The Forbes Home editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Home site. This compensation comes from two main sources. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Second, we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles; these “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Home. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Home does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.
Audited & Verified: Aug 26, 2024, 10:28pm
Reviewed By
| Staff EditorWe picked AFC Home Warranty as the best home warranty provider for Rhode Island residents. The company provides plan flexibility and has good customer reviews, making it a good choice for many residents of this small but mighty state.
Home warranty plans are important and popular for residents of Rhode Island and those throughout the rest of the country. We surveyed 1,000 homeowners across the U.S. to get a sense of how they use their plans with some of the best home warranty companies. To learn all that and more, let’s dive in.
The Forbes Home team is committed to bringing you independent, unbiased ratings and information. We use data and expert advice to inform all of our content. Plus, our advisory board of licensed professionals fact-checks and reviews our content for accuracy and relevancy. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the home warranty companies methodology for the ratings below.
Featured Partners
1
Select Home Warranty
Plans Available
3
Response Time
Great
Number of States
46 + District of Columbia
2
Choice Home Warranty
Plans Available
2
Response Time
Excellent
Number of States
49 + District of Columbia
3
American Home Shield
Plans Available
3
Response Time
Excellent
Number of States
48 + District of Columbia
Key Takeaways
The home warranty providers AFC Home Warranty, Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield top our best home warranty in Rhode Island list. AFC Home warranty, our winner, scored 4.7 out of 5 stars when reviewed against our methodology for a number of key reasons. To name a few key upsides, the company lets customers bring in their own contractors and offers simple and easy-to-understand coverage plans.
Best Overall
Best Overall
AFC Home Warranty
AFC Home Warranty has been serving customers throughout the country since 2009, offering coverage throughout the contiguous United States. Previously known as AFC Home Club, this company offers extreme plan flexibility, with four base plans and more than a dozen optional add-ons. The company is generally well-regarded on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Yelp.
AFC is a fantastic option for Rhode Island residents, due to its emphasis on plan flexibility and customer choice. There are four main plans to choose from and more than a dozen optional add-ons. The company offers consumers the option to bring in their own service technicians, which is huge for Rhode Islanders.
Why We Like It
There is plenty to like with this company, which is made evident by it achieving such high marks against our testing methods. We like that it allows customers to use their own service technicians and the plan flexibility on offer. Plans also allow for unlimited service requests, which is fairly rare and lifetime work guarantees.
What We Don’t Like
No company is perfect, so we dinged AFC for a couple of reasons. Perhaps the biggest deal breaker for Rhode Island residents is that the company will not cover any pre-existing issues. Also, there’s a $75 cancellation fee and low coverage caps on some systems like plumbing.
Who It’s Best For
AFC Home Warranty is best for people who are happy with their current technician and want to bring them into a new coverage plan. The company allows outside service techs, which is always great. It’s also a good fit for Rhode Islanders with unique coverage needs, thanks to the flexibility available by combining plans with optional add-ons.
Learn more: AFC Home Warranty review
You can add extra services and coverage for the following items and systems:
| PLAN NAME | MONTHLY PREMIUM | SERVICE FEE |
|---|---|---|
Silver Plan | $36.83 - $67.15 | $75 - $125 |
Gold Plan | $51.92 - $85.60 | $75 - $125 |
Platinum Plan | $57.00 - $97.70 | $75 - $125 |
Diamond Plan | $91.58 - $152.20 | $75 - $125 |
Customers have mostly positive reviews for AFC, calling out the customer service team in particular. They were also enthusiastic about the flexibility allowed via the many plans and optional add-ons. Some customers, however, were not happy about that $75 cancellation fee and the fact that there was no coverage for pre-existing problems.
Our Experience With AFC Home Warranty
We had a positive experience with AFC Home Warranty during our testing. The sign-up process was extremely straightforward and the abundance of options, along with plan flexibility, eased many of our concerns going in. We found the customer service team to be helpful and responsive, though things slowed down a bit during busy periods. Filing a claim was easy and everything went through without a hitch.
Best for Add-On Coverage
Best for Add-On Coverage
Liberty Home Guard
Liberty Home Guard isn’t the oldest company on the block, having formed in 2017, but is one of the more reputable providers. It has consistently scored high marks from the BBB and from regular consumers via Yelp and social media. As a matter of fact, the company is typically among the highest-rated providers, no matter the platform.
