American Home Shield is the best home warranty company in Ohio, with Choice Home Warranty being another solid yet more budget option. American Home Shield stands out with its comprehensive coverage and flexible plans, making it an ideal choice if you own an older home with aging systems. Choice Home Warranty, on the other hand, offers budget-friendly pricing, so you don’t break the bank protecting your home essentials.
To make our best home warranty recommendations, we looked into coverage options, costs, and customer service. We also included insights from homeowners in Ohio and nationwide based on our 2026 home warranty survey and our team’s firsthand plan testing. To help you make an informed decision on the best fit for your home’s needs, this guide shares more about our top picks and how a home warranty can benefit Ohio homeowners.
Ohio Home Warranty Overview
- Ohio homeowners may want to compare home warranty plans to secure protection for the systems and appliances in their homes.
Based on our research and nationwide survey data, here are a few key things Ohio homeowners should know:
Typical home warranty costs: Plans in Ohio generally cost between $50 and $75 per month (about $600 to $900 annually), depending on coverage and provider.
Top system priority: In our 2026 nationwide home warranty survey, HVAC coverage was the top priority among Ohio homeowners.
Coverage to consider in Ohio: Homeowners may want to compare plans that offer strong protection for major systems and appliances to ensure comprehensive coverage for their homes.
Top Home Warranty Providers in Ohio
Our team reviewed over a dozen home warranty providers that offer plans in Ohio. Below are our top picks for Ohio home warranty providers, based on our in-depth rating system:
- American Home Shield: Best for Comprehensive Coverage
- Choice Home Warranty: Best Basic Plan Coverage
- First American Home Warranty: Best for High-End Items
- AFC Home Warranty: Best Technician Flexibility
Compare Home Warranty Companies in Ohio
Comparing home warranty companies can help you decide on the right fit for your home. To help you shop for a plan, compare our top picks based on key factors below, including our overall scores, national average pricing, service call fee rates, and Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings.
Notes: Pricing may vary depending on your plan choices and your home’s location, size, and type. The BBB is an independent organization that evaluates businesses’ credibility and responsiveness to customers. Ratings are accurate as of February 2026.
Our Review of Top Ohio Home Warranties
To find the best home warranty companies in Ohio, we researched what homeowners care most about when shopping for coverage. We prioritized HVAC coverage because the state’s hot, humid summers and cold winters can cause wear over time. Because one million Ohio homes rely on septic systems to treat wastewater, we also chose companies with an option for septic system coverage. Learn more about our top-rated picks below.
American Home Shield
American Home Shield Overview
Ohioans with older home systems lacking maintenance records may appreciate American Home Shield for its flexible coverage options. American Home Shield is the only company on our list that covers preexisting conditions, has no age limitations on systems and appliances, and does not require maintenance records for claim approval. The company offers three plan options that can cover common systems and appliances for Ohio homeowners, such as a central air conditioning (AC) unit, heating system, septic systems, and roof leak repairs.
However, American Home Shield provides only six optional add-ons, which may not suit you if you have special coverage needs. In addition, the company doesn’t offer an appliance-only plan, meaning you must pay for a more expensive plan if you want appliance protection.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Access on-demand video chat with experienced repair specialists
- Features high coverage limits of up to $5,000 for HVAC systems, which can help reduce out-of-pocket costs
- Offers unique benefits, such as covering undetectable preexisting conditions
Cons
- Has more expensive service call fees than some other companies we’ve reviewed
- Pricing may exceed the state average, notably for the most comprehensive plan
Plans and Cost
American Home Shield offers three plans, ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum, priced at $40, $60, and $90, respectively. The provider allows you to choose between a $100 or $125 service call fee rate, which is the amount you owe each time a technician visits your home. Choosing a higher service call fee typically lowers your monthly rate, while selecting a lower service fee usually increases your monthly cost.
