7 Best Home Warranty Companies (2021)

The best home warranties help cover repairs and replacements on major home systems and appliances that break down from normal wear and tear, preventing you from paying unexpected and costly bills. With so many home warranty providers to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which company is best for you. House Method compared the best home warranty companies of 2021 to help you find the right plan at an affordable cost. In this guide you’ll find:

• The top 7 best home warranty providers and their plans
• How a home warranty plan works
• Advice from experts on home warranties
• How to choose a home warranty provider

Why we chose it

Choice Home Warranty is one of the top home warranty providers in the industry, providing comprehensive plans at competitive pricing. It does not deny coverage based on the age of your home or covered items as long as you’ve taken good care of them, making the company a great choice for older homes.

Plans and pricing:

• Basic Plan ($45 per month): Covers heating, electrical, plumbing/plumbing stoppages, water heater, whirlpool bathtub, oven/range/stove, cooktop, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, ductwork, garage door opener, and ceiling/exhaust fans.
• Total Plan ($53.33 per month): Covers air conditioning, heating, electrical, plumbing/plumbing stoppages, water heater, whirlpool bathtub, refrigerator, oven/range/stove, cooktop, dishwasher, built-in microwave, garbage disposal, washer and dryer, ductwork, garage door opener, ceiling/exhaust fans
• Service fee: $85

The add ons to the Choice Home Warranty plan include: 

• Central vacuum
• Limited roof leak
• Septic system
• Septic tank pumping
• Sump pump
• Well pump
• Pool/Spa
• Second refrigerator
• Standalone freezer

To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164.  

For more information, read our Choice Home Warranty Review.

2. American Home Shield

Why we chose it

American Home Shield founded the home warranty industry and has been in business for almost 50 years. We found it to be the best for customizable plans, with three plan options and extra add-on coverage for items like a pool, spa, or guest house up to 750 square feet. AHS has an extremely efficient claims process and prides itself on responding to claims within the first 24 hours 98% of the time—this is faster than any other home warranty provider in the industry.

Plans and pricing:

• ShieldSilver (starting at $34.99 per month): Covers air conditioner , alarm, attic fans, bath exhaust fans, ceiling fans, cooktop exhaust, disposal, doorbell, ductwork, electrical, garage door, heating system, locksmith,plumbing, plumbing stoppages, toilet, water dispenser, water heater, whole house fan
• ShieldGold (starting at $44.99 per month): Covers air conditioning, alarm, attic fans, bath exhaust fans, ceiling fans, cooktop exhaust, dishwasher, doorbell, dryer, ductwork, electrical, garage door, heating system, microwave, oven, plumbing, plumbing stoppages, refrigerator, toilet, trash compactor, washer, water heater, whole house fan
• ShieldPlatinum (starting at $59.99 per month): Covers, air conditioner, alarm, attic fans, bath exhaust fans, ceiling fans, cooktop exhaust, dishwasher, disposal, doorbell, dryer, ductwork, electrical, garage door, heating system, locksmith, microwave, oven, plumbing, plumbing stoppages, refrigerator, roof leaks, toilet, trash compactor, washer, water dispenser, water heater
• Service fee: $75–$125

Some of the add on coverage that you can get with the American Home Shield warranty includes:

• Electronic extended warranty
• Pool and spas
• Well pump
• Septic pump
• Guest unit
• PC and TV

To get a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this form or call 888-365-2839. 

To read more, visit our American Home Shield review.

3. Select Home Warranty

Why we chose it

Select Home Warranty offers coverage for items most companies don’t, including roof leak protection and septic system coverage. It also has some of the lowest monthly premiums and service fees in the industry, on top of frequent promotions like getting 2 months free. This is why we named Select the best for cost-effective plans.

Plans and pricing:

• Bronze Care ($57 per month): Covers clothes washer and dryer, refrigerator, stove/oven, built-in microwave, cooktop, dishwasher, and garbage disposal..
• Gold Care ($57 per month): Covers AC, cooling, heating, plumbing, electrical, water heater, and ductwork
• Platinum Care ($63 per month): Covers air conditioning, cooling, heating, plumbing, electrical, water heater, ductwork, plumbing stoppages, clothes washer and dryer, garbage disposal, refrigerator, built-in microwave oven, stove/oven, cooktop, dishwasher, garage door opener, and ceiling fan.
• Service fee: $75

The add ons or options coverages from Select Home Warranty are: 

• Pool
• Spa
• Septic system
• Well pump
• Sump pump
• Lawn sprinkler system
• Roof leaks
• Central vacuum
• Stand-alone freezer

Select Home Warranty will give you a free quote after filling out this form or calling 888-370-3953.

