You may be feeling hesitant to purchase a home warranty policy, and if so, I get it.  The stigmas around home warranty policies exist for a reason. Home warranties cover damage on the things inside your home, like your appliances and home systems (electrical, plumbing, heating, etc.), but there are often exclusions in the fine print that can make it difficult for you to get your claims covered. Providers won’t just give you a brand-new appliance if something breaks, and in many cases, your reimbursement is based on the depreciated value of your items. On the other hand, some home warranty policies can be extremely beneficial to homeowners. I’m skeptical of most home warranty plans, and in this article, I aim to help you decide if a home warranty policy is right for you and which company is the best fit.

Our Top Pick
Best for Customization
VISIT SITE
Limited Time:
$200 Off + 2 Months free + Free Roof Leak Coverage
Best Coverage Limits
AHS Logo
VISIT SITE
Limited Time:
40% Off Our Most Popular Plan
Best Value
select home warranty logo
VISIT SITE
Limited Time:
$150 Off (Code HOUSE25)
Best Customer Ratings
VISIT SITE
Limited Time:
$150 Off + 1 Month Free

I’ve researched the best home warranty companies in Alabama and used Today’s Homeowner’s specific review criteria to rank these providers. While secret shopping, I’ve gotten warranty quotes from all companies for a two-bedroom home in Birmingham, thoroughly reviewed sample contracts, and scoured the internet to find the most accurate customer reviews. I’ve ranked each company according to their plans, coverage, affordability, reputation, customer service, and more. Read on to see what these companies have to offer and how they stack up against the competition.

Why Trust Us?

Here’s how we ranked and reviewed the nation’s top home warranty companies to bring you the most accurate information.

76

Our team of experts reviewed over 70 home warranty providers to compare plan options, coverage limits, prices, and customer feedback.

152

We collected over 100 sample quotes from dozens of home warranty companies to give you an accurate look at industry pricing.

6

Our rating system scores providers based on 6 key factors: coverage options, affordability, customer experience, reputation, claims processes, and availability.

Read our full Home Warranty Review Methodology for more details.


Top 5 Alabama Home Warranty Companies

Liberty Home Guard: Best For Customization
Highlights
  • While each home warranty provider has unique perks, Liberty Home Guard is the most well-rounded in my book. Its wide range of add-ons and the emergency services in its contracts give it a leg up on the competition, and its positive consumer reviews only sweeten the deal. If you’re not sure where to begin your search, I recommend Liberty.
  • If you’re new to home warranties and want a more affordable plan to test the waters, American Home Shield has plans that start at only $7.49 in Alabama, which is unbeatable in the industry. Its rates are about $10 lower in Alabama than they are in other parts of the country, so that’s a huge perk. Most companies don’t offer anything below $20 or $30 at the absolute minimum, so American Home Shield’s basic coverage rates are an absolute steal for budget-conscious buyers.
  • Before purchasing, always read the ENTIRE sample contract, especially the exclusions and coverage limits. I can’t stress this enough. There are always catches in the fine print, so be sure to read carefully. For example, most home warranty providers don’t cover damage caused by leaks, but Alabama has a climate that’s prone to storms near the coast, so there’s a good chance that your home could suffer a leak during those storms, and your home systems and appliances wouldn’t be covered.

My Expert Recommendation

If you care about well-rounded coverage and overall reliability, I recommend the Total Home Guard plan from Liberty Home Guard. Liberty Home Guard has the highest company reputation score out of all the companies on our list, and it stood out to me as the most trustworthy company on the market. Having read through all the competition’s sample contracts, I feel more comfortable choosing it than any other company because of its straightforward terms and glowing customer reviews.

However, if I wanted to make sure the repairs on my items were covered without having to dip into my own pocket, I’d look elsewhere since Liberty Home Guard only offers a $2,000 coverage limit on most items.  This is fine for most appliances, but some home systems (heating, AC, electrical) or luxury appliances will cost more. First American Home Warranty and American Home Shield have high coverage limits that start at almost double what Liberty offers, so if you value coverage limits, I’d recommend plans from either of the aforementioned companies.

Today’s Homeowner Tips
If you care about well-rounded coverage and overall reliability, I recommend the Total Home Guard plan from Liberty Home Guard. However, if I wanted to make sure the repairs on my items were covered without having to dip into my own pocket, I’d look elsewhere since Liberty Home Guard only offers a $2,000 coverage limit on most items.

Are you curious to learn more about what a home warranty is and how it works? If so, watch the video below from one of our top recommended brands.


Alabama Home Warranty Companies I Didn’t Include

I didn’t include Choice Home Warranty on my list because I discovered that it’s currently subject to a class-action lawsuit filed by the Arizona Attorney General’s Office in 2019 and is under investigation in other states like New Jersey, Oklahoma, and more. Choice Home Warranty is an otherwise reputable company and has a guarantee that they’ll request a service technician within four hours of when you submit a claim. However, with so many legal complaints, I didn’t feel comfortable recommending Choice Home Warranty to readers.


Compare The Highest-Rated Home Warranties In Alabama

CompanyRatingMonthly CostService FeeResponse TimeBBB RatingLink

$50-$60

$75

12-48 hrs.

NR

VISIT SITE
AHS Logo

$35–$75

$100–$125

24-72 hrs

B

VISIT SITE

$44.99-$58.99

$70

48 hours

A+

VISIT SITE
choice home warranty logo

$46–$55

$85

24-48 hrs.

B

VISIT SITE
select home warranty logo

$52–$58

$60

24-48 hrs.

B

VISIT SITE
AFC Home Warranty logo

$38–$62

$75–$125

48 hours

B

VISIT SITE
first american logo

$38–$48

$75–$125

48 hours

B

VISIT SITE

$17–$60+

$65–$100

2–24 hrs

A-

VISIT SITE

$28–$68

$100–$150

2–24 hrs

B

VISIT SITE

Quote and cost data gathered January 2024. Cost data are updated and monitored continuously.


