A home warranty plan is unique home coverage. With a home warranty, you pay a monthly fee to get financial help and coverage for repairing or replacing home systems or appliances. The home warranty plan will cover a $1000 heating system repair; you’ll pay the service fee. Home warranty plans protect homeowners’ budgets and give them a sense of safety. The best home warranty companies offer high annual payouts, affordable monthly deductibles and service fees, and comprehensive coverage. This article will let you know which home warranty plan fits your home and budget.
List of Contents
AFC Home Club: BEST OVERALL
Service Fees: $75 to $150
Response Time: Excellent
Number of States: 49 + District of Columbia
Overview
AFC Home Club offers four nationwide home warranty plans. These plans cover major home appliances and systems. Additionally, in-ground pools, double ovens, and tankless water heaters can be covered. AFC Home Club launched in 2009. Marietta is its headquarters. The company’s names include America’s First Choice Warranty, AFC Warranty, America’s 1st Choice Home Club, and Crast Inc. All names operate under the same umbrella, and plans and service agreements seem similar. AFC Home Club covers the continental US, excluding Alaska and Hawaii.
Why We Selected It
When evaluating a home warranty company and its coverages, consider several factors. Our method for reviewing home warranties includes a scoring system that evaluates total plan cost, coverage and support, customizability, and transparency. Within these four major evaluation categories, we look at 15 core features, including annual plan fees and service fees, claim response times, payout caps, states available, contract length range, customizable coverages, ability to use your own repair person, free cancelation, plan pricing, plan exclusions, and other online plan provisions. We assign fractional score values from 0.00 to 1.00 for each feature, then weight them based on expert advice and consumer survey importance. We compare each company’s features to the top 25 home warranty providers’ industry averages. Third-party ratings and customer satisfaction help assess a home warranty company’s quality, suitability, and value.
Pros & Cons
Pros
✔ Work covered by a three-year warranty
✔ Many additional plan benefits
✔ A lot of plan choices
Cons
✘ No live chat option on the website.
Plans and Coverage
AFC has 4 plans. Each plan’s three pricing tiers vary in monthly costs and claim fees. In addition, prices reflect the highest level of service.
- Systems Plan ($40.75/month): This plan included coverage for the ductwork, heating system, air conditioning, plumbing systems, water heaters, and electric systems.
- Silver Plan ($33.58/month): This plan included coverage for the garage door openers, refrigerators, washers and dryers, garbage disposals, ranges/ovens/cooktops, and dishwashers.
- Gold Plan ($47.92/month): This plan included coverage for the Systems Plan and the Silver Plan.
- Platinum Plan ($52.75/month): This plan included coverage for the Gold Plan. In addition, ice makers, built-in microwaves, and plumbing stoppages were all covered by this plan.
You can add coverage for these items and systems:
- Pool and spa
- Sump pump
- Tankless water heater
- Hot water dispenser
- Standalone freezer
- Septic system
American Home Shield: BEST PLAN AND COVERAGE OPTIONS
Service Fees: $75, to $150
Response Time: Excellent
Number of States: 49
Overview
American Home Shield (AHS) was founded in 1971. Frontdoor, its parent company, offers AHS home service plans nationwide. Frontdoor owns Landmark, HSA, and OneGuard. American Home Shield is one of the best home warranty companies for homeowners. The 50-year-old company offers comprehensive coverage and excellent customer service. According to Frontdoor, AHS has more than 17,000 contractors in the U.S. Like many home warranty companies, AHS offers plans that cover systems, appliances, or the whole house. It’s also customizable.
Why We Selected It
American Home Shield has the best plans and coverages. But we’re not alone. Over 17,000 Consumer Affairs reviewers gave them 4.3 stars. In the past 5 years, the company has paid $2 billion in warranty claims.
There are 3 plans. Even their most basic ShieldSilver plan covers 14 plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems. Service fees range from $75 to $125, and you can choose your own pre-approved contractor.
American Home Shield’s benefits include discounts on home maintenance services and appliances. In addition, Alaska and DC don’t have them.
Pros & Cons
Pros
✔ Within 30 days, you will receive free warranty service.
✔ Some contractor selection freedom
✔ Discounts are available
Cons
✘ When using your own contractor, you must obtain pre-approval.
✘There is no online chat service.
Plans and Coverage
Three comprehensive plans cost $75 to $125. Prices include the highest service fee:
- ShieldSilver ($34.27/month): This plan included coverage for electrical systems, 14 plumbing, and heating and cooling.
