Find the Best Home Warranty Companies
Our top home warranty picks
When making our top picks for home warranties, we considered trustworthy home warranty companies that are Accredited Partners with ConsumerAffairs. We weighed four factors: ratings on ConsumerAffairs.com, annual cost, service recall period length and number of reviews.
Our favorite pick |
|
|
American Home Shield is one of the biggest players in the industry, and it offers some of the best coverage on the market. We love the company for its “Build Your Own” plan, which allows customers to completely customize their coverage to protect exactly what they need. We recommend AHS for customers looking for complete coverage. AHS does not require a pre-inspection, and you can get a plan at any time, regardless of the age of your home’s systems and appliances.
Our pick for service guarantee |
|
|
Of the companies we analyzed, America's 1st Choice Home Club had the longest service guarantee period. The company provides lifetime guarantees, which means the company backs up any repair it has made while the customer is under the plan, no matter how long ago the repair was. This shows the home warranty company backs up its promises. The company has four plans, including one just for major systems. Others add on appliances, ductwork and more detailed plumbing coverage. The average service call fee is $75. The comprehensive Platinum Plan costs about $625 a year.
Our pick for service coverage |
|
|
Select Home Warranty offers three different home warranty plans starting at $36 a month. Each plan is customizable, and the company offers free quotes. Select Home Warranty has a network of local professionals who perform all repairs and replacements, and it lets clients submit claims online. The company offers several discounts, including savings for those who purchase multiple-year coverage. It also allows clients to add home warranty coverage for pools, sprinkler systems and well pumps. The company offers roof coverage with all of its plans.
Compare Home Warranty Reviews | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Available in 20149
| American Home Shield | Choose from four plans to cover systems, appliances or both. Combo plan starts at $45 per month. Deductibles range from $75 to $125. 60-day workmanship guarantee. Extended warranties for electronics also available. |  | |||
Available in 20149
| Choice Home Warranty | Offers two plans with basic or comprehensive coverage. Get a plan for around $40 per month with an $85 repair service fee. Optional coverage for limited roof leak protection available. 90-day guarantee on parts, 30-day on labor. |  | Get a Quote | ||
Available in 20149
| Liberty Home Guard | Covers individual systems, appliances or both. Plans start at $1 a day plus a $60 service fee. Use of out-of-network contractors available. Add-on gutter cleaning, floor cleaning and pest control coverage. |  | Get a Quote | ||
Available in 20149
| America's 1st Choice Home Club | Choose from four plan options ranging from systems-only to platinum-level coverage. Premiums as low as $395 a year when paid in full. Deductibles range from $75 to $125. |  | Get a Quote | ||
Available in 20149
| Select Home Warranty | Select from three plan options. Monthly premiums start at $35 with deductibles as low as $45. No service recall period. Roof coverage included. Special promotions include free extra months on your contract. |  | Get a Quote | ||
Available in 20149
| Total Home Protection | Read 1,326 Reviews | Offers two plans covering select systems and appliances. Premium costs vary by location and home details with standard deductibles of $75. Optional add-on coverage also available. |  | Get a Quote | |
Available in 20149
| Cinch Home Services | Offers three plans starting at appliances-only and going up to comprehensive coverage. Combo plans average $54.95 a month with standard deductibles of $125. Warranties include a 180-day guarantee on repairs or service. |  | Get a Quote | ||
Available in 20149
| American Residential Warranty | Choose from five plan options that range from kitchen coverage to a bundle package that provides comprehensive protection. Premium prices start at $29.99 with deductibles of $55. |  | Get a Quote Call Now Toll Free (217) 281-0462 | ||
Available in 20149
| First American Home Warranty | Opt for one of two plans covering appliances or appliances and systems. Monthly costs around $40 for the premier plan with deductibles between $50 to $100 with unlimited service requests. |  | Get a Quote Call Now Toll Free (855) 802-1335 | ||
Available in 20149
| 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty | Provides coverage for major systems and appliances. Premiums range from $30 to $40 with $75 to $100 deductibles. Appliance replacement costs covered. Roof leak coverage available. Provides structural warranties for new homes. |  | |||
Available in 20149
| HomeServe | Offers individual and combo plans for heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical systems. Costs vary by location but may be as low as $5.49 a month. Charges no deductibles. Provides a one-year guarantee on most repairs. |  | |||
Available in 20149
| OneGuard Home Warranties | Offers three home protection plans for residents of Nevada, Texas and Arizona. Premiums vary by state but may be as low as $25 per month. Deductibles are $69. Some home maintenance services included. |  | |||
Available in 20149
| Home Warranty of America | Offers two plan options, including a premium plan that covers more than 30 systems and appliances. Custom plans with optional add-ons available. Pricing starts around $40 a month with deductibles from $75 to $100. |  | |||
| The Home Service Club | Read 762 Reviews | Choose from two plans with standard or comprehensive coverage for systems and appliances. Optional add-ons available. Premiums and specific coverage vary by state, but average $35 a month. Deductibles range $65 to $125. |  | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||
| Amazon Home Warranty | Read 191 Reviews | Offers home warranty packages for basic appliances and major systems. Pay $48 a month for combo plan, plus a $75 fee per service visit. 90-day guarantee on parts, 30-days on labor. Use an independent contractor with approval. |  | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent |
Home warranty FAQ
- What is a home warranty?
