Affiliate Disclosure: This Old House may be compensated if you purchase through links on our websiteRead More. Our Reviews Team is committed to delivering honest, objective, and independent reviews on home products and services.

Best Home Warranty Companies in Texas (2023)

In Texas, the best home warranty can protect you against unexpected breakdowns. An HVAC system usually lasts between seven to 15 years, as stated by the International Association of Home Inspectors. However, the intense Texas heat can strain your air conditioning system. A home warranty can significantly cut costs on system and appliance repairs. After evaluating many companies, our team highlighted the top home warranty options in Texas.


Summary of the Best Home Warranties in Texas

Below, we compare our top home warranty companies based on key factors. Monthly costs represent quotes we pulled from each provider during our secret-shop process.

Company
Best For
BBB Rating
Monthly Cost
Service Fee
Response Time
Best Customer Ratings
A
$49–$59
$65–$125
Up to 48 hours
Best for Comprehensive Coverage
B
$49–$109
$100–$125
Up to 48 hours
Best Value
B-
$44–$47
$60–$75
48-84 hours
Best for Customization
B
$34–$53
$75–$125
24-48 hours
Best For Monthly Cost Service Fee Response Time BBB Rating Link
Liberty Home Guard Liberty Home Guard Best Customer Ratings $49–$59 $65–$125 Up to 48 hours A VISIT SITE
American Home Shield American Home Shield Best for Comprehensive Coverage $49–$109 $100–$125 Up to 48 hours B VISIT SITE
Select Home Warranty Select Home Warranty Best Value $44–$47 $60–$75 48-84 hours B- VISIT SITE
AFC Home Club AFC Home Club Best for Customization $34–$53 $75–$125 24-48 hours B VISIT SITE
Liberty Home Guard
Logo Liberty Home Guard
Best For Best Customer Ratings
Monthly Cost $49–$59
Service Fee $65–$125
Response Time Up to 48 hours
BBB Rating A
VISIT SITE
American Home Shield
Logo American Home Shield
Best For Best for Comprehensive Coverage
Monthly Cost $49–$109
Service Fee $100–$125
Response Time Up to 48 hours
BBB Rating B
VISIT SITE
Select Home Warranty
Logo Select Home Warranty
Best For Best Value
Monthly Cost $44–$47
Service Fee $60–$75
Response Time 48-84 hours
BBB Rating B-
VISIT SITE
AFC Home Club
Logo AFC Home Club
Best For Best for Customization
Monthly Cost $34–$53
Service Fee $75–$125
Response Time 24-48 hours
BBB Rating B
VISIT SITE

BBB ratings are accurate as of October 2023.


Texas’ Top Home Warranty Companies

These are the highest-rated Texas home warranty companies:

A Texas home warranty covers your most common home appliances and systems when they malfunction, a high possibility given the state’s excessive heat and humidity. Below are five home warranty companies that provide comprehensive coverage for your home systems and appliances, offer competitive service fees, and demonstrate excellent customer service.

The pricing information mentioned throughout the article is based on quotes we received for a 2,345-square-foot, single-family home in Dallas. Your pricing may vary based on your home’s location, size, type, and plan selections.


Why Trust Us? Our review and rating process for the best home warranty companies
57
Companies Considered
2000
Homeowners Surveyed
57000
Reviews Analyzed
31
Coverages Compared

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) maintains excellent customer review scores across several third-party review sites. The company is also among the few home warranty companies to receive an A rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). 

Why We Chose Liberty Home Guard

We gave Liberty Home Guard 4.5 out of 5 stars in our review. The company receives high scores for its customer experience on several sites, including Google Reviews. Along with its excellent customer service, the company provides almost 40 add-on options for its plans. Liberty Home Guard works well for customers who need more specialized coverage, such as carpet cleaning or pest control. 

Pros and Cons

Pros Backs its repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee Consistently receives high customer review scores across several sites Offers 38 add-on options for more coverage customization Cons Could take up to 48 hours to respond to claims Does not let you choose your own service provider Requires immediate claim filings for item issues

Plans and Pricing

Liberty Home Guard offers three coverage options: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. The company needs more clarity when it comes to its service fees. After speaking with a representative, we learned that LHG service fees vary from $65–$125. Fees vary based on your service plan, location, and add-ons. 

Most items receive a $2,000 coverage cap, but plumbing and electrical max out at $500. LHG includes a 60-day workmanship guarantee, which is double the industry standard.  

The company offers monthly and annual premiums but provides no financial perks for choosing a yearly plan. LGH charges between $499 and $599 per year for coverage. 

