If you’re buying a new home, you probably know you need homeowners insurance. But did you know you can also add extra protection for your new property’s home systems and appliances with a home warranty?
Home warranty plans can give you peace of mind when buying a home. A home warranty helps pay for the cost of a repair or replacement for the major systems and appliances you use every day should they break down due to normal wear and tear. While there are plenty of options for home warranty coverage, not all companies are the best choice for every home buyer. Read on to learn more about the best home warranty companies for home shoppers and how the right home warranty can benefit you.
What Are the Best Home Warranty Companies for Buyers?
As a home buyer, the last thing you need after signing onto a mortgage loan is to find that one of the major home appliances needs to be repaired. The following companies are our top picks for home warranty policies if you’re closing on a new home.
Quick Tips When Shopping for Buyers’ Home Warranties
When it comes to shopping for a home warranty on a home that’s new to you, it’s important to know what to look for in a policy. We recommend keeping the following points in mind when looking for insurance coverage.
- Covered items: Every home warranty provider chooses which individual systems and appliances are covered under each plan. This means you’ll need to read through each policy’s contract to learn exactly which items are included in your coverage. It can be helpful to create a complete list of appliances and systems that you’re going to have in your new home before you start shopping to be sure the plan you buy has sufficient coverage.
- Coverage limits: A home warranty coverage limit is the maximum dollar amount that a home warranty provider is willing to pay out per policy term for repairs or replacements. Home warranty policies usually include both an overall coverage limit and an individual coverage limit per item. Choose a home warranty policy with higher coverage limits, especially if you’re moving into a space with older appliances.
- Service fees: A service call fee is a per-incident fee you’ll pay each time you use your home warranty coverage. Note your policy’s service fee, and be sure to choose a plan with a service fee you know you can afford — perhaps multiple times a year if you run into a series of breakdowns.
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions: Unless you’re buying a new-construction house, there’s likely to be at least one pre-existing condition in your new home. Pay attention to which home warranties require maintenance and repair records for coverage, and be sure to request these from the home seller before finalizing the transaction.
- Average response times: If you’ve ever had a burst pipe pouring water into your basement or you’ve had to smell a clogged drain for a week, you know how urgent some home repairs can be. When reviewing home warranty companies, read a sample service contract to see when the provider guarantees your repair or replacement will be completed. The average response time is 48 to 72 hours, but some companies offer emergency service options at an additional fee.
Always request a sample contract before signing up for a home warranty plan to review the considerations detailed above.
Compare the Best Buyers’ Home Warranty Companies
Ready to learn more about the best home warranty coverage options for buyers? The following table details some of the best home warranty companies to consider if you want complete home coverage for normal wear and tear.
Company | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Coverage Limit | Response Time | Rating | States Covered |
 | $46.83–$54.75+ | $85 | $3,000 | 24–48 hours | 4.0 | 49 states, excluding WA |
 | $49.99–$99.99 | $75–$125 | $6,000 | 24–72 hours | 4.5 | 50 States |
 | $49.99–$69.99+ | $65–$125 | $2,000 | 12–48 hours | 4.3 | 47 states, excluding NV, WA, and WI |
 | $60.42–$63.75+ | $60–$75 | $3,000 | 24–48 hours | 4.2 | 47 states, excluding NV, WA, and WI |
 | $30.00–$60.00 | $75–$125 | $3,000 | 24–48 hours | 4.3 | 49 states, excluding HI |
 | $39.99–$54.99 | $100–$125 | $2,000 | 24–48 hours | 4.1 | 48 states, excluding AK and HI |
 | $17.00–$60.00 | $65–$100 | $2,500 | 24–48 hours | 4.0 | 42 states, excluding AK, HI, MT, NH, ND, OK, SD, and WY |
 | $36.00–$46.50 | $75–$125 | $3,500 | 24–48 hours | 3.9 | 34 states, excluding AK, CT, DE, HI, IL, LA, ME, MA, MN, NH, NJ, NY, ND, RI, VT, and WI |
*Quote and cost data gathered January 2023. Cost data are updated and monitored continuously. Liberty Home Guard service fees vary based on your location and home and are not determined by higher or lower monthly fees.
Liberty Home Guard
4.5
Our Rating
Liberty Home Guard offers comprehensive customization options, including three plans and more than 40 optional add-ons. It can be a strong choice for buyers moving into a newer property with unique major appliances or other features.