We chose Liberty Home Guard because Rhode Island residents have consistently done the same. The company has a large presence in the state, with positive local customer reviews to back that up. The plans offer flexibility and aren’t exorbitantly priced.
Why We Like It
There are some reasons why this company regularly scores so high, even with our rigorous testing methods. It gets the job done, with a pleasant customer service team and, just as important, plenty of customer choice. You can bring in your own service techs, within reason, and there is a vast array of additional coverage options.
What We Don’t Like
No company is perfect, and Liberty was dinged for a couple of key reasons. Yes, you can use your own service tech, but only with approval from the company. Also, there’s a $50 cancellation fee once you pass a 30-day threshold. The company also has a tendency to request maintenance documents, which can be a hassle for some Rhode Island residents.
Who It’s Best For
Liberty Home Guard is great for people who don’t want any runaround or nonsense. Reviews mention that t customer service reps don’t try to upsell you and the sheer number of positive reviews suggest that there is typically little friction when it comes to getting a claim paid out. There’s also plenty of optional add-ons.
Learn more: Liberty Home Guard review
You can add extra services and coverage for the following items and systems:
| PLAN NAME | MONTHLY PREMIUM | SERVICE FEE |
|---|---|---|
Appliance Guard | $49.99 | $65 - $125 |
Systems Guard | $54.99 | $65 - $125 |
Total Home Guard | $59.99 | $65 - $125 |
This is where Liberty truly shines. The customer reviews are effusive, to say the least. People really have had fantastic experiences with the company, with many bringing up the stellar customer service and the diverse array of optional add-ons. As far as critiques, some people don’t like that bringing in their own technician requires approval.
Our Experience With Liberty Home Guard
We signed up for a plan with Liberty Home Guard as part of our testing process and found the whole thing to be, in a word, seamless. The options were clearly laid out to help us choose the best plan for our needs and the user interface was clean and straightforward. As a matter of fact, Liberty’s entire online platform is top-tier.
Best for Comprehensive Coverage
Best for Comprehensive Coverage
American Home Shield
American Home Shield has been around since 1971—that’s over 50 years of experience. Despite that, the company doesn’t rest on its laurels. It still offers fantastic service to average Rhode Islanders, with a large presence in the state. The reviews, from Yelp to BBB, are all very positive.
We chose AHS for a number of reasons. This company has been in the home warranty business for decades upon decades, and has served Rhode Island residents for nearly all of that time. However, it’s not just experience that puts the company on our radar. The plans are comprehensive and budget-friendly.
Why We Like It
AHS scored so high because it’s a well-known entity that delivers exemplary service. Plus, it’s easy to find a branch in Rhode Island. The company offers affordable plans with no obvious coverage gaps and numerous add-on options for those with unique coverage needs.
What We Don’t Like
Despite being impressed by AHS, we had to ding the company because it doesn’t offer live online chat to customers. This seems like a glaring omission in the modern world where homeowners just want quick answers to their questions. Also, the process to bring in your own service tech is a bit complicated. It’s possible, but it’s just not easy.
Who It’s Best For
American Home Shield is best for people who prioritize experience above all else. This is a company that has been an active presence in the state for decades. It has claim-filing down to a science. In other words, it’s a good bet for people who just want a simple and no-frills home warranty plan.
Learn more: American Home Shield review
You can add extra services and coverage for the following items and systems:
| PLAN NAME | MONTHLY PREMIUM | SERVICE FEE |
|---|---|---|
ShieldSilver | $29.99 - $39.99 | $75 - $125 |
ShieldGold | $39.99 - $59.99 | $75 - $125 |
ShieldPlatinum | $69.99 - $89.99 | $75 - $125 |
The company has received mixed reviews from customers. Many rave about how easy it is to schedule repair and maintenance services, while critical reviews mention long wait times to talk with customer service representatives. Most people, however, agree that American Home Shield’s in-house contractors are top-tier.
Our Experience With American Home Shield
We had an overall positive experience with the company. Signing up was straightforward, with clearly marked plan prices and the option to customize coverage to suit our unique needs. We appreciated the flexibility allowed with service fees, allowing us to manage repair costs. At the end of the day, however, we preferred the option to use our own technician, though this requires prior approval.
