We recommend American Home Shield as the best home warranty company for veterans, with its military discounts, higher coverage limits, and more inclusive terms. The last thing you want to worry about as a homeowner is high home repair bills. A home warranty can help veterans cover the expenses your homeowners insurance doesn’t—like appliance and system breakdowns.
However, the best home warranty company could vary depending on your individual needs and budget. Read on to learn everything you need to know about investing in home warranty coverage as a veteran.
Key Takeaways
- American Home Shield is our top choice for home warranty coverage for veterans, offering comprehensive, inclusive benefits and easy transfer options.
- The average cost of a home warranty for veterans is about $53 per month — but you could save up to 20% on coverage by taking advantage of military discounts.
- If you think you’ll be assigned a change of station soon, consider a warranty provider that offers transferable policy benefits like Choice or AHS.
Top Home Warranty Companies for Veterans
After reviewing 13 leading home warranty companies, we selected the following providers as the best picks for veterans:
- American Home Shield: Best Comprehensive Coverage
- Choice Home Warranty: Best Basic Plan Coverage
- First American Home Warranty: Best for High-End Items
- AFC Home Warranty: Best Technician Flexibility
Comparing the Top Home Warranty Companies for Veterans
The table below highlights our top picks and how each one compares based on key factors such as monthly plan costs and service call fees, which homeowners pay each time a technician visits for a repair. To ensure accurate pricing, we obtained quotes for a 1,760-square-foot single-family home in North Charleston, South Carolina.
| Provider | Overall Score | Monthly Plan Cost | Service Fee Cost | BBB Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$36–$100 | $100–$125 | B | |||
$60–$68 | $100 | B | |||
$57–$68 | $65–$125 | NR | |||
$77–$130 | $100–$125 | B+ | |||
$44–$82 | $75–$125 | B |
What Our Survey Found
- According to the This Old House 2026 Home Warranty Survey of 2,000 homeowners, coverage is the number-one factor when selecting a plan — more important than price or brand name. Veterans should prioritize comprehensive coverage options over the lowest monthly premium, especially since service fee dissatisfaction increases sharply when fees exceed $150 per visit.
Our Reviews of the Best Veterans Home Warranty Companies
After reviewing more than a dozen home warranty companies operating across the country, our review team selected the following four as our top choices for veterans.
American Home Shield
Our Review and Insights
American Home Shield (AHS) stands out for its protection for preexisting conditions, something most other providers exclude. This protection covers items with rust, corrosion, and sediment damage—useful for older items—and repairs damages from improper installations or modifications. This can offer benefits for military families who frequently relocate. AHS also has generous coverage caps, offering up to $4,000 for appliances and $5,000 for most systems, making it a good choice for items that might experience more wear and tear from moving.
Though American Home Shield offers comprehensive coverage, it comes with a higher price tag. The company charges slightly more for its comprehensive plans compared to other providers we’ve reviewed. However, its $35 military discount can help offset these higher costs. Note that the company limits its plan types to system-only coverage or comprehensive appliance and system protection, so if you only want to cover appliances, you’ll need to select a higher-priced comprehensive plan instead.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Covers undetectable pre-existing conditions, items without maintenance records, and additional situations excluded by some competitors
- Has no age limit on covered systems and appliances, which is ideal for owners of older properties
- Most inclusive plan includes extras like roof leak coverage and a free HVAC tune-up
Cons
- Higher priced plans on average, both in terms of monthly premiums and service call fees
- Limited set of add-ons available
Customer Experiences
Based on customer reviews, customers appreciated American Home Shield’s broad coverage options and quick claim processing. Our team’s tester received email and text confirmations right after submitting his claim, and he heard from a local contractor within five minutes.
However, in online reviews, some customers reported long wait times for repairs, with delays of up to two weeks. Others mentioned issues such as low claims payouts, claim denials, and high service fees.
Here’s what real customers have said about American Home Shield:
“The service request process is easy in the app or online, the technicians are usually on time and courteous, and repairs are made efficiently—normally at no additional cost besides the service fee. I’ve used American Home Shield for many years and have rarely had any serious complaints, and those were with the service company, not AHS. The policy has definitely paid for itself over the years.” —Debbi B. via Trustpilot on Dec. 4, 2024
“[The] problem [is] not fixed. [The] assigned repair company discontinued service calls after the second onsite visit. AHS has informed me that company-based experts will review [the] assigned repair company’s service reports to determine next steps within 48 hours. Tomorrow will be a week since [the] ‘48 hour’ decision time … I find AHS’s quality of support covering home repair services most disappointing.” —Phillip G. via Trustpilot on Dec. 18, 2024
Choice Home Warranty
Our Review and Insights
Choice Home Warranty offers budget-friendly, comprehensive protection for under $60, making it an affordable option for military families. With a $3,000 coverage cap for most items, it provides mid-level coverage for essential household systems and appliances. The company backs its repairs with a 90-day guarantee for parts and a 60-day guarantee for labor. This means that if a repaired appliance breaks down again, Choice will complete additional work at no extra charge—offering peace of mind during frequent relocations or deployments.
