Best Home Warranty Companies of 2024
Updated September 26, 2024 at 8:46 pm
One of the less glamorous aspects of being a homeowner is dealing with the inevitable breakdowns of major appliances and systems. This can include items like your refrigerator, washing machine or HVAC system.
These unexpected issues can be both stressful and costly. Fortunately, if you have home warranty insurance, you’ll have one less thing to worry about. Home warranties are designed to minimize your out-of-pocket costs by covering the repairs and replacements of your home’s major systems and appliances when they wear out due to normal use.
Comparing home warranty companies can be time-consuming, but we’ve done the hard work for you. We’ve compiled a list of the best home warranty companies on the market to help you narrow down your choices. We’ve got you covered with the pros and cons of each company, along with everything you need to know before making a decision.
Key Takeaways - Home warranties typically cover standard wear and tear while homeowners insurance doesn’t, but you may be charged a service fee when a technician visits.
- The best home warranty companies often offer custom bundles, that differ coverage by appliance type – make sure to connect with your sales or account specialist to explain your needs and see what deals might work for you!
- Choice Home Warranty, Home Warranty of America, Liberty Home Guard, and American Home Shield are some of the best home warranty companies picked by our experts.
Our Picks for the Best Home Warranties
Best Home Warranty With 24/7 Service
Choice Home Warranty
Best Home Warranty With HVAC & Plumbing Coverage
Home Service Club
Most Customer-Friendly Home Warranty
Home Warranty of America
Best Home Warranty With Comprehensive Support
Liberty Home Guard
Best Flexible Pricing Home Warranty
American Home Shield
Most Affordable Home Warranty
First American Home Warranty
Best Home Warranty With Replacement Support
Cinch Home Services
Best Personalized Plan Home Warranty
AFC Home Warranty
8 Best Home Warranty Companies of 2024
Best Home Warranty With 24/7 Service
Choice Home Warranty
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Choice Home Warranty offers comprehensive home warranty coverage at an affordable price in 48 out of 50 states in the U.S. The company’s flat service fee and 24/7 service options make it a worthwhile pick among home warranty companies.
Pros & Cons
- Rolling discounts
- Access to service providers 24/7
- First month free with purchase of any Single Payment home warranty plan
- Services not available in California or Washington
- Limited add-ons
- History of claim denial complaints on the BBB
Best Home Warranty With HVAC & Plumbing Coverage
Home Service Club
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Some home warranties do not cover plumbing needs — which is where Home Service Club truly shines. The service pays for repair, diagnosis and replacement of your plumbing and HVAC systems if troubles arise during your home warranty agreement.
Pros & Cons
- Nationwide technician network cuts down on service times
- 24/7 service support
- Enjoy $75 off and one free month of service*
*Offer available at the time of this publication. Offers are subject to change.
- Mixed customer service reviews
- Some customers experienced “no call, no shows” from technicians assigned to their case
- Limited package options compared to competitors
Most Customer-Friendly Home Warranty
Home Warranty of America
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Founded in 1996, HWA provides coverage for various items, including HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and kitchen appliances. HWA is well-known for its customer-friendly features, such as 24/7 service request availability and a broad network of certified service technicians across all 50 states. They offer two primary plans: the Premier Plan and the Premier Plus Plan, which cater to different needs and budgets with varying levels of coverage.
Pros & Cons
- Comprehensive coverage
- Available nationwide
- 24/7 claims service online or by phone
- Air conditioning, washers and dryers aren’t covered with basic plan
- Other home warranty companies offer higher coverage limits
- Coverage begins 30 days after first payment
Best Home Warranty With Comprehensive Support
Liberty Home Guard
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Liberty Home Guard offers comprehensive coverage at just $1 per day. It’s received accolades from many independent reviewers, and for good reason — it’s one of the most comprehensive coverage options for all home appliances and more.
