A home warranty is a service contract between you and a provider that covers repair costs on selected major appliances and home systems (such as air conditioning). Home warranties typically cover breakdowns due to routine wear and tear.

We researched dozens of home warranty companies on various factors, including coverage plans and pricing, to help you find the best home warranty for your home.

VISIT SITE $200 Off + 2 Months Free + Roof Leak Protection
Monthly Cost $49–$60
Service Fee $65–$125
BBB Rating A+
States Covered 50
VISIT SITE Limited Time Offer: $150 OFF All Home Warranty Plans
Monthly Cost $64–$74
Service Fee $100–$125
BBB Rating B
States Covered 48
VISIT SITE Use code HOUSE25 for $150 off & 2 months free
Monthly Cost $44–$48
Service Fee $60–$75
BBB Rating B-
States Covered 47
VISIT SITE $200 off + roof leak coverage + lifetime parts and labor
Monthly Cost $48–$55
Service Fee $75–$125
BBB Rating B
States Covered 49

 

Best Home Warranty Companies of 2023

The home warranty companies with the best ratings include the following:

Before choosing one of our top providers, consider your coverage needs and budget. Also, read their sample contracts to understand their coverage terms, exclusions, and limitations.


 

Summary of the Best Home Warranty Companies

The table below summarizes how our top providers compare. We highlighted each provider’s monthly cost plus appliance and system coverage caps to help you decide which is best for you. Consider a provider with higher coverage caps if you own older home systems or appliances. If you need basic and affordable coverage, a provider with a lower monthly premium may be the right choice.

Company
Monthly Cost
Service Fee
BBB Rating
Known For
Response Time
$49–$60
$65–$125
A+
Best Customer Ratings
Up to 48 hours
$64–$74
$100–$125
B
Best for Comprehensive Coverage
Up to 48 hours
$44–$48
$60–$75
B-
Best Value
48-84 hours
$48–$55
$75–$125
B
Best for Customization
24-48 hours
$60–$76
$75–$125
B
Best Appliance Coverage
4-48 hours
$47–$64
$100–$150
B
Best Additional Perks
2-24 hours
$22–$74
$65–$100
B+
Cheapest Appliances Plan
Up to 48 hours
Superlative Monthly Cost Service Fee Response Time BBB Rating Link
Liberty Home Guard Best Customer Ratings $49–$60 $65–$125 Up to 48 hours A+
American Home Shield Best for Comprehensive Coverage $64–$74 $100–$125 Up to 48 hours B
Select Home Warranty Best Value $44–$48 $60–$75 48-84 hours B-
AFC Home Club Best for Customization $48–$55 $75–$125 24-48 hours B
First American Home Warranty Best Appliance Coverage $60–$76 $75–$125 4-48 hours B
Cinch Home Services Best Additional Perks $47–$64 $100–$150 2-24 hours B
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty Cheapest Appliances Plan $22–$74 $65–$100 Up to 48 hours B+
Liberty Home Guard
Logo Liberty Home Guard
Superlative Best Customer Ratings
Monthly Cost $49–$60
Service Fee $65–$125
Response Time Up to 48 hours
BBB Rating A+
VISIT SITE
American Home Shield
Logo American Home Shield
Superlative Best for Comprehensive Coverage
Monthly Cost $64–$74
Service Fee $100–$125
Response Time Up to 48 hours
BBB Rating B
VISIT SITE
Select Home Warranty
Logo Select Home Warranty
Superlative Best Value
Monthly Cost $44–$48
Service Fee $60–$75
Response Time 48-84 hours
BBB Rating B-
VISIT SITE
AFC Home Club
Logo AFC Home Club
Superlative Best for Customization
Monthly Cost $48–$55
Service Fee $75–$125
Response Time 24-48 hours
BBB Rating B
VISIT SITE
First American Home Warranty
Logo First American Home Warranty
Superlative Best Appliance Coverage
Monthly Cost $60–$76
Service Fee $75–$125
Response Time 4-48 hours
BBB Rating B
VISIT SITE
Cinch Home Services
Logo Cinch Home Services
Superlative Best Additional Perks
Monthly Cost $47–$64
Service Fee $100–$150
Response Time 2-24 hours
BBB Rating B
VISIT SITE
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
Logo 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
Superlative Cheapest Appliances Plan
Monthly Cost $22–$74
Service Fee $65–$100
Response Time Up to 48 hours
BBB Rating B+
VISIT SITE

Note: We pulled the table’s monthly cost figures based on the national average our team calculated for six of our top picks. Your monthly premium may differ based on your home’s size and type, your location, and your plan and add-on selections. We recommend pulling a quote directly with the providers you’re considering.

We pulled quotes for a 2,000-square-foot, single-family home in Raleigh, North Carolina, to determine the provider prices referenced in this article.


 

Liberty Home Guard

Best Customer Ratings
4.4
  • Response Time: 48 hours
  • State Availability: 50 states
  • Service Call Fee: $65–$125

Liberty Home Guard (LHG) offers three coverage plans, a 60-day workmanship guarantee, and more than 30 add-ons. LHG also provides accessible customer service via its live-chat feature on its website.