Choice limits its coverage to two comprehensive plans, offering limited flexibility compared to some other companies. Its lowest plan, the Basic Plan, excludes protection for key items, such as clothes washers and dryers, refrigerators, and air conditioning (AC). You must upgrade to the Total Plan to receive this protection. In addition, Choice is currently involved in an ongoing lawsuit with the Arizona Attorney General regarding accusations of customer fraud and deceptive tactics. We recommend researching potential home warranty companies before signing up for services.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has lower pricing than competitors offering similar coverage limits, with a flat-rate $100 service fee
- No age restrictions on new home enrollments or active policies
- Includes a $3,000 upper limit for most items with no aggregate or overall policy caps
Cons
- Unclear purchasing process doesn’t define service call fees or include a sample contract for download
- Doesn’t allow you to adjust monthly and per-use costs by choosing between multiple service call fees
Customer Experiences
After reading customer feedback online, we noticed that customers praised Choice Home Warranty for its affordable plans and simple claims process. Many people also appreciated the prompt service offered by company technicians and the overall ease of using Choice.
However, some customers ran into issues with repair quality and reaching customer support. Our Choice tester also experienced inconsistent repair timelines, with wait times ranging from one day to up to a month for repairs.
Here’s what real customers have said about Choice Home Warranty:
“When I submitted my claim I was very pleased with the process. Not only was it handled quickly and professionally, the claims specialists gave me options that I wasn’t expecting. Also, the technician that Choice sent out to check my garbage disposal was not only punctual but also very polite [and] professional. The whole process was hassle-free!” —Harold R. via Trustpilot on Nov. 15, 2024
“Choice Home Warranty wouldn’t approve repair costs so more vendors had to come to my house, incurring more fees. They finally approved a cost, and the vendor said that Choice has not been paying him, so he won’t do the work until they finally pay him. Meanwhile, I haven’t had heat for two months, and it is now December!” —Danielle D. via Trustpilot on Dec. 12, 2024
First American Home Warranty
Our Review and Insights
If you’re looking for protection for high-end appliances, First American Home Warranty might offer a good fit. The company extends up to $7,000 in appliance protection, which is higher than both American Home Shield and Choice Home Warranty. It also offers add-on options for extra protection, including coverage for luxury appliances and up to three refrigerators. Plus, the First American First Class Upgrade can provide peace of mind by covering improper installations and modifications, building permits, appliance disposal, and more.
However, First American is only available in 33 U.S. states, fewer than other providers on our list. This could cause an issue if you relocate to an area where coverage is unavailable and want to transfer home warranty services. And, like Choice Home Warranty, First American only offers comprehensive plans, limiting flexible coverage options for those seeking appliance- or system- only protection. It also excludes air conditioning systems and clothes washers and dryers from its lowest-tier plans. While you can pay extra for a central AC add-on, you must upgrade to a more expensive plan tier for laundry appliance coverage.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers some of the highest individual item coverage limits we’ve seen, with up to $7,000 per item
- Premium Plan includes coverage for unique items like window air conditioning units, shower heads, and code violations
- Has an upgrade available that covers improper installations and modifications
Cons
- Charges higher pricing than competitors like Choice Home Warranty
- Most affordable plan doesn’t cover air conditioning systems, a potential drawback for homeowners in warmer climates
Customer Experiences
From the customer reviews we read online, First American Home Warranty was generally appreciated for its easy online claims process and responsive service technicians. Our First American tester had a good experience filing a claim for a broken garage door opener. He received a quick confirmation text with the contractor’s information, and his appointment was scheduled within an hour. However, not all customer experiences were this quick—many online reviewers mentioned repair delays, poor communication, and unclear coverage details.
