Liberty Home Guard Review (2024)
Liberty Home Guard offers extensive customization options. Despite some limitations in its service call fee flexibility, it stands out for its affordability and high customer satisfaction scores.
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Liberty Home Guard (LHG) is high on our list of best home warranty companies due to its excellent coverage limits and extensive customization options. The company offers $2,000 for most essential appliances and systems, plus 42 add-on options to cover unique home items and services. However, Liberty’s add-on maximum coverage caps fall short compared to many other home warranty providers. The company also doesn’t offer service call fee flexibility, limiting your pricing customization options.
Despite these limitations, LHG is a cost-friendly home warranty company backed by the highest customer scores we’ve seen from any home warranty provider. Determine whether it’s the right choice for your home with our in-depth review.
*Editor’s Note: This review was updated on February 26, 2024 with our consumer survey data, competitor comparison details, and added insights from industry experts.
Our Take on Liberty Home Guard
Compared to other home warranty providers, LHG stands out for its excellent customer support, extensive add-on catalog, and solid coverage limits. The company offers $2,000 for most coverage items, whereas some providers offer $500 limits. It also provides three affordable coverage plans tailored for specialized or comprehensive coverage.
LHG’s catalog of more than 40 add-ons is about four times bigger than most competitors. While its limit for covered add-on items is $500, lower than some competitors offering $1,000 or more for similar coverage, LHG distinguishes itself by providing unique coverage protections not found with other companies. The company also provides peace of mind with its 60-day workmanship guarantee on repairs—double the industry standard of 30 days.
In online reviews, customers praised LHG’s exceptional service technicians and quick response times. However, LHG falls short with some of its policies and exclusions. The company doesn’t reveal its service call fee when a quote is requested. The sample contract can be hard to navigate and offers vague details for some policies. Additionally, some customer reviews cited lower payouts and reimbursements due to overlooked fine print and loopholes.
Pros and Cons of Liberty Home Guard
Liberty Home Guard offers competitive pricing and countless customizable add-ons. A key benefit is its lengthy workmanship guarantee, twice the industry standard. However, some drawbacks are lower-than-average coverage limits for crucial systems and an inflexible service call fee policy.
Pros
- Offers up to 42 unique add-on coverage options, around four times more than competitors
- Prioritizes customer satisfaction with its 24/7 live chat, a feature most competitors lack
Cons
- Doesn’t disclose service call fees when requesting a quote
- Provides unclear coverage details in its sample contract
- Offers $500 add-on caps, which is lower than some competitors
How We Rated Liberty Home Guard
We evaluated Liberty Home Guard based on key homeowner priorities using our detailed review standards. LHG achieved a 4.4 out of 5-star rating based on points received in each category. Here’s a breakdown of LHG’s performance in each category:
- Coverage: LHG plans include a $2,000 cap for most covered items.
- Cost: LHG lost points for assigning its service fees, which limits pricing customization.
- Trustworthiness: LHG maintains an average 4.5-star score on multiple review sites and offers a 60-day workmanship guarantee, twice the industry standard.
- Plan transparency: LHG lost points in this category due to its website’s lack of information on plan and pricing details.
- Customer support: LHG scored highly due to its many available customer support channels and state availability.
- Flexibility: LHG earned points for its extensive add-on options but lost some points for its inflexible service call fee and technician policy.
Our Home Warranty Experts
We sought advice from two experts to improve our home warranty research, including provider and shopping insights.
- Shannon Feick: Feick is the co-owner and co-founder of ASAP Properties, a home-buying real estate company.
- Jennifer Spinelli: Spinelli is the founder & CEO of Watson Buys, a real estate investment company.
What Plans and Coverage Does Liberty Home Guard Offer?
Liberty Home Guard covers essential home appliances and systems under three home warranty plans: Appliance Guard, System Guard, and Total Home Guard. It’s one of the few companies to offer its plans in all 50 states. We reviewed LHG’s sample contract to verify its coverage. However, it took some searching to find all of the coverage details. The sample contract isn’t as readable as other competitors. According to the LHG representative we spoke with, you don’t need a home inspection before obtaining coverage.