Best for Workmanship Guarantee
Best for Workmanship Guarantee
Cinch Home Services
Cinch Home Services is another long-operating warranty provider, having formed in 1978. The company offers its plans to customers in 48 states, with a long-standing presence in Rhode Island. Cinch not only scored high marks with us but also with the BBBu and Yelp, among other review aggregate platforms.
We picked Cinch as one of the best providers for Rhode Island residents not just because of its active presence throughout the state. This is a very good option for Rhode Islanders with unique coverage requirements. The optional add-ons are plentiful with Cinch. You can cover garage doors, microwaves and just about anything else.
Why We Like It
One of the main reasons we like this company is that it tends to offer coverage for pre-existing issues. This isn’t always true, as it’s on a case-by-case basis, but Cinch won’t deny something without good cause. We also enjoy the tech-forward app, which acts as a dashboard for submitting and tracking claims. Of course, the abundance of optional add-ons is also nice.
What We Don’t Like
We had to penalize Cinch for some minor things. The biggest one? You can’t use your own contractor, no matter what. This could be a deal-breaker for Rhode Island residents who are perfectly happy with current service technicians. Also, the 180-day workmanship guarantee is nice, but we wish it was a bit longer.
Who It’s Best For
This company is perfect for people with unique coverage needs and those who would rather deal with everything via a handy mobile app than by old-fashioned methods of communication. It’s also a good bet for folks who prioritize a quick turnaround time, as most service visits occur within 24 hours.
Learn more: Cinch Home Services review
It’s worth noting that all plans are subject to terms, conditions and limitations in your service plan agreement. Coverage and pricing may vary by location.
You can add extra services and coverage for the following items and systems:
| PLAN NAME | MONTHLY PREMIUM | SERVICE FEE |
|---|---|---|
ShieldSilver | $29.99 - $39.99 | $75 - $125 |
ShieldGold | $39.99 - $59.99 | $75 - $125 |
ShieldPlatinum | $69.99 - $89.99 | $75 - $125 |
Cinch has an overall positive reputation online, sourced from multiple review sites like Yelp. Customers seem to appreciate the quick turnaround time when it comes to service calls and the handy app. On the downside, some consumers complain that they weren’t able to use their preferred contractor.
Our Experience With Cinch Home Services
We had a mostly positive experience with Cinch Home Services, which highlights why the company is rated so high in Rhode Island and throughout the country. Our interactions with customer service professionals were informative and helpful, though, as previously noted, we would have enjoyed being able to choose our own contractor. Beyond that, however, the chosen contractor was professional and did a fantastic job.
Best for Flexible Technician Choices Best for Flexible Technician Choices ARW Home ARW Home, previously known as American Residential Warranty, is a relative newcomer to the space, having been formed in 2008. In that time, however, it has managed to set up shop in all 50 states. It covers some truly unique items, from pools to electronics, which has made it a mainstay for Rhode Island residents. ARW lets Rhode Islanders bring in their own technicians, which scored the company some major points via our rigorous testing methods. The company also offers a plethora of unique coverage add-ons, like pools and home electronics. It’ll even cover sewage lines. The plans are easy to understand and the reviews from state residents are largely positive. Why We Like It Versatility is the name of the game at ARW, which we love. The list of optional add-ons is extensive, and the company allows homeowners to bring in their preferred contractors. The plans are clearly defined and on the budget-friendly side. We also love that you can file a claim online, which is great for busy state residents. What We Don’t Like No company is perfect. We dinged ARW Home for a couple of reasons. First of all, there’s a $49 cancellation fee and customers must put their intent to cancel in writing before being allowed to proceed. Also, there can be some excessive wait times to speak to a customer rep during busy periods, though the online claim tool has lessened that somewhat. Who It’s Best For This company is best for people who want a home warranty plan but are also concerned about many items that aren’t typically covered by most providers. ARW offers coverage for all of the usual home systems and appliances, but also stuff like pools and gaming consoles. It’s also a good fit for homeowners who are happy with their current service technicians, as you can bring them with