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over 100,000 user reviews and research-intensive expert opinions.
Updated on
August 4, 2023
A home warranty plan is an agreement between a homeowner and a warranty company. It promises to repair or replace selected home systems and appliances when they break down due to everyday use.
It's a staple for homeowners who understand that promptly tackling minor repairs can prevent hefty expenses. Even with a budget crunch, you can use home warranty plans. But how?
All the companies in the market offer different levels of protection. We have brought you a list of the best basic, premium, and comprehensive plans in the industry. Are you ready to make a wise decision? Let's dive into it.
To help you secure the best home warranty coverage in 2023, we've sorted through the offerings of the market leaders. Take a quick look at the key features of the best five companies.
| Company Name |
|
|
|
|
|
| Basic Coverage | 15 | 14 | 14 (Only Systems) |
8 (Bronze Care only appliances)
6 (Gold Care only systems) |
19 |
| Premium Coverage | 20 | 18 | 23 | N/A | N/A |
| Comprehensive Coverage | N/A | N/A | 25 | 17 | N/A |
| Availability (States) | 46 (All Except California, Nevada, New York & Washington) | 49 (All Except Washington) | 47 (All Except Alaska, New York, & Hawaii) | 47 (All Except Nevada, Washington, and Wisconsin.) | 49 (All Except California) |
| Workmanship Guarantee | 90 Days | 90 Days & 30 Days | 30 Days | 90 Days | N/A |
| Waiting Period | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days |
| Standout Features | Prices The Basic Plan Is As Low As $2/Day | Offers 13 Months Of Coverage | Covers Unknown Pre-Existing Conditions | Runs Regular Discounts On Plans | Charges The Lowest Service Fee Of $50 |
In this section, we will detail the different coverage levels offered under each category of the home warranty plans.
Let’s begin with what these companies offer under their basic plans’ coverage.
To know more about the offered coverage, look at the table below:
| Items | SPHW | CHW | AHS | Select | APHW |
| Plumbing System | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Plumbing Lines | ✓ | ||||
| Plumbing Stoppage | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Toilets | ✓ | ||||
| Built-in Jetted Tub Motors, Pumps, and Air Switch Assemblies | ✓ | ||||
| Faucets & Valves | ✓ | ||||
| Electrical System | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Electrical Lines | ✓ | ||||
| Doorbell | ✓ | ||||
| Main Breaker & Fuse Panel Box | ✓ | ||||
| Heating System | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Water Heater | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Exterior Water & Sewer Line | ✓ | ||||
| Dishwasher | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Refrigerator | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Built-In-Microwave | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Cooktop/Oven/Range/Stove | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Ductwork | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Whirlpool Bathtub | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Ceiling & Exhaust Fans | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Attic & Exhaust Fans | ✓ | ||||
| Garbage Disposal | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Septic System | ✓ | ||||
| Garage Door Opener | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Sump Pump | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Trash Compactor | ✓ | ||||
| Air Conditioners | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Washer & Dryer | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Roof Leak Repair | ✓ | ||||
| Humidifier | ✓ | ||||
If you wish to enhance your basic coverage, you can opt for additional items these companies offer in exchange for some extra dollars. To know more about it, get a free quote now!
These are a moderate range of coverage options containing a few extra items than the basic plans. On our list, only ServicePlus, Choice, and AHS offer plans under this coverage range. Here’s what you get:
Look at the table below for a detailed comparison between the plans:
| Items | SPHW | CHW | AHS |
| Plumbing System | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Plumbing Lines | ✓ | ||
| Plumbing Stoppage | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Toilets | ✓ | ||
| Built-in Jetted Tub Motors, Pumps, and Air Switch Assemblies | ✓ | ||
| Faucets & Valves | ✓ | ||
| Electrical System | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Electrical Lines | ✓ | ||
| Doorbell | ✓ | ||
| Main Breaker & Fuse Panel Box | ✓ | ||
| Heating System | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Water Heater | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Exterior Water & Sewer Line | ✓ | ||
| Dishwasher | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Refrigerator | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Built-In-Microwave | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cooktop/Oven/Range/Stove | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ductwork | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Whirlpool Bathtub | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Ceiling & Exhaust Fans | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Attic & Exhaust Fans | |||
| Garbage Disposal | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Septic System | |||
| Garage Door Opener | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sump Pump | ✓ | ||
| Trash Compactor | ✓ | ||
| Air Conditioners | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Washer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dryer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Installed Instant Hot/Cold Water Dispensers | ✓ | ||
This is the highest range of coverage plans offered by home warranty companies. They include everything from the basic and premium plans and additional items to enhance the coverage. The following companies on our list provide comprehensive coverage plans. Take a look:
For a detailed breakdown of systems and appliances provided under these plans, look at the table below.