We’ll explain LHG’s monthly plans below:

  • Appliance Guard ($49.99 per month): This appliance-only plan covers major appliances, such as clothes washers, garbage disposals, and ovens.
  • Systems Guard ($54.99 per month): The system-only plan covers air conditioning, ductwork, electrical, water heaters, and other essential built-in systems.
  • Total Home Guard ($59.99 per month): The most comprehensive plan combines the Appliance Guard and Systems Guard plans.
  • Optional add-ons: LHG offers 38 add-on coverage options, including carpet cleaning, lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, second refrigerators, and wine coolers.

What To Expect

LHG makes it simple to access quotes over the phone or online. Our team pulled sample quotes using the online tool. First, we entered our name, phone number, and email address. Next, we provided our home address, home type, and square footage. We could switch between plan options and premium frequency and compare coverage. 

Like other providers, LHG uses its own service technicians for repairs. If local technicians are not available, the company lets you choose your own.

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.

The pricing information mentioned throughout the article is based on quotes we received for a 2,345-square-foot, single-family home in Dallas. Your pricing may vary based on your home’s location, size, type, and plan selections.

Why We Chose American Home Shield

We rated American Home Shield a 4.4 out of 5 stars and selected the company as our top choice overall. The company offers three comprehensive plans and two service fees, giving homeowners more control over their monthly premiums. AHS also includes special conditions that other providers often exclude. This coverage includes preexisting conditions, improper maintenance, and physical damage like rust or corrosion. AHS makes an excellent choice for homeowners who own older appliances and systems. 

Pros and Cons

Pros Covers preexisting conditions, improper maintenance, and physical damage Has over 50 years of industry experience Includes multiple service fees Cons Doesn’t offer appliance-only coverage Limits add-ons to five options Only offers monthly premiums

Plans and Pricing

American Home Shield offers three coverage options: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. ShieldSilver includes a $5,000 cap for major home systems. ShieldGold includes the same system cap and adds a $2,000 appliance cap. ShieldPlatinum includes the same coverage but doubles the appliance cap to $4,000.  

 

Our sample quote includes details for each plan and our choice of service fees of $100 or $125. Choosing a lower service fee increased our monthly premium. If you want to save on your premiums, opt for the higher service fee. AHS has a standard 30-day workmanship guarantee. 

 

Here’s an overview of the American Home Shield plans:

  • ShieldSilver ($19.99–$29.99 per month): The system-only plan includes major systems such as air conditioning, electrical, and ductwork.
  • ShieldGold ($49.99–$59.99 per month): This plan covers systems and appliances, including ranges, refrigerators, and water heaters. 
  • ShieldPlatinum ($79.99–$89.99 per month): The highest tier includes the ShieldGold coverage, plus added coverage, including roof-leak repairs and HVAC tune-ups. 
  • Optional add-ons: Add-ons include electronics, guest units, pools, septic pumps, spas, and well pumps.

What To Expect

Our team created sample quotes over the phone and online. We entered our email address, ZIP code, and home address for the online tool. We received options for adding home items such as pools, septic systems, or spas. The customized quote included options to change the service fees and plans. All changes updated immediately with the adjusted pricing. AHS only offers monthly premiums with its plans. 

AHS uses a network of service technicians to complete its repairs. One of our team members tested his AHS plan by submitting a claim for a leaking bathroom pipe. He received a service appointment for the next day and resolved the issue. He only paid for the service call fee. 

AHS customer reviews were positive overall. Homeowners appreciated the simple claims process and professional service technicians. Some customers were disappointed in their claims reimbursements, stating they 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 offers low-cost plans with basic coverage options. Plans include premiums under $50 and service fees as low as $80. 

Why We Chose Select Home Warranty

Select Home Warranty earned a 4.3 out of 5 rating in our review. Homeowners can select basic warranty coverage priced lower than most competitors. Plans include appliance-only, system-only, or combined coverage options, plus free roof-leak coverage with every plan (this is typically an additional charge). Select Home Warranty is an excellent choice for homeowners looking for basic coverage at an affordable price. 

Pros and Cons

Pros Doesn’t charge additional fees for roof-leak coverage Offers plans with premiums under $50 Provides added perks for choosing an annual plan Cons Excludes coverage for unknown preexisting conditions Includes $500 coverage caps or lower for most covered items Offers limited service fee options

Plans and Pricing

Select Home Warranty offers three coverage plans: Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care. While secret shopping, we learned that Select only offers exclusive deals over the phone. For example, Select offered its lowest coverage cap when speaking to a representative. The company includes a $3,000 cap for HVAC systems but limits all other items to $500. Select includes 30 days of workmanship coverage with its repairs. 