Our 2024 survey of 1,000 home warranty customers revealed that electric and plumbing systems ranked among the top six systems for which homeowners purchased coverage. If you require extensive coverage for these crucial systems, LHG might not be the ideal provider.
- Appliance Guard: This plan covers nine major appliances, such as refrigerators and ovens.
- System Guard: This system-only plan protects six essential systems, such as electrical and HVAC.
- Total Home Guard: This comprehensive plan covers 15 home appliances and systems.
Compare each Liberty Home Guard plan in detail below:
| Item Covered | Appliance Guard | System Guard | Total Home Guard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clothes washer | ✔ | – | ✔ |
| Clothes dryer | ✔ | – | ✔ |
| Kitchen refrigerator | ✔ | – | ✔ |
| Built-in microwave oven | ✔ | – | ✔ |
| Dishwasher | ✔ | – | ✔ |
| Garbage disposal | ✔ | – | ✔ |
| Range/oven/cooktop | ✔ | – | ✔ |
| Ceiling and exhaust fans | ✔ | – | ✔ |
| Garage door openers | ✔ | – | ✔ |
| Air conditioning | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Heating | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ductwork | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Plumbing | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Electrical | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Water heater | – | ✔ | ✔ |
Optional Add-Ons
Having access to LHG’s large add-on catalog helps homeowners get more from their home warranty plans. Spinelli says these additional services allow customers to tailor their coverage according to their unique requirements and budget constraints.
Pricing ranges from $3.99–$35.99, which is midrange compared to other providers. Coverage options include professional appliances, outdoor installations, and home maintenance services.
During our secret-shopping review process, we found LHG’s online quote tool lists the most common add-ons customers purchase in your state. This can help you determine any additional coverage you might need specific to your area. We haven’t found this type of recommendation in any other home warranty quote tool. The company includes a $500 limit for its add-ons, less than other providers.
Here is a full list of LHG’s add-ons:
Appliances
- Central vacuum
- Freestanding ice maker
- In-fridge ice maker
- Instant hot water dispenser
- Pro-series clothes dryer
- Pro-series dishwasher
- Pro-series microwave
- Pro-series range/oven/cooktop
- Pro-series refrigerator
- Pro-series stand-alone freezer
- Pro-series washing machine
- Reverse osmosis water filter system
- Second refrigerator
- Stand-alone freezer
- Trash compactor
- Water dispenser water line
- Water softener
- Wine cooler/fridge
Other Services
- Electronics protection
- Lighting fixtures
- TV Mounting (up to 65-inch TVs)
- TV Mounting (up to 85-inch TVs)
HVAC/Plumbing
- Ejector pump
- Grinder pump
- Plumbing fixtures
- Septic system pumping
- Sump pump
- Swamp cooler
- Well pump
Outdoor Amenities
- Additional spa
- Casita guest unit
- Generator
- Lawn sprinkler system
- Pool and spa
- Saltwater pool
Home Services
- Carpet cleaning
- Exterior flooring power washing
- Gutter cleaning
- Limited roof leak
- Pest control
- Rekey services
- Window washing/cleaning
Why Would Liberty Home Guard Deny My Claim?
Liberty Home Guard has many standard exclusions that other home warranty companies list in their fine print. For example, LHG doesn’t cover systems and appliances located on commercial property. It also excludes coverage for items with preexisting conditions, damage caused by mold or improper installation, tampering, and improper maintenance. The company’s sample contract specifies that it may require complete maintenance records for your systems and appliances when you file a claim. We recommend performing annual maintenance on your systems and appliances and keeping records of any servicing.
