The Best Home Warranty Companies
A home warranty is an optional service that covers repairs and replacements of home systems and appliances for a specified amount of time, usually one year.
The best home warranty companies cover what your homeowners insurance doesn’t. They have excellent, transparent policies and customer service, and allow for customization of your plan. In order to help you find the best home warranty companies, we scoured customer reviews, spoke with service contract experts, contacted providers’ customer service agents, and dug into their service agreements. We compared the various home warranty plans and found 10 companies that rose above the competition.
The 10 Best Home Warranty companies
- Complete Protection – Best Overall
- 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty – Widest Coverage
- Home Warranty of America – Best for Low Premiums
- Choice Home Warranty
- American Residential Warranty – Best for Low Service Fee
- Amazon Home Warranty
- First American Home Warranty
- Select Home Warranty – Best for Extra Perks
- Cinch – Best for Liability Caps
- American Home Shield – Best for Custom Coverage
| Best for Low Service Fee | N/A | N/A | Best for Liability Caps | N/A | Best for Extra Perks | |||||
| $34.99 -$124.99 (varies by location) | $42-$52 (varies by location) | $41-50 (varies by location) | $39.99-$66.99 (dependent on chosen service fee, varies by location) | $32-$47 (varies by location) | $36-$42 (varies by location) | |||||
| $55 | $75 | $85 | $100, $125, or $150 | $75 | $45 | |||||
| X | X | X | X | X | X | |||||
| 30 days | 60 days | 90 days parts, 30 days labor | 180 days | 30 days | 90 days | |||||
| A+ | A | C | B+ | B+ | C | |||||
| 4.02/5 | 4.01/5 | 4.04/5 | 3.83/5 | 3.86/5 | 3.85/5 | |||||
Data as of October 16, 2019
Best Overall: Complete Protection
Pros
- No service fees
- Can choose your own service providers
- Wide coverage of systems and appliances
- No exclusions for pre-existing conditions
Cons
- $1,000 liability cap each for septic, plumbing, and electrical systems
- No coverage for anything structural, ductwork, humidifiers, sprinkler systems, spa tubs, or sump pumps
- No custom options
Top highlight: Choose your own service contractor and pay no service fees
Pros
- No service fees
- Can choose your own service providers
- Wide coverage of systems and appliances
- No exclusions for pre-existing conditions
Cons
- $1,000 liability cap each for septic, plumbing, and electrical systems
- No coverage for anything structural, ductwork, humidifiers, sprinkler systems, spa tubs, or sump pumps
- No custom options
Plan Options:
Essential
Price: $45/month
Coverage: Offers protection for seven of the most used systems and appliances. Can add a la carte coverage to the plan.
Advanced
Price: $55/month
Coverage: Adds coverage of refrigerator, washer, and dryer to the bottom-tier Essential Plan. Can add a la carte coverage to the plan.
Comprehensive
Price: $65/month
Coverage: Adds coverage of plumbing and electrical systems to the Advanced Plan. Can add a la carte coverage to the plan.
Ultimate
Price: $75/month
Coverage: Covers everything, from HVAC and electrical to the most common kitchen and laundry appliances. Can add a la carte coverage to the plan.
Why we chose Complete Protection
Complete Protection covers the most commonly used appliances and systems in the home at competitive prices. It offers four tiered plans (ranging from $45 to $75 per month) and no service fees, so if your dishwasher or air conditioner breaks, you won’t have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses for a service provider of your choice to come out.
Widest Coverage: 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
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Top highlight: Affordable monthly premiums to cover 27 types of appliances and systems
Pros
- Inexpensive monthly premiums
- 27 appliances and systems available for coverage
- High aggregate liability cap
Cons
- No custom options
- $85-$125 service fee
Plan Options:
HVAC + Water Heater
Price: $33.13/month (dependent on location)
Coverage: Covers cooling and heating systems within the home.
CONTENT REVEAL
Central Heating System
Thermostats
Gas Lines
Codes, Permits & Modifications
Central Refrigeration System
Heat Pumps
Evaporative Coolers
Ductwork
Codes, Permits & Modifications
Gas/Electric Water Heater
Major Appliances
Price: $33.13/month (dependent on location)
Coverage: Covers the most used appliances in the home, including dishwasher, garbage disposal, and refrigerator.
CONTENT REVEAL
Refrigerator(w/Ice Maker)
Dishwasher
Stove/Oven/Range
Washer and Dryer
Built-in Microwave
Trash Compactor
Garbage Disposal
Everything Together
Price: $54.99-$66.99/month (dependent on deductible chosen and location)
Coverage: Protects 27 systems and appliances, including heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical.
CONTENT REVEAL
Heating
Central Heating System
Thermostats
Gas Lines
Codes, Permits & Modifications
Cooling
Central Refrigeration System
Heat Pumps
Evaporative Coolers
Ductwork
Codes, Permits & Modifications
Appliances
Refrigerator(w/Ice Maker)
Dishwasher
Stove/Oven/Range
Washer and Dryer
Built-in Microwave
Trash Compactor
Garbage Disposal
Plumbing
Pipe Leak
Drain Line Stoppages
Gas/Electric Water Heater
Toilets, Tubs & Showers
Fixtures & Valves
Electrical
Wiring, Switches & Outlets
Central Vacuum
Doorbell
Attic and Exhaust Fans
Garage Door Openers
Lighting Fixtures
Why we chose 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
Encompassing 27 major appliances and systems, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty offers one of the most comprehensive plans on the market for roughly $35-45 per month (varies based on location). It also boasts an A rating from the Better Business Bureau, so you can rest easy knowing that this home warranty company does right by its customers.
