How to Choose the Best Home Warranty Company

Why Choose Total for your Home Warranty Service Plan?

Unexpected breakdowns of your AC systems, appliances, plumbing, and electrical can derail your budget. A home warranty offers financial protection and peace of mind. With several providers in the market—both national and local—how do you choose the right one for your South Florida home? Total has offered fully customizable plans, local support, and no hidden fees since 1970. Here’s what to consider when comparing home warranty companies.

Keys Things to Consider when Selecting a Home Warranty Company

Customization of Coverage
– Can you add or remove specific systems and appliances?
– Does the plan allow tailoring limits for HVAC, plumbing, appliance, or electrical?

Service Fees and Deductibles
– What is the per-call service fee?
– Are there deductibles, co-pays, or hidden charges? (For example, American Home Shield lets members choose a $100 or $125 fee per call; Total charges $0 per call).

Coverage Limits and Caps
– How much will the company pay per appliance or system per term?
– Are there unique limits for key components—compressors, heat exchangers, control boards—or is every part treated the same?

Claims Process and Service Network
– Are technicians in-house or subcontracted?
– How quickly do they respond to service requests?
– Do they dispatch local, licensed professionals?

Contract Terms and Exclusions
– Are pre-existing conditions covered?
– What maintenance requirements must you meet?
– How long is the waiting period before coverage starts?

Customer Reviews and Ratings
– What do real users say on sites like Google, Yelp, or Reddit?
– Are there repeated issues with claim denials or delays?

Tips for Comparing Home Warranty Plans

• Request Detailed Quotes: Include itemized coverage, service fees, and any contract limits.
• Read the Fine Print: Watch for exclusions like pre-existing conditions or improper maintenance clauses.
• Check Waiting Periods: Some plans enforce 30-day waiting before coverage begins.
• Inspect Provider Ratings: Look to BBB, Google Reviews, and Reddit communities for real-world feedback.
• Ask About Renewal Terms: Rates can increase significantly at renewal; confirm year-two pricing.

How Popular Home Warranties Compare (to Total)

American Home Shield (AHS)

• Offers ShieldSilver, Gold, and Platinum plans.
• Plans start as low as $29.99 per month.
• Service fees of $100–$125 apply per call, plus sales tax.
• Coverage limits: $5,000 per HVAC system; up to $50,000 total per term.
• Uses a national contractor network; some customers report offshore call centers and extra fees for outside technicians.

Choice Home Warranty

• Basic and Total plans start around $49–$57 per month.
• Standard service fee roughly $100 per visit.
• Coverage limits of $3,000 per category; no unlimited claims.
• Subcontracted technicians serve different regions.
• Some customers report slow claim processing and claim denials on minor issues.

Total

• Basic plan starts at $29.17 a month
• Zero fee per visit, no matter the plan.
• Coverage limits vary by age of equipment.
• All technicians are in-house and full-time employees.
• All calls are taken in-house at one of many office locations through South Florida.

Why Total Is South Florida’s Top Choice for a Home Warranty

Fully Customizable Plans
You choose exactly what to cover—air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, appliances, and more. No irrelevant add-ons.

Zero Hidden Fees
No deductibles, co-pays, or surprise charges. One annual fee covers all service calls, parts, and labor.

Unlimited Service Calls
Whether you need ten repairs or one, you pay the same flat rate on your annual plan.

In-House, Licensed Technicians
All work is performed by Total’s own employees. You deal with local experts, not offshore call centers.

Fast Response and Local Presence
With over 70 trucks in Miami-Dade, Broward, and parts of Palm Beach, we aim for same or next-day service. Emergency support is available 24/7 for active contracts.

Budget-Friendly Protection
A single major appliance repair often exceeds the cost of our yearly service contract. Our plans can pay for themselves in one or two claims.

Long-Standing Reputation
Serving South Florida since 1970, Total has built trust through reliable service and transparent pricing.

Choosing a home warranty company balancing coverage, fees, and service quality. National providers offer wide networks but may include hidden fees and subcontractors. Total combines fully customizable plans, in-house technicians, unlimited service calls, and no hidden costs. Let us protect your home systems and appliances—and deliver the peace of mind you deserve.

Contact Total today for a personalized quote and start safeguarding your home against unexpected repair bills, and explore our specials (switching from a previous warranty company will get you a $50 credit on a new contract!)