you. Learn more: ARW Home review You can add extra services and coverage for the following items and systems: ARW Home has a mostly positive reputation online and locally throughout Rhode Island. Customers have been impressed by the company’s promptness of service and the sheer abundance of optional add-ons. Customer service is generally praised, though some people have complained about long wait times. Others expressed frustration with the cancellation process. Our Experience With ARW Home We found our experience with ARW to be refreshing. Signing up was easy and each plan was clearly described, with no hidden cost surprises. We opted for the TotalMax plan and were impressed by the flat service fee, no matter the cause. This is a company that doesn’t rely on gimmicks. When we had to actually use the service, a heating system failed, the contractor was dispatched within 24 hours and resolved the issue efficiently. Have you considered AFC Home Warranty? Whether you need repairs or a new appliance, AFC can help cover the cost of even the most expensive items like HVAC and plumbing. Here’s why we chose it: Available plans to choose from: Silver Plan, Gold Plan, Platinum Plan, Systems Plan Three years work guarantee of repairs Plans include free credit monitoring, family emergency services and discounts on household items, restaurants and more ARW Home
Read Forbes' Review 4.3All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.Plans Available3Service Fee$100Monthly Fee$45.99 - $84.99Plans Available3Service Fee$100Monthly Fee$45.99 - $84.99 Read Forbes' Review Why We Picked It Pros & Cons Plans and Coverage
PLAN NAME MONTHLY PREMIUM SERVICE FEE ApplianceMax $45.99 $55 SystemsMax $59.99 $55 TotalMax $84.99 $55 Customer and Expert Experience and Ratings 
Get A Free Quote 
On AFC's Website
Get A Free Quote On AFC's Website Take a look above because we feel AFC Home Warranty is worth considering. Continue to Read Forbes' Review 
***Note that all cost estimates are based on a plan for a single family home.
| COMPANY | FORBES HOME RATING | PLANS AVAILABLE | SERVICE FEE | MONTHLY FEE | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 4.7    | 4 | $75 - $125 | $33.00 - $153.00 | On AFC's Website | |
| 4.7 | 3 | $65 - $75 | $49.99 - $59.99 | On Liberty Home Guard's Website | |
| 4.5 | 3 | $75 - $125 | $19.99 - $89.99 | On American Home Shield's Website | |
| 4.5 | 3 | $100 - $150 | $32.99 - $61.99 | On Cinch's Website | |
| 4.3 | 3 | $55 | $45.99 - $84.99 | Read Forbes' Review |
Picking a home warranty in Rhode Island is a lot like the process in any other state. You want the plan that best suits your needs from a reputable company. The state is fairly temperate and sees all four seasons, so homeowners experience similar issues to folks located elsewhere. This means that the majority of claims deal with plumbing, electrical systems and HVAC units.
Knowing how much you want to spend on a home warranty plan in addition to service fees when your appliances or systems need repairs, can help you narrow down which option works for your household. Weigh how much you’d spend on these repairs versus how much you’re comfortable spending monthly to see what works for you.
Every home warranty company has its pros and cons that may set one apart from another. Your job is to find a home warranty company with pros and cons that are in alignment with your needs. Decide which disadvantages are deal breakers and which advantages are must-haves when researching home warranty companies in Rhode Island.
Some home warranty plans only cover appliances, some only cover systems, while others offer more comprehensive coverage. Decide which systems and appliances you want to be covered in your home to help you pick a home warranty company near you.
Find the top ranked home warranty company in your area
Home warranties can protect you against unexpected expenses. Click on your state today to find out more.
The average Rhode Island home warranty plan costs between $20 and $90 a month, though the usual price is around $50 each month. This does not include the service fee, which can range anywhere from $55 to $150 per visit. The type of plan and home warranty company you choose play major roles in determining the overall cost.
Home warranties tend to be worth it in Rhode Island, especially once you start calculating home warranty costs and comparing them to potential repair costs. Our home warranty survey findings indicate that nearly 60% of customers have used their home warranties enough to offset the monthly fee.
As you can see below, repair costs for systems covered under a home warranty can balloon up to $4,000 or more. Replacement costs go even higher. If the average home warranty cost is around $50 per month, all it takes is one major repair to cover a few years of dishing out monthly fees.
