That’s where a home warranty program can come in handy. It protects your investment and reduces the cost of repairs that could put you in debt. However, comparing home warranties can be confusing and time-consuming. Exclusions, coverage limitations, and service fees are just a few of the key factors to research.
To make things easier for you and help you better understand what to look for, we’ve evaluated the most popular companies in the industry and compiled a list of the best home warranty providers.
Our Top 10 Best Home Warranty Companies:
- Choose a Home Warranty. The Best Overall Home Warranty Company
- Choose a Home Warranty. Affordable Fees and Rates
- American Home Shield. Best for Customized Plans
- America’s Home Warranty. Best for Comprehensive Appliance Coverage
- America’s First Home Guarantee. Best for High Payments
- Home Maintenance Club. Best for Pre-existing Conditions Coverage
- Liberty Home Guard. Homeowners Looking for Fast Claims Processing
- Elite Home Warranty. Adjustable Warranty Policy
- Mike Holmes Protection: Unlimited Coverage for Home Systems and Up to $6,000 in Appliances
- 2-10 Home Buyers’ Warranties: Best for Fast Service
Our Review Methodology: Evaluating the Best Home Warranty Companies
It’s important to get the best advice and information when comparing home warranty companies. That’s why, in addition to the key criteria listed below, we also consider customer feedback and use our industry experience to only offer high-quality services. Our methodology is based on the following factors:
- Average Annual Fee
- Number of Contractors
- Service Call Fee
- When can service requests be submitted? Scope of Coverage
- Types of Plans Available (Premier, Gold, Platinum, etc.)
Our Top 10 Best Home Warranty Companies – Quick Reviews:
Choice
A Choice home warranty is an ideal and affordable option for first-time home buyers. Choose between their customizable Basic Plan (12 items) and Total Plan (16 items) for up to $3,000 in coverage for each successful claim.
DebtHammer CEO Jake Hill notes that Choice Home Warranty is also “especially helpful for older homeowners” because they “are not denied coverage due to the age of their home’s systems or appliances.”
Instead of changing service fees, they charge just $85 per claim. Plus, the first month is free if you’re a new customer.
Why We Chose Choice Home Warranty: Unlike other services, Choice Home Warranty responds quickly to inquiries and claims, offers reliable customer service, and affordable annual fees.
Our Experience: We were impressed with Choice Home Warranty’s quick response time when filing claims online and over the phone. The support specialists we worked with were knowledgeable and quick to provide us with helpful information.
Read the Choice Home Warranty review
PROS
- Low fees
- First month free
- Home warranty solutions available by phone and online, 24/7
CONS
- Coverage limits range from $250 to $3,000 per item
- Not available in California
Select Home Warranty
Select Home Warranty offers competitively priced coverage for appliances and major systems. Its premiums start at just $36 per month, which is more affordable than other home warranty companies.
Jennifer Spinelli, a real estate professional, investment advisor, and founder and CEO of Cash For Houses, describes Select Home Warranty as “reliable and trustworthy.” She adds that she no longer has to worry about “expensive repairs or replacements due to accidents or breakdowns.”
There are three different plans available, all of which include free roof leak coverage. However, Select Home Warranty services are not available in Nevada, Washington, or Wisconsin.
Why we chose Select Home Warranty: Their affordable fees and lowest prices set them apart from the competition. Plus, they offer two free months with their annual plan.
Our experience: We were particularly impressed with Select Home Warranty’s friendly 24/7 phone support and free roof leak insurance.
Read our Select Home Warranty review
PROS
- Affordable fees and prices
- 24/7 phone support
- Free roof leak insurance
CONS
- Lower insurance limits
- Not available in Nevada, Washington, or Wisconsin
American Home Shield
American Home Shield, in business since 1971, is the largest and most respected home warranty company in the U.S. market, with over two million members.
Former investment banker and founder of Top Mobile Banks, Tommy Gallagher, was “impressed with the variety of contractors available and the quality of service.”
Choose from three customizable plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. The ShieldSilver plan covers only 14 major systems, while the ShieldGold plan covers 23.
For added benefits, ShieldPlatinum offers comprehensive system and equipment coverage. This includes additional cost-saving services like free HVAC adjustments, unlimited A/C refrigerant, leak and code violation coverage, and higher payment limits for repairs and replacements.
Why we chose American Home Shield: They operate in 47 states and Washington, D.C., and you can customize your plan. American Home Shield automatically covers duplicate products and older products that are rusted or corroded.
