The Best Home Warranties for 2021

While homeowners insurance covers losses caused by unexpected events such as fire and weather damage, it won’t help if your water heater breaks down. That’s where a home warranty comes in as a perfect complement to help give homeowners peace of mind.

Home warranties are designed to protect your home’s appliances and systems from breakdowns caused by normal wear and tear. Learn more about the best home warranty providers and their coverage, costs, and plans in this comprehensive review.

To help make it easier for you to choose the right warranty, we reviewed the top home warranty companies to find out how they compare. Our team has analyzed dozens of home warranty providers, grading each on factors such as cost, coverage, and service. This guide is meant to assist you in your search to find the right home warranty for your needs.

Keep reading to learn more about home protection plans to help you choose the right coverage for you and your home.

In This Article:

1. Best Overall: American Home Shield 
2. Best for Aging Homes: Choice Home Warranty
3. Best Perks: Cinch Home Services
4. Best for Value Shoppers: Select Home Warranty
5. Cheapest Service Fee: Liberty Home Guard
6. Most Customizable Plan Options: America’s 1st Choice Home Club
7. Best for New Homes: 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
8. Most Comprehensive Claim Coverage: First American
9. Best Add-On Coverage: Total Home Protection
10. Final Thoughts
11. What is a Home Warranty? 
12. What’s Covered by a Home Warranty?
13. How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost?
14. Are Home Warranties Worth the Cost?
15. How We Picked the Best Home Warranty Companies

Today’s Homeowner works with an independent reviews team to create evidence-based research that helps our readers make informed decisions. The reviews are always independent. For transparency, we may be compensated if you purchase through a link.

*Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings are accurate as of April 2021.

#1 Best Overall: American Home Shield 

American Home Shield has been in business since 1971, and it is our top overall choice. Its home warranty plans are available in 49 states (all except Alaska) and take effect 30 days after purchase. American Home Shield is BBB-accredited with a rating of B.

To make it easy to file and follow-up on a claim, customers can track their claim through the American Home Shield website to more easily receive status updates. When filing a claim, you are assigned a contractor to address your repairs. If you choose to work with a contractor of your choosing instead, they must first be approved by American Home Shield.

Plan & Cost Breakdown

The company offers three different plan options:

American Home Shield also offers a handful of additional coverage options, listed below::

• Pool and/or in-ground spa equipment
• Well pump
• Septic system plumbing and septic sewage ejector pump
• Extended warranties for electronics

These optional add-ons are also available to you:

• Pool and/or in-ground spa equipment
• Well pump
• Septic system plumbing and septic sewage ejector pump
• Extended warranties for electronics

Though the pricing of the plan can vary depending on the plan you choose, the average cost of a home warranty from American Home Shield is around $30-$55 per month. All plans come with a recall period of 60 days for both labor and service recalls.

Plans can be individualized to set service call fees at $75, $100, or $125. By choosing a higher service fee, you may pay less on your premium, while a lower service fee will increase your monthly premium.
For more information about American Home Shield, our top-ranked provider, get a free quote online or call 844-529-9298.

#2 Best for Aging Homes: Choice Home Warranty

Choice Home Warranty is our top pick for homeowners with aging homes. Unlike many of its competitors, Choice doesn’t deny coverage based on the age of systems or appliances. And even though the company has only been in business since 2008, it already provides warranties in 48 out of 50 states (excluding California and Oklahoma). As with most home warranties, service begins 30 days after the plan purchase.

We recommend Choice Home Warranty because they offer inclusive warranties at low prices, while ranking as one of the best warranty companies in terms of customer satisfaction. Choice Home Warranty is currently not BBB-accredited, receiving a rating of B-. Despite this, it has received countless positive reviews on Trustpilot and Consumer Affairs.

Plan & Cost Breakdown

The company offers two different plan options with a choice of add-ons:

The following optional add-ons are also available from Choice Home Warranty:

• Second refrigerators
• Well pumps
• Sump pumps
• Central vacuums
• Pools / Spas
• Limited roof leaks
• Stand-alone freezers
• Septic tank plumbing
• Septic Systems

The average homeowner pays anywhere from $40 to $50 per month, depending on factors such as the coverage and your location. Be aware that the cost of your plan can depend on the size of your home—if it is larger than 5,000 square feet, you could end up paying more.

Service call fees generally range from $60-$85, with a 90-day guarantee on parts and a 30-day guarantee on labor.

Choice Home Warranty does have some caps on specific coverages, so make sure to look over the User Agreement. For a free estimate, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6165.

