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A broken HVAC system in summer or a failed water heater in winter can be a nightmare. These unexpected repairs could drain thousands of dollars from your pocket – money you probably haven’t set aside.
My deep dive into home warranty companies taught me one thing – finding the right provider isn’t simple. These companies promise worry-free homeownership, but their coverage plans, prices, and service quality differ by a lot.
We created this complete guide after analyzing the industry’s top-rated warranty providers. Our research gets into the top 10 home warranty companies’ coverage limits, exclusions, response times, and customer satisfaction scores.
This detailed comparison will guide your decision to protect your home’s essential systems and appliances, whether you’re buying your first home or switching providers.
American Home Shield
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Let me begin our comparison with American Home Shield (AHS). They’re one of America’s largest home warranty providers serving over 2 million customers.
American Home Shield Coverage Options
AHS has three distinct plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. The ShieldPlatinum plan excels with its detailed coverage of 23 home systems and appliances. Their coverage limits caught my eye:
| Plan | Appliance Coverage | HVAC Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| ShieldPlatinum | $4,000 per appliance | $5,000 per system |
| ShieldGold | $2,000 per appliance | $5,000 per system |
| ShieldSilver | Not covered | $5,000 per system |
American Home Shield Pricing Structure
The pricing structure is simple and clear. Monthly costs range from $29.99 to $90.00. AHS gives you flexible service fee options of $75, $100, or $125. Your monthly premium changes based on your service fee choice – a higher service fee means a lower monthly payment.
American Home Shield Customer Reviews
Customer experiences tell different stories. AHS holds a rating of 2.2 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, based on about 5,200 reviews. Happy customers often praise:
- Quick response times
- Professional technicians
- Fast repair services
All the same, some customers face issues with service delays and claim denials. The company has handled over 25,000 complaints through BBB in the last three years, which shows their steadfast dedication to customer service.
Liberty Home Guard
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Liberty Home Guard stands out among top home warranty companies with its customizable coverage options. This 7-year old provider has quickly become an industry leader and earned the #1 spot from U.S. News & World Report for three consecutive years (2021-2023).
Liberty Home Guard Plan Features
The company provides three distinct plans, with Total Home Guard being their most complete option. Their extensive list of 42 add-on options includes unique items like:
- Trash compactors and wine coolers
- Casita guest units
- Reverse osmosis water filtration systems
Liberty Home Guard Cost Analysis
Their pricing structure shows plans start at approximately $1 per day for simple coverage, specifically for Appliance Guard and Systems Guard plans. The Total Home Guard plan starts at $1.50 per day. Service fees range between $75 and $125 per visit.
Liberty Home Guard Service Quality
The company’s steadfast dedication to service quality shows in their 60-day workmanship guarantee, which doubles the industry standard. Technicians arrive within 24-48 business hours after a service request. The company earned a 4.59 out of 5 stars rating from BBB. Their BBB rating status changed from A+ to Not-Rated in January 2024.
| Plan Type | Coverage | Starting Price/Day |
|---|---|---|
| Appliance Guard | Kitchen & Home Appliances | $1.00 |
| Systems Guard | Major Home Systems | $1.00 |
| Total Home Guard | Combined Coverage | $1.50 |
Choice Home Warranty
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Choice Home Warranty stands out among top home warranty companies with generous coverage caps up to $3,000 per item.
Choice Home Warranty Coverage Details
The company’s two plans are simple to understand. Their Basic Plan protects 14 items and provides simple home protection. Coverage expands to 18 items with the Total Plan that adds:
- Air conditioning systems
- Refrigerator
- Clothes washer and dryer
Choice Home Warranty Pricing Plans
The pricing structure remains competitive in the market:
| Plan Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan | $45.00 | $560.00 |
| Total Plan | $53.33 | $660.00 |
Service calls cost $85 each, which is lower than industry averages. The company has nine optional add-ons that cost between $3.33 and $15.00 monthly.