Why We Chose Liberty Home Guard

Liberty Home Guard earned 4.4 out of 5 stars in our rating system. It is the best customer-rated home warranty provider on this list, in part due to its A+ rating* with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and its 4.7 out of 5-star rating on Google Reviews. Our team spoke with multiple customer representatives to consider how well LHG handles customer inquiries. Based on our experiences, we believe it holds up to its stellar ratings, with each representative answering the phone quickly and answering all our questions thoroughly.

*Ratings are accurate as of May 2023.

Pros and Cons

Pros Extends a 60-day workmanship guarantee Offers 38 unique optional add-ons, including pest control and gutter cleaning Provides a live-chat customer service feature Cons Doesn't allow plan price or service call fee customization Covers high-end appliances only with add-on purchase Lacks transparency about services fees during the quote process

Plans and Pricing

Liberty Home Guard offers three service plan options: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Unlike providers with a flexible service call fee, LHG assigns a service call fee to your account based on your plan, add-on selections, and location. According to the representative we spoke with, service fees range from $65 to $125. All LHG’s covered items are subject to a $2,000 coverage cap and a 60-day workmanship guarantee.

Below are the monthly prices for an LHG plan. Expect to pay between $600 and $720 annually. Per our research, LHG offers two additional months of coverage if you sign up for an annual plan. LHG allows you to pull a quote over the phone or online.

Here are details on LHG’s plans and optional add-on coverage:

  • Appliance Guard ($49.99 per month): Covers appliances, such as dishwashers, clothes washers, and dryers
  • Systems Guard ($54.99 per month): Covers built-in systems, such as air conditioning, heating, ductwork, and water heater
  • Total Home Guard ($59.99 per month): Covers all the items in the Appliance Guard and Systems Guard plans
  • Optional Add-ons: Up to 38 options, including pest control, rekey service, gutter cleaning, floor cleaning, and generator coverage. When we pulled our quote, we were informed that pest control coverage costs an extra $15 monthly.

What To Expect

Pulling a quote from Liberty Home Guard is straightforward. First, you fill out basic personal information such as your name, phone number, and email. Then, you input your home’s address, type, and whether it is under or over 5,000 square feet. LHG will then display your home’s customized monthly premium. 

We believe Liberty Home Guard offers solid coverage for the price. Its $2,000 coverage cap applies to all covered items except electrical and plumbing systems. In addition, it offers the most add-on coverage options compared to other providers. This makes LHG a great choice if you have unique items that need coverage. 

Note that LHG doesn’t allow you to choose your service provider since it works with its network of technicians. However, if LHG can’t source a technician from its network near you, it allows you to source your own. 

In reading customer reviews, we found that the experiences of consumers aligned with our experience contacting LHG’s customer service. Many reviewers noted the helpfulness of representatives and how quickly they resolved issues. We experienced this responsiveness each time we called or used its live-chat feature.

American Home Shield

Best for Comprehensive Coverage
4.7
  • Response Time: 48 hours
  • State Availability: 48 states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii)
  • Service Call Fee: $100 and $125

American Home Shield (AHS) offers comprehensive major systems and appliance coverage alongside service call fee flexibility. Additionally, AHS covers unique instances other providers typically don’t, such as rust, corrosion, or sediment damage.

Why We Chose American Home Shield

We rated AHS 4.7 out of 5 stars in our review standards. We consider AHS as the “Best for Comprehensive Coverage” due to its three coverage plans, multiple service fees, and solid industry reputation. We thoroughly read American Home Shield’s sample contract and found it applies a $3,000 limit per covered appliance. It doubles its coverage cap to $6,000 per covered item in the ShieldPlatinum plan.

AHS plans provide extensive coverage, and even its basic plan, ShieldSilver, covers your HVAC system. Its multiple service call fees allow you to customize your monthly premium to fit your budget.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers a flexible service call fee model that allows customers to adjust monthly fees to fit their budget Sets generous coverage caps (no limit on built-in systems and up to $6,000 for appliances with ShieldPlatinum) Provides coverage for unknown preexisting conditions, items damaged by rust and corrosion, and items that have been improperly installed or modified Cons Charges higher monthly premiums compared to other providers Offers less coverage flexibility than most providers with only a few add-on options

Plans and Pricing

American Home Shield offers three plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. We called an AHS representative and discovered that ShieldSilver covers built-in systems and doesn’t impose a coverage cap. ShieldGold has a $3,000 coverage limit on home appliances and doesn’t include an HVAC tune-up. ShieldPlatinum adds roof-leak coverage, up to $1,000 in code upgrades, an HVAC tune-up, and air filter discounts.

When we used AHS’s quote tool, it allowed us to choose a service call fee of $100 or $125. AHS states that a higher service call fee will result in a lower monthly premium and vice versa. All AHS plans come with a 30-day workmanship guarantee.

While pulling our quote, we discovered that AHS only offers monthly premium options. It doesn’t include an annual premium like other providers on this list. Like LHG, AHS allows you to pull a quote by calling a representative or using its tool.

Here are details on the covered items and monthly costs in each of American Home Shield’s plans:

  • ShieldSilver ($29.99–$39.99 per month): Covers home systems, such as heating, cooling, and electrical
  • ShieldGold ($49.99–$59.99 per month): Covers major systems and appliances, such as air conditioning, roof leaks, and plumbing
  • ShieldPlatinum ($79.99–$89.99 per month): Covers systems and appliances and includes additional benefits, such as $1,500 for roof-leak repairs
  • Optional Add-ons: Electronics, pools/spas, guest units, septic pumps, and well pumps. AHS offers competitively priced add-ons, such as septic pump coverage, for five dollars per month.

