KANSAS CITY — Snack makers are bringing new flavors and health-focused formulations to retailers across the country.
Hormel Foods Corp. brand Skippy is expanding its P.B. Bites lineup with three new varieties inspired by Girl Scout Cookies. New flavors include coconut caramel, which features a chocolate cookie center coated with Skippy peanut butter and topped with toasted coconut flakes; chocolate peanut butter, made with a vanilla cookie center, a layer of Skippy peanut butter and a milk chocolate shell; and Adventurefuls, which includes a chocolate cookie center surrounded by Skippy peanut butter, sea salt and brownie dust.
“The new Skippy P.B. Bites offer Girl Scout Cookie fans a new way to enjoy the flavors of their favorite cookies combined with Skippy peanut butter in this delicious bite-size snack,” said Kelsey Tynan, senior brand manager at Skippy. “The new Girl Scout flavors will not only deliver a delicious treat to millions of Skippy fans nationwide, but they will also shine a spotlight on this exceptional organization that powers life-changing experiences for girls.”
Snack’in For You, a better-for-you brand by Sigma Foods, is launching a line of vegetable-based, high-protein baked puffs over the next few months. The gluten-free snacks have 4 grams of protein per 1-oz serving and are formulated with vegetables. The product line includes Buffalo Ranch Cauliflower, Mesquite Barbeque Broccoli, Cheddar Jalapeno Broccoli and Sour Cream and Onion Cauliflower.
“At Snack’in For You, innovation and nutrition are at our core, which is why we created a healthy snack that both satisfies hunger and supplements nutritional needs while still tasting delicious,” said Steve Sklar, division vice president of snacking. “We are thrilled to introduce our better-for-you baked puffs snack line and ultimately communicate that health and taste can coexist in one snack.”
Yumi is bringing its functional nutrition products designed for children to Whole Foods Market locations. The retail expansion includes the company’s existing Rice-Free, Organic Meltable puffs and Superfood Veggie Organic bars. As part of the Whole Foods launch, Yumi is also adding a new mango and kale vegetable bar flavor that will be exclusively available at the retailer.
“We’re so excited to partner with Whole Foods, given the company’s long-standing commitment to continually improving our food system by empowering families with healthier options,” said Evelyn Rusli, co-chief executive officer of Yumi.
Covid-19 home test kits are pictured in a store window during the Covid-19 pandemic in the Manhattan borough of New York City, Jan. 19, 2022.
Carlo Allegri | Reuters
The Biden administration on Wednesday said it will resume offering free at-home Covid tests to American households Monday as the virus gains a stronger foothold nationwide.
Americans will soon be able to use COVIDtests.gov to request four free tests, the administration said in a release.
The government had offered free test kits through that website since January 2022, but the site stopped taking orders June 1 of this year to conserve supplies of the tests.
The government is relaunching the program in time for the fall and winter when the virus typically spreads at higher levels. Covid hospitalizations have already increased for eight straight weeks — an uptick primarily driven by newer strains of the virus.
But the Biden administration noted that the at-home tests set to be delivered will detect currently circulating Covid variants. The kits are intended for use through the end of 2023 and will come with instructions for how people can verify if a test’s expiration date has been extended, the administration added.
Testing is a critical tool for protection as Covid infections climb again.But lab PCR tests — the traditional method of detecting Covid — have become more expensive and less accessible for some Americans since the U.S. government ended the public health emergency in May.
The end of that declaration also changed how public and private insurers cover at-home tests, potentially leaving some people unable to get those tests for free through their plans.But certain local health clinicsand community sites still offer at-home tests to the public at no cost.
Also on Wednesday, the Biden administration said it will provide $600 million to strengthen manufacturing capacity at 12 Covid test manufacturers across the country. The administration expects to secure about 200 million tests from those companies.
“These critical investments will strengthen our nation’s production levels of domestic at-home COVID-19 rapid tests and help mitigate the spread of the virus,” Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement.
Today I want to bring you my guide to the best south east London areas. From well-known places on the Thames to local neighborhoods in SE postcodes, there are lots of great places to discover, go out, and enjoy. I’ve spent a lot of time living and exploring here over the years, and I’ve found plenty of places to love. I can’t wait to share them with you. I’ve included an interactive map of all the neighborhoods on my list, too.
South East London Areas
There are a lot of great places in south London. Since moving to this part of the UK capital, I’ve discovered fun London neighborhoods to explore and plenty of places to eat, drink, and walk around.
