Find the Best Home Warranty Companies

You can add additional coverage for electronics, pools and spas, septic systems and well pumps to any plan. For the most accurate pricing and availability in your area, it’s best to contact the company directly for a quote.

• SilverShield: Protects 14 major systems, including heating and cooling, electrical and plumbing.
• ShieldGold: Protects parts of 23 appliances and systems, including kitchen and laundry equipment, heating and cooling, electrical and plumbing.
• ShieldPlatinum: Protects everything covered under ShieldGold, plus roof leaks and more.

According to the sample contract, AHS will pay up to $1,500, $3,000 or $6,000 per covered item to assess and repair or replace covered items.

• Major appliances: Includes refrigerators, clothes washers and dryers, ranges, ovens and cooktops, dishwashers, built-in microwaves, garbage disposals and instant water dispensers. Not covered: Free-standing freezers, multimedia centers and wine chillers.
• Electrical systems: All components and parts, including direct-current wiring and built-in exhausts, vents and attic fans. Not covered: Some types of wiring and cable, circuit overload, faceplates and lighting fixtures.
• Heating systems: Components and parts for most types of heating systems, including forced air (gas, electric, oil), geothermal, wall-mounted heaters, floor furnaces, heat pumps, package units and mini-splits; hot water or steam-circulating heaters, electric baseboards, room heaters and cable heat (if it’s the room’s main heat source); and many types of ductwork. Not covered: Outside or underground piping, well pump and well pump components, fuel storage tanks, portable units, fireplace or wood heating units (even if it’s the only source of heat) and diagnostic testing.
• Plumbing systems: Water, drain, gas, waste or vent line leaks or breaks; certain components of toilets, showers and tubs, plus hose bibs, basket strainers and permanently installed sump pumps (groundwater only); built-in bathtub whirlpool motor; pump and air switch assemblies; pressure regulators; expansion tanks; and sewage ejector pumps. Not covered: Stoppages caused by collapsed, damaged or broken drain, vent or sewer lines outside the main foundation; lines damaged by roots or foreign objects; bathtubs, sinks, showers and shower enclosures or base pans; toilet lids and seats; jets; caulking or grouting; septic tanks; water filtration or purification systems; holding or storage tanks; and saunas or steam rooms.
• Roof leak repair: Covers roof leaks. Not covered: Metal roofs and partial or full green roofs (“eco-roofs”); damage caused by items penetrating the roof, including skylights, chimneys and vents; leaks associated with roof-mounted installations (such as solar panels); and gutters and downspouts.

• Basic Plan: Protects 14 systems and appliances, including heating, electrical, plumbing (plus dishwasher), microwave (if built-in), garbage disposal, cooktop and oven and range/stove.
• Total Plan: Covers everything in the Basic Plan, plus washers and dryers, refrigerators and air conditioning systems.
• Add-on coverage: For an additional fee, you can get coverage for pool and spa equipment, pumps, central vacuums, limited roof leaks, stand-alone freezers and septic tank pumping and systems.

• Appliances: All components and parts on your washer and dryer, built-in microwave, oven/range/cooktop, dishwasher, garbage disposal, refrigerator and ceiling/exhaust fans. Not covered: Audio/visual equipment, internet connection components and door or door track assemblies.
• Heating and cooling systems: All components and parts of ducted central electric split and package units, forced air (gas, electric, oil), geothermal and wall-mounted units, mini-splits, heat pumps, floor furnaces, hot water or steam-circulating heat systems and electric baseboards. Not covered: Certain types of piping, well pumps, water towers, chillers, water lines, portable units, fuel storage tanks, chimneys, wood stoves and damper motors; diagnostic testing and some modifications; and damage caused by collapsed ductwork.
• Electrical systems: All components and parts, including direct-current wiring, lighting fixtures and built-in exhausts, vents and attic fans. Not covered: Certain types of wiring and cables (computer, alarm and intercom, for example), telephone wiring, circuit overload and faceplates.
• Plumbing systems: Water, drain, gas, waste and vent line leaks or breaks; toilets, showers, tubs and related mechanisms; hose bibs and basket strainers; built-in bathtub whirlpool motor, pump and air switch assemblies, pressure regulators, expansion tanks and sewage ejector pumps; and some sink, tub, shower, toilet, drain and sewer stoppages. Not covered: Stoppages caused by collapsed, damaged or broken drains; line damage caused by roots or foreign objects; bathtubs, sinks and showers; shower enclosures and base pans; toilet lids and seats; septic tanks; water filtration and purification systems; holding or storage tanks; saunas or steam rooms; costs of locating and accessing cleanouts; and access through roof vents.
• Water heater: All gas and electric components, including tankless heaters and circulating pumps. Not covered: Holding or storage tanks, vents and flues, thermal expansion tanks and energy management systems.

