Having a well on your property has many perks, such as not relying on a water utility company, increased property value, and better-tasting water. However, a well pump can be pricey to keep operational and costs thousands of dollars to replace. Home warranties can help with these repair and replacement costs. Unfortunately, they (understandably) have a lot of industry stigma thanks to shady companies that promise one thing and don’t pay out when your well pump filter is bad, causing murky water to pour out of your shower.
Fortunately, good home warranty companies can be worth the investment, especially if you look at them from all angles, including checking their warranties, sample policies, and BBB ratings.
But this takes a lot of time, so I’m here to help. I’ve spent countless hours researching and reading through customer reviews and lengthy sample contracts to give you my highlights and criticisms of each provider. I’ve selected the best home warranty companies for wells based on careful research and secret shopping, ranking them with Today’s Homeowner’s unique criteria, which considers everything from transparency to reputation to coverage and more.
Here’s how we ranked and reviewed the nation’s top home warranty companies to bring you the most accurate information.
Our team of experts reviewed over 70 home warranty providers to compare plan options, coverage limits, prices, and customer feedback.
We collected over 100 sample quotes from dozens of home warranty companies to give you an accurate look at industry pricing.
Our rating system scores providers based on 6 key factors: coverage options, affordability, customer experience, reputation, claims processes, and availability.
Read our full Home Warranty Review Methodology for more details.
Top 5 Home Warranty Companies for Wells
- Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield are winners in my book for well coverage. If you’re looking for the most flexible coverage, go with Liberty. If you want the highest coverage cap for wells, I recommend American Home Shield, as you receive up to $1,500 in coverage (three times what many providers offer).
- Always read the sample contract. There are always catches, exclusions, and surprises (some may be specific to your state), so read the fine print closely to ensure your well and other appliances and home systems qualify for coverage.
- Wells require a lot of maintenance, from cleaning cooling fans to using anti-corrosive products to prevent buildup and checking for leaks. Always keep records of all maintenance performed on your well. Many providers, like Select Home Warranty or Elite Home Warranty, require maintenance records when you submit a claim, so don’t lose coverage by misplacing your maintenance records or forgetting to clean the cooling fan.
What’s Most Important in a Home Warranty for Wells?
Most home warranty companies offering coverage for wells provide this coverage in the form of an add-on. An add-on is optional coverage you choose on top of your home warranty plan, so you’ll pay an added fee (usually $5 to $10 per month) for this coverage. During my research, I found that most home warranty companies provide at least $500 in well pump coverage, so look for companies with $500 or more, depending on your comfort level.
Depending on the size and type of well pump, you may want to consider a company like American Home Shield, which offers an impressive $1,500 in well pump coverage.
Company reputation and plan flexibility may also be top priorities for you, so a provider like Liberty Home Guard may be a better choice in this case. They have an outstanding company reputation overall and more than 40 unique add-ons that allow you to create a personalized home warranty plan for your home.
Home Warranty Companies for Wells I Don’t Recommend
ServicePlus Home Warranty has extensive well pump exclusions and a shady reputation, making them a company I don’t recommend. The Better Business Bureau has a current alert for this provider about deceptive marketing and claims to cover some items, then using dishonest means to avoid paying for claims. If a home warranty provider doesn’t pay for home repairs, there’s no point in having a policy, so this is a company I’m all too happy to avoid.
Compare The Highest Rated Home Warranties for Wells
Company | Rating | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Response Time | BBB Rating | Link |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$50-$60 |
$75 |
12-48 hrs. |
NR |
VISIT SITE | ||
$35–$75 |
$100–$125 |
24-72 hrs |
B |
VISIT SITE | ||
$44.99-$58.99 |
$70 |
48 hours |
A+ |
VISIT SITE | ||
$46–$55 |
$85 |
24-48 hrs. |
B |
VISIT SITE | ||
$52–$58 |
$75-$85 |
24-48 hrs. |
B |
VISIT SITE | ||
$38–$62 |
$75–$125 |
48 hours |
B |
VISIT SITE | ||
$38–$48 |
$75–$125 |
48 hours |
B |
VISIT SITE | ||
$17–$60+ |
$65–$100 |
2–24 hrs |
A- |
VISIT SITE | ||
$28–$68 |
$100–$150 |
2–24 hrs |
B |
VISIT SITE |
Quote and cost data gathered January 2024. Cost data are updated and monitored continuously.
