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Home Warranty

The best home warranty companies of April 2024

Compare plans from Liberty Home Guard

Overall, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty is our top choice because of its unlimited workmanship guarantee, low plan premiums and service fees. As a homeowner, you have to deal with the occasional unexpected expense. For a monthly or annual premium, a home warranty can offset the financial burden of repairing or replacing your most-used systems and appliances, such as your AC or refrigerator. When we surveyed 1,000 homeowners in October 2023, 40% of them said they signed up for a home warranty after dealing with an expensive breakdown.

We researched and ranked the best companies in the industry, and the two that stood out were 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty and Liberty Home Guard. 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty offers unique perks, such as appliance color matching if you need a replacement, and Liberty Home Guard lists more than 30 additional coverage options for completely customizable plans.

In the know

More than 150 homeowners have bought a home warranty plan from one of the above companies in the last 30 days.

Whether a home warranty makes sense for your home depends on your situation. According to Angel Conlin, chief insurance and compliance officer at Kin Insurance, home warranties are worth investing in if you have limited savings for repairs, want to avoid the hassle of hiring a contractor, or have expensive appliances.

Our top 8 home warranty providers

Compare home warranty companies 

Company BBB Rating Our Rating Monthly Cost Appliance Coverage System Coverage See Plans
A
4.8
$22–$74 $2,000–$5,000 $2,000–$5,000 Visit Site
NR
4.5
$49–$60 $2,000 $500–$2,000 Visit Site
A+
4.4
$55–$75 $500–$3,000 $750–$3,000 Visit Site
B
4.4
$64–$74 $2,000–$4,000 $5,000–unlimited Visit Site
Company BBB Rating Our Rating Monthly Cost Appliance Coverage System Coverage See Plans
A
4.8
$22–$74 $2,000–$5,000 $2,000–$5,000 Visit Site
NR
4.5
$49–$60 $2,000 $500–$2,000 Visit Site
A+
4.4
$55–$75 $500–$3,000 $750–$3,000 Visit Site
B
4.4
$64–$74 $2,000–$4,000 $5,000–unlimited Visit Site
Monthly premiums shown are national averages based on quotes we pulled for three ZIP codes in each state the providers service. We used 2,000-square-foot, single-family homes to obtain our quotes.

Our home warranty company reviews

We scored the most popular home warranty companies using our proprietary rating methodology. We reviewed each company’s customer service, plan and add-on coverage options, pricing, reputation, sample contract and state availability.

We gathered monthly premium averages for each provider by requesting quotes for 2,000-square-foot, single-family homes in three ZIP codes in each state serviced by the provider. We then calculated a national average.

For these companies, I pulled fresh quotes from each provider using a 2,460-square-foot, single-family home located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Your plan’s exact cost will depend on your home’s size, your location and your coverage needs.

These home warranty providers scored the highest in our review standards. 

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

4.8

Our thoughts

What we like

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty has several perks that other home warranty companies don’t. For example, its standard plans include an appliance discount program, an appliance color match and replacement offer, and an “Even If” service fee guarantee. We particularly like the “Even If” guarantee that promises 2-10 will refund your service call fee if your issue isn’t covered.

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty also features a solid list of add-ons, one of which increases its standard $2,000 aggregate coverage limit to $5,000 for appliances and electrical, HVAC and plumbing systems.

What we don’t like

While 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty offers strong coverage options and perks, its basic plan does not cover clothes washers and dryers. Most home warranty companies we’ve reviewed include those items in their entry-level plans. In addition, 2-10 Home Buyers charges a 9.5% monthly processing fee if you pay monthly instead of annually. I discovered this fee when I pulled a quote and selected the monthly payment option.

Coverage plans and pricing

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty has three standard plan options. It also offers a customizable service call fee structure. Based on the quotes I pulled, you can choose from a $65, $85 or $100 service call fee. Below is a brief overview and pricing breakdown for each coverage plan:

  • Simply Kitchen ($25 per month): The Simply Kitchen plan covers six kitchen appliances, including built-in microwaves and refrigerators.
  • Complete Home ($54 per month): The Complete Home includes all Simply Kitchen items plus air conditioning, heating, plumbing and electrical systems coverage.
  • Pinnacle Home ($68 per month): The Pinnacle Home plan covers everything in the Simply Kitchen and Complete Home plans, including clothes washers and dryers and the Supreme coverage upgrade.