Our Experience with American Home Shield
We signed up for an American Home Shield plan and submitted a claim to see how the process really works. We found the sign-up process simple and efficient, allowing you to easily compare plans and adjust add-ons.
Our American Home Shield tester confirmed that the company automatically withdraws monthly premiums from the credit card on file. You can make payments via PayPal, a credit card, or your bank account. The whole process is straightforward, and once you’re set up, you can manage your policy through the customer portal or a smartphone app.
The claim process was seamless as well. Our team member filed a claim on their smartphone by signing into their claims portal account. American Home Shield’s claims portal displays what’s covered under your plan and lets you select the repair needed. Within an hour of submitting the claim, our team member got a call from a local service provider and scheduled a next-day appointment. The service contractor arrived before the appointment time and repaired the leak in two hours.
Choice Home Warranty
Choice Home Warranty Overview
Choice Home Warranty is another solid home warranty provider available in Ohio because of its affordable plan options and $3,000 coverage caps for most items. Choice offers two plans: Basic and Total. While it has fewer plan options than the other companies on our list, Choice strikes a balance between affordability and coverage options. While the Basic plan excludes air conditioning, a washer and dryer, and a refrigerator, you can get this coverage by upgrading to the Total plan. Choice also offers septic system and limited roof leak coverage as an add-on for an added monthly cost.
However, note that Choice Home Warranty has faced several lawsuits, including a recently settled lawsuit with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office regarding alleged consumer fraud.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Costs less than the state average in Ohio, including an option for comprehensive coverage
- Extends $3,000 coverage caps for most items
- Offers discounts on monthly and single-payment plans
Cons
- Charges an extra $2.50 fee with its monthly home warranty plans
- Has a 30-day workmanship guarantee, which is shorter than some other companies on our list
Plans and Cost
In Ohio, the Total plan costs $69 per month, which includes a $2.50 monthly fee. The Basic plan costs $61 per month, including the same monthly fee. Although the Basic plan is cheaper, keep in mind that it lacks several essential coverages, like air conditioning, clothes washers, and dryers.
On top of the monthly cost, each repair visit results in a $100 service fee. If you wanted a septic system or limited roof leak protection—both common coverage options for those in Ohio—add-ons cost $10 and $6, respectively.
Our Experience with Choice Home Warranty
A member of our team bought a Choice Home Warranty plan with five years’ worth of coverage for their rental houses and home in North Carolina. Our tester has been a customer with the company for two years so far. In our testing, they filed a claim for a broken AC, refrigerator, and freezer when they first moved into their home. They reported that the company took two weeks to send a technician, and they had to call daily to try to resolve the issue.
As for their rental properties, our team member has had varying experiences with Choice. While technicians sometimes fixed issues quickly, others collected a service fee and diagnosed the problem but did not offer a solution on the spot.
First American Home Warranty
First American Home Warranty Overview
First American Home Warranty offers three plans with a flexible service fee of $100 or $125. If you choose a higher service fee, you can lower your monthly cost. We like that First American offers add-ons that Ohioans can benefit from, such as septic system or limited roof leak coverage.
Ohio homeowners who value long-term customer satisfaction may consider getting a quote from First American Home Warranty. The company has a solid reputation on Trustpilot, with a 4 out of 5 stars based on over 17,600 reviews. Many reviewers seemed satisfied with receiving fast repairs and professional service. Plus, one of our in-house testers has had a First American plan for over 15 years and is satisfied with its services.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has a list of several add-ons to cover items such as central air conditioning and a septic system
- Extends coverage limits that range from $3,500–$7,000 for appliances, depending on the plan
- Offers three tiers of coverage, all of which include a combination of systems and appliance protection
Cons
- Charges higher rates than some other companies on our list
- Has a shorter 30-day workmanship guarantee, while some other companies on our list offer longer terms
Plans and Cost
First American Home Warranty offers three plans: the Starter Plan, Essential Plan, and Premium Plan. If you choose the higher service fee of $125, your monthly costs will decrease. However, choosing the lowest service call fee will increase your monthly charges.