If you’re buying a new home with uncommon features, a one-size-fits-all home warranty might not be right for you. Liberty Home Guard offers more than 40 individual add-ons in most parts of the country, allowing you to add coverage for items like a reverse osmosis system or a wine refrigerator. While each of these additional coverage choices will add an extra monthly cost to your total home warranty bill, it allows you to create an affordable, customized plan.
In addition to offering a wide range of coverage choices, Liberty Home Guard also offers flexibility in billing. Homeowners can save when they select annual billing at checkout, which provides savings for new homeowners who are more likely to be in their space longer. Shoppers can also select between multiple service fees, which can affect monthly pricing.
Finally, Liberty Home Guard offers a 60-day workmanship guarantee, which means you won’t need to pay multiple service fees if you need the same repair multiple times in two months. This is longer than the industry average 30-day service fee, which may benefit families with less savings.
Liberty Home Guard offers three plan options. Coverage is affordable, with plan options ranging between $49.99 and $59.99 per month, and general coverage includes most major home systems and appliances.
- Appliance Guard: The Appliance Guard plan, as the name suggests, offers coverage for common home and kitchen appliances. Coverage extends to a dryer, washer, refrigerator, built-in microwave, dishwasher, cooktop, garage door opener, garbage disposal and exhaust fans.
- System Guard Plan: The System Guard plan includes coverage for six major home systems: HVAC or air conditioning system, heating system, ductwork, electrical systems, plumbing system and water heater.
- Total Home Guard: The Total Home Guard plan is Liberty Home Guard’s most comprehensive home warranty option. It includes coverage for all items listed on the previous appliance and systems plans.
Liberty Home Guard offers one of the most impressive add-ons we’ve seen from any home warranty provider. Add the following optional coverages to the Appliance Guard, System Guard and Total Home Guard plans:
- Casita Guest Unit
- Central vacuum
- Ejector pump
- Grinder pump
- Septic system pumping
- Sump pump
- Well pump
- Electronics protection
- Freestanding ice maker
- Ice maker (fridge)
- Generator
- Instant hot water dispenser
- Reverse osmosis water filter system
- Water dispenser water line
- Lawn sprinkler system
- Lighting fixtures
- Limited roof leak coverage
- Pool
- Saltwater pool
- Spa
- Additional spa
- Plumbing fixture
- Re-key
- Second refrigerator
- Stand-alone freezer
- Swamp cooler
- Trash compactor
- Water softener
- Wine cooler
In addition to adding coverage for extra items found in your home, home buyers can also add some common services they might need when moving in, including:
- Carpet cleaning
- Gutter cleaning
- Pest control
- Power washing (exterior flooring)
- TV mounting
- Window washing and cleaning
Liberty Home Guards plans exclude coverage for luxury features included with premium appliances. You can extend your plan to include coverage for luxury appliances with the following individual add-ons:
- Pro Series clothes dryer
- Pro Series dishwasher
- Pro Series microwave
- Pro Series range/oven/cooktop
- Pro Series refrigerator
- Pro Series stand-alone freezer
- Pro Series washing machine
Most individual covered items on your Liberty Home Guard plan are subject to a $2,000 upper repair and replacement limit per policy term. This means that each of your appliances and systems included under coverage essentially has a limit of $2,000 in rectification credits. This is higher than most other companies in the home warranty industry. However, select items include a lower coverage limit of $500, so review individual plan documents before signing onto coverage.
Select Home Warranty
4.2
Our Rating
With a generous workmanship guarantee and affordable monthly pricing, Select Home Warranty offers a great choice for buyers on a budget. If your down payment took a toll on your household finances, Select can provide peace of mind at a lower price.
When it comes to home warranty pricing, there are multiple factors to consider before determining the best value. Select stands out in all major areas of consideration in terms of price:
- Premiums: Select Home Warranty’s premiums range from $44 to $47 per month in most areas, which is below the industry average. For example, comparable plans from competitors like Cinch Home Services may cost upwards of $60 per month.
- Service fees: In addition to monthly costs, you must also consider your per-incident service fee. Select Home Warranty offers a variable service fee of $75 to $100, which differs depending on your state. This is about average in the general home warranty industry, where service fees typically range between $75 and $125 per policy use.
While other home warranty providers may offer more comprehensive plans, Select will usually be home buyers’ best choice for quick, low-cost protection.