Add-on options

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty provides 21 additional coverage options. Most cover second appliances, such as a second refrigerator or freestanding freezer. The quote I pulled listed well pump coverage for an extra $6 per month.

Other factors that influence coverage

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty provides a $2,000 aggregate limit for each coverage category: kitchen appliances, HVAC systems, electrical and plumbing. If you purchase the Supreme coverage upgrade add-on or the Pinnacle Home plan, 2-10 increases its aggregate coverage caps to $5,000 per policy term.

Additionally, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty offers a plan-length workmanship guarantee. Our research shows that the typical workmanship guarantee is 30 days.

Customer thoughts

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty holds an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The customer reviews I read were mixed. Multiple customer reviews praise 2-10’s solid customer service and professional in-network technicians. However, other reviews, such as this one from Beedee, call out 2-10’s service delays due to out-of-stock parts.

Liberty Home Guard

4.5

Our thoughts

What we like

We like Liberty Home Guard’s (LHG) extensive list of add-on coverage options. It has 42 total items, which is many more than any other company we’ve reviewed.

Another aspect we like is the attention LHG provides to customer service. My research showed that LHG holds an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars across multiple third-party customer review sites. It also offers a 24/7 online chat tool so you can contact LHG’s representatives directly at any time. A representative responded within two minutes when I asked a question using the tool.

What we don’t like

Liberty Home Guard has lower-than-average coverage limits for electrical systems and plumbing. LHG pairs every standard covered item, except electrical and plumbing, with a $2,000 coverage cap. But electrical and plumbing have a $250 coverage cap for the first 90 days. LHG increases the limit to $500 per claim after the 90 days are up.

Also, LHG does not make its service call fees transparent; you can’t see your assigned fee until you sign up for a coverage plan. Additionally, LHG considers pro-series appliance coverage as an add-on, meaning you must pay extra to cover them. Other providers we reviewed include pro-series appliance coverage within standard plans.

Coverage plans and pricing

Liberty Home Guard offers three home warranty coverage plans. The company doesn’t proactively list its service call fee range when you request a quote. I called a customer service representative to verify how much it charges per service call. The representative said LHG assigns your service call fee based on your home’s size, type and location. He noted that it will range from $65 to $125. Here’s a pricing and coverage breakdown for each standard coverage plan:

  • Appliance Guard ($49.99 per month): Appliance Guard covers appliances, including dishwashers and refrigerators with built-in ice makers.
  • Systems Guard ($54.99 per month): Systems Guard includes coverage for built-in systems, such as air conditioners and water heaters.
  • Total Home Guard ($59.99 per month): Total Home Guard covers every item listed in the Appliance Guard and Systems Guard plans.

Add-on options

LHG offers 42 optional add-ons. Its add-ons vary widely, ranging from pest control services to sump pump coverage. To help you choose the right add-on, LHG provides a “most popular add-ons in your state” section highlighting the options other homeowners frequently choose. When I pulled a quote, I discovered LHG prices pro-series appliance coverage at $19.99 per month.

Other factors that influence coverage

Liberty Home Guard has a $2,000 coverage limit for most major systems and appliances. While reading its sample contract, I found it limits electrical and plumbing systems coverage to $250 in the first 90 days of sign-up. LHG increases that limit to $500 after the 90-day mark.

LHG offers a solid 60-day workmanship guarantee. While not the lengthiest workmanship guarantee, it still provides additional peace of mind for those who own older items.

Customer thoughts

Liberty Home Guard’s A rating on BBB was changed to N/R (“not rated”), but it holds a BBB customer review rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. In March 2024, LHG responded to losing its A rating with a statement that the company’s customer satisfaction levels remain the highest relative to its scale. LHG also stated that in February 2024, it received the lowest number of cancellation requests in its history.

I also found customer reviews complaining about LHG’s lack of coverage for labor.

