Liberty Home Guard stands out as one of the best home warranty providers for flexible coverage options and strong customer support. The company provides three specialized plans tailored to appliance coverage, system coverage, or full home protection. With over 40 add-on options available, including coverage for professional-grade appliances and home maintenance services, homeowners can easily customize their plans.
Liberty also offers user-friendly customer support, featuring a dedicated app and live chat on its website. This makes Liberty Home Guard a good choice for homeowners who value flexibility in coverage and efficient, accessible support.
Liberty Home Guard
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers upper coverage limits of $2,000 for most items, which is competitive with most other home warranty companies
- More than 40 individual add-on choices makes it easy to customize coverage
- Clear, straightforward contract terms makes it easy to understand what is and isn’t covered
Cons
- Has a lower $500 upper coverage limit on plumbing and electrical systems
- Add-ons only include a $500 upper individual coverage limit
- Doesn’t mention a service call fee during the purchase process
Add-Ons
One of the most impressive features of Liberty Home Guard is its extensive selection of add-on coverages, which include the following:
- Additional spa
- Carpet cleaning
- Central vacuum
- Ejector pump
- Electronics protection
- Freestanding ice maker
- Generator
- Grinder pump
- Guest unit
- Gutter cleaning
- HVAC tune ups
- HVAC Upgrade Program
- In-fridge ice make
- Indoor service and maintenance
- Instant hot water dispenser
- Lawn sprinkler system
- Lighting fixtures
- Pest control
- Plumbing fixtures
- Pool and spa
- Pro-series clothes dryer
- Pro-series dishwasher coverage
- Pro-series microwave
- Pro-series range/oven/cooktop coverage
- Pro-series refrigerator coverage
- Pro-series washing machines
- Re-key services
- Reverse osmosis water filter system
- Roof leak repair
- Saltwater pool
- Second refrigerator
- Septic system pumping
- Stand-alone freezer
- Sump pump
- Swamp cooler
- Tech Installation and Support
- Trash compactor
- Water dispenser water line
- Water softener
- Well pump
- Window washing and cleaning
- Wine cooler or fridge
Our Take on Liberty Home Guard
Liberty Home Guard can offer a good choice for homeowners who want flexibility and solid coverage for their home systems and appliances. The company offers three plans: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard, so you can pick what best fits your needs. Appliance Guard covers appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens with up to $2,000 in coverage per item. Systems Guard offers financial protection for important systems such as your plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. However, the company extends lower coverage limits for plumbing and electrical at $500 each.
If you’re looking for a mix of both, the Total Home Guard plan covers appliances and systems for a more well-rounded option. Another thing that makes Liberty stand out is the wide range of 42 add-on options available. You can add coverage for items such as pools, electronics, or even home services, including pest control and carpet cleaning. This way, you can tailor your coverage and avoid paying for things you don’t need.
That said, Liberty Home Guard does have some things to watch out for. The company has a 90-day waiting period for plumbing and electrical coverage, and during that period, limits coverage to $250 for those systems—something you don’t always see with other providers. Our team also found some vague terms in the company’s contract that might leave you uncertain about what’s covered. Plus, Liberty doesn’t disclose service call fees upfront, so you might face additional costs you weren’t expecting after enrollment. Another downside is the company’s book value clause, which can lower payouts for older items based on their depreciated value.
Customer feedback on Liberty reflects a mix of positive and negative experiences. Many reviewers appreciate the company’s quick claims process and helpful customer service, but some have run into issues with exclusions, limited coverage on certain systems, and the depreciation clause affecting payouts for older items.
We recommend Liberty Home Guard if you:
- Have unique coverage needs and want a wide range of add-ons
- Seek flexible protection options, whether focused or comprehensive
- Value accessible customer support and flexible account management options
We don’t recommend Liberty Home Guard if you:
- Prefer full transparency about service call fees upfront
- Have concerns about long waiting periods for coverage to start
- Own older appliances or systems and worry depreciation might affect payouts
Liberty Home Guard Coverage
Liberty Home Guard offers three plan options—Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard—providing specialized coverage tailored to different homeowner needs. These plans include appliance-only, system-only, and comprehensive combination coverage. You can also customize your plan with over 40 add-on options to suit your specific requirements. Below, we detail each coverage plan and the available add-ons.