• Platinum Care: Select’s most popular warranty plan protects 17 major items, including ductwork, plumbing stoppages, kitchen appliances, garage door openers, ceiling fans and more.
• Gold Care: This plan includes air conditioning and cooling, heating, plumbing and electrical systems, water heaters and ductwork.
• Bronze Care: The most basic tier covers your washer and dryer, garbage disposal, refrigerator, stove and oven, cooktop, built-in microwave and dishwasher.
• Additional coverage: Limited roof leak protection plans are available. More coverage options include plans for plumbing and lighting, pool and spa equipment, well pump, sump pump, central vacuum, stand-alone freezer, lawn sprinkler system and septic system.

Keep in mind that Select reserves the right to request three years of maintenance records. Without proper documentation, the maximum payout for any system or appliance is $150.

• Appliances: All modules, components and parts necessary to the functionality of your refrigerator, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, washer and dryer, water heater and oven and range or stovetop. Not covered: Portable, combo or countertop microwaves; solar or tankless water heating systems, leaks and pumps.
• Systems: Plumbing system (including some stoppages); heating (all necessary modules, components and parts); listed electrical components; primary floor air conditioning units; garage door openers; ceiling fans. Not covered: Septic tanks, water softeners, slab leaks and polybutylene pipes. Stoppages caused by collapsed, damaged or broken drain, vent or sewer lines outside the confines of the home’s main foundation; solar heating systems, zone systems and wall units; crushed ductwork and improperly sized ductwork or duct systems; window, wall and portable air conditioning units; garage doors; and lights.

• Appliances: Starting at $27.99 per month, this plan covers standard kitchen appliances, trash compactors, food centers, free-standing ice makers and washers and dryers.
• Built-in Systems: Starting at $32.99 per month, the Built-in Systems plan covers air conditioning, plumbing, electrical and heating (including ductwork), ceiling and attic fans, central vacuums, doorbells, garage door openers, garbage disposals, water dispensers, sump pumps, toilets, water heaters, tubs and more.
• Complete Home: Starting at $39.99 per month, this top-tier coverage covers everything in the appliance and systems plans and comes with a homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement.

• Air conditioning: All components, including ducted central electric split and package units, geothermal, wall air conditioners and mini-splits. Not covered: Outside or underground piping; well pump and components, interconnecting refrigerant lines; window units; water towers, chillers, chiller components and water lines; and diagnostic testing to replace heating or cooling equipment.
• Heating systems: All components and parts of forced air (gas, electric, oil) systems, geothermal and wall-mounted heaters, floor furnaces, package units, heat pumps, mini-splits, hot water or steam-circulating heat, electric baseboard and cable heat (if it’s the main source of heat in the home or room). Not covered: Outside or underground piping, well pump and well pump components for geothermal and water source heat pumps; interconnecting refrigerant lines; fuel storage tanks and portable units; fireplace, grain, pellet or wood heating units; and diagnostic testing when replacing equipment.
• Electrical: All components and parts, including direct-current wiring, light fixtures and built-in exhausts, vents or attic fans. Not covered: Some wiring and cables, telephone system circuit overload and faceplates.
• Plumbing: Water, drain, gas, waste or vent line leaks or breaks; toilets, showers and related mechanisms; faucets and diverters; angle stops, risers and gate valves; hose bibs, basket strainers and permanently installed sump pumps (groundwater only); built-in bathtub whirlpool motors, pumps and air switch assemblies. Not covered: Stoppages caused by lines outside the home’s main foundation; lines damaged by roots or foreign objects; costs to locate, access or install cleanouts; any fees for photo or video equipment; hydro-jetting equipment and chemicals; and jet or steam cleaning.

• Gold Plan: Covers 14 systems and appliances.
• Silver Plan: Covers eight major appliances, including standard kitchen and laundry items.
• Platinum Plan: Covers 17 systems and appliances, including everything covered by the Gold and Silver plans.
• Systems Plan: Covers six major systems, including electrical and plumbing.
• Additional coverage: Add-on protection for your sump pump, septic system, hot water dispenser, pool or spa, stand-alone freezer and tankless water heater are also available for an additional fee.
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• Systems: Air conditioner, cooling and heating systems, electrical systems, plumbing systems, water heaters and ductwork. Not covered: Window units; alternative heating systems; valves; ductwork exposed to outside elements; rust, corrosion and sediment; slab leaks; modifications or code upgrades; showers, tubs and sinks; nonmechanical parts; vent registers; maintenance-related items; leak detection; pipe collapse, freezing, or root damage; faceplates, switches and fixtures.
• Appliances: Washer and dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, built-in microwave, garbage disposal, garage door opener, oven, range, stove and cooktop. Not covered: Soap dispensers; fans; clocks; garage door parts; nonmechanical parts; door hinges, valves, filters and vents; seals and gaskets; auxiliary items; touch panels or displays; leaks and water lines; failures from misuse; and diagnosis.