#3 Best Perks: Cinch Home Services

Cinch Home Services has served homeowners since 1978, and it offers unique perks not included in many other home warranty plans. These include a free water sensor with every plan purchase. In addition, Cinch is available in 48 states, excluding Alaska and Hawaii, so the majority of homeowners can enjoy Cinch’s excellent protection.

We recommend Cinch for its comprehensive coverage and unique benefits. Although Cinch’s prices are higher than many of its competitors, its most comprehensive plan covers 31 items, which is more than the industry average.

Plan & Cost Breakdown

Cinch offers three plans, and there are also several options for add-ons, allowing homeowners to customize their coverage to fit their needs. These prices reflect choosing a $125 service fee, but choosing a higher service fee will result in a lower monthly cost. Choosing a lower fee will slightly increase your monthly cost.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s covered by each plan:

Cinch offers these add-ons, which can be included at the time of checkout:

• Pool
• Spa
• Pool with spa
• Septic tank/pumping
• Well pump
• Premier Upgrade Package

The Premier Upgrade Package covers expenses that are not normally included in typical home warranty plans, up to $1,000 per covered claim.

Depending on the size of your home and location, Cinch customers can expect to pay, on average, between $35 and $45 for the Appliances plan, between $40 and $52 for the Built-in Systems plan, and between $50 and $62 for the Complete Home plan. All work is guaranteed for 180 days.

Homeowners interested in a Cinch Home Services plan can get a free online quote or call 877-589-0505.

#4 Best for Value Shoppers: Select Home Warranty 

Select Home Warranty’s inexpensive plans and $75 service fee make it our top choice for homeowners who are shopping on a budget. This company was founded in 2012, and it is already available in 49 states (all except for Alaska). Its policies also take effect 30 days after purchase.

The company is not BBB accredited and has received a rating of B. To make it easier for customers, Select Home Warranty has a network of local professionals who perform all repairs and replacements. They also make it easy for clients to submit their claims online. 

We recommend Select Home Warranty because it is one of the cheapest home warranties, while still giving you value for your money. The company even offers discounts, especially for those who choose to purchase coverage for multiple years. 

Plan & Cost Breakdown

The company offers three different plan options:

You can also add-on coverage for the following items:

• Pool and spa
• Central vacuum
• Sump and well pumps
• Roof leaks
• Stand-alone freezer
• Lawn watering system
• Septic tank and system
• Lighting and plumbing fixtures
• Refrigerator ice maker

None of Select’s plans costs more than $50, making it among the cheapest companies in the industry, and its free roof-leak coverage and inexpensive service fee are two additional cost-saving perks to a Select Home Warranty plan. For a free quote, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3956.

#5 Cheapest Service Fee: Liberty Home Guard 

Liberty Home Guard is a newer company in the home warranty space, founded in 2019. Liberty serves 45 states, excluding California, Illinois, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Liberty Home Guard’s prices are excellent. Its $60 service fee is the lowest in the industry. 

Liberty’s plans are affordable, and its service is fast. Liberty estimates that more than half of covered claims have a technician on site to make repairs within 24 hours. Liberty’s plans cover the essentials, and it offers 28 add-ons, which allows customers to choose coverage that suits their needs without paying for extra coverage they don’t need.

Plan & Cost Breakdown

Here’s what’s covered by each of Liberty Home Guard’s three plans:

If any of these plans is lacking coverage, you can add on coverage at the time of checkout. Here’s a full list of Liberty’s 28 add-ons:

• Pool and spa
• Well pump
• Additional spa
• Stand-alone freezer
• Lighting fixtures
• Gutter cleaning
• Floor and carpet cleaning
• Lawn sprinkler system
• Swamp cooler
• Second refrigerator
• Ice maker
• Wine cooler
• Generator 
• Grinder pump
• Sump pump
• Central vacuum
• Septic tank pumping
• Limited roof leak
• Re-key 
• Pest control
• Water softener
• Electronics protection
• Ejector pump
• Trash compactor
• Freestanding ice maker
• Saltwater pool
• Plumbing fixtures
• Water dispenser

Liberty’s plans come with a 30-day money back guarantee, and all services come with a 60-day workmanship warranty. Service can be requested 24/7, and a Liberty agent will appoint one of its 10,000 certified technicians to come and make repairs. For more information on Liberty and its low service fees, get a free quote online or call 866-452-9107.

#6 Most Customizable Plan Options: American’s 1st Choice Home Club 

We have found that the most customizable plans are provided by America’s 1st Choice Home Club. The company has been in business since 2009 and provides services in all 50 states. Its policies begin 30 days after purchase.