Elite Home Warranty

4.4

Our thoughts

What we like

Elite Home Warranty is another recommended home warranty provider because of its generous coverage limits, solid customer reviews and a fully customizable coverage plan you can build from scratch. In addition to comprehensive standard coverage, Elite Home Warranty provides an extensive list of add-ons. Elite also charges a low service call fee.

I interviewed a team member who filed a claim with Elite Home Warranty. He reported that Elite responded to his service request in less than 24 hours. Elite also offers a unique feature with which you can bundle your service call fee and plan premium together. This means that although your plan premium will be higher, you won’t pay a service fee each time you file a claim.

What we don’t like

Elite Home Warranty has a limited coverage cap on several essential systems, including air conditioners, furnaces and water heaters, within the first 90 days of sign-up. Many of our top home warranty picks don’t have limits within the initial coverage period.

While not a major issue, we don’t like Elite Home Warranty’s quote process. Elite is the only home warranty company we’ve featured in our top picks that requires a phone call to obtain pricing. All other providers display an accurate quote online where you can finish signing up in the same window. 

I also noticed Elite Home Warranty doesn’t offer an online claims portal. Elite may not be the right choice for those who prefer the convenience of an online claims submission.

Coverage plans and pricing

Elite Home Warranty provides three standard coverage plans. I spoke with an Elite representative to obtain plan and service fee pricing — he told me that Elite charges a $70 service call fee per claim. Below is a coverage and pricing breakdown for each Elite Home Warranty plan:

  • Elite Appliances ($44.49 per month): The Elite Appliances plan covers 11 home appliances, such as ceiling fans and ovens.
  • Elite Systems ($49.99 per month): The Elite Systems plan covers eight major systems, including plumbing fixtures.
  • Elite Complete ($58.99 per month): The Elite Complete plan bundles the Elite Appliances and Elite Systems plans into one comprehensive coverage plan.

Add-on options

Elite Home Warranty offers more than 20 add-on coverage options, allowing you to customize your coverage plan fully. Based on the pricing information the representative gave me, Elite charges an extra $10 per month for water softener protection.

Other factors that influence coverage

Elite Home Warranty provides a generous 90-day workmanship guarantee for all completed repairs. In addition to its lengthy workmanship guarantee, Elite offers solid coverage limits. I read Elite’s sample contract and noticed it provides varying coverage limits per covered item. It also provides an aggregate limit per coverage category. For example, Elite covers up to $7,000 annually for major appliances and up to $8,000 annually for major systems.

Customer thoughts

Elite Home Warranty holds a stellar A+ rating on the BBB. Elite is one of the few home warranty companies we’ve reviewed that has earned 4 out of 5 stars across multiple third-party customer review sites. Most customer reviews mention how well Elite’s representatives handle their inquiries. Carlee K. highlighted the speedy and professional repair she received from Elite’s technician.

I came across very few negative reviews for Elite Home Warranty. A theme that most negative reviews centered on is Elite’s limited coverage for item components. Other negative reviews, such as this one from Byron, highlighted an unpleasant interaction between an Elite representative and the assigned service provider.

American Home Shield

4.4

Our Thoughts

What we like

American Home Shield (AHS) features comprehensive standard coverage that protects items other home warranty companies typically exclude, such as built-in jetted tub components and main electrical breaker boxes. AHS also covers rust, corrosion and sediment damage.

We also like AHS’s generous coverage limits. It’s one of the few home warranty companies we reviewed that offers unlimited coverage caps for most of its major systems. It also provides solid coverage caps for major appliances.

What we don’t like

When I requested a quote online, I found American Home Shield provides a limited number of optional add-ons. AHS may not be suited to those who want fully customizable coverage. AHS also charges higher prices for its comprehensive coverage plan than other providers. 

In addition, AHS lacks an appliance-only plan. While other home warranty companies offer appliance-only plans at an affordable rate, you have to pay extra to purchase an AHS plan that includes appliance coverage.