Here’s what real customers have said about First American Home Warranty:
“While there was not an electrician available to handle my problem, I was encouraged to find someone outside of the company. I did so and submitted the invoice for the work done. I spoke with a representative who made sure that I was reimbursed in a very timely fashion for my out-of-pocket expense.” —Lenora K. via Trustpilot on Nov. 25, 2024
“I’ve still not heard any good resolution from First American Home Warranty! It’s been almost a month without a refrigerator. I’m requesting a refund for my service fee and inconvenience and canceling service” —Shameka P. via Trustpilot on Dec. 9, 2024
AFC Home Warranty
Our Review and Insights
If you’re looking for the longest repair coverage available, AFC Home Warranty is a good option for you. It offers a workmanship guarantee that lasts for as long as you have an active plan. For example, this means if your water heater keeps breaking down because of the same issue, AFC Home Warranty will continue to make repairs without charging additional service call fees. Another beneficial feature is the option to choose your own technician, a rare benefit that allows for more flexibility. It’s also a helpful option for military families who prefer a trusted local technician.
However, AFC Home Warranty’s depreciation policy may raise concerns if you have older items in your home, with items over five years old potentially having reduced payouts. Also, AFC Home Warranty has one appliance-only plan and three comprehensive plans, so if you only need coverage for plumbing systems and electrical systems, the company may not offer the best fit.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Workmanship guarantee lasts as long as you’re an active policyholder
- Most inclusive Diamond Plan covers exterior water lines and up to $5,000 for electronics
- Allows customers to choose their own service technician, a unique benefit
Cons
- Has $500 limits on electrical and plumbing systems, which is lower than some other companies
- Limits coverage to $150 during your first 30 days of active coverage
Customer Experiences
From what we read in online reviews, many customers appreciated AFC Home Warranty’s quick claim processing and option to choose their own technician. The personalized customer service stood out, too, with some customers being assigned a dedicated agent to help with their claims.
However, some homeowners were disappointed by low payouts due to AFC Home Warranty’s depreciation policy. Others reported being bombarded with texts and emails during the claims process. For instance, our tester mentioned receiving three to four calls and as many as 10 text messages a day, which became overwhelming.
Here’s what real customers have said about AFC Home Warranty:
“I’ve been a customer of AFC Home Warranty for quite some time now. The technicians they send are not only reliable but also highly skilled, ensuring any issues with my home are resolved promptly and efficiently. What truly sets them apart, though, is their exceptional customer service. Every interaction I’ve had with their team has been pleasant and professional, making the process seamless and stress-free. When I’ve needed assistance, they’ve been prompt in scheduling appointments and addressing any concerns, which is a huge relief as a homeowner. ”—Sarah M. via BBB on May 14, 2024
“This company’s focus is on coming up with reasons why they don’t cover you. I had a water heater problem and they denied the claim because they said the water heater was larger than 80 gallons. I have a tankless water heater. Once I showed them it was tankless they wouldn’t cover it because I didn’t have a record of any annual maintenance. In the fine print there are very low maximums for any replacements. I’d think twice before I would use them.” —Glenn B. via BBB on Dec. 6, 2024
What Does a Home Warranty for Veterans Cover?
A home warranty is a type of property protection that helps cover the cost of unexpected system and appliance breakdowns, which homeowners insurance usually doesn’t cover. Homeowners insurance typically won’t cover the cost of routine breakdowns unless caused by a specific event, like a fire or storm. This means if your air conditioning suddenly shuts down in the summer, you can’t use your property insurance to pay for the repairs.
Home warranty coverage fills in the gaps left by homeowners insurance. If a covered item breaks down in your home due to normal wear and tear, a warranty can help pay for the cost of a repair or replacement. These plans can especially benefit veterans who live in an older home or expect to have issues with certain systems or appliances over time.
The items covered by a home warranty vary depending on the specific plan. Most policies include a set of major appliances, home systems, or both. Examples of commonly covered items include your washing machine, oven, HVAC system, plumbing, and electrical ductwork. You can review a home warranty sample contract to learn more about what a company specifically covers.
Cost of Home Warranty Coverage for Veterans
The average cost of a home warranty is about $56 per month, with most plans also including a service call fee ranging between $100 and $125 each time you need a service appointment. However, home warranty pricing will vary depending on your state, provider, and plan. For example, the average cost of a mid-tier home warranty plan in Wisconsin is $62 per month, while the same plan costs about $87 in Arkansas.
Since companies determine rates based on your location and chosen coverage, the base rate of a home warranty shouldn’t change for veterans specifically. However, some companies, like American Home Shield, offer discounts for military members that can help lower your rates.
