American Home Shield and Choice Home Warranty top our list of the best home warranty companies in Ohio. We also liked Choice Home Warranty for its budget-friendly pricing for combined system and appliance coverage. After reviewing 13 of the top home warranty companies, we chose the best options for the Buckeye State.
When determining our list of top-rated companies, we chose home warranties with coverage for essential home systems and appliances, while also considering affordability, workmanship guarantees, and plan customization. In this article, we’ll share more about each of our top five picks and why a home warranty can benefit Ohio homeowners.
Key Takeaways
- American Home Shield is our top pick for home warranty companies in Ohio and was also the preferred provider for 36% of Ohio residents, according to our 2025 survey.
- The average Ohio home warranty costs between $53 and $80 per month, or $626–$943 annually.
- Our survey revealed that most Ohio residents purchased a home warranty to protect their heating or furnace systems, likely due to the state’s long and often harsh winters.
Top Home Warranty Providers in Ohio
Below are our top picks for Ohio home warranty providers:
- American Home Shield: Best for Comprehensive Coverage
- Choice Home Warranty: Best Basic Plan Coverage
- Elite Home Warranty: Best for Customized Coverage
- First American Home Warranty: Best for High-End Items
- AFC Home Warranty: Best Technician Flexibility
Compare Home Warranty Companies in Ohio
The following table compares Ohio home warranty costs and other key factors to consider as you shop for a plan, including national average pricing, service call fees, and Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings.
| Company | Our Score | Service Fee | BBB Rating | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$100–$125 | B | $36–$100 | ||
$100 | B | $60–$68 | ||
$70 ($150 for after hours and weekends) | B | $45–$60 | ||
$100–$125 | B | $77–$130 | ||
$75–$125 | B | $44–$82 |
Note: Pricing may vary depending on your plan choices and your home’s location, size, and type.
**The BBB is an independent organization that evaluates businesses’ credibility and responsiveness to customers. Ratings are accurate as of April 2025.
Our Review of Top Ohio Home Warranties
To pick the best home warranty companies in the state, we researched what Ohio residents might care most about when shopping for coverage. For example, hot humid summers and frigid winters in Ohio can break down your home systems, including your HVAC, over time. Because one million Ohio homes rely on septic systems to treat wastewater, we also confirmed that all plans offered an option for septic system coverage for ejector pumps. Learn more about our top-rated Ohio home warranty companies below.
American Home Shield
American Home Shield Overview
Ohioans with older home systems lacking maintenance records may appreciate American Home Shield (AHS) for its flexible coverage options. AHS is the only company on our list that covers preexisting conditions, has no age limitations on systems and appliances, and does not require maintenance records for claim approval. The company offers three plan options that can cover common systems and appliances for Ohio homeowners, such as a central air conditioning (AC) unit, heating system, septic systems, and roof leak repairs.
AHS offers one of the lower-cost basic plans on our list, at only $40 per month. Plus, the company provides discounts for AARP members, current or veteran military members, and owners of multiple properties. If you successfully refer a friend, you can earn a $100 Amazon gift card.
Workmanship Guarantee: 30 days
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers unique benefits, such as covering undetectable preexisting conditions
- Add-on options include an electronics protection plan offered in partnership with Allstate
- Features high coverage limits of up to $5,000 for HVAC systems, which can help reduce out-of-pocket costs
Cons
- Pricing may exceed the state average, notably for the most comprehensive plan
- Has more expensive service call fees than some other companies we’ve reviewed
Plans and Cost
American Home Shield offers three plans, ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum, priced at $40, $60, and $90, respectively. AHS allows you to choose between a $100 or $125 service call fee rate, which is the amount you owe each time a technician visits your home. Choosing a higher service call fee typically lowers your monthly rate, while selecting a lower service fee usually increases your monthly cost.
Our Experience with American Home Shield
We signed up for an AHS plan and submitted a claim to see how the process really works. We found the sign-up process simple and efficient, allowing you to easily compare plans and adjust add-ons.