Select can be an excellent service provider if you’re searching for a blend of value and affordability. Plans range in price between about $44 to $47 per month, and service fees are reasonably priced at $75 to $100, depending on the length of your contract. These prices are comparably lower than other home warranty companies.
Let’s look at exactly what’s included in each plan option available through Select Home Warranty.
- Bronze Care: Select Home Warranty’s Bronze Care plan is its most basic plan offering, with coverage for eight appliances. This appliance plan covers a cooktop, dishwasher, garbage disposal, built-in microwave, refrigerator, stove and oven, clothes washer, and clothes dryer.
- Gold Care: The Gold Care plan is Select Home Warranty’s systems plan, covering six major built-in systems. Expect coverage for your air conditioner or cooling system, ductwork, electrical system, heating system, plumbing system, and water heater.
- Platinum Care: The Platinum Care plan is Select’s most comprehensive coverage option. It includes coverage for all items found in the Bronze and Gold Care plans, plus a ceiling fan and a garage door opener. This is also the only plan from Select that covers plumbing stoppages. In total, the Platinum Care plan offers coverage for 17 unique items.
Select Home Warranty offers a range of add-on choices you can purchase to customize system and appliance coverage. The following are all optional coverages you can currently purchase from Select. Note that specific coverages may be limited in some areas depending on your local service provider.
- Central vacuum
- Lawn sprinkler system
- Pool
- Septic system
- Spa
- Stand-alone freezer
- Sump pump
- Well pump
The coverage caps Select places on appliances make its coverage less valuable than that of competitors. Each appliance has an annual coverage limit of $500 in repair or replacement credit, lower than other home warranty providers. However, Select’s HVAC system coverage limit is $3,000, comparable to other top home warranty providers. For additional coverage options, the repair/replacement allowance is $400. If Freon coverage is selected, the limit is $250.
American Home Shield
4.2
Our Rating
American Home Shield (AHS) offers no specific coverage caps on systems, unlocking the potential for thousands of dollars in repair and replacement credits. Appliance limits are equally high value, with protection for up to $6,000 in repairs and replacements on each unit in your household. While homeowners won’t find the most affordable pricing with AHS, they will find the most generous coverage caps.
Coverage limits should be one of the first features you consider when shopping for a home warranty. The coverage cap on each item and any overall per-property limit will determine the home warranty that provides the best value. This can be a particularly important consideration if you have high-end appliances or live in a historic property that may require modifications in the future.
If you’re searching for the highest possible coverage limits, consider AHS, one of the only home warranty providers we’ve reviewed to offer no specific upper limits on system breakdowns and subsequent repairs and replacements. This can be a major benefit if your home has extensive or expensive systems. For example, if you’re purchasing a property with energy-efficient air conditioning upgrades, an American Home Warranty coverage plan might offer more robust benefits worth a higher cost.
Coverage caps on appliances are also generous, ranging between $3,000 and $6,000 per item, depending on your selected plan level. This is significantly higher than other home warranty providers, no matter what your plan covers or the tier you select. While AHS isn’t the strongest option if you’re looking for budget coverage, its higher limits are the best on the current home warranty market.
When you buy an American Home Shield home warranty plan, you can choose between three protection options: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. Pricing ranges between $49.99 and $109.99 per month, depending on your selected service fee, with options ranging between $75 and $125 in most areas. AHS’s premiums are on the higher end of the spectrum for home warranty providers, while service fees are average.
American Home Shield offers the following three plan options in most states:
- ShieldSilver: The ShieldSilver plan is AHS’s most basic offering but still includes coverage for systems and appliances. This plan covers an air conditioner, ceiling fans, ductwork, electrical systems, garage door openers, heating units, plumbing system and stoppages, water heaters and a whirlpool bathtub.
- ShieldGold: The ShieldGold plan is a step up from the silver plan, and includes a more comprehensive mix of systems and appliances. This plan covers everything found on the previous plan, plus the following: built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, instant hot and cold water dispensers, oven, range and cooktop, refrigerator, and a washer/dryer combo.
- PlatinumShield: The PlatinumShield plan is AHS’s most comprehensive plan choice and includes everything found on both previously mentioned plans. This platinum plan also covers limited roof leak repairs, a free annual tune-up for your HVAC system, and unlimited AC refrigerant.
Like other home warranty providers, American Home Shield allows you to customize your policy with add-ons. AHS offers the following optional add-on coverages with most plan choices.
