AFC Home Warranty Review (With Customer Feedback)
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If you’re looking to protect your home’s systems and appliances and save yourself from high, unexpected repair expenses, AFC Home Warranty’s coverage plans might be worth it for you. One of the top players in the home warranty industry, AFC Home Warranty offers four plans along with options to purchase extra coverage for one-off items so you can customize your plan to fit your needs. The company also allows customers to hire contractors outside of its network to complete repairs, which makes it a popular option among homeowners seeking flexibility when they need to file a claim.
To get a complete picture of AFC Home Warranty, we surveyed thousands of home warranty customers, including current AFC plan holders, and consulted more than a dozen industry experts. Our team also reviewed AFC Home Warranty’s sample contract and purchased one of its plans to experience the signup and claims processes firsthand.
Keep reading to learn about what we found in our in-depth review of the company.
Our Take on AFC Home Warranty
AFC Home Warranty offers solid protection for homeowners who value flexibility and want more control over their repairs. The company allows you to choose your own contractor for repairs, which is a major perk if you don’t want to rely solely on technicians in AFC Home Warranty’s network. Another area where AFC Home Club stands out is its workmanship guarantee, which waives service fees for follow-up repairs for the entire term of your plan. This is longer than the industry standard of 30 to 60 days. This means that if a system or appliance fails again after the initial repair while your warranty is active, you won’t incur any additional charges for the repair or replacement.
However, AFC’s depreciation policy for claims on items five years or older can limit payouts, making it less ideal for homeowners with aging systems or appliances. For example, if your refrigerator is more than five years old, AFC will give you less money to replace it. The $10,000 annual aggregate limit may also be a drawback if you anticipate needing frequent repairs on your highest-value items. If your repair costs exceed $10,000 in a year, you’re responsible for paying the difference out of pocket.
According to customer reviews we read on third-party review sites, AFC Home Warranty customers like the quick claims processing and the flexibility to choose their own technician. However, some homeowners reported lower-than-expected claim payouts, delayed repairs, and communication issues between AFC and its technicians.
We Recommend AFC Home Warranty If You:
- Prefer choosing your own technician for repairs
- Want a longer workmanship guarantee to protect your repairs
- Need coverage for both systems and appliances
We Don’t Recommend AFC Home Warranty If You:
- Have high-value systems and appliances, such as an air conditioner or refrigerator, that are five years or older
- Anticipate high repair needs, as the $10,000 annual limit may be restrictive
- Require higher coverage for systems beyond heating, cooling, and water heaters
AFC Home Warranty Coverage
According to our 2024 survey of 1,000 home warranty plan holders, 37% of respondents with AFC Home Warranty plans said coverage was their top priority. To meet this need, AFC offers a range of coverage options, including plans for appliances alone and more comprehensive bundles that cover both appliances and systems.
Here’s a breakdown of AFC Home Warranty’s coverage plans:
| Coverage | Silver Plan | Gold Plan | Platinum Plan | Diamond Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clothes washer | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Clothes dryer | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Kitchen refrigerator | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Oven/range | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cooktop | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Stove | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dishwasher | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Garbage disposal | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Garage door opener | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Water heater | 𝗫 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Air conditioning | 𝗫 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Heating systems | 𝗫 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Electrical system | 𝗫 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Plumbing system | 𝗫 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ductwork | 𝗫 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Plumbing stoppages | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ice maker | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Faucets | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Built-in microwave | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fans (Attic, Exhaust, Ceiling) | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Smartphone/Electronics | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ |
| Exterior sewer lines | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ |
| Exterior water lines | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ |
Core Plans
AFC Home Warranty offers four plans: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Here’s an overview of each plan and its coverage.
Silver Plan
This appliance-only plan protects nine major appliances, including cooktops, garage door openers, and kitchen refrigerators. AFC offers varying appliance coverage levels, ranging from $150 to $3,000. This is the maximum amount AFC will pay to repair or replace each appliance. For example, laundry appliances come with a $3,000 cap, but you’re limited to just $500 for a garage door opener.
