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5 Best Home Appliance Insurance Companies (March 2024 Guide)

Author Icon By Dana Getz + 1 other Reviewer Icon Reviewed By Fant Camak Updated 03/19/2024

Home appliance insurance, also known as a “home warranty,” covers the cost of repairing or replacing your essential appliances when unexpected breakdowns happen. Home warranties offer more protection than a manufacturerโ€™s warranty and provide additional protection for key home systems. 

Based on our research of 57 home warranty companies, we recommend Liberty Home Guard (LHG) for its extensive home appliance protection catalog and excellent brand reputation. We also like American Home Shield (AHS) for comprehensive protection, which includes appliances with preexisting conditions and physical damage. 

Our recommendations are based on industry research, key appliance coverage factors, and secret shopping. We scored each home appliance provider based on 31 key factors to find the top home warranty providers. Keep reading to learn more about how home appliance insurance works and how to shop for the best coverage for your home.

Did You Know?

In the last 30 days, more than 2,500 people bought home warranties from the above providers.


Summary of Top Home Appliance Insurance Providers

We selected the five companies above after evaluating 57 home appliance insurance providers across 31 key factors.


Compare Home Appliance Insurance Companies

The following table highlights our top five picks for home warranty providers based on some of our 31 key evaluation factors, including cost, company reputation, and claim processing time frame.

Star Rating Monthly Cost Service Fee Response Time Coverage Caps Link
Liberty Home Guard Liberty Home Guard
$49โ€“$59 $65โ€“$125 Up to 48 hours $2,000 VISIT SITE
American Home Shield American Home Shield
$29โ€“$89 $100โ€“$125 Up to 48 hours $2,000โ€“$4,000 VISIT SITE
Select Home Warranty Select Home Warranty
$44โ€“$47 $60โ€“$75 48-84 hours $500 VISIT SITE
First American Home Warranty First American Home Warranty
$42โ€“$82 $75โ€“$125 4-48 hours $3,500โ€“$7,000 VISIT SITE
AFC Home Warranty AFC Home Warranty
$38โ€“$64 $75โ€“$125 24-48 hours $3,000 VISIT SITE
Liberty Home Guard
Logo Liberty Home Guard
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $49โ€“$59
Service Fee $65โ€“$125
Response Time Up to 48 hours
Coverage Caps $2,000
VISIT SITE
American Home Shield
Logo American Home Shield
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $29โ€“$89
Service Fee $100โ€“$125
Response Time Up to 48 hours
Coverage Caps $2,000โ€“$4,000
VISIT SITE
Select Home Warranty
Logo Select Home Warranty
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $44โ€“$47
Service Fee $60โ€“$75
Response Time 48-84 hours
Coverage Caps $500
VISIT SITE
First American Home Warranty
Logo First American Home Warranty
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $42โ€“$82
Service Fee $75โ€“$125
Response Time 4-48 hours
Coverage Caps $3,500โ€“$7,000
VISIT SITE
AFC Home Warranty
Logo AFC Home Warranty
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $38โ€“$64
Service Fee $75โ€“$125
Response Time 24-48 hours
Coverage Caps $3,000
VISIT SITE
Company BBB Rating Monthly Cost Service Fee Coverage Caps Visit Site
A $49โ€“$59 $65โ€“$125 $2,000 VISIT SITE
B $29โ€“$89 $100โ€“$125 $2,000โ€“$4,000 VISIT SITE
B $44โ€“$47 $60โ€“$75 $500 VISIT SITE
B $42โ€“$82 $75โ€“$125 $3,500โ€“$7,000 VISIT SITE
B $38โ€“$64 $75โ€“$125 $3,000 VISIT SITE
No results were found.

*BBB ratings are accurate as of January 2024.

**We obtained all pricing information below by pulling quotes for a 2,606-square-foot, single-family home in Austin, Texas. Your monthly premiums may vary based on your homeโ€™s location, size, type, plan, and add-on selections.