FAHW also offers optional add-ons for a well pump, septic system and limited roof leak coverage.
Our Experience with First American Home Warranty
One of our in-house testers purchased a home in 2008 that came with a First American Home Warranty plan. They have since renewed the plan every year and shared their experience with the company to give an insider look at how it really works.
“Filing a claim is very straightforward,” they said. “You log into your online account, select your issue, add a description of your issue, and submit your claim.”
Our tester has filed several claims over the years, with each processed within an hour to set up an appointment with a technician. Technicians typically have arrived within three days and our tester has never experienced bad service. Several times, he saw the original technician assigned had poor reviews, but the company assigned a new technician with “no questions asked.”
Our tester said would recommend the company to any homeowner and enjoys the peace of mind and convenience of not having to source technicians or request repair quotes.
AFC Home Warranty
AFC Home Warranty Overview
Ohioans looking for flexibility and lengthy workmanship guarantees could benefit from choosing AFC Home Warranty. The provider offers a unique feature where you can select your own certified technicians for repair jobs, which customers with a longstanding relationship with a local contractor may appreciate. By comparison, most providers require you to use a technician within a pre-approved network. Note that AFC Home Warranty must first approve your selected technician before they work on your service request.
Another benefit is that AFC Home Warranty offers a workmanship guarantee that lasts as long as your plan is active. Most companies extend a guarantee of 30 days. This guarantee ensures coverage for secondary repairs if a technician fixes an item and it breaks again.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extends a $3,000 coverage cap for most appliances
- Offers the option to pay a $75 or $125 service fee, which can help customize pricing
- Provides free credit monitoring, family emergency services, and discounts on home security, household items, and more
Cons
- Has fewer add-on options available compared to other companies
- Provides low coverage caps on most home systems
Plans and Cost
AFC Home Warranty offers three plan options that cover a mix of both systems and appliances: Gold, Platinum, or Diamond. Plans range from $44 to $82 per month. You can pay for coverage monthly or in full, with one- or three-year contract lengths. The provider also allows you to choose from a $75 or $125 service fee.
The above estimated costs for each plan include free roof leak coverage, which Ohioans may appreciate, as it can provide peace of mind if you worry about the state’s weather events straining your roof over time.
Our Experience with AFC Home Warranty
One of our in-house testers purchased an AFC Home Warranty plan to see how it works. They started the claim online and found the platform intuitive and easy to use. Although they had to call and text the company to finish the claim, it was successfully submitted and approved.
“I was amazed that the provider found a contractor willing to come to my house, which can be very challenging in a rural area,” they said. “It was then my responsibility to contact the contractor and schedule a good time [for an appointment], which was easy.”
The first contractor didn’t fix the problem correctly, so our tester had to restart the claims process. After the second approval, a different contractor was sent out again for free. Our tester didn’t need to pay another service fee, and the job was completed properly this time. Overall, the tester considered their experience with AFC Home Warranty positive since the job was eventually done correctly with minimal hassle.
Our Experience Filing Home Warranty Claims
In addition to the claims experiences in our top provider reviews, we also tested two home warranty companies that didn’t make our list but still offer service in Ohio. This testing helped us gain insights into how home warranties work for real homeowners with real repair needs.
ARW Home Testing
Our ARW Home tester submitted an online claim for a broken garbage disposal. After entering basic details, ARW Home called our tester and scheduled a replacement appointment within one week. The reason for the delay, according to our tester, was due to waiting for the replacement unit to arrive. Our tester reported that the replacement took less than a day to complete, even though the technician initially had a defective unit that they had to swap out.
Select Home Warranty Testing
Our Select Home Warranty tester filed their claim over the phone for a dishwasher problem, noting that the representative offered to handle it since they were already on the phone for a different reason. The claims representative attempted to schedule a service visit within 24 hours, but our tester requested an appointment several days later. On the appointment date, the service provider repaired our tester’s dishwasher in a few hours.