Choice Home Warranty Customer Satisfaction
The company’s network has over 25,000 licensed technicians. Homeowners can expect responses within four hours of their service requests. Choice Home Warranty serves 48 states, making it one of the most available top-rated home warranty providers across the country.
First American Home Warranty
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My experience as a home warranty analyst shows First American stands out among top-rated companies with their unlimited coverage on certain systems. The company invested over $198 million in repairs and replacements last year alone, backed by their 40 years of industry experience.
First American Coverage Options
First American offers three detailed plans. The Starter Plan covers simple appliances and systems to provide foundational protection. The Essential Plan adds coverage for clothes washer, dryer, and air conditioning systems. The Premium Plan delivers the most extensive protection with coverage limits up to $7,000 per appliance.
Key Features:
- Covered items have no age restrictions
- HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems get unlimited coverage
- Coverage applies to items whatever their age
First American Pricing Details
Here’s what you’ll pay for each plan:
| Plan Type | Monthly Cost Range | Service Fee Options |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $42-$85 | $75-$125 |
| Essential | $45-$90 | $75-$125 |
| Premium | $65-$85 | $75-$125 |
First American Service Standards
The service process is straightforward and quick. First American assigns a pre-screened technician within 4 hours when you submit a claim. Their 30-day workmanship guarantee gives homeowners peace of mind and reliable protection.
Select Home Warranty
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Select Home Warranty stands out among the top home warranty companies I’ve reviewed. They offer budget-friendly plans with detailed coverage options.
Select Home Warranty Plans
Their three-tier structure protects different parts of your home. The Bronze Care takes care of appliances, Gold Care handles home systems, and Platinum Care gives you both. Every plan comes with these extra perks:
- Free roof coverage ($99 value)
- Two months of free coverage
- $150 off on any plan
Select Home Warranty Costs
Their pricing structure is competitive:
| Plan Type | Monthly Premium | Service Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Plans | From $36 | $60-$75 |
Your location determines the service fees. I like their flexible payment options and regular promotional discounts.
Select Home Warranty Customer Experience
The company sends technicians within 48 hours on business days and within 4 days during holidays. They back their work with a 90-day workmanship guarantee, which adds value to their service package.
Customer experiences tell different stories. Some customers love their quick responses and budget-friendly solutions. Others have complained about delays in processing claims. The company serves 46 states, making their services available to most homeowners in the country.
AFC Home Club
Image Source: AFC Home Warranty
AFC Home Club stands out with its exceptional workmanship guarantee that covers you throughout your contract period – up to three years.
AFC Home Club Coverage Features
The company has four different plans: Systems, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Their Platinum Plan covers 18 systems and appliances and includes electronics protection. The benefits go beyond standard coverage:
- You can choose any licensed technician
- Their in-house service team works 24/7
- Service is available in 47 states
AFC Home Club Pricing Structure
The company’s pricing structure is straightforward and adaptable:
| Plan Type | Monthly Cost | Service Fee Options |
|---|---|---|
| Systems | $51.50 | $75-$125 |
| Silver | $43.33 | $75-$125 |
| Gold | $59.58 | $75-$125 |
| Platinum | $69.17 | $75-$125 |
AFC Home Club Service Quality
Customer feedback tells a mixed story. The company holds a B rating with BBB and has addressed 100% of customer complaints. ConsumerAffairs shows a 4.2-star rating out of 5, with customers particularly happy about response times and service quality. Most customers praise the quick claim processing, and some have seen their claims approved in less than 30 minutes.
Cinch Home Services
Image Source: Cinch Home Services
My analysis of top home warranty companies shows that Cinch Home Services stands out with their industry-leading 180-day workmanship guarantee. This guarantee gives homeowners exceptional peace of mind.
