Affiliate Disclosure: This Old House‘s Reviews Team is committed to delivering honest, objective, and independent reviews on home products and services. To support this business model, This Old House may be compensated if you purchase through links on our website.
If your trusty old air conditioner or refrigerator breaks down after years of use, don’t look to your homeowners insurance or the manufacturer’s warranty for help—you won’t be covered. For normal wear-and-tear damage, you need a home warranty.
We’ve reviewed the best home warranty companies in Dallas, and we’re prepared to offer our recommendations to Texas homeowners. Here are four of our top choices based on what you’re looking for in a provider.
Top 4 Home Warranty Companies in Dallas
The highest-rated home warranty companies in Dallas, TX, include:
- American Home Shield: Best Overall
- Liberty Home Guard: Most Responsive
- Select Home Warranty: Best Value
- First American Home Warranty: Best Appliance Coverage
American Home Shield
We found that American Home Shield offers the best overall value relative to coverage to the greatest number of Americans, and that includes homeowners in Dallas. Additionally, American Home Shield has 49 years in the industry, making it a trusted provider of residential service contracts.
American Home Shield offers three plans: one that covers systems, one that covers systems and appliances, and one that covers both with extra perks including coverage boosts.
American Home Shield Plans
Systems and Appliances | ShieldSilver™ | ShieldGold™ | ShieldPlatinum™ |
---|---|---|---|
Air Conditioning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Heating System | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Ductwork | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Electrical | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Doorbells | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Smoke Detectors | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Ceiling Fans | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Plumbing and Stoppages | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Water Heaters | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Water Dispensers | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Central Vacuums | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Refrigerators | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Ranges, Ovens, and Cooktops | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Clothes Washer | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Clothes Dryers | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Dishwashers | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Built-In Microwave | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Trash Compactors | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Freestanding Ice Maker | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Garage Door Opener | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Built-In Food Centers | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Coverage Boost | – | – | ✓ |
Roof Leak Coverage | – | – | ✓ |
Systems and Appliances | ShieldSilver™ | ShieldGold™ | ShieldPlatinum™ |
With any of the plans, American Home Shield offers additional coverage for pools, spas, well pumps, septic pumps, and guest units.
American Home Shield Prices
To understand the pricing of any home warranty, you need to consider both the monthly premium and the per-visit service fee. You’ll pay the premium whether you use the contract or not, but you’ll only pay the service fee when a technician visits your home. American Home Shield offers service fee options of $75, $100, or $125 per visit. If you choose a higher service fee, your monthly premium will be lower and vice versa.
If you anticipate needing to use your home warranty frequently, you may want to choose the lowest service fee. If you choose the $75 fee, which is about the industry average, here are the prices for American Home Shield’s three plans.
Plan Pricing Breakdown
Plans | Monthly Premium | Yearly Premium |
---|---|---|
ShieldSilver™ | $49.99 | $599.88 |
ShieldGold™ | $59.99 | $719.88 |
ShieldPlatinum™ | $74.99 | $899.88 |
Plans | Monthly Premium | Yearly Premium |
Select Home Warranty
Select Home Warranty is our pick for best value because all its plans are less than $50 per month and each plan includes roof-leak coverage up to $400 annually.
Select Home Warranty offers three plan options: Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care. Bronze Care covers home appliances and Gold Care covers major systems. Platinum Care combines the two plans.
Select Home Warranty Plans
Feature | Bronze Care | Gold Care | Platinum Care |
---|---|---|---|
Cooktop | ✓ | – | ✓ |
Dishwasher | ✓ | – | ✓ |
Garbage disposal | ✓ | – | ✓ |
Built-in microwave | ✓ | – | ✓ |
Refrigerator | ✓ | – | ✓ |
Stove/oven | ✓ | – | ✓ |
Clothes washer | ✓ | – | ✓ |
Clothes dryer | ✓ | – | ✓ |
Garage door openers | – | – | ✓ |
Plumbing stoppages | – | – | ✓ |
AC/cooling | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Ductwork | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Electrical system | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Heating system | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Plumbing system | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Water heater | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Feature | Bronze Care | Gold Care | Platinum Care |
Select Home Warranty offers a suite of add-on options:
- Central vacuum
- Lawn sprinkler system
- Pool
- Septic system
- Stand-alone freezer
- Sump pump
- Well pump
Select Home Warranty Prices
Select Home Warranty charges $75 per claim filed. According to our quote, Bronze and Gold Care will cost $44.42 per month and Platinum Care will cost $47.75 per month.
Plan Pricing Breakdown
Plans | Monthly Premium | Yearly Premium |
---|---|---|
Bronze Care | $44.42 | $479.99 |
Gold Care | $44.42 | $479.99 |
Platinum Care | $47.75 | $524.99 |
Plans | Monthly Premium | Yearly Premium |
Note that the price of your premium may vary based on your location and any additional coverage you choose.
Liberty Home Guard
Although Liberty Home Guard is new to the industry, the company has already distinguished itself by offering a 60-day workmanship guarantee and accepting direct customer feedback.
The three plans offered by Liberty Home Guard cover home appliances, systems, or both.
Liberty Home Guard Plans
Feature | “System Guard” Plan | “Appliance Guard” Plan | “Total Guard” Plan |
---|---|---|---|
Air Conditioning | ✓ | – | ✓ |
Heating | ✓ | – | ✓ |
Ductwork | ✓ | – | ✓ |
Plumbing | ✓ | – | ✓ |
Electrical | ✓ | – | ✓ |
Water Heaters | ✓ | – | ✓ |
Clothes Washer | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Clothes Dryer | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Kitchen Refrigerator | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Built-In Microwave | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Dishwasher | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Garbage Disposal | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Range/Oven/Cooktop | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Ceiling and Exhaust Fans | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Garage Door Opener | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Feature | “System Guard” Plan | “Appliance Guard” Plan | “Total Guard” Plan |
Liberty Home Guard also offers some additional coverage options, including add-ons not available from other providers on this list.