What To Expect

We found it easy to pull a quote from American Home Shield’s quote tool. You must enter your ZIP code, home address, and email. Then it generates your personalized quote. It allows you to choose your service call fee option, which adjusts your premium based on the higher or lower service call fee.

AHS stands out from other providers due to its rust, corrosion, and sediment damage coverage. It also covers improperly installed or maintained items, plus items with preexisting conditions. Most providers exclude items with these conditions from coverage. 

Like most providers in this article, AHS requires you to use an in-network service provider when requesting service. AHS holds solid customer reviews, although there are mixed feelings about its customer service. Based on the dozens of BBB customer reviews we read, some reviewers experienced lower-than-expected claims reimbursement. Others had their claims processed quickly and satisfactorily.

Select Home Warranty

Best Value
4.2
  • Response Time: 48 hours
  • State Availability: 47 states (excluding NevadaWisconsin, and Washington)
  • Service Call Fee: $60–$75

Select Home Warranty provides affordable coverage plans for those who need basic coverage. It offers appliance-only, systems-only, and combination plans. In addition, Select offers a service call fee under $80 per claim.

Why We Chose Select Home Warranty

Select Home Warranty scored 4.2 out of 5 stars in our review standards. It is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable home warranty since all its plans are less than $50 per month and include roof-leak coverage (up to $400 annually) in each standard plan. Roof-leak coverage isn’t typically offered by home warranty companies without an additional fee.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers annual premium discounts on multi-year coverage plans Includes generous $3,000 coverage limit for HVAC systems Covers additional refrigeration and stand-alone freezers Cons Excludes coverage for tankless water heaters Offers lower coverage caps than many competitors Charges multiple service fees if there are multiple claims at the same time

Plans and Pricing

Select Home Warranty offers three plan options: Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care. Select charges a $60–$75 service call fee. Our team discovered via secret shopping that Select offers its lower service call fee as an over-the-phone deal only. After reviewing Select’s sample contract, we found it covers HVAC systems up to $3,000. However, Select limits other covered systems, such as plumbing and electrical, plus appliances, to a $500 coverage cap. Select’s plans include a 30-day workmanship guarantee.

Select Home Warranty offers monthly and annual premium options. Expect to pay between $533 and $573 annually. According to the quote we pulled, Select offers up to $150 off and two additional months of coverage if you choose an annual premium. It lets you pull a quote by calling or using its online tool.

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

  • Bronze Care ($44.42 per month): Covers appliances, such as clothes washers and dryers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, and cooktops
  • Gold Care ($44.42 per month): Covers systems, such as air conditioning, heating, plumbing, electrical systems, water heaters, and ductwork
  • Platinum Care ($47.75 per month): Covers all the appliances and built-in systems in the Bronze and Gold Care plans, plus garage-door openers and ceiling fans
  • Optional Add-ons: Central vacuums, lawn sprinkler systems, pools, septic systems, spas, stand-alone freezers, sump pumps, and well pumps. Select Home Warranty also offers low prices for its add-ons. For example, it charges under four dollars monthly for central vacuum coverage.

Through our research, we discovered that Select prefers to communicate strictly over the phone for claims and plan issues. Several customers on third-party consumer review sites, such as the BBB and Trustpilot, note that Select is difficult to get ahold off. Therefore, we recommend you carefully consider your needs and budget before signing up for Select Home Warranty.

What To Expect

Select’s quote tool works similarly to the tools of other providers in this article. It first asks for your ZIP code. Then it asks for your name, phone number, and email. It doesn’t, however, ask for your property’s address. This helps streamline the quote process.

Select is worth considering for homeowners who need basic home protection. Its coverage caps for essential systems and appliances are much lower than other providers, making it difficult to recommend from a coverage standpoint. It offers some of the most affordable fees, and it lets you choose your service provider as long you obtain Select’s approval first. 

Through our research, we discovered that Select prefers to communicate strictly over the phone for claims and plan issues. Several customers on third-party consumer review sites, such as the BBB and Trustpilot, note that Select is difficult to get ahold of. Therefore, we recommend you carefully consider your needs and budget before signing up for Select Home Warranty.

AFC Home Club

Best for Customization
4.5
  • Response Time: 24 business hours
  • State Availability: 49 states (excluding Hawaii)
  • Service Call Fee: $75, $100, and $125

America’s First Choice Home Club (AFC Home Club) made it onto our list thanks to its customization options for add-ons and its four distinct plans. In addition, AFC Home Club offers service call fee flexibility, which can raise or lower your monthly premium.

Why We Chose AFC Home Club

AFC Home Club earned a 4.5 out of 5-star rating in our review standards. Along with its flexible service call fee model, the variety of plans offered by AFC Home Club is ideal for homeowners who want a personalized home warranty package and pricing. AFC Home Club also offers a lengthy workmanship guarantee and additional membership perks. Other providers don’t include membership perks within their plans.

