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Best Home Warranty Companies

Our team researched 13 home warranty companies and chose Liberty Home Guard as our No. 1 pick. Read our review to discover our full list of top providers and how we rated them.

Author Image Written by Dana Getz + 1 other Reviewed by Mike Qiu Updated 09/30/2024

Finding the right home warranty can help protect your home and save money on emergency repairs. However, reading through home warranty contracts and comparing coverage can be a major hassle. We’ve made the process easier by doing some of the legwork. 

Based on our research, we recommend Liberty Home Guard (LHG) as the best home warranty company in the U.S. for its extensive add-on selection and excellent customer satisfaction ratings. American Home Shield (AHS) is our second choice for its comprehensive coverage and generous coverage limits.

We rated 13 home warranty companies based on consumer research, homeowner surveys, expert advice, and firsthand experience in order to make our recommendations. Based on our detailed methodology, we compared each provider on 31 key scoring factors and narrowed our list to the top providers. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of home warranties, the best ways to shop for coverage, and our full list of recommended providers. 

Key Takeaways

  • The best home warranty companies are Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield, based on our extensive research of 13 home warranty providers.
  • A home warranty costs $661 annually on average, or $43-$72 per month, depending on your plan and coverage.
  • Our home warranty survey revealed that 92.7% of policyholders were satisfied with their home warranty plan, while less than 1% were dissatisfied.

Did You Know?

  • In the last 30 days, more than 2,500 people bought home warranties from the above providers. Liberty Home Guard is our most popular provider, with 55% of buyers choosing to cover their homes with an LHG plan.

Our Top-Rated Home Warranty Companies

These are the best home warranty companies based on our research:


Compare Home Warranty Companies

The table below compares pricing and other key attributes of our top recommended home warranty providers.

Star Rating BBB Rating Monthly Cost Service Fee Response Time Link
Liberty Home Guard Liberty Home Guard
NR $49–$59 $65–$125 Up to 48 hours VISIT SITE
American Home Shield American Home Shield
B $29–$89 $100–$125 Up to 48 hours VISIT SITE
Select Home Warranty Select Home Warranty
B- $44–$47 $60–$75 48-84 hours VISIT SITE
Elite Home Warranty Elite Home Warranty
A+ $44–$58 $70 Up to 48 hours VISIT SITE
First American Home Warranty First American Home Warranty
B $42–$82 $75–$125 4-48 hours VISIT SITE
AFC Home Warranty AFC Home Warranty
B $35–$94 $75–$125 24-48 hours VISIT SITE
Cinch Home Services Cinch Home Services
B+ $30–$56 $100–$150 2-24 hours VISIT SITE
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
A $27–$70 $65–$100 Up to 48 hours VISIT SITE
Liberty Home Guard
Logo Liberty Home Guard
Star Rating
BBB Rating NR
Monthly Cost $49–$59
Service Fee $65–$125
Response Time Up to 48 hours
VISIT SITE
American Home Shield
Logo American Home Shield
Star Rating
BBB Rating B
Monthly Cost $29–$89
Service Fee $100–$125
Response Time Up to 48 hours
VISIT SITE
Select Home Warranty
Logo Select Home Warranty
Star Rating
BBB Rating B-
Monthly Cost $44–$47
Service Fee $60–$75
Response Time 48-84 hours
VISIT SITE
Elite Home Warranty
Logo Elite Home Warranty
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Monthly Cost $44–$58
Service Fee $70
Response Time Up to 48 hours
VISIT SITE
First American Home Warranty
Logo First American Home Warranty
Star Rating
BBB Rating B
Monthly Cost $42–$82
Service Fee $75–$125
Response Time 4-48 hours
VISIT SITE
AFC Home Warranty
Logo AFC Home Warranty
Star Rating
BBB Rating B
Monthly Cost $35–$94
Service Fee $75–$125
Response Time 24-48 hours
VISIT SITE
Cinch Home Services
Logo Cinch Home Services
Star Rating
BBB Rating B+
Monthly Cost $30–$56
Service Fee $100–$150
Response Time 2-24 hours
VISIT SITE
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
Logo 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
Star Rating
BBB Rating A
Monthly Cost $27–$70
Service Fee $65–$100
Response Time Up to 48 hours
VISIT SITE
Company BBB Rating Monthly Cost Service Fee Visit Site
NR $49–$59 $65–$125 VISIT SITE
B $29–$89 $100–$125 VISIT SITE
B- $44–$47 $60–$75 VISIT SITE
B $42–$82 $75–$125 VISIT SITE
B $35–$94 $75–$125 VISIT SITE
A+ $44–$58 $70 VISIT SITE
B+ $30–$56 $100–$150 VISIT SITE
A $27–$70 $65–$100 VISIT SITE
No results were found.

Note: BBB ratings are accurate as of August 2024.
Note: We based the pricing information in this table and throughout the article on sample quotes we obtained for a 2,115-square-foot, single-family home in Tempe, Arizona. Your pricing may vary depending on your home’s location, size, type, and plan selections.


Reviews of the Best Home Warranty Companies

Here’s a closer look at our top picks for home warranty providers.

Liberty Home Guard

Best Overall
4.4 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

Monthly cost: $49–$59

We recommend Liberty Home Guard for homeowners with specific coverage needs. The company offers item-specific and comprehensive coverage plans and over 40 add-ons, more than any other provider we reviewed.

How We Scored Liberty Home Guard

We scored Liberty Home Guard 4.5 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Here’s how LHG rated in key categories:

  • Coverage (4.7 out of 5): LHG scored high for its extensive add-on catalog and plan coverage. 
  • Value (4.25 out of 5): LHG lost points for its unclear service fee policy and inflexible fee options. 
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.8 out of 5): LHG scored high due to its A rating with Better Business Bureau (BBB) and excellent third-party customer review scores. 
  • Availability and Service (4.3 out of 5): LHG lost points for its inflexible service contractor policy.

Pros and Cons

Pros Extends a 60-day workmanship guarantee, double the industry standard Has live-chat customer service, a rare feature for providers Offers 42 unique optional add-ons, the highest of other reviewed providers Cons Doesn’t provide lower plan rates with a higher service fee Lacks service call fee flexibility, which is common with other providers Offers some of the lowest electrical and plumbing caps in this review

Plans and Cost

Liberty Home Guard offers three service plan options: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Most home warranty companies offer at least three plans to offer better variety. After reviewing the Liberty Home Guard sample contract, we discovered the company offers $2,000 caps for most appliances and systems, which falls within the industry standard. However, electrical and plumbing systems only receive $500, which is lower than other companies, except for Select Home Warranty. All covered repairs include a 60-day workmanship guarantee, double the 30-day industry standard.