Cinch Home Services Plans
The company offers three distinct protection plans. The Appliances plan covers essential kitchen and laundry equipment that you use daily. The Built-in Systems plan protects major home systems like HVAC and plumbing. The Complete Home plan combines both coverages into one comprehensive package. Each plan has:
- Protection for unknown pre-existing conditions
- Rust and corrosion coverage
- Discounts on new appliances
Cinch Home Services Costs
Their pricing structure remains competitive in the market:
| Plan Type | Monthly Starting Cost | Service Fee Options |
|---|---|---|
| Appliances | $30.99 | $100-$150 |
| Built-in Systems | $35.99 | $100-$150 |
| Complete Home | $44.99 | $100-$150 |
Cinch Home Services Reviews
My research shows that Cinch operates across 48 states, which ensures broad accessibility. Their digital dashboard lets customers submit service requests 24/7. Most service appointments are scheduled within 72 hours, and customer feedback often mentions quick response times. The Complete Home plan comes with an added bonus – customers can get up to $500 reimbursement on their homeowners insurance deductibles.
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
Image Source: 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
My first look at 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty (2-10 HBW) revealed their impressive track record of 97.5% paid claims and over 40 years of industry experience.
2-10 Home Buyers Coverage Options
The company provides three distinct plans to meet different protection needs. Their coverage options are:
- Simply Kitchen: Covers major kitchen appliances
- Complete Home: Protects both systems and appliances
- Pinnacle Home: Most detailed coverage with additional items
Each plan comes with coverage caps of up to $2,000 for major systems and appliances.
2-10 Home Buyers Pricing
The pricing structure is straightforward:
| Plan Type | Annual Cost | Service Fee Options |
|---|---|---|
| Base Plans | $300-$1,000 | $65-$100 |
| Optional Add-ons | Varies | Same as base plan |
We found flexible service fees that affect monthly premiums.
2-10 Home Buyers Customer Feedback
Customer experiences show that 2-10 HBW maintains an overall score of 9.0 from Best Company. The company ranks among the top 3 warranty companies for three consecutive years. Their service network has over 6 million protected homes, showing their strong market presence.
Their “Even If Service Fee Guarantee” stands out by giving service fee refunds if a claim isn’t covered. The company’s workmanship guarantee lasts through your service agreement term.
Old Republic Home Protection
Image Source: Old Republic Home Warranty
Looking at the best home warranty companies out there, Old Republic Home Protection stands out with coverage caps that are a big deal as it means that they beat industry standards. Their 50-year history proves they deserve their spot among top-rated home warranty companies.
Old Republic Coverage Details
The company has three different plans, and their Elite plan really shines with its coverage limits. Here are the key features:
- Coverage cap of $6,500 for HVAC systems
- Appliance coverage up to $7,000 per item on Elite plan
- Protection for items whatever their age
Old Republic Cost Analysis
Their pricing structure is right in line with the market:
| Plan Type | Monthly Cost | Service Fee Options |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $45-$50 | $100-$125 |
| Deluxe | $60-$65 | $100-$125 |
| Elite | $75-$80 | $100-$125 |
Monthly premiums change based on your service fee choice.
Old Republic Service Standards
Their service network tries to schedule appointments within 48 hours. They’ve earned an A+ BBB rating and back their work with a 30-day workmanship guarantee. You can even pick your own technicians if you want to, which gives you more flexibility with service options.
They really stand out by covering problems from rust, corrosion, and chemical buildup, which means you get better protection than most other companies offer. The company serves 25 states and keeps their service quality high everywhere they operate.
ServicePlus Home Warranty
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My detailed review of ServicePlus Home Warranty shows their straightforward approach to home protection plans. The company serves 46 states and provides two detailed coverage options.
ServicePlus Plan Features
The Gold Select plan protects 15 key items and focuses on simple systems and appliances. The Platinum Select plan enhances this coverage with significant additions like:
- HVAC systems
- Heating systems
- Clothes washer and dryer
- Refrigerator
ServicePlus Pricing Structure
The company’s cost structure remains competitive in the market:
| Plan Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Select | $41-$45 | $500-$550 |
| Platinum Select | $45-$50 | $550-$600 |
Service call fees range from $45 to $60, making ServicePlus one of the more affordable options among top rated home warranty companies.