Our Reviews of the Best Alabama Home Warranties

Best for Customization

Liberty Home Guard

4.6

Our Rating

Limited Time:
$200 Off + 2 Months free + Free Roof Leak Coverage

There’s plenty to like about Liberty Home Guard, but what stood out to me most was its ratio of positive customer reviews.  It’s not common for home warranty companies to score very positively on customer review sites since most people leave reviews to complain. Still, Liberty scored over 90% positive reviews on most platforms, higher than any other company on this list. Firsthand accounts say the most about a company, and in Liberty’s case, they offer plenty of peace of mind.

Liberty also has 42 different add-on options, which is more than any of the competition. These add-ons include unique items like trash compactors, casita guest units, reverse osmosis water filtration systems, and more. In terms of customization, Liberty’s ample offerings take the cake.

Liberty Home Guard’s most affordable plan costs $49.99 a month, which may be too high of a barrier to those looking for cheaper home warranty coverage. Still, Liberty’s Total Home Guard Plan ($59.99) is more affordable than AFC Home Club’s Diamond plan ($91.58) and First American Home Warranty’s Premium plan ($72), so it’s not overly expensive. Additionally, Liberty has only been in business since 2017, so it lacks the experience that other companies like ​​First American Home Warranty (since 1984) and American Home Shield (since 1971) have.

Another qualm I have with Liberty is that it excludes known or unknown preexisting conditions. While this is standard policy for home warranties, the unknown conditions can come back to bite you when it’s time to submit claims. However, Liberty still has the most positive reviews on our list, so this exclusion doesn’t strike me as a dealbreaker red flag.

Liberty Home Guard is my top choice because it has the highest scores out of every provider on our list for its plans and coverage, company reputation, and claims process: three crucial categories that set it apart from the rest of the pack. Liberty offers 42 available add-ons, more than most homeowners would ever want, but they’re still helpful to have. One of my favorite features is that Liberty covers up to two portable window air conditioning units per home, which is extra helpful for humid Alabama summers since most other providers don’t cover window units at all.

In my opinion, the best plan that Liberty Home Guard offers is the Total Home Guard plan ($59.99) since it’s a great bargain for total home coverage. Both the Appliance Guard plan ($49.99) and the Systems Guard plan ($54.99) are close to the same price as the comprehensive coverage, so I recommend spending the extra $5 to $10 to get the Total Home Guard plan.

Liberty Home Guard has the highest score on our list for its plans and coverage, partially due to its wide range of add-ons and affordable, comprehensive coverage. Liberty’s Total Home Guard plan is my top choice since it offers full coverage at only $5 more than the Systems Guard plan. However, the Appliance Guard plan is a bit pricy for what it’s worth since it doesn’t cover any home systems. If you only want to cover your appliances, the ShieldGold plan from American Home Shield is a better bargain at only $19.16 a month. All plans considered, I recommend the Total Home Guard plan because it’s a great value and it has some of the best coverage on our entire list.

PlanMonthly CostService FeeAvailable Discounts
Systems Guard$54.99$65 – $125$200 off (online)Two free bonus months (with annual billing)Free limited roof leak protection
Total Home Guard$59.99$65 – $125$200 off (online)Two free bonus months (with annual billing)Free limited roof leak protection
Appliance Guard$49.99$65 – $125$200 off (online)Two free bonus months (with annual billing)Free limited roof leak protection

Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Birmingham. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of publication. 

Available Add-Ons

The following add-ons are available for all plans:

  • Additional spa: $9.99
  • Carpet cleaning: $19.99
  • Casita guest unit: $35.99
  • Central vacuum: $8.99
  • Ejector pump: $14.99
  • Electronics protection: $19.99
  • Freestanding ice maker: $14.99
  • Generator: $19.99
  • Grinder pump: $14.99
  • Gutter cleaning: $14.99
  • Ice maker (in-fridge): $3.99
  • Instant hot water dispenser: $9.99
  • Lawn sprinkler system: $9.99
  • Lighting fixtures: $7.99
  • Limited roof leak: $11.99
  • Pest control: $14.99
  • Plumbing fixtures: $7.99
  • Pool and spa: $19.99
  • Power washing (exterior flooring): $19.99
  • Pro-Series clothes dryer: $4.99
  • Pro-Series dishwasher: $7.99
  • Pro-Series microwave: $4.99
  • Pro-Series range/oven/cooktop: $12.99
  • Pro-Series refrigerator: $14.99
  • Pro-Series stand-alone freezer: $14.99
  • Pro-Series washing machine: $4.99
  • Re-Key: $9.99
  • Reverse osmosis water filter system: $14.99
  • Saltwater pool: $23.99
  • Second refrigerator: $7.99
  • Septic system pumping: $12.99
  • Stand-alone freezer: $5.99
  • Sump pump: $8.99
  • Swamp cooler: $14.99
  • Trash compactor: $7.49
  • Tv mounting (up to 65-Inch Tvs):  $14.99
  • Tv mounting (up to 85-Inch Tvs): $19.99
  • Water dispenser water line: $4.99
  • Water softener: $13.99
  • Well pump: $12.99
  • Window washing/cleaning: $19.99
  • Wine cooler/fridge: $11.99

I find roof leak coverage especially beneficial because leaks are some of the most frequent damages to homes, especially in southern areas of Alabama, where tornados and subtropical cyclones are common. It’s important to note that Liberty won’t cover damage from natural disasters or secondary damage from roof leaks (mold, corrosion, etc.). However, the roof leak coverage will cover the source of the leak if it’s caused by normal wear and tear. On the other end of the spectrum, I wouldn’t recommend TV mount coverage because it seems unnecessary since buying a new TV mount is inexpensive.

