5 Best Home Warranty Companies for Veterans

As a veteran, finally owning a home in the country you spent your military career defending is undoubtedly a rewarding milestone to arrive at. But navigating homeownership isn’t always a linear experience. This is especially true for newly retired veterans trying to finance a home while simultaneously shifting back into civilian life. 

We’ve queued up our research-backed recommendations for the best home warranties for veterans, highlighting coverage that boasts military discounts and other policy benefits exclusively for active and former members of our armed forces. 

The Top 5 Best Home Warranty Companies for Veterans in 2023

Despite VA assistance programs and low-interest home loans, veterans still need to be prepared to work maintenance costs for their home’s major appliances and systems into their budget. The right home warranty plan can save veterans thousands of dollars per year should their home appliances or systems stop functioning properly.

Our in-house team of home services experts evaluated 40+ reputable home warranty companies for cost-effective coverage and veteran-specific promotions, narrowing down the list to the following five providers:  

1. Choice Home Warranty: Best overall
2. Liberty Home Guard: Most trustworthy
3. Select Home Warranty: Most cost-effective plans
4. American Home Shield: Best customizable plans
5. The Home Service Club: Quickest service

1. Choice Home Warranty

Choice Home Warranty (CHW) is a tried and tested option for veterans searching for catch-all home appliances and systems protection at a reasonable rate. CHW splits its coverage into two easy-to-understand base policy levels — Basic and Total. 

New enrollees who sign up for either plan will get an additional $50 toward their premium plus one month of free coverage. Veterans will also receive an extra 20% off* through Choice’s military discount but must provide proper identification and proof of service to access these benefits. 

Veterans can also transfer their CHW coverage between addresses for $0 should they ever decide to move again post-service. 

Choice Home Warranty is available in 49 states and Washington, D.C., excluding WA. 

*State-specific limitations may apply. 

Key Highlights

• Offers live customer service support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year
• Customer has access to CHW’s network of over 25,000 licensed, pre-screened technicians
• All repairs and replacements performed by an in-network technician are backed by a 90-day workmanship warranty on parts and 60 days on labor. Any malfunctions within those time frames will be addressed free of charge by CHW. 

Plans, Cost, and Coverage 

• The Basic Plan ($45 per month / $560 per year): Covers dishwashers, garbage disposals, ovens/cooktops/stoves, built-in microwaves, cooktop exhaust, ceiling fans, hot water heaters, ductwork, plumbing systems/plumbing stoppages, electrical systems, heating systems, whirlpool bathtubs, and toilets
• The Total Plan ($53.33 per month / $660 per year): Covers all of the above plus air conditioning systems, refrigerators, clothes washers, and dryers
• Optional Add-Ons ($40-$180 per year): Offers coverage for septic systems, septic tank pumping, pool/spa, limited roof leaks, well/sump pumps, central vacuums, second refrigerators, and stand-alone freezers
• Service Fee: $85

Get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty by filling out this online form or calling 929-400-6164. 

Visit our complete Choice Home Warranty review for more information on this company.

2. Liberty Home Guard

As one of the few home warranty companies with an A rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Liberty Home Guard (LHG) offers systems and appliance coverage that veterans can trust. 

Liberty Home Guard categorizes its coverage into an appliance plan, a home systems plan, and a combination package that integrates both. New joiners who sign up with any of these policy levels will be rewarded with their first month free, plus an additional $200 off, and complimentary roof coverage. 

LHG does offer a military discount, though the rate varies by state and your specific level of coverage. You’ll need to generate a free quote or speak with a live representative for an exact discount estimate. 

Liberty Home Guard doesn’t offer coverage in WA or WI.