Not only does America’s 1st Choice Home Club offer the most customizable plan options, it also has some of the most liberal policies for choosing your own repair contractor. As long as a contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured, no prior approval is needed for them to proceed on repairs.

The company is BBB-accredited and has received a rating of B. America’s 1st Choice Home Club has received significantly fewer BBB complaints than any of the other top warranty providers, a testament to the quality of their customer service.

Plan & Cost Breakdown

The company offers four different plan options:

You can also choose from the following optional add-ons:

• Sump pump
• Septic system
• Hot water dispenser
• Pool and spa
• Stand-alone freezer
• Tankless water heater

Additional coverage is available to add for any plan for sump pump, septic system, hot water dispenser, pool and spa, stand-alone freezer, and tankless water heater.

To get a free quote, fill out this online form or call 877-755-1115.

Pricing for plan options will depend on the type of plan and service fee amount you choose, but an annual premium can start as low as $32 per month. Certain discounts are available, depending on the length of the contract or if you choose to pay the amount upfront instead of in installments. AFC’s service fee options include $75, $100, and $125. For a free estimate about an AFC plan, get a free online quote or call 877-755-1115.

#7 Best for New Homes: 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty 

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty (2-10 HBW) was founded in 1983, making it one of the most experienced providers in the home warranty industry. 2-10 HBW offers standard home warranty plans that cover appliances and systems, but it also offers structural warranties for new construction homes, including coverage for items such as distribution systems, columns, and load-bearing walls. 

Plan & Cost Breakdown

2-10 offers three home warranty plans with a variety of add-ons. The Simply Kitchen plan covers kitchen appliances only, while the Complete Home and Pinnacle Home plans add home systems to the existing appliances coverage. 

The Pinnacle Home plan covers the same items as the Complete Home plan, but it adds coverage for several items and occasions not covered by the Complete Home Plan. With the Pinnacle Home plan, cosmetic parts are often covered, as well as crane cost and filters. Clothes washers and dryers are only available as an add-on. Here’s a breakdown of 2-10’s coverage:

Here’s what’s included in the Supreme upgrade, which is available with the Pinnacle Home plan but can also be added for $10 per month to any plan:

• Cosmetic items on appliances
• Crane cost
• Filters
• Refrigerant recovery and recharge ($150)
• Electrical cut off switches
• Faucets and faucet handles
• Shower heads, arms, and tub spouts
• Interior and exterior hose bibs
• Concrete encased or concealed water, plumbing leaks
• Haul away fees
• Burglar and fire alarms
• Attic and bathroom exhaust fans

If you need additional coverage, here are some of 2-10’s offerings, including a Luxury Package to increase your coverage’s dollar limits:

• Luxury Package
• Washer and dryer
• Roof leak
• Supreme upgrade
• Maximum HVAC coverage
• Garage-door opener
• Additional refrigerator
• Additional wine cooler
• Additional freezer
• Additional wet bar refrigerator
• Pool
• Septic system
• Well pump
• Water softener
• Extended pipe leak
• HVAC tune-up

2-10’s prices are competitive, and these rates reflect a standard $85 service fee. Homeowners can also choose a $65 or $100 service fee for maximum customization. For more information about 2-10 HBW, get a free online quote or call 855-498-4719.

#8 Most Comprehensive Claim Coverage: First American 

First American Home Warranty is available in 35 states and provides the most comprehensive claim coverage on our list. This company was founded in 1984 and its policies begin 30 days after purchase.

First American is BBB-accredited with a rating of B+. While we ranked it third in regards to customer complaints, First American Home Warranty actively tries to address all complaints, especially those listed on the BBB site. 

Plan & Cost Breakdown

The company offers two different plan options:

You also have the option for several add-ons:

• Central air conditioning (electric)
• Additional fridge
• Pool/spa equipment
• Well pump
• First Class upgrade

The First Class Upgrade includes: Limited code update, building permits, haul away, cranes or other lifting equipment, deluxe A/C coverage, and additional protection. 

On average, the Basic Plan costs $37 per month, while the Premier Plan costs $49.50 per month, and both plans come with an $85 service fee. Homeowners can make unlimited service requests, and all plans have a recall period of 30 days. Fill out this online form or call 833-777-0049 to get a free quote.

#9 Best Add-On Coverage: Total Home Protection 

Total Home Protection has served homeowners since 2016. In a few short years, it has already expanded service to include 48 states, all except California and Nevada. Total Home Protection’s several add-ons are easy to include at checkout and are very competitively priced. For customers who want to customize their home warranty plans, Total Home Protection’s low base prices allow flexibility when adding items.