ServicePlus Customer Reviews
ServicePlus maintains a 24/7 claims hotline, but customer experiences vary widely. The company backs repairs with a 90-day parts guarantee, while service appointments take 2-4 days to schedule. Recent customer feedback shows a 1.3-star rating from verified reviews, mostly because of issues with claim processing and service delivery.
Comparison Table
| Company Name | Starting Monthly Cost | Service Fee Range | Number of Plans | Coverage Limits | Workmanship Guarantee | States Covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Home Shield | $29.99 | $75-$125 | 3 | Up to $4,000 per appliance | Not mentioned | Not mentioned |
| Liberty Home Guard | $1/day (~$30) | $75-$125 | 3 | Not mentioned | 60 days | Not mentioned |
| Choice Home Warranty | $45.00 | $85 | 2 | Up to $3,000 per item | Not mentioned | 48 |
| First American Home Warranty | $42 | $75-$125 | 3 | Up to $7,000 per appliance | 30 days | Not mentioned |
| Select Home Warranty | $36 | $60-$75 | 3 | Not mentioned | 90 days | 46 |
| AFC Home Club | $43.33 | $75-$125 | 4 | Not mentioned | Length of contract | 47 |
| Cinch Home Services | $30.99 | $100-$150 | 3 | Not mentioned | 180 days | 48 |
| 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty | $300/year (~$25) | $65-$100 | 3 | Up to $2,000 | Length of agreement | Not mentioned |
| Old Republic Home Protection | $45 | $100-$125 | 3 | Up to $7,000 per appliance | 30 days | 25 |
| ServicePlus Home Warranty | $41 | $45-$60 | 2 | Not mentioned | 90 days | 46 |
FAQs
What are the key factors to consider when choosing a home warranty company?
When selecting a home warranty provider, consider coverage options, pricing structure, service fees, coverage limits, and customer reviews. Also, evaluate the company’s reputation, years in business, and claims process efficiency.
How much does a typical home warranty cost annually?
The average cost of a basic home warranty ranges from $350 to $600 per year. Extended coverage can add $100 to $500 to that annual figure. Monthly premiums typically start around $30, with service fees ranging from $60 to $125 per visit.
What does a standard home warranty typically cover?
A standard home warranty usually covers major home appliances and systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, kitchen appliances, and laundry equipment. Coverage varies by provider and plan, so it’s important to review the specific terms and conditions.
Can you negotiate the price of a home warranty?
Yes, it’s possible to negotiate home warranty prices. Request formal quotes from multiple providers to compare offers. Some companies may be willing to adjust their prices or offer additional perks to secure your business, especially if they know you’re considering other options.
Are home warranties worth the investment?
The value of a home warranty depends on your specific situation. While they can provide peace of mind and potentially save money on repairs, experiences vary. Some homeowners find them beneficial, especially for older homes or those with aging systems. Others prefer to set aside savings for unexpected repairs instead.
Conclusion
My research into top home warranty companies reveals the most important differences in coverage, pricing, and service quality. American Home Shield guides the market with detailed coverage and flexible service fees. Liberty Home Guard excels at customizable options. Cinch Home Services offers a game-changing 180-day workmanship guarantee. AFC Home Club takes it further by providing coverage throughout the contract period.
Providers charge service fees between $45 and $150, while monthly premiums start at $30. Coverage limits show wide variation. 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty covers up to $2,000 per item, while First American and Old Republic offer up to $7,000 per appliance.
Several key factors determine the right home warranty choice. Your home’s specific systems and appliances matter first. Budget limits for premiums and service fees play a crucial role. Location affects coverage options since they vary by state. The level of protection and coverage limits you prefer also shape the decision.
Price shouldn’t be your only focus – the real value lies in finding coverage that matches your needs. Response times, workmanship guarantees, and customer service ratings deserve careful thought. Note that reading sample contracts helps you understand the coverage and exclusions before you commit to any provider.
Nadeem Akhtar
