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- Beat the Heat Sale: Get $75 off + 1 month free
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- Trusted network of 25,000+ contractors
- 8M+ service requests successfully completed
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- $4 billion paid in homeowner claims
- Video chat with repair Experts for real-time help*Video chat feature available as a benefit to AHS members with select plans. See ahs.com for hours and details.
- Get $200 off with code FA200
- 24/7 service requests
- Will replace systems that can't be repaired
- Get a free quote
- Nationwide trusted technicians
- Reliable 24/7 home protection
- Get $150 OFF + 1 month free
- Covers HVAC to electrics
- 24/7 availability guaranteed
- $150 off + 2 months free + free roof coverage
- A+ Rating from the Online Business Bureau
- Get a free quote
- Limited time offer: Get $200 off + 2 free months
- Customizable plans with 35+ add-ons
- 24/7 customer service + user-friendly mobile app
- Limited time offer: Get $200 off + 2 months free
- Reliable repairs with minimal wait time
- Senior and veteran discounts available
- Beat the Heat Sale: Get $75 off + 1 month free
- Thousands of verified 5-star ratings
- Trusted network of 25,000+ contractors
- 8M+ service requests successfully completed
What is a home warranty and why it’s important for homeowners
When essential systems fail, a home warranty helps cover the cost, so you can avoid stress, save money, and stay focused on what matters most.
What Does Home Warranty Offer to a Homeowner?
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.
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 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.
Home Warranty Process
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:
- Contact your home warranty insurance 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 diagnosis the situation and makes a recommendation to repair or replace the item in question.
- Repairs and replacements will be carried out.
- You will pay a cost in the form of a service fee to the warranty company.
- Process is complete.
Conclusion
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.
Our Top 3 Picks
- 1Get full coverage and round-the-clock supportVisit SiteCall732-907-4849732-907-4849
- Best for - Homeowners seeking affordable full-home coverage
- Average annual premium - $562 - $657
- Service requests - 24/7 online and by phone
Get full coverage and round-the-clock supportRead Choice Home Warranty ReviewChoice Home Warranty stands out with its two straightforward plans and uniform $100 service fee. Its Basic Plan covers essential home systems and appliances, while the Total Plan covers air conditioning, refrigerators, and washers. It’s also our top home warranty for plumbing since it covers your entire plumbing system, including your water heater and garbage disposals. It also covers parts of your electrical system that regulate water pressure.
As Jake Hill, CEO of DebtHammer, notes, Choice Home Warranty is "especially helpful for owners of older homes" since it doesn't "deny coverage based on the age of your home's systems or appliances."
Choice Home Warranty offers substantial protection, covering up to $3,000 per successful claim. Plus, you get your first month free if you purchase any single-payment home warranty plan.
Why we chose Choice Home Warranty: Choice Home Warranty's straightforward plan structure and single $100 service fee make it our top option. In addition to its homeowner plans, CHW provides professional coverage for buyers and sellers. It also offers a 30-day trial, so you can try its services risk-free before fully committing.
Client perspective: Irene Smith (53) notes, "My last repair for my garage door was the best experience I’ve had in all the years I've had home warranty service. “ She also adds that the service person was on time, explained the issues, and fixed a major problem in about 15 minutes. “It was quick, professional, and couldn’t have been easier.”
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 - 2Customizable plans with adjustable service feesVisit SiteCall888-928-2359888-928-2359
- Best for - Customizable plans
- Average annual premium - $500–$700
- Service requests - 24/7 online and by phone
Customizable plans with adjustable service feesRead American Home Shield ReviewOperating 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.
American Home Shield Pros & Cons
PROS
Highly customizable plansIncludes undetectable pre-existing conditionsCovers older items, including rust and corrosionCONS
No guarantee for repair timesNot available in Alaska, New York City, or Hawaii - 3Covers items regardless of ageVisit SiteCall877-278-6977877-278-6977
- Best for - High payout caps
- Average annual premium - $360–$546
- Service requests - 24/7 phone and online claims service No limit on number of service requests
Covers items regardless of ageRead First American Home Warranty ReviewFirst 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.
First American Home Warranty Pros & Cons
PROS
24/7 claims serviceFully vetted tradespeopleLow pricing and service feesCONS
Difficult to understand pricing breakdown without a personal quoteTheir app is poorly rated