 

Homeowners can choose an annual or monthly premium. Our sample quote included a $150 discount and two months of free service for selecting a yearly premium. Expect to pay between $479 and $524 for an annual plan.

 

Here are more details about Select Home Warranty plans:

  • Bronze Care ($44.42 per month): Its appliance-only plan includes essential appliances, such as cooktops, garbage disposals, refrigerators, and stoves.
  • Gold Care ($44.42 per month): The system-only plan covers major home systems, including cooling, heating, and plumbing.
  • Platinum Care ($47.75 per month): This plan combines the Bronze and Gold Care plan coverage and adds covered items, such as luxury appliances.
  • Optional add-ons: Additional coverage includes central vacuums, lawn sprinkler systems, pools, septic systems, stand-alone freezers, sump pumps, and well pumps.

What To Expect

Our team pulled sample quotes over the phone and using the online tool. When we used the online tool, we entered our ZIP code, name, phone number, and email address. Select doesn’t require your home address to generate a quote, making the process more efficient. 

 

Select uses an exclusive network of service technicians but allows you to select a contractor if none of its technicians cover your area. According to its policies, Select must approve your technicians before repairs begin. 

After analyzing online reviews, we discovered that homeowners appreciated the cheaper plans. However, many homeowners couldn’t reach the customer support team numerous times. In addition, some customers were disappointed with the company’s lower reimbursements.

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.

*(excluding AlaskaConnecticutDelawareHawaiiIllinois, Louisiana, MaineMassachusettsMinnesotaNew HampshireNew YorkNorth DakotaRhode IslandVermont, and Wisconsin)

First American Home Warranty offers some of the highest appliance coverage in this review. Homeowners receive $3,500 coverage caps for its lowest plans and up to $7,000 with its most comprehensive coverage. 

Why We Chose First American Home Warranty

First American Home Warranty received a 4.6 out of 5 rating in our review standards. Homeowners receive a $3,500 appliance coverage minimum, one of the highest reimbursements we’ve seen during our research. With the First American Advantage upgrade, you can extend your plan coverage for better appliance protection. Additional coverage includes items with improper installations, modifications, and maintenance. We recommend First American as a solid option if you need protection for your high-end appliances. 

Pros and Cons

Pros Covers preexisting conditions with First American Advantage upgrade Doesn’t exclude older systems and appliances Reimburses a minimum of $3,500 per appliance Cons Charges slightly higher monthly premiums compared to other providers Doesn’t include roof-leak coverage Lacks home systems coverage under its basic plan

Plans and Pricing

First American Home Warranty offers three coverage options: the Starter Plan, the Essential Plan, and the Premium Plan. You can select a $75, $100, or $125 service call fee with your plan. Its Starter and Essential Plans include a $3,500 coverage cap, while the Platinum Plan offers reimbursements up to $7,000. First American plans include a 30-day workmanship guarantee. 

First American offers annual and monthly premium options. Unfortunately, it doesn’t include discounts or free months of service with annual plans. Homeowners will pay between $540 and $1,020 for annual premiums

Here’s an overview of First American’s coverage plans:

  • Starter Plan ($47–$62 per month): The Starter Plan offers appliance-only coverage and includes built-in microwaves, dishwashers, ductwork, electrical systems, heating, plumbing systems, oven/cooktop, plumbing stoppages, refrigerators, and toilet tanks, bowls, and mechanisms.
  • Essential Plan ($57–$72 per month): This plan includes the Starter Plan coverage and adds major appliances, such as air conditioning, ceiling/attic/exhaust fans, clothes washers, clothes dryers, garage door openers, trash compactors, and water heaters. 
  • Premium Plan ($72–$87 per month): Its highest plan includes the Essential Plan coverage, plus additional protections for full garage door systems, instant hot water dispensers, luxury appliances, shower heads and arms, and window air conditioning units.
  • Optional add-ons: Add-ons include air conditioning (for the Starter Plan only), HVAC tune-up, limited roof-leak coverage, pool and spa equipment, septic tank systems and pumping, water softeners, and well pumps.

What To Expect

Get a First American quote over the phone or through its online tool. To use the tool, you must enter your name, phone number, email address, and home address. You also need additional home details, including its type and square footage. When you receive your quote, you can adjust your premium frequency and service call fees to your needs. 

First American uses its own service technicians but allows substitutes when it can’t find a technician in your area. One of our team members submitted a claim to First American to repair his garage door opener. He reached out on a Friday and received a service appointment the following Monday. The repairs took less than 30 minutes. In the end, he only paid for his service call fees. 