Coverage plans and pricing

American Home Shield provides three home protection plans and the choice between a $100 or $125 service call fee with each plan. Choosing the lower service fee means paying a higher monthly premium and vice versa. Below is a coverage and pricing overview of each plan:

  • ShieldSilver ($29.99–$39.99 per month): ShieldSilver is American Home Shield’s systems plan. It covers 16 major systems, such as garage door openers and ductwork.
  • ShieldGold ($49.99–$59.99 per month): ShieldGold covers all the same major systems as the ShieldSilver plan, plus major appliances. It covers common appliances such as garbage disposals and cooktops.
  • ShieldPlatinum ($79.99–$89.99 per month): ShieldPlatinum is American Home Shield’s most comprehensive plan. Besides covering all items in the ShieldSilver and ShieldGold plans, it offers code violations coverage, a discounted HVAC tune-up, higher appliance coverage limits, refrigerant recapture and roof-leak coverage.

Add-on options

AHS provides only six additional coverage options. If you’re looking for customizable coverage, AHS may not be the provider for you. Some of its add-ons are unique, such as its guest unit coverage. The quote I pulled listed guest unit coverage at $19.99 per month.

Other factors that influence coverage

American Home Shield places a generous $5,000 coverage limit on HVAC systems and offers unlimited coverage for electrical systems and plumbing. There is a $2,000 coverage cap on all covered appliances in the ShieldGold plan, but AHS doubles its per-appliance limits to $4,000 in the ShieldPlatinum plan.

Although AHS has high coverage limits, its workmanship guarantee is only 30 days. While this is standard for the industry, it’s shorter than other top home warranty companies’ guarantees.

Customer thoughts

American Home Shield customer reviews are mixed. When I visited American Home Shield’s BBB page, I found it holds a B rating. I also found a relatively equal number of positive and negative reviews across each review site I perused. For instance, this review from Alma highlights AHS’s diligence in sending quality service contractors. The reviewer even mentioned that AHS sent a different technician after she expressed an issue with the first one.

Conversely, I found multiple reviews describing delayed claims fulfillment, such as this review from Jojo R.

First American Home Warranty

4.3

Our thoughts

What we like

First American Home Warranty is another company offering comprehensive systems and appliance coverage. We particularly like that First American pays up to $7,000 per covered appliance in its Premium plan. That’s the highest appliance cap we’ve encountered of the companies we’ve reviewed.

We also like First American Home Warranty’s flexible service call fees. It offers three options: $75, $100 and $125 per claim. You can raise or lower your monthly or annual premium depending on the service fee you choose.

First American also features a First American Advantage upgrade within its Essential and Premium plans. This upgrade increases your coverage limits for miscellaneous fees such as concrete removal and crane rentals.

What we don’t like

First American Home Warranty’s biggest issue is its limited coverage availability. It excludes 15 states, whereas most home warranty providers we reviewed cover a minimum of 40 states.

First American Home Warranty also excludes air conditioning coverage from its entry-level plan. Based on the quote I pulled online, you must purchase it as an add-on if you opt for the Starter Plan.

Additionally, First American Home Warranty charges a $2 handling fee if you sign up for monthly premiums. While it’s not the most expensive handling fee we’ve come across, there are many warranty companies that don’t charge one at all.

Coverage plans and pricing

First American Home Warranty offers three home warranty plans. Similar to American Home Shield, it offers flexible service call fees ranging from $75 to $125 per claim. Below is a pricing and coverage breakdown of First American’s coverage plans:

  • Starter Plan ($42–$55 per month): The Starter Plan covers multiple home appliances and systems, such as kitchen range hoods and heating systems.
  • Essential Plan ($50–$64 per month): The Essential Plan includes all Starter Plan items and adds air conditioning, trash compactors and more.
  • Premium Plan ($64–$77 per month): The Premium Plan includes all Starter and Essential Plan items plus a central vacuum, luxury appliances, window air conditioning units and more.

Add-on options

First American features a solid list of 11 add-ons. Add-on options range from additional refrigeration to septic system coverage. Based on the quote I pulled, First American prices additional refrigeration at $4.17 per month.

Other factors that influence coverage 

First American has some of the highest per-system and per-appliance coverage caps of all the home warranty companies we reviewed. First American puts an unlimited coverage cap on most covered systems. It places a $3,500 limit on appliances in its Starter and Essential plans and increases it to $7,000 per appliance in its Premium plan.

First American also offers a 30-day workmanship guarantee. It may not be the right choice for you if you own worn home systems and appliances.