We detailed LHG’s coverage plans below:

  • Appliance Guard: This appliance-only plan covers nine major appliances, such as dishwashers, clothes washers, and dryers. 
  • Systems Guard: Its system-only plan includes six essential built-in systems, such as air conditioning, heating, ductwork, and water heaters. 
  • Total Home Guard: The highest plan tier combines the Appliance Guard and Systems Guard for comprehensive home coverage.

Liberty Home Guard offers midrange pricing for its monthly and annual plans. Unlike providers with flexible service call fees, LHG assigns a service call fee to your account based on your plan, add-on selections, and location. When we ran a sample quote for LHG, the expected service call fees were not mentioned during our sign-up process. According to the representative we spoke with, service fees range from $65–$125 and are revealed after completing the sign-up.

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Appliance Guard

$49.99

$65–$125

$2,000

Systems Guard

$54.99

$65–$125

$2,000 (Plumbing & electrical: $500)

Total Home Guard

$59.99

$65–$125

Coverage caps remain the same

Liberty Home Guard offers 42 add-on options, including unique protection such as floor cleaning and generator coverage. Most providers only offer eight to 12 add-on options.  The company offers midrange pricing, ranging from $3.00 to $35.99 per month. Popular coverage options include the following items:

  • Limited roof-leak protection
  • Professional series appliances
  • Window washing/cleaning

Our Experience With Liberty Home Guard

When we called for a sample quote, we connected with an LHG representative in under 30 seconds. The online chat feature works quickly, but we were initially connected to an automated bot. We had to ask to speak to an agent twice before being connected to a real person. We also learned that LHG will send one of its in-network service technicians to repair your appliances. The company will let you select your own if no technicians are in your area.

Reviewing hundreds of LHG customer reviews shed light on the fact that many customers appreciated the efficient claims process and helpful staff. However, negative reviews pointed out the company’s “hidden” depreciated value clause and lower-than-expected payouts. We recommend reviewing sample contracts thoroughly to understand a company’s exclusions and policy details.

American Home Shield

Best for Comprehensive Coverage
4.8 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

Monthly cost: $29–$89

We recommend American Home Shield (AHS) for homeowners seeking protection for their older homes, systems, or appliances. It’s one of the few providers that offers coverage for preexisting conditions and physical damage, which most companies in this review exclude.

How We Scored American Home Shield

We scored American Home Shield 4.4 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Here’s how we rated it in key categories.

  • Coverage (4.7 out of 5): AHS scored high for its comprehensive coverage, even for damaged items.
  • Value (4 out of 5): AHS lost points for its bundled plan pricing, which is slightly higher than other providers.
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.25 out of 5): AHS lost points for its lower customer review scores, which fall below a 3-star average.
  • Availability and Service (4.7 out of 5): AHS earned a high score for its prompt claim process and 24/7 claims line.

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes roof-leak coverage with its highest plan Provides coverage for unknown preexisting conditions and damaged items Sets higher built-in system caps than other providers Cons Charges slightly higher monthly pricing than other providers Doesn’t offer appliance-only coverage plans like many other providers Offers less coverage flexibility than most providers, with only six add-ons

Plans and Cost

American Home Shield offers three plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. After reading the American Home Shield sample contract, we discovered the company includes a $5,000 coverage cap for systems, one of the highest in this review. Its highest plan, ShieldPlatium, includes roof-leak coverage as part of its standard coverage. Many home warranty companies only offer this coverage as an add-on feature. The company also offers coverage for items with preexisting conditions and damage from rust, corrosion, and sediment.

Here are details on each of American Home Shield’s plans:

  • ShieldSilver: This system-only plan includes major home systems, such as heating, cooling, and electrical.
  • ShieldGold: The next plan covers major systems and appliances, such as garbage disposals, plumbing, and water heaters.
  • ShieldPlatinum: The highest plan offers ShieldGold coverage and adds additional benefits, such as roof-leak repairs and HVAC tune-ups.

AHS charges slightly higher for its plans compared to other providers including LHG and Select Home Warranty. AHS’s online quote tool lets us toggle between service call fees of $100 or $125. We noticed that when we chose the higher service call fee, our monthly payment lowered and vice versa. Unlike LHG, AHS only offers monthly pricing for its plans.

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

ShieldSilver

$29.99–$39.99

$100–$125

$5,000

ShieldGold

$49.99–$59.99

$100–$125

Systems: $5,000

Appliances: $2,000

ShieldPlatinum

$79.99–$89.99

$100–$125

Systems: $5,000

Appliances: $4,000

American Home Shield provides the least add-ons with only six options. Other providers in this review, such as First American Home Warranty and AFC Home Warranty, offer 12 or more options. You’ll pay $10.00 monthly to add roof-leak coverage to your ShieldSilver or ShieldGold plan. Additional add-on selections include the following items:

  • Electronics protection plan
  • Pools and built-in spa equipment  
  • Septic pumps

Our Experience With American Home Shield

One of our team members tested the AHS claims process and said he found it very efficient. He said he received a text and email confirmation immediately after submitting his online claim. Five minutes later, the service technician connected with him to schedule a next-day appointment. Our team member said the repairs took two hours, and he only paid the service call fee.

AHS customer reviews also praised the company for its quick claims turnaround time and courteous technicians. Other homeowners were disappointed with the high number of denied claims and the need for multiple technician visits to accomplish a single repair job.

Select Home Warranty

Best Value
4 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

Monthly cost: $44–$47

We recommend Select Home Warranty for budget-conscious homeowners looking for baseline home warranty protections. The company offers plans priced below $50 per month and free roof-leak coverage. 

How We Scored Select Home Warranty

We scored Select Home Warranty 4.3 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Here’s how we rated it in key categories.

  • Coverage (3.7 out of 5): Select rated low for its coverage caps, which fall well below the industry standard.
  • Value (5.5 out of 5): Select earned a perfect score for its affordable plan pricing.    
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.5 out of 5): We deducted points for its low review scores across multiple third-party review sites.
  • Availability and Service (4.3 out of 5): Select scored lower in this category for its longer claims processing time frame.

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes a $3,000 HVAC system coverage cap Offers affordable plans priced below $50 per month Provides free roof-leak coverage with all plans Cons Charges multiple service fees even if there are multiple claims at the same time Doesn’t offer flexible service call fees like other providers Offers lower coverage caps than many competitors

Plans and Cost

Select Home Warranty offers three plan options: Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care. Select stands out by offering roof-leak repair coverage in each protection plan. We also noted in Select Home Warranty’s sample contract that the company offers a generous $3,000 cap for HVAC systems but only $500 for all other items. These caps fall well below other reviewed companies, including AHS and AFC Home Warranty,  and the industry standard.

