Home warranty policies and homeowners insurance policies may sound identical, but they’re two sides of the same coin. Homeowners insurance covers the damage to your home and property, but home warranties cover damage to the things inside your home, like your appliances and home systems (electrical, plumbing, heating, etc.). However, home warranties, in particular, come with a stigma, as customers often complain of being swindled. 

You may even be thinking, “These policies don’t cover everything. They’re just a waste of money,” and that’s a valid point with less trustworthy providers in the industry. In fact, there are often exclusions in the fine print that can make it impossible for you to get your claims covered, but that’s not always the case. Some policies can be extremely beneficial to homeowners. I’m skeptical of home warranties by nature, so in this article, I aim to highlight facts, explain what you need to know, and help you decide if a home warranty policy is right for you.

Our Top Pick
Best for Customization
VISIT SITE
Limited Time:
$200 Off + 2 Months free + Free Roof Leak Coverage
Best Coverage Limits
AHS Logo
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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
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Limited Time:
$150 Off + 1 Month Free

I’ve rounded up the best home warranty companies in Virginia and used Today’s Homeowner’s specific review criteria to rank these providers. Additionally, while secret shopping, I’ve gotten quotes for a two-bedroom home in Richmond, painstakingly reviewed sample contracts, and scoured the internet to find the most accurate customer reviews. I’ve ranked them according to their plans, coverage, affordability, reputation, customer service, and more. Read on to see how we ranked these companies 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 Virginia Home Warranty Companies

Liberty Home Guard: Best For Customization
Highlights
  • Liberty Home Guard is my top home warranty provider because of its wide range of unique add-ons, its overall customer satisfaction, and the emergency services in its contracts. The fact that this home warranty company covers up to two air conditioning window units is a huge plus for Virginia’s hot and humid summer months, especially for older colonial homes without central air.
  • Before purchasing, always read the ENTIRE sample contract, especially the exclusions and coverage limits. There are catches and surprises, so be sure to keep an eye out for these. Most companies don’t cover damage caused by weather or leaks, so if you live in Virginia Beach or anywhere near the coast, that’s especially important to keep in mind.
  • If you’re handy with home improvement or you recently purchased brand-new appliances, there’s a good chance that you don’t actually need a home warranty. Unless you need frequent, small repairs, it’s probably more practical to pay out of pocket. New appliances may be expensive, but they’re probably not as much as your annual premium and service fees, and that’s assuming that your policy actually covers everything you need it to.

My Expert Recommendation

If you care about customer satisfaction 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 having read through all the competition’s sample contracts, I feel more comfortable choosing it than any other company because it doesn’t have any glaring red flags or scammy terms and conditions.

However, if I owned more expensive appliances or home systems and wanted to make sure they were entirely covered with my policy, I’d look elsewhere since Liberty Home Guard only offers a $2,000 coverage limit on most items.  First American Home Warranty and American Home Shield have high coverage limits that start at almost double what Liberty offers. If you value coverage limits, I’d recommend either First American Home Warranty or American Home Shield.

Today’s Homeowner Tips
If you care about customer satisfaction and overall reliability, I recommend the Total Home Guard plan from Liberty Home Guard. However, if I owned more expensive appliances or home systems and wanted to make sure they were entirely covered with my policy, 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 brands.


Virginia 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. The lawsuit alleges that the company made promises to protect customers from high-cost repairs but went on to deny many claims in bad faith. 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, knowing about the lawsuit, I didn’t feel comfortable recommending Choice Home Warranty to readers.


Compare The Highest Rated Home Warranties In Virginia 

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 Virginia Home Warranties

Best for Customization

Liberty Home Guard

4.6

Our Rating

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

Liberty Home Guard surprised me with its surplus of positive customer reviews. It’s not common for home warranty companies to score very positively on customer review sites, especially because most people only go on those sites to complain, but Liberty scored over 90% positive reviews on most of the review sites, higher than any other company on this list.

