A home warranty is a service contract between you and a home warranty company that covers repair and replacement costs for major home appliances and systems, such as your dishwasher and air conditioning. Home warranties typically cover breakdowns due to routine wear and tear.

We researched dozens of home warranty companies and scored them on various factors, including coverage plans and pricing. Below, we rounded up our top picks to help you find the best home warranty for your home.


Best Home Warranty Companies of 2023

The home warranty companies with the best ratings include the following:

Before choosing one of our top companies, consider your coverage needs and budget. Also, read their sample contracts to understand their coverage terms, exclusions, and limitations.


Summary of the Best Home Warranty Companies

The table below summarizes how top home warranty companies compare. We highlighted each company’s monthly cost plus appliance and system coverage caps to help you decide which is best for you. Consider a company with higher coverage caps if you own older home systems or appliances. If you need basic and affordable coverage, a company with a lower monthly premium may be the right choice.

Best For Monthly Cost Service Fee Response Time BBB Rating Link
American Home Shield American Home Shield Best for Comprehensive Coverage $64–$74 $100–$125 Up to 48 hours B VISIT SITE
Liberty Home Guard Liberty Home Guard Best Customer Ratings $49–$60 $65–$125 Up to 48 hours A+ VISIT SITE
Select Home Warranty Select Home Warranty Best Value $44–$48 $60–$75 48-84 hours B- VISIT SITE
AFC Home Club AFC Home Club Best for Customization $48–$55 $75–$125 24-48 hours B VISIT SITE
First American Home Warranty First American Home Warranty Best Appliance Coverage $60–$76 $75–$125 4-48 hours B VISIT SITE
Elite Home Warranty Elite Home Warranty Flexible Coverage $55–$75 $70 Up to 48 hours A+ VISIT SITE
Cinch Home Services Cinch Home Services Best Additional Perks $47–$64 $100–$150 2-24 hours B VISIT SITE
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty Cheapest Appliances Plan $22–$74 $65–$100 Up to 48 hours B+ VISIT SITE
American Home Shield
Logo American Home Shield
Best For Best for Comprehensive Coverage
Monthly Cost $64–$74
Service Fee $100–$125
Response Time Up to 48 hours
BBB Rating B
VISIT SITE
Liberty Home Guard
Logo Liberty Home Guard
Best For Best Customer Ratings
Monthly Cost $49–$60
Service Fee $65–$125
Response Time Up to 48 hours
BBB Rating A+
VISIT SITE
Select Home Warranty
Logo Select Home Warranty
Best For Best Value
Monthly Cost $44–$48
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 $48–$55
Service Fee $75–$125
Response Time 24-48 hours
BBB Rating B
VISIT SITE
First American Home Warranty
Logo First American Home Warranty
Best For Best Appliance Coverage
Monthly Cost $60–$76
Service Fee $75–$125
Response Time 4-48 hours
BBB Rating B
VISIT SITE
Elite Home Warranty
Logo Elite Home Warranty
Best For Flexible Coverage
Monthly Cost $55–$75
Service Fee $70
Response Time Up to 48 hours
BBB Rating A+
VISIT SITE
Cinch Home Services
Logo Cinch Home Services
Best For Best Additional Perks
Monthly Cost $47–$64
Service Fee $100–$150
Response Time 2-24 hours
BBB Rating B
VISIT SITE
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
Logo 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
Best For Cheapest Appliances Plan
Monthly Cost $22–$74
Service Fee $65–$100
Response Time Up to 48 hours
BBB Rating B+
VISIT SITE
Company
Best For
Monthly Cost
Service Fee
BBB Rating
Response Time
Best for Comprehensive Coverage
$64–$74
$100–$125
B
Up to 48 hours
Best Customer Ratings
$49–$60
$65–$125
A+
Up to 48 hours
Best Value
$44–$48
$60–$75
B-
48-84 hours
Best for Customization
$48–$55
$75–$125
B
24-48 hours
Best Appliance Coverage
$60–$76
$75–$125
B
4-48 hours
Flexible Coverage
$55–$75
$70
A+
Up to 48 hours
Best Additional Perks
$47–$64
$100–$150
B
2-24 hours
Cheapest Appliances Plan
$22–$74
$65–$100
B+
Up to 48 hours

Note: This table’s monthly cost figures are based on the national average our team calculated for six of our top picks. Your monthly premium may differ based on your home’s size and type, your location, and your plan and add-on selections. We recommend pulling a quote directly with the company you’re considering. We pulled quotes for a 2,000-square-foot, single-family home in Raleigh, North Carolina, to determine the company’s prices referenced in this article.


American Home Shield

Best for Comprehensive Coverage
4.4
  • Response Time: 48 hours
  • State Availability: 48 states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii)
  • Service Call Fee: $100 and $125

American Home Shield (AHS) offers comprehensive major systems and appliance coverage alongside service call fee flexibility. Additionally, AHS covers unique instances other providers typically don’t, such as rust, corrosion, or sediment damage.

Why We Chose American Home Shield

We rated AHS 4.4 out of 5 stars in our review standards. We consider AHS as the “Best for Comprehensive Coverage” due to its three coverage plans, multiple service fees, and solid industry reputation. We thoroughly read American Home Shield’s sample contract and found it applies a $2,000 limit per covered appliance in its ShieldGold plan. It doubles its coverage cap to $4,000 per covered item in the ShieldPlatinum plan.

AHS plans provide extensive coverage, and even its basic plan, ShieldSilver, covers your HVAC system. Its multiple service call fees allow you to customize your monthly premium to fit your budget.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers a flexible service call fee model that allows customers to adjust monthly fees to fit their budget Sets generous coverage caps (up to $5,000 on built-in systems and $4,000 on appliances with its ShieldPlatinum plan) Provides coverage for unknown preexisting conditions, items damaged by rust and corrosion, and items that have been improperly installed or modified Cons Charges higher monthly premiums compared to other providers Offers less coverage flexibility than most providers with only a few add-on options

Plans and Pricing

American Home Shield offers three plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. We called an AHS representative and discovered that ShieldSilver covers built-in systems. The representative noted that AHS imposes a $5,000 coverage cap per covered system. ShieldGold has a $2,000 coverage limit on home appliances and doesn’t include an HVAC tune-up. ShieldPlatinum adds roof-leak coverage, up to $1,000 in code upgrades, an HVAC tune-up, and air filter discounts.