Gold Plan
This comprehensive plan covers 15 appliances and home systems, including air conditioning, heating, and electrical systems. One reason the plan stands out is because, unlike most providers, AFC Home Warranty covers multiple heating and cooling units. Although heating, cooling, and water heaters have unlimited coverage, other systems have limits between $150 and $500, which are low compared to other providers. For instance, the $500 limit on plumbing coverage is about 50% lower than that of many competing companies.
Platinum Plan
AFC Home Warranty’s next plan tier extends coverage to 20 appliances and systems. Added items include plumbing stoppages, faucets, refrigerator ice makers, built-in microwaves, and attic, exhaust, and ceiling fans. In this plan, coverage caps remain the same for items also covered in the Gold Plan.
Diamond Plan
AFC’s highest plan tier, the Diamond Plan, builds on the Platinum Plan by adding coverage for electronics, exterior sewer lines, and exterior water lines. However, the Diamond Plan isn’t available in certain states, including Alaska, California, Hawaii, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Add-Ons
AFC Home Warranty has eight add-ons available for its plans, which is average for a home warranty company. Add-ons can be added to any plan for an extra fee per item and allow homeowners to customize their coverage. The amount covered for each add-on option varies between items, ranging from $150–$500, which is average for many providers. Available add-ons include:
- In-ground pool
- In-ground spa
- Roof-leak coverage
- Septic system
- Standalone freezer
- Sump pump
- Well pump
Workmanship Guarantee
One major benefit of AFC Home Warranty is its industry-leading workmanship guarantee. While many providers only offer a 30- to 60-day guarantee, AFC extends this protection as long as you’re enrolled. This feature leads to potential long-term savings by eliminating extra costs associated with repeated repairs for the same issue. It’s a big advantage for those looking for reliability and quality in their home warranty coverage.
The Fine Print
AFC Home Warranty has some exclusions worth noting. Like other warranty providers, it doesn’t cover damage that occurs due to poor maintenance. The company doesn’t cover cosmetic damage, which includes superficial issues like scratches or dents that don’t affect how appliances or systems work. Excluded items also include any major issues affecting your home’s integrity, such as problems with the foundation or framework.
Items damaged by manufacturer recalls or natural disasters—unexpected severe events like floods or earthquakes—aren’t covered. Additionally, preexisting conditions aren’t covered. This refers to any problems that existed before the warranty coverage began. Understanding these terms helps homeowners make informed decisions.
Below is a screenshot of a sample contract from the AFC Home Warranty website outlining some of its exclusions taken in October 2024.
AFC Home Warranty has some unique policies that you should know about. First off, if you spot an issue with an appliance or system, you need to submit your claim within one day. Don’t forget to include the make, model, and serial number, because without these details, AFC won’t be able to process your repair. It also offers a cash payout for items with coverage limits under $250.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need pre-approval if you choose your own technician. AFC may deny reimbursement if your technician isn’t licensed by the state, has proper insurance, or causes additional damage during the repair process. So, it’s always best to work with a qualified professional.
Our survey of AFC Home Warranty users revealed something reassuring: 100% of the homeowners who submitted claims had their requests approved. This high approval rate indicates that AFC stands behind its customers and provides reliable support when it’s needed most.
AFC Home Warranty Cost
The total cost of AFC Home Warranty coverage varies depending on the plan, add-ons, and service call fee you choose. To help you understand its pricing, we’ve outlined typical warranty plan costs for AFC Home Warranty plans below.
Plan Cost
Based on the sample quote we pulled for Atlanta for a 2,129-square-foot home, AFC Home Warranty plans range from $29 to $92 per month. The lowest plan, the Silver Plan, costs between $29 and $38. Its comprehensive plans cost more, with the Gold Plan ranging from $44–$52 and the Platinum Plan at $52–$61. The most comprehensive plan, the Diamond Plan, costs between $83 and $92.