• Heating and Cooling Plan: For $39.99 per month, this plan covers heating, cooling and electrical systems. Covered devices include central air conditioning and heating, humidifier and interior electrical systems.
• Platinum Plan: For $49.99 per month, Platinum covers your major kitchen appliances, garbage disposal, water heater, interior electrical system, whole-home humidifier and central heating and cooling systems.
• Platinum Premier Plan: For $59.99 per month, this plan covers everything in the Platinum Plan, plus interior plumbing and electrical systems, ductwork, ceiling fans and garage door openers.
• Additional coverage: For additional fees, you can add coverage for your washer and dryer, well pump, water or sewer line, pool or spa and electronics.

• Central air conditioning: Condenser, defrost heating element, standard thermostat, fuse, relay, transformer, motors, compressor, pulleys, timer, fan control, bearings, fluid pump, switches, electrodes, semiconductors, rectifiers and electronic circuits. Not covered: Gas air conditioning systems, baseboard casings, coils, line driers, portable units, registers, grilles, clocks, timers, flues and vents, condenser casings, portable electric air cleaners, filters, humidifiers, service valves, driers, refrigerant, refrigerant line sets, refrigerant reclamation, belts, wiring, wiring harness and circuit breakers and drains.
• Central home heating: Gas valve, main burner, limit control, pilot burner, thermocouple, flame spreader, regulator, standard thermostat, manifold, fuse, transformer, relay, igniter, sensor, motor, power pack, bearings, pulleys, fan control, pressure control, pressure gauge, low water cut-off, sight glass, coupler, power pile, fluid pump, blower and heat coil. Not covered: Solar heating systems, fireplaces, chimneys, heat lamps, fuel storage tanks, liners, registers, grilles, timers, flues and vents, filters, improperly sized heating systems, expansion tanks, free-standing or portable heat units. All components and parts relating to geothermal, water source heat pumps and pellet stoves.
• Electrical systems: Interior electrical coverage includes wiring, receptacles, switches, fuses and single- or two-pole breakers. Not covered: Fixtures, attic or exhaust fans, doorbells, intercom or alarm systems, central vacuum systems, some types of wiring and cable, load control devices, electrical generation systems, solar electrical systems, timers, touchpad assemblies, remote controls and damage caused by circuit overload.
• Plumbing systems: All interior plumbing, including angle stops, risers, waste vents, P-Trap assemblies and interior hose bibs. Covers cost to clear mainline drains, sewer and lateral drain line stoppages, certain types of existing ground level cleanout and overflow access points. Not covered: Piping and plumbing outside of the perimeter of the foundation; stoppages caused by roots; collapsed, broken or damaged lines outside the confines of the main foundation; tubs; gas lines; caulking or grouting; toilets and parts; holding and pressure tanks; jet pumps; and lawn sprinkler systems. Additional exclusions apply.

• Systems Guard: This plan covers air conditioning, heating, ductwork, plumbing, electrical and water heaters.
• Appliance Guard: This option covers your clothes washer and dryer, kitchen refrigerator, ranges, ovens and cooktops, built-in microwave ovens, dishwashers, ceiling and exhaust fans, garbage disposals and garage door openers.
• Total Home Guard: The company’s most comprehensive plan, Total Home Guard covers everything listed in the systems and appliances plans.
• Optional coverage: Any of the above plans can be customized with additional coverage. Upgrades include service plans for your pool or spa, sump pump, well pump, central vacuum, septic system pumping, lighting fixtures, gutter cleaning, water softener, lawn sprinkler system, swamp cooler, ejector pump, second refrigerator, trash compactor, generator, grinder pump and water dispenser. Limited roof leak and electronics protection are also available.