Pros & Cons
- Three-minute onboarding process
- Get service within 24-48 hours
- Specialty plans to appeal to all consumer needs
- Some customers report repair delays, despite service window promise
- Mixed customer service experiences
- Frequent upsells
Best Flexible Pricing Home Warranty
American Home Shield
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
American Home Shield’s options are designed to fit the needs of its customers. In alignment with customer feedback, clients can request to lower plan pricing in favor of a lower service fee, and vice versa.
Pros & Cons
- Diverse selection of pricing opportunities
- 24/7 service support
- Unlimited covered repairs*
*Excluding coverage exclusions and limitations
- Repairs can take a long time to complete
- Users report mixed repair experiences
- Users report inconsistency in coverage compared to what they claim to cover
Most Affordable Home Warranty
First American Home Warranty
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
First American is incredibly transparent and affordable, offering plans from just $47 per month. Users can select their preferred service call fees from the start of the prospect process, so they know exactly what to expect from the very start.
Pros & Cons
- Unlimited claim support
- Rates won’t rise after claim is filed
- Quote process is transparent and budget-friendly
- Not available in all states
- Users report poor vendor and fix quality
Best Home Warranty With Replacement Support
Cinch Home Services
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
Cinch is one of the most customer-forward options on this list. They guarantee their work for six months, support you within your budget and promise to replace whatever they can’t fix.
Pros & Cons
- No inspection or maintenance required
- Specialty provider network
- Higher cost
- Users report long wait times for repairs
- Users report mixed customer service experiences
Best Personalized Plan Home Warranty
AFC Home Warranty
Vault Verified
Why We Chose It
AFC Home Warranty offers the highest degree of personalization. Factors like your home’s square footage, one-off coverage and package preference all go into customizing your plan. AFC also offers specialty coverage options, making it the perfect fit for homeowners who need it all.
Pros & Cons
- 24/7 support options
- Guaranteed rate lock for five years from plan sign-on
- 30-second quote and connection process
- Users report poor vendor and fix quality
- $75 cancellation fees
What Is a Home Warranty?
A home warranty is a protective contract that allows homeowners to repair or replace broken appliances, as well as elements inside and outside of the home. Warranties are typically personalized, covering a set of specific home items. Commonly covered items include:
- Appliances (such as a stove, fridge, garbage disposal or trash compactor)
- Pools
- Garage doors
- Air conditioning and heating units
- Plumbing
- Washers and dryers
- Water heaters
- Dishwashers
- Toilets
- Jetted tubs and showers
- Ovens
- Microwaves
- Roofs
- Well and septic pumps
Home warranties typically cover damage or lack of function that’s caused by general product wear and tear or age. The best home warranty companies on the market won’t ask for your maintenance records and won’t exclude you from coverage if your appliances are vintage. Be sure to ask your sales representative about the limitations and allowances associated with your plan.
Remember—as you shop, keep an eye out for the best home warranty company option that offers sustainable, affordable rates. By choosing a plan that’s well within your budget, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes from coverage and limit the amount of fees you might have to pay to switch in the future.
Additionally, choosing a home warranty company that offers around-the-clock customer service offers a layer of convenience in that you can immediately address a problem—even after hours. Home fixtures rarely break at a convenient time, which can lead to personal disruptions. Plans that offer 24/7 coverage can speed up fixing times and remove the inconvenience.
How Do Home Warranties Work?
The main purpose of your home warranty is to cover the regular wear and tear breakdowns that home insurance doesn’t. Conditions vary from plan to plan, but the goal remains the same: to repair or fully replace whatever item is broken.
The process is fairly simple to start. Homeowners can choose to sign on with one of the best home warranty companies on this list — or any one of the many others on the market. Once they choose a provider, they’ll follow the quote process online to create a custom plan.
When everything is finalized and paid for, homeowners will enjoy complete peace of mind until something breaks. At that point, they can call the service center and request to speak with a service specialist, who will find an expert and schedule a service appointment. The homeowner will pay a service fee to have the item assessed but does not pay for the repair or replacement.