Our Reviews of the Best Home Warranties for Wells
Liberty Home Guard
4.6
Our Rating
Liberty Home Guard has a fantastic industry reputation with high four-star ratings on multiple third-party review websites. These high ratings are incredibly rare in the industry, providing me with peace of mind that this company treats their customers well behind the scenes. LHG has three plan options and more than 40 add-on choices, including well pump coverage, so you can mix and match to create a custom plan that best fits your needs. On top of that, Liberty offers competitive pricing and frequent discounts, like $200 off, two free bonus months, and free limited roof leak protection, which I’m consistently offered during my secret shopping with this provider.
In addition, Liberty scores well for their transparency. Their sample contract is clearly listed online and breaks down coverage. If you opt for Liberty’s well pump coverage, you can rest easy knowing that all components and parts of your well pump utilized for the main dwelling are covered. Their exclusions are standard, such as holding or storage tanks, digging, redrilling of wells, or parts for geothermal or water source heat pumps.
I don’t love that Liberty limits well pump coverage within the first 90 days. If an issue arises within 90 days of the effective date of your policy, this coverage is only $250. This isn’t enough to cover many well pump issues, such as when your well water suddenly sputters out of your faucet or murky water comes out when your well pump filter isn’t working correctly.
Liberty Home Guard offers well pump coverage for $12.99 per month. Like most providers, you’ll need to pay for an add-on to receive well pump coverage, as none of Liberty’s plans come with well coverage by default. On top of Liberty’s well pump coverage, you can opt for 40+ add-ons. We gave Liberty the superlative of “Best for Customization” because most home warranty companies only give you around 10 add-on options to customize your plan. With Liberty, you can choose unique coverage for carpet cleaning, pest control, and window washing. These are coverage options that most home warranty companies don’t provide, but you can mix and match options with Liberty to create a home warranty plan that best suits your home and its needs.
I like that Liberty provides three plan options: an appliance-only, home systems-only, and a combination plan covering both. This gives homeowners ample choices so they don’t overpay for what they don’t need. For example, if you own a condo, you likely only need an appliance-only plan, as many home systems are the COA’s responsibility.
Learn more about Liberty’s plans in this video:
Liberty Home Guard has lower coverage caps than I’d like to see. While their coverage is comprehensive regarding how many items are covered, their coverage caps max out at $2,000 (far less than what American Home Shield provides at up to $5,000 in coverage for home systems).
Well pumps receive up to $500 in coverage through Liberty’s add-on, but this drops to only $250 if you submit a well pump coverage claim within 90 days of your effective date. This means that if your well pump breaks down within the first three months of your home warranty plan becoming effective, you’ll only receive half of the coverage. I don’t love this stipulation, as it leaves you open to paying hefty repair bills if your well pump breaks down within the first few months.
You can choose from three comprehensive plans: an appliance-only plan, a systems-only plan, and a combination plan with coverage for both. This is more flexible than many providers, even some that have made our list, like Choice Home Warranty. If you’re interested in well pump coverage, you can select the well pump add-on for any of these three plans, giving you the freedom to create a plan that best suits your needs and home.
The table below shows the monthly costs without the available discounts factored in.
Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
Appliance Guard | $49.99 | $125 | Two months free, free limited roof leak protection, $200 off coupon (website or phone) |
Systems Guard | $54.99 | $125 | Two months free, free limited roof leak protection, $200 off coupon (website or phone) |
Total Home Guard | $59.99 | $125 | Two months free, free limited roof leak protection, $200 off coupon (website or phone) |
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Boise, ID. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
Liberty Home Guard offers more than 40 add-ons (about four times what most providers have), including well pump coverage at $12.99 per month. While this is a pricey add-on, coverage is up to $500 once you’re past the first 90 days of your effective date, which can save you a lot of money.
