We find the 10 best options, so you can make informed decisions on tons of products and services.
You just purchased your dream house along with the all the perfect décor that turns your dream house into your dream home. It's been a few months and everything is unpacked and placed in its designated spot within your new home. So you turn your attention to rebuilding your savings account since it was depleted from the biggest and most important purchase of your life. However, within a few months of living in your dream home, you experience a costly 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. Fortunately, you purchased a home protection plan that will cover this expense as well as any major systems and appliances that may need repair or replacement in your home.
Home warranties typically include coverage the following major appliances and systems:
Home warranties are offered to all homeowners whether they are new or 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.
Typically, a home warranty costs a couple hundred dollars, 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 $100. Please note, home warranty companies have different contract agreements therefore, fee amounts may vary.
Filing a claim is a very simple process. Prior to filing your claim, review your insurance contract to verify the item that you need to repair or replace is covered under your plan. Once you verify this information, you'll complete the following steps:
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 with their plans. For instance, if you have a home with older appliances then you may be interested in locating a plan that has home appliance insurance. Want to learn more before choosing? Here are some tips and tricks to get you up-to-date.
Convinced? Check out our expert written reviews for information on the top providers for home warranty. 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.
Choice Home Warranty is a budget-friendly option ideal for first-time homeowners. Choose between their customizable Basic Plan (12 items) and Total Plan (16 items) to receive up to $3,000 in coverage for each successful claim.
Jake Hill, CEO of DebtHammer, highlights that Choice Home Warranty is also "especially helpful for owners of older homes" since they don't "deny coverage based on the age of your home's systems or appliances."
Instead of varying their service fees, they only charge a flat $85 per claim. You also get your first month free if you're a new customer.
Why we chose Choice Home Warranty: A stand-out from other services, Choice Home Warranty responds swiftly to queries and claims, delivers reliable customer service, and has affordable annual premiums.
Our experience: We were impressed with Choice Home Warranty's fast turnaround time when submitting online and phone claims. The support specialists we worked with were knowledgeable and quickly provided helpful information.
Select Home Warranty provides competitively priced coverage for most major appliances and systems. Their premiums start at just $36/month, which is more affordable than other home warranty companies.
Jennifer Spinelli, real estate professional, investment advisor, and founder and CEO of Cash For Houses, calls Select Home Warranty "reliable and trustworthy." She adds that she no longer worries about "costly repairs or replacements due to breakdowns or malfunctions."
Three different plans are available and all of them include free roof leak coverage. However, Select Home Warranty's services aren't available in Nevada, Washington, or Wisconsin.
Why we chose Select Home Warranty: Their affordable premiums and minimal fees elevate them above their competitors. It's also convenient that they offer two months free with their annual plan.
Our experience: We were particularly impressed with Select Home Warranty's 24/7 friendly phone support and free roof leak coverage.
Operating since 1971, American Home Shield is the largest and most established company in the US home warranty market, with over two million members.
Tommy Gallagher, former investment banker and founder of Top Mobile Banks, was "impressed with the range of contractors they have available and the quality of service they provide."
Choose from their three customizable plans—ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. The ShieldSilver plan only covers 14 major systems, while the ShieldGold plan covers 23.
For additional perks, ShieldPlatinum comes with complete system and appliance coverage. This includes cost-saving add-ons like free HVAC tune-ups, unlimited A/C refrigerant, coverage for rooks leaks and code violations, and higher payout caps for repairs and replacements.
Why we chose American Home Shield: They operate in 47 states and Washington DC, and you can customize your plan. American Home Shield automatically covers duplicate items, plus older items with rust or corrosion.
Our experience: We found American Home Shield to be an excellent option for anyone seeking highly customizable plans and access to an extensive network of contractors. We could easily find a plan that suited our needs.
With high ratings and great reviews, Liberty Home Guard has a reputation for delivering reliable service to customers.
They have three plans available (Systems Guard, Appliance Guard, and Total Home Guard) with optional financial protection for roof leaks, standalone freezers, generators, carpet cleaning, and power washing. New policyholders also get free limited roof leak protection and two free months of coverage.
Liberty Home Guard's exceptional claims process sets them apart from other home warranty providers. They have a 24/7 call center and guarantee to assign a contractor to a claim within 24 to 48 hours. They also have a network of over 10,000 qualified technicians in all 50 states.
Liberty Home Guard has launched a comprehensive mobile app, revolutionizing how homeowners manage their home warranty accounts, file claims, and access real-time information. The app offers features like effortless access to warranty details, efficient claims management, streamlined payment tracking, seamless communication with technicians, real-time notifications, and a wealth of knowledge on home maintenance.