Core Plans
If you need focused appliance protection, Appliance Guard is your best option. This plan covers 12 major home appliances, including clothes washers and dryers, kitchen refrigerators, and cooktops. All appliances include a $2,000 coverage limit, which is the maximum amount Liberty will pay toward repairs and replacements. These limits align with industry standard coverage for these items, based on our research.
The Systems Guard plan covers six essential home systems: cooling, heating, plumbing, ductwork, water heaters, and electrical systems. While the company covers HVAC, ductwork, and water heaters up to $2,000, plumbing and electrical systems have a lower $500 limit. This falls short compared to other home warranty plans, with competitors such as Choice Home Warranty often offering $1,500 or more in coverage. The lower limits could leave you responsible for additional repair costs, potentially leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses.
The Total Home Guard plan combines the coverage of Appliance Guard and Systems Guard to provide a more comprehensive home protection plan. This can offer peace of mind that both your essential home systems and appliances are covered under one plan, reducing the financial burden of unexpected repairs or replacements. All coverage limits remain the same with this plan.
Liberty’s plans include a 60-day workmanship guarantee that covers your repairs and replacements. This guarantee applies to any work completed by Liberty Home Guard and ensures its quality. If your appliance or system suffers a secondary breakdown during this timeframe, Liberty will complete the repairs at no cost.
When reviewing the Liberty Home Guard sample contract, we discovered a policy that affects initial coverage for certain systems. Although the company has a standard 30-day waiting period after signing up, it restricts plumbing and electrical coverage for the first 90 days. During this period, Liberty Home Guard caps these systems at a $250 coverage limit instead of the full $500. For example, if you need an electrical system repair within the first 90 days, you will only receive $250 toward those costs. It is uncommon for a home warranty company to impose additional restrictions on coverage limits beyond the initial waiting period, based on our research, making this a notable limitation.
Liberty Home Guard Plan Comparison
The table below compares Liberty Home Guard’s home warranty plans.
| Coverage | Appliance Guard | System Guard | Total Home Guard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clothes washer | ✔ | 𝗫 | ✔ |
| Clothes dryer | ✔ | 𝗫 | ✔ |
| Kitchen refrigerator | ✔ | 𝗫 | ✔ |
| Built-in microwave oven | ✔ | 𝗫 | ✔ |
| Dishwasher | ✔ | 𝗫 | ✔ |
| Garbage disposal | ✔ | 𝗫 | ✔ |
| Range/oven/cooktop | ✔ | 𝗫 | ✔ |
| Ceiling and exhaust fans | ✔ | 𝗫 | ✔ |
| Garage door openers | ✔ | 𝗫 | ✔ |
| Air conditioning | 𝗫 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Heating | 𝗫 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ductwork | 𝗫 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Plumbing | 𝗫 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Electrical | 𝗫 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Water heater | 𝗫 | ✔ | ✔ |
Add-Ons
Liberty Home Guard offers 42 add-on options, one of the largest catalogs available from a home warranty provider we’ve reviewed. Most companies typically provide only 8–12 options, making Liberty’s selection a standout. Add-ons include coverage for additional appliances such as water softeners and secondary refrigerators, as well as pools for both freshwater and saltwater systems and lawn sprinkler systems.
Notable options include electronics coverage, TV mounting services, and home maintenance services such as carpet cleaning, pest control, and gutter cleaning. Liberty also provides professional series appliance coverage by type, enabling you to customize your plan for high-end appliances. This targeted approach means you can avoid paying for blanket coverage on premium appliances you don’t own, offering both flexibility and value.
The Liberty Home Guard service contract does not specify coverage limits for all add-on items. However, it does state that coverage is limited to $500 for the following items: pools and spas, septic tank plumbing, well pump, sump pump, central vacuum, standalone grease traps, limited roof leaks, water softeners, and re-key services.
While the company doesn’t list limits for other add-ons, this doesn’t mean these items have no coverage cap. Coverage limits may depend on the third-party provider that completes the work. We recommend discussing these items with Liberty Home Guard to clarify any potential coverage limits.