Liberty also has 42 different add-on options, more than any of its competitors. These add-ons include unique items like trash compactors, casita guest units, reverse osmosis water filtration systems, and more. It even covers multiple window air conditioner units for homeowners who don’t have central AC — not many companies offer this.

I wouldn’t say that Liberty Home Guard is overpriced, but its most affordable plan costs $49.99 a month, which may be an obstacle to those looking for cheaper coverage. However, its Total Home Guard plan ($59.99/month) is only about $5 to $10 more expensive than the competitors’ comprehensive plans, and it’s not as expensive as the premium options from AFC Home Club ($89) and First American Home Warranty ($72). Additionally, Liberty has only been in business for around seven years (since 2017), so it lacks the experience that other companies have. Companies like ​​First American Home Warranty and American Home Shield have been in business since the 1990s, so that puts Liberty’s newness in perspective.

Liberty Home Guard stands out to me as a top home warranty provider because of its reliability, positive customer reviews, and wide range of coverage options. Liberty offers 42 available add-ons, many of which (grinder pump, freestanding ice maker, etc.) are options that other providers don’t offer. This particular company’s warranties are especially beneficial for homeowners who use window air conditioning units because they cover up to two portable window air conditioning units per home, while 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. Out of all the plans, I would feel most comfortable purchasing that one since it’s a good bargain for comprehensive coverage. However, the Appliance Guard plan seems overpriced, and the Systems Guard plan is basically the same price as the comprehensive coverage. If you’re interested in Liberty Home Guard, you might as well spend the extra $5 to $10 and get the Total Home Guard plan.

We gave Liberty Home Guard a 10/10 rating for its plans and coverage since it has 42 available add-ons and affordable comprehensive coverage. Liberty’s Total Home Guard plan is a major bargain since it’s only $5 more expensive than the Systems Guard plan, but its Appliance Guard plan is a bit pricy for something that 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 $29.16. That being said, I recommend the Total Home Guard plan to anyone looking for comprehensive coverage because of its great value and competitive pricing.

PlanMonthly CostService FeeAvailable Discounts
Systems Guard$54.99$65 – $125$225 off online discountTwo free bonus months (with annual billing)Free limited roof leak protection
Total Home Guard$59.99$65 – $125$225 off online discountTwo free bonus months (with annual billing)Free limited roof leak protection
Appliance Guard$49.99$65 – $125$225 off online discountTwo 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 Richmond, Virginia. 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 Virginia, where rain and snow are common. On the other end of the spectrum, the TV mounting coverage seems unnecessary to me because a new TV mount is inexpensive, and the monthly price is high for that particular add-on.

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 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.

Overall, Liberty is an affordable home warranty provider. We gave the provider an 8.9/10 because its plans range from $49.99 to $59.99, which is very reasonable for the coverage it provides, even though the prices start higher than some competitors. Liberty’s comprehensive coverage is comparable to competitor prices, and it’s not as expensive as the premium options from AFC Home Club ($89) and First American Home Warranty ($72). Additionally, the limited-time $225 online discount is another great perk. For the quality of service and reliability that Liberty brings, its rates are relatively affordable.

In general, I found Liberty’s agents to be very informative, knowledgeable, and helpful, particularly on the sales end. This is common for home warranty providers since most of the company’s efforts are put toward onboarding new customers. However, I found a fair amount of 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 scored Liberty a 7.8 out of 10.

Despite any complaints, Liberty has a higher ratio of positive reviews than the competition, reaching up to 90% positive reviews on sites like Trustpilot and Google. Considering that Liberty is a newer company, that’s a clear sign that it’s doing something right. Most customers praised Liberty Home Guard for its diligent customer representatives and prompt service.  The complaints were about Liberty not covering certain items, being slow to address repairs, or using unlicensed handymen to fix issues. Liberty has also received more complaints recently, resulting in its BBB rating being reevaluated. For that reason, we gave them a 9.1.