But what exactly constitutes “south east London”? The phrase generally refers to the area south east of central London and the Thames. The geographical expanse covers a variety of neighborhoods, all of which have SE postcodes.
From the South Bank with its big attractions to cool places like Deptford that are favorites with the hipster crowd, this part of the city has something for everyone.
There’s always been a rivalry between north and south London, and many born-and-raised Londoners will tell you there’s a cultural divide. As an expat, I’m glad I can see the best in both halves.
I’ve also lived north, west, central, and south, so I like to think I’ve had a pretty broad experience of the city. Since buying a flat in south east London, I’ve gotten to know many of the neighborhoods here very well.
From leafy village-like enclaves to hipster hotspots, residential neighborhoods to commuter areas, they all make south east London attractive for their own reasons.
Best South East London Neighborhoods
Below you’ll find a list of my favorite places in south east London. After you’ve had a read, you can decide which parts of the area appeal to you most.
Whether you’re moving here, visiting, or just want to explore new-to-you parts of the city, you’ll find somewhere that excites you.
If you want to dig deeper into which parts of south east London fit your style best, you can read through my neighborhood guides. I’ve published a number of them and I’ve linked to them in this blog post.
Think of this as the highlight reel and those as places where you can dig deeper. I’ll add new areas as I write about them, so you can bookmark or pin this post on Pinterest for future reference.
If you need more inspiration or you want some direction for exploring a particular place, my free self-guided south east London walks can help. They’ll lead you through some of the best neighborhoods on my list.
The walks will take you around to see high streets, side streets, and hidden spots in south east London. They’ll help you get to know the areas and what makes them special.
If you want to spend a night or more here, you can book a place to stay in south east London here. There are lots of options, including hotels, apartment rentals, and other accommodation.
Brockley
First on my list of the best south east London areas is Brockley. This under-the-radar London neighborhood has lots of colorful street art murals, a fun food market, and a big park with views.
Brockley is the perfect place if you like to get away from the obvious areas and you want somewhere with a neighborhood feel. There are good restaurants, lots of green spaces, and rail connections into the city center, too.
If you want to spend some time getting to know the area in-depth, you can book a place to stay in Brockley here. There are plenty of options for accommodation.
Camberwell
Camberwell is another of my favorite places in south east London. This area is home to famous art galleries, neighborhood parks, and independent shops and cafes. If you’re artsy and you like a fun coffee shop, it’s a good place for you.
From Camberwell Green to Burgess Park and the shops and restaurants around Camberwell Church Street, there’s a lot to discover in this part of the UK capital.
Add to that Camberwell College of Arts and the beautiful houses in Denmark Hill, and there’s always something to entertain you.
If you want to spend time getting to know this part of the city, you can book a place to stay in Camberwell here. There’s a range of options to choose from.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace is another of the best south east London areas. This neighborhood is famous for its park full of dinosaur sculptures, great views of London, triangle of high streets, and fun neighborhood vibe.
While it’s farther away from central London than some other places on my list, the area has good train and Overground connections that make getting here and away straightforward.
Next on my list of the best south east London neighborhoods is Deptford. This trendy area is known for its coffee shops, big market, and independent stores. It’s one of the coolest London neighborhoods, and it’s popular with young people.
Located right next to Greenwich on the Thames, Deptford is an ideal area if you like all things new and hip. From pubs to pop-ups and railway arches packed with restaurants, it has a lot to discover.
If you’re looking for the most beautiful place in south east London, Dulwich is just the ticket. This village-like area is known for its picture-pretty streets, famous art gallery, prestigious boys’ school, and abundance of parks and gardens.
Dulwich is full of elegant houses and local pubs and shops, too. My free self-guided walk in Dulwich village can show you around the area and give you a feel for what it has to offer. My guide to things to do in Dulwich can help, too.
If you want to call this place home-away-from home, you can book a place to stay in Dulwich here. There’s a range of accommodation options in the area.
East Dulwich
Right next to Dulwich village, East Dulwich is another of the best south east London areas. Lordship Lane is one of the best high streets in the city, and it’s full of independent shops and restaurants.
East Dulwich also has the weekly North Cross Road Market, which is one of the best south London markets. It’s in an ideal location between leafy Dulwich and hipster Peckham, too.