Best for Low Premiums: Home Warranty of America
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Top highlight: Guaranteed coverage of 23 systems and appliances across all plans
Pros
- Guaranteed coverage of 23 appliances and systems, no matter the plan
- Can purchase extra coverage, such as standalone ice makers and freezers, pool and spa, and septic pumps
Cons
- Sliding-scale service fees can be high
- May pay for more coverage than needed
- No custom options
Plan Options:
All plans come with coverage of the following 23 appliances and systems. The more expensive Plus plans include cooling system protection. Between the Premier Plan and Premier Plus Plans, there are two versions each with different service fees – $100 and $75. This allows you to choose between more expensive monthly fees and more expensive out-of-pocket service fees.
CONTENT REVEAL:
Heating System
Ductwork
Water Heater
Clothes Dryer
Clothes Washer
Kitchen Refrigerator w/Ice Maker
Range/Oven/Cooktop
Built-in Microwave
Dishwasher
Garbage Disposal
Trash Compactor
Central Vacuum
Electric System
Ceiling Fan/Exhaust Fan
Burglar/Fire Alarm
Drywall
Doorbell
Garage Door Opener
Plumbing System
Instant Hot Water Dispenser
Permanent Sump Pump
Stoppages/Clogs
Whirlpool Bath Tub
Premier Plan ($100 fee)
Price: $41.15/month (varies by location)
Coverage: Includes all 23 appliances and systems with a $100 service call fee.
Premier Plus Plan ($100 fee)
Price: $50.38/month (varies by location)
Coverage: Includes all 23 appliances and systems, plus cooling system protection, with a $100 service fee.
Premier Plan ($75 fee)
Price: $44.62/month (varies by location)
Coverage: Includes all 23 appliances and systems with a $75 service fee.
Premier Plus Plan ($75 fee)
Price: $53.46/month (varies by location)
Coverage: Includes all 23 appliances and systems, including cooling system protection and premium upgrade coverage, with a $75 service fee.
Why we chose Home Warranty of America
Home Warranty of America protects 23 appliances and systems at a cheap monthly price (less than $55 per month, depending on where you live). You also get the choice of picking a higher monthly premium or a higher service fee, the latter being a bit higher than competitors.
Choice Home Warranty
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Top highlight: Comprehensive coverage offering customers the first month free
Pros
- First month free
- Comprehensive appliance and system coverage
- Long workmanship guarantee
Cons
- Low rating from the Better Business Bureau
- Pending consumer fraud lawsuit from the state of Arizona
Plan Options:
Basic Plan
Price: $41/month
Coverage: Protects 14 appliances and systems in the home. Can add a la carte coverage to the plan.
CONTENT REVEAL:
Heating System
Electrical System
Plumbing System
Plumbing Stoppage
Water Heater
Whirlpool Bathtub
Oven / Range / Stove
Cooktop
Dishwasher
Built-In Microwave
Garbage Disposal
Ductwork
Garage Door Opener
Ceiling and Exhaust Fans
Total Plan
Price: $50/month
Coverage: Covers all 18 appliances and systems available. Can add a la carte coverage to the plan.
CONTENT REVEAL:
Air Conditioning System
Heating System
Electrical System
Plumbing System
Plumbing Stoppage
Water Heater
Whirlpool Bathtub
Refrigerator
Oven / Range / Stove
Cooktop
Dishwasher
Built-In Microwave
Garbage Disposal
Clothes Washer
Clothes Dryer
Ductwork
Garage Door Opener
Ceiling and Exhaust Fans
Why we chose Choice Home Warranty
Choice Home Warranty is a solid choice for customers looking for low monthly premiums. It covers the most common appliances and systems, including plumbing, electrical, and A/C. You’ll also benefit from Choice’s workmanship guarantee (90 days for parts, 30 days for labor), which waives the $85 service fee if a repair or replacement goes bad.
However, it has a dismal rating (“C”) from the Better Business Bureau, owing to an October 2019 consumer fraud lawsuit from the Arizona government. It alleges that Choice used “contract exclusions, payment caps, and bad-faith refusals to avoid paying for repairs.” The lawsuit is still ongoing, and we will continue to update this page as details are released. We reached out to Choice but have yet to receive a response.
Best for Low Service Fee: American Residential Warranty
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Top highlight: Pay less out of pocket with this A+ rated home warranty company
Pros
- Low $55 service fee
- A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
- Offers additional coverage of electronics, such as TVs, computers, and gaming systems
Cons
- Coverage excluded in California, Florida, Iowa, Texas, Virginia, and Washington
- Customer service is not 24/7
- No custom options
Plan Options:
Kitchen Plus
Price: $34.99/month (varies by location)
Coverage: Only protects major kitchen appliances.
CONTENT REVEAL
Built-In Microwaver
Dishwasher
Garbage Disposal
Interior Electrical System
Kitchen Exhaust Fan
Range / Oven / Cooktop
Refrigerator (Not Including Ice Maker)
Water Heater
Heating & Cooling
Price: $39.99/month (varies by location)
Coverage: Protects healing, cooling, and electrical systems.