- Our survey also found that annual payment plans are preferred over monthly billing, especially among homeowners in the South and Northeast. If you’re a veteran with a stable posting, opting for an annual plan could save you money compared to paying month-to-month. Service call fees mostly range between $75 and $125 — a key cost to factor in alongside your premium.
You can take a few steps to lower the price of a home warranty. Start by reading through plan details to make sure you’re buying a plan that fits the components in your home without paying for coverage you don’t need. You may also want to choose a plan with a higher service call fee, which lowers the cost you pay each month in premiums. Finally, ask if your chosen provider offers discounts for veterans and military members.
What Homeowners Actually Pay
- According to the This Old House 2025 Home Warranty Survey of 2,000 homeowners, the most common monthly payment reported was $100 per month, while the most common annual payment was $500 per year. Service call fees clustered around $75, which was the single most frequently reported amount. These real-world figures can help veterans benchmark the quotes they receive against what other homeowners are paying nationwide.
Veterans Discounts on Home Warranties
Some home warranty companies provide discounts to veterans and active duty service members. For example, American Home Shield currently offers discounts of up to 20% for military members and veterans who enroll in a new plan. Discounts and offers vary by company. If you don’t see a military discount on a company’s website, we recommend getting in touch with a representative to ask if one is available.
Reading the Fine Print of Your Home Warranty Plan
When looking into a home warranty plan, it’s important to read the fine print to spot any exclusions or limitations that might affect your coverage. For veterans, there are several key aspects to keep in mind:
- Cosmetic damage: Coverage for cosmetic damage is typically excluded from home warranties, though some policies may cover damage that impacts functionality, even if it’s cosmetic in nature.
- Damage caused by natural disasters: Home warranty plans typically cover normal wear and tear, not damage from natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes. Instead, homeowners insurance is needed for such protection.
- Improper installation: If appliances or systems experience damage due to improper installation, some home warranties may not cover related repairs.
- Limited state coverage: Some home warranty providers may not offer coverage in all areas, including overseas bases or remote locations. It’s important to verify that your provider offers coverage wherever you may get stationed.
- Preexisting conditions: Home warranty plans typically exclude issues that existed before coverage started, such as rust, corrosion, sediment buildup, or other forms of physical damage.
- Transfer policies: Some home warranty providers may have limitations or require additional paperwork when transferring coverage to a new home or base. Confirm whether you can easily move with your warranty or if the company charges relocation fees.
How To Choose the Right Home Warranty Company
When shopping for a home warranty, veterans should focus on plans with flexibility, especially considering the potential for frequent moves. Military families often relocate every few years, so it’s important to pick a provider that offers transferable plans or the ability to move coverage easily without hefty fees. While you can move with some plans, others may have restrictions or require extra paperwork, so always check these details before signing up.
Another key consideration is strong customer support, particularly for families with deployed service members. We recommend you look for providers offering 24/7 customer service, online claim submissions, and mobile app support. This can make managing repairs and filing claims remotely easier.
Also, check for regional limitations. Some service providers may not cover areas such as overseas bases or remote locations, so confirm that services are available wherever you may get stationed. Many providers also offer special military discounts, such as reduced premiums or waived fees, so it’s a good idea to ask about these benefits to get the best deal.
Market Share Among Homeowners
- In the This Old House 2025 Home Warranty Survey, American Home Shield was by far the most widely held plan, used by 40.65% of respondents. First American Home Warranty came in second at 10.65%, followed by Choice Home Warranty at 9.65% and Liberty Home Guard at 8.55%. AFC Home Warranty accounted for 4.55% of respondents. This usage data can give veterans additional confidence when evaluating these top-rated providers.
VA Loans and Home Warranties
As a service member or veteran, a VA loan is one of the most efficient ways to purchase a home. Unlike a conventional home loan, a VA loan may allow you to buy a home with a 0% down payment and no private mortgage insurance requirement. These loans also offer flexible credit requirements, which can benefit veterans still building their home finances.
While a VA loan gets you in the door, a home warranty helps you maintain your property. While VA loans make it possible to avoid the 20% down payment requirement, most borrowers choose to put a small amount of money down in addition to closing costs. A home warranty can offer peace of mind that your investment is protected by offsetting out-of-pocket costs if systems and appliances in your home break down.
Are Home Warranties Required with VA Loans?
No, a home warranty is not required to purchase a home with a VA loan in the same way you’re required to have homeowners insurance that covers the value of your dwelling. However, the VA loan process does require a home inspection. You may want to use the results of this inspection to identify where you’d like to focus your home warranty coverage.