When we used AHS’s quote tool, it allowed us to choose a service call fee of $100 or $125. AHS states that a higher service call fee will result in a lower monthly premium and vice versa. All AHS plans come with a 30-day workmanship guarantee.

While pulling our quote, we discovered that AHS only offers monthly premium options. It doesn’t include an annual premium like other providers on this list. AHS allows you to pull a quote by calling a representative or using its tool.

Here are details on the covered items and monthly costs in each of American Home Shield’s plans:

  • ShieldSilver ($29.99–$39.99 per month): Covers home systems, such as heating, cooling, and electrical
  • ShieldGold ($49.99–$59.99 per month): Covers major systems and appliances, such as air conditioning, roof leaks, and plumbing
  • ShieldPlatinum ($79.99–$89.99 per month): Covers systems and appliances and includes additional benefits, such as $1,500 for roof-leak repairs
  • Optional Add-ons: Electronics, pools/spas, guest units, septic pumps, and well pumps. AHS offers competitively priced add-ons, such as septic pump coverage, for five dollars per month.

You can review the American Home Shield’s sample contract for exact coverage details.

What To Expect

We found it easy to pull a quote from American Home Shield’s quote tool. You must enter your ZIP code, home address, and email. Then it generates your personalized quote. It allows you to choose your service call fee option, which adjusts your premium based on the higher or lower service call fee.

AHS stands out from other providers for its coverage of rust, corrosion, and sediment damage. It also covers improperly installed or maintained items, plus items with preexisting conditions. Most providers exclude items with these conditions from coverage. 

Like most providers in this article, AHS requires you to use an in-network service provider when requesting service. One of our team members owns an AHS plan and tested its claims process. When he filed a claim for a leaking bathroom pipe, AHS found a local plumbing technician within an hour. He scheduled an appointment for the next day, and the plumber fixed his issue on that visit. He only paid his service call fee for the repair.

AHS holds solid customer reviews, despite mixed feelings about its customer service. Based on the dozens of BBB customer reviews we read, some reviewers experienced lower-than-expected claims reimbursement. Others had their claims processed quickly and satisfactorily.

Liberty Home Guard

Best Customer Ratings
4.5
  • Response Time: 48 hours
  • State Availability: 50 states
  • Service Call Fee: $65–$125

Liberty Home Guard (LHG) offers three coverage plans, a 60-day workmanship guarantee, and more than 30 add-ons. LHG also provides accessible customer service via its live-chat feature on its website.

Why We Chose Liberty Home Guard

Liberty Home Guard earned 4.5 out of 5 stars in our rating system. It is the best customer-rated home warranty provider on this list, in part due to its A+ rating* with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and its 4.7 out of 5-star rating on Google Reviews. Our team spoke with multiple customer representatives to consider how well LHG handles customer inquiries. Based on our experiences, we believe it holds up to its stellar ratings, with each representative answering the phone quickly and answering all our questions thoroughly.

Pros and Cons

Pros Extends a 60-day workmanship guarantee Offers 38 unique optional add-ons, including pest control and gutter cleaning Provides a live-chat customer service feature Cons Doesn't allow plan price or service call fee customization Covers high-end appliances only with add-on purchase Lacks transparency about services fees during the quote process

Plans and Pricing

Liberty Home Guard offers three service plan options: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Unlike providers with a flexible service call fee, LHG assigns a service call fee to your account based on your plan, add-on selections, and location. According to the representative we spoke with, service fees range from $65 to $125. All LHG’s covered items are subject to a $2,000 coverage cap and a 60-day workmanship guarantee.

Below are the monthly prices for an LHG plan. Expect to pay between $600 and $720 annually. Per our research, LHG offers two additional months of coverage if you sign up for an annual plan. LHG allows you to pull a quote over the phone or online.

Here are details on LHG’s plans and optional add-on coverage:

  • Appliance Guard ($49.99 per month): Covers appliances, such as dishwashers, clothes washers, and dryers
  • Systems Guard ($54.99 per month): Covers built-in systems, such as air conditioning, heating, ductwork, and water heater
  • Total Home Guard ($59.99 per month): Covers all the items in the Appliance Guard and Systems Guard plans
  • Optional Add-ons: Up to 38 options, including pest control, rekey service, gutter cleaning, floor cleaning, and generator coverage. When we pulled our quote, we were informed that pest control coverage costs an extra $15 monthly.

Liberty Home Guard’s service contract provides additional coverage information for each plan.

What To Expect

Pulling a quote from Liberty Home Guard is straightforward. First, you fill out basic personal information such as your name, phone number, and email. Then, you input your home’s address, type, and whether it is under or over 5,000 square feet. LHG will then display your home’s customized monthly premium. 

We believe Liberty Home Guard offers solid coverage for the price. Its $2,000 coverage cap applies to all covered items except electrical and plumbing systems. In addition, it offers the most add-on coverage options compared to other providers. This makes LHG a great choice if you have unique items that need coverage. 

Note that LHG doesn’t allow you to choose your service provider since it works with its network of technicians. However, if LHG can’t source a technician from its network near you, it allows you to source your own. 

In reading customer reviews, we found that consumers’ experiences aligned with our experience contacting LHG’s customer service. Many reviewers noted the helpfulness of representatives and how quickly they resolved issues. We experienced this responsiveness each time we called or used its live-chat feature.

Select Home Warranty

Best Value
4.3
  • Response Time: 48 hours
  • State Availability: 47 states (excluding NevadaWisconsin, and Washington)
  • Service Call Fee: $60–$75

Select Home Warranty provides affordable coverage plans for those who need basic coverage. It offers appliance-only, systems-only, and combination plans. In addition, Select offers a service call fee under $80 per claim.

Why We Chose Select Home Warranty

Select Home Warranty scored 4.3 out of 5 stars in our review standards. It is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable home warranty since all its plans are less than $50 per month and include roof-leak coverage (up to $400 annually) in each standard plan. Home warranty companies don’t typically offer roof-leak coverage without an additional fee.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers annual premium discounts on multi-year coverage plans Includes generous $3,000 coverage limit for HVAC systems Covers additional refrigeration and stand-alone freezers Cons Excludes coverage for tankless water heaters Offers lower coverage caps than many competitors Charges multiple service fees if there are multiple claims at the same time

Plans and Pricing

Select Home Warranty offers three plan options: Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care. Select charges a $60–$75 service call fee. Our team discovered via secret shopping that Select offers its lower service call fee as an over-the-phone deal only. After reviewing Select’s sample contract, we found it covers HVAC systems up to $3,000. However, Select limits other covered systems, such as plumbing and electrical, plus appliances, to a $500 coverage cap. Select’s plans include a 30-day workmanship guarantee.