- Pool and spa: $19.99/month
- Additional spa: $9.99/month
- Lawn sprinkler system: $9.99/month
- Saltwater pool: $23.99/month
- Generator: $19.99/month
- Casita guest unit: $35.99/month
- Sump pump: $8.99/month
- Well pump: $12.99/month
- Septic system pumping: $12.99/month
- Ejector pump: $14.99/month
- Grinder pump: $14.99/month
- Limited roof leak: $11.99/month
- Re-key: $9.99/month
- Gutter cleaning: $14.99/month
- Pest control: $14.99/month
- Carpet cleaning: $19.99/month
- Window washing/cleaning: $19.99/month
- Power washing (exterior flooring): $19.99/month
- Central vacuum: $8.99/month
- Stand-alone freezer: $5.99/month
- Water softener: $13.99/month
- Swamp cooler: $14.99/month
- Second refrigerator: $7.99/month
- Trash compactor: $7.49/month
- Ice maker (in-fridge): $3.99/month
- Freestanding ice maker: $14.99/month
- Wine cooler/fridge: $11.99/month
- Water dispenser water line: $4.99/month
- Instant hot water dispenser: $9.99/month
- Reverse osmosis water filter system: $14.99/month
- Lighting fixtures: $7.99/month
- Plumbing fixtures: $7.99/month
- Electronics protection: $19.99/month
- TV mounting (up to 65-inch TVs): $14.99/month
- TV mounting (up to 85-inch TVs): $19.99/month
- Pro-series refrigerator: $14.99/month
- Pro-series stand-alone freezer: $14.99/month
- Pro-series range/oven/cooktop: $12.99/month
- Pro-series dishwasher: $7.99/month
- Pro-series microwave: $4.99/month
- Pro-series washing machine: $4.99/month
- Pro-series clothes dryer: $4.99/month
Liberty Home Guard’s plans start at as little as $1 per day, which is competitive pricing, especially for how comprehensive Liberty’s plans are in terms of the number of items covered with each plan option. During my secret shopping, I was quoted between $49.99 and $59.99 for all of Liberty’s plans, with a service fee of $125. This service fee is higher than that of providers like Select Home Warranty, which charges $75 per visit, which lowers Liberty’s affordability score. Still, the value provided with Liberty’s comprehensive plans makes them worth the price tag, in my opinion. Well pump coverage is available at $12.99 a month, which is $155.88 per year. While this is a decent chunk of money, Liberty provides up to $500 in coverage for technicians to diagnose, repair, and replace necessary parts in the well pump, so this may be worth the peace of mind for many homeowners.
When you suddenly have no water coming out of your shower or your sink is sputtering with murky water, you want to ensure the home warranty provider you’re working with has an excellent customer experience. After all, few things are more infuriating than already being at your wit’s end when you can’t take a nice hot shower at the end of a long work day, then you call up a company for help and can’t get ahold of anyone.
Fortunately, LHG scores well in this category due to its 24/7/365 customer service, user-friendly online portal, and novel mobile app. I’ve yet to see another home warranty company with a mobile app, and Liberty’s is top-notch, with access to your claim status, a section for troubleshooting, and payment tracking and management. Plus, Liberty has a fast online quote process, which neatly breaks down pricing and add-on prices (like well pump coverage) and clearly defines what is and isn’t covered. Some home warranty providers try to underplay exclusions, so I really appreciate Liberty’s transparency during the quote process.
With six years in business, Liberty Home Guard has quickly made a name with high four-star ratings from BBB and Trustpilot reviewers. Positive reviews share that Liberty Home Guard has efficient, organized customer service that quickly dispatches technicians to address broken-down home appliances or home systems. Many were pleased with the quality of the repairs.
Unfortunately, some reviews share that they felt pressured over the phone to sign up for a multi-year contract with Liberty instead of being charged monthly. I hate feeling pressured by salespeople, so this is a drawback for me. Plus, Trustpilot indicates that Liberty isn’t always on top of responding to negative reviews. We took some points off for this, as we like seeing companies that help happy and unhappy customers.
The key takeaway is that most of Liberty’s reviews are positive, with many highlighting that the claims process was easy and Liberty’s employees were diligent in their follow-ups.
Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
BBB | NR* / 4.45 out of 5 stars | 2,545 |
Trustpilot | 4.7 out of 5 stars | 3,076 |
Yelp | 1.3 out of 5 stars | 67 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
*Note (as of 7/28/24): Recently, the Better Business Bureau shifted LHG’s A+ rating to “NR” (Not Rated). We reached out to a representative from LHG for comment and they shared this statement: “Despite the BBB’s alert, our customer satisfaction levels remain by far the highest relative to our scale. Last month, we had the lowest percentage of customer cancellation requests in our entire history. On the BBB’s own platform, Liberty Home Guard has achieved a star rating of 4.45 out of 5 from over 2,500 reviews. For added context, the approximately 500 resolved complaints on Liberty Home Guard’s BBB profile equate to an extremely low fraction of a percentage relative to the size and scale of our total customer base. As we navigate this situation, which we believe will be resolved in time, we want to assure you that we remain committed to our customers and their satisfaction; they are the key stakeholders we orient all our efforts around.”
Liberty Home Guard has my favorite claims process in the home warranty industry because of their fast response time and convenient claims process. Unlike other providers, you can submit claims over a convenient mobile app. The mobile app has an intuitive interface that lets you quickly check the status of your claim, payment, and even technician appointments.
If you prefer speaking with someone over the phone, you can file claims with customer service or use the online portal. This amazing flexibility stands out in the industry and makes Liberty my favorite provider because of its easy claims process. On top of that, our team at Today’s Homeowner found that Liberty typically responds to claim submissions within 12 hours, which is far faster than the average 24 to 48 hours many providers like American Home Shield take. When my well pump is down and I have no water, I’d rather it only take 12 hours to get a technician appointment for repairs than several days.
LHG scores highly for their user-friendly, transparent business model and understandable sample policy. Many home warranty providers try to “get you” with confusing policy terms and exclusions, which lead to no payout for you, but Liberty’s policy is available and lists all of its exclusions clearly. While I wish they had fewer exclusions, I appreciate that everything is in simple language, making it more straightforward for most homeowners to understand what is and isn’t covered.
Exclusions
Well pump owners should note that preexisting conditions and cosmetic defects aren’t covered. If you have an older well pump, you may want to have it assessed by a technician first to see if it has any preexisting conditions that would exclude it from coverage.
- Preexisting conditions
- Flues, vents, chimneys, and exhaust lines
- Electronics, computerized, “smart,” or Internet/enabled components and parts
- Filters associated with any covered items
- Remote receiving and transmitting devices
- Radon and other leak detection monitoring systems
- Fire sprinkler systems
- Lighting
- Solar systems and applications
- Cosmetic defects
- Disposal of appliances, systems, or components
- Cranes or other specialty vehicles required to install, remove, or access your appliances or home systems.
- Glass parts
- Commercial-grade equipment, systems, or appliances
- Professional series or luxury, high-end premium items (without the add-on)
- Modifications of any covered item
- Thermometers
- Noise
- Malfunctions due to storms or other acts of God
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it’s imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
LHG has a perfect score in this category because you can choose your service provider. However, Liberty recommends that you stick with their LHG-certified professionals. Any repairs completed by these professionals are backed by Liberty’s 60-day workmanship guarantee, which protects you should any problems arise within 60 days of the original repair work.
American Home Shield
4.3
Our Rating
Repairing or replacing a well pump is expensive. While small parts may cost as little as a couple hundred dollars, a complete replacement can easily cost over $2,500. Many home warranty companies provide around $500 in coverage for well pumps, but American Home Shield stands out for their fantastic coverage limits. For their well pump add-on, you receive up to $1,500 in coverage for the parts and components of the well pump unit used as the home’s primary water source. This is three times as much coverage as many providers offer, making AHS one of my top recommendations, especially if you have a luxury or larger well pump that costs more to repair or replace.
On the other hand, AHS doesn’t have the best customer reviews. The Better Business Bureau accredits them, but they receive poor two-star review averages from websites like Trustpilot and Yelp. This provider is also on the more expensive side with their home warranty premiums. However, their well pump add-on falls in the middle price-wise out of the companies on this list, which I like to see, especially since they offer the best coverage limits.
American Home Shield has high coverage limits of up to $4,000 for appliances and $5,000 for home systems (double what many providers offer) and offers an exceptional well pump add-on. For $8 a month, which is about $5 per month less than what Liberty Home Guard charges, you receive $1,500 in coverage. This is truly exceptional, as most providers only allow you $500 in well pump coverage, which isn’t enough for many well pump replacements or large repairs. You can opt for this well pump add-on with any of AHS’ three plans, giving you plenty of flexibility to choose what coverage and price point best suits your needs.