Elephant and Castle has changed so much over the years that it’s one of the most transformed south east London areas. This neighborhood is full of high-rise buildings, vibrant food markets, and independent shops and restaurants.
From markets like Mercato Metropolitano to colorful cafes and a convenient tube station in the heart of the area, there’s no reason to stay away from this part of the city.
Another of my favorite places in south east London is Forest Hill. This local neighborhood is known for everything from the Horniman Museum (and its weekly food market) to the great views of the London skyline.
Forest Hill also has fun cafes, delicious markets, and pretty gardens. The shops on and around London Road are popular, too.
Perhaps the most famous place in south east London, Greenwich is popular with locals and visitors alike. This area is littered with maritime history and royal residences.
From Greenwich Park to the covered market and the shops and pubs by the Thames, this neighborhood has a lot going for it. And that’s to say nothing of the pretty streets and houses. My self-guided Greenwich walk will take you to some of the best.
If you want to spend enough time here to fully appreciate all it has to offer, you can book a place to stay in Greenwich here. There are plenty of options for hotels, apartment rentals, and more.
Herne Hill has great pubs and cafes that give the area a local neighborhood feel, too. Add to that a famous velodrome (it’s one of the oldest cycling tracks in the world), and it’s a great place to explore.
If you want to spend time getting to know this part of the city, you can book a place to stay in Herne Hill here. There’s a range of options to choose from.
Kennington
Kennington is next on my list of the best places in south east London. This neighborhood is home to leafy parks and gardens, a weekly food market, independent restaurants and coffee shops, pretty residential streets, and hidden squares.
Due to its proximity to the river and its tube station, Kennington is easy to get to and ripe for exploration. It’s also near The Oval, so it’s great if you’re a cricket fan.
Just across the river from the Tower of London, London Bridge, Borough, Bermondsey, and Southwark are packed with restaurants, pubs, nightlife, and attractions.
If you want to spend some time getting to know this part of the city in-depth, you can book a place to stay in London Bridge here. There are plenty of hotels, apartment rentals, and other accommodation here.
Nunhead
Nunhead is another of the best south east London areas. This under-the-radar neighborhood by Peckham, East Dulwich, Telegraph Hill, and Brockley is famous for its otherworldly Victorian cemetery, hip bars and pubs, and local community vibe.
Nunhead Green sits at the heart of the area, and there are independent shops and restaurants around it. The neighborhood has pretty streets and historic almshouses as well.
Nunhead Cemetery was one of London’s “Magnificent Seven” Victorian cemeteries, and it’s now a peaceful and atmospheric park. It’s worth a special trip to take a walk here.
Multicultural Peckham numbers among the most hipster areas in London. It’s not only one of the coolest places in the south east of the city, but also home to great parks and gardens.
Peckham is also known for its nightlife, and it has some of the best rooftop bars in south London. It also has a great creative scene and lots of independent restaurants, cafes, and pubs.
If you want to spend some extra time getting to know the neighborhood, you can book a place to stay in Peckham here. There’s a range of options for accommodation.
Rotherhithe
Right on the Thames, Rotherhithe is another of my favorite south east London neighborhoods. This historic area is known for being the site where the Mayflower ship departed London for America in 1620.
Rotherhithe is also home to great riverside scenery, heritage pubs like The Mayflower and The Angel, cultural attractions like the Brunel Museum, and pretty streets and parks.
The South Bank needs no introduction. This area is home to the London Eye, Tate Modern, National Theatre, BFI Southbank, and other big attractions.
The South Bank is the ideal place if you want to see the sights, walk along the river, or go to a show or performance. There are markets, museums, and pop-ups here, too.
Vauxhall is next on my list of the best areas in south east London. This neighborhood has unique cafes and nightlife, a hidden lavender garden, riverside walks, and quiet green spaces.
Vauxhall Park and Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens are perfect places to soak up the sun on warm days, and hidden spots like Bonnington Square are a treat to discover. This neighborhood also has cool food markets under the railway arches.
Waterloo and Lambeth are also great south east London areas. Right on the river, these neighboring places are centrally located and have an abundance of restaurants, markets, museums, and shops to discover.
While Waterloo gets overshadowed by the South Bank and the giant train station, there are a lot of fun bars, restaurants, pubs, and markets here. Lower Marsh is one of my favorite streets near the Thames.
Lambeth is more residential, and it’s home to important cultural institutions like the Imperial War Museum and the Garden Museum. Lambeth Palace is here, too.