- How does a home warranty work?
- A home warranty covers the cost to repair or replace major systems and appliances. For example, imagine you have a busted pipe that requires extensive plumbing repairs to fix. You first need to file a claim. Once the warranty claims process begins, your home warranty provider sends out a service technician to evaluate the damage.
You typically have to pay for the initial service call. Depending on your contract, your policy will cover a replacement or repair. However, you will be financially responsible for fixing any components that are excluded from your warranty plan.
- What do home warranties cover?
- Home warranties cover most major home systems, including heating, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical. Home warranty policies typically also cover appliances, such as kitchen refrigerators, washers, dryers and water heaters.
Generally speaking, home warranty plans cover repairs for washers, dryers and kitchen refrigerators. If a replacement is necessary, the company may give you the cash equivalent so you can choose the replacement appliance.
To get an old system replaced, it must be broken beyond reasonable repair. For instance, most home warranty plans cover HVAC repair, but it can be hard to get a company to replace the entire system for you. Many home warranty providers specify payout limits or per-item caps in their service contracts that may or may not cover the complete replacement of the system.
Home warranty policies generally do not cover maintenance. However, proper systems and appliance maintenance is required to keep coverage. In fact, a home warranty claim will likely be denied if the problem resulted from a known issue or lack of maintenance.
- How long do home warranties last?
- Most home warranty contracts last for 12 months. Each year, you have the option to renew or choose a different provider. If you decide to buy a new home warranty, be sure to read the contract and know the terms and exclusions.
- Are home warranties worth the cost?
- A home warranty can pay for itself with one major repair. Even if you don’t end up having a huge problem, the peace of mind that comes from reducing the risk of a large payment is worth it to many people.
The cost of a home warranty premium is likely worth it if you have an older home and older appliances that are no longer under their manufacturers’ warranties. It could also be worth it if you have limited credit access and don’t have a savings account.
The right home warranty for you is the one that provides the coverage you want at a price you can afford. We suggest comparing different home warranty providers on coverages, costs and contract policies:
Suppose you’re worried about finding a reliable contractor or running the risk of not having the funds to pay for unexpected repairs. In that case, you may want to budget a few hundred dollars toward a home warranty for protection.
- Should I get a home warranty?
- While a home warranty isn’t required by law, it’s often a good idea to have one. 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 is around (and in working order) for generations to come.
- You’re buying or selling a home: Buyers, sellers, real estate agents and current homeowners are all eligible to buy a home warranty protection plan. 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 buyers 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 sizable rainy day fund set aside for unexpected expenses — like your air conditioner going out or your dishwasher calling it quits — a home warranty protects you for a relatively small monthly price tag.
- 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.
How much are home warranties?
Home warranties cost between $40 and $60 a month on average, or around $600 annually. Depending on the coverage you choose, you may pay a little more or a little less. In addition to your premium, you pay a service call fee any time the company sends a service technician to your home to diagnose or make a repair. Service call fees average $75 per visit.