- Electronics Protection Plan
- Guest unit coverage
- Pool or spa
- Septic pump
- Well pump
AHS has fewer overall limitations and coverage limits when compared to other home warranty providers. There is no upper limit on systems coverage, a rare benefit not regularly seen with competing home warranty providers. Upper limits on appliance coverage will vary depending on your chosen plan, with coverage up to $6,000 per item per year. These higher coverage limits and fewer component exclusions make AHS a strong choice for anyone looking for robust home warranty protections.
Choice Home Warranty
4.1
Our Rating
Homeowners who have had negative experiences with home warranty companies in the past might be worried that they’ll get into a situation where they’re paying consistent, regular premiums but have a claim rejected when they must use their benefits. In addition to simple plan choices, Choice Home Warranty approves more than 90% of claims submitted, increasing the odds that you’ll get approved when you need to use the benefits you’ve paid for.
Review any home warranty on third-party sites like the Better Business Bureau, and you’ll inevitably find that one of the most common complaints is rejected claims. Choice Home Warranty has gone out of its way to narrow policy options and the jargon used in its contracts to provide a more streamlined shopping and claims experience. For example, Choice offers two policies instead of the standard three, and each option includes both systems and appliance coverage. These practices have resulted in a 90% claims acceptance rate for Choice customers.
In addition to a 90% claims acceptance rate, Choice offers customers several benefits that improve its warranties’ value. Choice features a 90-day workmanship guarantee on all parts used in repairs, three times that of some competitors. Buyers who need quick coverage may want to consider Choice Home Warranty.
Both policy options from Choice Home Warranty include a mixture of coverage for both systems and appliances. Pricing ranges between $46 and $55 per month depending on plan choice, and all Choice plans include a standardized $85 service fee. This service fee and monthly premium pricing structure are competitive compared to other home warranty providers.
- Basic Plan: Choice’s Basic Plan includes coverage for your heating system, water heater, electrical system, plumbing system, plumbing stoppages, oven and range combo, built-in microwave, cooktop, dishwasher, garbage disposal, ceiling and exhaust fans, ductwork, garage door opener and a whirlpool bathtub.
- Total Plan: The Total Plan includes coverage for all items listed on the Basic Plan, plus coverage for a clothes washer and dryer set, a refrigerator, and your air conditioning system.
You can add optional coverage for the following home components to either of Choice Home Warranty’s plans.
- Central vacuum
- Limited roof leak coverage
- Pool and spa
- Second refrigerator
- Septic system
- Septic tank pumping
- Stand-alone freezer
- Sump pump
- Well pump
Choice’s aggregate policy limit is $3,000 for most covered home components included with each plan. This means that each item covered under your plan can receive up to $3,000 in repair or replacement credits per policy term. This is higher than other home warranty companies, making Choice’s policies more appealing to buyers moving into a property in unknown condition.
These $3,000 coverage caps do not apply to optional add-ons. Depending on your selection, you might have a coverage cap as low as $500 on home components like your septic system. Be sure to review these limitations before deciding which add-ons are worth the price.
AFC Home Club
4.2
Our Rating
AFC Home Club’s policies include several standard coverages not found with competing providers. For example, you’ll enjoy a lifetime workmanship guarantee on all repairs performed if you’re an AFC Home Club member. If you plan to live in your home for an extended period, these additional benefits can provide thousands of dollars in potential savings.
While AFC Home Club’s policies may look standard when you compare only a list of inclusions and prices, its service contract reveals some unique bonuses. Some of our favorite additional benefits that make AFC Home Club stand out include the following:
- Long workmanship guarantees: AFC Home Club offers a workmanship guarantee on all repairs performed as long as you’re a policyholder.
- Annual discounts: AFC Home Club allows you to pay an annual fee instead of a monthly premium up to two years in advance, helping you access additional discounts.
- Specialized real estate policies: If you’re a buyer shopping for a property to use as an investment, AFC Home Club offers specialized plans for non-owner-occupied spaces.
These added benefits can improve warranty value for some homeowners looking for more benefits included with the price they paid for coverage.
Unlike most home warranty providers, AFC Home Club offers four plan choices. Policy premiums range between $38 and $62 per month, and service fees range between $75 and $125. This is about average in the home warranty industry.
Let’s look at what’s included under coverage on each plan.
- System Plan: This plan covers your heating system, air conditioning, electrical system, plumbing system, water heater, and ductwork.
- Silver Plan: The Silver Plan covers nine major home appliances, including laundry machines, refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and garage door opener.