After analyzing dozens of customer reviews from various third-party review sites, we discovered many customers had their claims rejected by Liberty Home Guard due to specific item exclusions. Although the company covers 15 appliances and systems, certain parts can be excluded from coverage. For example, while LHG does cover air conditioning units, it excludes leaks of any kind. We recommend reviewing LHG’s sample contract for more information on the company’s exact terms and exclusions.
How Much Does Liberty Home Guard Cost?
Liberty Home Guard offers similar pricing for its plans throughout the country. Appliance Guard costs $49.99 monthly, and System Guard costs $54.99 monthly. This pricing is average for these specialized plan types. Its comprehensive plan, Total Home Guard, costs $59.99 per month, lower than other competitors. This pricing doesn’t include additional add-ons. Our survey revealed that homeowners pay an average of $89 per month for their home warranty plan. Even LHG’s most comprehensive plan falls below this average, making it a cost-effective option.
The company offers monthly and annual premium rates. We could choose up to five years of coverage for our sample quote, which is longer than other providers we’ve reviewed. Each annual plan comes with a few free months of service for new customers. For example, a one-year plan includes two months of free service, while a five-year plan offers six complementary months.
We’ve outlined LHG pricing and coverage caps below:
Plan | Monthly Cost* | Service Fee | Coverage Cap |
Appliance Guard | $49.99 | $65–$125 | $2,000 |
Systems Guard | $54.99 | $65–$125 | $2,000 (Plumbing and electrical: $500) |
Total Home Guard | $59.99 | $65–$125 | Coverage caps remain the same |
*We based the pricing information in this section on a sample for a 2,345-square-foot, single-family home in Scottsdale, Arizona.
What Is the Liberty Home Guard Service Call Fee?
Liberty Home Guard offers a service call fee between $65 and $125 per claim. The service call fee is a payment the contractor receives each time they come to your home to repair or replace a broken item.
Liberty Home Guard doesn’t disclose its service call fee when you request a quote or let you choose your service fee. Other home warranty providers offer two or more set service fee options for better pricing customization. They also provide these options in their online sample quote up-front. When we spoke to an LHG representative, we learned that the service call fee depends on your chosen plan and your home’s location. Variable rates by location is likely because some areas, such as New York City, have much higher rates for service contractors.
Liberty Home Guard Mobile App
Liberty Home Guard is one of the few companies to offer a dedicated app with its service. This app is available for Android and Apple devices. It allows you to access details about your policy and troubleshooting details and guides. You can also submit claims and check on their status in real time. The app offers several communication options to connect with service technicians and LHG’s live chat service. Additional benefits include payment processing and notification for policy changes, plan renewals, and upcoming appointments.
How Do I File a Claim with Liberty Home Guard?
Liberty Home Guard makes the claim filing process easy with several claim submission options and ways to track your progress. We’ve outlined the claim filing process below:
- Submit your claim: You can initiate the claim process online, over the phone, or through the app. You cannot use the live chat feature for claim submission. When online, you must first log into the Liberty Home Guard Portal to begin the process. With the app, you log in and choose the “File A Claim” option. You can also call (866)761-1853 for claim filing. Liberty Home Guard accepts claims 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We noted that the company requires immediate claims filing once you detect an issue with your system or appliance.
- Get a technician assigned: After submitting our claim, LHG can take up to 48 hours to process your claim and assign a local technician. The company maintains a network of independent technicians across the country. An LHG representative will work with you to set a service appointment. If it cannot find a nearby technician from its network, the company lets you select your own. LHG will not be liable for any cost incurred without prior consent for diagnosis, repair, or replacement.
- Complete your repair: The technician will arrive on the selected appointment date and complete the repairs or replacement. We recommend being on-site for your appointment to ensure all work is done properly and to ask the technician any questions. Once completed, you will pay the service call fee to the technician. In the sample contract, Liberty states that the service call fee is for one covered item per visit. You will be charged a separate fee if you have another covered item needing repair. LHG also states you could receive a cash reimbursement if an item cannot be repaired or replaced.