CONTENT REVEAL
Central Air Conditioning
Central Home Heating
Humidifier
Interior Electrical System
Platinum
Price: $49.99/month (varies by location)
Coverage: Covers a mixture of electrical and HVAC systems, plus the most common appliances in the home.
CONTENT REVEAL
Built-In Microwave
Central Home Heating
Dishwasher
Garbage Disposal
Humidifier
Interior Electrical System
Kitchen Exhaust Fan
Range / Oven / Cooktop
Refrigerator (Does not include ice maker)
Water Heater
Platinum Premier
Price: $59.99/month (varies by location)
Coverage: A more deluxe version of the Platinum Plan, this includes a more robust selection of appliances and systems. Billed as the company’s “most popular and most comprehensive” plan.
CONTENT REVEAL
Built-In Microwave
Ceiling Fans
Central Air Conditioning
Central Home Heating
Dishwasher
Ductwork
Garage Door Opener
Garbage Disposal
Humidifier
Interior Electrical System
Kitchen Exhaust Fan
Plumbing Stoppages (Fixtures Not Included)
Plumbing System (Fixtures Not Included)
Range / Oven / Cooktop
Range Hood
Refrigerator (Including Ice Maker)
Water Heater
3-in-1 Bundle
Price: $109.99/month (varies by location)
Coverage: Combines the Platinum Premier Plan with Deluxe Advantage (additional home services) and Electronic Protection.
CONTENT REVEAL
Platinum Premier
Built-In Microwave
Ceiling Fans
Central Air Conditioning
Central Home Heating
Dishwasher
Ductwork
Garage Door Opener
Garbage Disposal
Humidifier
Interior Electrical System
Kitchen Exhaust Fan
Plumbing Stoppages (Fixtures Not Included)
Plumbing System (Fixtures Not Included)
Range / Oven / Cooktop
Refrigerator (Including Ice Maker)
Water Heater
Washer & Dryer
Deluxe Advantage
A/C Refrigerant & Coils
Refrigerant Recapture
Plumbing Faucets & Fixtures
Permits / Modifications / Code Violations
Toilets & Internal Mechanisms
Improper Installation
Mismatched Systems
Garage Door Springs/Tracks
Electronics Protection
Flat Screen TVs
Surround Sound
Gaming Consoles
Desktops / Laptops
Tablets
4-in-1 Bundle
Price: $124.99/month (varies by location)
Coverage: Adds Water/Sewer Lines onto the 3-in-1 bundle.
CONTENT REVEAL
Platinum Premier
Built-In Microwave
Ceiling Fans
Central Air Conditioning
Central Home Heating
Dishwasher
Ductwork
Garage Door Opener
Garbage Disposal
Humidifier
Interior Electrical System
Kitchen Exhaust Fan
Plumbing Stoppages (Fixtures Not Included)
Plumbing System (Fixtures Not Included)
Range / Oven / Cooktop
Refrigerator (Including Ice Maker)
Water Heater
Washer & Dryer
Deluxe Advantage
A/C Refrigerant & Coils
Refrigerant Recapture
Plumbing Faucets & Fixtures
Permits / Modifications / Code Violations
Toilets & Internal Mechanisms
Improper Installation
Mismatched Systems
Garage Door Springs/Tracks
Electronics Protection
Flat Screen TVs
Surround Sound
Gaming Consoles
Desktops / Laptops
Tablets
Water & Sewer Lines
This coverage will help with repairs, unblocking the lines, excavation costs, re-seeding the grass, or re-paving the driveway.
Why we chose American Residential Warranty
American Residential Warranty has one of the lowest service fees ($55) available, meaning you pay less out-of-pocket for a service technician to come out if, say, your dishwasher starts malfunctioning. The company’s plans offer a wide range of coverage across different categories, and notably includes coverage of electronics if you opt for the more expensive plans.
Amazon Home Warranty
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Top highlight: Inexpensive premiums with an A rating from the Better Business Bureau
Pros
- Affordable monthly premiums
- “A” rating from the Better Business Bureau
- Wide coverage
Cons
- No custom plans
Plan Options:
Appliances Plan
Price: $42/month
Coverage: Covers eight of the most used appliances around the home. Can add a la carte coverage to the plan.
CONTENT REVEAL:
Dishwasher
Refrigerator (w/ Ice Maker)
Clothes Dryer
Freezer (Stand Alone)
Trash Compactor
Oven / Range / Stove / Cooktop
Clothes Washer
Microwave ovens
Systems Plan
Price: $42/month
Coverage: Protects eight systems around the home, including electrical, HVAC, and plumbing. Can add a la carte coverage to the plan.
CONTENT REVEAL:
Central AC System
Central Heating System
Plumbing (including stoppages)
Electrical System
Hot Water Heater
Ductwork
Jetted Bathtub
Garage Door Openers
Combo Plan
Price: $52/month
Coverage: Covers all 23 appliances and systems available. Can add a la carte coverage to the plan.