How We Rated Home Appliance Insurance Companies

Why Trust Us? Our review and rating process for the best home warranty companies
57
Companies Considered We carefully considered 57 companies to find the best home warranty providers available.
2000
Home Owners Surveyed We surveyed 2,000 home owners to see what they care about most when in comes to home protection.
57000
Reviews Analyzed We went through 57,000 customer reviews of home warranty companies to see what people had to say about each provider.
31
Coverages Compared We compared 31 policies to find the best home warranty offerings on the market.

To choose the best home appliance insurance companies, our team reviewed 57 providers and compared 31 coverage plans. We reviewed sample contracts and analyzed key coverage details, including available appliance coverage, coverage limits, add-on appliance options, and workmanship guarantee length. We spoke with several industry experts to learn more about home appliance protection. Finally, we evaluated the customer experience by testing the claims process for several home warranty providers and through secret shopping. 

Based on our research, we developed a detailed methodology to score each company. We scored based on four categories: coverage, value, trust and transparency, and availability and service. We awarded points for each category and converted scores to a final 5-star rating.

We consulted over 15 industry professionals during our extensive research and analysis to provide homeowners with authoritative insights on home warranties. We consulted the following three experts for insights on this article:
Angel Conlin: Conlin serves as the Chief Insurance and Compliance Officer at Kin Insurance.
Timothy Meenan, JD: Meenan serves as executive director and general counsel for the Service Contract Industry Council (SCIC). 
David Tully: Tully is the founder and owner of LPT Realty based in Reno, Nevada.

Understanding Home Appliance Insurance

To help you find the right appliance protection, weโ€™ve answered some of the most common questions about home appliance insurance below.

What Does Home Appliance Insurance Cover?

When Should I Buy Home Appliance Insurance?

How Much Does Home Appliance Insurance Cost?

How Do I File a Home Appliance Insurance Claim

What Are Alternatives to Home Appliance Insurance?

Home appliance insurance covers the normal wear and tear of appliances and systems. 
A typical home warranty could include an appliance-only plan, a system-only plan, or a comprehensive plan. 
Appliance plans cover essential appliances such as built-in microwaves, clothes washers and dryers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, and ovens. Systems plans protect built-in systems, such as air conditioning, ductwork, electrical, plumbing, and water heaters. With comprehensive plans, you receive protection for both systems and appliances. 
Home warranties also cover appliance components that ensure the normal operation of your appliances. For example, home warranties typically include coverage for your gas stoveโ€™s pilot light. However, a home warranty wonโ€™t cover your stoveโ€™s knob dials or other cosmetic components.
You can buy home appliance insurance at any stage during homeownership. However, you should purchase home appliance insurance when you notice your equipment is beginning to ageโ€”not after it starts experiencing problems. Conlin says, โ€œYou need to have a home warranty prior to having a problem with a system or appliance for the coverage to kick in. In fact, most home warranty companies have at least a 30-day waiting period before you can make a claim.โ€
To help you estimate when appliances may need replacement, we have compiled the following average life span estimates for the most common essential appliances:
  • Clothes washer and dryer: 5โ€“15 years
  • Dishwasher: 9 years
  • Freezer: 10โ€“20 years
  • Oven: 10โ€“18 years
  • Range: 15โ€“17 years
  • Refrigerator: 9โ€“13 years
Note: Appliance life expectancy figures sourced from InterNACHI
Based on quotes we gathered, the average cost for basic to comprehensive home warranty coverage ranges from $644โ€“$737 per year, or $53 to $61 monthly. Pricing varies among companies, coverage options, and geographic locations.
Your monthly premium is usually the most expensive part of your plan, but the following added fees can raise your costs:
  • Service call fee: You pay this fee when a service technician comes to your house to inspect a broken system or appliance. Most service fees range between $75 and $125. Most providers charge one service call fee per visit, but some charge by the number of repairs completed during one visit. 
  • Enrollment fees: Check with your potential home warranty provider to determine if they require a one-time enrollment fee upon signing up. These fees can range from $50โ€“$100, depending on the provider.
  • Cancellation fee: If you cancel a contract before it expires, you will most likely have to pay an early termination fee. Meenan says reputable providers include a 30-day free cancellation period when you sign up. However, most providers charge a cancellation fee if you cancel after 30 days. The average fee for cancellations after 30 days is $75, but it can range from $25โ€“$90, depending on the company.
Below is an overview of the typical filing process for home appliance insurance.
  • 1. File a claim: You can file a claim on appliances after a standard waiting period (usually 30 days after signing a contract). Based on our research, most companies accept claims over the phone, online, and through their dedicated apps. Most home warranty companies approve claims within 24โ€“48 hours.
  • 2. Schedule a technician appointment: Once approved, the service technician will contact you to schedule an appointment. Some companies let you choose your own technician.
  • 3. Pay the service call fee: If the provider covers your issue per its terms and conditions, you are only responsible for paying a service call fee when the technician arrives at your home.
Other protection plans, including manufacturer and extended warranties, offer some protections for essential appliances. However, these alternative plans offer less comprehensive protection than a home warranty. Weโ€™ll explore these other plans below.
  • Manufacturerโ€™s warranty: Many major appliance manufacturers include a manufacturerโ€™s warranty with a new purchase. These warranties offer limited protection, focusing mainly on manufacturer defects and issues. The manufacturer will cover any repairs during the coverage period, typically 30 days to one year. The manufacturerโ€™s warranty doesnโ€™t typically cover normal wear and tear.
  • Extended warranty: An appliance extended warranty lengthens the coverage of the original manufacturerโ€™s warranty. You must pay an additional cost for the extra coverage, which could last a year or more. You can purchase it from the applianceโ€™s original manufacturer, from the retailer where you bought the appliance, or from a third-party warranty provider. They provide the same coverage terms as the original warranty.
  • Homeowners insurance: Homeowners insurance covers your home and its contents when damaged by a natural disaster. For example, appliances damaged during a fire, earthquake, or hurricane will qualify for coverage. However, repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear are excluded.

