Buying a home warranty plan is a safeguard against unexpected costs as well as stress. But choosing the right plan is no easy task—there are many factors to consider, including budget, type of home, and lifestyle. As the weather gets colder, now is the perfect time to make sure your heating and other appliances are in top shape so you can make sure to keep you and your family warm this winter.
These are the best home warranty companies I tested and ranked:
1. Best overall: Choice Home Warranty
2. Best for easy signup: Select Home Warranty
3. Best for online accounts: Liberty Home Guard
4. Best for accessibility: Total Home Protection
5. Best for those on a budget: AFC Home Club
6. Best for flexible plan types: First American Home Warranty
7. Best for older appliances: Complete Care Home Warranty
8. Best for low fees: Advanced Home Warranty
Our Top 10 Best Home Warranty Companies
![Choice Best Home Warranty Companies]( "Choice Best Home Warranty Companies")
- Best forFull-spectrum coverage
- Average annual premium$485
- Service requests24/7 online and phone
Choice Home Warranty provides protection for all of your home’s systems and appliances in case of damage or break down. Customers can choose from 2 home warranty plans, the Basic or the Total plan, and both are reasonably priced.
Choice Home Warranty plans include all of the most common household appliances and systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, water heaters, refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, ovens, and clothing washers and dryers. There are also some usual add-ons like pools, spas, well pumps, and stand-alone freezers, not to mention the less frequently covered roof leaks.
You don’t have to worry about your home or appliances being in tip-top shape in order to receive coverage. In fact, Choice Home Warranty doesn’t require a home inspection at all. You can get coverage 30 days after the contract is signed, but you can have this grace period waived if you were just recently covered by another reputable home warranty service. What we really like about Choice Home Warranty is that you can call in a claim at any hour of the day or even night. Service requests are taken 24/7.
Pros- First month free
- Round-the-clock claims hotline
- Low service-call fee
Cons- Only available in 47 states
- Best forAccessibility and ease of purchase
- Average annual premium$379
- Service requests24/7 online and phone
Select Home Warranty offers 3 home warranty packages, the Bronze, Gold, and Platinum Care Plans, and there are several add-ons you can include as well. The Bronze package is basically an appliances plan, covering your basic home appliances. The Gold is the systems plan, and the Platinum is the combo package, which covers everything from appliances and air conditioning systems to your garage door. So, you pick can the option that works best for you.
Select Home Warranty makes it easy to get coverage, not requiring any home inspection before purchasing a plan. But what is really impressive about this company is the huge network of contractors it has on staff. The more contractors available to you in your area, the faster you can expect a technician to arrive and have your item fixed. All technicians employed by Select Home Warranty are qualified and experienced professionals, so you can trust that you are getting quality work done.
Another strong aspect about Select Home Warranty’s coverage is the repair or replace policy. The technician will assess your damaged appliance/system and repair if it's fixable. If the technician deems it unfixable or not worth the time, money, or effort needed to repair the item, you’ll be given a cash settlement for a new item. What’s more, Select Home Warranty will let you ask for a second opinion at no extra charge.
Pros- Vast network of contractors
- Available in all but 5 states (CA, NV, NY, WA, WI)
- Low monthly pricing, discounts offered
Cons- Claims must be filed within 3 days
- Website has no live chat
- Best forOnline accounts and support
- Average annual premium$399
- Service requests24/7 online and mobile app
Liberty Home Guard offers solid warranty plans with personal online accounts that make them manageable for busy professionals. The coverage is pretty traditional, with one appliance plan, one systems plan, and the total home guard package that combines the 2. What stands out about Liberty is its consistency and accessibility. The company lays all of its information on the table and offers numerous avenues for interacting with customer service. When you sign up for a warranty plan, you can create an online account, which is where you can manage your plan and request service calls. Liberty uses a nationwide network of contractors though it allows out-of-network contractors upon request.
Pros- Three comprehensive plans
- Request service through personal online account page
- Use out-of-network contractors upon request
Cons- Unavailable in some US states
- Cumbersome website
![Total home protection Best Home Warranty Companies]( "Total home protection Best Home Warranty Companies")
- Best forTransparency and accessibility
- Average annual premium$419
- Service requests24/7 online and phone
Total Home Protection offers straightforward home warranty plans for homeowners and real estate professionals. The plans are easy to parse out and the company offers everything you’d want in regards to contractors and claims filing. The lack of pricing on the website is unfortunate, but the overall transparency and abundance of contact information is reassuring.
THP offers 2 major plans, a Gold and Platinum plan. Both are relatively standard, with the Gold plan offering 15 components including the plumbing system, electrical system, and most common appliances, while the Platinum adds AC and heating systems to the list as well as additional appliances. Homeowners can opt for additional add-ons such as pool/spa and extra appliances.