- Gold Plan: The Gold Plan covers each appliance and system included in both of the previously mentioned plans at a lower monthly price point.
- Platinum Plan: The Platinum Plan includes coverage for an ice maker and a built-in microwave in addition to all of the items found on both of the previously mentioned plans.
AFC Home Club offers the following add-on coverage choices on all plan options.
- Central vacuum
- Double oven
- Electronic coverage
- Hot water dispenser
- In-ground pool
- In-ground pool and spa
- Roof leak
- Septic system
- Stand-alone freezer
- Sump pump
- Well pump
AFC Home Club’s plans include an upper coverage limit of $3,000 for most items under coverage, with overall policy limits as high as $10,000 annually. This is competitive in the home warranty industry, providing more value for your premiums. However, some items do have lower limits. For example, your plumbing system comes with a coverage limit of $500 per term, which is lower than that of most other competitors. Consider these limitations in light of the condition of the home you’re moving into before selecting coverage.
Our Ratings of the Best Home Warranty Providers for Buyers
No time to read our full home warranty reviews? View a summary of each protection plan we’ve recommended in the table below.
| Ranking Factors | Liberty Home Guard | Select Home Warranty | American Home Shield | Choice Home Warranty | AFC Home Club |
| Plans and Coverage (out of 24) | 24.5 | 20.0 | 22.0 | 18.5 | 22.0 |
| Affordability (out of 22.5) | 20.0 | 22.5 | 21.0 | 20.5 | 20.5 |
| Customer Experience (out of 18.5) | 14.5 | 15.0 | 12.5 | 14.5 | 17 |
| Company Reputation (out of 17.5) | 14.5 | 12.5 | 12.0 | 8.0 | 12.5 |
| Claims Process (out of 12.5) | 10.5 | 9.5 | 10.5 | 12.5 | 8 |
| Availability (out of 5) | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Total Score (out of 100) | 89.0 | 84.5 | 83.0 | 81.5 | 85.0 |
How Much Do the Top-Rated Home Warranties for Buyers Cost?
The average home warranty plan costs between $45 and $65 per month and includes an average service fee between $75 and $125 each time you use your plan benefits. The price you’ll pay for your home warranty might vary depending on various plan features and details, including the following.
- Your home’s square footage: Larger homes have more extensive built-in systems and ductwork infrastructure, which may increase the chance of a breakdown and claim submission. Expect to pay more for your home warranty if your home includes more than 5,000 square feet of space.
- Coverage caps: Some home warranty providers will allow you to adjust coverage caps on individual appliances and systems. Policies with higher coverage caps will come with higher monthly price tags, as warranty providers assume a higher risk insuring your systems and appliances.
- Number of inclusions: The number of systems and appliances included under your policy also directly affects the price. More comprehensive plans must account for risk across a wider range of systems and appliances, which increases monthly premiums. Appliance plans are often more affordable than systems plans regardless of the number of items included because systems tend to require more intensive repairs and replacements.
- The state you live in: Your state of residence influences local repair and part prices, which directly affects the price you pay for your policy.
Now that you understand the factors that play into home warranty cost, you can more accurately compare provider choices. View a cost summary of our recommended providers using the table below.
What Do the Top-Rated Home Warranties for Buyers Cover?
The specific coverages you’ll find on your home warranty will vary depending on the specific plan you select and the home warranty provider you work with. It can be helpful to create a list of appliances and systems you want covered in your new home before shopping for a policy. This will ensure that you’re able to match systems and appliances in your new home to the policy you buy.
No time to create a list of your own appliances and systems? The following is a general list of the most common systems and appliances you’ll likely want covered in your new home.
- Air conditioning system
- Dishwasher
- Electrical system and ductwork
- Heating system
- Ice maker
- Instant hot and cold water dispenser
- Oven, stove, and range
- Plumbing system
- Refrigerator
- Washer/dryer combo
The table below summarizes a few of the most popular plan options from our recommended providers and what they include from our list of the most common home components.
So, What Is the Best Home Warranty for Buyers?
The best home warranty for most buyers will offer higher coverage caps, as buyers may not be familiar with the systems that make up their new homes and their conditions. We recommend American Home Shield, AFC Home Club, and Choice Home Warranty if you’re looking for top-of-the-line coverage caps. If budget is your primary concern, Liberty Home Guard and Select Home Warranty can also offer appealing options, especially if you’re buying a home to use as an investment.