The 5 Best Home Appliance Insurance Providers

Below is a detailed overview of the top home appliance insurance providers we analyzed. 

Liberty Home Guard

Best Customer Ratings
4.5 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

Our rating: 4.5
Monthly cost: $49โ€“$59

We recommend Liberty Home Guard (LHG) for homeowners who need coverage for unique appliances. The company offers appliance-only and comprehensive coverage, plus the largest add-on catalog in our review. LGH offers 42 add-ons, with 19 options focused on appliance protections.ย 

How We Scored Liberty Home Guard

We scored Liberty Home Guard 4.5 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Hereโ€™s how it rated in key categories:

  • Coverage (4.7 out of 5): We awarded a higher score for its excellent appliance coverage, including two plans and 19 add-on options.ย 
  • Value (4.25 out of 5): We deducted points for its vague service call fee policy and inflexible options.ย 
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.8 out of 5): LHG scored well thanks to its A rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and 4.6-out-of-5 star average rating on third-party review sites.ย ย 
  • Availability and Service (4.3 out of 5): LHG lost points for its inflexible service contractor policy.

Pros and Cons

Pros Extends up to 42 additional coverage options, including pro-series appliances Offers a 60-day workmanship guarantee, double the industry standard Provides discounts on appliances and second property policies Cons Doesnโ€™t let you choose your own service call fee Limits plumbing and electrical coverage to $500 per item Requires claim filing as soon as the item problem is discovered

Plans and Cost

Liberty Home Guard provides three service plan options: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. After reviewing Liberty Home Guard’s sample contract, we learned that two plans, Appliance Guard and Total Home Guard, include appliances in their base coverage. LHG provides a $2,000 appliance coverage limit, which aligns with the industry standard. All repairs include a 60-day workmanship guarantee.