Select Home Warranty offers monthly and annual premium options. Expect to pay between $533 and $573 annually. According to the quote we pulled, Select offers up to $150 off and two additional months of coverage if you choose an annual premium. It lets you pull a quote by calling or using its online tool.

Here are more details about Select Home Warranty’s plans:

  • Bronze Care ($44.42 per month): Covers appliances, such as clothes washers and dryers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, and cooktops
  • Gold Care ($44.42 per month): Covers systems, such as air conditioning, heating, plumbing, electrical systems, water heaters, and ductwork
  • Platinum Care ($47.75 per month): Covers all the appliances and built-in systems in the Bronze and Gold Care plans, plus garage-door openers and ceiling fans
  • Optional Add-ons: Central vacuums, lawn sprinkler systems, pools, septic systems, spas, stand-alone freezers, sump pumps, and well pumps. Select Home Warranty also offers low prices for its add-ons. For example, it charges under four dollars monthly for central vacuum coverage.

Check out Select Home Warranty’s sample contract which outlines the terms and conditions of each coverage plan.

What To Expect

Select’s quote tool works similarly to the tools of other providers in this article. It first asks for your ZIP code. Then it asks for your name, phone number, and email. It doesn’t, however, ask for your property’s address. This helps streamline the quote process.

Select is worth considering for homeowners who need basic home protection. Its coverage caps for essential systems and appliances are much lower than other providers, making it difficult to recommend from a coverage standpoint. It offers some of the most affordable fees, and it lets you choose your service provider as long you obtain Select’s approval first. 

We also discovered that Select prefers to communicate strictly over the phone for claims and plan issues. Several customers on third-party consumer review sites, such as the BBB and Trustpilot, note that Select’s customer service department is difficult to get ahold of. Therefore, we recommend carefully considering your needs and budget before signing up for Select Home Warranty.

AFC Home Club

Best for Customization
4.6
  • Response Time: 24 business hours
  • State Availability: 49 states (excluding Hawaii)
  • Service Call Fee: $75, $100, and $125

America’s First Choice Home Club (AFC Home Club) made it onto our list thanks to its customization options for add-ons and its four distinct plans. In addition, AFC Home Club offers service call fee flexibility, which can raise or lower your monthly premium.

Why We Chose AFC Home Club

AFC Home Club earned a 4.6 out of 5-star rating in our review standards. Along with its flexible service call fee model, the variety of plans offered by AFC Home Club is ideal for homeowners who want a personalized home warranty package and pricing. AFC Home Club also offers a lengthy workmanship guarantee and additional membership perks. Other providers don’t include membership perks within their plans.

Pros and Cons

Pros Adds security perks, including identity protection, credit monitoring, and Emergency Alert Network service Guarantees parts and labor for the life of your membership Pairs appliances with a $3,000 coverage cap Cons Requires claims be submitted immediately after noticing a system or appliance problem Charges $75 for canceling after the first 30 days of their plan

Plans and Pricing

AFC Home Club offers a portfolio of four plan options: a Platinum Plan,

a Gold Plan, a Silver Plan, and a Systems Plan. AFC Home Club allows you to choose from a $75, $100, and $125 service call fee. The lower service call fee raises your monthly premium and vice versa.

Our team called AFC Home Club to ask about its coverage caps. A representative stated that its HVAC systems, such as heating and air conditioning, have an unlimited coverage cap, except for thermostats. It limits thermostats to $80. 

The representative added it covers up to $3,000 for appliances. However, AFC’s fine print states it pays up to the value of an item’s depreciated value if it’s older than five years. It covers all repairs and replacements with a plan-length workmanship guarantee.

AFC Home Club offers annual premiums alongside monthly premiums. Expect to pay between $398 and $630 annually for AFC Home Club coverage. The company includes a $50 annual discount if you choose a yearly payment plan. You can pull a quote using its online tool or call a sales representative.

Here are details on each plan offered by AFC Home Club:

  • Silver Plan ($38.00–$42.83 per month): Covers appliances, such as clothes washer, clothes dryer, garbage disposal, and dishwasher
  • Systems Plan ($45.25–$50.08 per month): Covers systems, such as air conditioning, heating, water heaters, and plumbing
  • Gold Plan ($52.50–$57.33 per month): Covers both appliances and systems, such as electrical, ductwork, oven, range, plumbing stoppages, and garage-door openers
  • Platinum Plan ($57.33–$62.17 per month): Covers all items and systems included with the Gold Plan, plus a built-in microwave and ice maker
  • Optional Add-ons: Double oven, electronic coverage, hot water dispenser, sump pump, septic system, central vacuum, pool, spa, stand-alone freezer, and roof-leak repair. Based on the quote we pulled, in-ground pool coverage costs $9 per month.

AFC Home Club’s fine print gives more details if you want to learn more.

What To Expect

AFC Home Club provides an easy-to-use quote tool. Where it differs from most providers, however, is its cost page. Unlike other providers, AFC Home Club requires clicking on each plan to select your desired service call fee. If you wish to compare the prices of the other plans, you must click on the “Back To Plans” button. Although obtaining a quote is straightforward, comparing plan prices isn’t as efficient as other providers.

We consider AFC Home Club’s unlimited workmanship guarantee its best feature. The peace of mind it provides makes it a solid choice for those with older appliances or systems in their homes. Additionally, AFC Home Club is one of the few providers that allows you to choose your contractor. However, its mixed coverage limits for home systems lower its value from a coverage standpoint.

Our team read dozens of customer reviews to understand how AFC Home Club handles customer service. We found mixed reviews. Several customers appreciated AFC Home Club’s speedy claims processing. Others disliked the depreciation valuation AFC does on covered items.

First American Home Warranty

Best Appliance Coverage
4.6
  • Response Time: 48 hours
  • State Availability: 33 states*
  • Service Call Fee: $75, $100, and $125

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

First American Home Warranty offers comprehensive coverage for both appliances and systems. The company also offers a suite of add-ons plus a plan upgrade that covers miscellaneous fees home warranties typically don’t cover.