Our AHS tester confirmed that the company automatically withdraws monthly premiums from the credit card on file. You can make payments via PayPal, a credit card, or your bank account. The whole process is straightforward, and once you’re set up, you can manage your policy through the customer portal or a smartphone app.
The claim process was seamless as well. Our team member filed a claim on their smartphone by signing into their claims portal account. AHS’s claims portal displays what’s covered under your plan and lets you select the repair needed. Within an hour of submitting the claim, our team member got a call from a local service provider and scheduled a next-day appointment. The service contractor arrived before the appointment time and repaired the leak in two hours.
Choice Home Warranty
Choice Home Warranty Overview
Choice Home Warranty is on our list of the best home warranty companies in Ohio because of its affordable plan options and $3,000 coverage caps for most items. Choice offers two plans—Basic and Total—fewer than the other companies on our list, which offer at least three plans. While the Basic plan excludes air conditioning, a washer and dryer, and a refrigerator, you can get this coverage by upgrading to the Total plan. Choice also offers a septic system and limited roof leak coverage as an add-on for an added monthly cost.
However, note that Choice Home Warranty has faced several lawsuits, including an ongoing case in Arizona regarding alleged consumer fraud.
Workmanship Guarantee: 30 days
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Plans cost less than the state average in Ohio, including an option for comprehensive coverage
- Extends $3,000 coverage caps for most items
- May offer discounts on monthly and single-payment plans
Cons
- Charges an extra $2.50 fee with its monthly home warranty plans
- Has a 30-day workmanship guarantee, which is shorter than some other companies on our list
Plans and Cost
In Ohio, the Total plan costs $69 per month, which includes a $2.50 monthly fee. The Basic plan costs $61 per month, including the same monthly fee. Although the Basic plan is cheaper, keep in mind that it lacks several essential coverages, such as air conditioning and a clothes washer and dryer. If you choose the single payment option, which provides coverage for 13 months, you receive a $75 discount.
On top of the monthly cost, each repair visit results in a $100 service fee. If you wanted a septic system or limited roof leak protection—both common coverage options for those in Ohio—add-ons cost $10 and $6, respectively.
Our Experience with Choice Home Warranty
A member of our team bought a Choice Home Warranty plan with five years’ worth of coverage for her rental houses and home in North Carolina. A customer with the company for two years so far, our team member filed a claim for a broken AC, refrigerator, and freezer when she first moved into her home. She said the company took two weeks to send a technician, and she had to call daily to try to resolve the issue.
As for her rental properties, our team member has had varying experiences with Choice. While technicians sometimes fixed issues quickly, others collected a service fee and diagnosed the problem but did not offer a solution on the spot.
Elite Home Warranty
Elite Home Warranty Overview
Elite Home Warranty has three plans available in Ohio: Elite Appliances, Elite Complete and Elite Systems, all of which include a lower-than-average $70 service fee. Ohioans may prefer Elite Complete or Elite Systems, both of which cover central air conditioners and heating systems, with the option to add septic systems as an add-on. Note that the Elite Appliances plan doesn’t cover AC or heaters. Elite also offers 33 optional add-ons, which is an extensive list compared to other companies in our review.
Elite also extends a workmanship guarantee of 90 days, which is three times longer than other top home warranty companies. This coverage means you won’t need to pay another service fee for additional work if a repair doesn’t hold up within the first 90 days.
Workmanship Guarantee: 90 days
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers three plan options with over 30 add-ons for customization
- Charges affordable rates that cost less than or slightly above the state average
- Has the lowest service call fee on our list of $70 per repair visit
Cons
- Restricts coverage of air conditioning, heating systems, and water heaters for the first 90 days after enrollment
- Charges a $150 fee for specific items, including high-end appliances, and weekend service
Plans and Cost
In Ohio, Elite Home Warranty’s three plans, Elite Appliances, Elite Complete, and Elite Systems, cost $45, $50, or $60, respectively. Elite doesn’t have an online quote tool like other companies on our list, so our team had to call to confirm costs. Each time you need a repair, you’ll owe a flat $70 service fee. If you choose any add-ons for coverage, annual costs range between $50 and $500.
