Blue Ribbon Home Warranty Review
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Since 1985, Blue Ribbon Home Warranty has delivered affordable coverage to homes within the state of Colorado. Limiting their services exclusively to Colorado has allowed Blue Ribbon to develop a home warranty tailored to the local property construction methods, topography, and weather. While we like Blue Ribbon, our top choice is Liberty Home Guard due to their no-commitment contracts and unique plan additions.
In this Blue Ribbon Home Warranty review, we delve into the quality of the home warranty company based on several factors, including plans, costs, customer service, service fees, coverage limitations, and more.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Blue Ribbon Home Warranty?
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of signing up for a Blue Ribbon Home Warranty protection plan:
What Plans and Coverage Does Blue Ribbon Home Warranty Offer?
Blue Ribbon Home Warranty offers three levels of protection: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The Silver Plan covers 14 commonly used home systems and appliances, such as the heating and electrical systems. The Gold Plan covers everything under the Silver Plan and extends protection to a few more items, such as a clothes washer and dryer. The Platinum Plan is Blue Ribbon Home Warranty’s most comprehensive plan for homeowners looking for thorough coverage and fewer exclusions on covered parts.
Compare coverage for each plan below.
Coverage Plans
| Plan | Silver Plan | Gold Plan | Platinum Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating System | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Ductwork | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Plumbing System | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Water Heater | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Built-in Whirlpool Tub | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Sump Pump | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Electrical System | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Garage Door Opener | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Central Vacuum | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Doorbell (wired) | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Over-the-Range Microwave | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Garbage Disposal | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Trash Compactor | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Washer | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Dryer | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Central A/C, Evaporative Cooler, Heat Pump, or Whole-House Fan | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Blue Ribbon Premier Upgrade | ✔️ | ||
| Preventive Maintenance Check* | ✔️ | ||
| 2nd Garage Door Opener | ✔️ | ||
| Three Items From Additional Items menu | ✔️ |
*The Preventive Maintenance Check is limited to one check for the following covered items:
- Kitchen appliances
- Laundry appliances
- Water heater
- Heating and cooling systems
- Garage door opener
Additional Coverage
Customers can add on the following items to any Blue Ribbon Plan. The cost of these add-ons range between $50–$150 unless you’re a Platinum Plan member, in which case you can choose three add-ons for free. Under the Platinum Plan, coverage for a hot tub and pool are considered as two additional items.
BRHW Additional Coverage Options
| Add-on | Price (per month) |
|---|---|
| Built-in Double oven | $95.00 |
| Gas fireplace | $60.00 |
| Well | $90.00 |
| Septic tank | $50.00 |
| Sewage ejector pump | $75.00 |
| Pool | $150.00 |
| Hot tub | $150.00 |
| Pool and Hot tub combo | $195.00 |
| Roof leaks | $50.00 |
| Heating system | $125.00 |
| Water heater | $95.00 |
| A/C, evaporative cooler or whole house fan | $125.00 |
| Refrigerator | $95.00 |
| Stove | $50.00 |
| Dishwasher | $50.00 |
| OTR microwave oven | $50.00 |
| Trash compactor | $40.00 |
| Central Vacuum | $50.00 |
| Garbage disposal | $40.00 |
| Washer | $50.00 |
| Dryer | $50.00 |
| Garage door opener | $50.00 |
| Sump pump | $40.00 |
Coverage exclusions
Home warranty companies typically have coverage exclusions for certain systems and appliances—Blue Ribbon Home Warranty is no different. Before committing to a warranty with this company, read through the coverage limitations available on Blue Ribbon Home Warranty’s sample contract.
Plumbing fixtures, urinals, electronic controls, touch controls, caulking and grouting, stoppages in incoming water lines, water flow restrictions from chemical or mineral build-up, insufficient or excessive water pressure, water softeners, septic tanks, sewage ejector pumps, circulating pumps, sprinkler systems, saunas, steam rooms, collapsed pipes, plastic piping, and sedimentary build-up are all excluded from Blue Ribbon Home Warranty coverage plans.