Per online reviews, homeowners were happy with the quick claims process. Other customers complained about the service appointment process, stating they experienced delays while trying to resolve their service issues.

AFC Home Club

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.

America’s First Choice Home Club (AFC Home Club) offers the most extensive customization options in this review. Homeowners can choose from four plans, several add-on options, and three service fees. 

Why We Chose AFC Home Club

AFC Home Club earned a 4.6 out of 5 rating in our review standards. Homeowners can mix their plan options, add-ons, and service fees to create a plan tailored to their needs. The company also includes additional perks, such as free credit monitoring and home security discounts. Plans include unlimited workmanship coverage, typically limited to 30–60 days with other companies. AFC Home Club would support customers who need more personalized warranty coverage to meet their needs and budget.

Pros and Cons

Pros Has three service call options Lets customers choose their own licensed contractor Offers four plans compared to the typical two or three options Cons Doesn’t include coverage for unknown preexisting conditions Includes a depreciation value clause that can reduce reimbursements Provides roof-leak repair only as an add-on

Plans and Pricing

AFC Home Club provides four plan options: Silver Plan, Systems Plan, Gold Plan, and  Platinum Plan. We learned that the company offers a $75, $100, or $125 service call fee with its plans. The lower the service call fee, the higher the premium costs. We recommend finding an affordable balance between your premium costs and service call fees. 

You receive an unlimited coverage cap for HVAC systems with a $80 cap for thermostats. Plans include up to $3,000 coverage caps per item. When reviewing our sample quote, we learned that AFC Home Club depreciates an item’s value if it is five years or older. All plans include a lifetime workmanship guarantee for repairs and replacements. 

AFC Home Club provides annual or monthly plan premiums. Homeowners will pay between $347 and $629 annually for coverage. With a one-year plan, you’ll receive a $100 discount. Three-year plans come with a $250 off deal. 

Here are AFC Home Club’s coverage plans:

  • Silver Plan ($34.33–$39.08 per month): Its appliances-only plan protects major appliances, such as clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerators. 
  • Systems Plan ($41.42–$46.17 per month): This plan covers home systems only and includes electrical, heating, and water heaters.
  • Gold Plan ($48.50–$53.17 per month): This plan offers the combined Silver and System Plan coverage. 
  • Platinum Plan ($53.17–$57.92 per month): The top plan tier includes the Gold Plan coverage and other protections, including attic fans, plumbing stoppages, and ice makers. 
  • Optional add-ons: Additional coverage includes central vacuums, double ovens, electronics, hot water dispensers, ice makers, roof-leak repair, septic systems, spas, stand-alone freezers, and tankless water heaters.

What To Expect

Homeowners can receive quotes over the phone with a representative or online. When we used AFC Home Club’s online tool, we found it difficult to compare plans. The website doesn’t offer detailed comparison shopping between its plans. Instead, you must open separate windows to view each plan’s details. Other online tools provide all coverage plans together for easy comparison. 

AFC Home Club is one of the few home warranty providers that lets customers choose their own technicians for their repairs. Most companies maintain strict service technician networks for jobs.

When checking online reviews, we found mixed opinions on AFC Home Club. Positive reviews mentioned the simplified claims process. Some homeowners complained about how the depreciation policy reduced their expected reimbursements.


How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in Texas?

Based on the pricing information we obtained for this article, a Texas home warranty costs an average of $57 monthly or $679 annually. The typical service call fee ranges from $75 to $125 per claim. The actual cost of your home warranty may vary depending on the provider you choose, the coverage you select, and your home’s size and location. We compiled a list of tips to help you save on your Texas home warranty.

  • Choose the right coverage: Think about the home appliances and systems you use the most or that are the most likely to break down. Choose a plan that protects those items rather than a comprehensive plan that includes items you don’t need covered.
  • Remember that price isn’t everything: A cheaper home warranty plan may be ideal on the surface, but our research shows providers that charge lower monthly premiums tend to pay less for repairs and replacements. Consider a company that is within your budget and covers the full replacement value of your home items.
  • Select an annual premium: Many home warranty companies offer a discounted rate when you purchase an annual plan. Although it’s a higher cost up-front, we’ve found that you can save roughly one month’s premium, on average.


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. It’s best to request a quote directly from one of our recommended providers, as annual costs and service fees vary between them.

