Dealing with a broken appliance or system can be exhausting, especially when it comes to scheduling and paying for repairs. A home warranty can help ease this pain by protecting major home systems and appliances when they break down unexpectedly and covering the cost of expensive repairs or replacements. With a Washington home warranty, you can rest assured that if your heating system fails in the middle of winter, it’ll be repaired or replaced in a timely manner—saving you from bundling up in blankets to escape the cold.

We want to make searching for a home protection plan in Washington simple. In this review, we’ll discuss the best home warranty companies in Washington and help you find the right protection plan for you and your home.

Washington’s Top 5 Home Warranty Companies

The highest-rated home warranty companies in Washington include the following:

Our team took coverage options, pricing, customer reviews, and a variety of other factors into consideration when selecting the best home warranty providers in Washington.


Summary of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Washington

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
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
Company
Best For
BBB Rating
Monthly Cost
Service Fee
Response Time
Best for Comprehensive Coverage
B
$64–$74
$100–$125
Up to 48 hours
Best Customer Ratings
A+
$49–$60
$65–$125
Up to 48 hours
Best Value
B-
$44–$48
$60–$75
48-84 hours
Best for Customization
B
$48–$55
$75–$125
24-48 hours

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.

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. 


How Are Home Warranties Regulated in Washington?

Washington’s Department of Revenue (DOR) oversees service contracts and home warranty regulation. Service contract companies must obtain a license from the state’s insurance commissioner. Washington statute §§ 48.110.010 to 48.110.901 highlights the jurisdiction the DOR and insurance commissioner have over service contract providers. Additionally, providers must follow the requirements included in the statute or risk losing their license.

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner provides an online complaint form that home warranty owners can submit if their provider ignores its contractual obligations.

In addition to government oversight, industry associations regulate home warranty companies. The Service Contract Industry Council (SCIC) is an industry-related organization that helps state legislators develop laws and regulations related to service contracts. According to Timothy Meenan, the managing shareholder at Meenan Regulatory and Legislative Attorneys Law Firm, the SCIC passes legislation that increases consumer protection.


How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in Washington?

Based on the pricing data we pulled for this article, the average monthly premium for a Washington home warranty is $53. If you choose an annual premium, expect to pay an average of $636. Home warranty costs vary significantly from company to company due to the coverage plans they offer, the cost of local service technicians, and the square footage of your home. For example, if you own a home with numerous high-end appliances, you will typically pay more for a home warranty than someone who only needs standard appliance coverage. 

There are ways you can save on a home warranty. One way is to pay an annual rather than a monthly premium, as many home warranty companies offer discounted annual rates. Another method involves choosing a company that offers flexible service call fees. Those providers offer a lower monthly premium when you choose a higher service call fee.


Factors To Consider Before Buying a Washington Home Warranty

Purchasing a home warranty shouldn’t be taken lightly. Due to the complexity of home warranties, it can be challenging to choose the right company. Here are several factors to consider:

  • Additional benefits: Some companies offer membership benefits or unique coverage, such as rust damage coverage. Usually, these providers charge more for their coverage plans, so consider how much value you’ll get by purchasing from them.
  • Company reputation: Do your due diligence and verify the company from which you wish to purchase a home warranty. A great place to check a company’s trustworthiness is its Better Business Bureau (BBB) page. Avoid companies that hold a C- rating or lower on the BBB.
  • Coverage needs: Companies design home warranties to minimize the financial burden of appliance and system repair costs. However, a home warranty may not help if you own appliances with extended warranties.

Expert Takes on Home Warranties

We sourced experts across several industries associated with home warranties to answer homeowners’ common questions. Here is what they had to say:

  • Do home warranties provide cash payouts to fix my issue? According to Kurt Walker, who is associated with Mill City Home Buyers, many home warranty companies offer a cash payout if you request it. “However, you must be aware that the cash payout might not cover the cost of replacement.”
  • Should I buy a home warranty if I own home insurance? Marcus Fernandez, attorney and co-owner of Kinney, Fernandez, and Boire Law, recommends owning a home warranty and a homeowners insurance plan for full home protection. “[Home warranties] go beyond what your homeowners insurance covers by catering to the inevitable wear and tear of home systems and appliances, which typically isn’t covered by insurance,” he says.
  • What should I ask before buying a home warranty? Daniel Cabrera, founder of Sell Your House Fast, says you should ask the following: “ What are the limits and exclusions when buying a home warranty?” He adds, “Homeowners should understand what specific items, parts, or situations the company excludes from the warranty.”

Who Needs a Washington Home Warranty?

Technically, you don’t need a home warranty; unlike home insurance, it is not a requirement for mortgage lenders. However, home warranties can be worthwhile for Washington homeowners, real estate agents, home sellers, and home buyers who want to protect major systems and appliances in their homes and avoid paying unexpected repair or replacement costs.

Our Conclusion

The This Old House Reviews Team recommends American Home Shield, AFC Home Club, or First American Home Warranty for comprehensive home protection. Before selecting a provider and buying a home warranty, we suggest getting quotes from all five companies so that you can determine which home warranty company fits your budget and home protection needs.


Frequently Asked Questions


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 provider. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts from each company, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys. We then score each provider against our review standards for coverage, value, trustworthiness and transparency, availability, and customer service to arrive at a final score out of 100.  

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.