| Items | AHS | Select |
| Plumbing System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Plumbing Lines | ✓ | |
| Plumbing Stoppage | ✓ | |
| Toilets | ✓ | |
| Built-in Jetted Tub Motors, Pumps, and Air Switch Assemblies | ✓ | |
| Faucets & Valves | ✓ | |
| Electrical System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Electrical Lines | ✓ | |
| Doorbell | ✓ | |
| Main Breaker & Fuse Panel Box | ✓ | |
| Heating System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Water Heater | ✓ | ✓ |
| Exterior Water & Sewer Line | ||
| Dishwasher | ✓ | ✓ |
| Refrigerator | ✓ | ✓ |
| Built-In-Microwave | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cooktop/Oven/Range/Stove | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ductwork | ✓ | ✓ |
| Whirlpool Bathtub | ||
| Ceiling & Exhaust Fans | ✓ | ✓ |
| Attic & Exhaust Fans | ||
| Garbage Disposal | ✓ | ✓ |
| Septic System | ||
| Garage Door Opener | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sump Pump | ||
| Trash Compactor | ||
| Air Conditioners | ✓ | ✓ |
| Washer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dryer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Roof Leak Repair | ✓ | |
| Installed Instant Hot/Cold Water Dispensers | ✓ | |
Note: APHW offers a Preferred Upgrade as an optional add-on, which you can avail of to get enhanced coverage for selected items. To know more about it, get a free quote now.
Yes! There are. Similar to any other agreement, your home warranty does not cover everything. The following are some standard exclusions:
Apart from these, the home warranty contract has coverage limits up to which they can pay for the repair and replacement of your covered items. The table below shows the aggregate limits offered by each company for systems and appliances covered in the plans.
Systems Limits
$3000/term
Appliances Limits
$3000/term
Systems Limits
$3000/item
Appliances Limits
$3000/item
Systems Limits
$5000
Appliances Limits
Up to $4000/ item
Systems Limits
$500/item
Appliances Limits
$500/item
Systems Limits
$1700/item
Appliances Limits
$550/item
Note: There may be other exclusions to your contract. We recommend reading your service agreement carefully.
The total cost of your home warranty plan depends on the plans, deductibles, and location. The tables below show each company's pricing for their basic, premium, and comprehensive plans. Take a look:
Basic Coverage
$29.99 - $39.99
Premium Coverage
$49.99 - $59.99
Comprehensive
Coverage
$79.99 - $89.99
Deductible
$100 & $125
The premiums these companies charge are usually easy on the pocket.
For instance, the plan provided by ServicePlus aligns well with the industry's average. Also, they often roll out discounts and deals, which make it even more budget-friendly.
Similarly, Choice, AHS, and Select offer packages within the same price bracket. But the deductibles of the first two are on the higher end.
Rounding off our list, we have APHW. They're another pocket-friendly basic option, providing a lower premium and deductible, starting from $39 monthly and $50, respectively!
A home warranty can be an economic safeguard for your home systems and appliances against damage from typical usage. Every provider on our top picks delivers a balance of reasonably priced plans and comparable coverage limits.
ServicePlus Home Warranty stands out for its broad protection offering at competitive prices. Its basic plan is suitable for anyone with a monthly budget of approximately $40. The plan is complemented by regular promotions, which include additional coverage duration at no extra cost. Due to these, SPHW can be a viable option.
Our next pick, American Home Shield, is often highlighted among the leading home warranty providers. They cover the most number of items compared to other providers on this list. Noteworthy aspects of AHS's services encompass coverage regardless of the system or appliance's age, unknown pre-existing conditions, or incorrect installations.