Below is an overview of LHGโ€™s coverage plans:

  • Appliance Guard: This plan covers nine appliances, such as clothes dryers, dishwashers, and washing machines.ย 
  • Systems Guard: This plan focuses on home systems only, with protections for six built-in systems, such as cooling, heating, and water heaters.ย 
  • Total Home Guard: The highest plan tier combines the Appliance Guard and Systems Guard for comprehensive home coverage.ย 

LHG assigns a service call fee ranging from $65โ€“$125 based on your homeโ€™s size and type, location, and plan selections. The company offers monthly and annual premiums. When we pulled a sample quote using LHGโ€™s online tool, we found it offers two months of extra coverage when you choose an annual premium.ย 

Below is a cost breakdown for LHG coverage:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Appliance Guard

$49.99

$65–$125

$2,000

Systems Guard

$54.99

$65–$125

$2,000 (Plumbing & electrical: $500)

Total Home Guard

$59.99

$65–$125

Coverage caps remain the same

LHG offers 42 add-on options, one of the largest add-on catalogs of this review. Coverage options include 19 appliance coverage types, including professional series, second refrigerators, and standalone freezers. Add-on appliance coverage ranges from $3.99โ€“$14.99 per month. Some additional appliance coverage options include the following items:ย 

  • Central vacuum
  • Instant hot water dispenser
  • Water softener

Our Experience With Liberty Home Guard

When we read LHG customer reviews, we noticed many customers complimented the company for its efficient customer support line. We called the LHG customer support line during secret shopping to test the experienceโ€”our call connected to an LHG representative in under 30 seconds.ย 

We also tested LHGโ€™s live chat service, which is unique for a home company. Although the chat connected immediately, we interacted with an automated bot. It required two requests to speak with a live agent before we were transferred.

American Home Shield

Best for Comprehensive Coverage
4.4 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

Our rating: 4.4
Monthly cost: $29โ€“$89

We recommend American Home Shield (AHS) for homeowners seeking protection for older homes and appliances. The company offers comprehensive protection for items with preexisting conditions or physical damages, a rarity with home warranty providers.

How We Scored American Home Shield

We scored American Home Shield 4.4 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Hereโ€™s how we rated it in key categories.

  • Coverage (4.7 out of 5): AHS received a high score for its comprehensive appliance coverage, which includes damaged items.ย 
  • Value (4 out of 5): We deducted points for its higher plan pricing and lack of an appliance-only plan.
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.25 out of 5): AHS received a low score due to its low customer review scores across third-party sites.
  • Availability and Service (4.7 out of 5): AHS scored well for its efficient claims process and 24/7 claims line availability.

Pros and Cons

Pros Covers up to $4,000 per appliance on its highest plan Includes coverage for pro-series appliances in its standard plan Offers coverage for preexisting conditions and damaged items Cons Doesnโ€™t offer an appliance-only coverage plan like other providers Offers the least add-on options in this review Requires immediate claim filing when an item issue is discovered

Plans and Cost

American Home Shield provides three plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. We read through the American Home Shield sample contract and learned that, unlike other providers, AHS does not offer an appliance-only plan option. Instead, it bundles appliance coverage with home systems under the ShieldGold and ShieldPlatinum plans. The company will cover up to $2,000 per appliance in the ShieldGold plan. AHS doubles its coverage limit to $4,000 per appliance with the ShieldPlatinum Plan, making it the second-highest appliance coverage in this review. AHS includes a 30-day workmanship guarantee with its repairs.ย 

AHS also covers unknown preexisting conditions, improper installation, modification, and items damaged by rust and corrosion. Most home warranty providers exclude these item conditions from their coverage.ย 

Weโ€™ll explain American Home Shieldโ€™s coverage plans below:

  • ShieldSilver: This plan focuses on major home systems, such as heating, cooling, and electrical.ย 
  • ShieldGold: The next plan includes major systems and appliances, such as built-in microwaves, garbage disposals, and ovens.ย 
  • ShieldPlatinum: The highest plan tier includes ShieldGold coverage, plus added perks, such as roof-leak repairs and HVAC tune-ups.ย 

AHS plans cost slightly more than those of other providers on this list. When requesting an online quote, we could choose between a $100 or $125 service call fee. The higher your service call fee, the lower your annual premium.ย 

Letโ€™s take a closer look at AHS costs and service fees:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

ShieldSilver

$29.99–$39.99

$100–$125

$5,000

ShieldGold

$49.99–$59.99

$100–$125

Systems: $5,000

Appliances: $2,000

ShieldPlatinum

$79.99–$89.99

$100–$125

Systems: $5,000

Appliances: $4,000

American Home Shield offers a limited add-on catalog with only six options. Most providers offer eight or more, on average. Of its six add-ons, none of them offer additional appliance protections.ย 