Rating SiteRatingNumber of Reviews
BBBNR*Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating
Trustpilot4.72,236
Google4.79,693
Yelp1.348

*Under review due to recent complaints as of Feb 2024. Previously an “A+” rating. 

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

 Note (as of 2/15/24): 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 has a standard but convenient claims process, allowing you to submit your claim by phone or online 24/7. Liberty aims to send a licensed technician to your home within 24 to 48 business hours, although there’s no guarantee. The max payout is $2,000 per claim, but diagnosis and repair are limited to $500 for plumbing, electrical, and add-on items. While the coverage limits aren’t the highest on our list, Liberty is still quicker to address claims than most competitors, so we gave them a perfect score.

Liberty Home Guard is available in all 50 states, giving it a perfect score. Even if you only need a home warranty policy for your state, nationwide availability is typically a sign that a company is more established and has a wider network of technicians that can service your home, so it’s still a good factor to consider when purchasing a policy.

Best Coverage Limits

American Home Shield

4.3

Our Rating

Limited Time:
40% Off Our Most Popular Plan

My favorite things about American Home Shield are that it has very affordable coverage starting at just $17.49 and that it offers high coverage limits for appliances and home systems. American Home Shield has a $5,000 HVAC coverage limit and a $4,000 appliance coverage limit on its ShieldPlatinum plan, which is roughly $2,000 higher than most competitors. Both the ShieldSilver and ShieldGold plans are more than $10 a month cheaper than most competitors’ basic coverage plans, so they’re a great bargain.

American Home Shield has a high number of complaints on customer review sites, even compared to other home warranty companies. AHS has resolved a lot of the issues by reaching out to customers directly and has a B rating on BBB, but the reviews still make me hesitant to choose AHS over competitors. Additionally, AHS doesn’t offer any plans for just your appliances, so there’s no way to get just your appliances covered.

American Home Shield has outstanding coverage limits on its ShieldPlatinum plan, with payouts as high as $5,000 for HVAC  and $4,000 for appliances. The only other company that’s in the same ballpark with appliance coverage limits is First American Home Warranty ($3,500 per appliance in its Starter and Essential plans and $7,000 per appliance in its Premium Plan), so American Home Shield definitely stands out from the rest of the pack. If I purchased a plan from American Home Shield, it would definitely be the ShieldPlatinum plan to get the higher coverage limits. The ShieldSilver is incredibly affordable, but I think the ShieldPlatinum offers the best benefits to homeowners.

However, American Home Shield has more negative reviews than the competition, particularly complaints about items not being covered, shady technicians, and denied reimbursements. If you scroll through Yelp or Trustpilot for a few minutes, you’ll see comment after comment about customers paying out of pocket for repairs. While its low monthly rates and high coverage caps make it a very tempting option, the frequency of complaints gives me pause. Its coverage limits are almost unbeatable, but if you’re looking for a company with a great reputation, I’d look at Liberty Home Guard.

American Home Shield has the most affordable basic coverage on our list, with options starting around $10 to $20 cheaper than most competitors. If you want the best coverage, I recommend choosing the ShieldPlatinum plan since it offers comprehensive coverage with high coverage limits at a competitive price. However, the ShieldSilver plan is a close second because its low monthly price is an extremely good deal. Due to its lack of appliance-only plans and the 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$17.49$100 – $125$150 off a one-year contract
ShieldGold$37.49$100 – $125$150 off a one-year contract40% off ShieldGold Plan
ShieldPlatinum$59.99$100 – $125$150 off a one-year contract

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 Richmond, Virginia. 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

The electronics protection plan is 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, rented items, maintenance, cosmetic damage, insect or animal damage, etc.), so it might not be right for every homeowner.

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 pre-existing 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.)

American Home Shield is one of the most affordable companies on our list. American Home Shield’s basic plans start about $10 cheaper than AFC Home Club’s lowest plan and about $20 cheaper than the other competitors, proving to be the cheapest home warranty available. While the coverage isn’t the greatest on its cheaper plans, basic coverage for under $20 is nearly unbeatable, so I recommend this company for budget-conscious buyers. Be sure to read the entire American Home Shield sample contract before purchasing to learn all the details about your plan.