Our Experience with Elite Home Warranty
Our testing process with Elite Home Warranty involved filing a claim for a team member’s high-end appliance. Our team member filed a claim online by filling out a form explaining the issue. Within 30 minutes, they received a call from an Elite representative and scheduled an appointment for the following business day.
On the appointment date, an in-network technician arrived and realized the issue required out-of-stock parts. The service provider returned with the ordered parts the following Monday after an initial visit on Tuesday. Our team member noted the technician’s prompt and professional service.
First American Home Warranty Overview
First American Home Warranty (FAHW) offers three plans with a flexible service fee of $100 or $125. If you choose a higher service fee, you can lower your monthly cost. We like that FAHW offers add-ons Ohioans can benefit from, such as coverage for a septic system or limited roof leaks, each costing less than $8 per month.
Ohio homeowners who value long-term customer satisfaction may consider getting a quote from FAHW. The company has a solid reputation on Trustpilot, with a 4.1 out of 5 stars based on over 15,700 reviews. Many reviewers seemed satisfied with receiving fast repairs and professional service. Plus, one of our in-house testers has had a FAHW plan for over 15 years and is satisfied with its services.
Workmanship Guarantee: 30 days
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers three tiers of coverage, all of which include a combination of systems and appliance protection
- Extends coverage limits that range from $3,500–$7,000 for appliances, depending on the plan
- Has a list of several add-ons to cover items such as central air conditioning and a septic system
Cons
- Charges higher rates than some other companies on our list
- Has a shorter 30-day workmanship guarantee, while some other companies on our list offer longer terms
Plans and Cost
FAHW offers three plans: the Starter Plan, Essential Plan, and Premium Plan. If you choose the higher service fee of $125, your monthly costs will decrease. However, choosing the lowest service call fee will increase your monthly charges.
FAHW also offers optional add-ons for a well pump, septic system and limited roof leak coverage.
Our Experience with First American Home Warranty
One of our in-house testers purchased a home in 2008 that came with a FAHW plan. He has since renewed the plan every year and shared his experience with the company to give an insider look at how it really works.
“Filing a claim is very straightforward,” he said. “You log into your online account, select your issue, add a description of your issue, and submit your claim.”
Our tester has filed several claims over the years, with each processed within an hour to set up an appointment with a technician. Technicians typically have arrived within three days and our tester has never experienced bad service. Several times, he saw the original technician assigned had poor reviews, but the company assigned a new technician with “no questions asked.”
Our tester said would recommend the company to any homeowner and enjoys the peace of mind and convenience of not having to source technicians or request repair quotes.
AFC Home Warranty
AFC Home Warranty Overview
Ohioans looking for flexibility and lengthy workmanship guarantees could benefit from choosing AFC Home Warranty. As a unique feature, you can select your own certified technicians for repair jobs, which customers with a longstanding relationship with a local contractor may appreciate. By comparison, most providers require you to use a technician within a pre-approved network.
Another benefit is that AFC Home Warranty offers a workmanship guarantee that lasts as long as your plan is active, which is either one or three years. Most companies extend a guarantee of 30–60 days, with some, such as Elite Home Warranty, offering up to 90 days. This guarantee ensures coverage for secondary repairs if a technician fixes an item and it breaks again.
Workmanship Guarantee: Life of the plan (1 or 3 years)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Plans include free credit monitoring, family emergency services, and discounts on home security, household items, and more
- Offers the option to pay a $75 or $125 service fee, which can help customize pricing
- Most plans cost less than the state average in Ohio
Cons
- Has fewer add-on options available compared to companies such as Elite Home Warranty
- Choosing the lower-cost service call fee may increase plan pricing
Plans and Cost
AFC Home Warranty offers three plan options that cover a mix of both systems and appliances: Gold, Diamond or Platinum. If you choose the higher service fee of $125, monthly plan costs range between $34, $41, and $65 in Ohio. If you choose the $75 service fee, monthly costs increase to $41, $47, and $72 per plan. You can pay for coverage monthly or in full, with one- or three-year contract lengths.