Our Experience: We found American Home Shield to be a great option for those looking for highly customizable plans and access to a wide network of contractors. We easily found a plan that met our needs.
Read our American Home Shield review
PROS
- Highly customizable plans
- Includes previously undiscovered conditions.
- Covers older components such as rust and corrosion.
CONS
- No repair time guarantee.
- Not available in Alaska, New York, or Hawaii.
Home Warranty of America
American Home Warranty offers comprehensive insurance policies that cover most home appliances and home systems. They offer up to $15,000 in annual repair and replacement coverage, plus 24/7 phone or online support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
They may be a little more expensive than some competitors, but they’re well worth the investment. All plans include a deductible for a service visit.
Why we chose America’s Home Warranty: America’s Home Warranty offers nationwide service and excellent value, covering all home appliances.
Our experience: We were impressed with the home warranty and its efficient customer service in the U.S. It was easy to set up a plan, and we appreciated its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read America’s Home Warranty review
PROS
- Cover most home appliances.
- High Coverage Limits
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
CONS
- 30-Day Waiting Period
- 10% Cancellation Fee
The First American
First American’s Home Warranty is an ideal choice for those looking for solid protection for their systems and appliances. The company has been in business since 1984 and claims to have saved homeowners over $219 million in repair costs.
Coverage comes in two basic and one premium plans. Some of the best features of First American Home Warranty include item protection regardless of age and replacement of defective items with new equivalents if they can’t be repaired.
Why We Chose First American Home Warranty? First American Home Warranty offers specialized programs for both real estate professionals and service providers. They also have a 24/7 claims service, fully vetted dealers, and a transparent application process.
Our Experience We liked First American Home Warranty’s response time, which was significantly faster than other companies.
Read our First American Home Warranty review.
PROS
- 24/7 customer service
- Fully vetted dealers
- Low prices and service fees.
CONS
- It’s hard to understand the breakdown of prices without a personal quote.
- Their app has a low rating.
Home Service Club
Home Service Club (HSC) offers two service plans: Standard and Comprehensive. The Standard plan covers 18 major home appliances and systems, while the Comprehensive plan covers 33. Additional services, such as pool and roof coverage, are available for an additional fee.
HSC’s exclusive plans include pest and utility line damage coverage, which sets them apart from other home warranty services. You can also choose your service fee from three options ($65, $95, and $125), and all repairs include a 90-day warranty.
However, HSC charges higher-than-average service fees and additional fees. You must live in a single-family home, apartment, townhouse, or multi-unit building to participate in the program.
Why did we choose Home Service Club? HSC has a wide range of additional services, including gas lines, septic tanks, water mains, swimming pools and spas. In addition, the company’s services are available nationwide, with no exceptions.
Our experience: We appreciate that HSC offers pest damage coverage, which many competitors do not.
Read our Home Care Club review
PROS
- Offers pest damage insurance
- Available nationwide
- 90-day warranty on all repairs
CONS
- High base fees and service fees
- Does not publish prices on the website
Liberty Home Guard
With high ratings and excellent reviews, Liberty Home Guard has earned a reputation for providing reliable service to its customers.
They offer three plans (Systems Guard, Appliance Guard and Total Home Guard) with additional financial protection for roof leaks, stand-alone refrigerators, generators, carpet cleaning and pressure washing. New policyholders also receive free limited roof leak protection and two months of free coverage.
Liberty Home Guard’s unique claims process sets them apart from other home warranty providers. They have a 24/7 call center and guarantee to assign a contractor to your claim within 24 to 48 hours. They also have a network of over 10,000 qualified technicians in all 50 states.
Liberty Home Guard has launched a comprehensive mobile app that revolutionizes the way homeowners manage their escrow accounts, file claims, and access real-time information. The app offers features such as easy access to warranty details, efficient claim management, simplified payment tracking, seamless communication with technicians, real-time notifications, and a wide range of home maintenance analytics.
Why did we choose Liberty Home Guard? Liberty Home Guard rates start at just $1 per day, and their technicians arrive within 24-48 hours of a claim.
Our Experience: We’ve been pleased with Liberty Home Guard’s reliability, fast claim processing, and excellent customer service.
Read Liberty Home Guard review
PROS
- Excellent customer service
- Currently offering two months free.
- Highly rated by customers.