Exclusions

The following exclusions apply to all of Liberty’s plans:

  • Any kind of valve or leak
  • Chimneys and exhausts
  • Damage caused by improper installation
  • Damage caused by natural disasters
  • Damage caused by pests or mold
  • Damage caused by rust or corrosion
  • Disposal of old systems or appliances
  • Glass parts
  • Installation of systems or parts
  • Known or unknown preexisting conditions
  • Lighting
  • Luxury or commercial-grade systems and appliances
  • Poorly maintained systems or appliances
  • Routine maintenance
  • Solar systems
  • “Smart” components and parts

These exclusions are standard in the industry and match most of what I found with competitors. However, exclusions for “known or unknown preexisting conditions” are notorious for allowing providers to deny claims, so be wary of that.

Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it is imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.

Overall, Liberty is an affordable home warranty provider with consistent rates throughout the entire US, unlike other providers that have fairly large price changes depending on where you live. Even though the prices start higher than some competitors’ rates, its plans range from $49.99 to $59.99, which is reasonable for the coverage it provides. Like many of the providers on our list, Liberty has frequent online discounts, such as its $200 online limited-time discount, which can help bring the price down. 

Be sure to read Liberty Home Guard’s sample contract for information on cash reimbursements and replacement parts since this can have an effect on your overall cost. Liberty may give a cash reimbursement for a covered item, but that amount is at their discretion and is based on the depreciated value of your item. Additionally, Liberty isn’t required to choose replacement parts that match in color or brand, so if you care about matching components, you may have to pay out of pocket.

I found Liberty’s agents to be very informative and helpful, and they didn’t strike me as overly “sales-y.” However, we found some complaints on review sites regarding items not being covered under warranty and a long waiting period (30 to 60 days) in the sample contract, so we gave Liberty a 7.8 out of 10.

Liberty has the highest company reputation score on our list, and despite some reviewers mentioning their claims being denied, it consistently scored higher than the competition. In fact, 90% of its reviews on Trustpilot were five stars. Many customers praised Liberty Home Guard for its helpful customer representatives, even mentioning their specific agents by name. Others praised its reliability and prompt service. One customer on Trustpilot said:

“Very organized, I love this place. The customer service is awesome. Highly recommend to any homeowner or contractor; stop looking other places. This is the place.”

On the other hand, most of the complaints were about Liberty not fulfilling claims, being slow to address repairs, or using unlicensed handymen to fix issues, which are common issues in the industry. The reviews on Yelp were significantly worse than on other sites but also had significantly fewer reviews. However, these seem more like the exception than the rule since its overall reputation was much better than the competition. For that reason, we gave Liberty a 9.1.

Rating SiteRatingNumber of Reviews
BBBNRCustomer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating
Trustpilot4.72,430
Yelp1.556

Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of publication.

Note (as of 2/26): The Better Business Bureau recently shifted LHG’s A+ rating to “NR.” We reached out to a representative from the Better Business Bureau, and they told us, “This business is not currently rated. BBB has recently received numerous complaints against this business and will issue a rating after it has fully evaluated them.” When asked about whether they revoke ratings after an increase in complaints, the rep said, “Yes, if they feel they need to review the complaints first before issuing an accurate rating.” This scenario has happened to LHG twice in the last two years, but each time the BBB has restored its A+ rating after a thorough review.

Liberty Home Guard’s fast response times and emergency services give it an edge over the competition, which is why we gave it the highest claims process score on our list. Its average response time is 12 hours, which is very quick and among the fastest companies on our list. Liberty also offers emergency services, which can be a lifesaver when major systems stop working. Though its coverage limits aren’t the highest, Liberty’s claims process still has plenty of perks worthy of a perfect score. 

Liberty Home Guard is available in all 50 states, which is why we gave it a 10 out of 10. Nationwide availability is a good sign that the company is established and less likely to engage in scammy behavior, so it’s an important factor to consider when purchasing a plan.

Best Coverage Limits

American Home Shield

4.3

Our Rating

Limited Time:
40% Off Our Most Popular Plan

I’m a sucker for a good deal, so my favorite thing about American Home Shield is that it offers ridiculously affordable coverage that starts at just $7.49, lower than any other company on our list. This bargain may seem too good to be true, but it’s 100% real. Additionally, AHS offers high coverage limits($5,000 HVAC and $4,000 appliance limits on its ShieldPlatinum plan)that are roughly $2,000 more than most competitors. In my opinion, its combination of low monthly rates and high coverage limits makes it a top contender for budget-conscious buyers.

While there’s plenty to like about American Home Shield, its biggest downfall is its negative customer reviews. AHS has more complaints on review sites than the competition, mainly about denied claims. AHS has resolved a lot of the issues by reaching out to customers directly, and it still has a B rating on BBB, so it’s not all bad. However, the reviews still make me hesitant to choose AHS over competitors. Additionally, AHS doesn’t offer any plans specifically for your appliances, so there’s no way to get just your appliances covered. This isn’t a huge complaint, but it’s inconvenient for some home warranty shoppers.

The feature that makes American Home Shield stand out among its competitors is its high coverage limits on the ShieldPlatinum plan, with payouts as high as $5,000 for HVAC and $4,000 for appliances. The only other company that’s even close to that is First American Home Warranty (with $3,500 per appliance in its Starter and Essential plans and $7,000 per appliance in its Premium Plan). If I could only choose one plan from American Home Shield, it would be the ShieldPlatinum plan because of the higher coverage limits. However, the ShieldSilver plan is an unbeatable bargain at $7.49 for homeowners who want a more budget-friendly option.

The downside is that American Home Shield has more negative reviews than the competition when it comes to items not being covered, shady technicians, and denied reimbursements. While its low monthly rates and high coverage caps make it a top option, the frequency of complaints is something to consider before buying.