Key Highlights

• Standard AHS home warranty policies start at just $1 per day
• Offers 41+ unique optional coverage riders for policyholders to maximize their policy scope
• Doesn’t enforce a binding contract, meaning you can cancel at any time  

Plans, Cost, and Coverage 

• Appliance Guard ($70 per month / $700 per year): Covers 11 appliances including, refrigerators, built-in ice makers, built-in microwaves, garbage disposals, clothes washers/dryers, and more 
• Systems Guard ($74.99 per month/$750 per year): Covers nine systems specifically, heating, air conditioning, electrical, ductwork, plumbing, water heaters, toilets, bath exhaust fans, and ceiling fans
• Total Home Guard ($79.99 per month/$799.99 per year): A combination of the 20 appliances and systems in both plans mentioned above. 
• Optional Add-Ons ($49.99 – $299.99 per year): Offers coverage for septic system pumping, well pumps, sump pumps, pool/spa, water softener, central vacuums, second refrigerators, stand-alone freezers, limited roof leaks, and re-keying
• Service Fee: $75

For a free quote from LHG by filling out this online form or by calling 866-451-2281.

Read more about this home warranty company in our Liberty Home Guard Review. 

3. Select Home Warranty

We’ve ranked Select Home Warranty (SHW) as the most cost-effective home warranty carrier for its stacked seasonal promotions and a service call fee of only $60. 

While Select doesn’t currently offer a military discount, veterans and other new joiners are eligible for an extra $150 off plus two months of free home protection and complimentary roof leak coverage at sign-up. 

Veterans who choose Select will also have access to an unlimited number of covered home repairs and replacements. There is, however, an annual cash limit of up to $2,000 depending on the item being serviced. Any maintenance work covered by SHW is guaranteed for 90 days following the service appointment. 

Select Home Warranty is not available in WA, NV, WI, or NY.

Key Highlights

• $60 trade call fee is one of the lowest you’ll find industry-wide, compared to some competing provider that charge up to $125
• 30-day money-back guarantee so long as you haven’t yet used your benefits
• Offers 24/7 customer service, so you can file a claim at any time

Plans, Cost, and Coverage 

• The Bronze Care Plan ($58 per month / $630 per year): Covers 8 appliances, including stoves/ovens, built-in microwaves, refrigerators, dishwashers, garbage disposals, clothes washers/dryers 
• The Gold Care Plan ($57.67 per month / $630 per year): Covers 6 systems, including heating, air conditioners, ductwork, plumbing, electrical, and water heaters 
• The Platinum Care Plan ($62.08 per month / $699.99 per year): Covers all 14 appliances and systems above, as well as ceiling fans, garage door openers, and plumbing stoppages
• Optional Add-Ons ($39.99- $99.95 per year): Offers coverage for septic systems, well/sump pumps, pool/spa, sprinkler systems, central vacuum, stand-alone freezers, second refrigerators, and ice makers
• Service Fee: $75 to $125 (varies by state)

To get a free quote from SHW, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953.

Check out our Select Home Warranty review for more details. 

4. American Home Shield

Serving homeowners across the U.S. since 1971, American Home Shield (AHS) is a veteran of the home warranty industry itself. While there are no American Home Shield military discounts at this time, it still provides incredibly versatile coverage perfect for veterans looking for a made-to-order policy. However, AHS partners with Operation Homefront to offer free home warranty appliance coverage on the mortgage-free homes the non-profit provides to veterans and their families.

American Home Shield offers three different standard coverage levels. Its most comprehensive plan, ShieldPlatinum, includes an exhaustive list of home appliances and systems, plus free roof leak repairs, free HVAC tune-ups, unlimited A/C refrigerant, and coverage for construction permits. 

AHS also gives its customers the option to choose from three service call fees of $75, $100, or $125. Veterans who prefer a higher service call fee will benefit from a lower monthly or annual premium, and vice versa. 

American Home Shield is available in 49 states and Washington, D.C., but not Alaska. 