The bottom line? Consult with the seller and get a list of appliances and built-in systems that make up the home, and use it as a guide as you request quotes from each provider above.
Ready to start shopping for home warranty plans? The following will answer some quick last-minute questions that you might have about buying a home warranty for a new property purchase.
FAQs About Best Home Warranties for Buyers
How does $500 in home warranty work?
If your home warranty includes $500 in repair and replacement coverage, the home warranty company will provide a maximum of $500 worth of services for the specified item. For example, if your washer has a $500 coverage cap in the terms of a home warranty sample contract, the home warranty provider will offer a maximum of $500 in credit towards a fix or replacement. Coverage caps play an important role in the value of any policy, so be sure to review them before choosing coverage.
Is there a downside to a home warranty?
There may be a number of downsides that come with buying a home warranty, especially as a buyer moving into a property you’re unfamiliar with. Some buyers find that the cost of a home warranty eclipses the actual value of the repairs and replacements they will claim through the policy’s life.
Another drawback to consider before buying a home warranty is the impact that service fees and coverage caps will make on the savings you see from your plan. A common complaint that home warranty policyholders have is that they purchase a home warranty only to find that the plan does not cover the breakdown that they see.
Be sure to thoroughly read through your home warranty policy terms before signing onto coverage to be sure that the value you’re getting is equivalent to the amount you’re paying to maintain coverage. You may also want to get a quote from multiple providers before choosing coverage, which allows you to choose the most affordable plan possible.
Is a home warranty the same as home insurance?
No, a home warranty is not the same thing as a homeowner’s insurance policy. Home insurance helps cover the cost of damage done to the structure of your home and your things due to a covered peril. Commonly covered perils include tornadoes and house fires. These policies also include a one-time annual deductible, which you’ll need to meet each year before your insurance provider will offer a payout.
Home warranties offer repairs for breakdowns on home systems and appliances that break down due to normal use. A home warranty covers appliances and major systems (like an HVAC system and plumbing components) but does not cover the structure of the dwelling that you live in. It also has a service fee instead of a deductible, which is due each time you use your plan benefits.
How much does a home warranty cost in CA?
The average price of a home warranty in California is $59 per month, which comes out to about $700 annually. The Golden State is more expensive than average for homeowners, which you should take into account when you shop for coverage.
What is the average cost of home warranty?
The overall average cost of a home warranty is $45 to $65 per month. The specific price you’ll pay for your home warranty coverage may vary depending on the state you live in, the size of your property and the overall square footage of your home, the age of your major systems and more.
Methodology: How We Rank Home Warranty Companies
At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. Our home warranty company ratings emphasize what matters most to you — whether you’re looking for low-cost coverage, a hassle-free repair process, 24/7 assistance, or all of the above.
Our ratings are based on publicly available information about each company, secret shopping online and over the phone, customer-review analysis, and discussions with real estate professionals and repair contractors.
A company can earn a maximum of 100 points across six categories converted to a five-star scale. We researched more than 60 home warranty providers to develop the following formula:
- Plans and Coverage (24 points): A home warranty provider can earn the maximum point value in this category if it offers multiple robust plans that cover all basic systems and appliances and optional add-on coverage. We give bonus points to companies that cover uncommon items, such as electronics and roof leaks.
- Affordability (22.5 points): When evaluating costs, we not only consider monthly plan prices, but we also take into account the cost of add-on coverage, service fees, and whether companies offer free cancellation periods or money-back guarantees. If a provider allows potential customers to view sample contracts before getting a quote, that transparency earns more points in this category.
- Customer Experience (18.5 points): A home warranty company must give its customers ample support when they experience issues. We gauge overall support by looking at customer reviews and conducting homeowner surveys. We also go through the quotes process with each company and take meticulous notes about the friendliness of salespeople, how detailed each quote is, and how often the provider contacts us after giving a quote.
- Company Reputation (17.5 points): In this category, we look at a combination of customer reviews and reputable organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). We also consider the years of company experience, how satisfied its employees are, and whether it has been hit with any consumer rights violations or lawsuits.
- Claims Process (12.5 points): We score providers highly when they offer short response times, multiple ways to file claims, and around-the-clock availability. Companies can earn bonus points if they have a good reputation for quick and easy claims processing.
- Availability (5 points): Providers that serve more areas can have experience dealing with a wider range of homeowner headaches. A company earns the maximum points in this category if it offers services in most U.S. states.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