Blue Ribbon Home Warranty excludes coverage for the following components within the electrical system: lighting fixtures; ceiling and attic fans; intercoms; smoke, fire, and burglar alarms; low-voltage lighting controls; garage door springs; transmitters; and security touch pads.
Heating system components not covered under a Blue Ribbon plan include portable units, filters, electronic air cleaners, humidifiers, circulating pumps, fill valves, backflow preventers, purging, steam systems, stoppages in water lines, water flow restrictions, chemical or mineral deposits, baseboard casings, and fireplaces.
Repairs associated with flue ducts, vent dampers, and power vent units; zone damper systems; registers or grills; or issues arising from collapsed, crushed, and improperly sized ducts are not covered.
Blue Ribbon Home Warranty doesn’t cover clocks or self-cleaning mechanisms (unless it impacts the performance of an oven), timers, meat probes, interior lining, door glass, tubs, water reservoirs, refrigerant, refrigerant recapture, ceramic and glass stove tops, refinishing or replacement of countertops, cabinets, tile and floors, portable dishwashers, countertop microwave ovens, appliance knobs and handles, lights, removable baskets, lock and key assembles, springs and hinges, or food spoilage.
Additionally, Blue Warranty Home Warranty won’t repair or replace systems and appliances that:
- incur malfunctions from improper installation, wrong wiring, lack of efficiency, power failures, overloads, missing parts, improper maintenance, misuse or other mechanical defects.
- are damaged from fire, smoke, earthquakes, storms, lightning, flood, water, theft, accidents, and conditions beyond the control of the company.
- are labeled as “commercial” by the manufacturer.
- are located underground or encased in concrete.
How Much Does Blue Ribbon Home Warranty Cost?
Blue Ribbon Home Warranty plans provide protection for single-family homes, condos, and townhomes. There’s coverage available for other home types, including mobile homes, but you’ll have to call Blue Ribbon for that specific pricing.
Here’s an overview of Blue Ribbon Home Warranty plan pricing:
Costs
| Type of Plan | Single-Family Home | Condo or Townhomes |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Plan | $475 (14 months) $425 (2 years) | $425 (14 months) $715 (2 years) |
| Platinum Plan | $795 (14 months) $1,325 (2 years) | $745 (14 months) $1,245 (2 years) |
Blue Ribbon Home Warranty has two-year plans that are, on average, $150 to $200 less than the plans that are 14 months long. Customers can choose to pay in a lump sum or opt for monthly installments. Depending on the plan, paying in full could save you $20–$100 on the total cost of the plan.
Note: Blue Ribbon will waive your fourth year premium if you don’t request any service for three consecutive years. For example, if your appliances are new and have a lower risk of breakdown, you might be able to take advantage of this offer, considering that you stick with Blue Ribbon Home Warranty for more than three years without filing a claim.
What Are the Blue Ribbon Service Fees?
Blue Ribbon Home Warranty’s service fee is $55 per trade call. This amount is significantly lower than the $75–$125 industry standard.
What Are the Blue Ribbon Coverage Limits?
As with most other home warranties, Blue Ribbon has coverage caps on several items. Coverage limits indicate the maximum amount the company will pay for the repair or replacement of an item. This cap is reset every time your contract renews.
Coverage Caps
| Home System/Appliance | Coverage Limit (per item) |
|---|---|
| Gas, electrical and hot water heating system, heat pump, dual pack, AC, evaporative cooler, hot tub and/or pool | $1,600.00 |
| Water heater | $800.00 |
| Refrigerator | $750.00 |
| Icemaker | $250.00 |
| Sub-zero refrigerator | $1,500.00 |
| Kitchen or laundry appliance | $600.00 |
| Double Oven | $1,500.00 |
| Gas fireplace | $1,000.00 |
| Whirlpool tub | $800.00 |
| Well pump | $1,200.00 |
| Roof leaks | $350.00 |
| Lead or galvanized piping | $250.00 |
| Drain cleaning | $120.00 |
How Do You File a Claim With Blue Ribbon Home Warranty?