CONS
- Not available in Wisconsin
- Fewer technicians compared to other companies
Elite Home Warranty
Elite Home Warranty offers a premium home warranty settlement policy. You can choose from three warranty packages and dozens of add-ons, or create a fully settlement policy that protects the home appliances and systems that matter most to you. You can also adjust coverage limits and pay a co-pay for service visits. Overall, Elite Home Warranty’s policy is comprehensive and affordable.
Elite Home Warranty is one of the few home warranty providers that lets you choose your own service technician. The company also has a nationwide network of contractors and can dispatch them within 24-48 hours of your claim. You can file a claim 24/7, online, by phone, or through the Elite Home Warranty mobile app.
Read the Elite Home Warranty review
PROS
- Choose custom coverage limits
- Networked service technicians or choose your own
- Submit claims 24/7, online, by phone, or through the app
CONS
- Co-pays for service visits can be up to $130 each time.
- The service performance guarantee is only 30 days.
Mike Holmes Protection
Mike Holmes Protection offers customizable home warranty policies that provide unlimited coverage for your home’s systems and up to $6,000 for your appliances. The company has a network of over 11,500 contractors and is available to answer your questions 24/7.
Why we chose Mike Holmes Protection: Mike Holmes Protection is more expensive than its competitors, but it gives you peace of mind knowing that even the most expensive repairs will be fully covered. The company also has excellent ratings from homeowners for its quick response to complaints.
Our experience: I found Mike Holmes Defense’s support team to be very responsive and helpful. I also like that you can get a free quote and sign up online in just a few minutes.
Read the Mike Holmes Defense review.
PROS
- Unlimited coverage for home system repairs.
- A variety of plans with lots of add-ons.
- Excellent reputation for fast repairs.
CONS
- Only available in 36 states.
- Premiums are higher than the industry average.
2-10 Home Buyers Guarantee
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty has 40 years of experience in the home warranty industry. It offers three plans: $19.99 per month, $51 per month, and $60 per month. Service fees are adjustable and range from $65 to $100 per visit, but the base price is $85. 2-10 HBW offers a generous $25,000 annual coverage limit, protecting you against multiple device or system failures.
To get started, simply visit the 2-10 HBW website or call customer service. You can purchase a warranty at any time, whether you’re buying, selling, or currently living in your home. Support is available 24/7, and you will receive a service call within 24 to 48 hours of submitting your claim.
Benefits:
- Annual coverage limit of up to $25,000
- Cover everyday clothing
- Reimbursement of service charges if the item is not covered
- Customers receive discounts on GE and Whirlpool appliances
Plans and Pricing:
2-10 Home Buyer’s Guarantee offers three plans and optional additional coverage.
- Simple Kitchen: Includes six kitchen appliances
- Whole Home: Covers 22 appliances and home systems, including all appliances covered by the Simple Kitchen plan
- Pinnacle House. Covers 32 appliances and home systems, including all appliances covered by the Whole Home plan
States Served:
The 2-10 Home Buyer’s Warranty is available in 42 states, but not Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, or Wyoming.
Read 2-10 Home Buyer’s Warranty reviews
PROS
- Available in 48 contiguous states
- Purchase a plan anytime
- Annual coverage limit: $25,000
CONS
- Expensive annual fee
- High base service fee
Comparing the Top Home Warranty Companies
Now that you have more information about the top 10 home warranty companies, it’s time to compare them. The home warranty chart below describes each company’s features and services, including coverage details, average annual premiums, and customer experience.
When reviewing the table, consider the coverage inclusions and limitations. Carefully review the service fees to make sure you’re not paying too much for repairs to save on your annual fee. Finally, read customer reviews to learn about each company’s performance, as well as the quality and timeliness of their repairs. With this information, you can easily determine which company offers the best plans at the most affordable prices.
What is a Home Warranty?
A home warranty is a contract that provides customers with repair and replacement coverage for major home systems and appliances due to normal wear and tear. It offers protection against unexpected breakdowns, including the repair or replacement of covered items such as air conditioners, furnaces, refrigerators, washing machines, and plumbing systems.
How Do Home Warranties Work?
Home warranties help homeowners cover the cost of repairing or replacing appliances, systems, and other household items that break down over time. Purchasing a home warranty is like having a security blanket for unexpected repairs. If something goes wrong with your covered item, the appliance warranty company pays for the repair or replacement, up to the limit of your plan.
If you have a problem with your covered item, you can call the warranty company and they will send a technician to fix it. The technician will use parts from an approved list to repair or replace the item and get it working again.