Plan & Cost Breakdown

Total Home Protection offers Gold and Platinum plans with a handful of available add-ons. The Gold plan covers appliances and systems around the home, and the Platinum plan adds protection for five of your home’s most essential items. Here’s a full list of coverage from Total Home Protection:

All plans with Total Home Protection come with a $75 service fee, which is low for the industry. Here’s a full list of Total Home Protection’s add-ons:

• Pool
• Spa
• Limited roof leak
• Central vacuum
• Sump pump
• Well pump
• Septic system
• Septic pumping
• Second refrigerator
• Stand-alone freezer
• Water softener
• Refrigerator ice maker
• Freestanding ice maker
• Additional appliances

For a full list of exclusions, limits, and the terms of service, we recommend getting a free quote online or calling 478-210-5091.

Final Thoughts 

Whether you’ve been considering a home warranty for a long time or you’ve just begun to learn, we hope this article is a helpful guide during your search. Our recommendation is that every homeowner reaches out to several home warranty providers to get free quotes using their own information to ensure the most accurate pricing information.
While American Home Shield scored as our top overall provider, we recommend each of these companies for different situations.

What is a home warranty? 

A home warranty is a residential service contract that covers the cost of the maintenance, repairs, or replacements of most systems and appliances in your home for a set period, usually one year. It is different from homeowners insurance, which can cover the loss of your home and belongings due to fire or certain other natural disasters.

A home warranty helps to grant you peace of mind, knowing that your systems and appliances are covered not just in case of an emergency, but also from daily wear and tear.

Policies are set up so that you can make monthly or yearly payments towards your premium. If something breaks and you need to have someone come take a look, you will be charged a service fee for the visit. Most companies offer unlimited visits, though some companies may have a limit on how much they are willing to pay. Make sure to read your service contract carefully.

What’s covered by a home warranty? 

Each home warranty plan will feature slightly different coverage, but here are some items that you can expect to see offered by most companies:

• Air conditioning
• Heating
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Microwave
• Dishwasher
• Refrigerator 
• Washing machine
• Dryer
• Oven
• Range
• Cooktop
• Garbage disposal

Are home warranties worth the cost? 

The cost of a home warranty comes down to a small cost now or the possibility of a larger cost later. While insuring your systems and appliances can cost a few hundred dollars each year, a warranty can protect you from paying even larger sums out of pocket for possible repairs. That being said, it’s possible you could pay for the warranty and then not need it if none of your appliances break.

In essence, home warranty coverage is worth the cost if you desire the peace of mind of not having to worry about the costs of home appliances and systems breaking down.

Do home warranties cover old HVAC? 

It depends on a lot of different variables, the biggest one being who your home warranty provider is and what plan you have with them. Generally, only the more expensive plans will include HVAC Systems, as they are very expensive to replace. 

Also, make sure you look over the fine print of your contract, because some home warranty companies will not cover items that have not been properly maintained. The question of what constitutes proper maintenance has caused many disagreements between home warranty companies and warranty holders filing a claim. So even if your plan covers HVACs, make sure to follow the recommended protocol of renewing filters and other maintenance.

How much does a home warranty cost? 

There is no single answer to this question, as the cost of a home warranty depends on several factors. These include the level of coverage you choose, taking into account the initial cost, any additional coverage, service fees, and possible other expenses. Aspects such as the type, age, and size of the house can also affect the cost. 

An average annual cost can range from $350 to $600 or more, depending on what the plan covers, whether only major appliances or also larger systems such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical are covered.

Home Warranty Rating Methodology

To help you find the best home warranty, our reviews team researched numerous home warranty companies, analyzing their coverage plans, pricing and customer service, among other factors:

• Coverage: Home warranty companies that provide extensive coverage and protect important systems and appliances, including your air conditioning, refrigerator and heating, scored higher than companies with minimal coverage.
• Plan variety: A provider with more coverage plans allows for more flexibility among customers. In general, most home warranty companies provide an appliances-only plan, systems-only plan and combination plan.
• Pricing: We scored providers based on their monthly plan prices and service call fees compared to the industry average pricing. Companies with more affordable coverage received more points than companies with more expensive plans.
• State availability: Where you live will determine what companies are available in your area. Home warranty companies that covered more states received more points than companies with a limited state availability.
• Trustworthiness: There are some home warranty companies that are scams and don’t follow through on their service agreements. We rated companies based on their years of experience, ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and customer reviews.

To keep our data current, our team regularly updates the data points for each company to ensure their coverage offerings, pricing and availability are accurate.