American Home Shield has the most affordable basic coverage on our list, with its ShieldSilver plan starting at just $7.49. The ShieldPlatinum plan offers comprehensive coverage with higher coverage limits than the competition, and it costs around $10 less than Liberty Home Guard’s comprehensive plan ($59.99), so it’s a great deal. All three plans are a total bargain, so you can’t go wrong here. Due to its lack of appliance-only plans and its limited add-on options, we gave American Home Shield a 9 out of 10, but it still ranks near the top of our list of home warranty providers.

PlanMonthly CostService FeeAvailable Discounts
ShieldSilver$7.49$100 – $125$150 off a one-year contract
ShieldGold$19.16$100 – $125$150 off a one-year contractOnline discount: $250 off ShieldGold OR ShieldPlatinum 
ShieldPlatinum$49.16$100 – $125$150 off a one-year contractOnline discount: $250 off ShieldGold OR ShieldPlatinum 

Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Birmingham. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of publication. 

Available Add-Ons
  • Electronics protection plan (all plans): $14
  • Guest unit (all plans): $6.99
  • Pool and built-in spa equipment (all plans): $18
  • Roof leak repair limit (included in the ShieldPlatinum plan but available as an add-on for others): $10
  • Septic pump (all plans): $5.00
  • Well pump (all plans): $8.00

I found the electronics protection plan particularly useful because it protects an unlimited amount of new and used devices like TVs, laptops, printers, and more. However, there are limitations (it doesn’t cover cell phones, items in storage, preexisting conditions, theft or loss, maintenance, cosmetic damage, insect or animal damage, etc.), so it’s not quite as foolproof as it sounds. Aside from that, I find the roof leak coverage beneficial as an extra layer of protection for the wear and tear that can follow Alabama’s extreme hurricanes.

Exclusions
  • Acts beyond our control (earthquake, storms, mud, fire, etc.)
  • Flues, chimneys, fireplaces, and exhaust lines
  • Hazardous materials 
  • Improper capacity
  • Items covered by other insurance or warranty
  • Known preexisting breakdown 
  • Manufacturer or government recalls
  • Misuse or accidental acts
  • Multimedia centers
  • Outdoor kitchens
  • Power and fuel sources
  • Routine maintenance
  • Smart home systems
  • Special systems (radon mitigation systems, gas detection systems, etc.)

Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it is imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.

American Home Shield’s basic plans are some of the cheapest in the industry, proving to be the cheapest home warranty available. However, the Shield Platinum plan price varies from state to state and can reach almost $70 a month in some locations, which brought AHS’s overall score down to 8.7. Still, basic coverage for $7.49 a month is basically unbeatable, so I highly recommend this company for budget-conscious buyers. Be sure to read the entire American Home Shield sample contract for special notes that may affect your overall rate or payout. For example, the coverage limit for glycol, hot water, or steam HVAC systems is $1,500 despite the general $5,000 HVAC limit, so be sure to read the fine print. Likewise, the coverage limits are different for each plan, so take that into account when choosing your coverage.

I was left with an overall positive impression of American Home Shield, regardless of customer complaints, due to its responsive agents. Despite having 78% one-star reviews on Trustpilot, AHS representatives commented on almost all negative reviews and told unsatisfied customers to reach out to trustpilot@ahs.com in order to resolve their claims further. The same goes for Better Business Bureau complaints. This isn’t uncommon, but it’s nice that the company works hard to ensure customers are happy. Most customer complaints were about denied claims or having to pay out of pocket for a second opinion, but these are common issues in the industry. Still, it’s clear from the company’s responses that it cares about customer satisfaction, so we gave AHS an 8.4.

While American Home Shield has a relatively positive customer experience score, it still has the lowest company reputation score on our list. Not all reviews were negative, but it does have more complaints than the competition. For instance, on Trustpilot, 78% of all reviews were one-star. Yelp was even worse. Most of the complaints were regarding items that weren’t covered, poor communication, and logistical errors. One customer explained their experience with the company and shared a potential workaround below:

“Each time you call, you get a new service rep who says completely opposite things. You have to fight them on everything and make sure the rep marks your issue as needing to be expedited. This puts them under a tighter timeline to assign and complete the job, and if they dont find an available contractor, you can hire your own, and they must reimburse you. I use this tactic frequently, and it has always worked.”

On the other hand, the company is often praised for its quick responses to claims. While American Home Shield may have a lot of complaints, it works to resolve a lot of the issues, bringing its overall reputation score up to 7.7 out of 10.

Rating SiteRatingNumber of Reviews
BBBBCustomer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating
Trustpilot2.25,225
Yelp1.11,266

Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of publication.

Overall, American Home Shield agents handle claims quickly and get technicians to service items within a day or two. Because of its high coverage limits on appliances and systems, American Home Shield pays out fairly well for claims as long as the items and parts are covered. You can even track your home repair history and follow up on your claim through the AHS online portal. However, it doesn’t have the fastest claim response time. Still, for its ease of use and high payouts, we gave American Home Shield an 8.4.

American Home Shield operates in all of the continental United States, so we gave it a perfect availability score.

Today’s Homeowner Tips
Be sure to shop around and get multiple quotes from different home warranty providers before purchasing. Many companies have some hidden pricing flexibility, so I always recommend calling a representative first to see if you can get an unadvertised deal.
Best Value

Select Home Warranty

4.2

Our Rating

Limited Time:
$150 Off (Code HOUSE25)

Select Home Warranty offers the most affordable comprehensive coverage plan ($47.75) out of all the companies on our list, which is quite a feat. Getting total coverage for less than $50 a month is almost unheard of, so Select’s Platinum Care plan is a great value. Additionally, Select Home Warranty’s plans come with free roof leak protection, which isn’t out of the ordinary, but it’s still a nice perk.