Below is a complete list of the company’s available add-on options:
| Appliances | Home Services | Outdoor Amenities | HVAC and Plumbing | Other Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central vacuum | Carpet cleaning | Additional spa | Ejector pump | Electronics protection |
| Freestanding ice maker | Exterior flooring power washing | Casita guest unit | Grinder pump | Lighting fixtures |
| In-fridge ice maker | Gutter cleaning | Generator | Plumbing fixtures | TV Mounting (up to 65 inches) |
| Instant hot water dispenser | Limited roof leak | Lawn sprinkler system | Septic system pumping | TV Mounting (up to 85 inches) |
| Pro-series clothes dryer | Pest control | Pool and spa | Sump pump | |
| Pro-series dishwasher | Rekey services | Saltwater pool | Swamp cooler | |
| Pro-series microwave | Window washing/cleaning | Well pump | ||
| 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 |
The Fine Print
It’s important to fully understand coverage restrictions when considering Liberty Home Guard as your home warranty provider, ensuring your chosen plan aligns with your needs and expectations.
Liberty states that homeowners are responsible for routine maintenance and cleaning of covered items and sustaining proper operation based on the manufacturer’s guidelines. Your home warranty coverage is limited to normal wear and tear. It does not extend to malfunctions caused by improper maintenance, rust, corrosion, or issues due to poor installation or modifications by the homeowner or a third party. The company does not cover commercial-grade equipment and appliances, as well as property used for business purposes.
Plans also exclude coverage for cosmetic defects, repairs on items with known defects or recalls, and damages caused by misuse, accidents, fire, natural disasters (such as lightning or earthquakes), or water pressure issues. In addition, Liberty Home Guard is not liable for damages resulting from product design or manufacturing defects, including faulty materials, construction, or marketing.
In addition to the exclusions mentioned above, we also wanted to highlight additional policies found in the Liberty Home Guard contract.
Book Value
Liberty states that it will cover an item up to its book value, which means you may receive a reimbursement amount that is less than the original purchase price due to depreciation over time. “Book value” refers to the current fair market value of a covered item at the time of claim submission, taking into account factors such as its age, condition, and original purchase price.
For example, if you have a refrigerator that was purchased for $2,000 and it breaks down after five years, the book value may be assessed at $1,200. Liberty Home Guard will cover up to that $1,200 book value, not the full $2,000 you initially paid, as the item has depreciated over time.
High-End Appliance Coverage
The company does not cover professional-grade, luxury, and high-end appliances such as Gaggenau, La Cornue, and Sub-Zero under its baseline plans. You must add the professional series appliance add-on instead for this protection, which will increase monthly costs.
Maintenance and Repair Documentation
Liberty Home Guard reserves the right to request various documents, such as purchase, repair, and maintenance records, certifications, and home inspection reports, at any time. Failure to provide these documents may result in limitations or denial of repair, replacement, or cash in lieu of repair or replacement.
Out-Of-Network Service Providers
Liberty Home Guard may allow you to contact an independent service contractor for repair diagnostics, reimbursing you for the authorized cost. However, Liberty will not reimburse repair or replacement services performed without prior consent, and the company must approve proof of costs before issuing a reimbursement.
Liberty Home Guard Cost
Liberty Home Guard plans cost between $50 and $60 per month, based on a quote our team requested for a 2,000-square-foot single-family home in Portland, Oregon. Your final home warranty costs depend on your chosen plan, any add-ons, and your assigned service call fee. Here’s an overview of Liberty Home Guard’s typical costs to give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
Plan Cost
The most affordable home warranty plan, Appliance Guard, costs $50 per month. The Systems Guard plan, which falls in the mid-range, costs $55 per month, while the most comprehensive plan, Total Home Guard, is priced at $60 per month.
The company offers both monthly and annual premium rates, with coverage options for up to five years, which is longer than what many other providers we’ve reviewed offer. New customers paying for annual plans can receive several months of free service—for example, a one-year plan includes two complimentary months of service, while a five-year plan offers six. The company’s service call fees range from $65–$125 per claim, which is the amount paid to contractors when they visit your home to repair or replace a covered item.
Unlike some providers, Liberty Home Guard does not disclose its service call fees when you request a quote or allow you to choose your rate. Other home warranty companies typically provide multiple service fee options for better pricing flexibility, often shown in online sample quotes. When we spoke with a representative from Liberty Home Guard, we learned that the service call fee varies based on the selected plan and the home’s location. The company will assign you a rate after plan enrollment.
Add-On Costs
Liberty Home Guard offers add-ons starting at $4 per month for in-fridge ice makers, with other options such as guest unit coverage available for $36 per month. Limited roof leak coverage is priced at $12 per month, which is more affordable than some competitors, but it only provides $500 in coverage, which is lower than what other providers typically offer.
