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5 Best Home Warranty Companies in Ohio (2024)

Author Icon Written by Dana Getz + 1 other Reviewer Icon Reviewed by Michael Mansueto Updated 04/12/2024

For homeowners living in Ohio, we recommend Liberty Home Guard. The company offers three coverage plans and 38 add-on options allowing you to customize your plan. Weโ€™ve analyzed the leading companies in the United States and spotlighted the top home warranty options in Ohio.

Key Takeaways

The best home warranty companies in Ohio are Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield, based on our research of nearly 60 home warranty providers.
A home warranty costs $29-$92 per month in Ohio, depending on your provider and coverage.
Due to Ohioโ€™s cold winters and warm summers, consider a home warranty company that offers solid HVAC system coverage.
Did You Know?

In the last 30 days, more than 2,500 people bought home warranties from the above providers.


Summary of Ohio Home Warranty Companies

According to our research, the highest-rated home warranty companies in Ohio include the following:

Liberty Home Guard: Best Customer Ratings
American Home Shield: Best for Comprehensive Coverage
First American Home Warranty: Best Appliance Coverage
AFC Home Warranty: Best for Customization

The Best Home Warranty Companies in Ohio Compared

We conducted in-depth comparisons of the top Ohio home warranty companies. Before making our recommendations, we considered their coverage options, customer service, plan costs, service fees, and transparency. The table below highlights several comparison metrics we used:

Star Rating Monthly Cost in OH Service Fee Response Time BBB Rating Link
Liberty Home Guard Liberty Home Guard
$49โ€“$59 $65โ€“$125 Up to 48 hours NR VISIT SITE
American Home Shield American Home Shield
$29โ€“$89 $100โ€“$125 Up to 48 hours B VISIT SITE
Select Home Warranty Select Home Warranty
$44โ€“$47 $60โ€“$75 48-84 hours B- VISIT SITE
First American Home Warranty First American Home Warranty
$44โ€“$84 $75โ€“$125 4-48 hours B VISIT SITE
AFC Home Warranty AFC Home Warranty
$34โ€“$92 $75โ€“$125 24-48 hours B VISIT SITE
Liberty Home Guard
Logo Liberty Home Guard
Star Rating
Monthly Cost in OH $49โ€“$59
Service Fee $65โ€“$125
Response Time Up to 48 hours
BBB Rating NR
VISIT SITE
American Home Shield
Logo American Home Shield
Star Rating
Monthly Cost in OH $29โ€“$89
Service Fee $100โ€“$125
Response Time Up to 48 hours
BBB Rating B
VISIT SITE
Select Home Warranty
Logo Select Home Warranty
Star Rating
Monthly Cost in OH $44โ€“$47
Service Fee $60โ€“$75
Response Time 48-84 hours
BBB Rating B-
VISIT SITE
First American Home Warranty
Logo First American Home Warranty
Star Rating
Monthly Cost in OH $44โ€“$84
Service Fee $75โ€“$125
Response Time 4-48 hours
BBB Rating B
VISIT SITE
AFC Home Warranty
Logo AFC Home Warranty
Star Rating
Monthly Cost in OH $34โ€“$92
Service Fee $75โ€“$125
Response Time 24-48 hours
BBB Rating B
VISIT SITE
Company BBB Rating Monthly Cost in OH Service Fee Visit Site
NR $49โ€“$59 $65โ€“$125 VISIT SITE
B $29โ€“$89 $100โ€“$125 VISIT SITE
B- $44โ€“$47 $60โ€“$75 VISIT SITE
B $44โ€“$84 $75โ€“$125 VISIT SITE
B $34โ€“$92 $75โ€“$125 VISIT SITE
No results were found.

BBB ratings are accurate as of April 2024.

Note: We based the pricing information in this table and throughout the article on sample quotes we obtained for a 2,083-square-foot, single-family home in Cincinnati, Ohio. Your pricing may vary depending on your homeโ€™s location, size, type, and plan selections.


Why Trust Us? Our review and rating process for the best home warranty companies
57
Companies Considered We carefully considered 57 companies to find the best home warranty providers available.
2000
Home Owners Surveyed We surveyed 2,000 home owners to see what they care about most when in comes to home protection.
57000
Reviews Analyzed We went through 57,000 customer reviews of home warranty companies to see what people had to say about each provider.
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Coverages Compared We compared 31 policies to find the best home warranty offerings on the market.