Why We Chose First American Home Warranty

We rated First American Home Warranty 4.6 out of 5 stars in our review standards. What makes First American Home Warranty stand out is its generous appliance limits. After reading its sample contract, we found First American pairs each appliance with a $3,500 limit in the Starter and Essential plans, which is higher than other providers. Its Essential and Premium plans offer the First American Advantage upgrade. This upgrade protects systems and appliances that were improperly maintained, modified, or installed—a rarity in the home warranty business.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides unlimited coverage caps on heating, cooling, or ductwork Covers up to $1,000 in limited roof-leak repair Offers customers access to appliance discounts Cons Covers air conditioning as an add-on in the Starter Plan Limits service to 33 states, which is considerably fewer than many other providers

Plans and Pricing

First American Home Warranty offers three plans: the Starter Plan, the Essential Plan, and the Premium Plan. First American offers flexible service call fees ranging from $75, $100, and $125. The coverage limit for appliances is set at $3,500 per item in its Starter and Essential plans, and its Premium Plan increases appliance limits to $7,000 per covered appliance. Upon speaking with a representative, we discovered the company doesn’t outline hard limits for built-in systems coverage except for water heaters. First American covers all repairs for 30 days. 

First American Home Warranty also offers an annual premium. Annual plan costs range from $540 to $1,040. Unlike other providers that offer annual premiums, First American doesn’t include extra months of coverage or a discount if you choose an annual premium. First American provides an online quote tool or a sales phone line to pull a free quote.

Here are more details about First American’s plan coverage:

  • Starter Plan ($47–$62 per month): Covers built-in microwaves, dishwashers, ductwork, electrical system, heating, plumbing systems, oven/cooktop, plumbing stoppages, refrigerators, and toilet tanks, bowls, and mechanisms
  • Essential Plan ($57–$72 per month): Includes everything in the Starter Plan plus air conditioning, ceiling/attic/exhaust fans, clothes washers, clothes dryers, First American Advantage upgrade, garage-door openers, trash compactors, and water heaters
  • Premium Plan ($72–$87 per month): Covers all items listed in the Essential Plan including refrigerators, and toilet tanks, bowls, and mechanisms full garage-door systems, instant hot water dispensers, luxury appliance coverage, shower heads and arms, and window air conditioning units
  • Optional Add-ons: Additional refrigeration, air conditioning for Starter Plan, HVAC tune-up, limited roof-leak, pool and spa equipment, septic tank systems and pumping, water softeners, and well pumps. First American offers limited roof-leak coverage for under $9 per month.

Check out First American Home Warranty’s sample contract for exact coverage details.

What To Expect

First American’s online quote tool requires you to enter personal information, such as your name, phone number, email, and home address. You must also enter your home’s type and the estimated square footage. Once you do, it generates your monthly quote. Although there is extra information you must fill out, we found it simple to adjust your premium based on your chosen service call fee. It also conveniently displays each plan’s coverage options below the price figures.

First American’s sizeable coverage limits make it a great choice for those who want total home protection. However, it excludes air conditioning coverage from its entry-level Starter plan. You must pay extra to obtain air conditioning coverage. Other providers include it within their basic plans.

First American handles claims by sending in-network service contractors to fix your issue. It allows you to use your own if an in-network provider isn’t available near you. One of our team members purchased a plan to test the claims process. He filed a claim for his garage door opener on a Friday and reported First American sent a service technician the following Monday. The technician arrived at our team member’s home on Monday and fixed his issue in under 30 minutes. All he paid was his service call fee.

Our team read dozens of customer reviews. Similar to other home warranty providers, First American holds mixed reviews. A positive theme was how simple it is to file claims. A negative theme involved delays in fulfilling service requests.

Elite Home Warranty

Flexible Coverage
4.6
  • Response Time: 48 hours
  • State Availability: 46 states
  • Service Call Fee: $70

Elite Home Warranty offers comprehensive system and appliance coverage in 46 states, excluding California, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. It offers customizable coverage, holds an A+ rating with the BBB, and pairs a generous workmanship guarantee with each covered repair.

 

Why We Chose Elite Home Warranty

We rated Elite 4.6 out of 5 stars due to its plan variety, competitive coverage caps, and unique add-on offerings. We consider Elite best for flexible coverage since you can build your protection plan from scratch. According to the Elite representative we spoke with, you can pick the individual items you need covered. However, the representative noted that its customizable plan can quickly increase in price compared to its standard plans.

Our team thoroughly read Elite’s sample contract and found it provides a generous aggregate coverage cap for standard home appliances and systems. The company pairs appliances and systems with a $7,000 and $8,000 annual limit, respectively. Elite provides coverage limit upgrades as an add-on for those who need extra coverage.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers a 90-day workmanship guarantee for completed repairs Lets you choose to include your service fee in your annual premium, meaning you don’t pay a service call fee when you file a claim Offers higher coverage limits for high-end appliances Cons Requires you to call to get a quote Charges a higher service call fee for high-end appliance repairs Excludes workmanship guarantee on repairs done with an out-of-network technician

Plans and Pricing

Elite Home Warranty offers three standard protection plans: Elite Appliances, Elite Systems, and Elite Complete. It also provides a Customize Your Own policy. When we pulled a quote from Elite using its online quote form, we discovered it doesn’t display its coverage plans and pricing. However, an Elite Home Warranty representative called us within minutes of submitting our quote form.

While speaking with the representative, we found Elite charges a $70 service call fee for each claim you file. If you request service within 90 days of a completed repair, Elite will send another technician to your home free of charge. 

Elite offers monthly and annual premiums. Here is a pricing and coverage breakdown for each Elite Home Warranty plan:

  • Elite Appliances ($57.49 per month): Covers common kitchen and home appliances such as built-in microwaves, ceiling fans, and refrigerators.
  • Elite Systems ($62.49 per month): Covers built-in systems, plumbing fixtures, and more, such as heating, plumbing, and water heaters.
  • Elite Complete ($72.49 per month): Covers both appliances and systems.
  • Optional add-ons: Elite offers up to 27 add-ons, including guest unit coverage, limited roof-leak coverage, and a Premium Benefits upgrade. When we pulled our quote, Elite priced its Premium Benefits upgrade at $15 monthly.

 

What To Expect

Our team reached out to Elite Home Warranty, and the company gave us a glimpse of how it handles a typical service request. We filed a claim for a faulty high-end dishwasher to test Elite’s response time. A claims specialist from Elite called us within 30 minutes of receiving our claim. The specialist had an available service appointment for the next business day. Our team member noted the specialist’s flexibility when scheduling an appointment based on our team member’s preferred availability. 