- Pool and Spa
- Additional Spa
- Gutter Cleaning
- Floor/Carpet Cleaning
- Sump Pump
- Septic System Pumping
- Limited Roof Leak
- Pest Control
- Central Vacuum
- Stand Alone Freezer
- Re-Key
- Second Refrigerator
- Well Pump
Liberty Home Guard Prices
Liberty Home Guard’s service fee is only $60 per visit, which is lower than average. Accordingly, the company’s premium prices are toward the high end of the spectrum.
Plan Pricing Breakdown
Plans | Monthly Premium | Yearly Premium |
---|---|---|
System Guard | $49.99 | $599.88 |
Appliance Guard | $39.99 | $479.88 |
Total Guard | $59.99 | $719.88 |
Plans | Monthly Premium | Yearly Premium |
Note that the price of your premium may vary based on your location and any additional coverage you choose.
First American Home Warranty
With 35 years in the business, First American Home Warranty has experience providing its customers excellent value for the money they pay. It also offers coverage for improperly installed or maintained appliances and systems.
First American offers two plans to its customers. The Basic Plan covers a variety of systems and appliances, and the Eagle Premier Plan also adds coverage for a washer, dryer, and kitchen refrigerator.
First American Home Warranty Plans
Plans | Basic Plan | Eagle Premier Plan |
---|---|---|
Washer-dryer | ✓ | ✓ |
Refrigerator | ✓ | ✓ |
Dishwasher | ✓ | ✓ |
Oven range | ✓ | ✓ |
Cooktop | ✓ | ✓ |
Microwave | ✓ | ✓ |
Garbage disposal | ✓ | ✓ |
Trash compactor | ✓ | ✓ |
Plumbing | – | ✓ |
Plumbing stoppages | – | ✓ |
Heating | – | ✓ |
Water Heater | – | ✓ |
Electrical | – | ✓ |
Garage door opener | – | ✓ |
Ductwork | – | ✓ |
Central vacuum system | – | ✓ |
Plans | Basic Plan | Eagle Premier Plan |
First American is somewhat unusual in the offering of its First Class Upgrade, which comes standard with the Eagle Premier Plan but can be added to the Basic Plan for an additional fee. If you have this option, your coverage will also apply to any damage from improper installation or repair, as well as some associated expenses for permits and upgrades. You can also purchase additional coverage for the following.
- Additional Refrigeration (up to 4 units)
- Central air conditioning
- Eco Upgrade
- Pool and/or Spa Equipment
- Pre-Season HVAC Tune-up
- Septic Tank Pumping/System (includes grinder pump)
- Well Pump
First American Home Warranty Prices
With a First American Home Warranty plan, you’ll pay a $75 service fee as well as the following premiums.
Plan Pricing Breakdown
Plans | Monthly Premium | Yearly Premium |
---|---|---|
Basic Plan | $33.75 | $405.00 |
Eagle Premier Plan | $50.83 | $610.00 |
Plans | Monthly Premium | Yearly Premium |
What Does a Home Warranty in Dallas Cover?
Your coverage options will vary based on the home warranty company you choose, but there are some systems and appliances that most residential service contracts cover.
Benefits of a Home Warranty in Dallas, TX
Systems | Appliances |
---|---|
Heating | Refrigerator |
Air conditioning | Standalone freezer |
Electrical | Clothes washer/dryer |
Plumbing | Stove/range/oven/cooktop |
Ductwork | Dishwasher |
Water heater | Built-in microwave |
Garbage disposal | |
Systems | Appliances |
Home warranty companies in the Dallas-Fort Worth area offer the same benefits as those in the rest of the country: financial protection and peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about unexpected expenses if properly maintained appliances or systems break down from normal wear and tear. If a covered item breaks, you simply file a claim with your home warranty provider, pay the service fee, and let the company take care of the rest.
Whichever company you choose, make sure you check the specifics of the coverage you’re buying. For example, some home warranties will cover your home’s plumbing but not the cost of fixing stoppages.
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in Dallas?
Prices vary by company and comprehensiveness, but generally, a home warranty will cost between $25 and $60 a month, or $300 and $720 a year. Generally speaking, more expensive plans cover more systems and appliances. Additionally, the service call fee for each technician visit is typically between $75 and $125.
Our Conclusion
When it comes to home warranty companies in Dallas, your best bet is American Home Shield for an overall combination of breadth of coverage, value, and service.
Despite its newcomer status, we find Liberty Home Guard to be an extremely trustworthy choice to Dallas homeowners looking for home warranty coverage. Finally, with its First Class Upgrade option, First American Home Warranty offers superior value combined with comprehensive coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a home warranty different from homeowner’s insurance?
Homeowners insurance only applies to damage to your house and its systems from catastrophic events like fires, floods, and other natural disasters. It won’t cover damage sustained from normal use. This wear and tear on properly maintained appliances and systems is precisely what a home warranty is for.
Will a home warranty cover pre-existing conditions?
Most home warranty companies include language in their contracts specifying that pre-existing damage or problems are not covered, even if you aren’t aware of them at the time of the contract. However, a few providers will offer this coverage, though you may have to look hard to find them.
When does my home warranty coverage start?
Most residential service contracts include a waiting period of 30 days between the signing of the contract and the start of coverage. Talk to your provider to see if the home warranty you’re considering includes this waiting period.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.