Here are more details about Select Home Warranty’s plans:

  • Bronze Care: The lowest plan covers major appliances only, such as clothes washers and dryers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, and cooktops.
  • Gold Care: This plan covers six major home systems, such as air conditioning, heating, plumbing, electrical systems, water heaters, and ductwork. 
  • Platinum Care: Its highest plan covers all the appliances and built-in systems in the Bronze and Gold Care plans, plus garage door openers, plumbing stoppages, and ceiling fans.

Select offers low-cost pricing for annual and monthly plans. The company charges a $60–$75 service call fee per claim, less than other providers such as AHS. However, similar to LHG, you cannot choose your service call fee. We discovered via secret shopping that Select offers its lower service call fee as an over-the-phone deal only.

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Bronze Care

$44.42

$60–$75

$500

Gold Care

$44.42

$60–$75

$500 (HVAC: $3,000)

Platinum Care

$47.75

$60–$75

Coverage caps remain the same

Select offers nine add-on options priced $9 and lower, well below most competitors. For example, you can add pool coverage for $8.33 per month versus $20 or more with other providers. However, coverage caps are lower than other providers, offering only $400 of protection. Select add-on coverage options include the below items:

  • Central vacuums
  • Septic pumps 
  • Stand-alone freezers

Our Experience With Select Home Warranty

When we spoke with Select customer service representatives, we learned that the company prefers resolving plan issues and processing claims over the phone. We also discovered that Select will assign a service technician from its network of contractors. If no technicians are in your area, the company will let you choose your own. However, the company must approve the choice before the repair process begins.

Reading online reviews told us that homeowners appreciated Select’s user-friendly claims process and helpful sales staff. Unfortunately, several customers noted poor customer service, including long wait times and frequent denied claims.

Elite Home Warranty

Best for Flexible Coverage
4.5 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

Monthly cost: $44–$58

We recommend Elite Home Warranty for homeowners who need more flexibility with their coverage options. The company offers three standard plans, one fully customized plan, and 27 add-ons.

How We Scored Elite Home Warranty

We scored Elite 4.6 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Here’s how we rated it in key categories:

  • Coverage (4.6 out of 5): Elite scored many points for its plan variety and extensive add-on catalog, the second largest in this review.
  • Value (4.25 out of 5): It lost points for its limited service call fee options and higher fees for certain service calls.
  • Trustworthiness and transparency (4.8 out of 5): The company earned a higher score for its excellent customer review scores across third-party review sites.
  • Availability and service (4.5 out of 5): We deducted points for its limited online resources, including no online quote tool.

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes a 90-day workmanship guarantee, three times the industry standard Offers three comprehensive standard plans for better plan variety Provides 27 add-ons, the second-largest catalog in this review Cons Charges higher service call fees for after-hours calls and high-end appliances Doesn’t cover out-of-network contractors under its workmanship guarantee Excludes an online quote tool from its website

Plans and Cost

Elite offers three standard protection plans: Elite Appliances, Elite Systems, and Elite Complete. It also provides a Customize Your Own policy, allowing you to add the exact item coverage you need. When reading through the Elite Home Warranty sample contract, we learned the company places an annual claims limit on its plan. You receive $15,000 total, but $7,000 for appliances and $8,000 for systems. Unlike other companies that offer consistent caps for items, Elite varies caps among coverage items.

Here’s a look at Elite’s coverage plans:

  • Elite Appliances: This plan offers appliance-only coverage for eight appliances, including clothes washers, ovens, and refrigerators. 
  • Elite Systems: This covers eight home systems, such as air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing. 
  • Elite Complete: The highest plan offers comprehensive coverage for 16 appliances and systems.

Based on sample quotes we pulled, Elite Home Warranty charges $44–$58 for its monthly plans. This pricing is slightly lower than some competitors, matching closer to Liberty Home Guard. The company offers one service call fee of $70, unlike other providers that offer two or three options. The company also charges a higher $150 service call fee for high-end appliance repairs and after-hours requests.

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Elite Appliances

$44.49

$70

$500–$3,000

Elite Systems

$49.99

$70

$750–$4,000

Elite Complete

$58.99

$70

Coverage caps remain the same

Elite offers 27 add-on options, second only to American Home Shield’s extensive catalog. The company enforces a limit on add-on claims. Elite imposes a $5,000 aggregate limit per term and varies its add-on limits per item.

The company’s add-on coverage includes the following:

  • HVAC annual maintenance
  • Limited roof patching
  • Septic system

Our Experience With Elite Home Warranty

Our team member submitted an online claim with Elite to repair his high-end dishwasher. An Elite claims specialist reached out within half an hour to set a next-day appointment. The assigned technician arrived as planned but had to order out-of-stock parts. After an initial visit on Tuesday evening, the technician returned the following Monday morning with the ordered parts. Repairs were completed in under an hour. Despite the delay in repairs, our team member said he was satisfied with the service.

Positive Elite customer reviews praised the company for its excellent customer support team and efficient repair process. Some reviewers noted they were bombarded with excessive calls and spam emails when trying to get coverage details. They also experienced longer claims process times of 48 hours or longer.

First American Home Warranty

Best Appliance Coverage
4.5 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

Monthly cost: $42–$82

We recommend First American Home Warranty if you own high-end appliances due to its high appliance coverage caps. The company also offers a suite of add-ons plus a plan upgrade that covers miscellaneous fees home warranties typically don’t cover.

How We Scored First American Home Warranty

We scored First American Home Warranty 4.6 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Here’s how we rated it in key categories.

  • Coverage (4.7 out of 5): First American scored well for its high appliance and unlimited systems coverage caps. 
  • Value (4 out of 5): First American lost points for its slightly higher service call fees. 
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.8 out of 5): The company scored well for its excellent reputation and 3-star average customer reviews. 
  • Availability and Service (4.3 out of 5): First American lost points for its restrictive service technician policy.

Pros and Cons

Pros Covers preexisting conditions with First American Advantage upgrade Includes up to $7,000 appliance cap on its highest plan Provides unlimited coverage caps on most home systems Cons Covers air conditioning only as an add-on in the Starter Plan Offers a smaller coverage area, with only 33 states included Omits some essential home system coverage from its basic plan

Plans and Cost

First American Home Warranty offers three plans: the Starter Plan, the Essential Plan, and the Premium Plan. We reviewed First American’s sample contract and noted that although most systems receive unlimited caps, water heaters max out at $1,000. First American is the only provider offering comprehensive plans, while other companies offer a mix of specialized and comprehensive protection.

Some essential home systems and appliances, such as air conditioners and clothes washers and dryers, don’t come with the Starter Plan’s basic coverage. Other providers in this review include these key systems in their standard plans. You can add central AC coverage as an add-on, but you must choose a higher plan for washer and dryer protection. You can also add the First American Upgrade to the Essential and Premium plans for added protection for preexisting conditions. It’s the only provider, besides AHS, that offers these protections.