- ShieldGold ($44.27/month): This plan included coverage for 9 extra systems. Laundry appliances and kitchens are also covered by this plan.
- ShieldPlatinum ($67.27/month): This plan included coverage for the ShieldGold plan, HVAC tuneup, roof leaks, and code violations.
You can add coverage for these items and systems:
- Guesthouses (under 750 square feet)
- Pools and spas
- Roof leak coverage (in some states)
- Well pump
- Electronics (extended warranty)
- Well pump
ARW Home: LOWEST SERVICE FEES
Service Fees: $55
Response Time: Excellent
Number of States: 46 + District of Columbia
Overview
ARW Home, formerly known as American Residential Warranty, has served homeowners across the country since 2008. The company has partnerships with some of the nation’s largest corporations, including AIG, The Amynta Group, Lowe’s, GE Appliances, Asurion, and ADT. It offers multiple customizable plans to meet your home’s unique requirements, and its $55 service call fee is among the lowest in the business.
American Residential Warranty provides four standard plans for the majority of residential systems, such as kitchens, HVAC, washers and dryers, and electrical systems. Additionally, they offer two bundled plans with increased coverage. These home warranty programs can often save homeowners money on costly repairs and replacements.
Why We Selected It
Want an affordable home warranty? We like ARW Home’s pricing model. All four of their monthly plans are simple and affordable. Their $55 service fee is a source of savings and simplicity, regardless of coverage or claim type.
ARW Home has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and above-average ratings on Consumer Affairs and Trustpilot.
Non-emergency claims take 48 hours, emergencies 24. The website has live chat. Additionally, except for California, Virginia, Iowa, and Texas, they serve most states.
Pros & Cons
Pros
✔ Live chat on the website
✔ A+ BBB rating and high consumer ratings
✔ Low service fee
Cons
✘ Not available in all states
Plans and Coverage
One-tier pricing makes choosing from four plans easy.
- Kitchen Plus ($34.99/month): This plan included coverage for the dishwasher, kitchen exhaust fan, garbage disposal, built-in microwave, water heater, range/oven/cooktop, interior electric system, and refrigerator (excluding ice maker).
- Heating & Cooling ($39.99/month): This plan included coverage for humidifiers, central air conditioning, interior electrical systems, and central home heating.
- Platinum ($49.99/month): This plan included coverage for Kitchen Plus and Heating & Cooling plans.
- Platinum Premier ($59.99/month): This plan included coverage for the Platinum plan. Moreover, range hood, ductwork, plus ceiling fans, plumbing system, plus ceiling fans, range hood, refrigerator ice maker, and stoppages (fixtures not included) are also covered by this plan.
You can add coverage for these items and systems:
- Food loss
- Built-in microwaves (included with Platinum Premier, Platinum, and Kitchen Plus)
- Deluxe Advantage coverage on certain appliances and systems
- Additional air conditioning coverage
- Clothes washers and dryers (included with Platinum Premier)
- External water or sewer lines
- Well pumps
- Ice makers (included with Platinum Premier)
- Enhanced plumbing coverage that includes faucets and fixtures (“Plumbing Advantage”)
- Water heaters (included with Platinum Premier, Platinum, and Kitchen Plus)
- Pools and spas
- Additional ranges/ovens/cooktops
- Additional refrigerators or freezers
- Plumbing system (included with Platinum Premier)
- Ceiling fans (included with Platinum Premier)
Liberty Home Guard: BEST CUSTOMER RATING
Service Fees: $60
Response Time: Excellent
Number of States: 50
Overview
Liberty Home Guard was founded in 2017 and has expanded nationwide. The company’s home warranty plans are comparable in price to most of its competitors, and their response time to claims is also comparable. Liberty Home Guard’s policies have a low payout cap per item and high service fees. Most customers are happy with the service, though. The company is also proud of its network of 10,000 certified technicians. Liberty Home Guard (LHG) is a new home warranty provider that offers reliable customer service and coverage plans that protect major home appliances and systems from normal wear and tear.
Why We Selected It
Liberty Home Guard has the best customer ratings in the business. 4.63 stars on BBB consumer rate. Moreover, 4.2 from Consumer Affairs. Even Trustpilot gives them a 4.5 rating.
Liberty Home Guard’s three coverage tiers are easy to understand. Appliances, home systems, and both for a few dollars more per month. Any plan has a $60 service fee.
They pay over 10,000 vetted technicians on time to keep them happy and working hard for you. Standard 60-day workmanship warranty outside of California, Wyoming, Wisconsin, and Washington.