My biggest gripe with Select Home Warranty is its low coverage limits. Even on its most expensive plans, appliances, plumbing, and electrical are all capped at $500 per item, which is roughly 25% of the industry standard ($2,000 per item).  Additional coverage items are even lower at $400 per item. Additionally, Select’s terms and conditions are a bit too strict for my liking. Select reserves the right to request up to three prior years of maintenance records and/or pictures before repairs. Without proper maintenance records and pictures, the maximum payout on any system or appliance is only $150.00. Additionally, you must contact Select within three days of discovering a malfunction in order for your items to be covered. With all the fine print details, it just seems like a lot of hoops to jump through in order to get your items covered.

Select Home Warranty’s affordable, comprehensive coverage is a major perk, but its low coverage limits make it hard to justify the monthly price. Select’s appliance coverage limits are exceptionally low, but its HVAC limits are only $3,000, so compared to the industry average of $4,000 to $5,000, these limits aren’t amazing either.

Additionally, Select’s terms and conditions are stricter than those of the competition. Select requires you to contact the claims department within three days of discovering a malfunction for your claim to be accepted, which can be difficult if there’s any debate as to when defects were ‘discoverable.’ Likewise, Select doesn’t cover unknown preexisting conditions and can request up to three prior years of maintenance records to perform repairs, both of which can act as loopholes to deny claims. These features aren’t exclusive to Select, but they do make me hesitant to choose them as my home warranty provider.

Select Home Warranty offers three standard plans, but each plan includes free roof leak coverage, which is a huge plus. The Gold Care plan and the Bronze Care plan cover different items, but both come at the same price. However, the Bronze Care and Gold Care plans don’t offer very much coverage, so I recommend the Platinum Care plan since it’s only $3 more. Select offers fewer add-ons than the competition, but its rates are reasonable, and its coverage is comparable to competitors, so we gave it an 8.3.

PlanMonthly CostService FeeAvailable Discounts
Gold Care$44.42$75 – $100$150 off any plan (online)Free roof leak coverageTwo extra months FREE and $150 off (when you’re billed annually)
Bronze Care
$44.42
$75 – $100
$150 off any plan (online)Free roof leak coverageTwo extra months FREE and $150 off (when you’re billed annually)
Platinum Care$47.75$75 – $100$150 off any plan (online)Free roof leak coverageTwo extra months FREE and $150 off (when you’re billed annually)

Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Birmingham. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of publication. 

Available Add-Ons

Select Home Warranty offers the following add-ons for all its plans:

  • Central vacuum: $3.33/mo
  • Lawn sprinkler system: $5.83/mo
  • Pool: $8.33/mo
  • Roof leak: $0/mo (included in all plans)
  • Septic system: $5.83/mo
  • Spa: $5.83/mo
  • Stand-alone freezer:  $3.33/mo
  • Sump pump: $3.33/mo
  • Well pump: $3.33/mo

Sump pump coverage is a common add-on option, but it can be extremely beneficial, given Alabama’s sub-tropical climate. For homeowners with sump pumps, it’s crucial to make sure your system is up and running to remove any water in your basement that can accumulate during hurricane season in Alabama.

Exclusions

Select Home Warranty has the following exclusions on all its plans:

  • Common areas in condominiums or family homes
  • Damage caused by natural disasters and rust
  • Defects or damages caused by the foundation and structure of the home
  • Incorrect installation or malfunctions due to construction damage or improper wiring
  • Issues with systems or appliances related to hazardous or toxic materials
  • Secondary damage
  • Solar heating systems

It’s important to note that damage caused by natural disasters isn’t covered by your home warranty policy since southern Alabama has frequent tropical storms and hurricanes.

Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it is imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.

Select Home Warranty has the second-best affordability score on our list (second only to First American Home Warranty) and is the only provider on this list to offer comprehensive coverage for under $50 (with an online discount). It also has some of the lowest service rates on our list ($75 at the lowest, but this varies due to your location). If the rest of its plans were just as good of a value, I wouldn’t hesitate to give Select a perfect score. However, we found the other plans to be overpriced for their coverage, so we gave Select a 9.1.

Be sure to read the entire Select Home Warranty sample contract for more details on low coverage limits since those will likely be a factor in how expensive your repairs might be.

Select Home Warranty ranks in the middle compared with the customer experience scores of other companies on our list. Reviews are split, but in general, most customers are happy with their experience. One Trustpilot customer said:

“Everything was so simple. I wasn’t pressured like other companies would do. I’m super happy so far, and I would recommend.”

Many customers praised Select for having friendly and knowledgeable representatives, which I agree with based on the phone calls I’ve had with them. However, they tend to gloss over some of the stricter terms and conditions in the contract when pitching their policies. This isn’t uncommon, but it could be improved, so we gave Select an 8.1.

Select Home Warranty’s scores are about average for the home warranty industry, but since Select works to resolve any complaints that customers post on review sites, we gave it an 8 out of 10. Most people only review a company when something goes really well or really poorly, and in the case of home warranties, both tend to happen a lot. Despite that, a 3.8-star rating on a site like Trustpilot is fairly decent. While most of the reviews on these sites are split between five-star and one-star reviews, as is often the case, the results are mostly positive.

Rating SiteRatingNumber of Reviews
BBBBCustomer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating
Trustpilot3.84,685

Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of publication.

Select ranks in the middle of our list when it comes to its claims process, and you can submit claims either online or over the phone. However, we gave Select Home Warranty a 7.6 because the company doesn’t pay out as much as competitors due to its low coverage limits. Additionally, Select’s terms and conditions are fairly strict, so it can make it more difficult to get your claims accepted. It has an average response time of around 48 hours for non-emergency claims, but keep in mind that you must reach out within three days of discovering an issue with any covered items.

Select Home Warranty operates in 47 states, so according to our review standards, we gave it a perfect availability score. Nationwide availability isn’t the most important factor, but it still shows that Select is a legitimate business throughout the whole country.

