- Cyber Sale! $75 off + 1 month free
- 25,000+ local pre-screened technicians
- Handled over 6,600,000 service requests
- Covers over 2 million homes across America
- Black Friday Sale: 40% off all plans
- Service calls usually completed in 24 hours
- Affordable and competitive plans
- Plans start at $29.99 a month
- $4 billion in paid claims over 7 years
- 2 million members across the U.S.
- Special Offer: $200 with code FA200
- 24/7 service requests
- Will replace systems that can't be repaired
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Covers HVAC to electrics
- 24/7 availability guaranteed
- No inspection required before purchase
- Nationwide trusted technicians
- Reliable 24/7 home protection
- Cyber Sale! $75 off + 1 month free
- 25,000+ local pre-screened technicians
- Handled over 6,600,000 service requests
- Covers over 2 million homes across America
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.
The Cost Involved With a Warranty for Your Home
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.
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
- 1Save on premiums with full coverage and round-th...Visit 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
Save on premiums with full coverage and round-the...Read 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 - 2Select offers affordable premiums and fees
- Best for - Customers seeking affordable premiums and fees
- Average annual premium - $432–$756
- Service requests - 24/7 online and by phone
Select offers affordable premiums and feesRead Select Home Warranty ReviewSelect 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.
Select Home Warranty Pros & Cons
PROS
Affordable premiums and fees24/7 phone supportFree coverage for roof leaksCONS
Low coverage limitsNot available in Nevada, Washington, or Wisconsin - 3Customizable 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