CONTENT REVEAL:
Central AC System
Central Heating System
Plumbing (including stoppages)
Electrical System
Hot Water Heater
Ductwork
Jetted Bathtub
Garage Door Openers
Dishwasher
Refrigerator (w/ Ice Maker)
Clothes Dryer
Freezer (Stand Alone)
Trash Compactor
Oven / Range / Stove / Cooktop
Clothes Washer
Microwave ovens
Instant Hot Water Dispenser
Garbage Disposal
Attic Fan
Ceiling Fan
Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Door Bell
Kitchen Fan/Exhaust Hood
Why we chose Amazon Home Warranty
Amazon Home Warranty has relatively affordable plans for appliances, systems, and both — ranging from $42 to $52 per month (with some variance depending on your vacation). We appreciate that Amazon received an A from the Better Business Bureau, which means they can be trusted to help and pay out claims when you need them.
First American Home Warranty
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Top highlight: Affordable home warranty plans, but only for 35 states in the U.S.
Pros
- Inexpensive monthly premiums
- Low service fee
- Broad coverage of appliances and systems
Cons
- Only 35 states served
- 30-day workmanship guarantee
- No custom plans
Plan Options:
Basic Plan
Price: $32/month (varies by location)
Coverage: Covers ten of the most used appliances around the home. Can add a la carte coverage to the plan.
CONTENT REVEAL:
Attic and Exhaust Fans
Ceiling Fans
Clothes Washer and Dryer
Dishwasher
Garbage Disposal
Instant Hot Water Dispenser
Kitchen Refrigerator
Microwave Oven (Built-in only)
Oven/Range/Cooktop
Trash Compactor
Premier Plan
Price: $46.50/month (varies by location)
Coverage: Protects both appliances and systems, including plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. Can add a la carte coverage to the plan.
CONTENT REVEAL:
Attic and Exhaust Fans
Ceiling Fans
Central Vacuum System
Clothes Washer and Dryer
Dishwasher
Ductwork
Electrical
Garage Door Opener
Garbage Disposal
Heating
Instant Hot Water Dispenser
Kitchen Refrigerator
Microwave Oven (Built-in only)
Oven/Range/Cooktop
Plumbing
Plumbing Stoppages
Trash Compactor
Water Heater
Why we chose First American Home Warranty
First American offers solid affordable plans for the homeowner on a budget, with plans ranging from $42 to $46.50 (varies by location). However, its workmanship guarantee is the standard 30 days, meaning that repairs and replacements are only covered for a month after. If the same appliance or system malfunctions outside that timeframe, you’ll have to cough up another fee for a repair technician to come out.
Additionally, if you don’t live in First American’s 35-state service area, you will have to look anywhere. The company does not serve Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, or Wisconsin.
Best for Extra Perks: Select Home Warranty
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Top highlight: First two months free with 24/7 customer service and cheap service fees
Pros
- First two months free
- Cheap premiums
- Free roof coverage (for leaks)
- Wide coverage of appliances and systems
- 24/7 customer service
- $45 service fee
- 90-day workmanship guarantee
Cons
- No custom plans
- Low “C” rating from the Better Business Bureau
Plan Options:
Bronze Care
Price: $52/month ($36/month with the two-month-free offer)
Coverage: Protects eight of the most breakable appliances around the home. Can add a la carte coverage to the plan.
CONTENT REVEAL:
Clothes Washer
Garbage Disposal
Refrigerator
Stove/Oven
Microwave Oven(Built In)
Cooktop
Dishwasher
Clothes Dryer
Gold Care
Price: $52/month ($36/month with the two-month-free offer)
Coverage: Protects systems in your home, including plumbing and electrical. Can add a la carte coverage to the plan.
CONTENT REVEAL:
A/C, Cooling
Heating System
Plumbing system
Electrical System
Water Heater
Ductwork
Platinum Care
Price: $58/month ($42/month with the two-month-free offer)
Coverage: Protects systems in your home, including plumbing and electrical. Can add a la carte coverage to the plan.
CONTENT REVEAL:
A/C, Cooling
Heating System
Plumbing system
Electrical System
Water Heater
Plumbing Stoppage
Clothes Washer
Garbage Disposal
Refrigerator
Stove/Oven
Microwave Oven(Built In)
Cooktop
Dishwasher
Clothes Dryer
Ductwork
Garage Door Opener
Ceiling Fan
Why we chose Select Home Warranty
We like that Select Home Warranty charges both low monthly premiums (around $50 per month) and a low service fee ($45) for technicians to evaluate claims. All plans come with free roof coverage for leaks — a rare perk, as few home warranty companies cover structural wear-and-tear on your home. Keep in mind, however, that Select’s BBB rating is C, so your mileage may vary when it comes to customer service.
Best for Liability Caps: Cinch Home Services
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Top highlight: Comprehensive coverage with generous liability caps across appliances and systems
Pros
- Thorough coverage
- Generous liability caps for appliances and systems
- Long workmanship guarantee
Cons
- No custom options
- Average BBB rating
- Sliding-scale service fees are pricey
Plan Options:
Appliances Plan
Price: $39.99-$49.99/month (dependent on deductible chosen and location)
Coverage: Covers appliances only. Price depends on whether you pick the $100, $125, or $150 deductible.