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in Ohio?
Home warranty plans in Ohio typically range from $53–$80 per month, translating to $626–$943 per year. These prices are roughly in line with national home warranty costs, which run between $47 and $82 per month or $564–$984 annually. Several factors influence these costs, such as the size and age of your home, the level of coverage you choose, and whether you include add-on protections like roof leak coverage, sump pumps, or well pumps. Your exact location in Ohio, whether in a rural town or a larger city like Columbus or Cleveland, can also affect the final price.
| Provider | Monthly Cost | Service Fee |
|---|---|---|
| American Home Shield | $40–$90 | $100–$125 |
| Choice Home Warranty | $61–$69 | $100 |
| First American Home Warranty | $81–$133 | $100–$125 |
| AFC Home Warranty | $44–$82 | $75–$125 |
Note: Pricing data is based on our 2025 collection and review of nearly 4,000 home warranty quotes from 13 providers nationwide.
How Do Ohio Home Warranty Costs Compare to Nearby States?
The average monthly home warranty cost in Ohio is $67, which is 20% more expensive than the national average cost of $56. This cost is 6% more expensive than the closest five states’ average cost of $63.
| State | Average Monthly Cost | % Cost Difference from Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $67 | 0% |
| West Virginia | $73 | +9% |
| Kentucky | $61 | -9% |
| Indiana | $50 | -25% |
| Michigan | $62 | -7% |
Survey Insights From Ohio Homeowners
Our 2026 home warranty survey gave us a valuable look into how homeowners across the country shop for and use their plans. In Ohio, 32% of residents said they purchased a home warranty to protect older appliances and systems. This aligns with the 83% of respondents who reported living in a pre-owned home in the state. Nearly half of those respondents (48%) said their home was 20 years or older. Combination plans that cover both systems and appliances were the most popular among Ohio homeowners, offering well-rounded protection for the whole home.
When it came to coverage priorities, 54% of Ohio homeowners ranked heating or furnace systems as their top concern. Other key systems included electrical (14%) and plumbing (13%). Refrigerators were the most commonly protected item for appliances (62%), followed by ovens, ranges, and cooktops (19%). Many policyholders also added extra coverage, with roof leak protection (38%), additional appliance coverage (26%), and sewer line coverage (25%) being the most common choices.
Most Ohio homeowners said they were satisfied with their current plans and recent claims experience. Almost all of our Ohio respondents (96%) said their latest claim was approved, most often for a system repair (54%). Of those claims, 34% were resolved with a full replacement. Overall, 89% of homeowners said they were either very satisfied or satisfied with how their most recent claim was handled. Confidence in their coverage was also strong, with 93% planning to renew their plan at the end of their current term.
How We Collected Our Survey Data
To better understand how homeowners feel about their home warranty coverage, we conducted a 2026 nationwide survey of 2,000 policyholders across all 50 U.S. states. The survey explored what motivated them to purchase a warranty, how satisfied they were with their coverage, and their experiences with the claims process and customer service. We also gathered feedback on plan pricing, optional add-ons, and whether homeowners planned to renew their coverage.
Should I Buy a Home Warranty in Ohio?
Since Ohio experiences all four seasons, homeowners may rely on a central AC unit, heating, and septic system to keep their homes functioning properly. If an unexpected breakdown happens, the cost of repairing or replacing these systems can add up quickly, making it worthwhile to consider buying a home warranty plan.
According to Logan Services, an Ohio-based company, the cost to fix an air conditioning system can run $2,000 or more, depending on the system’s condition. Fire & Ice, another Ohio-based company in Columbus, quotes a new furnace heating system anywhere between $3,000 and $8,400. Supeck Septic Services, based in Medina, quotes an average of $13,000 to replace a failing septic system in Ohio.