Weโ€™ve highlighted some AHS add-on options below:

  • Electronics protection plan
  • Pools and built-in spa equipmentย ย 
  • Roof leaks
  • Septic pumps

Our Experience With American Home Shield

Our team member filed an AHS home warranty claim to test the process. After submitting the claim online, he received instant text and email confirmations. Within just five minutes, AHS had scheduled a service appointment for the very next day. The repairs took only two hours to complete, and the only out-of-pocket cost was the service call fee.ย 

Select Home Warranty

Best Value
4.3 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

Our rating: 4.3
Monthly cost: $44โ€“$47

We recommend Select Home Warranty for homeowners who need affordable coverage for their essential appliances. The company offers standalone appliances and comprehensive coverage options priced under $50 per month.

How We Scored Select Home Warranty

We scored Select Home Warranty 4.3 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Hereโ€™s how we rated it in key categories.

  • Coverage (3.7 out of 5): Select lost points for its $500 appliance coverage cap, which falls below the $2,000 industry standard.ย 
  • Value (5.5 out of 5): Select received a perfect score for its budget-friendly pricing.
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.5 out of 5): Select lost points for its low customer review scores across several third-party sites.
  • Availability and Service (4.3 out of 5): Select lost points for its claim processing, which is longer than other reviewed providers.

Pros and Cons

Pros Covers second refrigerators and standalone freezers Offers low-cost premium prices that fall below $50 per month Provides free roof-leak coverage with all plans Cons Doesnโ€™t let you choose your service call fee Excludes coverage for unknown preexisting conditions Limits appliance coverage cap to $500

Plans and Cost

Select Home Warranty offers three plan options: Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care. We noted in Select Home Warrantyโ€™s sample contract that its Bronze Care and Platinum Care plans cover appliances such as exhaust fans and washing machines. The Platinum Care plan adds major systems coverage. Based on the fine print we read, Select Home Warranty is not ideal for older appliances since it excludes coverage for preexisting conditions. Its $500 coverage limit is the lowest of all providers in this review. Consider Select if youโ€™re on a tight budget and need baseline appliance protection for new appliances.ย 

Here are more details about Select Home Warrantyโ€™s plans:

  • Bronze Care: This appliance-only plan includes essential appliances such as cooktops, garbage disposals, and refrigerators.ย ย 
  • Gold Care: The next plan protects six major home systems, including air conditioning, heating, electrical systems, and water heaters.ย 
  • Platinum Care: Its highest plan offers the comprehensive protection of the Bronze and Gold Care plans and adds garage door openers, plumbing stoppages, and ceiling fans.ย 

Select offers annual and monthly plan options, which is typical for most home warranty companies. Youโ€™ll receive a $60โ€“$75 service call fee, which is assigned to your account. While secret shopping, we learned that Select offers its lower service call fee through an exclusive deal over the phone.ย 

Weโ€™ve detailed Select Home Warrantyโ€™s coverage costs below:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Bronze Care

$44.42

$60–$75

$500

Gold Care

$44.42

$60–$75

$500 (HVAC: $3,000)

Platinum Care

$47.75

$60–$75

Coverage caps remain the same

Select offers nine add-on options priced lower than other reviewed competitors, with pricing ranging between $3.33โ€“$8.33 per month. However, add-on items only receive a $400 coverage cap. Select offers only one appliance add-on option: standalone freezer coverage for an additional $3.33 monthly.ย  Additional add-on options include the following items:ย 

  • Central vacuums
  • Roof leak
  • Septic pumps

Our Experience With Select Home Warranty

We spoke with Select’s customer service team and gained useful insights into their business practices. The company prefers handling most plan issues and claims processing over the phone. We also learned that Select dispatches technicians from its approved network. However, if there are no network technicians available locally, Select allows customers to choose their own repair person, pending company approval first.ย 

First American Home Warranty

Best Appliance Coverage
4.6 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

Our rating: 4.6
Monthly cost: $47โ€“$87

We recommend First American Home Warranty for homes with high-end appliances. The company offers up to a $7,000 appliance cap on its highest plan and provides an add-on that includes preexisting condition protections.