Best for Additional Benefits

AFC Home Warranty

4.3

Our Rating

Limited Time:
$200 off + free roof leak coverage

My two favorite things about AFC Home Warranty are its lifetime workmanship guarantee and the fact that it lets its members choose their own technicians at no additional cost. In short, the lifetime workmanship guarantee means that if a covered item breaks, AFC will make sure the parts and labor are covered for the entirety of a member’s plan with no additional fees. Other companies usually only offer a 30-day or 60-day guarantee, so AFC is miles ahead of the competition. However, AFC letting members pick their own technicians is an even bigger deal for me. This feature is pretty rare, and it goes a long way in terms of providing peace of mind for your repairs.

My biggest problem with AFC is that it doesn’t cover unknown preexisting conditions. That means that if a technician finds an issue and can trace it back to before you started your policy, AFC won’t cover it, regardless of whether you knew about the issue or not. This is standard in the industry, and most companies on this list have the same exclusions, but it’s still important to look out for. Additionally, AFC’s monthly premiums are about average, with the Diamond Plan being an expensive exception. If you want extra low monthly rates, I’d look elsewhere (remember, American Home Shield rates start at just $7.49).

AFC Home Warranty has a lifetime workmanship guarantee and lets members choose their own service technicians, which are two of the biggest perks any home warranty company can offer. Its lifetime workmanship guarantee is better than that of every competitor on this list, and it proves worthwhile for having peace of mind after repairs. Likewise, many industry complaints are about untrustworthy contractors, so being able to choose your own technician is a huge plus. However, AFC’s refusal to cover known or unknown preexisting conditions is a bit risky. This is common in the industry, but it’s important to be aware of it before purchasing a policy.

Personally, I’d recommend buying the Platinum Plan because it comes at a decent price for comprehensive coverage ($3 less than Liberty’s Total Home Guard plan). The Diamond plan covers a lot of items that competitors don’t (like electronics and smartphones), but the coverage is overkill for most homeowners. Additionally, I don’t necessarily think it’s as helpful as it looks on paper since a lot of the exclusions (cosmetic defects, electrical surges, etc.) would limit the claims for these extra items so much that it would become counterproductive.

AFC Home Warranty offers four plans instead of the traditional three, which means customers have more options to choose from. The prices range from $32.25 a month for its Silver Plan, which is a great bargain for kitchen and laundry appliance coverage, to $91.58 a month for the Diamond Plan, which is the most expensive plan on our entire list. The Diamond Plan has great coverage, but it’s not necessarily a good value, and it isn’t practical for most homeowners. AFC also has flexible service fees that start as low as $75, which gives customers more control over their rates.

PlanMonthly CostService FeeAvailable Discounts
Diamond Plan$91.58$75 – $125$100 off (online discount)+ Roof Leak Coverage Applied (limited-time promotion)
Platinum Plan$57.00$75 – $125$100 off (online discount)+ Roof Leak Coverage Applied (limited-time promotion)
Gold Plan$51.92$75 – $125$100 off (online discount)+ Roof Leak Coverage Applied (limited-time promotion)
Silver Plan$36.83$75 – $125$100 off (online discount)+ Roof Leak Coverage Applied (limited time promotion)

Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Birmingham. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of publication. 

Available Add-Ons

AFC Home Warranty offers the following add-ons for all plans:

  • Built-in microwave: $50 (annual price)
  • Central vacuum: $25 (annual price)
  • Double oven: $25 (annual price)
  • Hot water dispenser: $25 (annual price)
  • Ice maker: $25 (annual price)
  • In-ground pool: $100 (annual price)
  • In-ground pool and spa: $150 (annual price)
  • Roof leak: $0 (this is a limited-time promotion, but it’s typically $25)
  • Septic system: $50 (annual price)
  • Stand-alone freezer: $25 (annual price)
  • Sump pump: $35 (annual price)
  • Well pump: $50 (annual price)

The exterior septic system coverage is particularly beneficial, in my opinion. Damage can affect more than just your home’s interior, so it makes sense to cover your exterior pipes since most plans don’t cover outdoor systems.

Exclusions
  • Accidents
  • Acts of God
  • Chemical or sedimentary build-up
  • Collapsed ductwork
  • Cosmetic defects or routine maintenance
  • Electrical shorts or power surges
  • Electronic or computerized energy management 
  • Failure due to excessive or inadequate water pressure
  • Failure to clean or maintain as specified by the equipment manufacturer
  • Fire, freezing, or electrical failure
  • Hazardous or toxic materials
  • Known or unknown preexisting conditions 
  • Lighting and application management systems
  • Lightning, mud, or earthquake damage
  • Missing parts
  • Misuse or abuse
  • Pest damage
  • Repairs related to costs of construction, carpentry, or other incidental costs
  • Rust or corrosion
  • Structural changes
  • Storms
  • Secondary damage from a noncovered item
  • Upgrades, components, or parts required due to incompatibility with the replacement system 
  • Water damage 

It’s important to note that AFC Home Warranty doesn’t cover damage caused by weather. This is standard in the industry, but it can still be risky in southern Alabama, where hurricanes are common, so keep that in mind.

Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it is imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.

Overall, AFC Home Warranty’s rates are comparable with other top companies, but at $91.58, the Diamond plan is the most expensive plan on our list, which negatively affects its score. We decided to give AFC a 9.1 because it has flexible service fees as low as $75, and it has affordable annual prices for add-ons. However, if you request non-emergency services outside of normal business hours, you will be responsible for additional fees or overtime charges, so be sure to read the entire AFC Home Warranty sample contract to learn all the details about your plan.

AFC Home Warranty has the highest score on our list when it comes to customer experience, and part of that is due to its lifetime workmanship guarantee and ability to choose your own technician. Customers often praised the company’s timeliness, which makes sense because AFC has an average response time of 24 to 48 hours. One customer claimed:

“I’ve been with AFC Home Warranty since 2019 and really appreciate their quick responses. The flexibility they provide to go through a technician of your choice or have them find you one is very helpful as well.”