Moreover, AHS prices its basic plan starting from as low as $29/ month. However, some may find the company's premiums higher if they choose the $100 deductible option. Nonetheless, American Home Shield’s extensive range of coverage places them above most other providers.
Moving forward, Choice Home Warranty offers a simple and easy-to-understand plan defined by clear premium charges and a deductible. Despite this, their coverage limits are less generous than other providers.
Another contender, Select Home Warranty, provides two basic plans that cover eight appliances and six home systems separately. This may not be as comprehensive as other providers' options, but homeowners can increase their coverage through the Platinum Care option. Moreover, the company provides regular discounts to customers of up to $150 off on the plans and often toss-in roof coverage for free!
Lastly, America’s Preferred Home Warranty is a great alternative as the Standard plan contains all essential home systems and appliances. APHW is the only company on this list that provides coverage for roof leak repair under its basic plan, which makes it a notable option.
APHW also offers the freedom to choose a licensed contractor. Moreover, the company offers enhanced upgrades at reasonable rates.
You must pay attention to the following crucial details before purchasing a home warranty.
Claim Filing Process
Inform SPHW about the damage as soon as it occurs. You can call the company at 1-800-545-0402 or request service through an online customer portal.
Renewal
SPHW holds the sole right to automatically renew your contract unless you inform the company otherwise 30 days before the expiration.
Transfer
If you sell your property during this contract term, you can notify SPHW regarding the transfer. The company does not charge any transfer fees.
Cancellation
You can get a full refund if you cancel the contract within the first 30 days of purchase. However, after that, you will get a pro-rata refund minus the $50 cancellation charges.
Claim Filing Process
Once the waiting period ends, you can file service requests. Choice will start contacting technicians within 4 hours of receiving your request.
Renewal
The company may auto-renew your contract. If you wish not to go with that, you can write to the company 30 days before the expiration. However, if there’s any change in the pricing, Choice will notify you 60 days before the end of the contract.
Transfer
You can transfer your CHW contract at any time at zero extra fees.
Cancellation
If you cancel your agreement within the first thirty days, Choice will offer you a full refund. Otherwise, you will get a pro-rata refund minus a $50 administration charge.
Claim Filing Process
You can file a claim online or by calling AHS customer care. The company will take up to 48 hours to process your request.
Renewal
AHS plan comes with an auto-renewal option. If you wish to refrain from renewing, contact the company 30 days before the renewal date.
Transfer
AHS allows transferring the plans only when the ownership of the covered home changes during the term. Contact the company at 1-888-682-1043 within 30 days of new ownership.
Cancellation
You will get a full refund if you cancel the contract within the first 30 days. Otherwise, AHS will provide a pro-rata refund.
Claim Filing Process
You can request a service online or by calling SHW at (855-267-3532). The company will assign a contractor immediately and inform you via email or text.
Renewal
The company will contact you regarding renewal or changes (if any) in the contract.
Transfer
If you wish to transfer this contract, you must notify SHW of the new owner's details at provided contact number.
Cancellation
If you opt-out, submit your cancellation request to the company. If you cancel within the first 30 days, you get a full refund. Otherwise, you will get a pro-rata refund of the paid premiums, less a $75 cancellation fee.
Claim Filing Process
When you require a service, call APHW at 1.800.648.5006 or visit their website. The company will provide a claim number, after which you may call a technician.
Renewal
APHW’s contract is renewable. The company will notify you of the proposed renewed costs and terms (if any).
Transfer
Contact the company at 1.800.648.5006 regarding transfer within the first 30 days of a change of ownership.
Cancellation
If you cancel within 30 days of purchase, APHW will provide a full refund. Otherwise, you will get a pro-rata refund of the paid premiums minus 10% of the contract fees.
Note: Sometimes companies change the guidelines, depending on the State’s laws, so we advise you to review the contract carefully.
Investing in a home warranty plan brings peace of mind. You need not worry about breakdowns or finding trusted technicians. A good home warranty company will take care of it. In the end, you’re the one to decide the best option.
However, before choosing, ask yourself, what's your primary need? Consider the cost, the coverage, or the claims process. You can pick the best home warranty coverage for your home by understanding this.