online submission. Technicians are dispatched through the provider network.
Best For: Homeowners seeking precise coverage without extra features they don’t need.
Pros
● Build-your-own coverage model
● Transparent pricing
● Good option for selective coverage
Cons
● Requires more decision-making upfront
● Broader coverage may cost more
3. Sears Home Services
Sears Home Services is one of the better-known names in appliance repair and protection. While not a traditional home warranty provider for full system coverage, Sears offers appliance-focused protection plans backed by a national service network. This can be a strong choice if your priority is reducing out-of-pocket expenses for appliance breakdowns.
In North Carolina, homeowners who rely heavily on kitchen and laundry appliances may appreciate Sears’ depth of experience in these areas. Coverage tends to focus on common household appliances, and technicians are dispatched by Sears’ service infrastructure.
Best For: Homeowners primarily interested in appliance protection.
Pros
● National brand with long appliance service history
● Extensive technician network
● Strong focus on appliance repairs
Cons
● Limited or no coverage for major systems
● Not a full traditional home warranty model
4. Select Home Warranty
Select Home Warranty is positioned as a value-oriented provider with straightforward plans covering essential systems and appliances. Its pricing structure is generally competitive, making it popular among first-time homeowners or those on a tighter budget.
Coverage typically includes HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and major appliances. Optional add-ons are available for items like roof leaks or stand-alone freezers, though options are more limited than with highly flexible providers. Claims are submitted online or through customer support, with technicians dispatched from the Select network.
Best For: Budget-conscious homeowners seeking basic but solid coverage.
Pros
● Lower monthly premiums
● Simple plan structure
● Nationwide availability
Cons
● Fewer customization options
● Coverage exclusions require careful review
5. Old Republic Home Protection
Old Republic Home Protection is one of the most established warranty companies in the United States, with deep ties to real estate transactions. Its plans are commonly included as part of home sales and serve both new buyers and existing homeowners.
In North Carolina, Old Republic is known for reliable coverage of core systems and appliances that fail due to wear and tear. While plan flexibility is more limited than modern custom offerings, the provider’s long-standing presence means structured processes and consistent service.
Best For: Homeowners who value stability and traditional coverage.
Pros
● Long industry history
● Familiar option for home buyers
● Steady service processes
Cons
● Less plan flexibility
● Coverage limits can be lower than some competitors
6. American Home Shield
American Home Shield (AHS) is one of the largest and most widely recognized names in the home warranty industry. Its plans offer broad coverage limits, accommodating items that may be excluded by tighter contracts. This provider is often chosen by homeowners with aging systems or older homes where repair risk is higher.
AHS offers multiple plan tiers, including options that emphasize systems, appliances, or a combination of both. Service fees are adjustable, allowing homeowners to balance monthly cost with per-claim expenses. Technicians are dispatched through a large national network, which can improve service speed during busy periods.
Best For: Homes with older systems or extensive coverage needs.
Pros
● High coverage caps
● Large contractor network
● Flexible service fee structure
Cons
● Higher premiums than basic competitors
● Assigned technicians only
Comparison Table: Best Home Warranty Companies in North Carolina
Company
Coverage Flexibility
Add-Ons
Service Fee Options
Best For
Liberty Home Guard
High
Extensive
Multiple
Customized coverage
Elite Home Warranty
High
Modular
Multiple
Build-your-own plans
Sears Home Services
Low
Minimal
Fixed
Appliance focus
Select Home Warranty
Medium
Limited
Fixed
Budget coverage
Old Republic Home Protection
Medium
Limited
Fixed
Real estate usage
American Home Shield
High
Moderate
Adjustable
Older systems
Which Home Warranty Company Is Right for You in North Carolina?
Selecting the right home warranty provider comes down to matching coverage to your home’s specific risks, age, and systems. Begin by identifying the items most important to protect. For example:
● Older or high-use HVAC systems may benefit from a provider with high coverage caps.
● Custom homes with unique features might find value in providers that let you tailor coverage, such as Liberty Home Guard.
● Budget-focused homeowners looking for basic core coverage.
● If your priority is appliance protection, another provider may be worth considering.
Next, consider how you handle service calls. Some providers will assign technicians, while others allow you to work with your own licensed professionals. Response times and customer support accessibility can vary, especially during high demand periods such as peak summer when air conditioning repairs are common.
Pricing balance is also key. Lower monthly premiums may come with higher service fees, while adjustable service fee plans allow you to lower your claim cost at the expense of a higher monthly payment. Reading the full terms, coverage caps, and exclusions before committing will help ensure you choose a plan that provides meaningful protection for your home.
The best provider is one that aligns with your priorities, whether that’s comprehensive coverage, budget-conscious simplicity, or tailored protection for specific systems.
FAQs
Are home warranties worth it for North Carolina homeowners?
Home warranties can be worth it because North Carolina’s climate and usage patterns put consistent strain on HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. These systems are expensive to repair or replace when they fail due to everyday wear. A home warranty helps spread repair costs over predictable payments and reduces out-of-pocket surprises. For homeowners who prefer financial stability and fewer one-time expenses, a warranty can provide practical insurance against system failures.
Do home warranties cover air conditioning systems?
Most reputable home warranty providers include air conditioning coverage, but the scope varies by plan. Coverage limits, aging exclusions, and cap amounts for refrigerant or compressor replacement are common differences between plans. Some providers require optional add-ons to fully protect certain HVAC components. Because air conditioning is so critical in North Carolina’s long warm season, you should carefully review coverage terms to ensure your specific system components are included at adequate payout levels.
What is typically excluded from coverage?
Exclusions are a normal part of home warranty contracts and typically include pre-existing conditions, lack of proper maintenance, damage from external forces like storms, cosmetic defects, and upgrades required to meet building codes. Providers also frequently exclude items that are not in normal working condition at the start of coverage. Understanding exclusions before you buy helps set realistic expectations and prevents surprises during the claim process.
Can homeowners choose their own contractor for repairs?
Contractor selection policies differ by provider. Some home warranty companies allow you to use your own licensed technician for covered repairs, provided that technician meets plan requirements. Others assign service professionals from their trusted network. Each approach has pros and cons. Choosing your own contractor may give you more control and familiarity, while assigned technicians may streamline scheduling for homeowners who prefer a hands-off experience.
Are home warranties transferable if I sell my home?
Many home warranty plans are transferable to a new homeowner, and this can be a useful selling point. Transfer policies often require notification and may include a fee. Transferability means the new owner can continue receiving coverage under the existing contract, which can provide reassurance during the transition period after closing. Always check the provider’s specific transfer terms before assuming a plan is transferable.
How long does it usually take to receive service after filing a claim?
Service timelines depend on the provider, technician availability, and regional demand. Most home warranty companies aim to dispatch a technician within one to three business days after a claim is approved. During peak demand times like summer or winter, response times may lengthen due to volume. Understanding quoted service windows and emergency response policies helps set expectations for when repairs will begin.
Do home warranties cover older systems and appliances?
Many providers will cover older systems and appliances, as long as they are in functional condition when the contract begins. However, payout limits and eligibility restrictions often apply to aging items. Providers may also require proof of maintenance for older systems. Reviewing age-related restrictions, payout caps, and maintenance requirements ensures you know what to expect before enrolling coverage.