Liberty Home Guard Reviews: Reddit, BBB, and More
To better understand the customer experience with LHG, we have analyzed dozens of third-party reviews from various sources, such as the BBB, Reddit, TrustPilot, and Best Company. Our customer review analysis revealed mixed reviews of the company’s services. Many homeowners praised LHG for its efficient claims process, while some expressed dissatisfaction with their final claims payouts.
We have compiled our findings below.
What Homeowners Like
- Homeowners praised the company’s professionalism, friendly staff, and helpful technicians.
- Quick claims processing: Homeowners complimented the company’s efficient claims processing, with some reviewers stating their claims were processed within 24 hours.
- Helpful and friendly staff: Customers expressed gratitude for the knowledgeable and friendly staff, which included customer support and service technicians.
- High-quality technicians: Consumers also praised LHG’s technicians, saying they were efficient and maintained constant communication throughout the process.
What Homeowners Dislike
- Despite the many positive reviews, some homeowners expressed displeasure with their denied claims, low payouts, and reimbursements based on depreciated value.
- Denied claims: Several homeowners had their claims denied for various reasons, such as item exclusions, depreciated value, and other contract “loopholes.”
- Unexpectedly low payout: Some homeowners noted their payouts were less than expected, falling well below the $2,000 coverage cap.
- Depreciation value clause: Several customers called out the company’s “hidden” book value disclaimer, which reduces payout based on an item’s age, resulting in substantially smaller reimbursements.
The BBB recently updated Liberty Home Guard’s rating to NR (or “not rated”), which means the company’s business profile is being re-evaluated. The organization also added a Pattern of Complaints alert in March 2024. According to the notice, LHG has received increased complaints since 2023 regarding “the claims process, customer service, and sales tactics.”
The BBB contacted LHG on March 11 to request cooperation in resolving these complaints. Liberty responded on March 12 and said that “new software upgrades are currently being deployed which are intended to facilitate the communication regarding the scheduling of technician appointments and streamlining the claims process. In addition, the company reports that it is increasing its customer service headcount, and augmenting the training sessions and oversight for its sales representatives.”
We contacted LHG regarding this issue, and the company provided the following statement:
“Despite the BBB’s alert, our customer satisfaction levels remain by far the highest relative to our scale. Last month, we had the lowest percentage of customer cancellation requests in our entire history. On the BBB’s own platform, Liberty Home Guard has achieved a star rating of 4.5 out of 5 from nearly 2,500 reviews. For added context, the approximately 480 resolved complaints on Liberty Home Guard’s BBB profile equate to an extremely low fraction of a percentage relative to the size and scale of our total customer base. As we navigate this situation, which we believe will be resolved in time, we want to assure you that we remain committed to our customers and their satisfaction; they are the key stakeholders we orient all our efforts around.”
Average Customer Rating
Despite LHG’s current BBB alert, the company maintains consistently high scores across several third-party review sites. The company has 4.5 out 5 stars on the BBB, 4.7 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, and 4.3 out of 5 stars on Best Company. It’s rare for a home warranty company to maintain such a good rating across several sites. (For example, American Home Shield holds a 2.12 on the BBB, 4.0 with Best Company, and 2.2 with Trustpilot.) LHG’s consistent review scores reflect the company’s commitment to exceptional customer support and generally positive customer experiences.
