Finding the best home warranty company isn’t always an easy process. Luckily, the ConsumerAffairs research team has done some of the heavy lifting for you. Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of two popular warranty companies, American Home Shield and Old Republic Home Protection.
American Home Shield vs. Old Republic Home Protection cost
While American Home Shield's monthly premiums are lower for basic coverage, Old Republic Home Protection is the more economical choice for comprehensive, high-tier plans. Another key cost to consider is the service fee, which is the amount you pay for a technician's visit; Old Republic Home Protection has a lower entry point for this one-time cost.
American Home Shield plans and pricing
American Home Shield lets you choose a service fee of $100 or $125, which is what you pay when you file a claim. Choosing a higher service fee reduces the monthly cost of your plan.
| Service fee | ShieldSilver | ShieldGold | ShieldPlatinum |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | $39.99 | $59.99 | $89.99 |
| $125 | $29.99 | $49.99 | $79.99 |
Old Republic Home Protection plans and pricing
Old Republic Home Protection allows you to choose a service fee of $100 or $125. You’ll pay more out of pocket with a higher service fee, but your monthly rate will also be $5 lower.
| Service fee | Basic | Deluxe | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | $55 | $60 | $80 |
| $125 | $50 | $55 | $75 |
*Cost information is accurate as of the time of publishing. Price quotes used a Texas ZIP code; pricing may vary in other locations.
American Home Shield vs. Old Republic Home Protection coverage
The main coverage difference between these companies is how they structure their basic plans. American Home Shield's plans start by focusing only on home systems. Old Republic, in contrast, provides comprehensive combo plans from the outset. As you look at their more expensive plans, both companies offer similar, robust coverage for most major items.
 |  | |
| Coverage |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Plan | ||
| Air conditioner | | |
| Heating | | |
| Plumbing | | |
| Electrical | | |
| Ductwork | | |
| Sump pump | | |
| Water heater | | |
| Interior plumbing lines | | |
| Interior electrical lines | | |
| Exterior plumbing lines | | |
| Exterior water lines | | |
| Refrigerator | | |
| Dishwasher | | |
| Oven | | |
| Range | | |
| Cooktop | | |
| Microwave | | |
| Food center | | |
| Garbage disposal | | |
| Trash compactor | | |
| Ice maker | | |
| Hot/cold water dispenser | | |
| Range exhaust hood | | |
| Kitchen exhaust fan | | |
| Clothes washer | | |
| Clothes dryer | | |
| Toilets | | |
| Bathtub/shower | | |
| Faucets | | |
| Ceiling fans | | |
| Attic fans | | |
| Central vacuum | | |
| Doorbells | | |
| Garage door openers | | |
| Roof leak repairs | | |
| Main breaker | | |
| Plumbing stoppages | | |
| Home electronics | | |
| Smoke detectors | | |
| Jetted tub components | | |
American Home Shield vs. Old Republic Home Protection add-ons
American Home Shield offers a wider variety of specialty add-ons, including coverage for guest units and electronics protection. Old Republic's list is shorter. Both companies offer add-ons for pool and spa coverage, well pumps and roof leak repairs.
American Home Shield add-ons
American Home Shield offers six add-ons. See pricing for the most popular additional coverage items below.
| Optional coverage | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Septic pump | $4.99 |
| Roof leak repair | $9.99 |
| Well pump | $9.99 |
| Guest unit | $12.99 |
| Electronics protection | $14 |
| Pool and spa | $20.99 |
Old Republic Home Protection add-ons
Old Republic Home Protection has 19 add-on options. Here are the monthly costs of the most popular coverage items:
| Optional coverage | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Second refrigerator | $4.17 |
| Septic system | $6.25 |
| Roof leak repair | $8.33 |
| Well pump | $8.33 |
| Pool and spa | $20.00 |
What American Home Shield customers say
American Home Shield customers appreciate the ease of filing claims and the fast scheduling of technicians. Many highlight professional contractors and savings on repairs. Reviewers also note the convenience of managing service through the website or app. However, negative reviews cite long waits, incorrect assessments and higher-than-expected costs.
Submitting the claim online was hassle-free, and scheduling with the contractor was a breeze.”
– Raeya of Jacksonville, NC
What Old Republic Home Protection customers say
Old Republic Home Protection customers often mention the convenience of phone and online claim submissions. Most reviewers praise the prompt response and professionalism of technicians. However, some customers report long hold times, denied claims and inconsistent contractor quality.
Any time I've had an issue, like when my AC malfunctioned recently, they responded promptly, sending someone out the same day.”
– Reza of Phoenix, AZ
Bottom line: American Home Shield or Old Republic Home Protection?
Overall, we like American Home Shield over Old Republic Home Protection because it has more positive customer reviews over the last year and greater nationwide availability. We also think American Home Shield’s plans are easier to understand and like that the company covers undetectable preexisting conditions, breakdowns caused by lack of maintenance, improper installations and duplicates of the same item.
However, depending on where you live, Old Republic might still be an option worth considering. Due to its comprehensive add-on coverage, Old Republic plans may be better if you have unique needs or a more limited budget.
If you still aren’t sure which company is right for you, compare Choice Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield next.