Do I Need a Home Warranty in Ohio?

When deciding if investing in a home warranty is worth it, consider that a solid warranty can provide a financial safety net for homeowners concerned about expensive home appliance and system repairs. Home warranties are also a solid option for first-time homeowners who want extra protection for their new homes.

Seasonal fluctuations in Ohioโ€™s climate can stress your homeโ€™s built-in systems and appliances. For example, if your air conditioning system repair costs roughly $500 and your provider covers up to $2,000 per repair, you will only pay a service fee versus the entire repair cost.

Weโ€™ve researched Ohio’s most common home system and appliance repairs and replacements to put together the table below:

Item/SystemAverage Cost to RepairAverage Cost to Replace
Exhaust Fans$16โ€“$300$250โ€“$950
Refrigerator$40โ€“$350$200โ€“$5,000
Dehumidifier$50โ€“$200$1,300โ€“$2,800
Microwave$50โ€“$400$60โ€“$2,000
Washer$50โ€“$450$400โ€“$2,300
Dishwasher$50โ€“$500$400โ€“$3,000
Freezer$90โ€“$500$160โ€“$2,900
Dryer$100โ€“$400$450โ€“$2,300
Oven$100โ€“$430$400โ€“$3,000
Electric Range$100โ€“$500$230โ€“$3,000
Gas Range$100โ€“$500$230โ€“$3,000

How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in Ohio?

Our research shows a home warranty costs an average of $53 per month in Ohio. Various factors determine the total cost of purchasing a home warranty, such as your chosen coverage plan. Here are some tips below to get the most out of your home warranty plan:

  • Select the right service call fee: Some home warranty companies let you select a higher or lower service fee to adjust your monthly premium. Your monthly premium will decrease with a greater service call fee, whereas a lower service call fee means you will spend less on technician visits. Be aware that your monthly premium increases with a lower service fee.
  • Pay only for what you need: The majority of home warranty companies provide less expensive appliance- and system-only plans versus bundled plans. You can save money by opting for an appliance-only plan if you just require coverage for your appliances. Overall, it’s best to look for plans that cover only the systems and appliances you need.
  • Reconsider buying add-ons: Add-ons can dramatically increase your monthly premium. Buy add-ons only if they provide you with the greatest value. However, some home warranty companies include free coverage for roof leaks, which might reduce your monthly cost.

The 5 Best Ohio Home Warranty Companies Reviewed

Liberty Home Guard

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

Liberty Home Guard (LHG) has the highest BBB scores and average customer review ratings than other providers in this review. Along with its excellent customer experience, the company offers three coverage plans plus almost 40 add-on options.ย 

Why We Chose Liberty Home Guard

Liberty Home Guard rated a 4.5 out of 5 stars in our review. The company maintains a 4.7 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and an A rating* with the BBB. Our team tried calling LHG customer service and reached a representative in under a minute. Its live-chat features also provide quick connections to customer support.ย 

Homeowners looking for a large catalog of add-on options should consider LHG. The company includes 38 add-on choices, including indoor and outdoor systems and appliances. Some coverage examples include standalone freezers, carpet cleaning, pest control, and plumbing fixtures.

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes a 60-day workmanship guarantee Maintains high customer review scores on BBB and Google Reviews Provides 38 add-ons options for its plans Cons Does not offer discounts for choosing an annual premium May take up to 48 hours to respond to a claim Lacks transparency with service call fee pricing options

Plans and Pricing

Liberty Home Guard offers three coverage plan options: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Service fees vary from $65โ€“$125 based on your coverage plan, location, and add-ons. The company has a $2,000 coverage cap on most items. We learned that electrical and plumbing systems include only a $500 cap for each system. LHG provides a 60-day workmanship guarantee with its plans, which is twice the industry standard coverage.ย 

You can choose between a monthly or annual premium. With an annual plan, youโ€™ll pay between $499 and $599 per year for coverage. LHG doesnโ€™t offer additional discounts or free months of service with its annual plans, which is common with other providers.ย 

Weโ€™ll explain LHGโ€™s monthly plans below:

  • Appliance Guard: The lowest plan covers major appliances, including ceiling and exhaust fans, clothes washers, and dishwashers.
  • Systems Guard: This plan covers most built-in systems, including air conditioning, ductwork, electrical, and water heaters.
  • Total Home Guard: Homeowners receive the combined coverage of the Appliance Guard and Systems Guard plans.
  • Optional add-ons: LHG offers 38 add-on coverage options, such as floor cleaning, generators, pest control, pools, spas, and second refrigerators.