Here are more details about First American’s plan coverage:

  • Starter Plan: The lowest plan offers appliance and system coverage for some major items, such as built-in microwaves, heating systems, and refrigerators.
  • Essential Plan: The next plan tier includes Starter Plan items, plus air conditioning, ceiling/attic/exhaust fans, and clothes washers and dryers.
  • Premium Plan: The highest covers all items in the Essential Plan, plus luxury appliances, roof leaks, and window air conditioning units

First American plans are slightly higher, with pricing closer to American Home Shield. It offers $75, $100, or $125 service call fees for better pricing customization. Our sample quote included the highest service fee, which helped lower our plan costs.

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Starter Plan

$42.00–$57.00

$75–$125

Systems: Unlimited

Appliances: $3,500

Essential Plan

$57.00–$67.00

$75–$125

Systems: Unlimited (Water heaters: $1,000)

Appliances: $3,500

Premium Plan

$67.00–$82.00

$75–$125

Systems: Remain the same Appliances: $7,000

First American includes 12 add-on options, including roof-leak protection for $8.33 per month, lower than some providers. Expect to pay $8.33 per month when adding roof-leak coverage for the Starter Plan and Essential Plan. You can add the First American upgrade to the Essential and Premium Plan at no charge.

First American offers the following add-on coverage:

  • HVAC tune-ups
  • Up to three additional refrigerators
  • Up to two pools/spa equipment

Our Experience With First American Home Warranty

Our team member used First American to repair a broken garage door opener. He said the claim process took less than two minutes to complete online. After submitting his online claim on a Friday, he received a text with his technician’s information 30 minutes later. The technician contacted our team member to set a repair appointment for the following Monday. His repairs took less than 30 minutes, and he only paid the service call fee.

We also read online reviews to get a complete picture of the First American customer experience. Homeowners complemented the skilled technicians and less-than-24-hour claims processing. First American fell short with several homeowners concerning faulty repairs and low-quality replacement parts.

AFC Home Warranty

Best for Customization
4.4 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

Monthly cost: $38–$99

We recommend America’s First Choice Home Warranty (AFC Home Warranty) for homeowners seeking a more personalized home warranty package and pricing. The company offers four coverage plans, three service fees, and 13 add-ons for better plan variety.

How We Scored AFC Home Warranty

We scored AFC Home Warranty 4.6 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Here’s how we rated it in key categories.

  • Coverage (4.3 out of 5): AFC Home Warranty lost points for its depreciated value policy, which reduces coverage caps for older items. 
  • Value (4.5 out of 5): AFC Home Warranty scored high for its plan variety and flexible service fees. 
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.8 out of 5): AFC Home Warranty scored well for its plan-lenth workmanship guarantee.  
  • Availability and Service (5 out of 5): The company earned a perfect score for its flexible service technician policy, allowing you to choose your own technician.

Pros and Cons

Pros Backs its repairs with an unlimited workmanship guarantee Includes unique perks such as identity protection and credit monitoring Offers four coverage plans, more than most providers Cons Excludes coverage for unknown preexisting conditions Reduces caps for items five years and older Requires claim submissions at least one day after noticing a problem

Plans and Cost

AFC Home Warranty offers four plan options: a Silver Plan, a Gold Plan, a Platinum Plan, and a Diamond Plan. We looked through AFC Home Warranty’s sample contract and learned that you can add free roof-leak protection to every plan. The company covers up to $3,000 for appliances and offers varying system coverage. However, the fine print states that the company only pays up to an item’s depreciated value if it’s older than five years. It covers all repairs and replacements with a plan-length workmanship guarantee. 

Here are details on each plan offered by AFC Home Warranty:

  • Silver Plan: This plan protects nine major appliances, including cooktops, garage door openers, and kitchen refrigerators. 
  • Gold Plan: This comprehensive plan extends coverage to 15 appliances and systems, including air conditioning, heating systems, and plumbing. 
  • Platinum Plan: The next plan covers 20 appliances and systems, including built-in microwaves and faucets. 
  • Diamond Plan: The highest plan tier includes Platinum coverage, plus electronics, external sewer, and water lines. (Note: The Diamond Plan is unavailable in AK, CA, HI, MT, MS, NC, NJ, UT, VA, WA, WV, and WI.)

AFC Home Warranty offers midrange pricing for its plans. The company allows you to choose a $75, $100, or $125 service call fee. The lower service call fee raises your monthly pricing and vice versa. It’s one of the few companies to offer multiyear plans for up to three years of protection.

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Silver Plan

$38.33–$43.58

$75–$125

$3,000

Gold Plan

$54.08–$59.33

$75–$125

Appliances: $3,000
Systems: Unlimited

Platinum Plan

$59.33–$64.58

$75–$125

Coverage caps remain the same

Diamond Plan

$93.92–$99.17

$75–$125

Coverage caps remain the same

AFC Home Warranty offers 13 different add-ons, which is typical for most home warranty companies. The lowest coverage begins at $25 per year and runs as high as $150. When we used the online quote tool, we learned that the add-on pricing is shown based on annual pricing, not monthly pricing. However, the quote does display your estimated monthly costs with any additional add-ons included. You have the option to include roof-leak protection in your plans without any additional cost.

Here are some of its add-on coverage options:

  • Double ovens
  • Hot water dispensers
  • Septic systems

Our Experience With AFC Home Warranty

After reviewing our sample contract, we learned AFC Home Warranty lets you pick your own contractor. Few providers offer this benefit, preferring to use their preapproved contractor network. The company also offers unique membership perks not offered by other providers. These perks include free credit monitoring, emergency alert services, free identity monitoring, and dental, vision, and pet insurance.

Online reviews revealed that AFC Home Warranty offers a simplified claims process and efficient response times. However, homeowners were displeased with the depreciation policy, which reduced their repair payouts for older items.

Cinch Home Services

Best Additional Perks
4.4 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

Monthly cost: $30–$56

We recommend Cinch Home Services for its added perks and unique coverage options. The company offers coverage for preexisting conditions and has a unique $500 home insurance deductible reimbursement with its highest plan.

How We Scored Cinch Home Services

We scored Cinch Home Services 4.6 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Here’s how we rated it in key categories.

  • Coverage (4.4 out of 5): Cinch lost points for its limited add-on selection and lack of roof-leak coverage. 
  • Value (4.5 out of 5): Cinch lost points for its higher service call fees.  
  • Trustworthiness and transparency (4.8 out of 5): Cinch scored high for its 180-day workmanship guarantee, six times longer than the industry standard. 
  • Availability and service (4.6 out of 5): Cinch received high scores for its efficient claims response time, typically within 24 hours.