Why we chose Liberty Home Guard: Liberty Home Guard's rates start at just $1/day, and their technicians arrive within 24 to 48 hours of claim submissions.
Our experience: We were pleased with Liberty Home Guard's reliability, rapid claims processing, and excellent customer service.
Home Warranty of America has comprehensive policies that cover most appliances and indoor systems. Offering up to $15,000 in annual coverage for repairs and replacements, they also have 24/7 online or phone service requests and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
They may be a little pricier than some competitors, but you get a lot for your money—all plans come with a deductible per-service visit.
Why we chose Home Warranty of America: Home Warranty of America provides nationwide service and is good value for money when covering all appliances.
Our experience: We were impressed with Home Warranty of America's extensive coverage and efficient customer service. It was easy to set up a plan, and we appreciated their 30-day money-back guarantee.
First American Home Warranty is an ideal choice for those seeking robust home protection for their systems and appliances. The company has been in business since 1984 and claims it's saved homeowners over $219 million in repair costs.
Coverage comes in the form of two basic plans and a premium plan. First American Home Warranty's best features include that they protect items regardless of age and replace faulty items with brand-new equivalents if they can't repair them.
Why we chose First American Home Warranty: First American Home Warranty offers specialized plans for both real estate professionals and service providers. They also have 24/7 claims service, fully vetted tradespeople, and a transparent application process.
Our experience: We liked First American Home Warranty's response times, which were significantly faster than other companies.
Home Service Club (HSC) offers two service plans: Standard and Comprehensive. The Standard plan covers 18 basic appliances and systems, while the Comprehensive plan covers 33. Optional add-ons, such as pool and roof coverage, are available for an extra fee.
HSC's unique plans include pest damage and utility line cover, setting them apart from other home warranty services. You can also choose your service fee amount from three options ($65, $95, and $125), and all repairs have a 90-day guarantee.
However, HSC charges higher service fees and premiums than average. You must also live in a single-family residence, condo, townhouse, or multi-family property to qualify for a plan.
Why we chose Home Service Club: HSC has a broad selection of optional add-ons, including coverage of gas lines, grinder pumps, ductwork, pools, and spas. Additionally, the company's services are available nationwide with no exclusions.
Our experience: We appreciated that HSC provides coverage for pest damage, which many competitors don't.
Elite Home Warranty offers highly customizable home warranty policies. You can choose from three warranty packages and dozens of optional add-ons, or build a completely custom policy that protects the appliances and home systems you’re most concerned about. You can also customize your coverage limits and service visit copay. Overall, Elite Home Warranty policies are comprehensive and affordable.
Elite Home Warranty is one of only a handful of home warranty providers that lets you choose your own service technician. The company also has a nationwide network of contractors and can dispatch them within 24-48 hours of your claim. You can file a claim 24/7 online, over the phone, or through the Elite Home Warranty mobile app.
Mike Holmes Protection offers customizable home warranty policies that provide unlimited coverage for your home systems and up to $6,000 in coverage for your appliances. The company has a network of more than 11,500 contractors and certified technicians and responds to claims 24/7.
Why we chose Mike Holmes Protection: Mike Holmes Protection is more expensive than competitors, but you get peace of mind knowing that even the most costly repairs will be covered in full. The company also has outstanding reviews from homeowners thanks to its speedy response to claims.
Our experience: I found the Mike Holmes Protection support team to be highly responsive and very helpful. I also like that you can get a free quote and sign up online in just a few minutes.
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty has 40 years of experience in the home warranty industry. It offers 3 plan tiers for $19.99 per month, $51 per month, and $60 per month. Service fees are adjustable, ranging from $65–$100 per visit, but the base fee is $85. 2-10 HBW offers a generous $25,000 annual coverage limit, so you’re protected in case of multiple appliance or system failures.
To start, simply visit 2-10 HBW’s website or call customer service. You can purchase a warranty anytime, whether you are buying, selling, or currently living in your home. Support is available 24/7, and you can expect a service call within 24–48 hours of submitting your claim.
Benefits:
Annual coverage limit up to $25,000
Covers everyday wear and tear
Refund for service fee if an item isn’t covered
Customers receive discounts on GE and Whirlpool appliances
Plans and Pricing:
2-10 Home Buyer’s Warranty offers three plans and optional add-on coverage.
Simply Kitchen: Covers six kitchen appliances
Complete Home: Covers 22 appliances and home systems, including all those covered by the Simply Kitchen plan
Pinnacle Home: Covers 32 appliances and home systems, including all those covered by the Complete Home plan
States Serviced:
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty is availalbe in 42 states, but is not available in Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
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