Here’s an overview of LHG pricing:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Appliance Guard

$49.99

$65–$125

$2,000

Systems Guard

$54.99

$65–$125

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

Total Home Guard

$59.99

$65–$125

Coverage caps remain the same

What To Expect

You can receive a quote over the phone or using the LHG online tool. If you use the tool, youโ€™ll need certain basic information and home details to get your quote. You must provide your name, phone number, and email to begin the process. Next, enter your home address, home type, and estimated home size. Once you receive your quote, you can switch between plans and premiums to find the best rate.ย 

LHG sends its own service technicians for repair calls. You can select your own contractor if there are no company technicians in your area.ย 

Our team analyzed reviews from LHG homeowners. We learned that LHG received positive customer reviews for the service techniciansโ€™ professionalism and the quick claims process. Some negative reviews called the company out for issuing lower reimbursements than promised.

We also tested the live chat features and were pleased with the responsiveness and ease of use.

American Home Shield

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

American Home Shield (AHS) provides comprehensive home warranty coverage to homeowners. Its plans include appliance coverage and unique conditions not typically covered by other companies.ย 

Why We Chose American Home Shield

American Home Shield earned 4.4 out of 5 stars. The company offers three comprehensive coverage plans and two service call fees, giving homeowners more options for plan customization. AHS also includes coverage for preexisting conditions, improper maintenance, and physical damage, including rust and corrosion. These unique protections make AHS an excellent choice for homeowners with older appliances and systems.ย 

Pros and Cons

Pros Covers preexisting conditions and improper installations Includes items with corrosion, rust, and sediment damage Provides three coverage plans and two service call fees Cons Doesnโ€™t offer a plan for appliance-only coverage Limits add-ons to five options Restricts premiums to monthly options only

Plans and Pricing

American Home Shield provides three coverage plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. The ShieldSilver includes up to a $5,000 coverage cap per home system. Under the ShieldGold plan, you get ShieldGold coverage plus appliances with a $2,000 cap. The most comprehensive plan, ShieldPlatinum, enhances the ShieldGold coverage with an increased $4,000 appliance coverage cap. Additional benefits include up to $1,000 in code upgrades, HVAC tune-ups, air filter discounts, and roof-leak coverage.ย 

When we pulled sample quotes for AHS, we received details on all three plans and service fees of $100 or $125. Choosing a higher service fee resulted in a lower monthly premium. If you prefer to pay less for your service call fees, youโ€™ll receive higher monthly rates. All AHS plans include an industry standard, 30-day workmanship guarantee.

Most companies offer monthly and annual premium options and include discounts for choosing annual plans. Unfortunately, AHS only offers monthly premiums for its warranties.ย 

Here is an overview of American Home Shieldโ€™s plan options:

  • ShieldSilver: This system-only coverage includes major systems such as air conditioning, heating, and plumbing.
  • ShieldGold: The next plan includes major systems and appliances, including ranges and water heaters.ย 
  • ShieldPlatinum: The highest coverage plan includes the ShieldGold items plus added benefits, including roof-leak repairs and HVAC tune-ups.ย 
  • Optional add-ons: Homeowners can add coverage for electronics, guest units, pools, septic pumps, spas, and well pumps.