Customer thoughts

First American Home Warranty has a B rating on its BBB profile. I found First American Home Warranty has both positive and negative customer reviews on every third-party customer review site I visited. The most common theme in positive reviews was First American’s timely claims fulfillment for nonurgent repairs. This review from Diana W. specifies how First American quickly addressed her electrical issue by sending over a qualified technician.

The most common theme among negative reviews was First American’s delayed response to emergency service requests. Trey M. experienced a lack of follow-up from the contractor First American assigned him when his toilet had a leak.

Cinch Home Services

4.3

Our thoughts

What we like

Cinch Home Services is a reputable home warranty provider known for its comprehensive standard coverage options and perks. Similar to American Home Shield, Cinch covers rust and corrosion damage. 

A unique coverage feature we like is Cinch’s homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement. Cinch will cover up to $500 of your deductible when you file a home insurance claim. Of all the home warranty companies we reviewed, Cinch Home Services is the only one to offer this coverage. Note that this reimbursement is only available if you purchase the Complete Home plan.

Alongside its deductible reimbursement, Cinch offers a $25 air conditioner or refrigerator filter credit in all its coverage plans. You can use this credit at certain retailers when you purchase qualifying air conditioners or refrigerator filters. Cinch also provides a lengthy 180-day workmanship guarantee.

What we don’t like

Cinch Home Services has limited add-ons. It also doesn’t cover roof-leak repairs. Every other home warranty company we feature in this article provides some level of roof-leak repair coverage.

While secret shopping on Cinch’s website, I noticed it charges higher service call fees than other companies. Cinch’s average service call fee is $125, which is 23% higher than the national average. Additionally, I found that Cinch Home Services prices its comprehensive coverage plan higher than other providers. Our national average monthly premium calculation shows that Cinch charges 5% more for comprehensive coverage than other companies.

Coverage plans and pricing

Cinch Home Services offers three coverage plans. Based on the quote I requested, Cinch offers a $100, $125 or $150 service call fee. Below is a pricing and coverage breakdown of Cinch’s coverage plans:

  • Appliances ($45.16–$61.74 per month): The Appliances plan covers 12 major appliances, including unique items such as built-in food centers.
  • Built-In Systems ($53.26–$69.84 per month): The Built-in Systems plan covers 16 major systems, such as plumbing and whirlpool jetted tubs.
  • Complete Home ($54.93–$73.51 per month): The Complete Home plan is Cinch’s comprehensive plan. It covers all 28 appliances and systems included in the Appliances and Built-In Systems plans. The Complete Home plan also includes a $500 home insurance deductible reimbursement.

Add-on options

Cinch Home Services offers six add-ons, which is fewer than many of the other home warranty companies we rated. However, Cinch features a Premier Upgrade Package add-on that increases coverage limits. The Premier Upgrade Package also covers cosmetic features, such as appliance knobs and dials, that most coverage plans exclude. When I pulled my quote online, I found Cinch charges an extra $13 monthly for the Premier Upgrade.

Other factors that influence coverage 

Cinch Home Services provides one of the lengthiest workmanship guarantees of the home warranty companies we’ve reviewed. It protects completed repairs up to 180 days after service, which is six times the industry average of 30 days.

Cinch Home Services offers an aggregate coverage limit of $10,000. This means Cinch will pay up to $10,000 per policy term for all claims you submit. Upon further reading of Cinch’s sample contract, I found it sets individual coverage limits for major systems and appliances. For example, Cinch pays up to $2,000 per covered appliance repair or replacement.

Customer thoughts

Cinch Home Services holds a B rating on the BBB. On its BBB page, there is an alert stating that the reviews and complaints customers left were towards Cinch’s headquarters and local offices. I found that Cinch Home Services receives an even split of positive and negative reviews from customers. Most customers feel Cinch Home Services provides great customer service when signing up for a plan or filing a claim. Cristina V. mentions she appreciates Cinch’s lack of an age limit for covered appliances and systems. 

Other customer reviews, such as this one from Thomas B., complain about Cinch’s lengthy claims process.

Best of the rest

Below are two home warranty companies that provide decent coverage but fell short of top scores in our rating system. We recommend these only for specific coverage needs. 

