One Year Home Warranty: Why is it worth considering?

logo
Select Editorial Team
7 Mins Read Mar 08,2021 Home Warranty
Share this article:
Home warranties are annual plans to protect your home's systems and appliances.

Homeownership comes with a lot of responsibilities, and unexpected breakdowns can be a major headache. With a one year home warranty, those worries don’t have to become financial burdens. For buyers, this type of coverage makes homeownership less stressful. For home sellers, it makes their home more attractive to potential buyers.

When an appliance or system in your home experiences a breakdown, you can easily place a claim with Select Home Warranty. We’ll send a qualified professional to assess the issue. Any repairs or replacements are covered according to your terms, and you only owe a modest day-of-service fee to the technician.

Home warranties can be renewed annually and either paid annually or monthly. The costs of home warranties quickly outweigh the stress and deeper costs of fixing mechanical issues on your own.

Do you have questions about warranty plans and coverage for one year? Call us today:

800-670-8931.

What does a one year home warranty mean?

A one-year home warranty is a service contract that covers the cost of repairing or replacing major home systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear. Most plans run for 12 months and can be purchased at any time, not just when you buy a home.

Coverage typically includes your HVAC system, plumbing, electrical, and kitchen appliances. When something breaks, you call your provider, pay a small service fee (usually $65–$200), and a vetted technician handles the rest.

The plan can be customized, allowing homeowners to add extra coverage if needed. Whether you are a buyer looking for added security or a seller wanting to close a deal, a one-year warranty can be a smart investment. Such types of home warranties are renewed annually. They can be paid monthly or annually, and you may receive additional coverage benefits when paying annually.

After a brief grace period, your coverage kicks in, and when you have an appliance or system acting up, such as a dryer that stops spinning or a garbage disposal that no longer turns on, place a claim. We’ll coordinate sending a local technician to assess your problem.

How much does a 1-year home appliance warranty cost?

The average cost of a one-year home appliance warranty typically ranges from $400 to $700 per year, depending on the level of coverage you choose. At Select Home Warranty, plans start as low as $36 per month, making it easier for homeowners to protect major appliances and systems without facing large unexpected repair bills.

We offer Bronze, Gold, and Platinum Plans with additional optional coverage for unique areas of your home, such as swimming pools and water wells. The Platinum plan covers both appliances and systems, totaling $499 per year. Homeowners choosing our plans also qualify for added savings( $150 off your plan of choice) along with free roof leak coverage (valued at $99),

When billed yearly, you receive two additional months free, and you can take advantage of our discount codes offering up to an extra $100 off.

Select Home Warranty Plans Comparison

Plan What It Covers Why Homeowners Choose It
Bronze Care Major home appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, washers, and dryers A cost-effective option for homeowners focused on protecting everyday appliances from unexpected breakdowns
Gold Care Essential home systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and water heaters Ideal for homeowners who want protection for the core systems that keep the home running smoothly
Platinum Care Combines appliance and system coverage with free roof leak protection Offers more complete home protection in one plan, plus added value with broader coverage benefits

Not sure which plan covers your home? Every home is different. Our plans start at just $36/month, and you can see exactly what’s covered before you commit. No hard sell, no fine print surprises.

See Plans & Pricing

How Does A Warranty Work?

The process is simpler than most people expect. Here’s how it typically works from start to finish:

  • Step 1:  You sign up for a plan and choose your service call fee. Most providers offer a range; a lower monthly premium means a higher service fee per visit, and vice versa. Pick what fits your budget.
  • Step 2: Coverage starts after a 30-day waiting period. This is standard across the industry and simply ensures people aren’t buying a plan because something has already broken. If you’re purchasing a home and the seller provides a warranty at closing, coverage usually begins on the closing date.
  • Step 3: When something breaks, you file a claim. Call the 24/7 claims line or submit online. Your provider will dispatch an experienced local technician; you don’t have to find one yourself.
  • Step 4: You pay the service fee at the door. That’s it. The technician diagnoses the issue, and if it’s covered, your provider pays for parts and labor directly.
  • Step 5: If repair isn’t possible, your provider will authorize a replacement. Depending on your plan, replacement is either at a comparable value or up to a set dollar limit.

Most claims are resolved within 24–72 hours for non-emergency repairs. Urgent issues like a failed HVAC system in extreme heat or cold are typically treated as a priority.

Read our full blog “How does the home warranty claim process work?” to get a clear idea of how to file a claim and what to expect next.

Get Coverage For Every Season

What’s covered by home warranties?