How We Scored First American Home Warranty

We scored First American Home Warranty 4.6 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Hereโ€™s how we rated it in key categories.

  • Coverage (4.7 out of 5): First American scored well for its coverage plans, which include high appliance caps and multiple add-on appliance options.
  • Value (4 out of 5): First American lost points due to its service call fees, which are slightly higher than competitors.
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.8 out of 5): First American scored well due to its excellent reputation and higher customer review scores.ย ย 
  • Availability and Service (4.3 out of 5): First American lost points for its inflexible service technician policy.

Pros and Cons

Pros Covers improperly installed or maintained items under its First American Advantage upgrade Includes miscellaneous appliance components in Essential and Premium plans Provides up to a $7,000 appliance cap on its highest plan Cons Charges slightly higher premiums compared to competitors Doesnโ€™t include clothes washer or dryer coverage in its lowest plan Doesnโ€™t offer an appliance-only plan

Plans and Cost

First American Home Warranty offers three plan options: the Starter Plan, Essential Plan, and Premium Plan. We read through First Americanโ€™s sample contract and discovered that each plan includes combined coverage for appliances and systems. However, First American doesnโ€™t cover some essential home appliances in every plan. For example, youโ€™ll need to select the Essential or Premium Plan if you need coverage for a clothes washer or dryer. You receive $3,500ย  appliance caps with the Starter Plan and Essentials Plan. The Premium Plan increases coverage to $7,000. You can add the First American Upgrade to the Essential and Premium plans for additional coverage for preexisting conditions.

Here are more details about First Americanโ€™s plan coverage:

  • Starter Plan: This plan includes coverage for some essential appliances and systems, such as built-in microwaves, heating systems, and refrigerators.ย 
  • Essential Plan: The next plan includes everything in the Starter Plan plus more essential items, such as air conditioning and clothes washers and dryers.ย 
  • Premium Plan: The highest tier includes Essential Plan coverage and adds luxury appliances, roof leaks, and window air conditioning units.ย 

Similar to American Home Shield, First American provides flexible service call fees. We used First Americanโ€™s quote tool and learned that you can choose from a $75, $100, or $125 service call fee. Your premium will increase or decrease depending on your selected fee. We also noted that First American charges a $2 processing fee if you choose monthly premiums. It removes the fee with an annual premium.

Below is an overview of First American Home Warranty costs:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Starter Plan

$47.00–$62.00

$75–$125

Systems: Unlimited

Appliances: $3,500

Essential Plan

$57.00–$72.00

$75–$125

Systems: Unlimited (Water heaters: $1,000)

Appliances: $3,500

Premium Plan

$72.00–$87.00

$75–$125

Systems: Remain the same Appliances: $7,000

First American includes 12 add-on options, with only three appliance options. You can add coverage for up to three additional refrigeration units. This includes an additional refrigerator outside of the kitchen, a wet bar refrigerator, a wine refrigerator, a free-standing freezer, or a free-standing ice maker. Additional refrigeration coverage will add $4.17 per month to your premium. You can add the First American upgrade to the Essential and Premium Plan for free.ย 

Additional First American add-on coverage includes the following items:

  • HVAC tune-ups
  • Up to two pools/spa equipment
  • Water Softener

Our Experience With First American Home Warranty

Our team member filed a claim with First American to fix a broken garage door opener. After submitting the claim online on a Friday, he received a text within 30 minutes confirming his technician assignment. The technician promptly contacted him to schedule a repair visit for the upcoming Monday. The service technician completed the less than 30-minute repair quickly, and the only out-of-pocket cost was the standard service call fee.ย 

AFC Home Warranty

Best for Customization
4.6 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

Our rating: 4.6
Monthly cost: $35โ€“$94

We recommend Americaโ€™s First Choice Home Warranty (AFC Home Warranty) for homeowners who want more customized appliance coverage options. The company offers four plans with appliance protection, three service call fees, and 13 add-ons, providing more variety than other reviewed providers.

How We Scored AFC Home Warranty

We scored AFC Home Warranty 4.6 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Hereโ€™s how we rated it in key categories.