As far as service details go, Total Home Protection falls near the top of the list. It features a wide network of contractors who are thoroughly vetted, licensed, and insured. You can file claims 24/7 online and via hotline, which makes it a contender for sheer convenience alone.
Pros- Plans are easy to understand
- Pre-screened contractors
- 24/7 claims filing
Cons- No prices on the website
- Basic plan has less coverage than typical plans
- Best forHomeowners on a budget
- Average annual premium$350
- Service requests24/7 online and phone
Another home warranty that emphasizes choice, America’s 1st Choice Home Club offers more plans than the average provider as well as the ability to choose your own technicians.
AFC’s 3 plans offer plenty of freedom in choosing a path that’s right for each home and lifestyle. As far as coverage, the plans are consistent with industry standards: there are 3 levels of home warranty, ranging from Bronze to Platinum, that include all the essential appliances and systems as well as optional add-ons such as pools and septic systems.
Whereas most home warranties provide 30-60-day guarantees on work and labor, AFC extends the period for as long as your membership lasts, an impressive bonus that far exceeds most other companies. The company also lets you choose your own contractors when service is needed (though they can provide a contractor as well), and offers easy service requests through its website.
Pros- Parts and labor guarantee for the duration of your membership
- Choose your own technician
- Three plans with plenty of flexibility
Cons- No pricing on website
- Little terms and conditions info
![Complete Care]( "Complete Care")
- Best forOlder appliances, several add-ons
- Average annual premium$420
- Service requests24/7
Complete Care is a home warranty policy provider that offers coverage for a variety of home appliances and systems. You can make unlimited claims with your policy, and Complete Care doesn’t require that you have a home inspection before your coverage can start. Homeowners can make claims any time of day or night by calling the customer service line that’s available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Complete Care home warranty is available for any of the covered systems or appliances, regardless of the age. And what’s more, Complete Care offers a protection guarantee. This means that if the technician can’t repair your appliance or system, Complete Care will replace the item.
Pros- Unlimited service claims
- Protection guarantee
- 24/7 claims department
Cons- Limited information on the site
- Smaller items not covered
![First American Best Home Warranty Companies]( "First American Best Home Warranty Companies")
- Best forAbundant and flexible plan types
- Average annual premiumN/A
- Service requests24/7 online and phone
First American Home Warranty has the impressive claim to service close to half a million customers across the US, and with simple, straightforward contracts, low pricing, and professional technicians, this is no surprise.
Whether you opt for the Basic or the Premier coverage plan, First American Home Warranty plans are some of the lowest priced home warranty coverages in the industry. What’s even more exciting about First American Home Warranty, is that it allows you to pick and choose some of the coverage options, with up to 35 add-ons to choose from. This means you will only pay for the items you want in your plan.
All First American Home Warranty technicians are pre-screened, which means they are carefully vetted to ensure that they're qualified to do their job and will do so in a professional manner. Another useful feature of First American Home Warranty is that technicians are available 24/7, 365 days a year. You can even get a technician to come down on Thanksgiving, July Fourth, or Easter. Isn’t it time you lived more securely?
Pros- Guarantee on all work done
- Long-standing reputation
- 24/7/365 claims and coverage
Cons- Not available in some states
- A/C coverage costs extra
![Advanced Best Home Warranty Companies]( "Advanced Best Home Warranty Companies")
- Best forLow service-fee costs
- Average annual premium$370
- Service requests24/7 hotline
Advanced Home Warranty’s strengths are not reflected in its website, which is sparse and somewhat lacking in essential information. This is a shame, since its home warranties are worth advertising. AHW offers 2 plans, a Basic and Total plan, whose coverage runs the gamut of essential appliances and systems.
Though the website is threadbare, the policies themselves are fleshed out and supplemented with solid service. The company offers a 24/7 claims hotline and responds to requests within 2 business days. Service call fees are fixed at $60 and include a 90-day guarantee on parts and 30 days on labor.
Pros- Two comprehensive plans
- 24/7 claims hotline
- 90-day guarantee on parts, 30 days on labor
Cons- Sparse website
- No online service requests
.20200616132039.jpg "Complete Care")
What You Need to Know About Home Warranties
What a Home Warranty Policy Can Offer Homeowners and Landlords
Let's say that you just purchased your dream house or moved into the perfect rental along with the elegant décor that turns your house into your home. It has been a few months and everything is unpacked and placed in its designated spot. However, within a few months of moving in, you get hit with a costly and unexpected expense when your heater blows out during the winter.