Key Highlights

• Serves a customer base of over 2 million members nationwide
• Doesn’t require an initial home inspection or appliance maintenance records for coverage eligibility
• Offers a 30-day workmanship warranty for all repairs done by an AHS in-network technician

Plans, Cost, and Coverage 

• ShieldSilver ($29.27- $44.27 per month / $347.88 – $527.88 per year): Covers 19 systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, home security alarms, water dispensers, bathroom exhaust fans, and more.
• ShieldGold ($39.27 – $54.27 per month / $467.88 – $647.88 per year): Covers 23 systems and appliances, including but not limited to trash compactors, doorbells, re-keying, and garage door openers
• ShieldPlatinum ($59.27 – $74.27 per month / $711.88 – $891.88 per year): A combo plan covers 27 systems and appliances, including roof leaks.
• Optional Add-Ons: Offers coverage for septic pumps, well pumps, roof leaks, pool/spa, and guest house repairs
• Service Fee: $75, $100, or $125

For a free quote from AHS, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839.

Learn about this provider by visiting our full American Home Shield review. 

5. The Home Service Club

Covering new customers after a waiting period of just ten days following initial enrollment, The Home Service Club (HSC) offers some of the quickest coverage among all leading home warranty companies. 

HSC keeps its coverage simple yet still robust by offering two main policies — the Standard and Comprehensive Coverage Plans — plus a one-of-a-kind real estate home warranty plan for properties currently listed on the market. 

The Home Service Club’s main plan options have a few unique inclusions that aren’t often seen as standard coverage items, like alarm and telephone wiring, smoke detectors, doorbells, and more. 

Key Highlights

• Customers can choose between three service call fee options of $60, $75, and $95
• All HSC-sponsored repairs/replacements are covered for 90 days on parts and 30 days on labor
• Has an impressive service network of over 10,000 licensed technicians

Plans, Cost, and Coverage 

• Standard Coverage Plan ($50 per month / $650 per year): Covers 18 systems and appliances, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, dishwashers, refrigerators, freestanding ice makers, trash compactors, and more.
• Comprehensive Coverage Plan ($62.90 per month / $800 per year): Covers 33 systems and appliances as well as telephone and alarm wiring, pest control, smoke detectors, plumbing stoppages, and more. 
• Optional Add-Ons ($3.33 to $16.66 per month): Offers additional coverage for water/sewer/gas/power lines, roof leaks, sprinkler irrigation, sewage ejector pumps, well pumps, pool/spa, jetted bathtubs, water softener, dual-compressor refrigerators, and freestanding freezers
• Service Fee: $60, $75, or $95

Fill out this online form or call 800-842-9334 for a free quote.

For more information on HSC, visit our The Home Service Club review. 

What is a Home Warranty for Veterans?

A home warranty is a service contract designed to help homeowners offset the costs of servicing essential home systems and appliances as they break down over time. 

Unlike homeowners insurance, home warranties aren’t required for veterans with a VA loan. Yet, while optional, a home warranty protects your home in areas that standard home insurance doesn’t oversee.   

Home insurance offers liability protection from more catastrophic events like hurricanes, tornadoes, fire, and even theft. It won’t cover damage due to normal wear and tear on your home.  Home warranties, however, cover a broad range of repair and replacement services for age-related deterioration around the home.  

Though both home insurance and home warranties are technically a form of insuring your property, the key difference is that a home insurance policy covers your home from unforeseen losses, whereas a home warranty is a protection plan for inevitable maintenance issues. 

Do All Veterans Need Home Warranty Coverage?

Despite the immense savings opportunities and peace of mind that home warranties can offer, choosing to invest in one is ultimately a personal decision.

For veterans, establishing financial security during the transition back into civilian life is understandably challenging. Many veterans live on a budget based on their VA benefits and retirement plans. And although these financial assistance options extend some support, adding a $2,000 air conditioning repair bill to the mix certainly doesn’t help out.

With a home warranty, you’ll pay a fixed amount each month or year, whichever is most compatible with your budget, to keep your access to discounted and convenient home maintenance open.

Whether or not a home warranty is right for you will also depend on the age of your home and appliances. Most home warranty providers offer coverage for appliances of all ages. Still, if you recently had an item installed, it may be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty for a year or two. A home warranty covers far more than just that one item anyway.  