This quote sums up a lot of my favorite things about AFC, so it’s good to know that many long-time customers feel the same.

AFC Home Warranty has fewer online reviews than most of its competitors, but that means it also has a relatively low number of complaints. Customers typically praise AFC for the ability to choose their own provider, with one customer saying, “The ability to choose my own technician is very important to me. I know by doing so, I get the caliber of person that I always have dealt with for the maintenance of my equipment.” However, most complaints are about denied claims, which is a very common issue in the industry, but it’s still worth considering before your purchase.

Most importantly, AFC Home Warranty has worked to resolve every single complaint that I saw on the BBB website. That impressed me, and it shows that AFC is very dedicated to customer service, even if its overall performance could use improvement.

Rating SiteRatingNumber of Reviews
BBBBCustomer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating
Trustpilot3.024
Yelp1.9336

Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of publication.

AFC Home Warranty has the lowest claims process score on our list, mainly due to the fact that it doesn’t offer emergency services. Every other provider on our list offers this service, so it’s a big con for AFC. For that reason, we gave AFC Home Club a score of 6.8.

AFC Home Warranty operates in 49 states, so according to our review standards, we gave it a perfect availability score. Since AFC is active across the whole country, it acts as a clear sign of its legitimacy.

Best Appliance Coverage

First American Home Warranty

4.3

Our Rating

Limited Time:
$100 Off with code PROTECT

Hands down, my favorite thing about First American Home Warranty is its appliance coverage limits. It covers up to $3,500 per appliance in its plans, which is significantly higher than the industry average of $2,000. Even Liberty Home Guard can’t compete with that. I also like its flexible service fees, which is always a good feature to have. First American is also the only provider on our list with specific coverage for luxury appliances, so if you own high-end appliances, I highly recommend First American.

I only have small complaints about First American Home Warranty since there aren’t any glaring red flags. First, it doesn’t offer any plans that only cover home systems. While it’s not necessary to have a home-system-only plan, it’s fairly standard, so it would make sense to add an option for it. Additionally, First American doesn’t have nationwide availability, so you may have to change home warranty providers if you move out of its network. Finally, its response times are about average, so if timely repairs are important to you, Liberty Home Guard is the better option.

First American Home Warranty ranks second best in its overall score, making it my top alternative to Liberty Home Guard. My favorite features are its affordable monthly rates, high appliance coverage limits, and flexible service fees. First American may not be the flashiest option on our list, but it doesn’t perform poorly in any category, and it has a great company reputation, which makes me confident in choosing it as a home warranty provider.

First American’s appliance coverage limit of $3,500 makes it one of the best home appliance insurance companies. This is a huge perk since its high coverage limits are available even on its most affordable plans, making it an amazing value. While the Premium plan is too pricey to justify for most homeowners, it’s still a great choice for luxury appliance coverage.

First American Home Warranty offers the standard menu of three plans, but they all have a mixture of appliances and home system coverage, so you can’t just cover one of the other. It also gives the option to choose service fees of $75, $100, or $125, which gives you more control over your monthly rate. The service fee amount will affect your monthly premium, so be sure to take that into account before buying. The Premium plan is a bit too pricey, and the coverage is overkill for most homeowners, so I recommend the Essential plan since it offers comprehensive coverage at a fair price. 

PlanMonthly CostService FeeAvailable Discounts
Starter Plan$47.00$75 – $125Use Promo Code LEAP24 for $200 Off (online)
Essential Plan$57.00$75 – $125Use Promo Code LEAP24 for $200 Off (online)
Premium Plan$72.00$75 – $125Use Promo Code LEAP24 for $200 Off (online)

Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Birmingham. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of publication.  The discounts above were available at the time of publication. 

Available Add-Ons
  • Additional refrigeration: $4.17
  • Additional refrigeration 2: $4.17
  • Additional refrigeration 3: $4.17
  • Central air conditioning (electric): $8.33
  • First American advantage: $0.00 (only for Essential and Premium plans)
  • HVAC tune-up: $2.08
  • Limited roof leak: $8.33
  • Pool/spa equipment: $20.83
  • Pool/spa equipment 2: $20.83
  • Septic tank pumping/system: $7.08
  • Water softener: $7.08
  • Well pump: $7.08

The add-on I find most useful is the central air conditioning coverage. Alabama can be extremely hot and humid in the summer, so it’s important to keep your AC running well if you want to stay cool.

Exclusions

First American Home Warranty has the following notable exclusions: 

  • Chimneys
  • Collapsed or broken lines
  • Cosmetic defects
  • Damage from pests
  • Damage from weather, theft, or smoke 
  • Glass doors
  • Knobs
  • Low-voltage electrical systems
  • Plumbing stoppages caused by foreign objects
  • Roots
  • Rotisseries
  • Solar systems
  • Space heaters
  • Water heater storage tanks

However, First American covers some of these exclusions (like knobs and dials) in its Essential and Premium plans.

Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it is imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.

First American has the highest score on our list for overall affordability because of its reasonable prices and flexible service fees. In my opinion, all of its plans are a great deal, but the Essential plan is my favorite because it covers all major appliances and systems for less than Liberty Home Guard’s Total Home Guard plan ($59.99). It also offers three service fee options as low as $75, which is better than most other competitors. First American won’t reimburse you for services performed without prior approval, and although this is standard practice, it could add to your overall cost. Be sure to read the entire First American sample contract to learn the terms and conditions before buying.

First American Home Warranty ranks right in the middle of our list for customer experience. Most customers were happy with their overall experience, but First American’s response times vary more than the response times of its competitors, so we gave it an 8.1 out of 10.