ApplianceAverage Repair CostAverage Replacement Cost

Dehumidifier

$50–$200

$1,300–$2,800

Microwave

$50–$400

$60–$2,000

Dishwasher

$50–$500

$400–$3,000

Exhaust Fans

$16–$300

$250–$950

Electric Range

$100–$500

$230–$3,000

Gas Range

$100–$500

$230–$3,000

Dryer

$100–$400

$450–$2,300

Oven

$100–$430

$400–$3,000

Washer

$50–$450

$400–$2,300

Freezer

$90–$500

$160–$2,900

Refrigerator

$40–$350

$200–$5,000

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


Do Home Warranties Have Coverage Limits?

Every home warranty policy has a coverage limit. Some providers offer higher coverage limits and pair plans with higher monthly premiums. Providers that offer lower coverage limits tend to have lower monthly premiums. Read sample contracts from at least three providers to get a feel for which one best suits your needs.

How To Choose a Home Warranty in Texas

There are a variety of home warranty companies available in Texas. To select the best home warranty, keep these points in mind:

  • Understand coverage limits: Most home warranty providers limit coverage amounts for things such as HVAC, kitchen appliances, and additional features. It’s wise to choose a company that gives full replacement costs for your vital systems.
  • Determine your primary needs: In Texas, your home warranty should prioritize and cover the built-in systems you use frequently, such as your air conditioner.
  • Navigate the claims process: Before finalizing your home warranty, understand how a company manages claims. Some only allow you to access technicians from their network, while others might postpone requests made after business hours. Ensure the chosen home warranty provider has a transparent claims procedure.


How Are Texas Home Warranties Regulated?

The Texas Department of Licensing and Registration (TDLR) regulates home warranty companies in the state. The TDLR requires providers to send in reports demonstrating financial soundness routinely. In addition, providers must keep a record of all consumer claims, which the TDLR audits annually.

In addition to government regulation, industry associations, such as the Service Contract Industry Council, regulate home warranties

To avoid signing up with an unreputable provider, Timothy Meenan, the managing shareholder at Meenan Regulatory and Legislative Attorneys Law Firm, recommends a quick company search to see if your state licensed the provider. The TDLR provides a business license database on its website. 

If you believe your provider is neglecting its contractual obligations, you may file a complaint with the TDLR.


Expert Takes on Home Warranties

We asked industry experts to answer common questions homeowners have on Texas home warranties. Here is what they have to say:

  • Anything I should know before buying a Texas home warranty? According to Danny Margagliano, a World Impact Real Estate Realtor, you should know whether a home warranty company offers multiple plans. “Depending on the age of your home appliances, the cheapest plan may be good,” he says. “A more expensive plan that covers more parts of the home may be a better choice for someone else.”
  • Are there ways to tell whether a Texas home warranty is trustworthy? Utopia Property Management’s Peter Evering recommends checking customer reviews for the provider you’re interested in. He adds, “Reading customer reviews and ratings can provide insights into the experiences of other homeowners and help you gauge the level of customer satisfaction.”
  • Should I get a Texas home warranty if I own an older home? Dave Bringer, owner of Bringer Appliance Repair, says, “Older homes need home warranties because their appliances and systems have most likely used their manufacturer’s warranty coverage.”

Our Conclusion

We recommend American Home Shield for Texas homeowners who want comprehensive system and appliance coverage. Liberty Home Guard is another solid choice due to its 60-day workmanship guarantee. Finally, Select Home Warranty offers affordable air conditioning coverage if you’re on a tight budget.

We recommend getting quotes from at least three home warranty providers in this review to compare service contracts and pricing and find the best plan that fits your budget.


Other Resources for Residents in Texas


FAQ About Texas Home Warranties

Do home warranties cover air conditioning systems?

Most reputable home warranty companies include air conditioning system coverage in their base plans. Some providers only include air conditioning coverage in more expensive plans or as an add-on. Before signing up with a provider, read through its sample contract to fully understand your coverage options and exclusions.

What types of homes do home warranties cover?

Most home warranty providers cover single-family homes, mobile homes, condos, and townhomes. Multi-family homes and apartment complexes are usually not covered. Providers may cover rental properties if they aren’t multi-family units or apartment complexes.

Do I need to have maintenance records for my systems and appliances before I get coverage?

Various home warranty providers require itemized maintenance records of your home’s systems and appliances to fully cover a breakdown. Other providers, such as American Home Shield, provide coverage for appliance and home systems breakdowns without previous maintenance records.

Can I transfer my home warranty if I sell my house?

Yes, most home warranty companies allow for the warranty transfer to a new homeowner. However, there may be specific requirements and fees associated with the transfer. Check with your home warranty provider for their policy on transferring coverage.

Can I choose my own service technician?

Most providers send service providers within their network to your home whenever you request service. However, if an in-network technician isn’t available near you, providers allow you to choose your own. You must first request authorization from your provider, however.



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.