While many customers had complaints about items not being covered or having to pay out of pocket for a second opinion, others seemed happy with the representatives. More importantly, the company has worked hard to resolve a lot of the complaints on review sites like BBB and Trustpilot. One AHS representative commented on almost all negative reviews and told unsatisfied customers to reach out to trustpilot@ahs.com in order to resolve their claims further. Despite comments that the company is a hustle, the customer representatives clearly care, and they work hard to mend AHS’s reputation.

If there’s one weak point in American Home Shield’s performance, it’s the company’s reputation. While not entirely negative, AHS has significantly more complaints than the competition and lower overall scores on customer review sites. For instance, on Trustpilot, 78% of reviews were 1-star. Most of the complaints were regarding items that weren’t covered, issues with repairs, and logistical errors that resulted in inaccurate billing. One Trustpilot review stood out to me during my research, in which the customer wrote, “I am truly disappointed with my experience with American Home Shield Warranty. Their coverage fell short when my water heater needed replacement, and I was shocked to find out I had to pay $1,150.25 out of pocket.”  This customer review may seem harsh, but it’s important to consider the worst-case scenario when purchasing a policy, especially when your own money is at stake.

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’s also resolved 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
Trustpilot2.15,158
Google2.82,379
Yelp1.0826

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

In general, 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. Some customers noted problems with the contractors that AHS used, but overall, the agents worked quickly to get claims resolved.

American Home Shield operates in all of the continental United States, which is why we gave it a perfect availability score. Companies that operate nationwide have more accountability to their customers and to the general public, which reduces the chances of a scam.

Today’s Homeowner Tips
Be sure to shop around and get multiple quotes from different home warranty providers before purchasing. Many companies have promotions over the phone that could save you money, so we recommend always calling a representative first to see if you can get a deal.
Best Value

Select Home Warranty

4.2

Our Rating

Limited Time:
$150 Off (Code HOUSE25)

Select Home Warranty offers the cheapest comprehensive coverage plan on our list, which is no small feat. At under $50 ($5 to $10 cheaper than competitors), it’s an amazing value. Additionally, Select Home Warranty’s plans come with free roof leak protection, a feature that most other companies only offer as an add-on and is extremely helpful for rainy seasons in Virginia.

Select Home Warranty is also very active on review sites and responds to customer complaints in a timely manner. This shows that even if some issues slip through the cracks, the company still cares and wants to make things right, which says a lot about the level of effort Select puts into its customer service.

Select Home Warranty has extremely low coverage limits, with appliances capped at $500 per item, and additional coverage items at $400. Most competitors cap appliances around $1,000 to $2,000, so $500 is very low in comparison. Select also doesn’t offer as many add-ons as the competition, which can be inconvenient for homeowners with specialty items. Additionally, according to Select’s terms and conditions, you must contact Select within three days of discovering a malfunction for your claim to be accepted. Select also doesn’t cover unknown preexisting conditions, so there’s a lot of red tape when it comes to submitting a claim.

Select Home Warranty is great if you want the most affordable comprehensive coverage or if you want free roof leak protection with your plan. Most other competitors don’t even offer roof leak protection, and the ones that do normally offer it as a paid add-on (Liberty Home Guard offers it as a free promotion, but it’s a limited-time offer). Since its coverage limits on appliances are particularly low, I would only consider the Gold Care or Platinum Care plans from Select Home Warranty.

However, Select’s terms and conditions are a bit too strict for my liking. Select requires you to contact the claims department within three days of discovering a malfunction for your claim to be accepted. Select also doesn’t cover unknown preexisting conditions, which can be a huge hassle down the road. Strict terms aren’t a total dealbreaker, but they can come back to bite you. I strongly recommend familiarizing yourself with your contract before making any claims.