A licensed service technician arrived on the appointment date and realized the issue required out-of-stock parts. The service technician returned with the ordered parts the following Monday morning after an initial visit on Tuesday evening. The technician fixed the issue within an hour of arriving. Since Elite covered the repair cost, we didn’t pay a service call fee. However, the representative we spoke with made clear it normally charges a service fee when you request service.

We also read through dozens of customer reviews from third-party review sites. The company holds stellar ratings across the BBB, Google Reviews, and Trustpilot. Customers applaud Elite’s professionalism and knowledgeable service technicians. Some customers, however, dislike the persistence of Elite’s sales representatives.

Cinch Home Services

Best Additional Perks
4.6
  • Response Time: 2 business hours or 24 hours outside business hours
  • State Availability: 48 states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii)
  • Service Call Fee: $100, $125, and $150

Cinch Home Services (CHS) is another provider that offers comprehensive appliance and systems coverage. The company includes a generous annual coverage cap. It also covers up to 28 home systems and appliances

Why We Chose Cinch Home Services

Cinch Home Services scored 4.6 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Cinch offers several perks, such as its lengthy 180-day workmanship on completed repairs. Based on our research, the industry standard for workmanship guarantees is 30 days. It also offers a unique $500 home insurance deductible reimbursement that comes with the Complete Home Plan. We recommend this provider to homeowners who want to get the most out of their plan with a lengthy re-servicing guarantee.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides an air conditioner or water filter credit of $25 with each plan Includes a generous $10,000 annual coverage cap for all covered items Covers items damaged by rust and corrosion Cons Does not offer roof-leak protection Offers a short list of add-ons limited mostly to pools and spas

Plans and Pricing

Cinch Home Services offers three plans: the Appliances Plan, Built-In Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Cinch also offers a flexible service call fee model, and its options for service fees are $100, $125, and $150. Upon reading Cinch’s fine print, we found the company sets its coverage caps at $1,500 for central air conditioning and $1,000 for plumbing systems. When you file a claim, Cinch subtracts these amounts from the policy’s annual coverage limit.

Like American Home Shield, Cinch Home Services doesn’t offer an annual premium option. However, it allows you to request a quote online or over the phone.

Here are more details about Cinch Home Services’ plans:

  • Appliances Plan ($38.99–$48.99 per month): Covers appliances, such as clothes dryer, washer, built-in food center, freestanding ice maker, microwave, and refrigerator
  • Built-In Systems ($43.99–$55.99 per month): Covers built-in systems, such as water heater, air conditioner, built-in trash compactor, smoke detector, and jetted tub
  • Complete Home ($54.99–$66.99 per month): Covers all the items in the earlier plans, plus up to $500 per term for a homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement
  • Optional Add-ons ($4.58 to $22 depending on the item): Pools, spas, pools with spas (heater included), septic tanks, well pumps, and a Premier Upgrade Package (increases limits up to $1,000 to help pay for unforeseen costs during a claim, such as debris removal or code upgrades)

Check out the company’s sample contract to access the complete coverage terms and conditions.

What To Expect

We found Cinch’s quote tool the easiest and quickest to generate a custom quote. You enter your ZIP code and email, then Cinch displays each plan’s monthly cost. In addition, Cinch makes it simple to choose your service call fee by displaying its three fee options directly above the plan information. It automatically adjusts each plan’s monthly premium based on your selected service call fee.

Cinch Home Service’s additional perks make it a worthwhile provider. Most home warranty companies don’t offer credits for maintenance items or reimbursement for your homeowners insurance deductible. It provides solid systems and appliance coverage. However, Cinch offers a limited amount of add-ons and excludes roof-leak coverage. Most providers offer some form of roof protection coverage.

Cinch Home Services also holds mixed customer reviews due to its high service call and monthly fees. Some customers disliked the quality of contractors it used for service requests, while others appreciated the knowledgeable and friendly sales team. Regarding service technicians, Cinch requires you to use in-network technicians. When we called to ask if it allows out-of-network contractors, a representative stated it does. However, you must contact Cinch beforehand. 

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

Cheapest Appliances Plan
4.6

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty offers solid and affordable coverage for your home’s most important systems and appliances. 2-10 provides low service call fees and a generous list of add-on coverage options.

Why We Chose 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

We scored 2-10 4.6 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Not only does 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty offer an affordable appliance plan, but its customizable service call fee, competitive add-on options, comprehensive policies, and easy-to-understand coverage caps make it a worthwhile consideration for any homeowner.

While reading 2-10’s sample contract, we learned that the provider offers unique perks, such as an appliance color match and its “Even If”  Service Fee Guarantee. The “Even If” guarantee refunds your service call fee upon your request if 2-10 labels your issue ineligible for coverage.

Note: Our team discovered a pattern of complaint on 2-10’s BBB business profile. The pattern of complaint, which started in October 2021, alleges 2-10 placed customers on hold for extended periods, delayed follow-ups, and limited communication.

In April 2023, 2-10 addressed the pattern of complaint with a statement saying it has implemented measures to reduce the number of complaints. These measures include bolstering its self-service capabilities, reducing call center hold times, and adding a call-back feature.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers a flexible service call fee model Provides a plan-length workmanship guarantee Breaks down sample contract terms in easy-to-understand language Cons Charges a processing fee if you choose monthly premiums Holds an NR rating with the Better Business Bureau

Plans and Pricing

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty offers three plan options: Simply Kitchen, Complete Home, and Pinnacle Home. Simply Kitchen covers appliances, such as your range, dishwasher, and built-in microwave. Complete Home covers all the items in the Simply Kitchen plan, plus six built-in systems. Pinnacle Home is 2-10’s most comprehensive policy, and it covers all the items in the previous plans, plus concrete or encased systems, disposal fees, crane costs, and more.

2-10 allows you to request a quote online and over the phone. We called 2-10 to request a quote and discovered the company offers two extra plans not listed on its website: Simply HVAC and Essential Home. The representative we spoke with stated that these plans cost more and cover less than those listed; therefore, 2-10 doesn’t normally offer them.

2-10 offers a flexible service call fee model, which means you can select a $65, $85, or $100 service call fee. Like other companies with flexible service call fees, the higher your service call fee, the lower your monthly fees will be.

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty offers monthly and annual payment options. Expect to pay between $300 and $816 annually for a 2-10 plan. The company includes a $60 auto-bill discount when you choose the annual option. It charges a 9.8% processing fee if you choose the monthly option.