Pros and Cons

Pros Adds security perks, including identity protection, credit monitoring, and Emergency Alert Network service Guarantees parts and labor for the life of your membership Pairs appliances with a $3,000 coverage cap Cons Requires claims be submitted immediately after noticing a system or appliance problem Charges $75 for canceling after the first 30 days of their plan

Plans and Pricing

AFC Home Club offers a portfolio of four plan options: a Platinum Plan,

a Gold Plan, a Silver Plan, and a Systems Plan. AFC Home Club allows you to choose from a $75, $100, and $125 service call fee. The lower service call fee raises your monthly premium and vice versa.

Our team called AFC Home Club to ask about its coverage caps. A representative stated that its HVAC systems, such as heating and air conditioning, have an unlimited coverage cap, except for thermostats. It limits thermostats to $80. 

The representative added it covers up to $3,000 for appliances. However, AFC’s fine print states it pays up to the value of an item’s depreciated value if it’s older than five years. It covers all repairs and replacements with a plan-length workmanship guarantee.

AFC Home Club offers annual premiums alongside monthly premiums. Expect to pay between $398 and $630 annually for AFC Home Club coverage. The company includes a $50 annual discount if you choose a yearly payment plan. You can pull a quote using its online tool or call a sales representative.

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

  • Silver Plan ($38.00–$42.83 per month): Covers appliances, such as clothes washer, clothes dryer, garbage disposal, and dishwasher
  • Systems Plan ($45.25–$50.08 per month): Covers systems, such as air conditioning, heating, water heaters, and plumbing
  • Gold Plan ($52.50–$57.33 per month): Covers both appliances and systems, such as electrical, ductwork, oven, range, plumbing stoppages, and garage-door openers
  • Platinum Plan ($57.33–$62.17 per month): Covers all items and systems included with the Gold Plan, plus a built-in microwave and ice maker
  • Optional Add-ons: Double oven, electronic coverage, hot water dispenser, sump pump, septic system, central vacuum, pool, spa, stand-alone freezer, and roof-leak repair. Based on the quote we pulled, in-ground pool coverage costs $9 per month.

What To Expect

AFC Home Club provides an easy-to-use quote tool. Where it differs from most providers, however, is its cost page. Unlike other providers, AFC Home Club requires clicking on each plan to select your desired service call fee. If you wish to compare the prices of the other plans, you must click on the “Back To Plans” button. Although obtaining a quote is straightforward, comparing plan prices isn’t as efficient as other providers.

We consider AFC Home Club’s unlimited workmanship guarantee to be its best feature. The peace of mind it provides makes it a solid choice for those with older appliances or systems in their homes. Additionally, AFC Home Club is one of the few providers that allows you to choose your contractor. However, its mixed coverage limits for home systems lower its value from a coverage standpoint.

Our team read dozens of customer reviews to understand how AFC Home Club handles customer service. We found mixed reviews. Several customers appreciated AFC Home Club’s speedy claims processing. Others disliked the depreciation valuation AFC does on covered items.

First American Home Warranty

Best Appliance Coverage
4.7

First American Home Warranty offers comprehensive coverage for both appliances and systems. The company also offers a suite of add-ons plus a plan upgrade that covers miscellaneous fees home warranties typically don’t cover.

Why We Chose First American Home Warranty

We rated First American Home Warranty 4.7 out of 5 stars in our review standards. What makes First American Home Warranty stand out is its generous appliance limits. After reading its sample contract, we found First American pairs each appliance with a $3,500 limit in the Starter and Essential plans, which is higher than other providers. Its Essential and Premium plans offer the First American Advantage upgrade. This upgrade protects systems and appliances that were improperly maintained, modified, or installed—a rarity in the home warranty business.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides unlimited coverage caps on heating, cooling, or ductwork Covers up to $1,000 in limited roof-leak repair Offers customers access to appliance discounts Cons Covers air conditioning as an add-on in the Starter Plan Limits service to 33 states, which is considerably fewer than many other providers

Plans and Pricing

First American Home Warranty offers three plans: the Starter Plan, the Essential Plan, and the Premium Plan. First American offers flexible service call fees ranging from $75, $100, and $125. The coverage limit for appliances is set at $3,500 per item in its Starter and Essential plans, and its Premium Plan increases appliance limits to $7,000 per covered appliance. Upon speaking with a representative, we discovered the company doesn’t outline hard limits for built-in systems coverage except for water heaters. First American covers all repairs for 30 days. 

First American Home Warranty also offers an annual premium. Annual plan costs range from $540 to $1,040. Unlike other providers that offer annual premiums, First American doesn’t include extra months of coverage or a discount if you choose an annual premium. First American provides an online quote tool or a sales phone line to pull a free quote.

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

  • Starter Plan ($47–$62 per month): Covers built-in microwaves, dishwashers, ductwork, electrical system, heating, plumbing systems, oven/cooktop, plumbing stoppages, refrigerators, and toilet tanks, bowls, and mechanisms
  • Essential Plan ($57–$72 per month): Includes everything in the Starter Plan plus air conditioning, ceiling/attic/exhaust fans, clothes washers, clothes dryers, First American Advantage upgrade, garage-door openers, trash compactors, and water heaters
  • Premium Plan ($72–$87 per month): Covers all items listed in the Essential Plan including refrigerators, and toilet tanks, bowls, and mechanisms full garage-door systems, instant hot water dispensers, luxury appliance coverage, shower heads and arms, and window air conditioning units
  • Optional Add-ons: Additional refrigeration, air conditioning for Starter Plan, HVAC tune-up, limited roof-leak, pool and spa equipment, septic tank systems and pumping, water softeners, and well pumps. First American offers limited roof-leak coverage for under $9 per month.