Select Home Warranty offers free roof leak coverage with all its standard plans, which is a huge plus. However, the Bronze Care plan is a poor value for the money because Select’s appliance coverage limits are so low (as noted in the “What I Didn’t Like” section), but both the Gold Care and Platinum Care plans are a good value since they cover home systems as well. The Gold Care plan is priced about the same as competitors’ home system plans, but the Platinum Care plan is a particularly great deal thanks to its larger range of coverage for just slightly more money. For under $50 (and only $3 more than the Gold Care plan), I recommend the Platinum Care plan to new buyers.

PlanMonthly CostService Fee*Available Discounts
Gold Care$44.42$75 – $100$150 off any planFree roof leak coverageTwo extra months FREE (when you’re billed annually)
Platinum Care$47.75$75 – $100$150 off any planFree roof leak coverageTwo extra months FREE (when you’re billed annually)
Bronze Care$44.42$75 – $100$150 off any planFree roof leak coverageTwo extra months FREE (when you’re billed annually)

*Service fees can vary based on your location and the length of your contract.

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 Richmond, Virginia. 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

The lawn sprinkler system is a very convenient add-on that not every home warranty company offers. It also comes at a reasonable price, so it’s worth it for homeowners who want to protect their sprinkler systems, especially in Virginia, where there are plenty of homes with lawns that need watering.

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

Select Home Warranty is the only provider on this list to offer comprehensive coverage for under $50 (with the online discount), which is extremely rare and a great value. It’s also worth noting that Select Home Warranty has some of the lowest service rates on our list ($75 at the lowest), which is a plus for budget-conscious buyers. The rest of the plans are about the average price for their coverage, so the Platinum Care plan is the best value. I’ve been able to get a lower monthly fee when speaking with a customer service representative, so I advise that you talk to a representative over the phone to score the best deal.

Be sure to read the entire Select Home Warranty sample contract to learn all the details about your plan.

Select Home Warranty performs better than average among all home warranty providers (the industry average, according to our review criteria, is 6.7) and is on par with the other companies in our list, so we gave them an 8.1 out of 10. The customer representatives are very knowledgeable, but they tend to gloss over some of the strict terms and conditions in the contract. While this isn’t uncommon with home warranty policies, it could be improved — customers should be aware of its strict claims process and three-day window to submit claims.

At first glance, the ratings in the table below may seem sub-par, but Select Home Warranty’s scores are about average for the home warranty industry. Most people only review a company when something goes poorly, and in the case of home warranties, there’s a lot of fine print that can result in claims getting denied. However, Select is more active than competitors on review sites and works to resolve any complaints that customers post, so we gave Select Home Warranty an 8 out of 10.

Rating SiteRatingNumber of Reviews
BBBBCustomer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating
Trustpilot3.74,561
Google1.627

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

Select Home Warranty ranks in the middle of our list when it comes to its claims process. You can submit claims to Select Home Warranty online or over the phone.  Select 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. We rated them at a 7.6 because the company offers standard methods for making claims, but it doesn’t pay out as much as some competitors due to its low coverage limits (appliances capped at $500 per item, and additional coverage items at $400).

Select Home Warranty operates in 47 states, so according to our review standards, we gave it a perfect availability score. While nationwide availability isn’t the most important factor, it shows that Select Home Warranty has been a legitimate business throughout the entire country and isn’t a scam.

Best for Additional Benefits

AFC Home Warranty

4.3

Our Rating

Limited Time:
$200 off + free roof leak coverage

AFC Home Warranty impressed me with its workmanship guarantee for the lifetime of your membership. This 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 without charging additional service fees. Other companies’ 30-day or 60-day guarantees simply can’t match that. Additionally, AFC lets its members pick their own technicians, a feature that most competitors don’t allow.

