How much does a home warranty cost?

Comprehensive coverage costs around $60 a month

Expensive repairs? Find a warranty to cover future costs.

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    Written by Kathryn Parkman
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    Edited by Cassidy McCants
    home warranty costs

    A home warranty provides coverage for essential appliances and major home systems that break down due to normal wear and tear. The level of coverage (home warranty plans range from basic to comprehensive coverage with add-ons) is the biggest factor in the overall cost of a home warranty.

    Before you sign a contract, determine which systems and appliances you want covered so you don't end up paying for home warranty coverage you don't need. We’ve pulled quotes from several big home warranty companies to provide average cost estimates.

    (All cost info is based on quotes for a home in Houston and is accurate as of publishing.)


    Key insights

    The cost of a home warranty depends on the type of coverage: appliances, systems or both — and whether you purchase add-ons.

    Jump to insight

    Annual costs for a home warranty tend to fall between $450 and $600, though the most comprehensive coverage can be $1,200 to $1,400.

    Jump to insight

    Home warranties provide financial security against expensive out-of-pocket appliance and system repair costs, but read the fine print to make sure you’re getting the coverage you need.

    Jump to insight

    How much is a home warranty?

    The average cost of a home warranty ranges between $450 and $600 per year. Home warranties are typically 12-month contracts, and many providers let you pay monthly or annually. The average monthly cost is between $40 and $60.

    When considering the cost of your home warranty, factor in your monthly or annual payment as well as the service call fee.

    There are other costs to think about, though; home warranty companies charge service call fees each time a contracted technician is sent to your home. You can think about a service call fee like a deductible or a copay. Most service fees range from $75 to $150.

    Most providers offer a repair guarantee so you aren’t charged a service call fee more than once during a specified period if a repair isn’t successful and a contractor has to return. Look for language in a contract about the length of this period (usually 30 to 60 days).

    Summary of home warranty costs

    • Total plan cost: $450 to $600 per year
    • Average monthly payment: $40 to $60
    • Service call fees: $75 to $150 per visit

    Factors that affect home warranty costs

    Home warranty prices aren’t one-size-fits-all. There are a few factors that go into the cost of a home warranty. Depending on where your home falls around these factors could mean you may see higher quotes when researching home warranty options.

    • Type of coverage
    • Service fees
    • Add on coverage
    • Home size
    • Home location
    • Home type (single-family, townhouse/condo, mobile home)

    Home warranty coverage limits

    Home warranty contracts have exclusions and coverage limits for individual items; you may also have to pay for repairs if you’ve reached the maximum coverage limit of your policy or if the breakdown is due to an item that's listed as an exclusion in your contract.

    “When purchasing any product, it is always important for consumers to look at the coverage limitations and exclusions,” said Tom Keepers, executive director of the Service Contract Industry Council, an industry trade group. “For example, home service contracts typically exclude coverage for preexisting conditions, so the consumer should be aware of their home's condition prior to purchasing a plan.”

    For example, say your refrigerator breaks down. It costs $2,000 to replace it, but your home warranty has a $1,500 coverage limit for refrigerator repair or replacement. In this case, the provider pays the contractor $1,500, and you’re responsible for the remaining $500. Sometimes the company may pay you $1,500 directly and require proof of the appliance being replaced.

    » LEARN: What does a home warranty cover?

    Home warranty price comparison

    When you’re picking the right home warranty service plan for you, cost is a big factor. The chart below presents some average figures to consider before you choose a company.

    Based on rates from 10 home warranty companies for a home in Houston (2023).

    » MORE: Home warranty deductibles: what to know

    How much can a home warranty save you on home repair costs?

    To determine how much you can save with a home warranty, estimate the cost of repairing or replacing your appliances and systems and compare that with the annual cost of a home warranty plan (plus the service fee for each claim). Here are some steps to follow:

    1. Make a list of your appliances and systems. Include how old they are, if they’re still under manufacturer warranty and their current condition. (If an item is more than 2 years old, it’s probably no longer under a standard warranty.)
    2. Determine which appliances and systems are at risk of a breakdown and would hurt your wallet to replace. Generally, these are appliances or systems not under a manufacturer's warranty and are:
      • Older appliances (more than 8 years old)
      • Expensive to replace (e.g., the price to replace an HVAC system is usually at least $5,000)
      • Necessary to live comfortably (like a water heater)
    3. Estimate the cost of repair or replacement of all your at-risk items using the chart below.
    4. Compare these costs with the cost of a home warranty plan. The difference between the cost of repairs and replacements and the cost of a plan is the amount of money you can potentially save. Don’t forget to factor in coverage limits and service call fees.
    *Appliance life varies by make and model. Check with the manufacturer for specific details.

