We all have experience with unexpected home repairs that quickly become stressful and expensive. It gets really stressful when it breaks some of the major systems or appliances, without any warning. From air condition failure during extreme heat, to plumbing issues or appliances breakdown, we as homeowners often face repair costs that can reach to hundred even thousands of dollars. This is where home warranties come in to plan.
A home warranty is an annual plan that covers the expenses of any repairs that need to be made and parts for replacement of various important components and appliances that become faulty due to daily usage or wear and tear. A home warranty should, however, be differentiated from a house owner’s insurance.
Choosing the right provider is very important. Below is a list of well- known home warranties companies in the United States, along with what they offer and how they compare.
Top Home warranties companies
American Home Shield
American Home Shield is one of the most widely recognized home warranties in the US. They are known for its extensive network of service technicians and nationwide coverage. The AHS often offers flexible plans that cover major systems such as, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing, along with essential appliances.
One of the key advantages is the ability to customize the service fees and coverage levels, and with this they are giving to the customers a more control over monthly costs. Homeowners who want an established provider with broad coverage, they choose American Home Shield.
| Feature | Details |
| Pricing | Starts around $45–$65 per month depending on coverage and location; service fees typically $75–$125 per visit. |
| Number of Plans | 3 main plans: Shield Essential, Shield Plus, Shield Complete |
| Pros | ● Extensive network of service technicians nationwide
● Customizable service fees and coverage levels ● Covers major systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) and essential appliances ● Established, widely recognized provider |
| Cons | ● Some plans may be more expensive than competitors
● Certain pre-existing conditions or older appliances may have coverage limitations ● Claims process can vary by region and contractor availability |
America’s First Choice Home Club
AFC Home Club (America’s First Choice) was originally founded by a group of people who were service oriented. It has plans ranging from a duration of one to three years. The warranty plans are affordable and convenient. This home warranty company stands out for its flexibility, because you can choose your own licensed and insured technician using their network. Monthly costs are from $40-$80, with service fee of $75-$125.
However, like most home warranties, it has coverage limits (often around $3000 pre item), a 30 -day waiting period, and exclusions.
| Feature | Details |
| Pricing | $40–$80 per month depending on plan; service fees typically $75–$125 per visit |
| Number of Plans | Multiple plans with durations from 1 to 3 years |
| Pros | ● Flexible: choose your own licensed and insured technician from their network
● Affordable and convenient plans ● Covers major systems and essential appliances ● Service-oriented company with a customer focus |
| Cons | ● Coverage limits per item (often around $3,000)
● 30-day waiting period for new plans ● Certain exclusions apply ● Claims and coverage may vary by region |
Select Home Warranty
This home warranty company is well known for the plans that are suitable for everyone’s needs. Their plans are customizable. You can choose from their Gold, Platinum and Bronze care plans and further add on the appliances that you think might need coverage for repair.
Select Home Warranty is one of the most affordable options and stands out for including roof leak coverage and frequent discounts (like two months free with paying yearly).
However, it has relatively low coverage caps ($500 per appliance in many cases, up to $3000 for HVAC), and you as home owner must use their network of technicians.
| Feature | Details |
| Pricing | Affordable plans, varies by coverage; service fees typically $60–$125 per visit; discounts often available (e.g., two months free when paying yearly) |
| Number of Plans | 3 main plans: Bronze, Gold, Platinum; customizable with add-on appliances |
| Pros | ● Plans suitable for different homeowner needs
● Customizable coverage with add-on options ● Includes roof leak coverage ● Frequent discounts make it cost-effective |
| Cons | ● Coverage caps are relatively low ($500 per appliance, up to $3,000 for HVAC)
● Must use Select Home Warranty’s network of technicians ● Some exclusions may apply depending on plan |
Choice Home Warranty
Choice Home Warranty sends trained, local technicians within 24 hours of the report of a breakage or leak. In case the technician is unable to repair a certain appliance, this home warranty company takes it on itself to replace the particular appliance. These services have been rated highly by many customers, including positive feedback on sites like ConsumerAffairs. What homeowners should know about this home warranty company?
Choice Home warranty offers two straightforward plans (Basic and Total) with competitive monthly pricing from $49-$70 depending on your location.
Also, what is notable is that they are not available in Washington state.
| Feature | Details |
| Pricing | $49–$70 per month depending on location;
service fees typically $75–$125 per visit |
| Number of Plans | 2 plans: Basic and Total |
| Pros | ● Trained local technicians sent within 24 hours- Replacement provided if repair is not possible
● Highly rated by customers on review sites like ConsumerAffairs ● Competitive monthly pricing |
| Cons | ● Not available in Washington state
● Limited number of plans may offer less flexibility than competitors ● Some coverage caps and exclusions apply depending on the plan |
American Home Guard
This home warranty company is known for its 5 star rated contractors. It has three types of plans, namely red, blue and white.The Blue one is the most popular of the three, as stated by a recent survey. One of their unique features is that they offer a full 30-day money back guarantee.