My biggest issue with AFC Home Club is that it doesn’t cover unknown preexisting conditions on your systems or home appliances. That means that if a technician finds an issue and can trace it back to before you started your policy with AFC, your policy won’t cover it, even if you had no idea there was a problem. While this isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, it’s definitely something that could create issues down the line. Additionally, the Diamond Plan, which is a luxury plan that covers 18 systems and appliances, electronics and smartphones, and exterior water and sewer lines, wasn’t available when I got my quote in Virginia, so be aware that it may not be available everywhere.

AFC Home Warranty’s workmanship guarantee and ability to let members choose their own service technician are two massive advantages. Some of the most common complaints in the home warranty industry are about untrustworthy contractors, so the ability to choose your own technician goes a long way. Likewise, the workmanship guarantee gives policyholders peace of mind that they won’t have to reach back into their pockets to fix something that the home warranty provider should’ve already handled.

However, AFC’s refusal to cover known or unknown preexisting conditions is a red flag. While this isn’t a total dealbreaker (it’s pretty common in the industry), it could definitely cause problems down the line. It basically acts like a contract loophole that can give the company a way out of paying for repairs, which can be risky for homeowners. Despite that, its pros are very impressive, so it could be worth your while. If you do go with AFC, I recommend the Platinum Plan for a reasonable rate on comprehensive coverage.

AFC Home Warranty typically offers four plans instead of the traditional three, but the Diamond Plan isn’t available in Virginia. However, the Silver Plan starts at $32.25, which is a great bargain for kitchen and laundry appliance coverage. If I were to choose a plan from AFC, I would choose the Platinum Plan because I think it’s a good value for comprehensive coverage, roughly $5 cheaper than Liberty Home Guard’s comprehensive plan. AFC also gives buyers the option to choose a one-year term or a three-year term, giving consumers an average of 13% savings when they purchase the latter. The company also has flexible service fees, which is a very convenient feature that only a few companies on our list offer.

PlanMonthly CostService FeeAvailable Discounts
Platinum Plan$54.58$75 – $125$100 off + Roof leak coverage applied (limited-time promotion)
Gold Plan$49.75$75 – $125$100 off + Roof leak coverage applied (limited-time promotion)
Silver Plan$32.25$75 – $125$100 off + 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 Richmond, Virginia.  Note that the Diamond Plan is not available in this area and may not be available in all regions. 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)

One of the best add-ons AFC Home Warranty offers is the option to cover your exterior septic system, which can be a huge benefit. This isn’t necessarily a rare add-on, but it can be useful.

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 won’t cover any “known OR UNKNOWN preexisting conditions,” meaning that if a technician finds a problem that likely existed before you purchased your policy, it won’t be covered. 

Most companies won’t cover known preexisting conditions, but not covering unknown preexisting conditions can act like a “get out of jail free” card for home warranty providers. It’s tempting to give AFC Home Warranty the benefit of the doubt because they have so many other great qualities, but this is a risky exclusion. Tread lightly.

Overall, AFC’s plans are very affordable, staying within $5 to $10 of what competitors are charging for similar coverage. The Platinum plan is about $5 cheaper than Liberty Home Guard’s comprehensive plan, so it’s an especially good bargain. I also liked that AFC gives you multiple options for service fees ($75, $100, and $125), which can lower or raise your monthly premium depending on which option you choose. Additionally, AFC’s add-ons may seem pricey at first glance, but the costs are for the whole year. Spread out over 12 months, the extra fees aren’t bad at all. For these reasons, we gave AFC Home Warranty a score of 9.1.

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 for customer experience on this list, and part of that is because of its lifetime workmanship guarantee. Additionally, customers praised the company’s friendly agents, and I personally found AFC’s dedication to resolving customer complaints on review sites to be impressive. Despite any complaints, it’s clear that AFC cares about its members.

Even though its overall ratings don’t look too impressive, AFC Home Warranty has a very low number of complaints. To be fair, it also had a lower number of reviews than the competition, but it’s still a good sign that it doesn’t have as many complaints. Customers typically praise AFC for the ability to choose their own provider, which isn’t always the case with home warranty policies. 

