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In 2019, Endurance Home Warranty received a slew of complaints from consumer reporting sites, with customers expressing concerns about the company’s lack of response to filed claims. For example, one customer said the company dodged their calls and refused to send a technician to repair their pool, despite the coverage being outlined in their plan.
As of April 2019, the company halted operations due to customer complaints and accusations of fraud. Though Endurance isn’t a trustworthy home warranty company, there are trusted home warranty providers available that offer comprehensive and affordable coverage at affordable prices.
The This Old House Reviews Team has done the research for you and compared top home warranty companies in the industry to help you find the best home warranty.
Top-Rated Alternatives to Endurance Home Warranty
With a home warranty from one of these top-rated companies, you can rest assured that you’ll receive comprehensive, affordable coverage along with accessible, responsive customer service.
1. American Home Shield
Our top home warranty provider is American Home Shield (AHS). The company is a home warranty veteran, with almost 50 years in the industry.
Here are the pros and cons of choosing American Home Shield for your home warranty coverage:
AHS Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Pros | Cons |
| Offers you the ability to choose between a $75, $100, or $125 service fee | Doesn’t provide nationwide coverage (not available in Alaska) |
| Provides generous coverage caps on systems and appliances | Has only a 30-day repair guarantee |
| Offers roof leak coverage and an HVAC tune-up with the ShieldPlatinum™ plan | Not as many add-on options as competitors |
2. Choice Home Warranty
Our second recommended home warranty provider is Choice Home Warranty (CHW). This home warranty veteran has over 10 years of industry experience and provides customers with transparent coverage that’s competitive within the home warranty space.
Unlike many providers, Choice Home Warranty doesn’t require a home inspection before coverage kicks in and doesn’t consider the age of your appliances and home systems when assigning a premium.
Here are some things to consider before choosing Choice Home Warranty:
CHW Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Pros | Cons |
| CHW will return and fix an appliance or system within 90 days of the original repair | Doesn’t offer you the option to customize your own plan |
| The cost of the most comprehensive plan averages only $526, which is less than the industry average of about $600 | Customers can’t choose their own technician |
| Customers can cancel for free within 30 days of the contract’s start date | Isn’t available in California, Oklahoma, or Washington |
3. Select Home Warranty
Another top provider is Select Home Warranty. The company has positioned itself as an affordable and comprehensive home warranty company, offering free roof coverage and low monthly premiums to its customers. It offers three coverage plans, each covering the repair or replacement of different appliances and systems throughout your home.
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of signing up for a Select Home Warranty:
Select Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Pros | Cons |
| Provides free roof leak coverage to customers | Has a $75 cancellation fee |
| Has 24/7 customer service through its claim center | Low coverage caps for appliances and systems |
| Offers customer discounts on multi-year coverage plans | Doesn’t offer a mobile app for its customers |
Our Conclusion
At This Old House, we strive to provide transparent reviews, only recommending companies that provide honest coverage. That’s why we would never recommend Endurance Home Warranty, or any other company with similar coverage and lack of customer satisfaction, as a provider.
If you’re looking for comprehensive coverage and affordable plans, we recommend American Home Shield, Choice Home Warranty, and AHW Home Warranty.
Our Preferred Provider: American Home Shield
As one of the most trusted companies in the home warranty industry, American Home Shield has comprehensive coverage, even allowing customers to build their own plan. They also provide responsive customer service and offer coverage throughout the continental United States, excluding Alaska.
Frequently Asked Questions about Home Warranties
How does a home warranty work?
After purchasing a home warranty through a provider, coverage usually begins 30 days after your first payment. Some home warranty providers, like The Home Service Club, offer coverage within 10 days of signing up for coverage.
Once coverage starts, you can file claims whenever a covered item breaks down, usually over the phone or online. Once the claim is approved, the company will either send a pre-approved technician to your home to diagnose the issue or allow you to choose your own contractor for repairs. The contractor will then diagnose the problem and make a recommendation to repair or replace your broken appliance or system.
During the technician’s visit, you’ll pay an agreed upon service fee, usually between $75–$125.
How do I choose a home warranty?
When looking for a home warranty provider, you’ll want to consider the type of coverage you need, as well as your budget.
Think about the appliances and systems that you couldn’t afford, should you need to replace or repair them, such as a water heater or plumbing system. Those appliances and systems should be included in all the plans you consider to get the most out of your home warranty.
Additionally, consider a monthly or annual price that you’d be comfortable paying. Most home warranty plans cost between $25–$50 a month, with basic plans falling on the lower end of that spectrum. Plan pricing and coverage details should be listed in the terms and conditions of a sample home warranty contract, so make sure you review one before signing up for coverage.
Are home warranties worth it?
When compared to the average cost of repairing or replacing a home appliance or system, a home warranty may be able to save you money in the long run. Additionally, it can provide peace of mind that you’re covered if a system or appliance breaks in your home.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.