You can compare 2-10’s monthly prices below:

  • Simply HVAC ($39–$51 per month): Covers cooling and heating systems, heat pumps, and thermostats
  • Simply Kitchen ($22–$31 per month): Covers appliances, including built-in microwave, cooktop, dishwasher, oven, range, and refrigerator with ice maker
  • Essential Home ($51–$62 per month): Covers all items listed in the Simply HVAC and Simply Kitchen plans
  • Complete Home ($51–$60 per month): Covers appliances and home systems, including all the items in the Simply Kitchen plan, plus air conditioning, electrical, heating system, interior gas lines, plumbing, electrical, and thermostats
  • Pinnacle Home ($65–$74 per month): Covers all the items in the two earlier plans, plus attic and bathroom exhaust fans; burglar and fire alarms; concrete encased or concealed water lines; concrete encased or concealed wiring; cosmetic appliance parts; crane costs; electrical cut-off switches; faucets and faucet handles; filters, gas, waste, and vent piping leaks or breaks in the plumbing system; haul away/disposal fees; interior and exterior hose bibbs; PEX manifold plumbing system; refrigerant recovery and recharge up to $150; shower heads, shower arms and tub spouts; and washer and dryer
  • Optional Add-ons: Additional freestanding freezer, additional pool, additional refrigerator, additional wet bar refrigerator, additional built-in wine cooler, extended pipe leak, garage-door opener, HVAC surplus, luxury package (increases coverage limits), pool and spa, plumbing and electrical, preseason HVAC tune-up, roof leak, septic system, supreme package, washer and dryer, water softener, and well pump. 2-10 offers more add-ons compared to other providers. The additional refrigerator costs an extra $5 per month.

What To Expect

Our team pulled a quote online to analyze 2-10’s online quote tool. Like other providers, you must enter your ZIP code and a few pieces of personal information before it generates a quote. 2-10’s quote page is cluttered compared to other providers’ pages. We also noted you need to select a plan before you can adjust your service call fee.

Given its NR rating and pattern of complaint, we consider 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty worth considering only if you need basic kitchen appliance coverage at an affordable rate. Its Simply Kitchen plan is budget-friendly, plus its service call fees are lower than most providers on this list. Its Appliance Color Match and Even If features may appeal to budget-conscious customers. 

2-10 requires using an in-network provider when you file a service request. The company extends a plan-length workmanship guarantee, which may persuade some homeowners to consider the company. 

2-10 holds mixed customer reviews. We discovered many customers found the online claims portal easy to use. Others appreciated the quick claims processing. However, some customers didn’t experience the same level of promptness from 2-10. Several customers found it difficult to reach a representative over the phone, while others disliked the low claims reimbursement.

ARW Home

Affordable Service Call Fees
3.7
  • Response Time: 24–48 hours
  • State Availability: 50 states
  • Service Call Fee: $55

ARW Home (formerly known as American Residential Warranty) offers customizable home protection. It covers unique items other providers exclude. Additionally, its low service call fee makes it worth considering for budget shoppers.

Why We Chose ARW Home

ARW Home offers one of the lowest service call fees in the industry, a range of customizable plans, comprehensive electronics coverage as an add-on, and coverage for items other providers exclude, such as humidifiers and food spoilage.

Our team spoke with a representative to request a quote. The representative answered the phone in under a minute and answered our questions thoroughly.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers a low $55 service call fee Provides six customizable plans Includes coverage for multiple cooling and heating systems Cons Provides clothes washer and dryer coverage as an add-on only Caps home systems at $1,000 per covered item ($500 per covered appliance) Excludes roof-leak coverage

Plans and Pricing

ARW Home provides six protection plans for your home systems and appliances: Kitchen Plus, Heating and Cooling, Platinum, Platinum Premier, Water and Sewer Line Combo, and 4-in-1 Bundle plans. Its Kitchen Plus plan covers standard kitchen appliances, such as refrigerators. The Heating and Cooling plan protects humidifiers, heating, cooling, and electrical systems. The Platinum plan bundles the plans mentioned above, and the Platinum Premier plan adds plumbing systems coverage and more to the mix. The Water and Sewer Line Combo plan covers repairs and unblocking of lines, excavation costs, reseeding grass, and repaving driveways if applicable. Its 4-in-1 Bundle includes all the coverage options above plus optional add-on packages, such as its Ultimate Electronics Protection plan.

We found that ARW Home doesn’t display its Heating, Cooling, and Platinum plans online. We spoke with a representative for clarification, who stated ARW Home excludes those plans due to their lower value for homeowners.

ARW Home pairs all plans with its standard $55 service call fee, which is lower than most providers’ service call fees.

The company allows you to choose monthly and annual premiums. However, if you choose an annual premium, it excludes discounts and additional months of coverage. To obtain a quote from ARW Home, you can use its online tool or call its sales team.

Compare ARW Home’s monthly prices and coverage options below:

  • Kitchen Plus ($39.99 per month): Covers six kitchen appliances: cooktops, refrigerators, dishwashers, built-in microwaves, garbage disposals and kitchen exhaust fans. Also covers water heaters and interior electrical systems.
  • Heating and Cooling ($43.78 per month): ARW Home’s basic plan. It covers heating and cooling systems, humidifiers, and interior electrical systems.
  • Platinum ($54.50 per month): Covers everything in the Kitchen Plus and Heating and Cooling plans. The Platinum plan is available without air conditioning coverage, which lowers your monthly premium.
  • Platinum Premier ($64.99 per month): Covers everything in the Platinum plan plus plumbing systems, ductwork, garage-door openers, and ceiling fans. The Platinum Premier plan is also available without air conditioning coverage to lower your monthly cost.
  • Water and Sewer Line Combo ($17.98 per month): Covers sewer and water line leaks and stoppages plus excavation, repaving, and reseeding costs
  • 4-in-1 Bundle: ($129.99 per month): 4-in-1 Bundle is ARW Home’s most comprehensive plan. It includes all the items mentioned above, plus clothes washers, dryers, sewer and water line stoppage coverage, as well as stand-alone add-on packages, such as the Ultimate Electronics Protection and Deluxe Advantage plans.
  • Optional Add-ons: Clothes washer and dryer, swimming pool and spa, swimming pool only, spa only, plumbing system (does not include fixtures or clogs), additional air conditioning system, additional central heating system, second refrigerator or freezer (does not include ice maker), food spoilage, ceiling fans, ice maker (in refrigerator or stand-alone), water heater, range, oven or cooktop, AC Advantage for refrigerant and coils, Plumbing Advantage for fixtures, Deluxe Advantage Package, and Ultimate Electronics Protection. Ultimate Electronics Protection costs an additional $25 monthly.