Liberty Home Guard Add-On Costs
We’ve outlined the monthly costs for each add-on in the table below.
| Add-On Coverage | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| In-fridge ice maker | $4 |
| Pro-series clothes dryer | $5 |
| Pro-series microwave | $5 |
| Pro-series washing machine | $5 |
| Water dispenser water line | $5 |
| Stand-alone freezer | $6 |
| Trash compactor | $7 |
| Pro-series dishwasher | $8 |
| Second refrigerator | $8 |
| Plumbing fixtures | $8 |
| Lighting fixtures | $8 |
| Central vacuum | $9 |
| Sump pump | $9 |
| Instant hot water dispenser | $10 |
| Re-key services | $10 |
| Additional spa | $10 |
| Lawn sprinkler system | $10 |
| Wine cooler/fridge | $12 |
| Limited roof leak | $12 |
| Pro-series range/oven/cooktop | $13 |
| Septic system pumping | $13 |
| Well pump | $13 |
| Water softener | $14 |
| Freestanding ice maker | $15 |
| Pro-series refrigerator | $15 |
| Pro-series stand-alone freezer | $15 |
| Reverse osmosis water filter system | $15 |
| Gutter cleaning | $15 |
| Pest control | $15 |
| Ejector pump | $15 |
| Grinder pump | $15 |
| Swamp cooler | $15 |
| TV Mounting (up to 65-inch TVs) | $15 |
| Carpet cleaning | $20 |
| Exterior flooring power washing | $20 |
| Window washing/cleaning | $20 |
| Generator | $20 |
| Pool and spa | $20 |
| Electronics protection | $20 |
| TV Mounting (up to 85-inch TVs) | $20 |
| Saltwater pool | $24 |
| Casita guest unit | $36 |
Liberty Home Guard App and Live Chat
For customers looking to manage their Liberty Home Guard services more conveniently, the company offers both a mobile app and a live chat option on its website.
The Liberty Home Guard app enables users to file and manage claims, track payment history, and monitor service requests on their phone. It also provides real-time claim updates, payment management, and the ability to add properties. Available on both iOS and Android, the app is free for customers and offers a secure way to manage home warranty services directly from your phone.
The company’s website features a live chat option to address customer inquiries. During our team’s testing, we were first connected to an automated bot named Ava, which struggled with more complex questions. The bot offered predefined options such as customer support and plan upgrades. However, after requesting a live agent, we were connected in under a minute for further assistance.
Discounts
Liberty Home Guard offers various ways for customers to save money. Our team found the following offerings on the company’s website at the time of this writing:
- Additional property discounts: Purchasing a warranty for an additional property can earn discounts on your plan.
- Ongoing discounts: We found regularly updated promotions, including $200 off costs, two free bonus months, and free roof leak coverage, on the company’s Coupons and Promotions page.
- Refer a friend: When you refer a friend, you both can earn a $25 Amazon gift card.
- Seasonal promotions: Liberty Home Guard runs holiday deals, such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts.
In addition to the plan discounts, Liberty Home Guard also provides exclusive discounts on various top-brand appliances and systems for its members.
Comparing Liberty Home Guard to Other Top Providers
Liberty Home Guard falls slightly below our other reviewed providers with an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. American Home Shield tops our list with a 4.8 star rating, but it offers the highest pricing range, with rates up to $99 per month. Choice Home Warranty holds a 4.7 star rating and offers competitive pricing similar to Liberty Home Guard. First American Home Warranty and Elite Home Warranty both have a 4.6 star rating, though Elite provides pricing on par with Liberty and Choice, while First American’s pricing starts higher.
| Company | Our Rating | Monthly Plan Cost | Service Fee Cost | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$57–$68 | $65–$125 | A+ | ||
$36–$100 | $100–$125 | B | ||
$60–$68 | $100 | B | ||
$77–$130 | $100–$125 | B | ||
$45–$60 | $70 ($150 for after hours and weekends) | B |
Customer Reviews: Reddit, Trustpilot, and More
To get a clearer picture of what it’s like to use Liberty Home Guard as a customer, we looked through reviews from various sites such as the BBB, Reddit, and Trustpilot.
Liberty Home Guard has earned mixed reviews from homeowners. Many homeowners appreciate the company’s quick claims process, which is often described as straightforward and efficient. The customer service team frequently receives positive feedback for being courteous, organized, and responsive, with technicians praised for their professionalism and clear communication. Additionally, features such as appliance discounts and seasonal promotions are a hit among customers, adding extra value to their home warranty plans.
