Many home warranty companies can make homeownership more affordable. However, the best home warranty company for you depends on your budget, preferred coverage level, and unique needs. First, let’s dive into this guide to help you find the top home warranty companies available today.
QUICK FACTS
- A home warranty acts as a contract to help you cover common repair costs at a discount.
- Home warranties cover appliances and HVAC systems, among other machines, rather than your home.
- Home warranties can be worth it if you have a lot of appliances or older systems in your home.
Leading Home Warranty Companies
Liberty Home Guard
Liberty Home Guard stands out for its high ratings on various platforms:
- ConsumerAffairs: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Better Business Bureau: 4.55 out of 5 stars
- Trustpilot: 4.7 out of 5 stars
They offer three plans at different price points:
- Appliance Guard: Covers most home appliances including the washer, dryer, refrigerator, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, range, ceiling fan, and garage door openers.
- Systems Guard: Covers major home systems like HVAC, ductwork, plumbing, water heaters, and electrical equipment.
- Total Home Guard: Includes everything in both the Appliance Guard and Systems Guard plans.
Plans are available everywhere except Washington and Wisconsin. You must wait 30 to 60 days before filing your first claim. Here are some pros and cons:
PROS
- Easy-to-understand plans
- Prices start at less than $1 per day
CONS
- Not available in every state
- Must wait 30 to 60 days to file a claim
American Residential Warranty
American Residential Warranty also earns high marks:
- ConsumerAffairs: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- Better Business Bureau: 1.64 out of 5 stars
- Trustpilot: 4.0 out of 5 stars
They offer various plans at different price points:
- Ultimate Electronics Protection: Covers many household electronics like laptops, gaming consoles, printers, tablets, and more for $24.99 per month.
- Kitchen Plus: Covers many kitchen appliances for $39.99 per month, including the refrigerator, range, oven, cooktop, dishwasher, built-in microwave, exhaust fans, garbage disposal, and water heater.
- Platinum Premier: Covers everything in the Kitchen Plus package and HVAC, plumbing systems, garage door opener, humidifier, ductwork, ceiling fans, and refrigerator ice maker for $64.99 per month.
These plans are available in all 50 states. Here are some pros and cons:
PROS
- Extensive selection of coverage options
- Ample add-on options
- Month-to-month service plans
CONS
- Trade service fee required for every repair
- 30-day waiting period
Home Service Club
The Home Service Club has mixed reviews:
- ConsumerAffairs: 1.0 out of 5 stars
- Better Business Bureau: 1.21 out of 5 stars
- Trustpilot: 1.9 out of 5 stars
They offer two main plans:
- Standard coverage: Covers refrigerators, ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, freestanding ice makers, built-in microwaves, trash compactors, food centers, HVAC systems, water heaters, ceiling fans, and more.
- Comprehensive coverage: Includes everything in the standard plan plus coverage for plumbing stoppages, ductwork, gas leaks, pest control, whirlpool tub, alarm wiring, telephone wiring, smoke detectors, exhaust fans, sump pumps, doorbells, and more.
Plans vary in price based on home size and location. Pros and cons include:
PROS
- Available across the country
- Coverage not denied based on the age of items
- 24/7 customer service
CONS
- High trade service fees compared to competitors
- Mediocre Trustpilot reviews
Cinch Home Services
Cinch Home Services has above-average ratings:
- ConsumerAffairs: 4 out of 5 stars
- Better Business Bureau: 1.12 out of 5 stars
- Trustpilot: 3.6 out of 5 stars
They offer three plans:
- Home Appliances Warranty: Covers household appliances like washers, dryers, cooktops, dishwashers, and more for $27.99 per month.
- Built-In Systems Warranty: Covers home systems like HVAC, attic fans, ceiling fans, doorbells, electrical systems, plumbing systems, and more for $32.99 per month.
- Complete Home Warranty: Covers both home appliances and systems for $39.99 per month.
Pros and cons include:
PROS
- Lower starting price points than competitors
- Robust coverage options
CONS
- Relatively high service fee of at least $79
- Low Better Business Bureau customer ratings
America’s First Choice Home Club
America’s First Choice Home Club has mixed reviews:
- ConsumerAffairs: 4.1 out of 5 stars
- Better Business Bureau: 3.06 out of 5 stars
- Trustpilot: 3.1 out of 5 stars
They offer four plans:
- Systems plan: Covers air conditioner, heating system, water heater, electrical system, plumbing system, and ductwork.
- Silver plan: Covers washer, dryer, kitchen refrigerator, oven, range, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and garage door opener.
- Gold plan: Covers everything in the Systems and Silver plans.
- Platinum plan: Covers everything in the Gold plan plus plumbing stoppages, fans, ice makers, and more.
Plans are available everywhere except Hawaii. Pros and cons include:
PROS
- Choose your own service call fee
- 24/7 access to the service team
- Option to choose your own technician
CONS
- Not available in Hawaii
- $75 cancellation fee
Are Home Warranties Worth It?
Home warranties can save you from high out-of-pocket costs and provide peace of mind that your appliances and systems will have coverage if they break down. However, you might pay more in the long run, and your claim could get denied.
What Is a Home Warranty?
A home warranty is a service agreement that covers the repair or replacement costs of specified appliances and home systems. Most warranties include HVAC systems, water heaters, plumbing, electrical systems, kitchen appliances, garbage disposal, and garage door openers.
What Do Home Warranties Cover?
Home warranties generally cover:
- HVAC systems
- Water heaters
- Plumbing systems
- Electrical systems
- Kitchen appliances
- Garage door openers
What Don’t Home Warranties Cover?
Many home warranties exclude:
- Structural defects
- Well pumps
- Septic tanks
- Roofs
- Chimney repairs
- Windows
Why You Might Need a Home Warranty
A home warranty is useful for those wanting extra protection for their appliances or help coordinating service contractors. It can be especially beneficial for newer or older homes.
Examples:
- Broken HVAC: Replacement costs could run between $5,000 and $12,500.
- Broken water heater: Replacement cost averages $839 to $1,631.
- Broken washing machine: Replacement costs range from $700 to $1,300.
- Broken dishwasher: Replacement costs range from $400 to $1,200.
How to Choose the Right Home Warranty Company
Choosing the right home warranty company involves:
- Reading customer reviews online
- Comparing warranty options and plans
- Evaluating the price point
Home Warranty Companies FAQs
Which Company Offers the Best Home Warranty?
American Residential Warranty, The Home Service Club, and Liberty Home Guard offer worthwhile options.
How Many Years Is a Home Warranty Valid?
The length varies, but many home warranties offer coverage for one year.
How Do Home Warranty Companies Evaluate Pre-Existing Conditions?
Some companies require a visual home inspection, and others require a mechanical test for some appliances.
How Are Home Warranties Regulated?
State agencies typically regulate home warranty companies.
What Are the Worst Home Warranty Companies?
Companies with poor customer reviews include Secure Home Warranty, Service American Home Warranty, and American Home Guard.
By following this guide, you can make a more informed decision about which home warranty company best suits your needs.