CONTENT REVEAL
Clothes Dryers
Clothes Washers
Cooktops
Dishwashers
Food Centers (Built-in)
Freestanding Ice Makers
Microwaves (Built-in)
Ranges
Range Exhaust Hoods
Refrigerators
Trash Compactors (Built-in)
Wall Ovens
Built-in Systems Plan
Price: $44.99-$56.99/month (dependent on deductible chosen and location)
Coverage: Covers systems only. Price depends on whether you pick the $100, $125, or $150 deductible.
CONTENT REVEAL
Air Conditioning Including Ductwork
Attic Fans
Ceiling Fans
Central Vacuums
Doorbells
Electrical System
Garage Door Openers
Garbage Disposals
Heating System Including Ductwork
Homeowners Insurance Deductible Reimbursement
Instant Hot/Cold Water Dispenser
Plumbing System
Smoke Detectors
Sump Pump
Toilets
Water Heater
Whirlpool/Jetted Tub (Built-in)
Complete Plan
Price: $54.99-$66.99/month (dependent on deductible chosen and location)
Coverage: Covers 29 systems and appliances. Price depends on whether you pick the $100, $125, or $150 deductible.
CONTENT REVEAL
Clothes Dryers
Clothes Washers
Cooktops
Dishwashers
Food Centers (Built-in)
Freestanding Ice Makers
Microwaves (Built-in)
Ranges
Range Exhaust Hoods
Refrigerators
Trash Compactors (Built-in)
Wall Ovens
Air Conditioning Including Ductwork
Attic Fans
Ceiling Fans
Central Vacuums
Doorbells
Electrical System
Garage Door Openers
Garbage Disposals
Heating System Including Ductwork
Homeowners Insurance Deductible Reimbursement
Instant Hot/Cold Water Dispenser
Plumbing System
Smoke Detectors
Sump Pump
Toilets
Water Heater
Whirlpool/Jetted Tub (Built-in)
Why we chose Cinch Home Services
Formerly known as TotalProtect, Cinch offers comprehensive coverage of the most used systems and appliances in the home, with a generous $10,000 maximum liability cap across all claims during the contract term (according to its sample terms). Your service agreement will include more specific caps across kitchen appliances, air conditioning systems, and more, but they are more than enough to cover the expected costs associated with each item.
Best for Custom Coverage: American Home Shield
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Top highlight: Personalized coverage across 21 major appliances and systems in the home
Pros
- Build-your-own-plan option
- 21 appliances and systems covered
- 15,000-contractor network across U.S.
- Discounts on energy-saving appliances
Cons
- Pricey service fee tiers
- Average BBB rating
Plan Options:
Appliances Plan
Price: $34.99-$49.99/month (dependent on service fee chosen)
Coverage: Insures wear-and-tear on appliances only, including washers, dryers, refrigerators, ovens, and cooktops. Can purchase extra coverage for pools and spas, septic pumps, and guest units.
CONTENT REVEAL
Refrigerators
Ranges/Ovens/Cooktops
Clothes Washers
Clothes Dryers
Dishwashers
Built-in Microwave Ovens
Trash Compactors
Free-standing Ice Makers
Garage Door Openers
Built-in Food Centers
Systems Plan
Price: $34.99-$49.99/month (dependent on service fee chosen)
Coverage: Protects your most used systems, including HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. Can purchase extra coverage for pools and spas, septic pumps, and guest units.
CONTENT REVEAL
Air Conditioning w/Ductwork
Heating w/Ductwork
Electrical
Doorbells
Smoke Detectors
Ceiling Fans
Plumbing incl.stoppages
Water Heaters
Garbage Disposals
Instant Hot/Cold Water Disp.
Central Vacuums
Combo Plan
Price: $44.99-$59.99/month (dependent on service fee chosen)
Coverage: Offers full coverage of 21 appliances and systems in the home.
CONTENT REVEAL
Refrigerators
Ranges/Ovens/Cooktops
Clothes Washers
Clothes Dryers
Dishwashers
Built-in Microwave Ovens
Trash Compactors
Free-standing Ice Makers
Garage Door Openers
Built-in Food Centers
Air Conditioning w/Ductwork
Heating w/Ductwork
Electrical
Doorbells
Smoke Detectors
Ceiling Fans
Plumbing incl.stoppages
Water Heaters
Garbage Disposals
Instant Hot/Cold Water Disp.
Central Vacuums
Build Your Own Plan
Price: $39.99-$54.99/month (dependent on service fee chosen)
Coverage: Pick and choose the 10 items you value the most among the available 21 appliances and systems.
CONTENT REVEAL
Refrigerators
Ranges/Ovens/Cooktops
Clothes Washers
Clothes Dryers
Dishwashers
Built-in Microwave Ovens
Trash Compactors
Free-standing Ice Makers
Garage Door Openers
Built-in Food Centers
Air Conditioning w/Ductwork
Heating w/Ductwork
Electrical
Doorbells
Smoke Detectors
Ceiling Fans
Plumbing incl.stoppages
Water Heaters
Garbage Disposals
Instant Hot/Cold Water Disp.
Central Vacuums
Why we chose American Home Shield
American Home Shield is one of the only home warranty companies on the market to offer a fully customizable plan. With most plans that have pre-set coverage, you are paying for coverage that you won’t use (i.e., protection for a dishwasher, even if you don’t own one), so this solution ensures that you only pay for what you use. You can also choose between paying higher service fees or higher monthly premiums.