ARW Home

4

Our thoughts

What we like

ARW Home, formerly known as American Residential Warranty, is another home warranty provider offering decent appliance and systems coverage. Similar to Liberty Home Guard, ARW Home provides coverage in all 50 states. You can choose from three coverage plans: appliance-only, systems-only and combination. 

ARW Home also features a comprehensive electronics protection add-on. I read through one of ARW Home’s sample contracts and noticed it pays up to $5,000 annually for covered electronics breakdowns.

What we don’t like

We don’t like ARW Home’s general lack of coverage features and its expensive plan costs. For example, ARW Home only offers three add-on coverage options when you request a quote online, two covering water and sewer lines. You must call ARW Home to access the full list of add-ons. Additionally, ARW charges $85 for its comprehensive plan; other providers we’ve reviewed charge less for their flagship plan.

Coverage plans and pricing

ARW Home offers three coverage plans. When I requested a quote online, ARW Home didn’t list its service call fee within the quote. After speaking with an ARW Home representative, I discovered its service call fee is $100 per claim. Below is a pricing and coverage breakdown of ARW Home’s coverage plans:

  • Appliance Max ($45.99 per month): The Appliance Max plan covers eight major appliances, including kitchen exhaust fans.
  • Systems Max ($59.99 per month): The Systems Max plan strictly covers home systems, such as plumbing systems and stoppages.
  • Total Max ($84.99 per month): The Total Max plan covers every item listed in the Appliance and Systems Max plans, garage door openers, humidifiers and more.

Add-on options

ARW Home offers 11 add-ons, although most can only be purchased by calling ARW Home. Its add-on list includes additional clothes washers and dryers, sewer and water line coverage and the Ultimate Electronics Protection. ARW Home charges an extra $24.99 for its Ultimate Electronics Protection.

Other factors that influence coverage 

ARW Home features a 30-day workmanship guarantee for all completed repairs. Due to ARW underwriting its coverage plans and add-ons with different companies, ARW provides multiple sample contracts, each outlining different terms. I called ARW Home to confirm its coverage limits. The representative said ARW Home pays up to $7,500 annually per covered item. In addition, he added that ARW Home offers a $5,000 annual coverage cap for its Ultimate Electronics Protection add-on. ARW Home may be a good fit for you if you’re looking for solid electronics protection.

Customer thoughts

ARW Home holds a solid A rating with the BBB. It is one of the few providers we’ve analyzed that holds a high BBB rating. I found an even split of positive and negative customer reviews across the third-party review sites I checked alongside its positive BBB rating. This Trustpilot review from Tim highlights ARW Home’s helpful customer service and reliable service providers.

Some reviews I read lamented ARW Home’s unexpected claims denials, such as this one from Cecilia. Cecilia experienced solid service from the company until it rebranded as ARW Home.

Select Home Warranty

3.8

Our thoughts

What we like

Select Home Warranty is a popular home warranty provider with coverage in all U.S. states except Nevada, Washington and Wisconsin. It provides appliance-only, systems-only and comprehensive coverage plans at affordable rates. In addition, it offers a low $75 service call fee with each coverage plan.

We also like Select’s inclusion of roof-leak repair coverage in every protection plan it offers. Other providers we’ve reviewed charge extra for roof-leak repair.

What we don’t like

Where Select falls short is its coverage limits. Select Home Warranty provides a $3,000 coverage cap for HVAC systems only. It limits all other covered systems and home appliances to $500 per claim.

Coverage plans and pricing

Select Home Warranty offers three coverage plans, each paired with a $75 service fee. Below is a pricing and coverage breakdown of Select’s coverage plans:

  • Bronze Care ($44.42 per month): The Bronze Care plan is Select’s appliance-only protection plan. It covers up to nine major appliances, such as garbage disposals.
  • Gold Care ($44.42 per month): The Gold Care plan covers major systems only, including ductwork and electrical systems.
  • Platinum Care ($47.75 per month): The Platinum Care plan bundles all items in the Bronze and Gold Care plans into one comprehensive coverage plan.

Add-on options

Select Home Warranty offers nine optional coverage items. Most of these add-ons are standard items other home warranty providers offer, such as central vacuum and sump pump coverage. When I pulled a quote online, I found Select charges an extra $4 monthly for sump pump protection.