Most importantly, AFC Home Warranty has responded to EVERY negative review that I saw in BBB, trying to resolve the issues with the customers. This shows that AFC has very dedicated customer service, even if its overall service could use improvement.

Rating SiteRatingNumber of Reviews
BBBBCustomer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating
Trustpilot3.024
Google3.71,594
Yelp1.9334

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

AFC Home Warranty has the lowest score on our list when it comes to the claims process, and the reason is simple: it doesn’t offer emergency services. Every other provider on our list offers this service, so it’s quite a detriment to AFC. Since it doesn’t offer emergency services and its response time isn’t better than the competition, we gave AFC a 6.8 out of 10.

AFC Home Warranty operates in 49 states, so according to our review standards, we gave it a perfect availability score. Nationwide availability isn’t the most important factor, but it shows that the company has been successful throughout the entire country. Since it operates on a large scale and is accountable on review sites, customers are less likely to be scammed.

Best Appliance Coverage

First American Home Warranty

4.3

Our Rating

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First American Home Warranty’s best feature is that it covers up to $3,500 per appliance in its plans, which is significantly higher than the industry average of around $2,000. The company with the highest appliance coverage limit on our list is American Home Shield, with a $4,000 appliance limit on its ShieldPlatinum plan, so First American Home Warranty is only $500 behind. Additionally, First American Home Warranty has flexible service fees and is the only provider with specific luxury appliance coverage, so homeowners with luxury appliances should definitely purchase the Premium plan.

First American doesn’t offer any plans that only cover home systems. While it’s not necessary, it’s fairly standard for competitors to have both appliance-only plans and systems-only plans, so it would be nice if First American did that as well to give customers more flexibility. Additionally, the company doesn’t have nationwide availability, so it lacks the large networks that other providers bring to the table. Aside from that, First American has very few red flags to watch out for.

First American Home Warranty ranks second best when it comes to its overall score, making it a great alternative to Liberty Home Guard. While Liberty is still my top choice, First American is my backup because of its affordable monthly rates and flexible service fees. First American Home Warranty does a lot of things well, but what may be more important is the lack of things it does poorly. Most other competitors have at least one or two red flags to look out for, but First American doesn’t present any major glaring issues. Even its customer reviews are much better than average, so I would feel more confident choosing it as my home warranty provider.

Additionally, its appliance coverage limit of $3,500 makes it one of the best home appliance insurance companies. While the Premium plan isn’t necessary for someone like me who sticks with more midrange appliances, it would be great for someone who’s looking to cover luxury appliances.

First American Home Warranty offers three plans, but they all have a mixture of appliances and home system coverage. The Starter plan is a great value, but it doesn’t cover AC. On the other hand, the Premium plan is a bit expensive, and it covers a lot of items that aren’t necessary. If I chose a plan from First American, I’d choose the Essential plan. It offers comprehensive coverage at a good price, and it comes with the high appliance coverage limits stated in the previous sections. First American also gives the option to choose service fees of $75, $100, or $125, which gives you more control over your monthly rate.

PlanMonthly CostService FeeAvailable Discounts
Starter Plan$42.00$75 – $125Get a $175 Instant Discount*  Promo Code: WINTER24
Essential Plan$52.00$75 – $125Get a $175 Instant Discount*  Promo Code: WINTER24
Premium Plan$67.00$75 – $125Get a $175 Instant Discount*  Promo Code: WINTER24

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 Richmond, Virginia. The cost data presented was accurate 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 practical is the central air conditioning coverage. Virginia can be extremely hot and humid in the summer, and it’s important to keep your AC in tip-top shape if you want to stay cool. Purchasing the AC add-on with the Starter plan is more cost-effective if you don’t want to purchase an entire comprehensive policy. Regardless of what plan you go with, I recommend purchasing central air conditioning coverage for hot Virginia summer months.

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.

