Wednesday, December 11th
2024 Home Warranty Company Reviews
Cinch Home Services
- Prices from $30.99 to $44.99 per month
- Add ons from $4.58 to $22 per month
- Trade service fees around $100 to $125 per claim
- Coverage for appliances, heating system, electrical, plumbing, water heater, whirlpool bathtub, and more
- Add-ons for pool, sump pump, and more
- 180-day workmanship guarantee
Cinch Home Services is a well-established company that has been in operation for over 40 years. With a family of sub-companies including Homesure, Total Protect, Cross Country Home Services, and HMS, Cinch is a reputable player in the home warranty industry. In fact, even Sears home warranties (which you'll find reviewed separately here) are now powered by Cinch. With such a long history, it's no surprise that Cinch has gained a reputation for providing quality service to its customers.
Three plans include extras already
When it comes to choosing a home warranty plan with Cinch, you have three options to consider: the Appliances plan, the Built-in Systems plan, and the Complete Home plan. The Appliances plan covers common appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, and dryers. The Built-in Systems plan covers plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC systems. The Complete Home plan includes coverage for both appliances and systems. What's great about Cinch is that what many of their rivals make you pay for as an add-on, you'll get included here at no extra cost. For example, the Built-in Systems plan automatically covers your sump pump and garage door opener, and if you've got a free-standing ice maker, it's already covered in the Appliances package.
Pricing from $30.99 to $44.99 per month
One of the things that sets Cinch apart from other home warranty companies is their affordable pricing. In our area, their home warranties start at just $30.99 per month for the Appliances coverage, $35.99 per month for the Built-in Systems plan, and $44.99 per month for the Complete Home plan. These prices assume you're choosing the $150 deductible - also known as a trade service call fee - but you can opt for a higher monthly cost to get a lower deductible of just $100 to $125 per claim. It was only on the checkout page that we spotted the option to pay annually instead of monthly - but our quote was more expensive for annual billing vs. monthly (which came as a surprise).
Extras from $4.58 to $22 per month
While many extras come with your Cinch plan automatically, there are still a few add-ons you can pick out during checkout. Priced between $4.58 to $22 more per month, you can add coverage for things like septic tanks, permits and upgrades to your home, and pools/spas.
180-day workmanship guarantee
Cinch offers a 180-day workmanship guarantee on repairs. This means that if your claim is based on work done previously by a Cinch worker, even something you were unaware of, you'll still be covered. Cinch has a maximum coverage amount or "cap" on certain repairs or across all coverage in your home, but this varies depending on the system, item, or home component and the plan you select.
Reputation may be heading in the wrong direction
When it comes to reputation, Cinch has a "B+" rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with accreditation. This rating is due to over 3,300 complaints filed in the last three years. However, Cinch is responding appropriately to all of these complaints. The most frequently mentioned issue in complaints is repair delays: customers have gone without a working dishwasher, refrigerator, or other appliance for weeks or even months. Outside of the BBB, customer feedback for Cinch is mixed. Some customers love their home warranty service here, while others hate it. Over 30% of reviews gave Cinch the lowest possible rating of one star, while over 50% thought the company deserved a perfect five stars. As we looked through the reviews, we noticed that the more current reviews were almost all negative. This gives the impression that what used to be a positive customer experience has changed to a less-than-great one.
Solid option for lots of protection at one price
Overall, we give Cinch a "cautiously optimistic" rating. We like the simplicity of their plans and pricing, their long history in the industry, and the number of customers who have had flawless warranty claims. However, we also acknowledge that there are some negative reviews out there and that Cinch may not be the best choice for everyone. But, if you like a plan that includes the extras in the original price, Cinch is definitely worth a look.
More Home Warranty Company Reviews
Where Can You Find the Best Home Warranty?
Being prepared for unexpected expenses is part of homeownership. Whether you're a landlord looking to reduce operating costs, a homeowner trying to sell your property, or just a regular homeowner who wants to be protected against surprise repairs, having a good home warranty can be a lifesaver. A home warranty is a type of insurance, separate from your home insurance, that covers the cost of repairs or replacements for major systems and appliances in your home.
By choosing the right plan, you can avoid the financial burden of costly repairs so that your home remains safe and functional. Home warranty plans typically offer different levels for different home concerns and budgets. Basic coverage might include protection for appliances and systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems.
Home Warranty Company FAQ
Continued from above...
Premium plans, on the other hand, might cover more extensive components like electronics, septic systems, and pools and spas. Some providers offer add-on services for extra fees, such as coverage for sump pumps or water softeners.
When selecting a home warranty provider, you'll want to read the fine print and understand what's covered and what's not. Most policies have limits, exclusions, and caps on the amount they'll pay out over the contract's life. For example, some policies might only cover appliances up to a certain age or value. Others might exclude certain types of damage or wear and tear. Be sure to ask about these details before signing up. It's also important to note that most policies have a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect. So, if you need to make a claim soon after purchasing the policy, you'll have to wait a month before it kicks in.
During the waiting period, many providers offer a money-back guarantee. This allows you to cancel your policy if you're unsatisfied with the coverage or if you discover something you didn't expect. Another important consideration is the trade call service fee, which is similar to a copay on medical insurance or a deductible on car insurance. This fee can vary depending on the provider and may apply per service call or per repair. Be aware that you could be charged multiple fees for a single repair if different tradespeople are needed to fix the issue.
While it's great that there are a lot of companies to consider for your home warranty, sifting through them all can be stressful. To help you avoid getting overwhelmed by the numerous plans and companies, we've put together some helpful criteria to guide you through your vetting process:
- Reputation. When considering a home warranty provider, it's essential to know what homeowners have to say about their experience with the company. You'll want to find out if claims are processed swiftly, with repair technicians arriving at your doorstep promptly. Does the company have a reputation for approving claims easily, or should you expect to navigate a lengthy and frustrating process?
- Value. Cost is always a concern. How much does the warranty itself cost? How much will you pay for trade service call fees? Make sure you figure out what your premium totals and fees might be each year and make sure you'll be getting a good deal on the cost for repairs vs. doing the same thing out of pocket.
- Coverage. What kind of coverage do you need? What kind of coverage is offered? Make sure that if you want extras or more extensive coverage, the company you choose offers plans that support your home the way you want.
To help keep your home safe from any eventuality, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the most popular home warranty providers out there today. We hope this information helps keep your home and appliances operating safely, and gives you a little extra financial peace of mind!
Compare Home Warranty Companies
Select any 2 Home Warranty Companies to compare them head to head
Trending Home Warranty News
Related Home Warranty Company Reviews
Since you're interested in Home Warranty Companies, here are some other reviews you might find interesting.
Newest Reviews