Other factors that influence coverage 

Select Home Warranty provides a 30-day workmanship guarantee, which is the industry standard. Regarding coverage limits, Select provides measly limits for most appliances and systems it covers. Select pairs these items with a $500 coverage cap per claim. However, Select does offer a $3,000 limit per HVAC claim. This leads us to recommend Select if you need affordable heating or cooling system protection.

Customer thoughts

Select Home Warranty holds a B- rating with the BBB. I also noticed Select’s BBB page displays an alert stating that customers who left reviews and complaints left them for Select’s corporate headquarters and specific locations across the country.

Across the multiple review sites I perused, I discovered mostly negative reviews regarding Select’s claims process. For instance, this Trustpilot review from Christi calls out Select’s low claims reimbursements.

However, I found several positive reviews regarding Select’s sign-up process. This review from Jamie echoes the feedback of other customers who experienced knowledgeable customer service representatives during sign-up.

How do you choose a home warranty?

The best home warranty for you depends on your home and your budget. For example, a homeowner with expensive major appliances will need different coverage than a home seller attempting to add resale value to their home. Below is a guide highlighting the most important considerations when purchasing a home warranty.

Assess your coverage needs

Consider the items you’d like protected before requesting quotes from home warranty companies. Say you own pro-series appliances. Ensure you choose a home warranty company that covers high-end appliances and provides suitable coverage limits for repairing or replacing them.

Once you’ve determined which items you’d like to protect, research coverage plans from multiple providers. “When purchasing a home warranty, you should review what each plan offers to make certain that your areas of concern are covered,” advised Conlin.

When purchasing a home warranty, you should review what each plan offers to make certain that your areas of concern are covered.

Angel Conlin

Plan your budget

Once you’ve determined your coverage needs, it’s time to set a budget. Home warranties charge a monthly or annual plan premium. In addition to a plan premium, companies charge a service call fee that you must pay each time you request service. We suggest confirming the provider’s service fee before signing up to ensure you don’t exceed your budget.

Based on our national average calculation, the typical home warranty costs from $41.64 per month for a basic plan to $69.76 per month for a comprehensive plan. If you prefer to pay annually, expect to pay between $500 and $838 per year.

We requested 150 quotes across all 50 states for each company we reviewed to obtain the average home warranty cost range. We used three ZIP codes per state to capture price fluctuations based on geographic location.

Verify the company’s claims process

One of the more crucial factors to consider is a home warranty company’s claims process. Most home warranty providers allow you to request service in two ways: calling a dedicated claims phone number and filling out an online claims form.

When researching a home warranty company, ask about its response time after you submit a claim. Generally, providers will process your request and send an in-network technician to your home within 48 hours of receiving it.

Keep in mind that home warranty companies respond quickly during normal business hours. If you submit a claim after hours, during the weekend or on a major holiday, expect a delay in receiving service.

Another factor you should confirm with a home warranty provider is its technician network. I spoke to Pierce Haley, Esq., executive director of the National Home Service Contract Association, and he suggested verifying which service providers the home warranty company uses in your area. “If you live in the Sierra Nevada mountains in California, the ability to get a technician up to you is a lot different than if you live in Los Angeles,” he said.

Consider workmanship guarantees

Companies provide a workmanship guarantee for additional protection of your covered repair. Once your provider completes a system or appliance repair, it will cover an additional breakdown for free if it occurs within an established time period. The industry standard for workmanship guarantees is 30 days. Some home warranty companies provide workmanship guarantees that are longer than 30 days.

The condition of your major appliances and systems dictates the workmanship guarantee length you’d benefit from. For example, consider a company with a lengthy workmanship guarantee if you own older items. Older, worn items are more likely to malfunction. A lengthier workmanship guarantee can save you from paying multiple service fees if your previously repaired item breaks down again.

Look for red flags

While most home warranty companies aim to provide satisfactory service, there are some bad players in the industry. However, spotting a negligent company is easy if you know what to look out for. Below is a list of common red flags to be aware of when researching home warranty companies:

  • Low BBB score: You should avoid companies with a C- rating or lower on the BBB. Also, pay attention to any Pattern of Complaint messages on the provider’s BBB profile. Unresolved Pattern of Complaint messages may indicate the home warranty company doesn’t provide proper service.
  • Negative customer reviews: Type in the name of the home warranty company you’re considering in your search engine. Include any of the following options at the end of your search query: “BBB”, “Best Company”, “Trustpilot” or “ConsumerAffairs”. The search results will display the company’s customer reviews on each website. Avoid companies with 1-star customer ratings or lower across all third-party review sites you check. 