What To Expect

First American’s online quote tool requires you to enter personal information, such as your name, phone number, email, and home address. You also need to enter your home’s type and the estimated square footage. Once you do, it generates your monthly quote. Although there is extra information you must fill out, we found it simple to adjust your premium based on your chosen service call fee. It also conveniently displays each plan’s coverage options below the price figures.

First American’s sizeable coverage limits make it a great choice for those who want total home protection. However, it excludes air conditioning coverage from its entry-level Starter plan. You must pay extra to obtain air conditioning coverage. Other providers include it within their basic plans.

First American handles claims by sending in-network service contractors to fix your issue. It allows you to use your own if an in-network provider isn’t available near you. Our team read dozens of customer reviews. Similar to other home warranty providers, First American holds mixed reviews. A positive theme was how simple it is to file claims. A negative theme involved delays fulfilling service requests.

Cinch Home Services

Best Additional Perks
4.4
  • Response Time: 2 business hours or 24 hours outside business hours
  • State Availability: 48 states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii)

Cinch Home Services (CHS) earned 88 out of 100 points in our review standards.

Why We Chose Cinch Home Services

Cinch Home Services brings a lot to the table, including its lengthy 180-day workmanship guarantee, which is significantly longer than the industry standard of 30 days. It also offers a unique $500 home insurance deductible reimbursement that comes with the Complete Home Plan. We recommend this provider to homeowners who want to get the most out of their plan with a lengthy reservicing guarantee.

Pros and Cons

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

Plans and Pricing

Cinch Home Services offers three plans: the Appliances Plan, Built-In Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Cinch also offers a flexible service call fee model, and its options for service fees are $100, $125, and $150. Cinch’s workmanship guarantee is valid for 180 days (about six months) after the original repair date. The company sets its coverage caps at $1,500 for central air conditioning and $1,000 for plumbing systems, which will be subtracted from the policy’s total coverage limit of $10,000 for all covered items.

Here are more details about Cinch Home Services’ plans:

  • Appliances Plan ($38.99–$48.99 per month): Covers appliances, such as clothes dryer, washer, built-in food center, freestanding ice maker, microwave, and refrigerator
  • Built-In Systems ($43.99–$55.99 per month): Covers built-in systems, such as water heater, air conditioner, built-in trash compactor, smoke detector, and jetted tub
  • Complete Home ($54.99–$66.99 per month): Covers all the items in the earlier plans, plus up to $500 per term for a homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement
  • Optional Add-ons ($4.58 to $22 depending on the item): Pools, spas, pools with spas (heater included), septic tanks, well pumps, and a Premier Upgrade Package (increases limits up to $1,000 to help pay for unforeseen costs during a claim, such as debris removal or code upgrades)

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

Cheapest Appliances Plan
4.6

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty offers solid and affordable coverage for your home’s most important systems and appliances. 2-10 provides low service call fees and a generous list of add-on coverage options.

Why We Chose 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

We scored 2-10 4.6 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Not only does 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty offer an affordable appliance plan, but its customizable service call fee, competitive add-on options, comprehensive policies, and easy-to-understand coverage caps make it a worthwhile consideration for any homeowner.

While reading 2-10’s sample contract, we learned that 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.

Note: Our team discovered a pattern of complaint on 2-10’s BBB business profile. The pattern of complaint, which started in October 2021, alleges 2-10 placed customers on hold for extended periods, delayed follow-ups, and limited communication.

In April 2023, 2-10 addressed the pattern of complaint with a statement saying it has implemented measures to reduce the number of complaints. These measures include bolstering its self-service capabilities, reducing call center hold times, and adding a call-back feature.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers a flexible service call fee model Provides a plan-length workmanship guarantee Breaks down sample contract terms in easy-to-understand language Cons Charges a processing fee if you choose monthly premiums Holds an NR rating with the Better Business Bureau

Plans and Pricing

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty offers three plan options: Simply Kitchen, Complete Home, and Pinnacle Home. Simply Kitchen covers appliances, such as your range, dishwasher, and built-in microwave. Complete Home covers all the items in the Simply Kitchen plan, plus six built-in systems. Pinnacle Home is 2-10’s most comprehensive policy, and it covers all the items in the previous plans, plus concrete or encased systems, disposal fees, crane costs, and more.

2-10 allows you to request a quote online and over the phone. We called 2-10 to request a quote and discovered the company offers two extra plans not listed on its website: Simply HVAC and Essential Home. The representative we spoke with stated that these plans cost more and cover less than those listed; therefore, 2-10 doesn’t normally offer them.

2-10 offers a flexible service call fee model, which means you can select a $65, $85, or $100 service call fee. Like other companies with flexible service call fees, the higher your service call fee, the lower your monthly fees will be.

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty offers monthly and annual payment options. Expect to pay between $300 and $816 annually for a 2-10 plan. The company includes a $60 auto-bill discount when you choose the annual option. It charges a 9.8% processing fee if you choose the monthly option.