American Home Guard focuses on quality contractor networks and straightforward plan options with affordable monthly premiums (typically in the $40-$75 range, depending on location and chosen plan). It includes standard coverage for major systems and appliances after a 30-day waiting period. While many homeowners appreciate the contractor quality and the peace of mind from the money-back guarantee, reviews are mixed overall. As with many home warranties companies always request a sample contract to understand the exact limits, exclusions and what’s covered under each color- coded plan before signing up.
| Feature | Details |
| Pricing | $40–$75 per month depending on plan and location; service fees typically $75–$125 per visit |
| Number of Plans | 3 plans: Red, Blue (most popular), White |
| Pros | ● 5-star rated contractors
● Full 30-day money-back guarantee ● Straightforward plan options ● Covers major systems and appliances after a 30-day waiting period ● Affordable monthly premiums |
| Cons | ● Mixed overall reviews despite high contractor ratings
● Standard 30-day waiting period before coverage begins ● Must review sample contract to understand limits, exclusions, and coverage per plan |
Advanced Home Warranty
The most unique feature of this home warranty company is that it does not require any kind of house inspection before granting the warranty. This makes sure that the privacy of the customer is respected and not violated in any form. Along with its annual home warranty plan, the first month is completely free. They provide dedicated technicians who are highly professional.
The company offers straightforward, budget-friendly plans with monthly premiums often ranging from $40-$75, depending on location, home size, and chosen coverage. It features a standard 30-day waiting period and a service fee typically around $75-$100 per claim. Many customers appreciate the easy online enrollment and the added peace of mind from the 30-day money-back guarantee (if applicable to the plan). However, like most home warranties, it has per-item coverage limits and exclusions for pre- existing conditions or improper maintenance.
| Feature | Details |
| Pricing | $40–$75 per month depending on location, home size, and chosen coverage; service fees typically $75–$100 per claim |
| Number of Plans | Annual home warranty plan with optional add-ons; first month free with enrollment |
| Pros | ● No home inspection required- Dedicated, professional technicians
● Easy online enrollment ● Budget-friendly plans ● 30-day money-back guarantee (if applicable) |
| Cons | ● Standard 30-day waiting period before coverage begins
● Coverage limits per item apply ● Exclusions for pre-existing conditions or improper maintenance |
First American Home Warranty
This home warranty company has been around for more than thirty years. However, they are very strict about not covering any pre-existing issues but if there are appliances under their coverage that cannot be fixed, they will definitely get them replaced. They have basic, premium, and optional plans. The optional plan allows you to choose your own set of appliances to be covered under the warranty.
First American is one of the more established providers with plans starting around $35-$50 per month for basic coverage and going up to $70-$90 for the Premium plan (depending on location, home size, and service fee choice). You can select a $100 or $125 service fee per claim. The higher fee often lowers your monthly premium. It offers no home inspection requirement at sign up and no age limits on coverage items. Coverage includes repair or replacement for major systems and appliances after a standard 30-day waiting period. As we said for all home warranties, always review the sample contract carefully for exact exclusions and limits before buying.
| Feature | Details |
| Pricing | $35–$50/month for Basic plan;
$70–$90/month for Premium plan depending on location, home size, and service fee choice; service fees: $100 or $125 per claim |
| Number of Plans | 3 plans: Basic, Premium, and Optional (choose your own appliances) |
| Pros | ● Established provider with 30+ years in business
● No home inspection required at signup ● No age limits on coverage items ● Replacement provided if appliance cannot be repaired ● Flexible service fee option can lower monthly premium |
| Cons | ● Strictly excludes pre-existing issues
● Standard 30-day waiting period before coverage begins ● Coverage limits and exclusions apply; review sample contract carefully |
Total Home Protection
All of the technicians provided by this company are licensed. This makes them one of the most trusted ones in the market. They have plans for yearly as well as monthly basis. There is no limit as far as claims are concerned. Their plans start from as low as $1 per day. Their coverage extends to any appliance irrespective of its make, age or model. Plus, purchasing any single plan entitles you to a free first-month coverage.
Total Home Protection (sometimes associated with or rebranded as TotalProtect/ServicePlus) focuses on affordable, flexible coverage with monthly premiums often ranging from $35-$70 (or around $50-$90 from combo plans), plus a typical $75-$100 service fee per claim. Many homeowners like the low entry price and the free first month. However, like most warranties, there are still per-item caps on payouts, exclusions for pre-existing conditions. This creates a mixed customer reviews, some praise fast service, while others mention claim disputes or lower reimbursements.
| Feature | Details |
| Pricing | $35–$70/month for standard plans; combo plans $50–$90/month; service fees typically $75–$100 per claim; first month free with any plan |
| Number of Plans | Yearly and monthly plans; flexible coverage options |
| Pros | ● Licensed technicians
● Coverage for any appliance regardless of make, age, or model ● Affordable, flexible plans ● No limit on number of claims ● Free first-month coverage |
| Cons | ● Per-item payout caps still apply
● Exclusions for pre-existing conditions ● Mixed customer reviews: some report claim disputes or lower reimbursements |
Old Republic Home Warranty
This home warranty company does not require a home inspection for the plans to get approved. Thus, the privacy of the homeowner is not at stake. It is very convenient and is also available for multi-unit purposes. It provides great coverage and provides a wide range of warranty plans for selection.