    Home warranty pros and cons

    A home warranty can easily pay for itself the first time you use it for a major repair. On the other hand, many people who pay for home warranties end up not using them.

    Pros

    • Financial protection
    • Flexible coverage and pay options
    • Convenient service scheduling

    Cons

    • Appliance/system limitations and exclusions
    • Can’t pick your contractor
    • Might never use it

    The most obvious benefit of a home warranty is the potential to save hundreds of dollars on repairs and replacements. But these contracts also provide convenience; when a covered item breaks down, just go online or call to file a claim, and then the company finds a licensed contractor to send to your home. Many companies also guarantee the quality of the repairs.

    It’s also important to consider the limitations and exclusions of the warranty contract, including payout caps and excluded components of covered items. A home warranty company will deny a claim if the breakdown isn’t covered under the terms of the contract. And keep in mind that you can’t pick your own contractor to make repairs (though some companies offer exceptions to this rule).

    » MORE: Questions to ask a home warranty company

    Are home warranties worth it?

    For many homeowners, home warranties are worth it because they provide financial security against expensive out-of-pocket appliance and system repair costs.

    Without a home warranty, the homeowner is responsible for the cost of repair or replacement when the refrigerator, water heater or air conditioner breaks down and is no longer covered by the manufacturer. For those who don’t have the savings to cover these costly repairs, a home warranty can be a worthwhile investment — often it pays for itself with one big repair or replacement or a series of smaller ones.

    On the other hand, it’s possible to buy a home warranty and never use it. This is why it’s essential to understand what your home warranty covers by carefully reading the service contract before purchase. You don’t want to skip over the fine print only to find out later, after an appliance or system breakdown, that an urgent repair isn’t covered.

    A reviewer from Texas on our site was disappointed to learn this the hard way.

    "While one component was covered, some of the other crucial components of the garage door system were not covered and we had to pay full price to have those repaired/replaced," she said. "I guess I should have read the fine print on the [terms and conditions] more carefully.”

    Homeowners insurance coverage is required if you have a mortgage, while a home warranty is an optional, added layer of protection.

    It’s more likely a home warranty will be worth it if you take inventory of your major appliances and systems (their age, whether they’re covered by the manufacturer, etc.) before signing on. Research the cost of repair or replacement both with and without a warranty to determine the chances of it being worth it.

    Also, keep in mind that this coverage isn’t the same as homeowners insurance, which covers the structure of your home and the contents inside against risks like fire, storms, vandalism and theft.

    » LEARN MORE: How to file a home warranty claim

    Expensive repairs? Find a warranty to cover future costs.

      FAQ

      How much does a home warranty cost per year?

      On average, home warranties cost $450 to $600 per year. Costs depend on the home warranty company, the plan, whether you add on optional coverage, where you live and the size of your home. You may qualify for discounts or savings when you pay for a full year upfront or purchase multiple years of coverage.

      How much does a home warranty cost per month?

      Home warranties typically cost between $40 and $60 per month. Monthly costs may be higher than $100 for certain comprehensive warranty plans or if you add on optional coverage, like for a pool or roof.

      What is a service call fee?

      A service call fee is a fee you pay each time you make a claim with your home warranty company and a technician is sent to your home. Service fees are often between $75 and $150. Some companies give you service call fee options when you sign up for a plan; you can lower the overall cost of your plan by choosing a higher fee.

      How much is the average home warranty deductible?

      Home warranty deductibles, also known as service call fees, typically range from $75 to $150. You pay this fee each time you make a claim and the home warranty company sends a contractor to your home.

      Is a home warranty part of closing costs?

      If a home warranty is part of the home sale, it’s included in the closing costs. Whether it's a part of the buyer’s or the seller's costs depends on your purchase contract and local customs.

      Who pays for a home warranty: the buyer or seller?

      Who pays for a home warranty varies depending on your home purchase contract and local standards. In many cases, the seller pays for the warranty as an incentive for the buyer. If a warranty isn’t included in the home's purchase, the buyer may choose to purchase a plan on their own or negotiate the inclusion of a home warranty with the seller. A home warranty can be purchased at any time and does not need to be part of a home sale, however.

      Are pre-inspections required to purchase a home warranty?

      Pre-inspections are not typically required to purchase a home warranty. However, warranty companies often exclude coverage for preexisting conditions, so understanding the current condition of your home’s appliances and systems is essential to avoid denied claims.

      Can I customize my home warranty plan to save money?

      Many home warranty companies offer the ability to customize plans to some extent. You can often choose from basic plans, comprehensive plans or add-on coverage for specific items like pools, spas or additional appliances. Tailoring a plan ensures you only pay for the coverage you need, potentially saving you some money.

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