I like that American Home Shield provides special member benefits with all its plans, such as free HVAC tune-ups, rekey service, smart home and tech installation, and dryer vent cleaning. Most of us (myself included) don’t keep up with changing our locks or maintaining our dryer vent or HVAC as we should, so these benefits are a worthwhile bonus.
As with all home warranty companies, American Home Shield has some exclusions. Well pump coverage doesn’t include well drilling, geothermal or heat pump well pumps, well casings, pressure switches, booster pumps, and other well pump system components, like piping or cable lines. While these aren’t abnormal exclusions, you’ll want to keep them in mind when choosing between providers. Your well pump must also be located on the same property as the covered home to qualify for coverage.
The other drawback to AHS is their poor customer reviews. While the Better Business Bureau accredits them, third-party review websites like Yelp and Trustpilot give them poor reviews with about a two-star rating average.
American Home Shield offers some of the best plans on the market. You can receive up to $4,000 in appliance coverage and $5,000 in home systems coverage for items like your HVAC or plumbing, which is more than double what many providers offer. You can add well pump coverage to any of AHS’ plans, giving you a lot of flexibility with the type of plan you choose based on your needs and budget. I’d personally go with the ShieldPlatinum plan, as it includes free roof leak coverage (valued at $120 a year) and covers both home systems and appliances, giving me the greatest peace of mind.
The following table doesn’t include available discounts.
Plan | Monthly Cost* | Service Fee* | Available Discounts |
ShieldSilver | $29.99 – 39.99 | $100 – $125 | 25% summer discount, same-day discount of $125 off first year (website) |
ShieldGold | $49.99 – 59.99 | $100 – $125 | 25% summer discount, same-day discount of $125 off first year (website) |
ShieldPlatinum | $79.99 – 89.99 | $100 – $125 | 25% summer discount, same-day discount of $125 off first year (website) |
*Lower service fees “pair” with higher premiums; for example, the $29.99 ShieldSilver monthly cost pairs with the $125 service fee.
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Boise, ID. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
American Home Shield has an exceptional well pump add-on for only $8 monthly ($5 less than Liberty Home Guard). It provides up to $1,500 in well pump coverage, which is far higher than most providers’, making this an add-on I’d definitely recommend.
- Roof leak repair: $10/month (free with ShieldPlatinum plan)
- Electronics protection plan: $14/month
- Pool and built-in-spa equipment: $18/month
- Guest unit: $15.99/month
- Septic pump: $5/month
- Well pump: $8/month
American Home Shield’s combination plan, the ShieldPlatinum plan, is pricey, with my quote for it ranging from $79.99 to $89.99 per month, depending on the service fee you choose. This is pricier than the average monthly premium of $50 nationwide, but AHS provides much higher coverage caps than fellow providers. For example, Select Home Warranty maxes out at $500 for many appliances, while American Home Shield has up to $4,000 in coverage for appliances, which is sufficient for most appliance replacements. Higher coverage means you won’t be paying as much out of pocket when significant repairs or replacements are required, so in the long run, AHS can save you money, even if their pricing is a bit steeper. Plus, their well pump coverage is cost-effective at only $8 per month and comes with $1,500 in coverage (one of the best deals on this list, in my opinion).
Today’s HomeownerTip: American Home Shield frequently offers discounts on their website. During my secret shopping, their website offered me a 25% discount for enrolling in a plan. You can also get a discount for covering more than one home ($50 off for each additional home under 5,000 square feet).
American Home Shield has an efficient customer service process. You can quickly get a quote online, which beats providers like Elite Home Warranty, where you have to submit your information for a quote and then wait for customer service to call you for the quote. Another great part of AHS’ customer experience is that they share that most of their contractors can complete the repair on the first visit to your house. This statistic is excellent news when murky water is pouring out of your shower because your well pump filter is down for the count.
With 53 years of experience, American Home Shield is an industry leader with a strong company reputation backed by its Better Business Bureau accreditation. While some of its ratings from third-party websites are lackluster, the BBB accreditation bolsters my confidence in this provider. Positive reviews usually highlight the high coverage caps and how much money this saved the customer in repairs. In contrast, negative reviews typically point out issues with scheduling or finding a technician willing to work with AHS, leading to long delays — this is something that I really don’t like seeing as I’m not willing to sit around for weeks without a working well pump and water source.
Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
BBB | B / 2.1 out of 5 stars | 10,769 |
Trustpilot | 2.1 out of 5 stars | 5,431 |
Yelp | 1.1 out of 5 stars | 1,303 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Like most providers, you can submit claims online or over the phone 24/7/265. Our team found that AHS responds to claims within 48 hours, which is industry standard, but longer then I’d like to see when my well pump isn’t working and I have no clean water. When it comes to workmanship guarantees, American Home Shield offers a typical 30-day guarantee, which isn’t as strong as Choice Home Warranty, which offers 60 to 90 days of workmanship coverage depending on whether the issue is parts or labor-based. Still, I’m happy that AHS stands behind their contractors and will send out another technician free of charge if your well pump repair fails within 30 days of being fixed.
American Home Shield is one of the market’s most transparent and straightforward providers. Their sample policy is listed online, breaks down what is and isn’t covered, and shares coverage caps (the maximum amount a company will pay for a single item) in the contract.
Some providers try to hide coverage caps or exclusions in their policies, so you don’t realize how many exclusions they have, so this transparency is a major win for AHS. In addition, AHS has some of the best warranty coverage in the industry because of their lack of exclusions. Unlike many providers, they cover appliances, home systems, and wells that break down due to normal wear and tear, undetectable pre-existing conditions, a lack of routine maintenance, or malfunctions due to rust or corrosion. They also don’t require maintenance records, which is a massive benefit for those of us who don’t stay on top of our home or well pump maintenance as we should.
Exclusions
American Home Shield has far fewer exclusions than most providers, which I love as it simplifies the process and makes claim denials less likely. None of these exclusions are red flags to me.
- Construction or carpentry costs
- Restoration of walls
- Flues, chimneys, venting, and exhaust lines
- Repairs or replacements due to cosmetic defects
- Repairs due to mold
- Natural disasters
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it’s imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
American Home Shield assigns a pro from their network specializing in the repair or replacement needed. However, this provider may allow you to choose your own provider in some situations. If you have this authorization from them, you can select a different provider.
Elite Home Warranty
4.3
Our Rating
If you have luxury appliances or home systems, Elite Home Warranty is my top recommendation because of their extensive add-ons and comprehensive plans. With some of their add-ons, you can receive up to $6,000 in appliance coverage and $10,000 for home systems like your HVAC. These coverage caps are two to three times what most home warranty companies offer and can actually pay for complete replacements of expensive systems like your HVAC or luxury appliances that cost more to repair and replace.
For well owners, Elite’s well pump add-on has a generous $1,000 coverage cap per year, twice as much as many home warranty companies, like Choice Home Warranty, offer. However, Elite excludes many types of well pumps, so carefully read your state’s sample policy to ensure your well qualifies, as some types, like grinder or portable well pumps, won’t receive coverage.
Overall, I recommend this provider if you want the ultimate financial protection with Elite’s high coverage caps. This provider has excellent customer service ratings and a BBB accreditation, which is rare in the industry, making them one of my top picks.
Elite Home Warranty’s well pump add-on comes with $1,000 in maximum coverage per year, depending on your state. While the add-on seems pricey at $99.99 per year, this breaks down to about $8.33 per month, which is less than Liberty Home Guard’s well pump add-on (and Liberty only gives you $500 in coverage).
In general, Elite Home Warranty has some of the best coverage limits in the industry. While you need to opt for add-ons to hit these high caps, you can customize a plan to cover up to $6,000 in appliances and $10,000 in home systems — two to three times what most providers provide. These outstanding coverage limits give me true peace of mind, especially if you have luxury appliances or anticipate needing a lot of repairs and replacements in the coming years.
Elite doesn’t cover commercial-grade appliances or home systems, so you’ll want to consider another home warranty provider if you have these. On top of that, Elite has a large number of exclusions regarding well pumps. Booster, portable, grinder, effluent, and joint wells and pumps aren’t covered. You’ll also be responsible for the cost of re-drilling your well or any fees to gain access and locate the well pump.