If your covered system or appliance malfunctions, you can file a claim online or by calling 303-986-3900.
Blue Ribbon’s claim center is open 24/7. You must put in a service request within three days of discovering the problem. Once the request is approved, Blue Ribbon will dispatch a pre-approved technician who will contact you within 24 hours (except on weekends and holidays) to schedule an appointment. If Blue Ribbon Home Warranty doesn’t have any technicians available in your area, the company will allow you to select your own.
Non-emergency repair requests should be made during normal business hours. If you request a non-emergency repair outside of business hours, you may have to pay additional overtime fees to the technician.
Once the repair is addressed, you will be reimbursed for the authorized repairs within 30 days of submitting an invoice. The repairs or replacements are under warranty for 30 days. If the item malfunctions again for another reason after this time, you’ll have to pay a service fee again.
What Are Reviews of Blue Ribbon Home Warranty?
Blue Ribbon Home Warranty is accredited by the BBB and holds an impressive A+ rating. Other notable home warranty companies like American Home Shield and First American Home Warranty have B ratings from the BBB.
While most reviews are positive, even the most reputable providers have negative reviews. Here are a few BBB reviews from current customers:
“I’ve had a contract as a condo owner with Blue Ribbon Home Warranty for six years now (I renew it every year). Why? Because they have never failed to take care of problems I’ve encountered with various items in my condo (plumbing, garage door opener, HVAC, washer/dryer issues, et al.), with a friendly voice at the other end of the phone line, prompt attention to my claims, and prompt payment when reimbursement was in order. I highly recommend this warranty service for homeowners and buyers! They have had to reimburse me for a number of items that went kaput, including a dishwasher (partial reimbursement since I made the choice to purchase a high-end model) and a garage door opener… This month, they reimbursed me—in full—for the repair of my air conditioning unit when we had to find an out-of-their-network repair person since all their contracted HVAC companies were booked solid for weeks. No fuss, no muss, and they walked me through the whole process with cheerfulness and patience.” — Teresa V., 6/24/2017
“Beware of their endless excuses of why they will not cover your appliances. Reading the small print on the contract will not do you any good (it’s deceiving). It’s almost worth fighting in court. However, I chose the route NOT to renew with Blue Ribbon Home Warranty. The 2 friends that I had join Blue Ribbon will now not renew with them either. I will never recommend Blue Ribbon again. I have been in the real estate realm for 30 years; Blue Ribbon will no longer have my support or reference.”— G.R., 1/8/2018
How Does Blue Ribbon Compare to the Competition?
Still not sure if Blue Ribbon is right for you? Compare Blue Ribbon Home Warranty to two of the top home warranty companies in the industry.
Compare Home Warranty Providers
| Provider | Blue Ribbon Home Warranty | American Home Shield | Choice Home Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Get a free quote | Not available through This Old House | Visit Site | Visit Site |
| Plan options | 3 + optional add-ons | 3 + optional add-ons | 2 + optional add-ons |
| Monthly premiums | $23–$56 | $40–$58 | $36–$44 |
| Deductible | $55 | $75–$125 | $85 |
| Unique benefits | Offers 14-month contracts instead of the standard 12-month contract | Gives customers the flexibility to choose their own service call fee | Provides after-hours service and doesn’t deny coverage based on the age of systems or appliances |
Is Blue Ribbon Worth the Cost?
We rated Blue Ribbon Home Warranty a 9.3/10. If you live in Colorado, Blue Ribbon is a great choice.