As promised at the beginning of this post, I created a map of all the best places in south east London. You can see it here. If you click on the pins, you’ll find my blog posts about each neighborhood. It will help you discover the ones that fit your style.
I hope this blog post has helped you get a feel for the best places in south east London. There are a lot more areas to explore, too, including Catford, Eltham, Penge, Lewisham, Honor Oak Park, Sydenham, and Woolwich.
Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links. At no cost to you, I earn a small commission when you click on them and make a purchase. It doesn’t affect the way you shop, and it’s a great way to support the A Lady in London blog.
Senior men and women are more likely to be living on a limited income, which can make covering a sudden home appliance or system breakdown especially stressful. That’s where a home warranty can be helpful.
Home warranty plans offer help paying to repair or replace your house’s appliances and systems in exchange for a monthly fee. But with so many companies offering home warranties on the market today, it can be difficult to determine which one is the right for you.
I’ve gone through dozens of the country’s best home warranty providers to determine which ones are the best for seniors. My review landed on five in particular that I think you should consider protecting your home and your wallet.
What Are the Best Home Warranty Companies for Seniors?
The best home warranty policies for seniors should be affordable and easy to sign up for. The following are our choices for the best home warranty coverage for senior citizens.
Quick Tips When Shopping for Home Warranties for Seniors
When comparing the best home warranty companies, it’s important to know which features to look for. The following are some of the most important features to review before purchasing any home warranty policy.
Monthly premiums: Once you’ve retired from your career, your budget can become more limited. That’s why it’s especially important to choose a home warranty policy with an affordable monthly cost.
Items included under coverage: However, cost isn’t everything when it comes to home warranties.Every home warranty plan has its own list of what’s covered and what’s not. Before shopping for a home warranty, take an inventory of the appliances and systems – like HVAC, plumbing and electrical – that you’re most concerned about. And make sure the home warranty plan you’re considering specifically names all the major appliances and systems in your home that you need coverage for.
Service fees: A service fee is the amount you pay out of pocket every time you file a claim with your home warranty provider. This goes to pay the service technician who comes out to repair or replace your item. Be sure to choose a plan with a service fee you know you can meet each time.
Now that you understand what to look for in a home warranty plan, let’s take a look at a few top providers.
Compare Home Warranty Providers
The table below outlines data for the best home warranty companies, including our top picks for seniors. We constantly update these ratings as companies change their policies and prices to give you the most accurate information possible. Continue reading in-depth reviews of several top providers.
Seniors living on a fixed income may have trouble covering the regular cost of a home warranty plan. With competitive monthly premium prices and reasonable service fees, plan costs from Select are some of the most affordable you’ll find in the industry.
Value doesn’t just mean price. My review found that Select Home Warranty excels in multiple key areas, making it a standout choice in terms of value:
Competitive premiums: Select Home Warranty offers monthly premiums ranging from $44 to $47 in most places, which is well below the overall industry average that is closer to $70 per month. By providing cost-effective coverage, Select Home Warranty ensures that homeowners can protect their investments without breaking the bank.
Reasonable service fees: Select Home Warranty offers a variable service fee, ranging from $75 to $100, depending on your state. This falls within the general industry average, where service fees typically range between $75 and $125 per service call. By maintaining a reasonable service fee structure, Select Home Warranty ensures that customers have access to prompt and affordable repairs or replacements when needed.
While some other home warranty providers may offer more comprehensive plans, Select Home Warranty’s is outstanding for what you pay. That means Select remains a top choice for homebuyers seeking quick and low-cost protection.
By focusing on delivering competitive premiums and reasonable service fees, Select Home Warranty strikes a balance between affordability and sufficient coverage, making it an appealing option for senior homeowners looking for value-driven home warranty choices.
Select’s main appeal is its affordability, with premiums ranging between $44 to $47 per month. And for what you pay, the coverage options are very reasonable. Here’s what’s included under coverage on each plan option.
Bronze Care: The Bronze Care plan is Select Home Warranty’s most basic offering, providing coverage for eight essential appliances. This plan includes protection for a cooktop, dishwasher, garbage disposal, built-in microwave, refrigerator, stove and oven, clothes washer, and clothes dryer. With the Bronze Care plan, homeowners can ensure that these key appliances are covered against unexpected breakdowns.