Compare home warranty costs
| Accredited Partner | Our pick for | Average yearly cost | Service fees | |
| American Home Shield | Overall favorite | $540 | $75, $100 or $125 | |
| Select Home Warranty | Value | $504 | $60 - $75 | |
| Liberty Home Guard | Service coverage | $540 | $75 | |
| HomeServe | Customizable plans | $475 | $0 | |
| Cinch Home Services | Straightforward coverage | $600 | $100, $125 or $150 | |
| 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty | Affordability | $420 | $75 - $100 | |
| America’s 1st Choice Home Club | Service guarantee | $625 | $75 - $125 | |
| American Residential Warranty | No-commitment warranties | $720 | $55 | |
| OneGuard Home Warranties | Straightforward coverage | $672 | $69 |
| Accredited Partner | |||||||||
| Our pick for | Overall favorite | Value | Service coverage | Customizable plans | Straightforward coverage | Affordability | Service guarantee | No-commitment warranties | Highly rated |
| Average yearly cost | $540 | $504 | $540 | $475 | $600 | $420 | $625 | $720 | $672 |
| Service fees | $75, $100 or $125 | $60 - $75 | $75 | $0 | $100, $125 or $150 | $75 - $100 | $75 - $125 | $55 | $69 |
How to choose a home warranty
Home warranties help homeowners pay for expensive home repairs related to the breakdown of major home systems, such as heating or plumbing, and major appliances, including kitchen refrigerators or water heaters. Home warranty providers charge customers a monthly premium in exchange for providing repairs at a set service call fee. This can save homeowners thousands of dollars over the length of the contract.
To choose a home warranty, find a company you trust and select a plan that covers the systems and appliances essential to your home. You can choose a home warranty by following these steps:
- Determine your coverage needs
Most home warranty providers offer coverage for both appliances and home systems. These plans are provided in combination plans or separately as a home appliance warranty or systems-only coverage plan. Combination plans are ideal for most customers, but some homeowners prefer to buy coverage for one or the other. If your home appliances are new and covered under a manufacturer’s warranty, you may want to opt for a systems-only home warranty plan to cut down on your monthly premium cost. - Know what you can afford
Companies that provide home warranties charge a monthly premium for their services, generally around $50 a month. If cost is a significant factor for you, shop around for the best deal or consider opting for less coverage to reduce the price and better fit your budget. Also keep in mind that home warranties require regular maintenance on your covered appliances and systems to keep the contract valid. - Research and compare providers
Researching home warranty providers is the most critical step when choosing a plan. As you research, we recommend comparing the following factors:- Monthly or yearly cost
- Service call fee
- Plan options
- Number of covered systems and appliances
- Available add-on coverage
- Service recall period (i.e., the length of time a warranty company guarantees a repair)
- Any caps, maximum payout limits or exclusions the company sets in its contract terms
Once you select a provider and are ready to make a purchase, the company will likely have a 30-day waiting period before your service contract goes into effect. Once this period has passed, you can typically use your home warranty as often as needed.
Types of home warranties
The right plan for you varies based on whether you own a home, are buying a home or are planning to sell a home. Optimal coverage also differs based on the type of home that needs protection. Some of the most common types of home warranties are:
Homeowners warranty
A homeowner may purchase a home warranty at any time. Providers offer home warranties that fit different needs, whether you're planning to sell your home or stay in it for the foreseeable future.
Homebuyer warranty
People often purchase home warranties immediately after buying a home. A homebuyer’s warranty becomes effective on the day of closing. The buyer or the buyer’s real estate agent may purchase the home warranty.
Seller’s home warranty
Purchasing a home warranty while your house is on the market is a smart move. You can quickly fix any issues that come up while your home is on the market and help close the deal by providing potential buyers a home warranty that transfers into their name after the sale. It’s especially useful to purchase home warranties when selling an older home.
Home warranties for rental properties
Landlords benefit greatly from the security of a home warranty. You’re protected against unexpected costs when major systems or appliances malfunction, and you can budget the warranty price into your overall expenses and adjust your rental fees to cover the cost.
New construction home warranty
New construction warranties offer extra protection for new properties. These warranties are available in different terms, ranging from a one-year warranty to ensure the overall quality of the construction to 10- or even 20-year warranties for critical items, such as the home’s foundation.
Condo home warranty
A condo home warranty is similar to a traditional house warranty. One unique issue condo owners encounter is finding coverage for shared home systems. For example, most condo home warranties don’t cover an air conditioning system used by two condos.
Mobile home warranty
Mobile home warranties are like traditional house warranties, but they focus more on the systems and appliances most common in mobile homes.
Our top home warranty picks
Our pick for customizable plans |
|
|
HomeServe is a good choice for homeowners looking for maximum customizability in their home warranty plan. Homeowners choose the systems they want covered and only pay for those, which means plans can be as low as a few dollars a month. All workmanship is covered for a year, which is one of the longest guarantees we’ve seen. Another bright spot is that the company has no service fees. Available coverage includes septic line coverage, electrical line coverage and heating system coverage. HomeServe doesn’t have coverage for appliances like washers, dryers or kitchen refrigerators.