Here’s an overview of American Home Shield’s pricing, service fees, and coverage caps for each plan:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

ShieldSilver

$29.99–$39.99

$100–$125

$5,000

ShieldGold

$49.99–$59.99

$100–$125

Systems: $5,000

Appliances: $2,000

ShieldPlatinum

$79.99–$89.99

$100–$125

Systems: $5,000

Appliances: $4,000

What To Expect

We found American Home Shieldโ€™s online quote tool simple. Youโ€™ll need your home address, ZIP code, and email address for a personalized price. Homeowners can choose plan and service fee options to find the best fit. The site instantly updates with your adjusted premium costs.ย 

AHS uses its own network of contractors for service requests. Our team member has an AHS plan and tested the claim process to resolve a leaking bathroom pipe. The AHS representative found a local plumber within the hour and scheduled an appointment for the next day. Our team memberโ€™s pipe was fixed, and he only paid the service call fee.ย 

We read dozens of Better Business Bureau (BBB) customer reviews to gauge brand reputation and service. Overall, customers were pleased with American Home Shield and appreciated their prompt claims process. However, the company has mixed reviews for its customer support team. Some homeowners mentioned claim reimbursements that were lower than expected.

Select Home Warranty

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

Select Home Warranty provides low-cost coverage plans with service fees starting at $80.ย  You can choose from plans covering appliances-only, systems-only, or combined coverage for the most protection.ย ย 

Why We Chose Select Home Warranty

Select Home Warranty earned a 4.3 out of 5 rating in our review. Its coverage plans start under $50 per month and include service fees as low as $80. Homeowners also receive roof-leak coverage with every plan, which typically requires additional fees.ย 

Homeowners looking for basic home protections should consider Select Home Warranty. We should note that Select offers lower coverage caps than other competitors. Although the lower premiums make it a more affordable choice, its lower coverage caps could impact your claims process. Weโ€™d recommend choosing Select if lower costs and baseline coverage options are your primary concerns.

Pros and Cons

Pros Charges less than $50 for monthly premiums Includes discounts and free months of service with annual plans Provides roof-leak coverage free of charge Cons Doesnโ€™t let you choose your service call fee Excludes coverage for unknown preexisting conditions Offers lower coverage caps compared to other providers

Plans and Pricing

Select Home Warranty offers three coverage options: Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care. During secret shopping, we learned that Select offers its lowest service fee through an exclusive deal over the phone. Although HVAC systems receive a $3,000 coverage cap, all other systems receive a much lower $500 cap. Select backs its repairs with a 30-day workmanship guarantee.

Select offers options for annual and monthly premiums. You pay between $479 and $524 for annual expenses. When we ran a sample quote, we received $150 off annual premium costs and two additional months of coverage at no charge.ย 

Below is a breakdown of Select Home Warrantyโ€™s plans:

  • Bronze Care: Its appliance-only plan includes major appliances, such as cooktops, dishwashers, garbage disposals, and stoves.
  • Gold Care: This system-only plan includes major home systems, such as ductwork, electrical systems, heating, and plumbing.
  • Platinum Care: The highest-plan tier combines the Bronze and Gold Care coverage plus additional coverage for other items such as luxury appliances.
  • Optional add-ons: Add-on options include central vacuums, lawn sprinkler systems, pools, septic systems, stand-alone freezers, sump pumps, and well pumps.

Here’s an overview of pricing for each plan:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Bronze Care

$44.42

$60–$75

$500

Gold Care

$44.42

$60–$75

$500 (HVAC: $3,000)

Platinum Care

$47.75

$60–$75

Coverage caps remain the same

What To Expect

Our team pulled quotes for Select Home Warranty via phone and using the online tool. With the tool, you must enter your ZIP code first. Next, youโ€™ll provide your name, phone number, and email before receiving the personalized quote. We did not need to enter a home address. Our team also learned that Select prefers solving customer issues and processing claims over the phone.ย 

Select will choose a service technician for your repairs in most cases. However, if the company cannot find someone in your area, you can select your own contractor. Select must approve of your selected technician before having them complete the repairs.ย 

Based on customer reviews, we learned that homeowners appreciated the low-cost options but had issues reaching the customer service department.

First American Home Warranty

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

*(excludingย Alaska,ย Connecticut,ย Delaware,ย Hawaii,ย Illinois, Louisiana, Maine,ย Massachusetts,ย Minnesota,ย New Hampshire,ย New York,ย North Dakota,ย Rhode Island,ย Vermont, andย Wisconsin)

First American Home Warranty offers some of the best appliance coverage in our list of reviewed companies. The coverage cap begins at $3,500 for its lowest plans and doubles to $7,000 with its most comprehensive coverage.ย 

Why We Chose First American Home Warranty

We rated First American Home Warranty 4.6 out of 5 stars in our review standards. If you own high-end appliances, First American is a solid choice due to its high appliance coverage caps. 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.ย 

You can enhance your coverage with the First American Advantage upgrade, adding additional protection for systems and appliances. This coverage includes protections for improper installations, maintenance, and modifications.