Gold Care: If you’re looking for coverage for only major home systems, the Gold Care plan can be the ideal choice. This plan includes protection for six crucial systems — namely the air conditioner or cooling system, ductwork, electrical system, heating system, plumbing system, and water heater. This plan provides peace of mind and protection against often-expensive system breakdowns.
Platinum Care: For comprehensive coverage, Select Home Warranty offers the Platinum Care plan, which encompasses all items covered in the Bronze and Gold Care plans plus additional features. In addition to the coverage provided in the previous plans, the Platinum Care plan includes protection for ceiling fans and a garage door opener.
It’s worth noting too that the Platinum Care plan is the only option from Select Home Warranty that covers plumbing stoppages, ensuring a more comprehensive level of protection. In total, the Platinum Care plan offers coverage for 17 unique items, making it the most inclusive option available from this company.
Like most home warranty provider choices, Select allows you to customize coverage with optional add-ons. You can choose from the following additional coverage options from Select:
Central vacuum
Lawn sprinkler system
Pool
Septic system
Spa
Stand-alone freezer
Sump pump
Well pump
Like most home warranty provider choices, Select allows you to customize coverage with optional add-ons. You can choose from the following additional coverage options from Select:
While most home warranties cap home system coverage at $2,000 or less per covered system, American Home Shield (AHS) includes coverage caps of up to $5,000 on home systems.
The company’s coverage for appliances is also generous, with up to $4,000 in protection for each appliance. Even better: AHS partners with the AARP to offer a discount on home warranties to AARP members.
I’ve found that coverage limits are the most important factor when selecting a home warranty. IT represents the maximum amount a home warranty will pay out to repair or replace something in your home – and you want these limits to be high enough to cover you when something breaks down.
This becomes especially important if you have high-end appliances or reside in a historic property that may require specialized modifications in the future.
AHS used to have an extraordinarily generous unlimited coverage for home systems. In spring 2023, this dropped down to $5,000 – but this is still well above the industry average. It’s also high enough to repair even larger issues, which can be of particular importance to seniors living in older homes.
Appliances like washers and ovens enjoy impressive coverage limits ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 for most units, further demonstrating AHS’s commitment to comprehensive coverage.
AHS provides homeowners with three plan options: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and PlatinumShield. While AHS’s premiums fall on the higher end compared to other home warranty providers, they offer perhaps the most comprehensive coverage. Beginning in 2023, the company’s service call fee options range between $100 and $125, and premium prices range between $34.99 and $89.99 per month.
Here’s what’s each plan option covers:
ShieldSilver: Unlike many basic home warranty offerings, the ShieldSilver plan provides coverage for both home systems and appliances. However, the coverage is more limited compared to other options. This plan includes protection for an air conditioner, ceiling fan, ductwork, electrical system, garage door opener, heating system, plumbing system (including stoppages), water heater, and whirlpool bathtub.
ShieldGold: Building on the coverage of the ShieldSilver plan, the ShieldGold policy expands coverage to additional features. In addition to the items covered in the ShieldSilver plan, the ShieldGold plan includes a built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, instant hot and cold water dispensers, oven, range and cooktop, refrigerator, and a washer and dryer combo.
PlatinumShield: AHS’s most comprehensive plan option is the PlatinumShield plan. In addition to covering everything included in the ShieldGold plan, the PlatinumShield plan offers additional benefits including limited roof leak repairs, a free annual tune-up for the HVAC system, and unlimited AC refrigerant coverage. The PlatinumShield plan ensures comprehensive protection for both major systems and appliances, providing enhanced peace of mind.
AHS offers a limited range of add-on selections, including the following.
Electronics Protection Plan (not offered in California)
Guest unit coverage
Pool or spa
Septic pump
Well pump
American Home Shield sets upper coverage limits as high as $5,000 for select systems. Notably, many components covered by their policies do not have a specific overall limit, amplifying the value provided by AHS’s policy. This lack of an overall limit enhances the coverage and can help justify the slightly higher premiums associated with the company. Additionally, when it comes to home appliances, AHS offers individual coverage limits ranging between $2,000 and $4,000 per item, which surpasses the industry average.
One of the biggest complaints I hear about home warranty companies is that they don’t always cover what you think they should. This is where Choice Home Warranty excels. The company boasts a 90% claims acceptance rate — a refreshing note of transparency in an industry with more-common claim rejections and policy cancellation disputes.
Browse complaints related to home warranties on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau and you’ll find rejected claims are the most common complaint homeowners have about home warranties.
