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Home warranties, also called home service contracts, cover systems and appliances in your home against damage from normal wear and tear. If a covered item breaks in the course of regular use, the warranty provider will supply a contractor who will repair or replace the item for a small service fee. Your monthly premium ensures that you won’t have to pay a large, unexpected sum of money for covered damage.
The This Old House Reviews Team has taken a look at the major home warranty providers in the United States and identified our top recommendations. Below, we’ve compared the best home warranty companies in Ohio based on the plans offered, prices, customer satisfaction, and more.
Ohio’s Top 6 Home Warranty Companies
The highest rated home warranty companies in Ohio include:
- American Home Shield: Best Overall
- Choice Home Warranty: Best Basic Plan
- Select Home Warranty: Best Value
- Liberty Home Guard: Most Responsive
- First American Home Warranty: Best Appliance Coverage
- Priority Home Warranty: Best for Choosing Your Own Contractor
American Home Shield
American Home Shield offers the best overall home warranty coverage to Ohio homeowners. This industry leader has more than 45 years of experience in the industry, offers flexible service fees, and has paid out $2 billion in home warranty claims in the last five years.
Pros & Cons
✔ Allows you to choose your own contractor
✔ Provides additional benefits, like discounts on appliances and electronic extended warranties
✔ Covers items with undetectable pre-existing conditions
✘ No coverage for roofs or standalone freezers
✘ Relatively high premiums compared to other home warranty companies
Plans & Pricing
American Home Shield offers three coverage plans: the ShieldSilver™, ShieldGold™, and ShieldPlatinum™ plans. The ShieldSilver covers home systems only, and the ShieldGold adds appliances to cover 23 items in total. The ShieldPlatinum covers the entirety of the ShieldGold plan and increases coverage limits. ShieldPlatinum policyholders also receive roof leak coverage and one free HVAC tune-up during the warranty term.
American Home Shield customers are also eligible for discounts on purchasing new appliances, optional coverage for pools, spas, well pumps, septic pumps, and guest houses, and extended warranties for certain electronic devices.
Here’s a pricing breakdown of American Home Shield plans with a $100 service fee:
- ShieldSilver: $44.99
- ShieldGold: $54.99
- ShieldPlatinum: $69.99
Note: Choosing a lower service fee will increase your monthly premium, and choosing a higher service fee will decrease your monthly premium.
Learn more: American Home Shield Review
Choice Home Warranty
Those with older homes and appliances might need to use their home warranty more frequently, which is why we recommend Choice Home Warranty. This company places no age limit on the systems and appliances they cover and protects homes no matter how old they are.
Pros & Cons
✔ 90-day repair guarantee
✔ Provides 24/7 customer service
✔ Free cancellation within first 30 days
✘ Can’t choose your own contractor
✘ B rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Plans & Pricing
Choice Home Warranty offers two plans: a Basic Plan that covers most major systems and appliances, and a Total Plan that includes big-ticket items like air conditioners, refrigerators, washers, and dryers.
In addition to its two plans, CHW offers optional coverage for the following items: Pool, spa, well pump, sump pump, central vacuum, limited roof leaks, septic system, second refrigerator, standalone freezer, septic tank pumping
Along with a $60–$85 service fee, here’s a breakdown of the monthly cost for Choice Home Warranty plans:
- Basic Plan: $36.17 per month
- Total Plan: $43.85 per month
Learn more: Choice Home Warranty Review
Select Home Warranty
If budget is your primary concern when choosing a home service contract, consider investing in a Select Home Warranty plan.
Pros & Cons
✔ Provides free roof coverage
✔ Offers discounts to customers who sign up for multi-year plans
✔ Covers rental properties, mobile homes, manufactured home, single-family homes, and condos
✘ Only Platinum Care covers plumbing stoppages
✘ Has low coverage caps on systems and appliances
✘ Fewer years in business than other home warranty providers
Plans & Pricing
Select Home Warranty offers three plans: Bronze Care for appliances, Gold Care for systems, and Platinum Care for both. Note: Select offers free limited roof leak coverage for all plans. While the Bronze and Gold Care plans are reasonably priced, the Platinum Care plan stands out—it’s by far the least expensive option for covering both home systems and appliances.
In addition to a $60–$75 service call fee, here’s the monthly plan pricing:
- Bronze Care: $35.83 per month
- Gold Care: $35.83 per month
- Platinum Care: $37.50 per month
Learn more: Select Home Warranty Review
Liberty Home Guard
Liberty Home Guard is a new name in the home warranty industry with only two years of experience, but the company offers three plans and over 20 add-on options for comprehensive and customizable coverage.
Pros & Cons
✔ Unique add-ons, like re-keying and pest control
✔ 60-day workmanship guarantee
✔ 24/7 customer service
✘ Must purchase add-ons for comprehensive coverage
✘ Must get authorization to use your own contractor
Plans & Pricing
Liberty Home Guard has Appliance Guard, System Guard, and Total Home Guard plans. Like the names suggest, Appliance Guard protects major appliances, System Guard major systems, and Total Home Guard both appliances and systems.
Along with a service fee of $60, here’s a look at each plan’s monthly cost:
- Appliance Guard: $39.99 per month
- System Guard: $49.99 per month
- Total Home Guard: $59.99 per month
Learn more: Liberty Home Guard Review
First American Home Warranty
First American Home Warranty is another home warranty provider for Ohio homeowners that has been around for 35 years. While the company only offers two plans, those plans still protect the major systems and appliances in your home.
Pros & Cons
✔ Coverage for items that were improperly installed or maintained
✔ Premiums under $40 a month
✔ 35 years of experience
✘ Can’t get A/C coverage without an add-on
✘ No roof coverage
Plans & Pricing
First American has two plans: the Basic Plan and the Premier Plan. The Basic Plan covers kitchen appliances, like the refrigerator and dishwasher, along with your washer and dryer. The Premier Plan covers those appliances plus major systems, like electrical and plumbing.