How we chose the best home warranty companies
To evaluate the quality of each home warranty, we looked at a range of factors that address company reputation, pricing, quality of service, features, and more.
- BBB rating: We used the letter-grade ratings from the Better Business Bureau to evaluate each company’s customer service record and business practices, prioritizing those awarded A+ and A ratings.
- Pricing: We requested quotes from every company to determine the monthly premiums for each plan. While these vary by location and home features, we tried to establish a baseline through which you can compare the expected costs.
- Service fee: Customers charged a service fee every time a service technician is requested to investigate a claim on-site. Most companies charge $75 to $125 for each service call, with some implementing a sliding-scale system in which choosing higher service fees can mean lower monthly costs.
- Liability caps: These caps are the maximum that a company will pay for particular appliance or system repair or replacement, or what a company will pay for in aggregate over the contract term. The higher the liability caps, the better.
- Coverage/flexibility: We looked at every plan with each company and figured out how many appliances and systems were covered. The best plans allow for some level of customization, so that you’re not paying for coverage of appliances and systems you don’t own.
- Workmanship guarantee: Also known as the recall period, this policy indicates the number of days that a repair or replacement by the home warranty company is covered. If an appliance malfunctions within a certain window of time (often 30 days), then the company will send another technician to fix it for free, with all service fees waived. Most companies insure repairs for 30 days, but the higher the better.
Guide to Home Warranties
Types of home warranties
Homeowner warranty
A homeowner warranty is what you typically think of when you hear “home warranty.” Intended for people who already own a home (and are not selling or purchasing at the moment), it covers the wear-and-tear from your home appliances and systems, including electrical, plumbing, and air conditioning/heat. Home warranties typically do not cover structural parts of your home, such as roof damage or flooding, as that’s the domain of home insurance.
Homebuyer warranty
A homebuyer warranty is intended for people who are purchasing a home or who have done so in the past 30 days. They’re meant to assuage the fear that if you buy a house, the appliances and systems will fall apart once you move in due to unknown wear-and-tear.
Seller’s home warranty
A seller’s home warranty helps you protect your appliances and systems when you are selling your home. These plans limit the out-of-pocket costs of repairing and replacing components of the house while it’s on the market. After the home is sold, you can transfer coverage to the seller.
How to choose a home warranty?
With so many home warranty companies in the market, it can be hard to choose the plan that’s right for you. Here are our tips and tricks for choosing the one that fits your needs:
- Determine which systems and appliances you want covered
- Request quotes from multiple home warranty companies
- Carefully read any contract and make sure that the terms for requesting repairs and how much the company will cover are clear to you
- Pick a plan with a long workmanship guarantee (ideally more than 30 days), which will waive service fees in that time period if a repair or replacement from the company malfunctions
- Choose a company with strong reviews from Better Business Bureau, Consumer Affairs, and other rating services
Do you need a home warranty?
To determine whether or not you need a home warranty, you should take a look at the state of your home. How old is your home? Are your appliances and systems brand new or in dire need of repair? Home warranties help you cover the repair or replacement costs of the most used appliances and systems in the home, such as refrigerators, ovens, water heaters, electrical systems, and air conditioning, so it’s up to you to evaluate how much protection you need — and how soon. For more details, read our “Do I Need a Home Warranty?” guide.
Best for Personalized Plans: American Home Shield
Pros
- No service fees
- Can choose your own service providers
- Wide coverage of systems and appliances
- No exclusions for pre-existing conditions
Cons
- $1,000 liability cap each for septic, plumbing, and electrical systems
- No coverage for anything structural, ductwork, humidifiers, sprinkler systems, spa tubs, or sump pumps
- No custom options
American Home Shield had some of the most helpful and transparent representatives on staff. Even armed with a list of finely tuned questions about the contract, we were happy to find our representative remained composed and truthful. And, if there were any questions she couldn’t answer, they quickly transferred us to someone in the claims department who could.
In addition to unprecedented transparency, AHS also offers a Build Your Own plan option we couldn’t find anywhere else on the market. It works like this: You pick the 10 items (appliances or systems) you want covered. If you don’t own a dishwasher, don’t pick it. If you just bought a brand-new hot water heater, slot another device in its place and maximize the value of your contract. This is, of course, in addition to three other plans including a systems-only plan, an appliance-only plan, and a plan combining the two.
We also liked that American Home Shield will pay up to $3,000 per item for most appliances and systems. Compare that to 365 Home Warranty, which is only liable for $3,000 during the entire life of the contract (and even that’s better than some).
And, like all of our finalists, AHS has a few online benefits that make owning a home warranty much simpler. Customers can submit and track claims on the site, as well as pay their bills. No snail mail. No phone trees. Just a few clicks. The only problem we had with AHS was that it isn’t available everywhere. If you live in Alaska, you’re out of luck.
Read our full American Home Shield review.
Best for Customer Satisfaction: Choice Home Warranty
Pros
- Inexpensive monthly premiums
- 27 appliances and systems available for coverage
- High aggregate liability cap
Cons
- No custom options
- $85-$125 service fee
We were pleased to discover that Choice Home Warranty was the recipient of thousands of glowing reviews from reputable sources like Consumer Affairs and TrustPilot. Many of the reviews cited the expediency of the repair job and the technician’s courtesy which is always a plus when you’re looking for any service, especially home warranties.