Choice Home Warranty showcases one of the best claims acceptance rates in the industry, with 90% of homeowners who submit a claim seeing approval. This means you’re less likely to have to deal with a dispute over coverage for appliances, systems, and components when you need service.
In addition to providing excellent claims acceptance rates, Choice Home Warranty also extends coverage to older homes and even pre-existing conditions. You don’t need to provide maintenance records when enrolling in coverage with Choice, which can be especially beneficial if you live in an older home. When you do need to file a claim for a repair or replacement, work is protected by a 60-day workmanship guarantee.
Unlike most home warranty companies, Choice provides only two plan options. While this may make Choice a weaker option if you’re searching for customizable plans, it can make it better for those who prefer straightforward coverage options. Pricing ranges between $46 and $55 per month depending on plan choice, and all Choice plans include a standardized $85 service fee. Here’s what’s included under each home warranty plan choice.
Basic Plan: Choice’s Basic Plan includes coverage for your heating system, water heater, electrical system, plumbing system, plumbing stoppages, oven and range combo, built-in microwave, cooktop, dishwasher, garbage disposal, ceiling and exhaust fans, ductwork, garage door opener and a whirlpool bathtub.
Total Plan: The Total Plan includes coverage for all items listed on the Basic Plan, plus coverage for a clothes washer and dryer set, a refrigerator, and your air conditioning system.
Choice offers the following additional coverage choices in most states, which are compatible with both plan options.
Central vacuum
Limited roof leak coverage
Pool and spa
Second refrigerator
Septic system
Septic tank pumping
Stand-alone freezer
Sump pump
Well pump
Both of Choice’s policies include coverage caps of $3,000 for most individual components of your plan. This is higher than many other home warranty providers, with the exclusion of companies like American Home Shield that specialize in high-limit coverage. Note that coverage caps for most optional add-ons are $500, which is lower than most competitors.
I think seniors will love the additional benefits offered by America’s First Choice (AFC) Home Club. From a lifetime guarantee on work performed while you’re a policyholder to annual discounts for purchasing a longer policy, AFC Home Club helps you get the most from your plan.
One of the best benefits is the discount you can earn for buying a longer-term plan. Perhaps you’ve just bought a retirement home and know you’re likely to stay in their space for years to come. AFC Home Club offers generous discounts when you purchase up to five years of coverage at once.
AFC Home Club also offers one of the most generous workmanship guarantees I’ve seen, ensuring work for as long as you’re an active AFC Home Club member. This saves you the expense of paying multiple service fees, which can be especially important for senior men and women on a budget. AFC also offers policies for seniors protecting an investment property.
AFC Home Club offers four plan choices, with monthly costs ranging between $38 and $62 depending on covered items. Service fees range between $75 and $125, which is the industry average. Opting for a lower service fee will increase your monthly premium, and vice versa.
Let’s look at what’s included under coverage on each plan.
System Plan: The Systems Plan covers your heating system, air conditioning, electrical system, plumbing system, water heater, and ductwork.
Silver Plan: The Silver Plan covers nine major home appliances, including laundry machines, refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and garage door opener.
Gold Plan: The Gold Plan covers each appliance and system included in both of the previously mentioned plans.
Platinum Plan: The Platinum Plan includes coverage for an ice maker and a built-in microwave in addition to all of the items found on both of the previously mentioned plans.
AFC Home Club provides more add-on options than some of its competitors included in our list. You can add coverage for any of the following components on any of AFC Home Club’s four plan choices.
Central vacuum
Double oven
Electronic coverage
Hot water dispenser
In-ground pool
In-ground pool and spa
Roof leak
Septic system
Stand-alone freezer
Sump pump
Well pump
Like Choice Home Warranty, AFC Home Club includes an individual appliance and system limit of $3,000 for most items. However, AFC also includes an aggregate overall limit of $10,000 per contract term, which means that the total amount of all covered breakdowns and replacements over 12 months cannot exceed $10,000. In most cases, you’ll never come close to this limit – so it’s plenty high enough for you to feel comfortable. Select items (like coverage for plumbing stoppages) have lower individual limits. Review a sample contract from your state for specific limitations to be aware of.
Older homeowners may be more likely to fall out of the habit of engaging in preventative maintenance due to physical and financial stress, which may lead to more breakdowns. Cinch Homes Services provides a $100 credit for HVAC maintenance for each year that you don’t file an HVAC home warranty claim.