Another drawback is Elite’s lack of transparency. Their sample contracts are complicated, and their FAQs reveal confusing discrepancies. For example, I found that their FAQs share that full coverage doesn’t start until 90 days after you enroll in your plan. Their website shares that coverage begins after 30 days. While this is technically true, it feels misleading because you won’t have full coverage until day 91, which feels tricky.
Elite Home Warranty has three plan options: an appliance-only plan, a home systems-only plan, and my preferred choice, the Elite Complete plan. The Elite Complete plan covers home systems and appliances, such as your HVAC, clothes washer and dryer, and refrigerator. Anyone interested in well coverage will need to opt for the well pump add-on, which can be added to any of Elite’s plan options, giving you great flexibility when it comes to curating a plan that suits your needs.
The following table doesn’t include available discounts in the monthly cost.
Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
Elite Appliance | $44.99 | $75 | $150 sign-up, first month free, 30-day free trial (phone) |
Elite Systems | $49.99 | $75 | $150 sign-up, first month free, 30-day free trial (phone) |
Elite Complete | $59.99 | $75 | $150 sign-up, first month free, 30-day free trial (phone) |
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Boise, ID. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
Elite’s well pump add-on comes with a maximum coverage of $1,000 per year (about double what most providers offer). Note that Elite’s add-ons are priced annually.
- Attic exhaust fan: $69.99/year
- Central vacuum: $49.00/year
- Effluent pump: $99.99/year
- Ejector pump: $99.99/year
- Freestanding freezer: $59.99/year
- Freestanding ice maker: $59.99/year
- Freestanding spa equipment: $119.99/year
- Generator: $99.99/year
- Geothermal heating and cooling system: $299.99/year
- Grinder pump: $99.99/year
- Guest house: $299.99/year
- HVAC annual maintenance: $299.99/year
- Jetted/hot tub: $99.99/year
- Lawn sprinkler system: $99.99/year
- Lift pump: $99.99/year
- Limited roof leak repair: $99.99/year
- Pool and spa equipment: $199.99/year
- Pool equipment: $149.99/year
- Premium Appliances: $249.99/year
- Premium Benefits: $199.99/year
- Premium Systems: $299.99/year
- Premium Systems Plus: $499.99/year
- Septic system: $129.99/year
- Service lines: $349.99/year
- Sump pump: $99.99/year
- Swamp cooler: $149.99/year
- Water filtration system: $99.99/year
- Water softener: $99.99/year
- Well pump: $99.99/year
Elite’s pricing is fair, especially considering the much higher coverage caps of up to $6,000 for appliances and up to $10,000 for home systems. Two of their three plans cost $50 or less per month, which is at or below the national average monthly premium of $50 per month. Plus, their well pump add-on is only $99.99 per year (about $8.33 per month), which is on par with other providers.
Overall, Elite may not be the cheapest home warranty provider on the market, but their pricing is competitive for the value you’re receiving.
I don’t love Elite’s quote process. Unlike every other provider on this list, you can’t receive an instant online quote. Instead, you have to fill out a form and wait for customer service to call you. This bogs down the research and shopping process when you’re looking around for the best deal, which I dislike. On the positive side, our team found that Elite isn’t nearly as pushy about the quote process as providers like Liberty Home Guard. I’ve personally had five or more follow-ups from Liberty Home Guard, which is beyond excessive. Elite is more reasonable with follow-ups, and their customer service representatives seem more interested in helping and educating me on their policies instead of pushing me into a policy.
Elite Home Warranty has an outstanding company reputation with an A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (which no other company on this list can boast). They also receive consistently high four-star ratings from other third-party review websites, with customers praising them for exceptional customer service, fast claims resolution, and an easy claims process. Negative reviews were so few that I can’t summarize them.
Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
BBB | A+ / 4.96 out of 5 stars | 462 |
Trustpilot | 4.7 out of 5 stars | 90 |
Yelp | 4.8 out of 5 stars | 4 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
I don’t love Elite’s claims process because of their service fee policy. Most home warranty providers have a set service fee (usually around $100 per visit) that you pay whenever a technician comes to your home on behalf of the home warranty company. Elite’s standard service fee is $75 per visit, but the cost jumps to a whopping $150 per visit if the repairs are on high-end or professional-grade appliances.