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

  • Simply HVAC ($39–$51 per month): Covers cooling and heating systems, heat pumps, and thermostats
  • Simply Kitchen ($22–$31 per month): Covers appliances, including built-in microwave, cooktop, dishwasher, oven, range, and refrigerator with ice maker
  • Essential Home ($51–$62 per month): Covers all items listed in the Simply HVAC and Simply Kitchen plans
  • Complete Home ($51–$60 per month): Covers appliances and home systems, including all the items in the Simply Kitchen plan, plus air conditioning, electrical, heating system, interior gas lines, plumbing, electrical, and thermostats
  • Pinnacle Home ($65–$74 per month): Covers all the items in the two earlier plans, plus attic and bathroom exhaust fans; burglar and fire alarms; concrete encased or concealed water lines; concrete encased or concealed wiring; cosmetic appliance parts; crane costs; electrical cut-off switches; faucets and faucet handles; filters, gas, waste, and vent piping leaks or breaks in the plumbing system; haul away/disposal fees; interior and exterior hose bibbs; PEX manifold plumbing system; refrigerant recovery and recharge up to $150; shower heads, shower arms and tub spouts; and washer and dryer
  • Optional Add-ons: Additional freestanding freezer, additional pool, additional refrigerator, additional wet bar refrigerator, additional built-in wine cooler, extended pipe leak, garage-door opener, HVAC surplus, luxury package (increases coverage limits), pool and spa, plumbing and electrical, preseason HVAC tune-up, roof leak, septic system, supreme package, washer and dryer, water softener, and well pump. 2-10 offers more add-ons compared to other providers. The additional refrigerator costs an extra $5 per month.

What To Expect

Our team pulled a quote online to analyze 2-10’s online quote tool. Like other providers, you must enter your ZIP code and a few pieces of personal information before it generates a quote. 2-10’s quote page is cluttered compared to other providers’ pages. We also noted you need to select a plan before you can adjust your service call fee.

Given its NR rating and pattern of complaint, we consider 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty worth considering only if you need basic kitchen appliance coverage at an affordable rate. Its Simply Kitchen plan is budget-friendly, plus its service call fees are lower than most providers on this list. Its Appliance Color Match and Even If features may appeal to budget-conscious customers. 

2-10 requires using an in-network provider when you file a service request. The company extends a plan-length workmanship guarantee, which may persuade some homeowners to consider the company. 

2-10 holds mixed customer reviews. We discovered many customers found the online claims portal easy to use. Others appreciated the quick claims processing. However, some customers didn’t experience the same level of promptness from 2-10. Several customers found it difficult to reach a representative over the phone, while others disliked the low claims reimbursement.

ARW Home

Affordable Service Call Fees
4
  • Response Time: 24–48 hours
  • State Availability: 50 states
  • Service Call Fee: $55

ARW Home (formerly known as American Residential Warranty) offers customizable home protection. It covers unique items other providers exclude. Additionally, its low service call fee makes it worth considering for budget shoppers.

Why We Chose ARW Home

ARW Home offers one of the lowest service call fees in the industry, a range of customizable plans, comprehensive electronics coverage as an add-on, and coverage for items other providers exclude, such as humidifiers and food spoilage.

Our team spoke with a representative to request a quote. The representative answered the phone in under a minute and answered our questions thoroughly.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers a low $55 service call fee Provides six customizable plans Includes coverage for multiple cooling and heating systems Cons Provides clothes washer and dryer coverage as an add-on only Caps home systems at $1,000 per covered item ($500 per covered appliance) Excludes roof-leak coverage

Plans and Pricing

ARW Home provides six protection plans for your home systems and appliances: Kitchen Plus, Heating and Cooling, Platinum, Platinum Premier, Water and Sewer Line Combo, and 4-in-1 Bundle plans. Its Kitchen Plus plan covers standard kitchen appliances, such as refrigerators. The Heating and Cooling plan protects humidifiers, heating, cooling, and electrical systems. The Platinum plan bundles the plans mentioned above, and the Platinum Premier plan adds plumbing systems coverage and more to the mix. The Water and Sewer Line Combo plan covers repairs and unblocking of lines, excavation costs, reseeding grass, and repaving driveways if applicable. Its 4-in-1 Bundle includes all the coverage options above plus optional add-on packages, such as its Ultimate Electronics Protection plan.

We found that ARW Home doesn’t display its Heating, Cooling, and Platinum plans online. We spoke with a representative for clarification, who stated ARW Home excludes those plans due to their lower value for homeowners.

ARW Home pairs all plans with its standard $55 service call fee, which is lower than most providers’ service call fees.

The company allows you to choose monthly and annual premiums. However, if you choose an annual premium, it excludes discounts and additional months of coverage. To obtain a quote from ARW Home, you can use its online tool or call its sales team.