Can Warranty Costs Be Included in VA Loan Financing?
VA closing costs usually equal to 3%–5% of the value of your home loan, representing a significant expense for most homeowners. While the VA does allow some closing costs to get rolled into the value of the loan, the total final balance must not exceed the appraised value of the home.
This means you can’t use a VA loan to borrow more than your home’s appraised value to cover a warranty. However, if your home is appraised at an amount above your final price, you could roll your home warranty premium into your closing costs so long as this doesn’t raise the loan above your home value.
Homeowner Advice
Since veterans can face unique financial and logistical challenges, home warranty discounts can offer financial peace of mind when selecting a provider. For Jonathan C., a retired U.S. Army member, finding businesses that recognize veterans for their service helps ease the financial burden of homeownership, especially when faced with frequent moves.
“I always ask and tend to shop more at places that show their appreciation for military personnel,” Jonathan says.
Blaine T., a retired U.S. Marine, shares a similar approach.
“I always check if a company offers a military discount,” Blaine says. “I will either ask at checkout or search online to find out. I prefer places that have one.”
Blaine’s proactive method shows how important it is for veterans to ask directly, ensuring they don’t miss out on valuable savings.
When shopping for a home warranty, we recommend that veterans research available discounts before committing. We recommend checking a company’s frequently asked questions (FAQ) section on its website or performing a web search using a company’s name followed by “military discounts.” This small step can uncover valuable savings, helping to ease the financial challenges of homeownership and support the unique needs of veterans.
FAQs About Veteran Home Warranties
How can a home warranty benefit veterans?
A home warranty can benefit veterans by reducing the repair or replacement costs of major home systems and appliances, helping to minimize unexpected expenses. This is especially valuable for those transitioning from military life to civilian life, as it can help provide more predictable homeownership costs. Home warranties also offer convenience for veterans who frequently relocate or have deployed family members, making it easier to manage home repairs during times of absence.
Are there special home warranty plans available for veterans?
No, there aren’t dedicated home warranty plans specifically for veterans. Most home warranty companies offer standard plans not designed for specific groups. However, many providers offer discounts for veterans and the option to personalize your plan with add-ons for additional coverage.
Are home warranties transferable during PCS moves?
Most home warranty companies allow you to transfer your home warranty coverage to the next property owner if you move due to a permanent change of station (PCS). However, the specifics of transferability will vary by company. Review your individual plan’s contract to learn more about transfer rules.
Does USAA offer a home warranty?
No, USAA does not offer a traditional home warranty plan. However, USAA does offer home insurance plans with special considerations for service members and their families. When combined with an independent home warranty, these plans can provide total home protection.
Can I purchase a home warranty after closing on my VA loan?
Yes, you can purchase a home warranty at any time during the purchase process. You may want to use the results of your VA loan-required home inspection to guide you as you shop for coverage.
How We Evaluated Home Warranty Providers for Veterans
Here’s a breakdown of how we researched, ranked, and compared home warranty companies based on the specific needs of veterans.
Our Rating Methodology
We began our research by consulting with home warranty experts, reviewing online customer reviews, and evaluating home warranty plans. Our team also contacted customer support teams and purchased home warranty plans for 11 leading providers. Finally, we conducted surveys with home warranty customers to learn more about their shopping process, claims experiences, and home needs.
Based on this research, we created a detailed rating methodology and scored each company in six categories: coverage (35%), cost (20%), trustworthiness (15%), plan transparency (10%), customer support (10%), and flexibility (10%).
When evaluating home warranties for veterans, we also considered the following factors:
- Comprehensive item protection: Military homeowners can benefit from reliable protection for key systems and appliances, especially with frequent relocations. We focused on home warranty providers that offer solid coverage limits and protections for preexisting conditions and improper installations. This ensures adequate coverage for veterans with aging systems and appliances, as well as military families on the move.
- Military discounts: Military families can deal with financial challenges related to frequent relocations and service-related expenses. We prioritized providers that offer military discounts to active-duty and retired personnel, which can help make home warranty coverage more affordable.
- Transferable policies: Relocation is a common part of military life, so it’s important that home warranties provide flexibility around transferring service contracts. We prioritized providers that allow customers to transfer coverage to a new homeowner or address. Providers without transfer options were not considered in this review.
- First-hand experience with home warranty claims: We tested the sign-up and claims processes to determine the efficiency of claim handling, the responsiveness of customer service, and how easy the overall process was for homeowners.