Pros and Cons

Pros Covers items damaged by rust and corrosion Includes a generous $10,000 annual coverage cap for all covered items Provides a $25 air conditioner or water filter credit with each plan Cons Charges slightly higher service call fees than competitors Does not offer roof-leak coverage Offers a short list of add-ons limited mostly to pools and spas

Plans and Cost

Cinch Home Services offers three plans: the Appliances Plan, Built-In Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. After reading through Cinch Home Services’ sample contract, we found the company sets its coverage caps at $1,500 for central air conditioning and $1,000 for plumbing systems. These caps are lower than the $2,000 industry standard and other reviewed providers, such as LHG and AHS. We also learned that the company’s annual coverage limit is $10,000, lower than Elite Home Warranty. When you file a claim, Cinch subtracts these amounts from the policy’s annual coverage limit. In addition, the company excludes roof-leak coverage from its baseline plan and add-ons. Most providers offer some form of roof protection coverage with their plans.

Here are more details about Cinch Home Services’ plans:

  • Appliances Plan: This appliance-only plan covers 12 appliances, such as built-in food centers, freestanding ice makers, and refrigerators. 
  • Built-In Systems Plan: The next plan protects 16 built-in systems, such as water heaters, air conditioners, and jetted tubs.
  • Complete Home Plan: The highest plan offers comprehensive appliance and system protection, plus up to $500 per term for a homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement

Like American Home Shield, Cinch Home Services doesn’t offer an annual plan option. Although the company has midrange plan pricing, its service fees are slightly higher at $100, $125, and $150.

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Appliances Plan

$30.99–$40.99

$100–$150

$2,000

Built-In Systems

$35.99–$47.99

$100–$150

$500–$3,000

Complete Home

$44.99–$56.99

$100–$150

Coverage caps remain the same

Cinch Home Service only offers six add-ons, the same as American Home Shield. However, three options focus on pool and spa-related coverage, offering less variety than its competitors. Add-on pricing ranges between $4.58 and $22.00 per month. We’ve listed a sample of Cinch’s add-ons below:

  • Pools
  • Septic tank/pumping
  • Well pump

Our Experience With Cinch Home Services

Reviewing our sample contract informed us that Cinch Home Services offers additional perks that are uncommon for home warranty providers. Most home warranty companies don’t offer credits for maintenance items or reimbursement for your homeowners insurance deductible. 

Online reviews praised the company’s efficient communication and friendly staff. However, some homeowners encountered issues with inconsistent repair quality and poor service technicians.

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

Cheapest Appliances Plan
4.4 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

Monthly cost: $27–$70

We recommend 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty (2-10 HBW) for homeowners that need low-priced, appliance-focused coverage. Each plan comes with an unlimited workmanship guarantee and access to 24/7 emergency services.

How We Scored 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

We scored 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty 4.6 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Here’s how we rated it in key categories.

  • Coverage (4.3 out of 5): 2-10 HBW lost points for its varied coverage caps, which fall below other providers. 
  • Value (5 out of 5): 2-10 HBW received a perfect score for its affordable pricing and service call fee flexibility. 
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.8 out of 5): 2-10 HBW scored high for its plan-length workmanship guarantee and A- rating with BBB. 
  • Availability and Service (4.3 out of 5): 2-10 HBW lost points for charging a processing fee on monthly plans and limiting service technician options.

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes 24/7 emergency services with every plan Offers an add-on that raises coverage caps to $5,000 Provides a plan-length workmanship guarantee Cons Charges a 9.4% processing fee for monthly pricing Excludes baseline washer and dryer coverage from its lowest appliance plan Provides a limited service contractor network

Plans and Cost

2-10 HBW offers three home warranty coverage plans for homeowners: Simply Kitchen, Complete Home, and Pinnacle Home. While reading the 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty sample contract, we learned the provider offers unique perks, such as an appliance color match and its “Even If” Service Fee Guarantee. The “Even If” guarantee refunds your service call fee upon your request if 2-10 labels your issue ineligible for coverage. The Luxury package add-on extends coverage limits to $5,000 for many items.

You can compare 2-10’s monthly prices below:

  • Simply Kitchen: This appliance-only plan covers kitchen appliances, such as built-in microwaves, cooktops, and refrigerators with ice makers.
  • Complete Home: This plan includes Simply Kitchen items and adds home systems, such as air conditioning, electrical, and heating.
  • Pinnacle Home: Its highest plan includes the Complete Home protection and adds more items, such as clothes washers and dryers and fire alarms.

The company offers midrange pricing compared to other reviewed providers, aligning closets with AHS. When reviewing our sample quote, we learned that  2-10 Home Buyers Warranty adds a 9.4% processing fee for monthly premiums. This fee does not appear when you select an annual option. Other home warranty providers don’t include such fees with their plans. You can select a $65, $85, or $100 service call fee with your plan.

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Simply Kitchen

$27–$36

$65–$100

$500–$2,000

Complete Home

$47–$56

$65–$100

$500–$2,000

Pinnacle Home

$61–$70

$65–$100

Coverage caps remain the same

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty includes 21 plan add-ons with competitive pricing ranging from $4–$30 monthly. It offers the third-largest add-on category, behind AHS and Elite.  You can add $1,000 of roof-leak coverage for $8.00, priced lower than many competitors. The Luxury add-on upgrade adds $6 per month to your pricing. Here are additional add-ons available from 2-10 HBW: 

  • Extended pipe-leak 
  • Saltwater pools
  • Up to two additional pools

Our Experience With 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

Our sample quote revealed a unique policy regarding service contractors. If 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty can’t find one of its approved technicians in your area, you may choose your own contractor. However, you must obtain 2-10’s approval before authorizing any repairs. Additionally, if you opt for your own technician, you’re responsible for paying any rate difference above what 2-10 would have paid to its contracted provider.

Reading online reviews informed us that homeowners appreciated the company’s extended upgrade options and extensive appliance coverage. However, some customers were displeased with its limited technician coverage in many areas and delayed repairs.


Which Home Warranty Companies Didn’t Make the List?

When we narrowed down our list of top home warranty providers, we eliminated some companies based on their limited plan selection, coverage, and availability, as well as their reputations. Below are some reputable home warranty providers that didn’t make our list but are still viable options for homeowners with specific coverage needs.

The Home Service Club (HSC)

The Home Service Club only offers two coverage plans, with coverage caps as low as $500 and assigned service call fees. The company currently holds a C rating with BBB and offers limited hours for its claims line. However, you might consider HSC if you need affordable plans under $65, backed by an extended 90-day workmanship guarantee.