You will usually have to pay a small service fee, or deductible, for each repair or replacement. Your plan will cover the remaining amount up to the amount of your policy. That’s why many people consider home warranties a worthwhile investment. You pay nothing if something breaks.
Are Home Warranty Plans Worth It?
Home warranty plans are a great option for many homeowners. They protect you from unexpected repairs and high replacement costs, especially for large appliances like refrigerators or washing machines.
There are many reasons to get a home warranty plan, including the peace of mind of knowing that if something breaks in your home, you may not have to pay as much to fix it. Many companies also offer additional coverage options, such as pools, spas, additional equipment or systems, so you can tailor your plan to your needs.
Determining the Need for a Home Warranty
A home warranty can be useful in many situations, whether you’re moving into a new home or a home you’ve loved for decades. For those moving into a newly constructed home, a warranty covers defects and malfunctions in major home systems and appliances. It can even reduce overall maintenance costs during the first year.
Getting insurance for an older home is also a good idea because it protects against costly repairs that arise due to aging and wear and tear. While most plans don’t cover problems with older homes, some home warranties cover pre-existing conditions, allowing for repair services at a reduced or free cost.
How to Choose the Best Home Warranty Plan for Your Needs
When you’re ready to buy a home warranty plan, follow these steps to make sure you’re choosing the company that best suits your needs.
- Research different plans and compare features. Learn about different home warranty contracts to determine which one best suits your needs. Consider each plan’s coverage limits, service fees, and other benefits.
- Ask important questions. Contact home warranty companies if you have questions about their plans. Make sure you understand what’s covered and whether any restrictions or limitations apply.
- Get home warranty quotes from multiple providers. When you’re ready to buy, research and request quotes from multiple providers. Make sure you read the fine print of the contract before making a decision.
- Check the credentials. Look for companies that are certified by organizations like the National Home Services Contractors Association to ensure they are reputable, properly licensed, and regulated.
- Read customer reviews. Read reviews of home warranty customers who have used the company in the past. Check how reliable, helpful, and responsive their customer service is to know how to file a claim or request a repair in the future.
Coverage Details of Home Warranty Plans
Basic home warranty plans typically cover major appliances and offer coverage for the following:
- Refrigerators
- Dishwashers
- Washing machines
- Dryers
- Stoves and ovens
- Garbage disposals
In addition, most home warranties cover the following major systems:
- Electrical system
- Air conditioners
- Water heater
- Air conditioner
- Cooling and heating system
- Old
- plumbing system
- Garage door
For an additional fee, many home warranties offer additional coverage for the following items:
- Septic tanks
- In-ground swimming pools
- Well pumps
- Sump pumps
- Septic systems
- Central vacuum cleaners
- Spa baths
Water heaters
Cost Considerations for Home Warranty Plans
Home warranty plans typically cost between $300 and $600 per year, which is equivalent to a monthly $25 to $50. Some companies offer monthly payment options, but if possible, pay annually, as many providers offer discounts.
Additionally, most home warranty companies charge or waive a service fee each time. This can cost anywhere from $60 to $150. There may also be fees for after-hours repairs, special services, and other services not included in your plan. Read your plan’s terms and conditions to understand the exact fees.
Advantages of Purchasing a Home Warranty
Home warranties, which are an extra layer of protection for your home, can cover expensive repairs or help finance the replacement of appliances and other items in your home. With a home warranty plan, you can avoid unexpected expenses and enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that all warranty issues will be covered.
Benefits for Homeowners and Landlords with a Home Warranty Policy
Homeowners and landlords can benefit from home warranty policies because they cover the cost of repairing and replacing major home appliances and systems that eventually break down. This is especially helpful for homeowners who rely on rental income to pay their bills and maintain their maintenance costs. With a home warranty plan, they don’t have to worry about additional repair costs.
Homeowners also benefit from knowing that if something goes wrong, they won’t have to rush to find money or a contractor. Most companies offer customized coverage options that allow homeowners to choose the specific items they need protection for.
What Types of Home Warranty Plans Are Available?
Home warranty plans are a useful way to protect yourself from costly repairs. There are several types of home warranties, so it’s important to understand the coverage of each plan. Below is a summary of the different types of plans and what they include.
Appliances Only Plans Major appliances, such as furnaces, garbage disposals, refrigerators, and ovens.
Systems-only plans: Home systems, such as plumbing, electrical, and air conditioning.
