- $50 off home warranty plans
- Covers up to 21 appliances' major components
- 1.8+ million customers across the US
What is a home warranty?
A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances due to normal wear and tear. It's essential for homeowners seeking financial protection against unexpected breakdowns, offering peace of mind and potentially saving thousands in repair costs.
Why a home warranty matters in 2026
A home warranty is especially important in 2026 due to rising repair costs, aging home systems, and increased financial uncertainty for many homeowners. With inflation driving up the price of parts and labor, a single unexpected breakdown, like a failed HVAC or plumbing issue, can quickly strain a household budget. For first-time buyers or those without a robust emergency fund, a home warranty provides a reliable safety net, offering predictable costs and faster access to vetted service professionals. In an era where peace of mind and financial stability matter more than ever, having home protection in place is a smart and timely decision.
What does a home warranty cover?
Home warranty plans typically offer coverage for:
Home Systems: HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), electrical systems, plumbing systems, water heaters, and ductwork.
Appliances: Refrigerators, ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, built-in microwaves, washers, dryers, and garbage disposals.
Additional Items: Garage door openers, ceiling fans, and sometimes roof leaks (limited coverage).
Coverage varies by provider and plan, so it's crucial to review the specific terms of your home protection plan.
How does a home warranty claim process work?
Review Your Contract: Ensure the item in question is covered under your home warranty plan.
File a Claim: Contact your home warranty company via phone or online portal.
Schedule Service: The company assigns a licensed contractor to assess the issue.
Diagnosis and Repair: The technician diagnoses the problem and performs the necessary repair or replacement.
Pay Service Fee: You pay a predetermined service fee, typically ranging from $75 to $125.
What do home warranties exclude?
Pre-existing Conditions: Issues known before the warranty start date.
Improper Maintenance: Failures due to lack of maintenance.
Cosmetic Damages: Non-functional issues like scratches or dents.
Secondary Damages: Consequential damages resulting from a covered item’s failure.
Coverage caps may apply, limiting the amount payable per item or per term.
When should you consider a home warranty?
Purchasing an Older Home: Older systems and appliances are more prone to breakdowns.
Limited Emergency Funds: A home warranty can mitigate unexpected repair costs
First-Time Homeowners: Provides a safety net during the initial years of homeownership.
- Landlords: Simplifies maintenance for rental properties.
Our Top 3 Picks
- 1
Get full coverage and round-the-clock supportVisit SiteCall732-907-4849732-907-4849- Pricing - $50-$60/month
- Service Fee - $65-$100 per claim
- Best for - Homeowners seeking affordable full-home coverage
Get full coverage and round-the-clock supportRead Choice Home Warranty ReviewChoice Home Warranty offers straightforward plans with uniform pricing. Both the Basic and Total plans bundle systems and appliances, eliminating the need to choose between coverage types. The company provides coverage up to $3,000 per claim and includes a 60-day workmanship guarantee, double the industry standard 30-day term.
Coverage highlights:
All plans bundle systems and appliances
49 states (excluding Washington)
24-48 hour technician dispatch
First month free with annual payment
60-day workmanship guarantee (2x competitors)
What to consider: The $3,000 cap works well for standard systems but may not fully cover high-end replacements. Keep dated HVAC maintenance receipts to avoid "improper maintenance" claim disputes, which are common with high-volume providers.Expert perspective: Best value for homeowners with average-value systems who prioritize predictable pricing over customization. The 60-day workmanship guarantee provides superior protection. Ideal for first-time warranty buyers.
Choice Home Warranty Pros & Cons
PROS
Offers 30-day guarantee on covered repairsFirst month free with purchase of any single payment planEasy online claims processCONS
Limited add-on coveragesNot available in Washington - 2
Comprehensive coverage for all your appliances- Service Fee - $75-$125
- Best for - Comprehensive appliance coverage
Comprehensive coverage for all your appliancesRead Home Warranty of America ReviewHome 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.
Home Warranty of America Pros & Cons
PROS
Covers most home appliancesHigh coverage limits30-day money-back guaranteeCONS
30-day waiting period10% cancelation fee - 3
HSC offers unique coverage options nationwide- Service Fee - $65-$125
- Best for - Homeowners looking for extensive coverage options
HSC offers unique coverage options nationwideRead Home Service Club ReviewHome 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.
Home Service Club Pros & Cons
PROS
Provides coverage for pest damageAvailable nationwide90-day workmanship guarantee on all repairsCONS
High base premiums and service feesDon't list pricing on the website