Along with a $75 service call fee, here’s how much each plan costs monthly:
- Basic Plan: $25.00 per month
- Premier Plan: $39.5 per month
Learn more: First American Home Warranty Review
Priority Home Warranty
Priority Home Warranty is a quickly growing home warranty company that provides service across 23 U.S. states, including Ohio. Homeowners in Ohio will be attracted to Priority’s contractor flexibility, affordability, and extensive coverage options.
Pros & Cons
✔ You can choose your own contractor and Priority will reimburse you if contractor is licensed and insured
✔ Systems plan covers whirlpool bathtubs, which is an uncommon inclusion for basic plans.
✔ All plans are available for under $50 a month
✘ Does not cover luxury and high-end appliances
✘ $50 cancellation fee
✘ Not rated by BBB
Plans & Pricing
Priority’s plan options are in line with the industry standard. It offers a systems-only plan, an appliance-only plan, and a combo plan that covers both in one comprehensive package.
Priority’s additional coverage options include the following items: Ice maker, second refrigerator, stand-alone freezer, second clothes washer and dryer, second dishwasher, septic system, septic pumping, water softener, second tankless water heater, saltwater pool system, pool, spa, second air conditioner, well pump, limited roof leak, tankless water heater, second oven/range/stove, sump pump, central vacuum
Priority Home Warranty charges a $70 service call fee each time you file a claim for a covered item. The cost per month is outlined below. As you can see, Priority offers affordable plans under $50 a month.
Here’s a breakdown of how much each plan costs each month:
- Systems Home Care: $33 per month
- Appliance Home Care: $33 per month
- Total Home Care: $47 per month
Learn more: Priority Home Warranty Review
Our Conclusion
If you still need help choosing a home warranty provider, take a look at this master list of coverage options between all six companies. If one of the companies doesn’t offer the coverage you need, consider ruling it out.
Regardless of the type of coverage you need, we recommend getting quotes from all six home warranty companies so you can compare plan pricing and try to get your favorite company to price match the lowest offer.
Compare Home Warranty Companies
Coverage | American Home Shield | Choice Home Warranty | Liberty Home Guard | Select Home Warranty | Priority Home Warranty | First American Home Warranty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Coverage | American Home Shield | Choice Home Warranty | Liberty Home Guard | Select Home Warranty | Priority Home Warranty | First American Home Warranty |
Built-in microwave | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Washer/dryer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Dishwasher | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Ductwork | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Electrical system | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Heating system | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Plumbing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Range/cooktop | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Air conditioning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Optional |
Ceiling fans | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - |
Garage door opener | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ |
Primary refrigerator | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Optional | ✓ |
Plumbing stoppages | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | Optional | ✓ |
Water dispenser | ✓ | - | ✓ | - | ✓ | - |
Freestanding ice maker | ✓ | - | - | - | Optional | - |
Septic pump | ✓ | - | - | - | Optional | - |
Smoke detectors | ✓ | - | - | - | Optional | - |
Central vacuums | ✓ | Optional | Optional | - | Optional | ✓ |
Built-in food center | ✓ | - | - | - | - | - |
Doorbell | ✓ | - | - | - | - | - |
Trash compactor | ✓ | - | - | - | - | ✓ |
Water heater | ✓ | - | Optional | ✓ | Optional | ✓ |
Garbage disposal | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Oven/stove | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Exhaust fan | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | |
Whirlpool bathtub | - | ✓ | - | - | - | - |
Re-key | - | - | Optional | - | ✓ | - |
Ejector Pump | - | - | Optional | - | - | - |
Fixtures | - | - | Optional | - | - | - |
Floor/carpet cleaning | - | - | Optional | - | - | - |
Grinder pump | - | - | Optional | - | - | - |
Gutter cleaning | - | - | Optional | - | - | - |
Lawn sprinkler system | - | - | Optional | - | - | - |
Pest control | - | - | Optional | - | - | - |
Swamp cooler | - | - | Optional | - | - | - |
Water softener | - | - | Optional | - | - | - |
Standalone freezer | - | Optional | Optional | - | Optional | - |
Additional refrigerators | - | Optional | Optional | - | Optional | Optional |
Roof | - | Optional | Optional | ✓ | - | - |
Septic tank pumping | - | Optional | Optional | - | - | - |
Sump pump | - | Optional | Optional | - | - | - |
Septic system | - | Optional | - | - | Optional | - |
Well pump | Optional | Optional | - | - | ✓ | Optional |
Pool/spa | Optional | Optional | Optional | - | - | Optional |
Electronic devices | Optional | - | Optional | - | - | - |
Guest house | Optional | - | - | - | - | - |
Frequently Asked Questions about Ohio Home Warranties
What are the costs involved with purchasing a home warranty?
Purchasing a home warranty involves two costs: a monthly or annual premium and a service call fee. The premium is what you pay for the policy whether you use it or not. You pay the service call fee every time a technician visits your home to diagnose or fix a problem.
Are home warranties worth the money?
If you’re in the process of buying or selling a home, sellers can make sure they won’t be on the hook for any repair or replacement costs while the house is on the market, and buyers can rest easy knowing they won’t have to shell out big bucks for major repairs right after purchasing a new home.
Which is better, Choice Home Warranty or American Home Shield?
While both of these home warranty companies made it onto our list, we give the slight edge to American Home Shield. It offers more plan options, a better BBB rating and customer reviews, and more experience in the industry. However, if you need coverage for items like standalone freezers or roof leaks, Choice Home Warranty could be a better bet.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.