The above estimated costs for each plan include a 20% discount and free roof leak coverage, which may not apply when you get a quote. However, Ohioans may appreciate the free roof leak coverage, which can provide peace of mind if you worry about the state’s weather events straining your roof over time.
Our Experience with AFC Home Warranty
One of our in-house testers purchased an AFC Home Warranty plan to see how it really works. She started the claim online and found the platform intuitive and easy to use. Although she had to call and text the company to finish the claim, it was successfully submitted and approved.
“I was amazed that the provider found a contractor willing to come to my house, which can be very challenging in a rural area,” she said. “It was then my responsibility to contact the contractor and schedule a good time [for an appointment], which was easy.”
The first contractor didn’t fix the problem correctly, so she had to restart the claims process. After the second approval, a different contractor was sent out again for free. She didn’t need to pay another service fee, and the job was completed properly this time. Overall, the tester considered her experience with AFC Home Warranty positive since the job was eventually done correctly with minimal hassle.
Home Warranty Cost in Ohio
Home warranty plans in Ohio typically range from $53–$80 per month, translating to $626–$943 per year. These prices are roughly in line with the national averages, which run between $47 and $82 per month or $564–$984 annually. Several factors influence these costs, such as the size and age of your home, the level of coverage you choose, and whether you include add-on protections like roof leak coverage, sump pumps, or well pumps. Your exact location in Ohio, whether in a rural town or a larger city like Columbus or Cleveland, can also affect the final price.
| Provider | Monthly Cost | Service Fee |
|---|---|---|
| American Home Shield | $40–$90 | $100–$125 |
| Choice Home Warranty | $61–$69 | $100 |
| Elite Home Warranty | $45–$60 | $70 |
| First American Home Warranty | $81–$133 | $100–$125 |
| AFC Home Warranty | $44–$82 | $75–$125 |
How We Determined Home Warranty Pricing
To estimate home warranty costs in both Ohio and across the country, we reviewed nearly 4,000 quotes from 13 providers serving all 50 states. Our research included sample addresses for single-family homes under 4,000 square feet in a mix of urban and rural areas throughout Ohio, such as Coolville, Dublin, Cleveland, and Columbus. We used this data to calculate average pricing ranges at the state and national levels.
Survey Insights From Ohio Homeowners
Our 2025 home warranty survey gave us valuable insight into how homeowners across the country shop for and use their home warranty plans. In Ohio, 57% of residents said they purchased a home warranty to protect older appliances and systems. This aligns with the 83% of respondents who reported living in a pre-owned home. More than half (54%) said their home was 20 years or older. Combination plans that cover both systems and appliances were the most popular, offering well-rounded protection for the whole home.
When it came to coverage priorities, 47% of Ohio homeowners ranked heating or furnace systems as their top concern. Other key systems included electrical at 16%, air conditioning at 13%, and plumbing at 13%. Water heaters were the most commonly protected item for appliances at 40%, followed by refrigerators at 29%. Many policyholders also added extra coverage, with roof leak protection (40%), additional system coverage (23%), and added appliance protection (22%) being the most common choices.
Most Ohio homeowners were satisfied with their current plans and recent claims experience. About 88% said their latest claim was approved, most often for a system repair at 52%. Of those claims, nearly 46% were resolved with a full replacement. Overall, 86% of homeowners said they were either very satisfied or satisfied with how their claim was handled. Confidence in their coverage was also strong, with 74% planning to renew their plan at the end of their current term.
How We Collected Our Survey Data
To better understand how homeowners feel about their home warranty coverage, we conducted a 2025 nationwide survey of 2,000 planholders across all 50 states. The survey explored what motivated them to purchase a warranty, how satisfied they were with their coverage, and their experiences with the claims process and customer service. We also gathered feedback on plan pricing, optional add-ons, and whether homeowners planned to renew their coverage.
Should I Buy a Home Warranty in Ohio?
Since Ohio experiences all four seasons, homeowners may rely on a central AC unit, heating, and septic system to keep their homes functioning properly. If an unexpected breakdown happens, the cost of repairing or replacing these systems can add up quickly, making it worthwhile to consider buying a home warranty plan.