On top of great service, Choice Home Warranty also makes it easy to see what you’re getting with actual sample contracts right in the main navigation menu: simply select Homeowners and open the “User Agreement.” That’s really convenient for customers and speaks to the company’s willingness to be upfront and transparent about coverage, caps, and fees.
It was through looking at the sample contract we were able to find that Choice had one of the lowest plumbing caps of all the home warranty plans and companies we looked at. Choice’s cap on plumbing systems is $500 per contract term — not abnormally small by any means, but small compared to American Home Shield’s $1,000 plumbing cap. If you live in an older house or apartment building, that extra cap space could make a huge difference.
Read our full Choice Home Warranty review.
Best for Liability Caps: Cinch
Pros
- Guaranteed coverage of 23 appliances and systems, no matter the plan
- Can purchase extra coverage, such as standalone ice makers and freezers, pool and spa, and septic pumps
Cons
- Sliding-scale service fees can be high
- May pay for more coverage than needed
- No custom options
Cinch doesn’t have liability caps on any major appliances or systems. In fact, there’s no maximum aggregate liability for the contract term at all. That means you won’t have to worry about footing the bill if you run into a string of broken appliances. Of course, a few appliances and systems do have a cap, such as the $1,500 cap on geothermal and water source systems (underground heating systems or water supply plumbing systems), but even these are generous.
We were also impressed with the Combo plan — the most comprehensive option. It includes the most expensive, break-prone systems and appliances, plus other uncommon or inexpensive items like central vacuum systems, doorbells and chimes, garage door openers, and smoke detectors. The plan also adds whirlpool tub coverage, which AHS doesn’t offer. You can always opt for the cheaper but less thorough appliance and system plans as well.
About the only problem with all this coverage is that you might be paying the price for covered systems and appliances you don’t own, especially with the Combo plan. There, we would have liked a little more customization like what we found with AHS.
Best for Workmanship Guarantee: AFC Home Club
Pros
- First month free
- Comprehensive appliance and system coverage
- Long workmanship guarantee
Cons
- Low rating from the Better Business Bureau
- Pending consumer fraud lawsuit from the state of Arizona
Whenever a home warranty company sends a service provider to your home to make a repair or replacement, it usually offers a “workmanship guarantee” — a period of time during which it’ll waive your service fee if anything goes wrong with your repairs. Most companies only offer 90 days for parts and 30 days for labor. But AFC Home Club goes further than any company we’ve ever come across: It guarantees workmanship through the life of your contract.
However, you won’t get to appreciate this if you live in one of the three states where AFC Home Club is unavailable. As of October 2019, AFC Home Club doesn’t operate in California, Hawaii, or South Carolina. We spoke with a company representative over the phone who said that AFC Home Club is actively trying to expand into California and South Carolina. There are no current plans for Hawaii, he added, because of the difficulty of sourcing service providers there.
Read our full AFC Home Club review.
Other Home Warranty Companies to Consider
Best for New Homebuyers: The Home Service Club
Pros
- Low $55 service fee
- A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
- Offers additional coverage of electronics, such as TVs, computers, and gaming systems
Cons
- Coverage excluded in California, Florida, Iowa, Texas, Virginia, and Washington
- Customer service is not 24/7
- No custom options
If you’re a new homebuyer, you’ll need flexible home warranty coverage for all the new appliances and systems you’ll be adding to your home over time. That’s where The Home Service Club (HSC) shines with its flexible coverage plans including: “Standard Coverage” for 18 of the most common systems and appliances, and “Comprehensive Coverage” which extends to 15 additional categories. And, that’s all before we get into the generous liability caps offered by HSC.
Almost all home warranty companies place “liability caps” on certain systems and appliances — a predetermined limit to how much money they’ll pay for a particular replacement or repair. Some warrantors put $500 caps on everything, but Home Service Club tailors its caps based on the average cost of repairs. Heating and air-conditioning systems, for instance, have a generous $2,500 cap per contract term, while refrigerators are capped at $750. Unfortunately, all of this comes at a price when it comes to service fees with Home Service Club’s fees being either $65, $95, or $125.
Read our full Home Service Club review.
Best for Western States: Landmark Home Warranty
Pros
- Affordable monthly premiums
- “A” rating from the Better Business Bureau
- Wide coverage
Cons
No custom plans
As of October 2019, Landmark only operates in six states: Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, and Utah, though its website says it plans to expand nationally soon. But it offers great coverage options and generous liability caps, and it boasts a stellar A- rating with the Better Business Bureau — a rare feat in the home warranty industry, given that many customers submit complaints simply because they didn’t understand what their contract covered.
Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Landmark has also made Utah Business Magazine’s “Best Places to Work” list two years in a row, so you know it treats its employees well, which usually means it treats customers well, too.
Read our full Landmark Home Warranty review.
Best Claims Cap: Sears Home Warranty
Pros
- Inexpensive monthly premiums
- Low service fee
- Broad coverage of appliances and systems
Cons
- Only 35 states served
- 30-day workmanship guarantee
- No custom plans
While there’s a $1,000 limit for liability on your pool (and ultra-premium appliances — think high capacity or “professional series”), everything else under a Sears plan is covered by a generous $10,000 cap. Given that many home warranty providers cap their coverage at $500, the generous cap makes Sears one of the more reliable providers when it’s time to file a claim.