Some pros are the low service fee and competitive, affordable monthly premiums. Blue Ribbon Home Warranty also allows for flexibility in even the most basic plans by giving homeowners the ability to pick and choose different items to make their plan more robust. However, it’s worth noting that the cost of add-ons can significantly increase monthly premiums.
Still, this warranty has its drawbacks that can’t be overlooked. Based on several customer reviews from the BBB, the company seems to have low accountability when it comes to claim acceptance and Blue Ribbon doesn’t pay for additional expenses, such as haul-away fees, that occasionally occur with repairs and replacements. Perhaps one of the company’s biggest drawbacks is that it only services Colorado homes.
Our Preferred Provider: American Home Shield
If you’re shopping for a home warranty and don’t live in Colorado, we recommend American Home Shield (AHS), a highly regarded company known for its comprehensive plans.
AHS offers three plans, providing different levels of coverage for homeowners across the country. Additionally, AHS offers customers the ability to choose a $75, $100, or $125 service call fee, which affects monthly payments. If you choose a higher service fee, you’ll pay a lower monthly rate for coverage.
Get a free quote from American Home Shield today by calling 844-529-9298 or filling out a simple online form with your zip code.
Company Information
- Company name: Blue Ribbon Home Warranty
- Years in business: 34 years
- Address: 95 South Wadsworth Boulevard
- City/State: Lakewood, CO
- Zip code: 80226
- BBB rating: A+
Call Blue Ribbon Home Warranty at 303-986-3900 for more information.
FAQs About Blue Ribbon
Why are home warranties important?
Home warranties cover costs associated with the repair and replacement of commonly used home systems and appliances. For example, if your air conditioner suddenly stops working in the middle of a blistering hot summer month, a fix is as easy as giving your warranty company a call.
Is Blue Ribbon Home Warranty BBB accredited?
Yes, the company has been accredited by the BBB since 1988.
Are Blue Ribbon Home Warranty policies transferable?
Yes, policies are transferable and can be extended to new homeowners with an additional fee.
Are Blue Ribbon Home Warranties renewable?
Yes, your contract will be automatically renewed unless you cancel. Cancellation is allowed with a 10-day written notice before your contract ends. You will be eligible to receive a refund of your contract fee depending on the length of time left in your coverage. Administrative fees (10% of the contract price) will not be refunded.
How long does Blue Ribbon provide coverage for?
While most companies offer 12-month warranties, Blue Ribbon Home Warranty provides coverage for 14 months—two of which are completely free.
Can I hire my own service technician with Blue Ribbon?
If you file a claim with Blue Ribbon Home Warranty but hire your own service technician without the company’s consent, you won’t be refunded the fee or be reimbursed for repair or replacement costs.
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our home warranty ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to score each provider objectively. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys.
We score each provider against our review standards, which include four comparison categories: coverage, value, trust and transparency, and availability and service. We rate each provider across 31 factors within these categories. Each factor is assigned a point value based on its importance to a homeowner, totaling 100 points. We then convert the final scores to a 5-star rating.
Here’s a breakdown of our weighted factors:
- Coverage (40%): We scored coverage based on included home systems and appliances, add-on options, and unique benefits. We also compared coverage caps and policy exclusions.
- Additional coverage items
- Annual coverage cap
- Home systems coverage
- Major appliances coverage
- Obstructed wall coverage cap
- Value (30%): We compared the coverage level received to monthly pricing to determine plan value. We considered premium pricing, service fees, and flexibility in customizing plan costs.
- Average monthly cost
- Cost flexibility
- Lowest service fee
- Trust and Transparency (16%): We evaluated each company’s reputation using the Better Business Bureau ratings and customer reviews on third-party review sites. We read through plan change policies, workmanship protections, and sample contract availability.
- Brand reputation
- Policy change flexibility
- Sample contract availability
- Workmanship guarantee length
- Availability and Service (14%): We award higher scores for faster claim processing and response times. We also considered service technician policies, including options to choose your technician.
- Claims process
- Guaranteed response time
- Service flexibility
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