First American Home Warranty has a good overall reputation and ranks second only to Liberty Home Guard on our list. The majority of reviews on Trustpilot were five stars, which is a rare accomplishment, with many customers praising the company’s quick service. One customer said:

“American Home Warrant is always fast to respond and always sends out courteous and competent workmen who get the job done. It’s really been cost-effective for me to continue this warranty service. ”

Many other top reviews were similar. However, several complaints mentioned poor communication, claim denials, and no-show contractors. Another customer said:

“They blame everything on the local technicians, but when I call the local technician, they say they need further instructions from First American.”

There are always different sides to every story, so taking all the good and bad into account, we gave First American an overall score of 8.9.

Rating SiteRatingNumber of Reviews
BBBBCustomer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating
Trustpilot4.113,639

Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of publication.

First American has an average response time of around 48 hours, which is reasonable but not exceptional. Many companies on our list have average response times of 12 to 24 hours, so 48 hours isn’t much to boast about. However, First American still offers convenient ways to submit claims online or over the phone 24/7, so we gave it an 8.4, ranking it in the middle of our list.

First American Home Warranty is only available in 34 states (not available in AK, CT, DE, HI, IL, LA, ME, MA, MN, NH, NJ, NY, ND, RI, VT, or WI). This isn’t a dealbreaker for Oklahoma residents, but it’s worth noting. Still, since its availability isn’t as good as the rest of the competition, we gave it a 6 out of 10.


Calculate the Cost of an Alabama Home Warranty

If you’re trying to figure out how much a home warranty will cost, Today’s Homeowner created a handy cost calculator to help you. Enter your monthly cost, service call fee, and expected number of claims below to estimate your annual home warranty cost.

Appliance Average Repair Cost Average Replacement Cost
Dehumidifier $50–$200 $1,300–$2,800
Microwave $50–$400 $60–$2,000
Dishwasher $50–$500 $400–$3,000
Exhaust Fans $16–$300 $250–$950
Electric Range $100–$500 $230–$3,000
Gas Range $100–$500 $230–$3,000
Dryer $100–$400 $450–$2,300
Oven $100–$430 $400–$3,000
Washer $50–$450 $400–$2,300
Freezer $90–$500 $160–$2,900
Refrigerator $40–$350 $200–$5,000

Alabama Home Warranty Regulations

Home warranty companies in Alabama are regulated by the Alabama Department of Insurance, through which they have to register and meet qualifications as an Alabama service contract provider. This process includes application fees, registering with the ADOI, and meeting all requirements under Section 8 Code of Alabama law in order to guarantee reliable operation.

Alabama also has laws about implied warranties for new home builds. These laws exist to protect homebuyers in the event that their new residential construction develops problems earlier than it should. It essentially acts as a workmanship guarantee that the home you buy is up to code and free from any major issues.

Alabama Home Warranty News

As of late 2023, an electric utility company called Alabama Power recently introduced a new home repair service program with the help of Home Serve to offer home maintenance services to customers. Local Alabama Fox 10 News shared the story, showing that when the utility provider reached out to existing customers, some grew worried that the new feature was a scam. WALA staff said the following:

“Alabama Power customers have been receiving notices from the utility about a new service, leaving some people questioning whether the offer is legitimate. FOX10 News reached out to Alabama Power and was told the new Alabama Power Insurance for Exterior Electrical Systems through HomeServe is not a scam.”

By combining home maintenance and repair with its utility services, Alabama Power aims to help homeowners save money through a more inclusive service.

Our Top Pick
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FAQs about the Best Home Warranties in Alabama

Do You Need a Home Warranty in Alabama?

Alabama law doesn’t require homeowners to purchase a home warranty plan, but it can still be beneficial, depending on your needs.


How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in Alabama?

The average cost of a home warranty in Alabama is $49.42 a month, not including service fees. To find out more about the costs associated with home warranties, check out our home warranty cost guide.


How Can You Save Money When Shopping for Home Warranties In Alabama?

To get the best rates on your home warranty policy, I recommend browsing companies’ websites for online deals and promo codes since these are always changing. Also, don’t be afraid to call and ask a representative directly if they have any promotional deals because there’s a good chance it’ll pay off.


Is a Home Warranty Worth It for Alabama Homeowners?

A home warranty is worth it in Alabama because if you don’t have thousands of dollars saved to pay out of pocket for repairs, a monthly home warranty bill makes more sense financially. It can be difficult to know for sure if home warranties are worth it for your specific circumstances, but consider your needs and finances before buying a policy.



More Alabama Resources

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Editorial Contributors
avatar for Mitchell Layton

Mitchell Layton

Mitchell Layton is a former professional mover who currently lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mitchell spent years packing and moving for REAL Rock N Roll Movers, a commercial and residential moving company based in Los Angeles that’s primarily staffed with up-and-coming musicians. That gave him plenty of experience navigating box trucks up and down the winding streets of LA. In addition to moving hundreds of happy customers into new homes and apartments all across Southern California, Mitchell has also performed corporate moves on company lots for Nickelodeon, Warner Bros, Universal Studios, Paramount, and more. After pouring blood, sweat, and tears into his profession, Mitchell has all the helpful tips you need for your next move.

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photo of Irma Omerhodzic

Irma Omerhodzic

Irma Omerhodzic, an accomplished editor for Today's Homeowner, brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Holding both a Master's and Bachelor's degree from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, Irma is a member of Kappa Tau Alpha, a national honor society in journalism. Beyond her successful editorial career, Irma is a dynamic professional who holds an active real estate license in Ohio. She is proudly affiliated with Howard Hanna, a nationally acclaimed real estate company that stands as the third-largest in the country. In her spare time, Irma finds joy in outdoor adventures, frequently embarking on hikes with her dog. Her love for exploration extends beyond nature, as she equally delights in traveling to new destinations and savoring culinary delights.

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