Read our Select Home Warranty review to learn more.

4. Liberty Home Guard

Why we chose it

Liberty Home Guard is one of the newest home warranty providers in the industry and has proven to be one of the best. With only two years in the industry, Liberty Home Guard has earned a BBB rating of an A+, which is almost unheard of in the home warranty industry. Liberty has proven time and time again to put the customer first, which has been proven through their thousands of positive reviews and ratings. Liberty Home Guard also offers an extensive list of optional add-ons and protects items like a wine refrigerator, lawn sprinkler system, and second refrigerator.

Plans and pricing:

• Appliance Guard Plan ($64.99 per month): Covers the ceiling fans, cooktop exhaust fan, disposal, dishwasher, dryer, garage door, microwave, oven, refrigerator, refrigerator ice maker, washer
• Systems Guard Plan ($69.99 per month): Covers the air conditioner, bath exhaust fan, ductwork, electrical, heating system, plumbing, plumbing stoppages, toilet, water heater
• Total Home Guard ($74.99 per month): Covers the ceiling fans, cooktop exhaust fan, disposal, dishwasher, dryer, garage door, microwave, oven, refrigerator, refrigerator ice maker, washer, air conditioner, bath exhaust fan, ductwork, electrical, heating system, plumbing, plumbing stoppages, toilet, water heater
• Service fee: $75

The add on coverage from Liberty Home Guard is quite impressive and includes things like:

• Pool and spa
• Additional spa
• Saltwater pool
• Gutter cleaning
• Floor/carpet cleaning
• Sump pump
• Fixtures
• Water softener
• Trash compactor
• Lawn sprinkler system
• Electronics protection
• Swamp cooler
• Ejector pump
• Septic system pumping
• Limited roof leak
• Pest control
• Locksmith
• Free-standing ice maker
• Central vacuum
• Stand-alone freezer
• Re-key
• Second refrigerator
• Wine refrigerator
• Well pump
• TV and PC
• Generator
• Water dispenser 

To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. 

To learn more information, visit our Liberty Home Guard review.

5. First American Home Warranty

Why we chose it

First American’s coverage of improperly installed or maintained appliances and systems is a unique perk that most home warranty companies don’t offer. We named First American Home Warranty the best for Appliance coverage because there is no cap on coverage for HVAC, one of the most expensive systems to replace or repair.

Plans and pricing:

• Basic Plan ($38 per month): Covers clothes washer and dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, oven range, cooktop, microwave, garbage disposal, and trash compactor.
• Premier Plan ($48.50 per month): Covers clothes washer and dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, oven range, cooktop, microwave, garbage disposal, trash compactor, plumbing, plumbing stoppages, heating, water heater, electrical system, garage door opener, ductwork, and central vacuum system.
• Service fee: $75

The optional coverage choices from First American Home Warranty includes:

• Central air conditioning (electric)
• Additional refrigeration
• Pool/Spa equipment
• Well pump
• Septic/septic tank pumping
• First Class Upgrade (Fees associated with the use of lifting equipment, Up to $250 per local building permits, Haul away services, Appliances, and systems that have been insufficiently installed or modified)

To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164.

To find out more, read our First American Home Warranty review.

6. ServicePlus Home Warranty

ServicePlus Home Warranty is the home warranty provider for immediate service. When your HVAC or plumping system crashes, the speed of your repair becomes quite essential. This is where the emergency service from ServicePlus will be a great option to have. ServicePlus Home Warranty has been in the industry for 5 years, and since has built a great network of service professionals. ServicePlus home warranty throws in free roof leak coverage with every policy they offer. 

• Gold Plan ($53.67 per month): Covers the ceiling fan, cooktop exhaust, dishwasher, disposal, ductwork, electrical, garage door opener, microwave, oven, plumbing system, spa, trash compactor, water heater

• Platinum Plan ($60.33 per month): Covers the air conditioning, ceiling fan, cooktop exhaust, dishwasher, disposal, dryer, ductwork, electrical, garage door opener, heating system, microwave, oven, plumbing system, refrigerator, spa, trash compactor, washer, water heater

• Service Fee: $75

The optional coverage choices from ServicePlus Home Warranty include:

• Pool / Spa
• Additional Spa
• Limited Roof Leak
• Central Vacuum
• Sump Pump
• Well Pump
• Septic System
• Septic Pumping
• Second Refrigerator
• Stand Alone Freezer
• Water Softener
• Refrigerator Ice Maker
• Free Standing Ice Maker
• Add’l A/C System (each)
• Add’l Heading System (each)
• Water Heater (each)
• Add’l Garage Door Opener (each)

To get a free quote from ServicePlus Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 478-210-5091. 