  • Coverage (4.3 out of 5): AFC Home Warranty lost points for its depreciated value coverage, which lowers the claim payout amount for older items.
  • Value (4.5 out of 5): AFC Home Warranty received a high score for its extensive coverage plan options and flexible service fees.ย 
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.8 out of 5): AFC Home Warranty scored well for its unlimited workmanship guarantee.ย ย 
  • Availability and Service (5 out of 5): AFC Home Warranty received a perfect score for its flexible service technician policy.

Pros and Cons

Pros Covers appliances with a $3,000 cap, higher than the industry standard Offers the best plan variety in this review, with four plan options and three service fees Provides an unlimited workmanship guarantee Cons Excludes coverage for items with unknown preexisting conditions Limits coverage to the depreciated value of an appliance older than five years Must submit claims within 24 hours of noticing an issue

Plans and Cost

AFC Home Warranty offers four plan options: the Silver Plan, the Systems Plan, the Gold Plan, and the Platinum Plan. Three of the four plans cover major appliances. We read AFC Home Warrantyโ€™s sample contract to see how much coverage it provides to major appliances. We found it covers up to $3,000 per covered appliance. However, AFC Home Warranty pays up to an applianceโ€™s depreciated value. This means older appliances may receive a lower reimbursement compared to newer appliances.

Weโ€™ll detail each plan offered by AFC Home Warranty below:

  • Silver Plan: The lowest plan covers nine essential appliances, such as dishwashers, garbage disposals, and stoves.ย 
  • Gold Plan: This plan offers comprehensive system and appliance protection for 15 items, such as air conditioning, heating, and water heaters.ย 
  • Platinum Plan: The next plan increases coverage to 20 essential systems and appliances, such as faucets and built-in microwaves.ย 
  • Diamond Plan: This plan tier includes Platinum coverage and adds electronics and external sewer and water lines. (Note: The Diamond Plan is unavailable in AK, CA, HI, MT, MS, NC, NJ, UT, VA, WA, WV, or WI.)

AFC Home Warranty pricing falls within the midrange, making it a reasonably affordable option. The company offers flexibility to choose between $75, $100, or $125 service call fees, with lower fees raising monthly costs and higher fees reducing premiums. A unique feature is AFC’s multiyear plans, which can provide coverage for up to three years.

Weโ€™ve listed AFC Home Warrantyโ€™s costs and fees below:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Silver Plan

$35.25–$40.08

$75–$125

$3,000

Systems Plan

$49.75–$54.58

$75–$125

Appliances: $3,000

Systems: Unlimited

Gold Plan

$54.58–$59.42

$75–$125

Coverage caps remain the same

Platinum Plan

$89.17–$94.00

$75–$125

Coverage caps remain the same

AFC Home Warranty offers 13 add-on options to enhance coverage. Coverage costs range from $25 to as high as $150 per year. The company offers four appliance-focused add-ons, each priced at $25 per month. Weโ€™ve listed the available add-on appliance coverage below:

  • Built-in microwaves
  • Double ovens
  • Ice makers
  • Standalone freezers

Our Experience With AFC Home Warranty

Our review of AFC Home Warranty’s sample contract revealed a rare benefit: the ability for customers to choose their own service contractor rather than being limited to the company’s network. This freedom and flexibility in technician selection is an advantage few competitors offer.

Additionally, AFC Home Warranty provides exclusive membership perks such as free credit monitoring, emergency alert services, identity protection, plus dental, vision and pet insurance.


What Should You Consider When Buying Home Appliance Insurance?

Choosing the right home appliance insurance requires carefully evaluating several key factors, including costs, coverage, claims processes, and customer service. We break down each of these factors below.