With a new mortgage payment and a limited amount in savings, you're looking at numerous financial options on how to pay for this unexpected expense. Had you purchased a home warranty plan, this expense - as well as any major systems and appliances that may need repair or replacement in your home - would have been covered.
What Types of Home Warranty Plans are Available?
Home warranty plans are usually broken down into appliance plans and systems plans. Some will simply be called Appliance and Systems plans, while others may have names such as Gold, Platinum, etc, though you’ll be able to tell which is which. Most home warranty companies offer a Combination, or Total, plan that combines appliances and systems.
What Does a Home Warranty Include?
Home warranties typically include coverage the following major appliances and systems:
- Central air conditioning systems
- Central heating systems
- Humidifiers
- Interior electrical systems
- Refrigerators
- Ranges, ovens, and cooktops
- Dishwashers
- Built-in microwaves
- Water heaters
- Plumbing systems
- Garbage disposals
- Washers and dryers
- Garage door openers
- Roof leaks
When Do You Need a Home Warranty?
Home warranties are offered to all homeowners, both new and existing. Typically, home warranty plans are offered to the home-buyer when they are purchasing a new home. However, if the buyer decides not to purchase home warranty insurance simultaneously with their home purchase, then they can secure a home protection plan at a later date. There is no time restriction as to when a homeowner can decide to purchase a warranty plan.
Cost Involved with a Home Warranty Plan
Typical home warranty plans cost anywhere between $350-500 per year, or $45-60 per month, which can be paid in a lump sum amount during the purchase of a new home. This lump sum payment would be collected at the time closing costs are due for the newly purchased home. However, the seller, real estate agent or a family member or friend can purchase home warranties on behalf of a home-buyer. If a home appliance insurance claim is filed then the homeowner may be responsible for paying a service fee or deductible that typically ranges from $50 to $125. Please note, home warranty companies have different contract agreements, therefore fee amounts may vary.
What is the Coverage Term for Home Warranties?
While coverage varies depending on the home warranty company and the policy definitions, it is important to understand that these policies are more like home service contracts that cover repair and replacement of appliances, equipment and other home features should problems occur within the period of coverage.
Home Warranty vs. Homeowners Insurance
A home warranty is not the same as homeowners insurance. For buyers who finance their homes through any lending program, homeowners insurance is a year-to-year requirement. Home warranty provides very specific coverage for select appliances, equipment and other components over a fixed duration of time defined by the terms of the policy. Home warranty coverage may be extended, and warranty companies, such as Choice Home Warranty, normally send courtesy reminders to homeowners before the end date of the policy.
Home Warranties for New Construction
Builders may provide home warranties to buyers of newly-built homes. This type of home warranty may include coverage for some structural elements such as siding and stucco. At least for the first year of coverage, most warranties for new construction would cover the cost of labor and materials on features such as doors, trim and paint. Components of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system as well as the plumbing network may be covered for at least one year, as with Select Home Warranty. Some builders may extend home warranty coverage up to 10 years for major structural defects in new construction homes.
Home Warranties for Resale Homes
With a resale house, the home seller may provide a home warranty as part of an incentive package to reassure the buyer that repairs and replacement of existing appliances and equipment included in the home will be covered. The duration of coverage can run from one month to one year from the date of closing. Depending on how the policy is written, the coverage may be staggered based on the appliance or equipment in question. For instance, home warranty coverage for a washer and dryer set may be good for the first 3 months only, but the water heater may be covered for a year. Companies such as AFC cover on a yearly basis.
Homeowners may also opt to purchase a home warranty policy from a third party provider as additional coverage. Buyers who are financing the home purchase through loans from the Department of Veteran Affairs may be asked for add-on contracts that may be provided by the builder.
Coverage terms vary between home warranty companies, which is why it’s crucial that you know how long you’re covered for before signing on the dotted line.
Home Warranty Process
Filing a claim is a simple process. Prior to filing, review your insurance contract to verify the item that you need to repair or replace is covered under your plan. Next, complete the following steps:
Contact your home warranty company to file a claim
- The warranty company will review their home warranty plans to verify that you have a plan that covers the item in question
- The warranty company will schedule an appointment for you with a local contractor
- The contractor will diagnose the situation and makes a recommendation to repair or replace the item in question
- Repairs and replacements will be carried out
- You pay a cost in the form of a service fee to the warranty company
- Done
How to Choose the Best Home Warranty Plan for You
As there are many providers to choose from that have a variety of plan options, the best home warranty companies depend on how they can meet the needs of your home. The best way to select the right home protection plan for you is by doing your research on what each company has to offer.
Want to learn more before choosing? These in-depth reviews are packed full of information on the top home warranty providers. Once you've selected the plan that best fits your needs, you'll join the many homeowners that have peace of mind because they are protected by one of the top home warranty companies.