Real estate and home repair professionals agree — the best way to avoid expensive repair bills in the future is to invest a bit of time and effort into preventative maintenance. Older homeowners who are used to doing their own preventative maintenance might fall out of the habit as they age. When combined with aging properties, this can make senior homeowners especially vulnerable to breakdowns.
Cinch Home Services offers a $100 HVAC maintenance credit for each year that you don’t file an HVAC home warranty claim, helping protect you against future repair costs. Cinch also offers a generous 180-day workmanship guarantee, which is one of the longest in the industry. Its Premier Package upgrade is also especially notable for seniors, as it covers often expensive code upgrades and permit changes.
Cinch Home Services offers three plan options: the Appliances Plan, the Built-In Systems Plan, and the Complete Home Plan. Premiums range between $28 and $68 per month, while service fees range between $100 and $150. While these prices are higher than those of most competitors, they may be worth it for homeowners interested in higher coverage limits and preventative benefits.
Let’s take a look at what’s included under coverage on each plan.
Appliances Plan: The Appliances Plan covers a built-in food center, built-in microwave, clothes dryer and washer set, cooktop, dishwasher, freestanding ice maker, range and exhaust hood, refrigerator, trash compactor, and wall oven.
Built-in Systems Plan: The Built-in Systems Plan covers your air conditioning system, attic fan, ceiling fan, central vacuum, doorbell, electrical system, garbage disposal, garage door opener, heating system, hot and cold water dispenser, plumbing system, smoke detectors, sump pump, water heater, and whirlpool bathtub.
Complete Home Plan: The Complete Home Plan covers everything found on each previously listed plan plus a $500 credit towards your homeowner’s insurance deductible in the event that you need to file a claim after a natural disaster or theft.
Cinch Home Services offers only a few add-on choices, including the following:
In-ground pool
In-ground spa
Pool and spa combination
Premier package upgrade (extends coverage to include expenses for code violations, permit changes, and more)
Well pump
Cinch Home Services currently institutes a coverage limit of $2,000 for most systems and appliances included under coverage, which is about average in the home warranty industry. Its overall coverage limit is $10,000, which is also generous.
Our Ratings of the Best Home Warranty Providers for Seniors
Ready to begin shopping? The table below summarizes our top choices for the best home warranty providers for senior citizens, as well as a few convenient links you can use to get a free quote.
How Much Do the Top-Rated Home Warranties for Seniors Cost?
The average cost of a home warranty policy in the United States is about $50 per month, according to our home warranty review. It’s important for seniors in particular to consider the features that play into coverage pricing from each service provider. The following are some major factors that play into the cost of your home warranty and how you can use them to limit your costs.
Service call fees: Some home warranties cover the same items on a single plan option, but allow you to adjust pricing by choosing between multiple service fees. If you live in a new home or recent construction that’s less likely to experience regular breakdowns, you might want to consider selecting a plan with a higher service fee. This will lower your monthly premiums, saving you money until you must call for service.
Items included under coverage: The more covered items included in the terms of your policy, the more you’ll pay for protections. Create a list of the systems and appliances you know you need under coverage before shopping for a plan. This will help ensure that you aren’t overpaying by purchasing protections for items you don’t have in your home.
Additional coverage options: While add-on coverages make your home warranty customizable, they also come with an additional monthly payment on top of your premium. Carefully consider the terms of add-on coverage before purchasing a plan, as add-ons often have lower coverage limits when compared to major appliances and systems.
If you’re in the process of buying a home or downsizing, consult with your real estate agent when searching for affordable home warranty coverage. They may be able to negotiate the inclusion of a home warranty with your new home sale as a benefit from the seller.
What Do the Top-Rated Home Warranties for Seniors Cover?
Each individual home warranty company decides what to include on each of its plans. Many companies split policies into an appliance coverage plan, a systems plan, and a complete home plan, making it easier to compare options across companies. Knowing which items are most commonly included with home warranty plans can help you identify standout options.
Most systems plans include coverage for:
Air conditioning systems
Electrical systems (including ductwork)
Garage door openers
Heating systems
Plumbing systems (some plans also include coverage for plumbing stoppages along
Water heaters
When shopping for an appliance plan, you’ll usually find coverage for all of the following:
Built-in microwaves
Cooktops
Dishwashers
Dryers
Garbage disposals
Ovens and ranges
Refrigerators
Washers
Well pumps
So, What is the Best Home Warranty for Seniors?