  • Consider your coverage needs: Evaluate which items in your home need the most protection. Do you have only a few aging appliances that need protection? Do you need comprehensive coverage for both systems and appliances? Once you know which items you want to be covered, compare plans and choose an option that provides the coverage you need.
  • Determine the coverage limits in your policy: Home warranty companies will set coverage limits on certain items and require homeowners to pay the remaining cost once a repair reaches the limit. For example, if thereโ€™s a $2,500 limit on air conditioning and heating for the contract term, customers are responsible for paying any costs that exceed that amount. 
  • Understand the claims process: Most home warranty providers will approve claims within 24 hours and send a contractor to inspect your appliance or system within 48 hours. However, this isnโ€™t a guarantee for all companies. Tully says, โ€œYou need to understand how to file a claim with your provider and how quickly you can expect a response from them. Also, get to know the turnaround time for the repairs and replacements.โ€ We recommend reading customer reviews to determine if a provider offers solid claims processing. 
  • Read trusted, third-party reviews: We recommend reading trusted customer reviews from sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) before signing up for a home warranty. This gives you another perspective from consumers who have held policies with the company youโ€™re considering.

How Are Home Warranties Regulated?

Home warranty and service contract regulation occurs at the state level, with oversight bodies that differ nationwide. Many states model their regulations on the Service Contract Model Act, created through collaboration between the SCIC and National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Although some states have governmental bodies, others monitor them under their state insurance departments. Some states, such as South Dakota, donโ€™t regulate home warranties at all. 

QUICK Tip
If your state lacks dedicated home warranty regulations, contact your consumer protection agency to understand your rights under general consumer laws. Additionally, your state consumer protection office can still assist with warranty issues, even if another entity oversees the industry.

Home Warranty Cost Calculator

We created a calculator to break down the estimated annual cost of owning a home warranty. 

To calculate your projected annual cost, use the following steps:

  1. Enter your monthly premium
  2. Enter your service call fee
  3. Enter your estimated number of claims 

Itโ€™s best to request a quote directly from one of our recommended providers, as annual costs and service fees vary between them.

Use the table below to compare your calculated cost to repair and replacement costs for common appliances.

ApplianceAverage Repair CostAverage Replacement Cost

Dehumidifier

$50โ€“$200

$1,300โ€“$2,800

Microwave

$50โ€“$400

$60โ€“$2,000

Dishwasher

$50โ€“$500

$400โ€“$3,000

Exhaust Fans

$16โ€“$300

$250โ€“$950

Electric Range

$100โ€“$500

$230โ€“$3,000

Gas Range

$100โ€“$500

$230โ€“$3,000

Dryer

$100โ€“$400

$450โ€“$2,300

Oven

$100โ€“$430

$400โ€“$3,000

Washer

$50โ€“$450

$400โ€“$2,300

Freezer

$90โ€“$500

$160โ€“$2,900

Refrigerator

$40โ€“$350

$200โ€“$5,000

*Life span and repair cost data sourced from InterNACHI and Home Depot


FAQs About Home Appliance Insurance

Is a home warranty the same as home insurance?

No, a home warranty differs from homeowners insurance regarding its protection. A home warranty covers systems and appliances, while home insurance protects your home in the event of structural damage from fires, natural disasters, and theft. Homeowners insurance is sufficient protection against these emergencies but offers no protection for appliances and systems.

Whatโ€™s the difference between a home warranty and a manufacturerโ€™s warranty?

A home warranty covers systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear. A manufacturerโ€™s warranty covers repair costs for any issues that arise in a newly purchased appliance. Depending on the manufacturer, the agreement may cover parts for several years, while labor recovery is much more limited. Typically, specific components are protected from early failure but not wear and tear.

What appliance components do home warranties cover?

Home warranties cover appliance components that ensure the normal operation of your appliances. For example, home warranties typically include coverage for your gas stoveโ€™s pilot light. However, a home warranty wonโ€™t cover your stoveโ€™s knob dials or other cosmetic components.

Do I need a home warranty if I have an extended warranty?

Yes, you will need to buy a home warranty, even if you have an extended warranty, if you want comprehensive coverage for your home. Extended warranties cover individual appliances for manufacturer defects only. A home warranty protects multiple appliances and systems under one plan and covers normal wear and tear plus repairs.ย 


How Do You Find the Best Home Warranty Company in Your Area?

Find in-depth reviews on the best home warranty companies for each state below.


Weโ€™ve compiled several easy-to-digest guides based on our extensive home warranty coverage. Learn more below.

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