The exact coverage depends on the yearly warranty plan you choose. Some plans focus only on major home systems, while others protect everyday appliances. Combination plans provide broader coverage by including both systems and appliances under one plan.
We offer flexible coverage options designed to fit different homeowner needs. We can cover all of the following:

Major Appliances:

  • Refrigerator
  • Oven & Cooktop
  • Dishwasher
  • Garbage Disposal
  • Stand-Alone Freezer
  • Microwave Oven
  • Water Heater
  • Washer
  • Dryer

Major Systems:

  • Heating System
  • Electrical System
  • Central Vacuum
  • AC & HVAC System
  • Air Ductwork
  • Septic System
  • Plumbing Stoppage

Other:

  • Pool or Spa
  • Lawn Sprinkler System
  • Garage Door Opener
  • Well Pump
  • Sump Pump
  • Roof Leaks

What to Look for When Comparing Yearly Home Warranty Plans

Not all home warranty plans are the same, and the differences matter. Here’s what to pay attention to when you’re comparing options:

  • Coverage limits: Some plans cap how much they’ll pay per repair or replacement, for example, $1,500 toward an HVAC replacement when the actual cost is $6,000. Look for plans with higher or no per-item caps on big-ticket items.
  • Service call fee: This is what you pay each time a technician visits. It typically ranges from $65 to $200. A lower monthly premium often comes with a higher service fee, so calculate the total cost based on how often you expect to use it.
  • Contractor network: The best providers use licensed, vetted contractors. Ask whether you can request a specific contractor or if you’re assigned one.
  • Response time: Most reputable providers dispatch within 24–48 hours. During peak periods (very cold winters, very hot summers), slower providers can leave you waiting 5–7 days for HVAC service, which matters when it’s 95°F outside.
  • Renewal terms: Make sure the price doesn’t jump significantly at renewal. Ask for the renewal rate upfront.

Select Home Warranty is transparent about all of these terms. Our plans include no hidden fees, vetted contractors in all states, and a 24/7 claims line available every day of the year.

Why is an Annual Home Warranty Worth Considering?

No home system or appliance lasts forever, and repairs can be costly. Select offers 24/7 service request support and budget-friendly coverage to help homeowners handle unexpected repairs with less stress. It also provides added peace of mind, especially for homes with older systems and appliances that may be more prone to breakdowns. Here’s what it does for you:

  • Saves You from Surprise Expenses: Costly breakdowns happen, but an annual home warranty helps cover repairs or replacements, so you don’t have to drain your savings.
  • Takes the Stress Out of Repairs: Finding a reliable technician can be frustrating. With a home appliance warranty in place, the company will connect you with a trusted professional to handle the issue.
  • Ideal for First-time Homeowners: If you’ve just bought a home and spent your savings, a warranty is a smart way to avoid unexpected financial strain. This is especially relevant in growing housing markets like Rock Hill, where buyers look for added security before closing a deal. Exploring options for a home warranty in Rock Hill can give first-time homeowners greater confidence during the transaction.
  • Adds Value When Selling: Offering a one year home coverage can make your home more attractive to buyers, giving them extra confidence in their purchase.

About Select Home Warranty

Since 2012, Select Home Warranty has offered affordable and extensive coverage on home appliances and systems. Find us on Top10.com, featured for our affordable premiums and fees, 24/7 phone support, and free roof leak coverage!

We aim to shield your wallet from the unexpected costs of repairing or replacing appliances and systems in your home, without the extra stress. Our one year home warranty plans provide reliable protection, ensuring you’re covered when it matters most. We’ve received numerous awards and recognitions for our services, including Best Home Warranty Companies of May 2026 by CNBC Select and 250+ Five-star Ratings by Shopper Approved.

Ready to protect your home this year?

Getting a home warranty takes about 5 minutes. Pick your plan, choose your service fee, and you’re covered, with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Select Home Warranty has protected over 700,000 homes across the U.S.

Get a Free Quote Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a one-year home warranty worth it for first-time homeowners?

Yes, many first-time homeowners choose a one-year home protection plan to reduce the financial stress of unexpected repairs during the first year of ownership. Instead of paying the full cost to repair covered systems or appliances, homeowners only pay a service fee for eligible claims.

Does a 1-year home warranty cover old appliances and systems?

Yes. Our coverage is designed to protect systems and appliances that fail due to normal wear and tear, even if they are older. Coverage eligibility depends on the provider’s terms, the condition of the item, and whether it was properly maintained before the breakdown.

Can a seller include a one-year home warranty when selling a house?

Yes, sellers often include a warranty plan as an added benefit for buyers. It can help increase buyer confidence by offering repair coverage after the sale, especially for older homes with aging systems or appliances.

Can I renew my home warranty after the first year?

Yes, our contracts are renewable annually. We allow you to renew your plan each year, often at the same rate. Some providers offer multi-year discounts if you prepay. Your coverage continues uninterrupted as long as you renew before the expiration date.

Share this article:
Spring Maintenance Checklist

Don’t have a
home warranty? 

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Check out our current plans  and get your free quote.

Call at 855-267-3532 today.

Table of Contents