Pros and Cons

Pros Doesnโ€™t set an age limit for covered systems and appliances Includes unlimited coverage caps on cooling, heating, and ductwork Offers up to a $7,000 appliance coverage cap on its highest plan Cons Doesn’t allow you to choose your technician Excludes roof-leak coverage Lacks coverage for home systems under its basic plan

Plans and Pricing

First American Home Warranty provides three plan options: the Starter Plan, the Essential Plan, and the Premium Plan. Homeowners can opt for a $75, $100, or $125 service call fee for their plan. Its Starter and Essential Plans include a $3,500 coverage cap, and the Premium Plan covers up to $7,000. Every plan includes a 30-day workmanship guarantee.

The Essential and Premium plans also include the First American Advantage upgrade, which covers the following items:

  • Refrigerant recapture, reclaim, and disposal
  • Removal services for appliances and systems
  • Up to $250 for a building permit
  • Fees associated with cranes and other lifting equipment
  • Repairs and replacements on items that malfunction due to improper maintenance or installation

We received quotes for both annual and monthly plan premiums. Expect to pay between $480 and $960 for annual premiums. Unfortunately, First American offers no bonus perks for choosing an annual plan.ย 

Letโ€™s take a closer look at First Americanโ€™s coverage plans:

  • Starter Plan: Covers built-in microwaves, dishwashers, ductwork, electrical system, heating, plumbing systems, oven/cooktop, plumbing stoppages, refrigerators, and toilet tanks, bowls, and mechanisms
  • Essential Plan: Includes everything in the Starter Plan plus air conditioning, ceiling/attic/exhaust fans, clothes washers and dryers, First American Advantage upgrade, garage door openers, trash compactors, and water heaters
  • Premium Plan: Covers all items in the Essential Plan plus full garage door systems, instant hot water dispensers, luxury appliances, 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 coverage, pool and spa equipment, septic tank systems and pumping, water softeners, and well pumps. First American offers limited roof-leak coverage for less than $9 per month.

Here’s an overview of First American’s plan pricing:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Starter Plan

$44–$59

$75–$125

Systems: Unlimited

Appliances: $3,500

Essential Plan

$54–$69

$75–$125

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

Appliances: $3,500

Premium Plan

$69–$84

$75–$125

Systems: Remain the same Appliances: $7,000

What To Expect

Request a quote over the phone or with the companyโ€™s online quote tool. When we used the online quote tool, we had to enter our name, phone number, email, and home address. We also choose our home type and estimated square footage. When we received our sample quote, we could adjust our service call fee and switch between annual and monthly premiums. The online tool also offers complete details on each plan below the premium pricing, making it easy to compare options.ย 

First American maintains its own network of service contractors. You do have the option to choose your own contractor if First American canโ€™t find a local technician for you. One of our team members has a First American coverage plan and processed a claim for a garage door opener repair. He spoke with a rep on a Friday and received a repair appointment for the following Monday. The repairs were completed in under 30 minutes, and he was only charged for the service repair fee.ย 

After reading homeowner reviewers, we learned that customers liked the prompt claims process but experienced delays with scheduling service appointments.

AFC Home Warranty

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

Americaโ€™s First Choice Home Warranty (AFC) earns its spot as one of the best home warranty companies for Ohio homeowners due to its variety of plan options and flexible pricing model. Customers can also select optional coverage for up to 12 additional items, such as tankless water heaters, in-ground pools, and double ovens.

Why We Chose AFC Home Warranty

We gave AFC Home Warranty a 4.6 out of 5 rating in our review standards. Homeowners receive several plan options and service fees to help create the ideal coverage. Along with plan variety, the company offers added benefits, including free credit monitoring and identity fraud protection. AFC Home Warranty is a great choice for homeowners who want more personalized coverage options.ย 

The company also offers an unlimited workmanship guarantee with its plans. Most warranties include up to 60 days for workmanship coverage. With AFC Home Warrantyโ€™s guarantee, your appliances and systems remain covered for as long as you keep your service plan.