At a 9.3, First American ranks higher than any other provider on our list when it comes to overall affordability because of its reasonable prices and flexible service fees. The Starter and Essential plans from First American Home Warranty are a good value, but the Essential plan covers all major appliances and home systems, and it’s a few dollars less than the price of Liberty Home Guard’s Total Home Guard plan, so I would recommend that plan for shoppers looking for a bargain. It’s worth noting that First American won’t reimburse you for services performed without prior approval. Although this isn’t uncommon, it could add to your overall cost. Be sure to read the entire First American sample contract to learn all the details about your plan.

First American Home Warranty ranks in the middle of the list for customer experience for a few reasons. Its agents are responsive and knowledgeable, but sometimes, getting in touch with them can be difficult when submitting a claim. While the team is generally responsive, its response time varies more than competitors, so we gave First American an 8.1 out of 10.

First American Home Warranty has a good reputation and is second only to Liberty Home Guard on our list. Additionally, it received particularly good reviews on both Google and Trustpilot. Earning 4.1 stars on a review site may not seem like a huge accomplishment, but in this line of work, it’s essentially a perfect score. The majority of reviews on Trustpilot were five stars, with many customers praising the company’s quick service and simple claims process. One customer, Grace, said:

“Within a few hours, the repairman came and diagnosed that a replacement was necessary. The company had a check to us in very short order. We are very impressed with the service we have received.”

Many of the top reviews echoed this sentiment. On the other hand, many complaints mentioned poor communication and no-show contractors. Overall, we gave First American an 8.9 for its abundance of positive reviews.

Rating SiteRatingNumber of Reviews
BBBBCustomer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating
Trustpilot4.113,525
Google2.82,428
Yelp1.0418

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

At an 8.4, First American Home Warranty sits in the middle of our list when it comes to its claims process, mainly due to its response times. First American has an average response time of around 48 hours, and while that’s reasonable, it’s not particularly fast. Many companies on our list have an average response time of 12 hours or less, so we gave First American a respectable 8.4.

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 at all for Virginia residents, but it’s worth noting. First American Home Warranty is still active in more than half the country, so that’s enough to earn a decent reputation and nationwide recognition. Still, since its availability isn’t up to par with the rest of the competition, we gave it a 6 out of 10.


Calculate the Cost of a Virginia 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

Virginia Home Warranty Regulations

Home warranty providers, referred to as “home service providers” in Virginia law, must first register with the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services and pay a fee of $300 per registration and annual renewal before serving customers. Additionally, before registering, each company must have at least $10,000 in reserves for its “obligations under its home service contracts issued and outstanding in the Commonwealth.” For more information, read Virginia’s laws on home service contract providers.

Virginia also has regulations on home protection companies (homeowners insurance providers) and implied warranties for new homes. While these aren’t directly related to home warranties, they can still be worth looking into if your home is brand new and might still be covered by your home’s implied warranty.

Virginia Home Warranty News

According to ABC 7 News in Woodbridge, VA, several residences built by Lennar Homes have had rodent infestations and bug problems immediately after moving in. The local news article states that “Lennar’s home warranty policy covers many repairs, but does not include pest control.” It’s important to note that many of the home warranty policies on this list don’t cover pest problems. Regardless of whether you have a new construction, implied warranty, or a purchased home warranty policy, be on the lookout for pests, and always understand the inclusions and exclusions of the warranty you choose.

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FAQs about the Best Home Warranties in Virginia

Do You Need a Home Warranty in Virginia?

Virginia law doesn’t require homeowners to purchase a home warranty plan, but it can still be beneficial for quick and easy repairs.


How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in Virginia?

The average cost of a home warranty in Virginia is $47.61 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 Virginia?

To get the best rates on your home warranty policy, make sure to watch for online deals and promo codes or call a customer representative to make sure you’re getting the best pricing. Don’t be afraid to ask if they have any promotional deals because there’s a good chance it’ll pay off.


Is a Home Warranty Worth It for Virginia Homeowners?

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



Other Resources for Virginia Homeowners

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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