Compare ARW Home’s monthly prices and coverage options below:

  • Kitchen Plus ($39.99 per month): Covers six kitchen appliances: cooktops, refrigerators, dishwashers, built-in microwaves, garbage disposals and kitchen exhaust fans. Also covers water heaters and interior electrical systems.
  • Heating and Cooling ($43.78 per month): ARW Home’s basic plan. It covers heating and cooling systems, humidifiers, and interior electrical systems.
  • Platinum ($54.50 per month): Covers everything in the Kitchen Plus and Heating and Cooling plans. The Platinum plan is available without air conditioning coverage, which lowers your monthly premium.
  • Platinum Premier ($64.99 per month): Covers everything in the Platinum plan plus plumbing systems, ductwork, garage-door openers, and ceiling fans. The Platinum Premier plan is also available without air conditioning coverage to lower your monthly cost.
  • Water and Sewer Line Combo ($17.98 per month): Covers sewer and water line leaks and stoppages plus excavation, repaving, and reseeding costs
  • 4-in-1 Bundle: ($129.99 per month): 4-in-1 Bundle is ARW Home’s most comprehensive plan. It includes all the items mentioned above, plus clothes washers, dryers, sewer and water line stoppage coverage, as well as stand-alone add-on packages, such as the Ultimate Electronics Protection and Deluxe Advantage plans.
  • Optional Add-ons: Clothes washer and dryer, swimming pool and spa, swimming pool only, spa only, plumbing system (does not include fixtures or clogs), additional air conditioning system, additional central heating system, second refrigerator or freezer (does not include ice maker), food spoilage, ceiling fans, ice maker (in refrigerator or stand-alone), water heater, range, oven or cooktop, AC Advantage for refrigerant and coils, Plumbing Advantage for fixtures, Deluxe Advantage Package, and Ultimate Electronics Protection. Ultimate Electronics Protection costs an additional $25 monthly.

What To Expect

ARW Home’s quote tool is one of the more simplistic tools we analyzed. You enter your name, phone number, email, and ZIP code. Once you do, ARW Home displays your monthly premium. We did notice, however, that ARW doesn’t include your service call fee in the quote process. Without reading the company’s sample contract, it’s difficult to know the fee amount.

ARW Home is a solid choice for homeowners who need comprehensive electronics protection. Its $5,000 aggregate claim is the highest for electronics coverage compared to other providers. However, ARW’s standard coverage falls short due to its $1,000 limit per system and $500 limit per appliance. Like most providers, ARW sends an in-network technician to fix your breakdown. 

Regarding customer ratings, ARW Home holds mixed reviews. Several customers appreciated ARW Home’s friendly customer service when signing up for a plan. Other customers, however, lamented ARW’s low coverage reimbursement.


Infographic showing time and effort put into this article's research

 

Home Warranty Buyer’s Guide

Knowing which home warranty is right for your needs can be challenging. We developed this buyer’s guide to walk you through how a home warranty works, what it costs, and other important information.

How Do Home Warranties Work?

When a home system or major appliance breaks down due to normal wear and tear, you can call your home warranty company to file a claim or submit a service request online. Your company will respond to your service request within a specified timeframe, typically less than 48 hours. If it can’t locate a contractor within this time frame, the company may allow you to choose an approved contractor. We called every provider listed in our article to confirm this. The providers allow you to choose your service technician, but you first must contact them to obtain authorization. 

After the company responds to your request, it will forward your claim to an approved contractor to schedule with you directly. At this initial visit, the technician will assess and diagnose the malfunction and determine whether it resulted from a covered issue. Minor repairs will typically be completed during this initial visit if the claim is approved, while other repairs or replacements may require an additional visit after ordering and receiving the necessary parts.

It’s typical for home warranty companies to offer at least a 30-day workmanship guarantee after they’ve completed a covered repair. This guarantee means your contractor will assess the issue and provide service without an additional service charge if the item breaks down again after the initial repair.

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, appliance, and combination plans.

The most common systems and appliances covered under home warranty plans include the following:

  • 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 Typically Not Cover?

Home warranties typically do not cover incorrectly modified or installed built-in systems and appliances or ones that suffered malfunctions due to neglect, misuse, accidental damage, or an “act of God.” It’s important to read service contracts carefully because the terms vary.

As a general rule, home warranties do not cover structural elements. Home warranties also don’t cover any item protected by a manufacturer’s warranty, such as a Samsung warranty.

Home warranties typically exclude miscellaneous item coverage. For example, although your stovetop may be considered a covered item, your provider likely won’t cover the dials, grills, or other non-essential components of the stovetop. 

What Are Common Home Warranty Complaints?

After reading thousands of third-party customer reviews, we determined the most common home warranty complaints include the following:

  • Inexperienced technicians
  • Long wait times for replacements on appliances or parts
  • 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. We recommend asking questions about policies on claims, wait times, and coverage limits before buying to ensure you understand your home warranty company’s terms.


 

How Are Home Warranties Regulated?

Each state regulates home warranties and service contract licensure independently. 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 warranty. Some states including Pennsylvania take a more hands-off approach, according to Timothy Meenan, JD, who serves as executive director and general counsel for the Service Contract Industry Council (SCIC). In contrast, it can be more difficult for new providers to get licensed in states such as Florida and California.

Many states have rules based on the Service Contract Model Act that the SCIC and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) promoted to state legislatures. Since 1988, the SCIC has worked to promote industry regulation nationwide. Regulation ensures you can trust that your home warranty provider is financially sound and can follow through on 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)

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 provider is licensed to operate in your state. You can also read through a sample contract. Many sample contracts have state-specific clauses that clarify the protections and exclusions you are subject to.


 

How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost?