Our pick for straightforward coverage |
|
|
Cinch Home Services has three straightforward options: an appliance plan, a systems plan and the Cinch Complete Home Plan, which covers both systems and appliances. Expect the Cinch Complete Home Plan to cost around $50 a month. The Appliances plan is about $1 a day. The three service fee options are $100, $125 and $150. Cinch repairs have a 180-day workmanship guarantee, which is one of the longer guarantees in the industry. Cinch has add-ons for sump pumps, well pumps, pools and spas.
Our pick for affordability |
|
|
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty had the lowest annual cost for a comprehensive plan in our analysis — about $420 a year. Service fees range from $75 to $100. The Systems and Appliances plan offers coverage for a wide range of major appliances and systems. The company could be more straightforward about its service guarantee period and plan details, but it’s a good choice for homeowners looking to save money while protecting their home’s systems and appliances.
Our pick for value |
|
|
Liberty Home Guard offers comprehensive coverage for systems and home appliances, including appliances like your refrigerator’s ice maker or whirlpool baths that often require add-on coverage under other warranty plans. Liberty Home Guard also offers a wide range of optional add-ons, including coverage for pools, spas, sump pumps, well pumps and septic systems. Add-ons also cover less common options, including rekeying services, pest control and cleaning services. The Total Home Guard plan covers household appliances and home systems. Liberty Home Guard advertises that customers can pay less than $1 a day for their Appliance Guard or Systems Guard plans and less than $1.50 a day for their Total Home Guard plan.
Our pick for no-commitment warranties |
|
|
American Residential Warranty is a good pick for those new to home warranties and who want to try one out because the company’s plans don’t require a long-term commitment. Payment plans are available annually, quarterly or monthly. The most popular plan, Platinum Premier, which covers 17 systems and appliances, costs about $60 a month. The company has service in every state. Labor is guaranteed for 30 days, and parts are guaranteed for 60 days.
Our pick for highly rated |
|
|
At the time of publication, OneGuard Home Warranties was the highest rated home warranty company on ConsumerAffairs. We wish the company had more availability — plans are only available to residents of Arizona, Nevada and Texas. The company’s most comprehensive plan, the HomeGuard plan, runs between $50 and $56 a month and covers major appliances and systems. All service fees are $69, a bit lower than the industry average of $75.
Thank you, you have successfully subscribed to our newsletter!
Compare Home Warranty Reviews | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Available in 20149
| Landmark Home Warranty | Offers two plan options to residents in Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oregon and Idaho. Prices vary by state but may be as low as $34 a month. Typical deductible is $60. |  | |||
| Fidelity National Home Warranty | Read 114 Reviews | Find multiple plan options in nine states for existing homes and new construction. Deductibles vary by state but are as low as $65. Offers optional add-on coverage. |  | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||
| Old Republic Home Protection | Offers four plans with coverage levels and costs that vary by state. Premiums start at $30 a month with $75 or $100 deductibles. Contracts available in Spanish. |  | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |||
| GE Service Contracts | Offers in-home service for repairs of qualifying appliances. The Service Protection Advantage plan, which provides extended warranties for the GE appliances, is provided through Assurant Inc. |  | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |||
| Home Security America | Choose from basic or 7-Star coverage. Premiums vary by location but are generally between $30-$40 per month with deductibles of $75 to $100. |  | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |||
| American Home Guardian | Serving customers in Texas, Arizona, Utah and Nevada. Provides basic or premier plans with premiums as low as $33 a month. Charges $65 deductibles. Offers upgraded coverage for select items. |  | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |||
| Super Home Inc. | Subscription-based home service contract company. Three levels of service. Concierge system dispatches repair companies on your behalf. Covers common home appliances. Provides maintenance advice. |  | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | |||
| Allied Home Warranty | Read 24 Reviews | Offers a base plan that can be customized with a variety of coverage options. Premiums as low as $33 per month. Charges $60 deductibles. Provides discounts to military, police, fire and EMS workers. |  | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent |
Information in this guide is general in nature and is intended for informational purposes only; it is not legal, health, investment or tax advice. ConsumerAffairs.com makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from its use.
Michele Lerner, author of “HOMEBUYING: Tough Times, First Time, Any Time”, has been writing about personal finance and real estate for more than two decades. Michele writes for regional, national and international publications in print and online for a variety of audiences including consumers, real estate investors, business owners and real estate professionals.
You’re signed up
We’ll start sending you the news you need delivered straight to you. We value your privacy. Unsubscribe easily.