Pros & Cons
Pros
✔ Certified professionals
✔ Engage in live chat online
Cons
✘ Not offered in all states
✘ It is not advised to use your own contractors
Plans and Coverage
All three coverage options are included in a single $60 service fee tier.
- Appliance Guard ($49.99/month): This plan included coverage for dishwashers, built-in microwave ovens, ranges/ovens/cooktops, exhaust fans, washers and dryers, garbage disposals, garage door openers, refrigerators, and ceilings.
- Systems Guard ($54.99/month): This plan included coverage for air conditioning, plumbing, water heaters, heating, ductwork, and electrical.
- Total Home Guard ($59.99/month): This plan included coverage for the Appliance Guard Plan and the System Guard Plan.
You can add coverage for these items and systems:
- Re-key
- Limited roof leaks
- Gutter cleaning
- Swamp coolers
- Grinder pumps
- Second refrigerators
- Floor/carpet cleaning
- Pools and spas
- Electronics protection
- Fixtures (lighting and plumbing)
- Septic system pumping
- Additional spas
- Floor/carpet cleaning
- Ejector pumps
- Standalone freezers
- Lawn sprinkler systems
- Water softeners
- Well pumps
- Central vacuums
- Pest control
Cinch Home Services: BEST RESPONSE TIME
Service Fees: $75 to $150
Response Time: Excellent
Number of States: 48
Overview
Cinch Home Services is a home warranty company in Boca Raton, Florida. With over 40 years of experience, Cinch Home Services is one of the most experienced home warranty companies. The company offers three tiers of home repair plans. Cinch Home Services’ home warranty covers knobs, handles, and drawers, which aren’t usually covered. They include a credit for changing AC or fridge filters. Cinch Home Services covers a lot, but they’re pricey. Location affects pricing. Only select locations offer the website’s low starting prices. Those in expensive areas will pay more.
Why We Selected It
Cinch Home Services has the industry’s fastest response time. During regular business hours, you’ll be referred to a contractor within 2 hours; otherwise, you’ll wait 24 hours.
They have three home protection plans. One covers appliances. A mechanical home warranty. In addition, one that combines both for a discount.
Since 1979, Cinch Home Services has operated. Cross Country Home Services existed until 2019. So, they have strong ties to customer-approved technicians. Every contiguous state except D.C. offers.
Pros & Cons
Pros
✔ Generous policy for canceling plans
✔ Simple to comprehend coverage options
✔ Customers’ reviews of technicians
Cons
✘ Only accessible in neighboring states
✘Online chat is not available
Plans and Coverage
Cinch Home Services offers three easy-to-understand plans. Prices are estimated using the highest service fee tier.
- Appliances ($34.99/month): This plan included coverage for freestanding ice makers, built-in microwaves, washers and dryers, ranges/ovens/cooktops, built-in trash compactors, wall ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, range exhaust hoods, and built-in food centers.
- Built-in Systems ($39.99/month): This plan included coverage for electrical system, garbage disposals, instant hot/cold water dispensers, sump pumps, built-in whirlpool/jetted tub, toilets, plumbing systems, garage door openers, central vacuum, attic fans, air conditioning, doorbells, heating systems, smoke detectors, and water heaters.
- Complete Home ($49.99/month): This plan included coverage for the Appliances and Built-in Systems plans.
You can add coverage for these items and systems:
- Well pumps
- Septic systems
- Swimming pools and spas
Conclusion
These policies can give homeowners a sense of security. Many policies offer 24/7 claims service so you can get help immediately. Some home warranty companies let you choose your own contractor, while others send a licensed in-network technician.
Using the service of a home warranty provider is a financial decision that will affect your monthly costs. Choosing the most suitable service provider for your needs can save you money, time, and hassle. Please don’t underestimate the financial burdens unexpected home expenses could have on your family. Look at the list above carefully and defend your wallet from extra and unnecessary costs.
FAQs
A home warranty is a service contract that pays for the repair or replacement of main systems and appliances in your house. It gives homeowners peace of mind because unforeseen breakdowns are covered, regardless of the age of the home or the equipment.
A home warranty has various advantages. It can help you save money on unexpected repair expenses, give you piece of mind knowing that important systems and appliances are protected, and make budgeting for home maintenance expenditures easier. Furthermore, home warranties can increase the value of your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers.
Consider factors such as coverage options, pricing, customer service, and reputation when selecting a home warranty company. Look for a firm that provides complete coverage for the systems and appliances you require, has a transparent pricing structure with no hidden costs, and a reputation for outstanding customer service.
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Read more: Popular Home Warranties
Source: Forbes, Investopedia