Tip: Filter the customer reviews listed in the third-party review site to “most recent.” This allows you to see if the company has recent negative reviews. 

  • No business license within your state: Verify that the home warranty holds a license to operate within your state. You can find this information by checking the license database at your state’s consumer protection office. Additionally, verify that the company is incorporated within the state under which it lists its address.
  • No workmanship guarantee: Avoid companies that don’t disclose their workmanship guarantee in their sample contract, on their website or when you call to inquire.
  • Slow, unresponsive customer service: Test on three different occasions how long it takes to reach the company’s customer service department. I suggest calling a claims representative since sales representatives are more readily available. You should look elsewhere if it takes longer than 5 minutes to reach a claims representative on all three occasions.

Read your service contract

We highly recommend reading a home warranty company’s sample service contract as part of your research process. This document lists all of the provider’s coverage terms and exclusions. Every home warranty provider names their sample contract sections differently, but they all feature the same main categories.

After reading hundreds of customer reviews, I reasoned that many customers who left negative feedback likely didn’t read their company’s sample contract. By understanding a company’s terms and conditions, you can avoid claim denials — or the company itself — if its coverage doesn’t suit your needs. Below is an overview of the contract sections you should review.

  • Coverage overview: This section highlights the general coverage terms for the company’s various protection plans. It lists provisions such as your plan’s waiting period, the types of homes covered, instructions for requesting service and more.
  • Covered items: This section lists all the appliances and systems the home warranty provider covers in each plan. It also lists the components it covers and excludes per covered item.
  • Limitations and exclusions: This section is arguably the most important one to understand since it lists all the potential reasons why the company may deny your claim. This section also highlights applicable limitations per covered item, such as coverage caps.
  • Policy cancellation: The policy cancellation section provides information on how the home warranty company handles cancellations. It mentions the company’s free cancellation period and additional provisions if you cancel after the free period ends.  Pay special attention to the cancellation fee (if any) listed in this section. Typically, companies refund a prorated portion of your plan premium minus the cancellation fee if you cancel after the free cancellation period.
  • State-specific clauses: Familiarize yourself with this section if the home warranty company lists your state within it. You may need to follow the clauses in this section if you wish to cancel your plan or modify your coverage. 

Know the difference between home warranties and homeowners insurance

Home warranties and homeowners insurance sound similar in name. However, they differ significantly in the type of coverage they offer. Home warranties cover home appliances and systems when they fail from normal wear and tear. They do not cover damage caused by incidents outside of regular use, such as storm damage, theft or vandalism.

Homeowners insurance policies, however, cover home items affected by unforeseen incidents. Homeowners insurance companies label these incidents as covered perils before granting reimbursement. 

Request multiple quotes

Once you have an idea of which home warranty companies may suit your needs, request quotes from three providers. Getting multiple provider quotes allows you to compare plan costs and coverage options.

Home warranties add a layer of financial protection for appliance or system breakdowns

Home warranties can be a smart investment. For a monthly or annual cost, they cover unexpected appliance or system breakdowns. A home warranty can reduce the time you spend sourcing a technician and the amount you pay repairing or replacing an item. That said, home warranties come with strict exclusions. To fully maximize your coverage plan, we highly recommend understanding these exclusions before signing up with a provider. In addition, we suggest requesting quotes from three companies to compare plan costs and coverage limits.

Our rating methodology for home warranty companies

We research and rate home warranty providers to help you choose the one that’s right for your budget and your home. The best home warranty companies offer many coverage choices, high coverage limits, competitive pricing, good reviews, solid service and extra features.

We rate companies based on our in-depth methodology. We score companies out of 100 on factors related to their coverage options, coverage limits, pricing, reputation, customer service and extra features. We then divide their final score by 20 to obtain the 5-star rating we feature in our reviews.

BBB ratings are accurate as of March 2024.

Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.

Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

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