Customer Reviews
Here’s a sampling of positive and negative reviews for Liberty Home Guard:
Positive Reviews
Negative Reviews
Positive Reviews
“I had both toilets stopped up, and I was going into Thanksgiving weekend. Since LHG could not send a technician until the following Monday, they offered me the option of hiring someone myself. They said that they would reimburse me for any costs. It took some exchange of emails and phone calls, but they finally sent a check for the full amount of $394.00 that I had to spend. I am very satisfied.” — Rebecca W., Dec. 30, 2023, on BBB
“The service person I worked with on my last claim was so polite, knowledgeable and helpful. Liberty Home Guard does seem to have a high quality of contractors. He gave us tips for maintaining our dryer and washer and most importantly was able to fully repair it. Luke from Liberty Home Guard’s customer service team also did exquisite work prioritizing my appointment so we were able to resolve this in two days. Thanks for being so quick, I appreciate it a lot. Thank you for being so dependable.” — Austin C., Nov 2023, on Best Company
“Happy with the sales person I spoke with. Answered all my questions. They have multiple quotes which can save you money and seem very flexible in their plans. Reviews that I read were positive about their service and reliability. Compared to other companies I checked out, Liberty is comparable in price and coverage, although seem better in their limits on coverage. They assured me they have numerous service agents in my area so that should not be a problem. I am hopeful that Liberty Home Guard will live up to my expectations!” — Tamara R., Dec. 5, 2023, on BBB
Negative Reviews
“Please do not trust this company. They make you struggle through your claim and want to only offer you very little money for your appliance, where they are supposed to replace your appliance if they cannot fix it. I went through hours and hours of frustration and ended up wasting my money and time. They offered me only $100 for my washer and dryer, said it was too old to replace it. What is the point of this warranty then?” — Sid M., Jan. 19, 2024, on BBB
“Switched over from Old Republic. Regret that decision! You pay for a warranty and all you’re ever told is it’s too old and they can’t do anything. Try to cancel and you get told there are so many fees to cancel you wouldn’t receive a refund. Worst company to use. Do not use!” — Tashia S., Dec. 27, 2023, on BBB
“My AC went out and instead of subsidizing a new AC based on the warranty agreement, they refused to comply and offered me much less. I have already reported them to the BBB and state attorney general. They refuse to comply with the agreement.” — Santo R., Aug 2023, on Best Company
After reading through multiple Reddit posts, we discovered that several customers had to hire their own contractors due to limited in-network technicians in their area. They also mentioned how challenging it was to receive compensation for these repairs because LHG caused delays in repaying them after they had provided proof of the technician’s work.
We recommend reading sample contracts and quotes thoroughly to verify the provider’s exact coverage limits, exclusions, including age of the appliance or system, and policies. If you’re unclear about any terms, reach out to the customer support team for further clarification. You should also confirm technician availability in your area to avoid repair delays.
Liberty Home Guard vs. Competitors
We’ve provided a side-by-side comparison with Liberty Home Guard and other leading home warranty companies below. We’ve also included a detailed comparison against two prominent home warranty providers: American Home Shield and Select Home Warranty.
| Company | BBB Rating | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Annual Cost | Coverage Caps | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NR** | $49–$59 | $65–$125 | $499–$599 | $500–$2,000 | VISIT SITE | |
| B | $29–$89 | $100–$125 | $348–$1,068 | $2,000–$5,000 | VISIT SITE | |
| B+ | $44–$58 | $70 | $528–$696 | Varies per item | VISIT SITE | |
| B- | $44–$47 | $60–$75 | $479–$524 | $500–$3,000 | VISIT SITE |
*BBB ratings are accurate as of February 2024
**We based the pricing information in this section on a sample for a 2,020-square-foot, single-family home in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Liberty Home Guard vs. American Home Shield
American Home Shield (AHS) offers better coverage in terms of limits and protections when compared to LHG. AHS offers generous coverage caps, with some systems receiving unlimited coverage and appliance coverage for up to $4,000 on its highest plan. AHS includes coverage for unknown preexisting conditions and physically damaged items, protections that LHS lacks. In addition, our sample quote included two set service call fees, making it easier to customize our monthly premiums.
However, AHS charges more for its comprehensive plans and lacks an appliance-only coverage option. The company also has a limited add-on catalog, offering only six options. AHS makes an excellent choice for homeowners with older homes that have older systems and appliances. Read our complete American Home Shield Review to explore further.