One Republic Home Protection is one of the more established providers with three main plans: Basic, Deluxe and Elite. It offers generous coverage limits (up to $6,500 for heating and air conditioning systems each, and up to $7,000 per appliance on the Elite plan). Monthly premiums typically range from $45-$90 depending on the plan, location, home size and your chosen service fee. It has no home inspection requirement, making signup quick and private. Always check sample contracts for your state, as pricing and exact coverage vary.
| Feature | Details |
| Pricing | $45–$90 per month depending on plan, location, home size, and service fee choice; service fees typically $75–$125 per claim |
| Number of Plans | 3 plans: Basic, Deluxe, Elite |
| Pros | ● No home inspection required
● Available for multi-unit properties ● Generous coverage limits (up to $6,500 for HVAC, up to $7,000 per appliance on Elite plan) ● Established and reputable provider ● Wide range of plans to choose from |
| Cons | ● Pricing and coverage vary by state; must review sample contract
● Standard coverage caps and exclusions apply ● Service fee selection affects monthly premium |
Home Membership
Home Membership is a modern alternative to traditional home warranties companies, focusing on flexibility and homeowner control. Instead of being limited to a pre-selected contractor network, homeowners can often choose their own technician, helping ensure better service quality and faster repairs. All plans are designed to be simple and transparent, with clear coverage terms and fewer restrictions compared by many traditional providers.
Home Membership has one of the lowest service fees in the industry at just $25 per claim and high overall ratings (A+ BBB with very few complaints). It offers two main plans: Core and Plus, with monthly premiums typically starting around $55-$70, covering 110+ to 130 items and providing $35,000-$40,000 in total parts and labor coverage. There is no traditional 30-day waiting period, and many customers appreciate the transparency and freedom to pick their trusted repair tech.
| Feature | Details |
| Pricing | $55–$70 per month; service fee $25 per claim |
| Number of Plans | 2 plans: Core and Plus |
| Pros | ● Homeowners can choose their own technician
● Transparent, simple coverage with fewer restrictions ● Covers 110–130 items with $35,000–$40,000 total parts and labor ● No 30-day waiting period ● Highly rated (A+ BBB) with very few complaints |
| Cons | ● Limited nationwide presence compared to some traditional providers
● Fewer plan options than some competitors |
What to look for in a home warranty
Choosing the right home warranty requires more than just comparing monthly costs. If you understand the details of coverage, that will help you to avoid surprises when you need service.
Always look for:
- Coverage limits: Every plan has caps on how much it will pay per repair or per year
- Service fee: This is the amount paid each time a technician visits your home
- Waiting Period: Most plans include a waiting period before coverage begins
- Exclusions: Pre-existing conditions and improper installations are often not covered
- Technician Flexibility: Few providers allow you to choose your own contractor
- Optional add-ons: This is often coverage for pools, spas, wells, and roof leaks (this cost extra)
Advantages of getting a home warranty
1. Peace of mind:
The very first and the most natural benefit that comes out of getting a home warranty is your peace of mind. A home warranty ensures that you need not spend a huge chunk of your finances in repairing your appliances. Once you get a home warranty, you are assured of a tension free living for the stipulated period.
2. Convenient:
Buying a home warranty will ensure that you do not have to frantically search for phone numbers in case of any breakage or leakage. All kinds of damage will be repaired by the home warranty company. You also do not have to spend time and effort in choosing the best service providers around as the home warranty company has already chosen the best ones for you. It is a one-stop solution to all your repair problems.
3. Incentive for buyers:
If you intend to sell your house at some point, a home warranty will make it more attractive in the market. The buyers will be assured that any damage to the appliances or components covered will be repaired completely free of cost. This not only makes the house an attractive deal but also adds to its selling price.
4. One-time investment:
A home warranty purchase is a one-time investment. It involves a one-time payment at the beginning of the plan. Even if some plans allow monthly payments, they are usually very small in denomination. This is better than having to spend frequently on technicians. There is also no account of the total expenditure on repairs of the house if a house warranty is not bought. That is why getting a house warranty for your home is a wise choice.
Are home warranties worth it?
A sudden breakage or leakage in any home appliance can cause great inconvenience in daily life. Sometimes, the damages may also pose a threat to health and life. Having a home warranty ensures that damages are repaired at the earliest. Since the warranties are already paid for in advance, no damage shall remain untended to due to lack of adequate financial means at any point.