Pros and Cons

Pros Lets homeowners choose their own contractor Offers unlimited workmanship coverage for your planโ€™s entire length Provides four plans and three service fee options Cons Charges a $75 cancellation fee after 30 days Depreciates the value of items that are five years or older Doesnโ€™t cover unknown preexisting conditions

Plans and Pricing

AFC Home Warranty provides four coverage plans: Silver Plan, Systems Plan, Gold Plan, andย  Platinum Plan. You can choose from a $75, $100, or $125 service call fee. Choosing a higher fee results in a lower premium.

While getting a sample quote, we learned that HVAC systems have an unlimited coverage gap. The only exception was thermostats, which received a $80 limit. Appliances receive up to $3,000 per item but could receive a lower cap due to age. We discovered that AFC Home Warranty pays the depreciated value of an item older than five years old. All replacements and repairs include a workmanship guarantee with unlimited coverage.ย 

You may choose between an annual or monthly plan premium. Expect to pay between $347 and $629 annually for AFC Home Warranty plans. The company does offer added savings for choosing an annual option. Selecting a one-year plan includes a $100 discount, while a three-year commitment includes a $250 discount.

Here is an overview of AFC Home Warranty plans:

  • Silver Plan: The first coverage tier protects appliances only and includes refrigerators, clothes washers, and dryers.
  • Systems Plan: The next plan focuses on home systems only, including air conditioning, heating, and plumbing.
  • Gold Plan: You receive coverage for appliances and systems, such as ductwork, oven, range, and garage door opener.
  • Platinum Plan: The highest tier includes coverage under the Gold Plan and includes protection for your built-in microwave and ice maker.
  • Optional add-ons: Add-ons include central vacuum, double oven, electronic coverage, hot water dispenser,ย  pool, roof-leak repair, septic system, spa, stand-alone freezer, and sump pump.

We outlined the cost, service fees, and coverage caps associated with each plan below:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Silver Plan

$34.33–$39.08

$75–$125

$3,000

Systems Plan

$48.50–$53.17

$75–$125

Appliances: $3,000

Systems: Unlimited

Gold Plan

$53.17–$57.92

$75–$125

Coverage caps remain the same

Platinum Plan

$87.75–$92.50

$75–$125

Coverage caps remain the same

What To Expect

Homeowners can receive AFC Home Warranty quotes through a representative or online. When we tested the online tool, we found it simple to use but ran into issues trying to compare plans. Unlike other companies that offer all plan details on one page, AFC requires you to select a plan first, then takes you to a separate page with details. You must switch back and forth between two screens for comparison shopping. These extra steps make the quote process less efficient than other providers.ย 

You can choose your own contractor for service calls, a rare option with home warranty companies. Although this is a welcomed feature, the company offers mixed coverage limits for home systems, lowering its plansโ€™ overall value compared to other companies.ย 

Based on our online review analysis, we learned that AFC Home Warranty received mixed reviews from homeowners. Customers appreciate the prompt claims process but were disappointed with the depreciation value policy included with the plans.


Are Home Warranties Worth the Money in Ohio?

Whether home warranties are worth the money depends on your situation. The main benefit of a home warranty is the cost savings youโ€™ll have on appliance and system repairs. For example, suppose youโ€™re in the process of buying or selling a home. If youโ€™re a seller, you wonโ€™t be on the hook for any repair or replacement costs while the house is on the market. If youโ€™re a buyer, you can rest easy knowing you wonโ€™t have to shell out big bucks for major repairs right after purchasing a new home. In this scenario, a home warranty is worth the money.


How Are Home Warranties Regulated in Ohio?

Our research shows that Ohio doesnโ€™t clearly label home warranties as insurance in most cases. This means the state doesnโ€™t regularly enforce regulations on companies selling home service contracts. That said, Ohioโ€™s Department of Insurance (ODI) allows homeowners who own a home warranty to file a complaint online. 