| ITEM | AVERAGE REPAIR COST | AVERAGE REPLACE COST |
|---|---|---|
| Air Conditioner | $100 - $2,500+ | $3,875 - $7,825 |
| Furnace | $100 - $2,500+ | $2,800 - $6,800 |
| Electrical | $50 - $300+ | $3,000 - $18,000 |
| Plumbing | $200 - $4,000 | $3,000 - $16,000 |
| Roofs | $150 - $7,000 | $6,700 - $80,000 |
| Dishwasher | $100 - $300 | $250 - $2,000 |
| Refrigerator | $200 - $400 | $800 - $12,000 |
| Oven | $125 - $425 | $2,000 - $4,200 |
| Stove | $125 - $425 | $2,000 - $4,200 |
| Washer/Dryer | $100 - $475 | $1,000 - $2,300+ |
Rhode Island is known for having its share of magnificent homes, and many of these homes are under warranty. However, does the state regulate home warranty insurance companies in any way to help consumers? There are no overt regulations for home warranty providers in Rhode Island, but that’s not the whole story. There is a law on the books with regard to deceptive trade practices on the part of warranty providers and other home service companies. This law states that the warranty contract must be on the up-and-up, with no hidden or deceiving language. This doesn’t mandate warranty terms or any similar things though, so be sure to read the contract thoroughly.
Compare Quotes From Top-rated Home Warranty Companies
Free, No-commitment Estimates
Forbes surveyed 1,000 homeowners to research trends on home warranties and overall customer satisfaction. Over 67% of U.S. homeowners believe their home warranty is worth the cost. As for generational divides, millennials make up 72% of homeowners with a home warranty and they are the group that uses these plans the most. Here’s how that data breaks down for Rhode Island residents.
You don’t need one, but it certainly helps offset repair and maintenance costs. Home warranties can be like your financial buffer, should the worst happen. Peace of mind is the name of the game here. This is especially true if you don’t have much of an emergency fund at the ready for the kinds of issues that home warranties typically cover. Even if you have such a fund, getting a home warranty will let you spend that money on other things, like renovations.
At the end of the day, however, it’s up to you. Home warranties will accrue a monthly plan fee and you’ll likely also have to pay a service call fee when you have an issue.
Best Home Warranty Companies By State
To determine the home warranty companies ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 54 home warranty plans, with each company’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics and subcategories, including years of experience, signup and restrictions, plan pricing, fees and discounts, coverage features, property coverage, customer reviews and support and nationwide availability.
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates home warranty companies on our detailed methodology page.
Compare Quotes From Top-rated Home Warranty Companies
Home warranties can protect you against unexpected expenses. Receive a custom quote today.
Rhode Island is a fairly temperate state that doesn’t get too much extreme weather. With that in mind, the most common home warranty claims in the state are in line with national trends. Rhode Island residents report air conditioning, electrical systems and plumbing systems as the big three home systems that require maintenance and repair and, thus, coverage.
Home warranties are typically worth the cost no matter where you live; Rhode Island included. Crucial home systems do fail and they can be incredibly expensive to repair. Having a robust warranty plan in place gives you some peace of mind should the worst happen. Many companies will even find repair professionals on your behalf and others will let you bring in your preferred contractors.
All Rhode Island home warranties offer coverage for various home systems, like electrical and plumbing. However, that’s just the beginning. Each company has its own added coverage options and exclusions. Some organizations apply coverage, for instance, to kitchen appliances and laundry appliances, in addition to home systems. Make sure to read the fine print and find the best plan for your specific needs.
In the vast majority of cases, the homeowner pays for a home warranty plan in Rhode Island, typically in the form of a monthly fee. However, there could be an exception if you’re actively in the market for a new home. Some sellers will wrap in home warranty costs to sweeten the deal. Talk to a real estate agent to learn more about this process.
Having spent over 15 years writing about technology, Lawrence has turned his eye to remodeling, smart home services, maintenance and home repair projects. He now contributes DIY, informational and cost-guide content as a freelance writer and editor for several publications. Throughout his career, he has strived to distill complex topics down to their very essence in order to make them easily understandable to modern homeowners. Lawrence’s primary career goal involves sharing knowledge with an audience eager to put their DIY skills to the test.
Allie is a staff writer at Forbes Home who specializes in sustainability, home improvement and real estate content. She has written for several major websites, including Angi, HomeAdvisor, SaveOnEnergy, Hearst Bay Area and more. With eight years of experience writing about home improvement, Allie’s goal is to give others the tools to feel empowered in their home improvement decisions—whether they embark on a DIY project, want to know how much a project might cost or need to find the best local professional services.
Kristin is a lead editor at Forbes Home and has nearly a decade of professional experience as a writer and editor. She's previously worked at sites like Talking Points Memo, Insider, Delish, Angi and HomeAdvisor. She has a passion for lifestyle topics and has extensive experience researching and reporting on topics that will help make your house a home.