With AFC Home Warranty, you have the option to choose between monthly or annual payments. Opting for an annual plan provides greater cost savings compared to a monthly option. Additionally, AFC Home Warranty offers a longer 3-year plan, which helps you save even more on your plan costs. This extended coverage locks in your rates and reduces the hassle of yearly renewals. However, it may not be the best choice if you prefer flexibility with your plan length and don’t want to be tied down to a longer coverage term.
The service call fee you choose when signing up will also impact your final price. You pay this fee each time you request service. AFC Home Warranty offers two service call fees: $75 or $125. When you choose the higher service call fee, your monthly or annual pricing decreases. For example, with the $75 fee, we would pay $583 per year on the Gold Plan. If we select the $125 service call fee, our annual rate drops to $492, a savings of $91 annually.
Here’s an overview of AFC Home Warranty plan pricing and service call fees:
AFC Home Warranty Plan Cost by Payment Frequency
| Monthly Payment | ||||
| Silver Plan | Gold Plan | Platinum Plan | Diamond Plan | |
| $75 Service Fee | $38.13 | $52.83 | $61.08 | $92.00 |
| $125 Service Call Fee | $29.88 | $44.58 | $52.83 | $83.75 |
| 1-Year Annual Payment | ||||
| Silver Plan | Gold Plan | Platinum Plan | Diamond Plan | |
| $75 Service Fee | $419 | $583 | $674 | $1,016 |
| $125 Service Call Fee | $328 | $492 | $583 | $925 |
Most add-ons are priced annually rather than monthly, except for Electronics coverage, which is listed with a monthly rate. For instance, adding central vacuum coverage to a quote costs $25 per year, increasing the monthly plan cost by about $2.08. Add-on prices range from $25–$150 annually and stay consistent across different plan tiers. Additionally, roof leak coverage is included at no charge with all plans, which is a nice perk since most providers charge extra for this service.
We’ve outlined the available add-ons and pricing below:
AFC Home Warranty – Add-On Fees
| Add-on Coverage | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Roof-leak coverage | $0 |
| Standalone freezer | $25 |
| Sump pump | $35 |
| Septic system | $50 |
| Well pump | $50.00 |
| In-ground pool and spa | $150 |
| Add-on Coverage | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electronics Coverage | $24.99 |
Discounts
AFC Home Warranty offers the following discounts to help offset its plan costs:
Seasonal discounts: AFC Home Warranty often runs seasonal sales throughout the year. For example, when we pulled quotes in October, the company had a Fall Sale for $250 off plus free roof leak protection.
Multi-property discounts: The company offers reduced rates if you purchase coverage for multiple properties. You must call customer support to get the details about this discounted rate.
Extended multi-year discounts: The company offers discounts for choosing longer plan durations. In addition to a one-year option, AFC provides a three-year plan that offers additional savings, which vary depending on the specific plan and selected service call fees.
Online signup discount: AFC Home Warranty also gives a $100 discount when you sign up for services through its website. When our tester signed up for her plan online, she received $100 off her first year of coverage, which reduced her monthly payment for service. It was applied upfront, lowering her monthly payment from the start rather than being prorated across the months. This discount will stack with any promotional discounts available.
Comparing AFC Home Warranty to Other Top Providers
AFC Home Warranty has a strong rating of 4.6 on our 5-point rating scale. It offers monthly plan costs ranging from $29 to $92 and service fees between $75 and $125, making it a competitive choice for homeowners. While First American Home Warranty matches AFC’s rating and service call fees, its plans start at $23 higher by comparison. Although American Home Shield has a higher rating of 4.8, its service fees start at a higher cost, suggesting that AFC may provide better value. If cost is a concern, Liberty Home Guard and Elite Home Warranty offer cheaper plan options.
*BBB ratings are accurate as of October 2024.
**NR, or “No Rating,” indicates that the BBB has not issued a rating due to an ongoing review or update to a company’s profile.
Customer Reviews: Reddit, Trustpilot, and More
We reviewed hundreds of third-party AFC Home Warranty reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Reddit, and Trustpilot to understand the typical customer experience. From there, we identified common themes within reviews.