What To Expect

ARW Home’s quote tool is one of the more simplistic tools we analyzed. You enter your name, phone number, email, and ZIP code. Once you do, ARW Home displays your monthly premium. We did notice, however, that ARW doesn’t include your service call fee in the quote process. Without reading the company’s sample contract, it’s difficult to know the fee amount.

ARW Home is a solid choice for homeowners who need comprehensive electronics protection. Its $5,000 aggregate claim is the highest for electronics coverage compared to other providers. However, ARW’s standard coverage falls short due to its $1,000 limit per system and $500 limit per appliance. Like most providers, ARW sends an in-network technician to fix your breakdown. 

Regarding customer ratings, ARW Home holds mixed reviews. Several customers appreciated ARW Home’s friendly customer service when signing up for a plan. Other customers, however, lamented ARW’s low coverage reimbursement.

Our goal is to provide you with reliable information to make the best decision you can about a home warranty. Our team members are devoted full-time to analyzing customer insights, fact-checking content, and identifying each company’s standout features.

 

  • 57 home warranty companies considered
  • 1,000 homeowners surveyed
  • 57,000+ customer reviews analyzed
  • 31 home warranty coverage features compared

Home Warranty Buyer’s Guide

Knowing which home warranty is right for your needs can be challenging. We developed this buyer’s guide to walk you through how a home warranty works, what it costs, and other important information.

How Do Home Warranties Work?

Home warranties work similarly to insurance in the sense that you must file a claim to obtain your desired coverage. When a home system or major appliance breaks down due to normal wear and tear, you can call your home warranty company to file a claim or submit a service request online. Your company will respond to your service request within a specified time frame, typically less than 48 hours. If your company can’t locate a contractor within this time frame, the company may allow you to choose an approved contractor. However, in order to choose your own service technician, you must first contact your warranty provider to obtain authorization. We called every company listed in our article to confirm this.

After the company responds to your request, it will forward your claim to an approved contractor to schedule with you directly. At this initial visit, the technician will assess and diagnose the malfunction and determine whether it resulted from a covered issue. Minor repairs will typically be completed during this initial visit if the claim is approved, while other repairs or replacements may require an additional visit after ordering and receiving the necessary parts.

It’s typical for home warranty companies to offer at least a 30-day workmanship guarantee after they’ve completed a covered repair. This guarantee means your contractor will assess the issue and provide service without an additional service charge if the item breaks down again after the initial repair.

What Do Home Warranties Cover?

A home warranty plan covers the repair, service, or replacement of major home systems and appliances when they break down due to wear and tear. Many companies split coverage options into systems, appliance, and combination plans.

The most common systems and appliances home warranty plans cover include the following:

  • Air conditioning
  • Built-in microwaves
  • Clothes dryers
  • Clothes washers
  • Dishwashers
  • Ductwork
  • Electrical
  • Garbage disposals
  • Heating systems
  • Ovens
  • Plumbing
  • Refrigerators
  • Water heaters

What Do Home Warranties Typically Not Cover?

Home warranties typically do not cover incorrectly modified or installed built-in systems and appliances or ones that suffered malfunctions due to neglect, misuse, accidental damage, or an “act of God.” It’s important to read service contracts carefully because the terms vary.

As a general rule, home warranties do not cover structural elements. Home warranties also don’t cover any item protected by a manufacturer’s warranty, such as a Samsung warranty

Home warranties typically exclude miscellaneous item coverage. For example, although your stovetop may be considered a covered item, your home warranty company likely won’t cover the dials, grills, or other non-essential components of the stovetop.

What Are Common Home Warranty Complaints?

After reading thousands of third-party customer reviews, we determined the most common home warranty complaints include the following:

  • Inexperienced technicians
  • Long wait times for replacements of appliances or parts
  • Slow or refused claims payouts
  • Slow responses to complaints
  • Unclear coverage limits

These traits are the hallmarks of poor home warranty service and are not typical of every provider on the market. We recommend asking questions about policies on claims, wait times, and coverage limits before buying to ensure you understand your home warranty company’s terms.


How Are Home Warranties Regulated?

Each state regulates home warranties and service contract licensure independently. For example, the Department of Licensing and Regulation handles service contracts in Texas. Arizona’s Consumer Protection Division of the Department of Insurance regulates home warranties in that state. Some states, including Pennsylvania, take a more hands-off approach, according to Timothy Meenan, JD, who serves as executive director and general counsel for the Service Contract Industry Council (SCIC). In contrast, it can be more difficult for new providers to get licensed in states such as Florida and California.

Many states have rules based on the Service Contract Model Act that the SCIC and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) promoted to state legislatures. Since 1988, the SCIC has worked to promote industry regulation nationwide. Regulation ensures that your home warranty company is financially sound and can follow through on its promises. State regulations also ensure various consumer protections, such as the following measures:

  • Contracts that are clear and use easy-to-read print
  • Extensive disclosures of what is covered and excluded
  • The ability to cancel and receive a full refund within a certain period (typically 30–45 days)

While you’re shopping for a home warranty policy, it’s a good idea to check with your state’s regulatory body to confirm the company is licensed to operate in your state. You can also read through a sample contract. Many sample contracts have state-specific clauses that clarify the protections and exclusions you are subject to.


How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost?

According to our national average, a home warranty typically costs $644 to $737 per year. To find our national average, we pulled more than 120 quotes for a 2,000-square-foot, single-family home and calculated the average cost.

It’s important to factor in service fees when determining the price of your home warranty. Each time your home needs repairs and replacements, service fees are an added cost. Service call fees typically fall between $65 and $125 per visit.

Based on our research on more than 57 home warranty companies, only 12 home warranty companies allow you to choose your service call fee. Lower service call fees can make your monthly fees more expensive, which is an important consideration if you plan on making several service requests throughout your home warranty term. However, your monthly cost will likely be lower if you choose a higher service fee. When you choose a high service fee, you’ll pay more for a technician’s visit.

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Are Home Warranties Worth the Cost?

Home warranties could be worth it if you aren’t financially prepared for unpredictable repairs and replacements for your frequently used appliances and home systems. When we surveyed 1,000 homeowners in 2021, we found that more than 74% of respondents had spent at least $400 on a home repair, and 27% of these homeowners spent more than $1,000 on a repair.