With negative reviews, some common frustrations include challenges with the claims process, such as delays or denials regarding coverage exclusions or depreciation clauses. Customers also report dissatisfaction with unexpected fees and missed service appointments, which can detract from the overall experience. A recurring concern is the company’s depreciation-based payouts, in which reimbursements for older items fall short of expectations. We recommend carefully reviewing plan terms and clarifying any coverage questions upfront to minimize surprises when you file a repair claim.
We’ve highlighted two online reviews for Liberty Home Guard below:
“I’ve been with Liberty Home Guard for three months now and so far, had just one claim, but my experience has been phenomenal. They managed to replace my dishwasher in three days after I opened a claim. I didn’t even call in—literally did everything from the app. I had other home warranties before, but all of them scammed me.” —Nathannnnnnnnnnnnn via Reddit on Dec. 10, 2024
“I had Liberty Home Guard for two years and canceled because their technician’s response times were days out [and the] approval process is terrible. [It] wasn’t worth the hassle for me.” Adam G. via the BBB on Jan. 1, 2025
Our Experience With Liberty Home Guard
We gained insight into the Liberty Home Guard customer experience by personally signing up for service. Additionally, we reviewed Liberty’s claims process as outlined on its website to understand what to expect. Below is a summary of our tester’s experience with the sign-up process and an overview of the claims process.
Signing Up
To sign up for Liberty Home Guard service, you can either call the company’s customer service department at (833) 545-5286 or sign up directly through its website. Our Liberty tester used the company’s online quote process to understand how it works.
1. Enter Home Details
To start the process, you need to enter your full name, email, and phone number, and select the number of properties you want covered. Next, provide your home address and details, including the property type and estimated size. Liberty will also display a picture of your home from Google Maps for confirmation.
2. Review Your Plan Options
Next, you can choose your plan options. The company offers detailed information about covered items across each plan for easy comparison. Additionally, you can switch between monthly and annual pricing. With annual pricing, we were given the option of receiving two months of free coverage. As mentioned earlier, there’s no option for selecting a service call fee available.
3. Choose Your Add-Ons
After selecting your plan, you can customize your coverage with add-ons. Liberty Home Guard offers a unique feature that suggests five add-ons based on the most popular options in your state. You can choose as many add-ons as you need, but note the more you add, the higher your monthly cost. Additionally, you can request a free homeowners insurance quote from Progressive Home.
4. Select Your Plan Length and Pay for Services
In the final step, you can select your plan term. You can choose from monthly or annual options for up to five years. Each annual option includes certain free months of service as a bonus. Additionally, you’ll have a second opportunity to request a homeowners insurance quote and select add-on options.
You’ll then enter your billing address and choose your payment method. Liberty Home Guard offers three payment options: credit card, bank payment, or PayPal. You’ll see the estimated total for your plan, including any add-on charges and discounts, as well as the details of your policy term. However, note that this amount does not include your service call fee rate.
Once completed, you’ll receive confirmation of your plan, disclosure of your service call fee, and plan start date after the 30-day waiting period.
Filing Claims
Liberty Home Guard simplifies the claims process with multiple ways to submit your repair and track progress. Here’s a breakdown of how it works.
You can file a claim online, over the phone, or via the company’s mobile app. Note that the company’s live chat feature is not available for claim submissions. To start online, log into the Liberty Home Guard Portal. On the app, log in and select “File A Claim.” You can also submit claims by calling (833) 545-5286, and Liberty Home Guard is available to accept claims 24/7. Note that you must file your claim immediately upon detecting an issue with your appliance or system for coverage. 
Source: Liberty Home Guard online portal
After submitting the claim, it can take up to 48 hours for Liberty Home Guard to assign a local technician. The company has a nationwide network of independent technicians, and a company representative will work with you to schedule the service. If no technician is available in your area, you can choose your own, though Liberty Home Guard will not cover any costs incurred without prior consent for diagnosis, repair, or replacement.
The technician will arrive on the scheduled date to perform the necessary repairs or replacements. Once the work is finished, you’ll pay the service call fee directly to the technician. The service fee covers one item per visit, so if additional items need repair, separate fees apply. If the technician can’t repair or replace the item, you may become eligible for a cash reimbursement.