According to our national average, a home warranty typically costs $644 to $737 per year. To find our national average, we pulled over 120 quotes for a 2,000-square-foot, single-family home and calculated the average cost. 

It’s important to factor in service fees when determining the price of your home warranty. Each time your home needs repairs and replacements, service fees are an added cost. Service call fees typically fall between $65 to $125.

Based on our research on over 57 home warranty companies, only 12 home warranty companies allow you to choose your service call fee. Lower service call fees can make your monthly fees more expensive, which is an important consideration if you plan on making several service requests throughout your home warranty term. However, your monthly cost will likely be lower if you choose a higher service fee. When you choose a high service fee, you’ll pay more for a technician’s visit.

Are Home Warranties Worth It?

Home warranties could be worth it if you aren’t financially prepared for unpredictable repairs and replacements for your frequently used appliances and home systems. When we surveyed 1,000 homeowners in 2021, we found that more than 74% of respondents had spent at least $400 on a home repair, and 27% of these homeowners spent more than $1,000 on a repair. 

We surveyed 1,000 homeowners again in 2022 and found that 63% purchased a home warranty due to fear of an expensive breakdown. Arthur Chartrand, of counsel to the National Home Service Contract Association, states home warranties can help establish a “level budget”  by minimizing these expenses. 

Let’s say you own a home with an old HVAC system. According to InterNACHI’s report on the life expectancy of home items, HVAC components  last an average of 10 to 15 years. If you estimate your HVAC system is within that age range, it’s likely only a matter of time before a breakdown occurs. If you replace your HVAC system, you could pay upwards of $4,000 for the unit plus installation costs.

Since a home warranty plan, on average, costs $600 to $800 no matter where you live, you will likely come out ahead with a home warranty if you need to repair or replace a major system or appliance.

However, a home warranty may not work if you have a significant financial nest egg set aside for home repairs or your systems have manufacturers’ or installation warranties. Home warranty contracts stipulate that any item currently covered by another warranty is not covered.


 

What To Look For When Buying a Home Warranty

While shopping for a home warranty, there are several factors to consider before you sign up with a provider: 

  • Available service providers in your area: If your home is located in a rural, mountainous, or off-the-grid area, confirm with your provider that there is a service technician near you. Confirm whether you can use your technician if your provider doesn’t have an established network in your area. Most home warranty providers have a vast network of service providers nationwide. However, there are locations where providers won’t have established networks.
  • Claims processing timeframe: Find out what steps your provider takes to process a claim. Confirm how soon they 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. Claim timeframes can help you differentiate providers to select the best one for your needs.

Chartand also recommends asking your provider where it sources its service technicians. Find out if the service providers it uses are local to where you live. Doing so can eliminate the headache of waiting for your provider to find an in-network technician. 

Reputability: Check consumer review sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews to read how customers feel a provider resolves claims, customer inquiries, and issues. National trade organizations, such as the National Home Service Contract Association and the Service Contract Industry Council, list member providers compliant with specified business practices. Checking these lists can confirm that a provider is reputable.

How To Choose the Best Home Warranty

Use the following tips to find the best home warranty for your coverage needs:

  • Determine your coverage needs: Carefully consider whether you need home appliance or systems coverage before deciding on a plan. Many providers offer systems and appliance-only plans or combination plans.
  • Request multiple quotes: Request quotes from at least three providers to compare costs and coverage limits before deciding. Meenan recommends that homeowners shop around because there may be another provider with similar coverage at a lower price. 
  • Read sample contracts: Comparing contract details for several home warranty providers helps you determine which home warranty is best based on coverage limits, exclusions, and claims process. Meenan also suggests choosing home warranty providers who provide easily accessible sample contracts that clearly label excluded items.

 

How To Read Home Warranty Service Contracts

The tips below outline how to read and understand your home warranty provider’s policy terms.

  • Find what’s covered: Look through the fine print to see if the provider includes all the home items you’d like protected. Most providers cover systems and appliances, but it’s important to confirm that your provider covers what you need.
  • Understand exclusions: Your provider will have certain instances or components that it won’t cover even on a covered item. For example, while your provider may cover your air conditioner, the filters likely won’t be covered. Similarly, your provider may exclude appliances and systems with preexisting conditions from coverage.
  • Ask questions: Call your provider and ask a representative to clarify sections you don’t understand in the service contract.

Reading a home warranty service contract is important before signing up with a provider. Be aware of your provider’s specific coverage exclusions and limitations to reduce denied claims and unwelcome surprises.


 

Our Conclusion

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. We recommend Liberty Home Guard due to its $2,000 coverage cap per covered item, extensive add-on selections, and quality customer reputation. If you own older appliances, First American Home Warranty is a top pick. American Home Shield is another top recommendation for its generous coverage, flexible plans, and customizable service fee.

Before signing up, we suggest carefully reading service contracts to understand each provider’s exact terms and exclusions.


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Frequently Asked Questions About Home Warranties


 

How Do I Find the Best Home Warranty Company in My Area?

Find in-depth reviews on the best home warranty companies for each state and major US city below.


 


 

Our Rating Methodology

The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our home warranty ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each provider. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts from each company, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys. We then score each provider against our review standards for coverage, value, trustworthiness and transparency, availability, and customer service to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.  

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.