However, the future of the business is unclear. In August 2018, U.S. News reported that Sears Holdings (the parent company that oversees its home service agreements and retail stores) could be nearing bankruptcy, in which case there’s no guarantee it would be able to satisfy ongoing home warranties.
In October, Sears had officially filed for bankruptcy. By January 2019, the company cleared the air on this topic by providing new information for Sears Home Warranty customers.
According to a statement posted on its website at the time, all home warranty coverage provided through Sears Home Warranty will be honored and not affected by the “decision to restructure under Chapter 11 bankruptcy.” This reassuring promise is due to the independent underwriting company Sears uses – Cross Country Home Services. It’ll be able to provide warranty coverage and customer service even though the future of Sears Holdings is still unclear.
Read our full Sears Home Warranty review.
Best for Low Fees: First American Home Warranty
Pros
- First two months free
- Cheap premiums
- Free roof coverage (for leaks)
- Wide coverage of appliances and systems
- 24/7 customer service
- $45 service fee
- 90-day workmanship guarantee
Cons
- No custom plans
- Low “C” rating from the Better Business Bureau
First American Home Warranty offers decent service fees from $75 to $100 service fee for all of its plans, which can lead to great savings. Pairing the fee with the $28-per-month Basic plan (prices will vary by location) would only cost $336 for the year if paid upfront, which is an excellent deal.
However, First American has a 30-day recall period, which is among the shortest of all the providers we reviewed. That means some people may miss out on service fee reimbursement for faulty replacement parts or repairs.
There are eight states, including New York and Illinois, that First American Home Warranty does not service. The other six are a mystery. None of the representatives we spoke with knew what they were (they can only check home warranty coverage for the property address you give) and there’s no information in the contract or on the site — which, to us, is a significant oversight.
Read our full First American Home Warranty review.
How We Chose the Best Home Warranty Companies
When you’re looking for home warranty coverage, you must read the fine print before you sign. After all, it’s the small contractual specifics that determine what happens when something in your home breaks.
Tim Meenan, executive director and general counsel for the Service Contract Industry Council (SCIC), told us that the SCIC recommends all home warranty companies make it easy to find and review their contracts. We agree, and we began our search by nixing any home warranty companies that didn’t feature this information upfront.
After that, we compared the maximum coverage amount each warranty provider will pay, either for single repairs or for a year’s worth of maintenance. Since replacing refrigerators could cost up to $600, we focused on providers with generous caps (above $500 for major items) to ensure that they could see us through an expensive repair or new replacement.
Finally, we called each company multiple times with questions about coverage and the claims process to see how we’d be treated as policyholders. We passed on companies whose sales reps consistently kept us on hold or ignored our questions and launched right into a sales pitch.
Guide to Home Warranties
If we had to give you only one piece of advice when shopping for a home warranty plan, it would be this: read the contract thoroughly. Home warranty contracts are often complex by design. Evan W. Walker, Esq. of the Law Office of Evan Walker, explained that a home warranty contract “is not written to be understood by the consumer.”
The opening paragraphs of a contract often lay out the items that the provider is responsible for. This can include both systems and appliances. Appliances are self-contained units like a washer, fridge, or microwave, while systems are a bit more intricate or costly — think an HVAC system, hot water heater, or the electrical wiring throughout your home.
Most companies then list exclusions — the things they won’t cover. These will vary depending on your contract, but some we ran into repeatedly include items with preexisting defects or improper installation, items under recall, commercial grade equipment, and repairs or replacements requested before your contract starts. Understanding the exclusions will help you ensure that your contract is giving you the protection you’re paying for.
When it comes to home warranty contracts, Jennifer Englert, attorney for The Orlando Law Group, told us to “carefully read any portions of the contract which discuss how quickly after you request a repair it will be completed. Read what happens if the repair does not work, or if the vendor who comes to make the repair cannot get the job done. Coverage is not usually an issue under these contracts, but how repairs get done — and when — vary from company to company.”
A little extra attention in these portions of your contract will ensure reliable repairs or replacements later on. It’s important to ask your home warranty provider any questions you have about its policies. The best will have friendly and knowledgeable representatives that provide thorough answers to your questions, no matter how many you have. We’re happy to report that the reps from each of our home warranty finalists were up to the task.
Do you need a home warranty?
Consider the following when asking yourself if a home warranty is right for you:
- Your home’s location
- Age of house
- Your income
- Your appliances
- Your systems
A home warranty can help cover the repair or replacement costs of common household appliances and systems such as water heaters, electrical systems, air conditioning (with ductwork), and refrigerators.
Since homeowners insurance typically won’t cover these costs, having a home warranty it s a great way to make sure you aren’t paying out-of-pocket when a hurricane ravages your home and damages your appliances. However, knowing how much protection your appliances will need can be challenging, especially if you aren’t certain how much longer your appliances will last.
With the help of our top pick, we put together this handy table of the average appliance life span and repair/replacement costs in order to help you find the right home warranty to protect your appliances:
Home Warranty FAQ
About the Authors
Brian Robson has worked on Reviews.com for three years and has studied the insurance market as well as elements of personal finance including credit cards and credit monitoring. His work spans all categories, but he specializes in finance and insurance pieces.