Advice From a Homeowner
Our Liberty Home Guard tester, Amanda L., had a smooth and straightforward sign-up experience. She found the process simple, clear, and entirely online, making it easy to manage her plan.
“I felt clear on exactly what I’d pay upfront, and I liked that it was easy to do completely online,” she said. The ability to file claims online added to the convenience and made the process even more seamless.
Having dealt with a dishwasher leak last year before she even had coverage, Amanda now finds peace of mind knowing her home warranty plan provides support when issues arise.
Homeowner Experience
“It definitely provides me comfort to know that if anything happens to my appliances, I can get a third party to deal with some of those details quickly,” she said. This coverage reassures her that she won’t have to navigate unexpected problems independently.
Her main complaint centered on the company’s frequent calls to upgrade her plan, which she found a bit overwhelming early on.
“I had just signed up and didn’t want to start paying more before I knew what the service would be like,” she said.
Based on Amanda’s experience, readers may want to carefully evaluate their coverage needs before signing up for a home warranty plan and make informed decisions about upgrades early on. While it’s natural to consider additional coverage as needs arise, taking time to fully understand the service and plan options can help prevent feeling overwhelmed by sales calls.
Is Liberty Home Guard Worth It?
If you’re a homeowner seeking flexibility and customizable coverage, Liberty Home Guard is worth considering. The company provides targeted and comprehensive protection tailored to meet various homeowner needs. With a wide array of add-on options, you can easily customize your coverage, making it especially appealing for those with unique requirements or high-end appliances. Additionally, Liberty Home Guard ensures accessible customer support through a user-friendly app, live chat, and a 24/7 claims line.
However, a few things warrant consideration before choosing Liberty Home Guard. The company imposes a 90-day waiting period for plumbing and electrical coverage, and some systems have lower coverage caps than expected. The company also excludes premium appliances from base plans, and uses depreciation for payouts, which homeowners with older or high-value items may see as a downside.
Despite occasional complaints in online reviews about claim denials or surprise fees, Liberty Home Guard seemingly offers a fast claims process, skilled technicians, and user-friendly app and live chat support. If you seek flexibility and customization, Liberty Home Guard is a good option, but it is important to review coverage details and exclusions before signing up.
FAQs About Liberty Home Guard
What is the service call fee for Liberty Home Guard?
Liberty Home Guard charges a service call fee ranging from $60–$125, depending on your plan selected and location. The company doesn’t disclose service call fee rates until you complete the signup process.
Is a home inspection required before purchasing a Liberty Home Guard home warranty?
No, Liberty Home Guard does not require a home inspection before purchasing a home warranty.
Who will Liberty Home Guard send to my house for repairs?
Liberty Home Guard sends professional, pre-screened technicians from its own network for repairs and replacements. However, if a technician isn’t available in your area, you can choose your own technician with the company’s pre-approval.
How We Evaluated Home Warranty Providers
We use a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each home warranty company we review. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts, and running focus groups and homeowner surveys.
We use this information to score each provider in six comparison categories that we think are most important when choosing a home warranty. We rate each provider across 23 factors within those categories. Each factor is assigned a point value based on its importance to a homeowner, totaling 100 points. We convert the final scores to a 5-star rating.
Here’s a breakdown of our weighted factors:
- Coverage (35%): This category looked at how comprehensive each provider’s coverage was, including whether they covered unique items. Companies that covered the most items and had higher annual limits received the highest scores. We docked points from providers that impose long waiting periods or had depreciation policies that decrease your payouts for aging items.
- Cost (20%): We looked at average monthly prices and service call fees. We gave the most points to companies that offer pricing at or below the industry average and don’t impose any surcharges or extra fees.
- Trustworthiness (15%): To gauge reputation and reliability, we reviewed customer ratings across sites like the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot as well as companies’ responses to complaints. We also checked for National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) membership. Providers with the highest ratings and longest workmanship guarantees received higher scores. We deduced points for any ongoing legal issues.
- Plan transparency (10%): We read terms, policies, and disclosures in provided contracts and on each company’s website. Providers with transparent contract details and policies received more points.
- Customer support (10%): Companies with multiple claims filing options, fast response times, and accessible customer support scored well in this category.
- Flexibility (10%): We awarded more points for providers offering more plan options, larger add-on catalogs, the ability to choose your own technician, and customer-friendly cancellation policies.