HomeServe

HomeServe offers 17 coverage plans with system-only protection and no add-ons. Plan availability and exclusions vary by area, and coverage caps per system differ. However, the company doesn’t charge service call fees for most of its plans and includes a year-long workmanship guarantee. HomeServe works best for homeowners seeking specific coverage for one or two essential systems.

America’s Preferred Home Warranty (APHW)

America’s Preferred Home Warranty provides limited plan options, offering two plans for single- and multifamily homes only. The company has few service fee options, and its lowest plan includes a $125 service call fee. In addition, the company offers a 30-day workmanship guarantee for home systems only. APHW may be a good option for budget-conscious homeowners needing system-only coverage for under $60.


Our Home Warranty Research Process

Why Trust Us? Our review and rating process for the best home warranty companies
13
Companies Considered We carefully considered 13 companies to find the best home warranty providers available.
2000
Homeowners Surveyed We surveyed 2,000 home owners to see what they care about most for home protection.
5700
Reviews Analyzed We went through 5,700 customer reviews of home warranty companies to see what people had to say about each provider.
31
Coverages Compared We compared 31 policies to find the best home warranty offerings on the market.

To choose the best home warranty companies, our team reviewed 13 home warranty providers and compared 31 coverage plans, including service call fees, exclusions, and other key contract details. We read 5,700 customer reviews, surveyed 2,000 homeowners, and held focus groups to determine common pain points and home warranty experiences. We spoke with 15 home warranty experts to learn more about the industry. Finally, we conducted firsthand testing through secret shopping and by testing the claim process of several home warranty providers.

Based on our research, we developed a detailed methodology to score each company. We scored based on the following categories: coverage, cost, trustworthiness, plan transparency, customer support, and flexibility. We awarded points for each category and converted scores to a final 5-star rating scale.

Our Home Warranty Experts

We’ve spoken to more than 15 home warranty professionals throughout our home warranty research and coverage. We consulted the following three experts for insights on this article.
Arthur Chartrand: Chartrand served as legal counsel and former executive director for the National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA). 
Timothy Meenan, JD: Meenan serves as executive director and general counsel for the Service Contract Industry Council (SCIC). 
Mark Buskuhl: Buskuhl is the Founder & CEO of Ninebird Properties, a cash house buyer based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost?

Based on our research, a home warranty typically costs $516–$861 per year or $43–$72 per month for a standard coverage plan. You should also factor in service fees, which typically range from $65–$125 per visit. Several factors can impact your total costs, such as your chosen plan, home size, location, and add-on coverage.

Your payment frequency could also affect your costs. Most providers offer monthly or annual options for their plans. It’s not uncommon for a provider to offer free months of service or discounted rates for an annual plan. In fact, it’s the preferred plan option, based on our survey of 1,000 homeowners with home warranty coverage. We learned that 52.50% of homeowners chose an annual plan, while 45.8% selected a monthly one.

We recommend getting quotes from at least three providers to find the best rates and coverage.


How Much Can You Save With a Home Warranty?

A home warranty plan can help homeowners save money compared to the costs associated with the standard repair or replacement of a home component. Below, we’ve listed the average costs for the standard replacement of several home systems and appliances. We’ve also listed the amount of money you can save on component replacement with a home warranty plan from Liberty Home Guard—one of our top-ranked providers. 

Home ComponentAverage Standard Replacement CostHome Warranty Savings
HVAC System$2,500–$8,000Savings up to $1,280 over standard replacement
Washer and Dryer$1,000–$2,000Savings between $280 and $1,280 over standard replacement
Water Heater$1,302Savings up to $582 over standard replacement
We calculated the above savings using Liberty Home Guard’s Total Home Guard plan that includes a $2,000 coverage cap for most covered home systems and an expected monthly payment of $59.99. Service call fees are not included in the calculation.

Home warranties can help you save money on emergency repairs and replacements. These costs can quickly add up without one—especially if you need multiple home repairs. They also help lower costs for older systems and appliances that need frequent repairs and high-cost systems and appliances. Home warranties help offset these costs, making the repairs more affordable. 

To illustrate the potential savings a home warranty could offer, we’ll use an air conditioning system as an example. It was the top priority for home warranty coverage, according to our survey, with 69.2% of surveyed homeowners seeking protection for this crucial system.

Let’s say you have a five-year-old AC system that needs repairs. On average, AC repair costs can range from $100 to $650. Without a home warranty, you'd be responsible for the entire repair bill out-of-pocket. However, with a home warranty that includes a $2,000 coverage cap for air conditioning systems, a covered repair would be fully paid for by the warranty provider. In the event of a replacement, that $2,000 coverage could significantly offset the replacement costs, potentially eliminating or substantially reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.

To maximize the savings of a home warranty plan, it is essential to select coverage options that provide adequate protection for your most critical systems and appliances. Opting for plans with lower coverage caps may limit your potential savings and result in higher out-of-pocket expenses when repairs or replacements are needed.


Home Warranty Cost Calculator

Our team created a calculator to break down a home warranty’s estimated annual cost. Enter your monthly costs, service call fee, and estimated number of claims to see your projected annual cost. It’s best to request a quote directly from one of our recommended providers, as annual costs and service fees vary between them.

Use the table below to compare your calculated cost to repair and replacement costs for common appliances.

ApplianceAverage Repair CostAverage Replacement Cost
Dehumidifier$50–$200$1,300–$2,800
Microwave$50–$400$60–$2,000
Dishwasher$50–$500$400–$3,000
Exhaust Fans$16–$300$250–$950
Electric Range$100–$500$230–$3,000
Gas Range$100–$500$230–$3,000
Dryer$100–$400$450–$2,300
Oven$100–$430$400–$3,000
Washer$50–$450$400–$2,300
Freezer$90–$500$160–$2,900
Refrigerator$40–$350$200–$5,000

Life span and repair cost data sourced from InterNACHI and Home Depot


Are Home Warranties Worth It?

Yes, home warranties are worth the investment because they provide financial relief in case of unexpected repairs or replacements. They benefit homeowners with little do-it-yourself experience or limited repair savings and help protect residents with expensive appliances or older homes requiring more frequent repairs.

  • Claim Approval: Our survey of 2,000 policyholders revealed 98% of plan holders got their recent claim approved.
    Claims Experience: In our follow-up survey of 1,355 homeowners across the United States, 82% of policyholders rated their experience with the claims process as "Good" or "Excellent."

Home warranties can benefit most homeowners, but in some situations, they're unnecessary. Buskuhl says, "For those who have newer appliances and systems that are still under manufacturer's warranty, a home warranty may not provide much added value." He also said that a home warranty may not be worth it if you have significant savings put aside for home repairs.