According to Logan Services, an Ohio-based company, the cost to fix an air conditioning system can run $2,000 or more, depending on the system’s condition. Fire & Ice, another Ohio-based company in Columbus, quotes a new furnace heating system anywhere between $3,000 and $8,400. Supeck Septic Services, based in Medina, quotes an average of $13,000 to replace a failing septic system in Ohio.
For Ohio homeowners, we learned that they purchased coverage to protect key systems, including heating and furnace (47%) the most, which makes sense given Ohio’s harsh winters. Electrical systems were the next most popular system for coverage.
This means that if all three systems were to wear out and break within one year, it could cost up to $23,400 to fix or replace everything. And this doesn’t consider other important items Ohio homeowners may care about, such as roof leaks, refrigerators, and washer and dryers. A home warranty could help offset those repair costs in exchange for an affordable payment, with an average cost of around $56 per month in Ohio. Plus, with a home warranty, the company can handle finding a technician when you need a repair, saving you time and money.
Advice From Homeowners
Getting a home warranty plan is a personal decision depending on your home, budget, and coverage needs. One of our team’s home warranty testers, Amanda L., offers the following advice for those considering buying a home warranty plan.
Amanda recommends looking through each appliance and system in your home and determining which needs coverage.
“Now that I’m six months into my plan, I feel like I should’ve signed up for a bit more coverage,” she said. “When my hot water heater broke recently, I would’ve liked to be able to outsource finding a repair person to my warranty company.”
She also pointed out the peace of mind her home warranty plan provides.
Homeowner Advice
“However, having had a dishwasher leak last year, a home warranty definitely provides me comfort knowing that if anything happens to my appliances, I can get a third party to deal with some of those details quickly,” she said.
We recommend that Ohioans inventory their home’s appliances and systems before signing up for coverage. When shopping for a plan, it is important to confirm potential coverage exclusions to reduce any surprises when you file a claim. This way, you can protect the important items in your home and reduce financial stress.
FAQs About Home Warranties in Ohio
How much does a home warranty cost in Ohio?
The state average cost of a home warranty plan is $53–$80 per month, or $626–$943 per year, in Ohio. However, many of our top recommended providers offer plans for less than the state average.
What is a red flag when shopping for a home warranty?
Red flags for a home warranty company can include not offering a workmanship guarantee or holding poor ratings across multiple customer review websites. Make sure to conduct your own research before buying a home warranty plan.
What does a home warranty cover in Ohio?
Exact coverage for home warranty plans in Ohio will vary by provider. However, plans typically offer systems-only coverage, appliance-only coverage, or a combination of both. This can include heating and cooling systems, electrical, plumbing, kitchen appliances, and a washer and dryer. Many companies also offer certain coverage as add-ons, such as pools and roof leaks.
Methodology: How We Evaluated Home Warranty Providers
To gain an accurate and well-rounded understanding of Ohio home warranty plans, we researched the top companies in the state, spoke with industry experts, read through service contracts, secret-shopped providers, surveyed thousands of customers, and interviewed real home warranty owners.
Using this research, our team developed a detailed methodology to score each company based on six categories: coverage (35%), cost (20%), trustworthiness (15%), plan transparency (10%), customer support (10%), and flexibility (10%).
When analyzing home warranty plans for Ohio homeowners, we considered these key factors:
- Heating system and central air coverage: Because Ohio has harsh winters and scorching summers, we prioritized home warranty plans that offer solid coverage for heating systems and AC units.
- Price and trustworthiness: Companies offer home warranty plans for less than the state average in Ohio scored better in our review. We also looked at BBB ratings and customer reviews to get an idea of trustworthiness.
- First-hand experience submitting claims: Our team submitted claims to multiple home warranty companies, including our top pick for Ohio, American Home Shield. We did this to get a better understanding of true customer satisfaction and potential roadblocks.
- Opinions from real homeowners: We spoke with real homeowners about their home warranty experiences to help you determine the value of a plan. We asked how they felt about their providers and what advice they wished they had before going in. We also surveyed thousands of homeowners to get a larger-scale understanding of the home warranty user experience.