This means that if all three systems were to wear out and break within one year, it could cost up to $23,400 to fix or replace everything. And this doesn’t consider other important items Ohio homeowners may care about, such as roof leaks, refrigerators, and washer and dryers. A home warranty could help offset those repair costs in exchange for an affordable payment, with an average cost of around $56 per month in Ohio. Plus, with a home warranty, the company can handle finding a technician when you need a repair, saving you time and money.
Advice From Homeowners
Getting a home warranty plan is a personal decision depending on your home, budget, and coverage needs. One of our team’s home warranty testers, Amanda L., offers the following advice for those considering buying a home warranty plan.
Amanda recommends looking through each appliance and system in your home and determining which needs coverage.
“Now that I’m six months into my plan, I feel like I should’ve signed up for a bit more coverage,” she said. “When my hot water heater broke recently, I would’ve liked to be able to outsource finding a repair person to my warranty company.”
She also pointed out the peace of mind her home warranty plan provides.
Homeowner Advice
“However, having had a dishwasher leak last year, a home warranty definitely provides me comfort knowing that if anything happens to my appliances, I can get a third party to deal with some of those details quickly,” Amanda said.
We recommend that Ohioans inventory their home’s appliances and systems before signing up for coverage. When shopping for a plan, it is important to confirm potential coverage exclusions to reduce any surprises when you file a home warranty claim. This way, you can protect the important items in your home and reduce financial stress.
FAQs About Home Warranties in Ohio
How much does a home warranty cost in Ohio?
The state average cost of a home warranty plan is $53–$80 per month, or $626–$943 per year, in Ohio. However, many of our top recommended providers offer plans for less than the state average.
What is a red flag when shopping for a home warranty?
Red flags for a home warranty company can include not offering a workmanship guarantee or holding poor ratings across multiple customer review websites. Make sure to conduct your own research before buying a home warranty plan.
What does a home warranty cover in Ohio?
Exact coverage for home warranty plans in Ohio will vary by provider. However, plans typically offer systems-only coverage, appliance-only coverage, or a combination of both. This can include heating and cooling systems, electrical, plumbing, kitchen appliances, and a washer and dryer. Many companies also offer certain coverage as add-ons, such as pools and roof leaks.
Methodology: How We Evaluated Home Warranty Providers
Our team created a detailed rating methodology to transparently score over a dozen home warranty providers. We aim to provide you with the necessary resources you need to make an informed decision on all aspects of homeownership.
To get a hands-on feel for each company’s products, we tested online quote tools, reached out to customer support teams, and surveyed 2,000 home warranty policyholders nationwide to learn more about their experiences. We’ve also signed up for home warranty plans with 11 leading providers over a two-year span to directly experience the enrollment and claims processes ourselves.
When analyzing home warranty plans for Ohio homeowners, we considered these key factors:
- Coverage: This category evaluated the comprehensiveness of each provider’s coverage, including whether plans cover unique items. Providers offering the most coverage and higher annual limits received higher scores. Points were deducted for having long waiting periods or depreciation policies that lowered payouts for aging items.
- Cost: We assessed average monthly prices and service call fees. The most points went to providers with pricing at or below industry averages and no additional fees or surcharges.
- Trustworthiness: We reviewed customer ratings on sites such as the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot to measure reliability. We also checked for National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) membership. Higher scores were given to providers with strong customer ratings, long workmanship guarantees, and no ongoing legal issues.
- Plan transparency: We evaluated the clarity and transparency of each provider’s terms, policies, and disclosures, both in contracts and on company websites. Providers with clear and accessible contract details were rewarded with higher scores.
- Customer support: This category looked at how responsive and accessible customer support was, considering factors such as multiple claims-filing options and fast response times. Higher scores were given to companies that can provide efficient and helpful customer support.
- Flexibility: We awarded higher scores to providers offering a wider range of plan options, a more extensive selection of add-ons, the ability to choose your technician, and customer-friendly cancellation policies.