• Heating: Includes refrigerators, clothes washers and dryers, ranges, ovens and cooktops, dishwashers, built-in microwaves, garbage disposals and instant water dispensers. Not covered: All parts related to geothermal or water source heat pumps and outside piping. Other exclusions apply.
• Ductwork: Covers leaks and breaks in ductwork on heating systems, air conditioning, registers and grilles. Not covered: Insulation, breeching, separation due to poor support, damper motors and air cleaner cabinets.
• Plumbing: All necessary mechanical components and parts, up to a five-ton capacity, including circulating pumps and reversing valves. Not covered: Stoppages and clogs that can't be cleared with a cable or snake, gas lines, water closets, slab leaks, certain pipes and fixtures, drum traps, flange and baskets. Additional exclusions, including some showers, tubs and drain mechanisms, apply.
• Electrical: All mechanical components and parts, including built-in bathroom exhaust fans. Not covered: Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors; intercoms, doorbells and similar systems; attic exhaust fans, auxiliary panels, wire tracing and circuit overload; direct-current wiring or components.
• Air conditioning: Central and wall air conditioning with up to five tons of capacity. SEER restrictions apply. Not covered: Leaks, gas systems, condenser cases, registers, grilles, electronic air cleaners; window units, some wall units, water towers, humidifiers and chillers; all coils, exterior pads, roof mounts, condensate pumps and drain line stoppages, as well as geothermal piping and wells, electrical supplies and zoned systems.
• Water heaters: All mechanical components and parts, including circulating pumps, up to 75 gallons. Not covered: Access, insulation blankets, drain pans and lines, squat units, storage tanks and similar items.

For example, imagine you have a busted pipe that requires extensive plumbing repairs. If you have a home warranty, you file a claim and pay a service call fee for the company to send a licensed contractor and diagnose the problem. As long as the issue is covered, the home warranty company pays for the proper repair or replacement. For more, read about how home warranties work.

Home warranty policies only cover breakdowns due to normal wear and tear. Proper systems and appliance maintenance is typically required to keep coverage. A home warranty claim will likely be denied if the problem resulted from a known issue or lack of maintenance. For instance, most home warranty plans cover HVAC repair, but it can be difficult to get a company to replace the entire system for you. For more information, read about home warranty plans and coverage.

Homeowners insurance covers structural damage to your home and loss of your property due to lightning, fire, smoke, hail, vandalism, theft and other perils. It also covers the policyholder’s liability in case they are responsible for an injury on the property. Unlike homeowners insurance, a warranty does not cover damages caused by these events; it only covers breakdowns resulting from normal use.

If you have a mortgage, homeowners insurance is likely required. A home warranty is not mandatory for homeowners, but it helps pay for expensive home repairs. For more information, read about the differences between home warranties and home insurance.

• Bad customer service
• Pattern of denying claims
• Misleading or aggressive marketing tactics
• Confusing contracts
• Hidden fees
• Delays in service calls
• Disputes of reimbursements or replacement amounts

These types of regulating authorities help to protect consumers from fraud and mistreatment by investigating companies and giving residents a way to file complaints when necessary.

A home warranty is especially helpful in the following situations:

• You own an older home: Older homes often have older appliances and systems. A warranty offers extra assurance that your vintage charmer stays in working order.
• You’re buying or selling a home: Buyers, sellers, real estate agents and current homeowners are all eligible to buy a home warranty. In many areas, it’s customary for the seller or real estate agent to package a home warranty in the purchase price as an added benefit to the buyer. This can be particularly attractive for first-time homebuyers or people purchasing older homes that are more likely to need repairs.
• You don’t have a large savings account: If you don’t have a rainy day fund set aside for unexpected expenses — like when your air conditioner goes out or your dishwasher calls it quits — a home warranty protects you for a relatively affordable monthly premium.
• You’re not handy: Those who have not owned a home before or are unfamiliar with the maintenance of major systems and home appliances should consider how much a plan covers and how much work they are willing and able to take on themselves. Many industry professionals recommend that new homeowners choose a more comprehensive plan that helps them acclimate to the responsibilities of owning a home.

The cost of a home warranty is likely worth it if you have an older home and older appliances that are no longer covered under manufacturer warranties. It could also be worth it if you have limited credit access and don’t have a savings account.

Keep in mind that when you make a claim, you normally have to pay a service call fee, which is specified in your contract. Depending on your contract, your policy will cover a replacement or repair. However, you will be financially responsible for fixing anything that’s excluded from your warranty plan. Providers typically have payout limits or per-item caps, so be sure to read the terms of a contract carefully.

• American Home Shield vs. Old Republic
• Choice Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield
• First American Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield
• Select Home Warranty vs. Choice Home Warranty
• TotalProtect vs. American Home Shield

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1. American Home Shield, “Consumer Home Warranty Sample Contract.” Accessed April 27, 2021.
2. Choice Home Warranty, “Terms of Service Agreement.” Accessed April 27, 2021.
3. Select Home Warranty, “Terms and Conditions: Service Contract Agreement.” Accessed April 27, 2021.
4. Cinch Home Warranty, “Home Service Agreement.” Accessed April 27, 2021.
5. America’s 1st Choice Home Club (AFC), “Systems Coverage.” Accessed April 27, 2021.
6. American Residential Warranty, “Agreement.” Accessed April 27, 2021.
7. Liberty Home Guard, “Home Warranty Agreement.” Accessed April 27, 2021.