Comprehensive plans: Both major appliances and home systems.
Additional coverage: Items not covered by your primary plan, such as swimming pools, spas, secondary refrigerators, septic tanks, sump pumps, and well pumps.
Regardless of which home warranty plan you choose, always read the fine print and ask questions before signing a contract. This way, you can be sure that your investment in your home will be properly protected.
What Is Not Covered Under Warranty?
While home warranty plans offer valuable protection for homeowners, they may not cover everything. Often, a higher-level plan or special add-on is required to cover certain aspects. Below are some items and situations that most warranties typically do not cover.
- Accidents caused by improper maintenance. You will be responsible for any damage or malfunction caused by improper or improper maintenance. For example, if you don’t change your HVAC system filters regularly, the resulting problems will not be covered.
- Damage caused by self-repair. Repair or replacement costs will not be covered if you attempt to repair something yourself, which causes additional damage. Therefore, if you think something is wrong, you should always contact a professional.
- Pre-existing damage.
- Cosmetic problems. Cosmetic problems, such as chipped tiles or paint on a wall, are considered minor repairs and are not covered by standard warranties.
- Code violations. Your home warranty policy will not cover the damage.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Home Warranty Claims Process
Fileing a claim with your home warranty company doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated. You can follow the process below to get your issues resolved quickly.
Step 1: Contact Your Home Warranty Company
Contact your home warranty company online, by phone, or by email. Provide them with all the relevant details about your issue, such as when it occurred, what happened, and what might have caused it. They may also ask for photos or proof of purchase, depending on the company’s policy.
Step 2: Submit an Online Claim Form (If Required)
Some companies offer an online claim form that you must complete before accepting your claim. This helps the company better understand the issue and can ultimately streamline the process for both parties. When filling out the form, read each field carefully before submitting it to make sure the information is complete and accurate.
Step 3: Await Confirmation of Your Claim
After submitting your claim, you will need to wait for confirmation that it has been accepted. Most companies try to respond within 24 hours, but this can vary depending on the severity of the problem. If you don’t hear back within a day or two, please contact us; sometimes emails get lost.
Step 4: Check If You Need to Pay Service Fees
You will likely have to pay a service fee before any repairs can begin. Your home warranty company should provide you with clear instructions on how and when to make this payment. Ask questions to avoid misunderstandings later, and of course, before the technician arrives at your home.
Step 5: Arrange for Repair or Replacement of the Item
Once your claim is approved, the repair or replacement will begin. Depending on where you live and the availability of parts and service in your area, this can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Many companies have a team of contractors they work with on site, but they aren’t always reliable or communicative. Make sure you ask for updates throughout the process.
Home Warranty vs. Homeowners’ Insurance: Understanding the Difference
Homeowners insurance covers the cost of repairs due to fire, flood, lightning, wind, hail, theft, vandalism, and liability (if someone is injured on your property). Specific covered items can include roofs, furniture, clothing, appliances, and more, as long as the damage is caused by a covered issue or a natural event.
Home warranties typically cover the repair or replacement of major home appliances and systems, such as air conditioners, plumbing, and electrical wiring, due to normal wear and tear. For similar reasons, your home warranty may also cover major home appliances, such as dishwashers, stoves, ovens, and refrigerators.
Both protect the value of your home, so it’s important to compare your home warranty and your homeowner’s insurance when making a decision.
Additional Home Warranty Companies We Reviewed
More Home Warranty Companies We Reviewed
In addition to the top home warranty companies listed above, the following are also worth considering:
- Sears Home Guarantee: Best Repair Warranty
- HSA Home Guarantee: Best Non-Home Inspection Warranty
- Landmark Home Guarantee: Best Pest Control Coverage
- HomeServe USA: Best Packages
- Amazon Home Guarantee: Best One-Month Free Maintenance
Bottom Line – Protect Your Investment with a Home Warranty
Our recommendations for the 10 best home warranty companies are: Choice Home Guarantee, Select Home Guarantee, American Home Shield, Home Guarantee of America, First American Home Guarantee, Home Service Club, ARW Home, Liberty Home Guard, First Premier, and 2-10 Homebuyer Guarantee.
Home warranties can help homeowners save money on appliance and home system maintenance.
Some plans give you access to additional benefits, such as extended appliance protection, free HVAC service, and a network of certified and vetted technicians you can trust. These benefits alone make home warranties a good investment for many homeowners.