Learn more: Liberty Home Guard vs. American Home Shield
Liberty Home Guard vs. Select Home Warranty
Select Home Warranty offers a competitive advantage with its affordability, keeping all of its plans remaining under $50 per month. The company makes a great option for homeowners needing a more affordable home warranty. The company also assigns its service call fees, but they fall between $60 and $75, lower than LHG’s range.
The trade-off for affordability is a decline in overall protection. Select’s coverage limits are limited to $500 for its item, matching LHG’s plumbing and electrical caps. However, LHG offers better value with its $2,000 cap on all other items. In addition, Select only offers nine add-on options with a lower $400 limit.
How To Choose a Home Warranty
While shopping for the right home warranty provider, keep these steps in mind.
- Assess your coverage needs: Determine which appliances and systems you need coverage for before choosing a company. You should consider your item’s age, current item condition, and additional add-on needs.
- Set your budget: Based on your coverage, set a reasonable budget for your home warranty costs. You should include add-on costs and service call fees in your cost range.
- Request multiple quotes: Request quotes from at least three companies to determine the best plan options.
- Review sample contracts: Read through service contracts and look for details on coverage limits, exclusion, and depreciation policies. Frick also recommends checking the company’s website for details about their technicians’ qualifications or reaching out to customer support to ask about their network verification process.
- Research each company: Take the time to reach potential companies on the BBB and other third-party review sites to determine brand reputation and customer experience.
What’s Our Verdict on Liberty Home Guard?
We recommend Liberty Home Guard for homeowners who need more specialized coverage options and solid protection for newer items. The company offers affordable plans with industry-standard coverage for most items. Its larger add-on catalog offers extended protection options for your home. Although many customers praise its friendly and efficient customer service, some homeowners felt underwhelmed by their lower claim payouts. We recommend thoroughly reading the Liberty Home Guard contract to fully understand the company’s policies and exclusions.
FAQ About Liberty Home Guard
Does Liberty Home Guard cover preexisting conditions?
According to the sample contract on Liberty Home Guard’s website, the company only covers installed items in good working order at the start of the contract agreement. The home warranty provider doesn’t cover any known or unknown preexisting conditions. This is normal in the home warranty industry, though some home warranty companies, such as American Home Shield, cover items with unknown preexisting conditions.
What is the response time for Liberty Home Guard?
Liberty Home Guard typically sends an in-network technician to your home within 48 hours of receiving your claim. However, expect a delay in processing your claim if you file it after normal business hours.
How does a Liberty Home Guard warranty work?
When you sign up for your Liberty Home Guard home warranty, you receive coverage on items that are part of your selected one-year plan. When one of your items breaks down due to normal wear and tear, you can file a claim online, on the app, or by phone.
Typically, Liberty Home Guard will send a service technician to your home to assess the issue within 48 hours of calling Liberty and filing a claim. The technician will then recommend a repair or replacement, in which case you’d pay a set service call fee of $60 and any amount over the coverage cap or approved replacement amount.
What is the Liberty Home Guard cancellation policy?
Liberty Home Guard policyholders can cancel their plan at any time. If you do so within 30 days of the effective start date, you’ll receive a full refund minus a cancellation fee of $50. If you cancel after 30 days, the company will refund you a prorated amount for the remaining length of coverage, minus a $50 cancellation fee.
Is Liberty Home Guard coverage worth it?
Depending on your situation, Liberty Home Guard can be an excellent way to reduce the financial burden of unexpected system or appliance breakdowns. However, a Liberty Home Guard plan isn’t ideal if you high-end appliance coverage because you have to purchase coverage for these items as an add-on.
Do I need a home warranty if I have homeowners insurance?
Homeowners insurance companies design policies to cover structural damages to your house caused by fires, theft, and other perils, not including floods or earthquakes. We recommend purchasing a home warranty because it adds an additional layer of home protection by covering the cost of repairing or replacing your appliances and/or systems.
Our 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, cost, trustworthiness, plan transparency, customer support, and flexibility 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 team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