We surveyed 1,000 homeowners again in 2022 and found that 63% purchased a home warranty due to fear of an expensive breakdown. Arthur Chartrand, of counsel to the National Home Service Contract Association, states home warranties can help establish a “level budget”  by minimizing these expenses.

Let’s say you own a home with an old HVAC system. According to InterNACHI’s report on the life expectancy of home items, HVAC components last an average of 10 to 15 years. If you estimate your HVAC system is within that age range, it’s likely only a matter of time before a breakdown occurs. If you replace your HVAC system, you could pay upwards of $4,000 for the unit, plus installation costs.

Since a home warranty plan, on average, costs $600 to $800 no matter where you live, you will likely come out ahead with a home warranty if you need to repair or replace a major system or appliance such as your HVAC system. If you’re on an especially tight budget and need minimal coverage, consider signing up for a cheap home warranty plan.

However, a home warranty may not be worth it if you have a significant financial nest egg set aside for home repairs or your systems have manufacturer’s or installation warranties. Home warranty contracts stipulate that any item currently covered by another warranty is not covered.


Annual Home Warranty Cost Calculator

Our team created a home warranty cost 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 home warranty companies, as annual costs and service fees vary between them.

Appliance Average Repair Cost Average 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

What To Look For When Buying a Home Warranty

While shopping for a home warranty, there are several factors to consider before you sign up with a provider:

  • Available service companies in your area: If your home is located in a rural, mountainous, or off-the-grid area, confirm with your company that there is a service technician near you. Confirm whether you can use your own technician if your home warranty doesn’t have an established network in your area. Most home warranty companies have a vast network of service providers nationwide. However, there are locations where companies won’t have established networks.
  • Claims processing time frame: Find out what steps your home warranty takes to process a claim. Confirm how soon they will send a service technician to your home after processing your claim. In addition, ask how long emergency claims or claims outside normal business hours take to process. Claim time frames can help you differentiate warranty companies to select the best one for your needs.
  • Reputability: Check consumer review sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews to read how customers feel a home warranty company resolves claims, customer inquiries, and issues. National trade organizations, such as the National Home Service Contract Association and the Service Contract Industry Council, list member providers compliant with specified business practices. Checking these lists can confirm that a company is reputable.

Chartrand also recommends asking your company where it sources its service technicians. Find out if the service providers it uses are local to where you live. Doing so can eliminate the headache of waiting for your warranty company to find an in-network technician.

How To Choose the Best Home Warranty

Use the following tips to find the best home warranty for your coverage needs:

  • Determine your coverage needs: Carefully consider whether you need home appliance or systems coverage before deciding on a plan. Many companies offer systems-only and appliances-only plans plus combination plans.
  • Request multiple quotes: Request quotes from at least three companies to compare costs and coverage limits before deciding. Meenan recommends that homeowners shop around because there may be another company with similar coverage at a lower price.
  • Read sample contracts: Comparing contract details for several home warranty companies helps you determine which home warranty is best based on coverage limits, exclusions, and claims process. Meenan also suggests choosing a home warranty compnay that provides easily accessible sample contracts that clearly label excluded items.

How To Read Home Warranty Service Contracts

The tips below outline how to read and understand your home warranty company’s policy terms.

  • Find what’s covered: Look through the fine print to see if the provider includes all the home items you’d like protected. Most companies cover systems and appliances, but it’s important to confirm that your choice covers what you need.
  • Understand exclusions: Your company will have certain instances or components that it won’t cover even on a covered item. For example, while your home warranty may cover your air conditioner, the filters likely won’t be covered. Similarly, your home warranty company may exclude appliances and systems with preexisting conditions from coverage.
  • Ask questions: Call your provider and ask a representative to clarify sections you don’t understand in the service contract.

Reading a home warranty service contract is important before signing up. Be aware of your company’s specific coverage exclusions and limitations to reduce denied claims and unwelcome surprises.


Expert Takes on Home Warranties

To supplement our in-depth research on homeowners’ most common questions about home warranties, we conducted brief interviews with contractors, property managers, and real-estate industry experts. Here is what they had to say:

  • Are home warranties worth it for older homes? According to Dave Bringer, owner and head technician of Bringer Appliance Repair, “Older homes need home warranties because their appliances and systems have most likely used their manufacturer’s warranty coverage.”
  • How can I tell if a home warranty company is trustworthy? Peter Evering, a Business Development Manager for Utopia Property Management, says: “Reading customer reviews and ratings can provide insights into the experiences of other homeowners and help you gauge the level of customer satisfaction.”
  • How do I choose the best home warranty company? Patrick Grayson, who is associated with Paramount Property Buyers, a real-estate business based in Indianapolis, says: “When shopping for a home warranty, consider the coverage that each company offers and make sure it fits your needs.” He continues: “Some companies may offer more coverage than others, so make sure to compare all your options.”
  • What do I need to know before signing up for a home warranty? Danny Margagliano, a World Impact Real Estate Realtor, emphasizes the importance of knowing whether a home warranty company has options that fit your budget. “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.”

Our Conclusion

The best home warranty company for you depends on your unique coverage needs and budget. It’s important to choose a home warranty that fits your situation. We recommend American Home Shield for its generous coverage, flexible plans, and customizable service fee. Liberty Home Guard is another solid choice due to its $2,000 coverage cap per covered item, extensive add-on selections, and quality customer reputation. If you own older appliances, First American Home Warranty is a good pick.

Before signing up, we suggest carefully reading service contracts to understand each company’s exact terms and exclusions.

Monthly Cost $64–$74
Service Fee $100–$125
BBB Rating B
States Covered 48
VISIT SITE $150 Off Any Plan
Monthly Cost $49–$60
Service Fee $65–$125
BBB Rating A+
States Covered 50
VISIT SITE $200 Off + 2 Months Free + Roof Leak Protection
Monthly Cost $44–$48
Service Fee $60–$75
BBB Rating B-
States Covered 47
VISIT SITE Use code HOUSE25 for $150 off & 2 months free
Monthly Cost $48–$55
Service Fee $75–$125
BBB Rating B
States Covered 49
VISIT SITE $200 off + roof leak coverage + lifetime parts and labor

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Warranties


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

Find in-depth reviews on the best home warranty companies for each state and major US city below.



Our Rating Methodology

The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our home warranty ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. 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 company against our review standards for coverage, value, trustworthiness and transparency, availability, and customer service to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.