How Are Home Warranties Regulated?
Generally speaking, home warranty programs are regulated at a state level. Typical requirements involve state licensure. This is why you typically won’t see a home warranty service operating across all 50 U.S. states, as that would require 50 individual vendor licenses.
Top home warranty companies might also choose to self-regulate and market their participation in the Service Contract Industry Council or the National Home Service Contract Association (or equivalent).
What Affects the Cost of a Home Warranty?
According to Angi, home warranties can cost anywhere from $222 to $1,877 a year, with $1,049 being the average. Many factors could affect the cost of your home warranty, but these are the most common:
- Coverage level: The more your home warranty plan covers, the more you can expect to pay.
- Home age: Older homes generally require more maintenance and repairs compared to new constructions, which means your home can be more expensive to cover.
- Home size: Typically, the larger your home, the more major appliances and systems you’ll have. This means you may need a higher coverage level to protect your home.
- Location: Many home warranty companies will also take location into consideration when determining pricing, as labor rates and service provider availability can vary depending on where you live.
- The home warranty company’s policy: Every home warranty company has their own pricing structure, plan options and promotions, which could all affect how much you pay for coverage.
What Is Not Covered Under a Home Warranty?
Home warranties can be a valuable way to shield yourself from unexpected repair expenses, but they have their limitations. Here are some common exclusions:
- Pre-existing conditions: Problems that existed before the warranty began.
- Improper installation or misuse: Damage resulting from incorrect installation or improper use of appliances and systems.
- Cosmetic defects: Issues such as scratches, dents, or other visual imperfections.
- Pest damage: Damage caused by insects or rodents.
- Non-mechanical items: Windows, doors, walls, and structural elements.
- Secondary damages: For instance, damage to your kitchen floor due to a leaking dishwasher.
- Certain appliances: Items like washers, dryers, and refrigerators are often excluded from standard plans.
- Garage doors and tracks: Typically not covered, although garage door openers may be included.
- Roof leaks: Often not included in standard coverage. Sprinkler systems and pools: Usually not covered unless you opt for specific coverage
How to Choose the Best Home Warranty Company
If you’re shopping for the top home warranty companies on the market, you’re in luck—we’re about to simplify your search. Here are a few factors to consider as you compare home warranty companies, courtesy of our experts.
Affordability
Choosing a plan that’s affordable in the long term is critical. Our tip: As you call and evaluate your plan options, ask your sales representative about additional ways to save. They can advise you of any available incentives to join their program, bundling options and discounts.
Customer Reviews and Claims
As you search for home warranty options, be sure to look into customer reviews and claims. Many choose forums like Reddit or customer review sites like the Better Business Bureau.
This step, while time-consuming, can give you an honest look at what to expect from a given vendor. You might learn about an exclusion that you otherwise wouldn’t have noticed, and this alone can save you hundreds of dollars and protect your assets from the start.
Coverage and Package Options
Every homeowner has different coverage needs. As a result, the top home warranty companies typically offer custom bundles, á la carte offerings and packages that offer coverage by appliance type. Be sure to connect with your sales or account specialist to explain your needs and see what deals you might be entitled to. Home warranty companies, like America’s Preferred, Choice, or Achosa don’t necessarily present all of their options freely online for review.
Service Fees
Service fees can be one of the most frustrating components of home warranties — especially if homeowners believe that they’ll only be paying a set price for their package over time. We recommend reviewing site and contract content to identify any possible “hidden” fees or service fees to watch for if you have to call in support. We also recommend verifying your questions and findings with your sales or account specialist.
24/7 Support
Things go wrong—and you don’t want to be left in the lurch. Our specialists always recommend looking for options that offer 24/7 service support, ideally at no additional cost. You deserve to have confidence in your home and comfort around the clock.