For example, the average out-of-pocket cost to replace a washer and dryer is between $1,000 and $2,100. For homeowners with appliance coverage through their home warranty, their cost would be the price of a service call.
That makes the average out-of-pocket cost that a home warranty policyholder can expect to pay to replace their washer and dryer just $100, plus their monthly premium.
With those numbers in mind, home warranty appliance coverage can save homeowners between $850 and $1,950 for a full washer and dryer replacement in 2024.*

*Note: This savings assumes that the policyholder has not already met or exceeded their appliance coverage cap for the year.


What Are the Basics of a Home Warranty?

Still unsure about the benefits of a home warranty? We’ll get into its purpose, plans, and average costs below.

What Do Home Warranties Cover?

A home warranty plan covers the repair, service, or replacement of major home systems and appliances when they break down due to wear and tear. Many companies split coverage options into systems, appliances, and combination plans.

The systems and appliances most commonly covered by home warranties include the following items:

  • Air conditioning
  • Built-in microwaves
  • Clothes dryers
  • Clothes washers
  • Dishwashers
  • Ductwork
  • Electrical
  • Garbage Disposals
  • Heating systems
  • Ovens
  • Plumbing
  • Refrigerators
  • Water heaters

What Do Home Warranties Not Cover?

Home warranties don’t typically cover built-in systems and appliances incorrectly installed, modified, or malfunctioning due to neglect, misuse, accidental damage, or an “act of God.” Many companies exclude your home’s structural elements, such as the drywall or windowpanes. Additional exclusions include any items protected by a manufacturer’s warranty and miscellaneous items such as dials, knobs, or other nonessential components.

How Do Home Warranties Work?

Home warranties protect home systems and appliances when faced with unexpected failures. Here’s an overview of the entire process:

  • Step 1: Enroll in a plan: Choose a reputable home warranty company and sign up for service. Plans typically last one year and require a 30 to 90-day waiting period before coverage begins.
  • Step 2: File a claim: File a claim with your home warranty company online, over the phone, or through the mobile app. Your company may ask for maintenance documentation or photos of the broken item.
  • Step 3: Schedule a repair: The home warranty company arranges for a service technician to complete the repairs. Depending on the company, you may be allowed to choose your preferred technician.
  • Step 4: Pay the service call fee: Once the claim is approved, the technician will visit your home to complete the repairs. You’ll be charged the preapproved service call fee for your visit.

How To Choose a Home Warranty

Choosing a home warranty company requires careful research and assessments to ensure the company meets your needs. We’ve provided the following steps below to aid in your home warranty shopping.

  • Determine your coverage needs: Assess your current appliances and systems to determine which ones need the most coverage. While newer items won’t need immediate servicing, older items may require more frequent repairs.
  • Plan your budget: Consider how much you can spend for monthly and annual premiums. These costs should include potential add-ons and service call fees.
  • Confirm availability: Research available home warranty companies in your area and confirm coverage for your area or ZIP code. We also recommend verifying each company's technician's network and available technicians in your area.
  • Request multiple quotes: We recommend getting quotes from at least three providers. You should compare coverage plans, costs, add-on pricing, and technician policies.
  • Read sample contracts: Review sample contracts for coverage caps, exclusions, add-on limits, and coverage details. Meenan suggests choosing a home warranty company that provides easily accessible sample contracts with excluded items clearly listed. “I wouldn’t buy one if it didn’t show me a sample set of terms and conditions,” says Meenan.
  • Check customer reviews: Read feedback on third-party review sites to gauge customer satisfaction and experiences. You should also consult friends, family, and neighbors about their home warranty providers and experiences.

What’s the Difference Between Home Warranties and Homeowners Insurance?

Home warranties and homeowners insurance differ in the protections they offer. Home warranties cover appliance and system breakdowns that result from normal wear and tear. Homeowners insurance covers structural damage to your home due to covered perils, such as theft, natural disasters, and fire. But these two types of coverage cannot replace each other.  Instead, they offer complementary purposes for protecting your home 

We recommend having both a home warranty and homeowners insurance for comprehensive protection of your home. Combining these two types of protection lets you enjoy peace of mind knowing your home and its vital components are fully covered against many potential issues.


Does a Home Warranty Cover Existing Problems?

Typically, home warranties don't cover existing conditions. However, AHS is an exception, as its home warranty plans cover items with preexisting conditions within its standard plan. You can read our detailed American Home Shield review to learn more.

What Is the Best Home Warranty Company With No Waiting Period?

AFC Home Warranty is the best home warranty with no waiting period for a new home sale. Coverage can begin immediately with a valid home inspection report after closing the home. Most home warranty companies have a 30-day waiting period. Read our AFC Home Warranty review to learn more.


How Can You Avoid Home Warranty Scams?

As you shop for home warranty companies, you may come across fraudulent or untrustworthy providers. If you notice one or more of the following warning signs, the potential home warranty provider might be a scam.

  • Aggressive sales tactics: Be wary of any providers using high-pressure sales tactics, making unsolicited calls, or pitching door-to-door. These pushy salespeople try to force you into making a quick decision. 
  • Negative reviews and complaints: We recommend researching each company and checking third-party online reviews. Be cautious of any company with many negative reviews, complaints, or legal issues.
  • Poor communication: Untrustworthy companies will limit communication by offering one or two contact methods and maintaining limited office hours. Delayed or unanswered calls and emails could also indicate a poor home warranty company. 
  • Unclear contract terms: Check for any ambiguous or vague contract terms, such as coverage caps, exclusions, and other crucial details. Reputable home warranty companies provide contracts with transparent policies and terms. 
  • Unusual payment requests: Be mindful of any company asking for large up-front payments or unusual payment methods. Respectable providers will offer monthly and annual plans instead.

How Are Home Warranties Regulated?

Each state independently regulates home warranties and service contract licensure. For example, the Department of Licensing and Regulation handles service contracts in Texas. Arizona’s Consumer Protection Division of the Department of Insurance regulates home warranties in that state. 

Many states have rules based on the Service Contract Model Act that the SCIC and National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) promoted to state legislatures. Since 1988, the SCIC has worked to promote industry regulation nationwide. Regulation ensures your home warranty company is financially sound and can fulfill its promises. State regulations also ensure various consumer protections, such as the following measures:

  • Contracts that are clear and use easy-to-read print
  • Extensive disclosures of what is covered and excluded
  • The ability to cancel and receive a full refund within a certain period (typically 30–45 days)
QUICK Tip
While you’re shopping for a home warranty policy, it’s a good idea to check with your state’s regulatory body to confirm the company is licensed to operate where you live. You can also read through a sample contract. Many sample contracts have state-specific clauses that clarify the protections and exclusions you’re subject to.