Positive reviews of AFC Home Warranty highlighted the company’s quick claim processing and fast response times. Customers appreciated being able to choose their own technician, which added convenience to the repair process. Many reviewers also noted the personalized customer service—some customers were assigned a dedicated agent to assist with their claims, which made the experience smoother and more efficient.
Some reviewers were disappointed with claims payouts, noting they were lower than expected. In fact, some homeowners said they were unaware of the depreciation policy that resulted in minimal payouts for their older items.
Communication issues and delays during the repair process are also common complaints. Some customers report that technicians arrived late or were unprepared for the job, leading to rescheduled appointments. Our tester also had an issue with miscommunication between AFC and her contractor during her repair appointment.
We’ve highlighted some sample reviews for AFC Home Warranty below:
“The ability to choose my own technician is very important to me. I know by doing so I get the caliber of person that I always have dealt with for the maintenance of my equipment. They also are very prompt in paying me for the [money] I spend to have the repair done. I would recommend AFC to anyone looking for a Home Warranty Company!” —Charles, July 2023 on Trustpilot
“… The maximum payouts for repairs/replacements are AFC’s depreciated value of the appliance/item in question, not the true cost of getting a replacement for the appliance/item. About two months into my policy, I just had my old HVAC die, it needs a $3k repair, and they offered me $200. I’m canceling the policy… If you do not heed this warning, at least be sure to ask for their depreciation schedule so you can see the true max coverage on each of your appliances before signing up.” —Unfair-Half9387, September 2024 on Reddit
Our Experience With AFC Home Warranty
To learn more about the customer experience with AFC Home Warranty, we signed up for service and submitted claims. Below is a breakdown of our experiences.
Signing Up
You can start the sign-up process through AFC’s website or over the phone. Our tester signed up using the online quote tool. You can compare plan options and adjust your payment frequency, plan length, and service call fees. Switching between any of these options will immediately adjust your estimated costs. Any promotion discounts will also be applied immediately to the costs.
When requesting an online quote for a home in Atlanta, we found that the Silver plan wasn’t listed among the available options. Instead, we were only presented with quotes for the Gold, Platinum, and Diamond plans. We reached out to customer support and were informed that if the Diamond Plan is available in your state, AFC will replace the Silver Plan in the online tool. To receive a quote for the Silver Plan, you must contact customer service directly.
Once you choose your plan, you can select any optional add-ons. Since AFC Home Warranty lists its add-on options with annual pricing, you won’t see the monthly cost breakdown until you add the coverage. For example, when our tester added standalone freezer coverage for $25 per year, her adjusted monthly pricing updated from $52.92 to $55 per month, reflecting the additional $2.08 monthly charge for that protection.
After confirming your home address, you can finish the signup process by paying for your services. AFC Home Warranty only allows debit or credit card payment for its plans. Once completed, you will receive an email confirmation for the transaction, including your effective service date.
We should note that our tester’s listed effective date was the same as her signup date, which was a bit confusing. However, AFC Home Warranty has a 30-day waiting period from that date before coverage officially begins, which is typical for a home warranty company.
Keep this waiting period in mind when you receive your signup confirmation and effective date.
Filing Claims
Similar to the signup process, you can file a claim through the online portal or the 24/7 claims phone line. Here’s an overview of our tester’s claims process experience:
Step 1: Open a Claim
Our team member started her claim using the online portal. AFC Home Warranty provides full details on your selected plan and coverage details on the main screen. From there, she selected “Service Requests” and then “New Request” to start the process.
Step 2: Detail the Item Issue
Next, select the item with the issue and include the issue start date, problem, and any previous issues you may have experienced. AFC Home Warranty requires certain item details, including make, model, serial number, and manufacturer date. These details must be provided before a technician can be assigned or before the claim can be approved. Our tester needed servicing for a toilet that wouldn’t stop running.