Home Warranties vs. Homeowners Insurance
While home warranties and homeowner’s insurance are similar, they are not the same; they cover completely different scenarios. Here’s a quick summary of what you can get with either rotation.
Home warranty: Home warranty plans typically cover the costs associated with the repair and replacement of your systems and appliances. They typically range in what they cover and might charge a monthly fee and a service fee.
Homeowners insurance: Your lender might have required you to sign on for homeowners insurance at the time of your home purchase. While it also provides coverage for your home components, systems and appliances, homeowners insurance typically does so in the case of catastrophic events, like a fire or flood.
If you’re trying to determine which option is most appropriate for your needs, we recommend reading through the contract and identifying gaps present in your coverage. Typically, home warranties and homeowners insurance work in a complimentary way to each other. Homeowners often benefit from investing in both options, maximizing their coverage as cost-effectively as possible.
Below are the pros and cons of each option to give you a better idea of their differences.
Why a Home Warranty Plan?
Pros
- Could save you money on expensive repairs and replacement of home systems and appliances.
- Home warranties typically cover standard wear and tear while homeowners insurance doesn’t.
- Home warranties tend to offer more extensive and broader coverage than a manufacturer’s warranty.
Cons
- While home warranties can cover your repair costs, you’ll typically be charged a service fee each time a technician visits.
- Home warranty companies can impose dollar limits per repair or year.
- Could deny your claim if an item has not been properly maintained.
Why Homeowners Insurance?
Pros
- May pay you for the actual cash value of your personal belongings if they’re damaged in a covered incident.
- If a covered incident forces you to leave your home, homeowners insurance may cover additional living expenses.
- May provide legal protection for injuries or damages sustained on your property.
Cons
- Can be expensive, especially if you live in a high-risk area.
- Does not cover every type of damage that your home sustains.
- Typically includes deductibles, which means you’ll have to pay a specific amount out-of-pocket before coverage kicks in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Argue With a Home Warranty Company?
Some home warranty policyholders might wish to appeal a claim denial. Our experts recommend reaching out to your account manager to ask about your specific service’s appeal process and begin creating a paper trail to support your side of the dispute.
After you learn more about your options, you can take time to deliberate and determine which resolution option would best suit your needs. If in doubt, you can always reach back out to customer service or to your account manager to explain specific elements of your case.
Do Home Warranties Cover Rewiring?
Some home warranties cover rewiring and other elements of your home’s electrical system. However, this should not be viewed as a “given,” as every company has different provisions and coverage options. We recommend reading through your contract to see if electrical needs and rewiring are covered, even in part. If not, you can pursue other options (such as a payment plan through the vendor), or you can call your account manager to invest in a higher-level plan.
What Is Considered Structural in a Home Warranty?
Generally, structural elements of a home are not covered by home warranties. However, home warranty companies can define “structural” differently—so connect with your agent and learn how they define the term. However, in a general sense, structural elements referenced in a home warranty include:
- Columns
- Foundations
- Horizontal elements that hold up a home (such as steel, concrete, wood or stone)
- Horizontal elements that support and transfer loads
In most cases, any decorative elements that do not have a load-bearing function will not be covered.
What Is Considered Major Structural Damage to a House?
Major structural damage is typically defined as any damage that can affect the core integrity of your home. Often, any damage to the walls, roof, foundation or load-bearing elements of your home would qualify, as damage to these locations could result in a collapse or failure of your home.
Which Home Warranty Company Offers the Best Roof Coverage?
Most home warranty companies do not offer roof replacements, but they’ll typically cover roof leaks that are a result of normal wear and tear. If you need a home warranty plan with roof coverage, the best home warranty companies to choose from are Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield. Liberty Home Guard provides limited roof coverage as an add-on option, and American Home Shield offers up to $1,000 per term for fast leak repairs.
Newsweek writer Jamela Adam contributed to this post
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of these entities.