Steps to Follow

How to Read Home Warranty Service Contracts

Home warranty contracts vary, but providers use similar policy terminology and provisions. As you read through a home warranty contract, check for sections covering items, exclusions, and coverage limits. The tips below outline how to read and understand your home warranty company’s policy terms.

Steps to follow

Home warranty contracts vary, but providers use similar policy terminology and provisions. As you read through a home warranty contract, check for sections covering items, exclusions, and coverage limits. The tips below outline how to read and understand your home warranty company’s policy terms.

Read the fine print to see if the provider covers all the home items you’d like protected. Most companies cover systems and appliances, but it's important to confirm that your choice covers what you need.

Your company will have certain instances or components that it won’t cover even on a covered item. Your home warranty company may exclude appliances and systems with preexisting conditions from coverage. Be aware of your company’s specific coverage exclusions and limitations to reduce denied claims and unwelcome surprises. According to our survey, 98% of homeowners got their claims approved.

Find out what steps your home warranty provider takes to process claims. Confirm how soon it will send a service technician to your home after processing your claim. In addition, ask how long emergency claims or claims outside normal business hours take to process.

Find out if the service providers it enlists are local to your area. Doing so can eliminate the headache of waiting for your warranty company to find an in-network technician. Chartrand recommends asking your company where it sources its service technicians.

Call your provider and ask a representative to clarify sections you don’t understand in the service contract. We recommend verifying plan length, renewal policies, and cancelation fees.

Quick Tip

  • You should verify each company’s in-service technician network availability in your area. Our experts also recommend asking your company where it sources its service technicians. 

Home Warranty Glossary

This glossary includes definitions for some of the most common terms you will come across during your home warranty buying journey.

Coverage Terms

Service Terms

Miscellaneous Terms

  • Coverage cap: A coverage cap, or coverage limit, is the upper limit that a home warranty company will pay toward the repair or replacement of a home component.
  • Home warranty add-ons: Add-ons are optional coverage that you can purchase in addition to your standard home warranty plan to receive financial protection for home components that aren’t typically covered.
  • Exclusions: Exclusions are contract terms that detail any home component or specific instance for which the home warranty company will not provide coverage.
  • Service call fee: A service call fee is what you will pay to a home warranty company for a service call. This is not a deductible, and you will need to pay a service call fee each time a service technician repairs or replaces a home component.
  • Claims process: Home warranty customers must go through a claims process to receive payment for repairing or replacing home components covered by the warranty plan. Typically, you submit a claim over the phone or online through some providers. 
  • Workmanship guarantee: A workmanship guarantee is a type of assurance many home warranty companies provide to prevent customers from paying additional service call fees if a recently repaired home component develops a new or recurring issue.
  • Preexisting conditions: A preexisting condition is a repair or maintenance issue for a home component that occurred prior to enrolling in a home warranty plan. Many home warranty companies exclude components with preexisting conditions from their coverage plans.
  • Depreciated value: If a home component covered under your home warranty plan depreciates in market value, your home warranty provider may factor the reduced value into the amount that it pays out for claims.
  • Emergency services: Some home warranty companies provide customers with access to emergency services for home component failures that need immediate attention. These emergency services expedite the repair or replacement process, with some companies providing service within 24 hours.

Comparing a Home Warranty to an Emergency Fund

While home warranties offer valuable protection, maintaining an emergency fund can be a flexible financial safety net for homeowners during unexpected crises. An emergency fund provides several advantages over a home warranty in certain situations. 

You won't have to pay the recurring monthly or annual payments or repair service fees associated with a home warranty plan. You can choose any service technician you prefer rather than being limited to a home warranty provider’s restricted network. An emergency fund also eliminates the need to submit claims and await approval, giving you immediate access to funds for repairs without the risk of claim denials.

While an emergency fund offers flexibility, relying solely on it for home repairs has potential drawbacks. Building a substantial emergency fund specifically for home repairs can be a financial challenge for many homeowners. Major system and appliance repairs or replacements often come with significant costs, requiring a sizable reserved fund to cover the costs. 

In addition, if the emergency fund falls short, homeowners may need additional funding sources, such as personal loans, home equity loans, or dipping into other savings accounts. This can strain overall finances.

We recommend weighing your options before investing in a home warranty and choosing the best option based on your current financial situation.


Finding the Best Home Warranty Company for You

The best home warranty company for you depends on your unique coverage needs and budget. It’s important to choose a home warranty that fits your situation. If you need more unique coverage, we recommend Liberty Home Guard since it scored 4.7 out of 5 for its extensive add-on catalog and specialized plan options. For more universal coverage, consider American Home Shield, which received high scores for its generous coverage caps and comprehensive protections. The rest of our top picks offer other benefits, including affordable plans, high-end appliance coverage, and fully customizable plans.

We suggest carefully reading service contracts to understand each company’s terms and exclusions. You should also pull multiple quotes to find the right plan for your home.


FAQs About Home Warranties

What is a home warranty?

A home warranty is a service contract between you and a home warranty provider that covers repair and replacement costs for major appliances and systems. These plans help lower the costs of unexpected appliance or system breakdowns.

What are common home warranty complaints?

The most common home warranty complaints include the following issues:

  • Inexperienced technicians
  • Long wait times for appliance or part replacements
  • Slow or refused claims payouts
  • Slow responses to complaints
  • Unclear coverage limits

These traits are the hallmarks of poor home warranty service and are not typical of every provider on the market. Before buying, we recommend asking questions about claim policies, wait times, and coverage limits to ensure you understand your home warranty company’s terms.

What is a service call fee?

A service call fee (or trade service call fee) is an out-of-pocket expense you pay to a home warranty company for a service call. Home warranty companies outline these fees in your home warranty plan and may offer a choice between two or more fee options. Service fees vary between home warranty providers, but typically range between $65 and $125 per service call.

Is a home warranty required to buy a new home?

A home warranty isn’t required to buy a new home, but we recommend getting coverage as an extra layer of financial protection on your important home systems and appliances. Many sellers offer a home warranty as an added perk for potential buyers.

How important is a longer workmanship guarantee?

A longer workmanship guarantee means a warranty will cover a previously repaired system or appliance past the 30-day industry standard. Typically, you are responsible for paying another service call fee if a repaired item breaks again after the workmanship guarantee window ends. Having an extended workmanship guarantee provides extra peace of mind and value for those with older systems and appliances.

What is usually included in a home warranty?

Home warranties include coverage for systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear. Coverage will depend on your plan, but examples of covered appliances include your laundry machine, refrigerator, oven, and more. 


We’ve compiled several easy-to-digest guides based on our extensive home warranty coverage research. Learn more below.

More on Home Warranties

Related to Home Systems

Related to Home Appliances

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