Step 3: Choose Your Technician Option, Service Date, and Submit
Next, you will have the option to choose your own technician or have one assigned for your repair. You must also select the days you are available for servicing. You can choose multiple days for your appointment; however, you can’t select a time. Appointment times can be set any time between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Once completed, you can submit your claim.
Our tester shared that the entire process took about five minutes, and she found the portal very intuitive and easy to use. However, there was some confusion after she submitted her claim. She received an email to confirm the submission and a text message that said she needed to call in to complete the process. When she did, the customer service representative stated that the claim process was completed successfully online and that she didn’t need to call in.
Our tester scheduled her appointment about a week after returning from a short vacation. The technician completed the repairs, but the problem returned after several days. She started the claims process again and was assigned a second technician to resolve the issue. Although she paid the service call fee for the first appointment, she didn’t pay a second fee for the follow-up visit.
Despite needing two technicians to resolve the toilet issue, she was satisfied with the service. In fact, 92% of our surveyed AFC Home Warranty customers said they were satisfied with their plan.
Advice From a Homeowner
One recurring theme in negative AFC Home Warranty reviews is miscommunication between the company and contractors, which can cause repair delays. Our tester experienced this firsthand when she scheduled her contractor for repairs. AFC Home Warranty didn’t inform her about a critical step that needed to happen once the technician arrived.
She said, “When I booked the first contractor, the warranty provider did not inform me that the contractor needed to contact the warranty provider once he was at the house to confirm that the fix would be covered. Apparently, the contractor did not know this either.” This confusion caused a delay in getting the repair completed, as both the contractor and our tester were unaware of this key requirement.
To avoid similar delays, we advise that you communicate clearly with both AFC and your contractor before they arrive. Double-check that they know to contact AFC from the job site to confirm coverage. As our tester noted from her second experience, “When the second contractor had to come out, I made sure he called the provider before he proceeded, and that went smoothly.” This proactive approach can help guarantee a more efficient repair process.
Is AFC Home Warranty Worth It?
AFC Home Warranty is a solid choice for homeowners seeking affordable mid-tier coverage and who value the ability to choose their own technician. Although the company offers competitive coverage limits for some of its appliances, its systems coverage is less impressive, with several limits capped at $500, which is lower than many of its competitors. Additionally, a strict depreciation policy for items older than five years and a $10,000 annual coverage cap can limit value for homeowners with frequent repairs needed on older systems.
We recommend assessing your items’ age and condition before committing to any home warranty provider. We also encourage homeowners to get quotes from three or more providers to find competitive pricing.
How We Evaluated Home Warranty Providers
We use a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each home warranty company we review. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts, and running focus groups and homeowner surveys.
We use this information to score each provider in six comparison categories that we think are most important when choosing a home warranty. We rate each provider across 23 factors within those categories. Each factor is assigned a point value based on its importance to a homeowner, totaling 100 points. We convert the final scores to a 5-star rating.
Here’s a breakdown of our weighted factors:
- Coverage (35%): This category looked at how comprehensive each provider’s coverage was, including whether they covered unique items. Companies that covered the most items and had higher annual limits received the highest scores. We docked points from providers that impose long waiting periods or had depreciation policies that decrease your payouts for aging items.
- Cost (20%): We looked at average monthly prices and service call fees. We gave the most points to companies that offer pricing at or below the industry average and don’t impose any surcharges or extra fees.
- Trustworthiness (15%): To gauge reputation and reliability, we reviewed customer ratings across sites like the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot as well as companies’ responses to complaints. We also checked for National Home Serice Contract Assocation (NHSCA) membership. Providers with the highest ratings and longest workmanship guarantees received higher scores. We deduced points for any ongoing legal issues.
- Plan transparency (10%): We read terms, policies, and disclosures in provided contracts and on each company’s website. Providers with transparent contract details and policies received more points.
- Customer support (10%): Companies with multiple claims filing options, fast response times, and accessible customer support scored well in this category.
Flexibility (10%): We awarded more points for providers offering more plan options, larger add-on catalogs, the ability to choose your own technician, and customer-friendly cancellation policies.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