Home warranties also self-regulate via industry associations. The leading industry organizations that oversee the home warranty industry are the National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) and the Service Contract Industry Council (SCIC). Each organization has the common goal of protecting consumers from unfair business practices. In addition, they both have a member directory that lists compliant companies to help you choose the right Ohio home warranty.


Annual Home Warranty Cost Calculator

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

Note: The annual cost figure generated by our home warranty calculator is not an indication of a companyโ€™s actual plan cost, as annual costs and service fees vary based on your plan selections and your homeโ€™s size, type, and location.


How To Choose a Home Warranty in Ohio

Some providers may fit your unique situation better than others. Here are a few pointers to help you choose the best home warranty:

  • Ask a professional: Talk to your local real estate agent if you have questions about home warranties. Many real estate agents know the ins and outs of home warranties and can give you provider recommendations based on their experience.
  • Be wary of price: Going for the cheapest option may not always be the best option. Our research found that companies that charge less for coverage plans tend to have lower coverage limits. Consider a company that covers the full replacement cost of your home items.
  • Understand your needs: Think about the home appliances and systems you use most daily and purchase a plan covering those items. Avoid buying a comprehensive plan if you donโ€™t need some coverage options.
  • Bundle with home insurance: Some homeowners insurance providers offer bundling discounts when you pair a home warranty plan with a home insurance policy. 
  • Check for coverage overlaps: You may not need a comprehensive home warranty plan if you recently purchased new major appliances or systems. New appliances and systems usually have manufacturerโ€™s warranties, eliminating the need for a home warranty.
  • Limit your claims: Avoid filing claims on small issues you can repair yourself. This reduces the number of service call fees youโ€™ll pay since providers charge a fee each time they send a technician to your home.

How To Read a Home Warranty Contract in Ohio

Reading a home warranty companyโ€™s sample service contract helps you understand the companyโ€™s coverage, exclusions, and special conditions. While no two Ohio home warranty companies provide the same contract language, most follow a similar outline of terms and conditions. Here are the sections to focus on when reading a sample contract:

The coverage section of the sample contract lists all the items and the specific components a company covers. Companies also list their optional add-ons within this section.

The limitations and exclusions section outlines the items, components, damages, and situations a company wonโ€™t cover. We recommend carefully reading this section to avoid an unexpected claim denial.

Most home warranty companies list state-specific terms within their sample contracts towards the end of their service contracts. Generally, these state-specific terms list amendments, arbitration clauses, or actions you can take when filing a dispute.


What is the Best Home Warranty Company in Ohio?

We suggest Liberty Home Guard to Ohio homeowners because of excellent customer support and extensive industry knowledge. American Home Shield is great for those who prioritize extensive comprehensive coverage. Finally, Select Home Warranty makes sense if you only need low-cost home warranty coverage. 

Regardless of the coverage type, we recommend getting quotes from at least three home warranty companies. Compare plan pricing and coverage options to find the right option for your home.


Other Resources for Residents in Ohio


FAQs

What are the costs involved with purchasing a home warranty?

Purchasing a home warranty involves two costs: a monthly or annual premium and a service call fee. The premium is what you pay for the policy whether you use it or not. You pay the service call fee every time a technician visits your home to diagnose or fix a problem.

How is a home warranty different from a homeowners insurance policy?

A home warranty differs from a homeowners insurance policy in that it covers items in your home that fail due to normal wear and tear. On the other hand, homeowners insurance covers items in your home damaged by theft, fire, or storms. Both policies could save you significant money on repairs because they provide complimentary coverage.

What is the biggest benefit of a home warranty?

The biggest benefit of a home warranty is the protection it offers on your appliances and home systems. Home warranties offer financial benefits when faced with unplanned repair bills or system failures. They help keep your system in working order and ensure things continue functioning properly.ย 

Who pays for a home warranty?

The homeowner who purchased the home warranty pays for a home warranty, usually via a monthly or annual premium. The homeowner also pays a service call fee for each filed claim. Remember that home warranty plans have coverage caps in the contractโ€™s fine print indicating how much the provider is willing to cover for a given repair. If the repair costs more than the coverage cap, the homeowner must pay the remaining amount.


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

Find in-depth reviews on the best home warranty companies for the top cities in Ohio below.


Our Rating Methodology

We back 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.