7. Cinch Home Services

Why we chose it

Cinch Home Services has been in business for over 40 years and is one of the biggest and most reputable names in the home warranty industry. With a 180-day work guarantee, they earned our award for Best Workmanship Guarantee. Cinch offers three robust coverage plans as well as additional optional coverage. They also offer a number of perks not offered by other providers, such as a free water sensor and a $25 credit for filters.

Plans and pricing

• Appliances Plan (Starting at $44.99 per month – $539.88 per year + two months free when you choose annual payment): Covers clothes dryers, clothes washers, cooktops, dishwashers, food centers (built-in), freestanding ice makers, microwaves (built-in), ranges, range exhaust hoods, refrigerators, trash compactors (built-in), and wall ovens
• Built-in Systems Plan (Starting at $51.99 per month- $623.88 per year + two months free when you choose annual payment): Covers air conditioning, attic fans, ceiling fans, central vacuums, doorbells, plumbing system, electrical systems, garage door openers, garbage disposals, heating system, instant hot/cold water dispensers, smoke detectors, sump pumps, toilets, water heaters, and whirlpool/jetted tub (built-in)
• Complete Home Plan (starting at $61.99 per month- $743.88 per year + two months free when you choose annual payment): Covers clothes dryers, clothes washers, cooktops, dishwashers, food centers (built-in), freestanding ice makers, microwaves (built-in), ranges, range exhaust hoods, refrigerators, trash compactors (built-in), wall ovens, air conditioning, attic fans, ceiling fans, central vacuums, doorbells, electrical systems, garage door openers, garbage disposals, heating system, instant hot/cold water dispensers, plumbing system, smoke detectors, sump pumps, toilets, water heaters, whirlpool/jetted tub (built-in), and $500 homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement
• Optional coverage: Available for the following items: Pool (including heater), spa (including heater), Pool with spa (including heater), septic tank/pumping, well pump, and Premier upgrade package*
• Service fee: Choose between $100, $125, or $150

Cinch Home Warranty has limited options for add-on coverage including:

• Pool
• Septic
• Well pump

*Cinch Home Warranty offers a Premier Upgrade Package as an optional add-on, which helps cover the cost (up to $1,000 per claim) when there are charges that are not normally covered under a home protection plan such as permits and code upgrades.

For a free quote from Cinch, fill out this form or call 877-589-0505.

Read more by visiting our Cinch Home Services review.

What is a home warranty?

A home warranty—also known as home appliance insurance or home repair insurance—is a service agreement that homeowners can purchase from a home warranty company to help cover the unexpected cost of repairing or replacing faulty systems and appliances.

Home warranties cover normal wear-and-tear damages on home systems and appliances, but do not cover neglected items such as rust on a water heater. Home warranties are also not like homeowners insurance in that it will not cover damages caused by natural disasters.

The home warranty plan chosen by the homeowner determines the monthly cost, service fee, and coverage options which determine which systems and appliances are covered, and how much the company will pay for repairs and replacements. Most plans last for 12 months. At the end of the contract term, customers can renew their plan.

How does a home warranty work?

If one of your covered household items breaks unexpectedly, file a claim with your home warranty company either online or over the phone. Note: Most companies require customers to submit a claim within three days of the system or appliance breaking. The best home warranties are open 24/7/365 and approve claims within 24 to 48 hours, but other companies will make customers wait up to four days on weekends and holidays.

Once your claim is approved by the home warranty company, they’ll either send one of their approved technicians to your house to diagnose the issue or allow you to choose your own contractor for repairs. The contractor will recommend a repair or replacement for your broken system or appliance.

During this service visit, you’ll pay the contractor a service fee of $75–$100 and the warranty company will cover the rest of the repair or replacement costs.

Home Warranty Providers That Offer Roof Coverage

Roof coverage is one of the essential and key features that is offered by many home warranty providers. Limited roof leak coverage can be covered in a policy plan or offered as an add-on usually for an additional cost. Roof coverage can be though, as natural disaster damage is usually covered by homeowners insurance but normal wear-and-tear is not.

Like other items covered by a home warranty, there are exclusions and coverage caps for roof coverage. A roof coverage limit begins when the repair cost to fix roof leaks exceed the limits and the cost becomes your responsibility. Some companies offer extensive covered like American Home Shield at $1,500, but others like ServicePlus are on the lower side at $500.

Roof coverage can also be very specific. For example, Choice Home Warranty’s roof coverage applies to single-family homes only and doesn’t cover roofing over patios or porches—only occupied spaces of the home.