What Does a Home Warranty Plan Cover?

As we’ve mentioned, a home warranty plan covers your home’s major systems and appliances, guaranteeing that you’ll have access to affordable and reliable maintenance should an item ever stop working due to natural overuse. 

When you start shopping for a home warranty, you’ll notice an overwhelming number of coverage options and package types out there. Premiums and plan diversity vary from provider to provider. 

The right home warranty for you will depend on your budget and the types of appliances or systems you have in your home. The bottom line is home protection is important, and a home warranty will help insure functional assets of your home, like:

Home Appliances	Home Systems	Common Add-Ons
Garbage disposals Built-in microwave Refrigerator Ranges/Ovens/ Cooktops Dishwashers Clothes washers Clothes dryers Garage door openers	Heating Plumbing Electrical  Ductwork HVAC Systems Water heaters Central vacuum	Pool and spa Limited roof leak Sump/well pumps Septic systems Stand-alone freezers

How Much Does a Home Warranty for Veterans Cost?

The average cost of a standard home warranty without any policy riders is about $40 to $60 per month or $480 to $720 per year. However, veterans and active-duty service members can usually receive up to 20% off their premiums when they sign up with a home warranty provider offering a military discount. 

Beyond your monthly or annual premium, you’ll also be charged an out-of-pocket deductible called a service call fee. In the event that you need to file a claim, you’ll be asked to provide this upfront payment to the in-network technician that your provider dispatches to assess the issue you reported. Service call fees typically range between $60 and $125, occasionally varying based on your ZIP code. 

How Does a Home Warranty for Veterans Work?

If you’re new to home warranties, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the claims process ahead of time. That way, if you ever need to use your benefits, you’ll know exactly where to start. 

Establish a Plan

The first step in protecting your home’s essential systems and appliances is locking in a home warranty plan that best accommodates your budget and coverage objectives. Remember, home warranties are only designed to cover items in good condition at the start of your contract. No home warranty provider will cover appliances or systems with pre-existing issues. 

Opening a Claim

Let’s say the 20-year-old refrigerator in your kitchen finally conks out, and now you need a replacement as soon as possible. So long as the fridge stopped working due to normal wear and tear, your home warranty plan will likely cover it. 

To initiate the resolution process, you’ll need to either call your service provider or submit a claim online. Though most home warranty companies offer 24/7 customer support centers, it can still take up to 48 hours for your claim to be reviewed and verified. 

The Diagnostic Appointment

Before any repairs or replacements are made, your home warranty provider will set up a time for a licensed contractor to come out to your home to troubleshoot and assess what might’ve gone wrong with your refrigerator. The technician will also draft up an estimate for the cost to repair or replace your fridge, which they’ll report back to your provider with. 

The service call fee mentioned in your contract will be due at this initial appointment, so be sure to have that on hand. 

Repairs or Replacements

Promptly following that diagnostic appointment, your provider will schedule the service visit where your fridge will either be repaired or replaced, whichever is more realistic. If a new fridge costs less than ordering new parts and attempting a repair, your provider will likely just replace your fridge. All covered expenses must remain under your annual coverage limit, or else the remainder will be left to you to cover. 

Final Thoughts — Is Home Warranty Coverage Worth it for Veterans?

Homeownership has long been recognized as a fundamental feature of the American Dream. And for retired service members who spent the larger part of their enlistment deployed and constantly shifting between different bases, living in one chosen location is one of the better parts of being a veteran.

Once you’ve secured a home, the expenses of responsible homeownership have just begun. The longevity of your home’s appliances and systems can be preserved through routine maintenance, but eventual hiccups are only natural. It’s in the best interest of any homeowner’s budget, veteran or not, to have a home warranty on the back burner for when something does go wrong.

House Method Home Warranty Ranking Methodology

At House Method, transparency and trust are our most important values for the reader. 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. 

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 ensure no detail was left out.

To make the most of our research, we developed an objective rating system to score each home warranty company 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 and service fees compared 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 judged 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 set them apart from the competition.

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