The best home warranty for seniors is one that fits comfortably into their budget and provides protections for the items they need.
We recommended companies like Select Home Warranty and Choice Home Warranty because they provide lower-than-average rates for system and appliance coverage, which seniors are more likely to need.
However, if you live in an older home or one that’s more likely to need more expensive repairs, an option like American Home Shield or AFC Home Club that offers higher coverage caps could be better choices.
No matter what you’re looking for in a home warranty, be sure to get a quote from at least three competing providers before you buy. Home warranty pricing may vary depending on which state you’re located in due to local laws and differences in labor costs. Getting multiple quotes ensures that you’ve got the best possible option for your home budget.
The following are some last-minute answers to questions seniors might have about home warranties.
FAQs about Home Warranties for Seniors
Who are 2-10 Home Warranty competitors?
Competitors of 2-10 Home Warranty include Liberty Home Guard, American Home Shield, and Cinch Home Services.
Is there a difference between homeowners insurance and home warranty?
A home warranty and home insurance are not the same thing. A home insurance policy protects the physical structure of your home from sudden disasters like fires and storms. These policies are typically required as a term of getting a mortgage loan
A home warranty only provides repairs and replacements for items that break down due to normal wear and tear. These plans also only extend to home systems and appliances.
What is a home warranty deductible?
A home warranty deductible is most often called a home warranty service fee or trade fee. It’s the amount you pay each time you use your home warranty coverage. It is not a true deductible because there is no capped amount that must be met in order for the service fee to no longer be assessed.
What is a home warranty?
A home warranty is a service contract that will help pay to repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances if they break down due to normal wear and tear. It offers financial protection and peace of mind to homeowners by helping to offset the costs of unexpected breakdowns.
Typically, homeowners pay an annual premium and a service call fee when requesting repairs. When a covered item malfunctions, they can contact the warranty provider, who will send a qualified technician to assess and resolve the issue.
What is the difference between a home warranty and an extended warranty?
A home warranty and an extended warranty differ in terms of what they cover and the context in which they are applied. A home warranty typically covers a range of systems and appliances within a home, such as HVAC systems and plumbing, against unexpected repair or replacement costs.
An extended warranty usually applies to a specific product, such as a car, electronics, or appliances. It extends the manufacturer’s warranty beyond the standard coverage period, offering additional protection against defects and malfunctions. While both provide coverage, a home warranty offers broader protection for multiple items in a home, while an extended warranty is more specific to a single product.
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Home Warranty Companies for Seniors
At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. For this article, our home warranty company ratings emphasized what matters most to seniors —especially low-cost coverage, a hassle-free repair process and 24/7 assistance.
Our ratings are based on publicly available information about each company, secret shopping online and over the phone, customer-review analysis, and discussions with real estate professionals and repair contractors.
A company can earn a maximum of 100 points across six categories converted to a five-star scale. We researched more than 60 home warranty providers to develop the following formula for the best home warranty companies for seniors:
Plans and Coverage (24 points): A home warranty provider can earn the maximum point value in this category if it offers multiple robust plans that cover all basic systems and appliances and optional add-on coverage. We give bonus points to companies that cover uncommon items, such as electronics and roof leaks.
Affordability (22.5 points): When evaluating costs, we not only consider monthly plan prices, but we also take into account the cost of add-on coverage, service fees, and whether companies offer free cancellation periods or money-back guarantees. If a provider allows potential customers to view sample contracts before getting a quote, that transparency earns more points in this category.
Customer Experience (18.5 points): A home warranty company must give its customers ample support when they experience issues. We gauge overall support by looking at customer reviews and conducting homeowner surveys. We also go through the quotes process with each company and take meticulous notes about the friendliness of salespeople, how detailed each quote is, and how often the provider contacts us after giving a quote.
Company Reputation (17.5 points): In this category, we look at a combination of customer reviews and reputable organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). We also consider the years of company experience, how satisfied its employees are, and whether it has been hit with any consumer rights violations or lawsuits.
Claims Process (12.5 points): We score providers highly when they offer short response times, multiple ways to file claims, and around-the-clock availability. Companies can earn bonus points if they have a good reputation for quick and easy claims processing.
Availability (5 points): Providers that serve more areas can have experience dealing with a wider range of homeowner headaches. A company earns the maximum points in this category if it offers services in most U.S. states.