How to choose the best plan for your needs

When shopping around for a home warranty plan, you’ll want to consider the items you want covered and your budget.

1. Consider what coverage you need. Think about which items in your home you want coverage for. Are there certain home systems or appliances that you couldn’t afford to replace? Make sure that those are included in your coverage options when choosing a plan.
2. Choose a monthly price you’re comfortable with. If you pay monthly for a home warranty instead of paying an annual premium, you’ll likely be paying anywhere from $30–$85 for each month of coverage. You’ll also want to check the service fees, usually costing from $75–$125, and is paid to the technician who comes to your home when a claim is approved. Choose a price point that makes sense for you to narrow down your options.

Not every home warranty provider is available in every state. For example, you’ll have different coverage options in Alaska or Hawaii than if you’re in New York. Because of that, we’ve created guides for the best home warranty companies in all 50. This will give you in-depth information on your options and who we believe are the top options.

Keep in mind that our top pick, Choice Home Warranty, is not available in California or Washington.

Additionally, we know that homeowners’ needs within a state can vary city-by-city. With that in mind, we’ve analyzed the options to provide city-specific home warranty guides.

Are home warranties worth it?

Home warranty plans make sense for many homeowners. Not only do they protect you in the event of an unexpected system or home appliance breakdown, they save you hundreds of dollars on repair and replacement costs and provide peace of mind.

A home warranty may be worth the cost to homeowners on a budget, first-time home buyers, owners of older homes or mobile homes, home sellers, real estate agents, or rental property owners.

On the other hand, you may not benefit from home warranty coverage if you’re a homeowner with a newly built home that’s already covered by a builder’s warranty or if you have appliances and systems are protected under a manufacturer’s warranty.

One way to think about whether or not a home warranty is worth the cost is to look at how much you can save.

Here’s a look at repair and replacement costs and potential savings:

Note: The above repair and replacement costs are based on national averages. We calculated the average amount that customers can save by compiling sample contracts from the top providers we’ve reviewed.

Final thoughts

Our team at House Method stands by our ratings and reviews of the home warranty companies listed in this article. While we do recommend Choice Home Warranty, American Home Shield, and Select Home Warranty as our top picks, any of the companies in this article are worth looking into and getting a free quote from.

If you’re still on the fence about which home warranty company to go with, read our individual provider reviews to get a more in-depth look at each of the companies. Make sure to do your own research to determine which home warranty is right for you.

House Method Home Warranty Ranking Methodology

At House Method, transparency and trust are our most important values for the reader. That’s why we took the time to create an objective rating system and score each home warranty provider according to our methodology.

We’ve done the homework for you and have researched over 50 home warranty companies so you can have the information you need to make the best choice for your home. Additionally, transparency and trust are our most important values for the reader.

That’s why we took the time to create an objective rating system and score each home warranty provider according to our methodology. Our team spent hours on the phone speaking to representatives from each home warranty company to get information right from the source. We also dug into the fine print on each company’s service agreement to make sure no detail was left out.

To make the most of our research, we developed a formula to objectively determine the best home warranty companies based on the following criteria:

• Plans: Do they provide a variety of plan options? We looked at the number of plans each company offered and the flexibility of adjusting the plan.
• Prices: How reasonable are the monthly fees and service fees in comparison to the industry average? We compared the costs of each company to competitors.
• Coverage: How many items are covered in each plan? We looked at the number of items each company covers. We dig into all service contracts available to get all the details.
• Customer service: How is the customer experience when calling the providers? Based on our phone calls, we were able to judge each company’s customer service.
• Trust: What do customers rate the company? We looked into what customers are saying about their experience with the company.
• Nationwide availability: How many states does the company cover? We found the number of states covered by each company.
• Unique perks: Does the company offer discounts or cover special items? We looked for perks offered by each company that sets them apart from the competition.

How do we keep our data up to date?

We want to make sure we’re providing you, the consumer, with the most current data available for every home warranty company we’ve researched and rated. That takes significant effort but we feel that’s vital to providing you thorough and trustworthy reviews.

With that in mind, we have dedicated staff members who regularly update our database of home warranty research.

For those that want to enjoy their years of being a veteran and come home to a house that is comfortable and functioning, a home warranty makes a lot of sense. For the price that a home warranty is offered, you will quickly learn that it is indeed a good value. At an average of around $40 per month, your policy will cost you just under $500 per year.

If you have ever had an appliance or a home system that needs repair, you probably understand quite well that you will quickly reach that $500 mark to get your home back up and running. Take your time to carefully consider your home warranty options, check around for veteran discounts and then give yourself the peace of mind that you deserve.