I don’t care for this sliding scale-style service fee policy as it can significantly impact my budget as a homeowner, so this knocks a few points from Elite’s score. However, I like that they assign each customer a claims concierge who works with you throughout the entire claims process. This is more of a white-glove service than most home warranty providers, giving you an easy way to contact the company if you have any questions.
Elite Home Warranty is a fairly transparent company, as they list a sample contract on their website for each state. All exclusions are clearly defined, but they have a large number of exclusions and qualifiers that may trip some homeowners up. For example, EHW doesn’t have an age restriction policy, meaning they don’t exclude older well pumps or appliances like some providers, but some of their sample policies share that the coverage amount drops if your appliance is older than 10 years. While this varies based on the state, it’s tricky to understand, knocking a few points off this provider’s overall score.
Exclusions
Elite’s exclusions are industry-standard, but you’ll want to note that this provider is strict about preexisting conditions and routine maintenance. If you don’t keep up with routine maintenance, your well pump won’t receive coverage.
- Natural disaster-related damages
- Preexisting conditions
- Routine maintenance
- Radon monitoring systems
- Fire sprinkler systems
- Solar systems and components
- Flues, venting, chimneys, and exhaust lines
- Acts of God
- Commercial-grade appliances
- Units in a rental property (i.e. apartments)
- Cosmetic damage
- Modified units
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it’s imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
This provider has a perfect score in this category because you can choose any technician for your repairs or replacement as long as they’re licensed in your state to perform the needed services. Just make sure you request the specific technician you want to work with when filing your claim — and know that Elite’s 30-day workmanship guarantee won’t apply if the technician is outside of Elite’s network.
Select Home Warranty
4.2
Our Rating
If you feel like you don’t have room in your budget for a home warranty or the extra add-on for well coverage, Select is my recommendation. Their plans are affordable, ranging from $44 to $48 per month, and their well pump add-on is only $3.33 per month. This rate is exceptional because most providers charge between $8 and $13 per month for well pump coverage, and some of them, like Liberty Home Guard, only offer $100 more in total coverage for almost $10 more per month. For $3.33 a month, your well pump receives an an allowance of $400 for repairs and replacements. While this may not be enough for total replacements, it can pay for smaller repairs or parts replacements, softening the financial burden.
Select Home Warranty doesn’t cover preexisting conditions or a lack of routine maintenance. If you don’t keep up with cleaning and servicing your well pump or appliances, Select will deny your claims. You need to keep up with maintenance and keep records in case Select requests these when you submit your claim to avoid claim denials. While this is pretty standard in the industry, it’s a pain and an inconvenience that I don’t love.
Select has a very affordable well pump add-on that costs $3.33 per month and comes with $400 in coverage. While this is $100 less than the standard $500 in well pump coverage, the monthly cost reflects that and is a third of what many home warranty companies charge. If you have a little room in your budget, this can be a cost-effective option for well pump coverage.
In addition to their affordable pricing, Select offers frequent sales. During my secret shopping, I found a multi-year discount available if you enroll in a policy for several years and a $150 discount on their website.
Like most providers, Select Home Warranty requires that you keep up with routine maintenance. Otherwise, Select will deny your appliances, home systems, and well pump claims. For well pumps, this looks like cleaning the cooling fans so your well pump doesn’t overheat, checking for leaks, and using anti-corrosive solutions. You’ll also want to have your well pump routinely serviced every three to four years. Always keep these service documents to prove that you kept up with routine maintenance so that your claims aren’t denied.
The other drawback is Select Home Warranty doesn’t have high coverage caps. Your HVAC system receives $3,000 in standard coverage, but appliances only receive $500 in coverage. This isn’t enough for most appliance replacements, especially if you have premium or lux models.
SHW scores well in this category because of its selection and wide coverage, especially at lower prices than most of the industry offers. I especially like that all of Select’s plans have free roof leak coverage (a $99 value), protecting your home from pricey water leaks. When unresolved, water damage can easily cost $1,300 to $6,000, so roof leak coverage is a helpful and cost-saving protective benefit.
Plan | Monthly Cost* | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
Bronze Care | $44.42 | $75 | $150 off (website), two extra months free (website), multi-year coverage discount (phone) |
Gold Care | $44.42 | $75 | $150 off (website), two extra months free (website), multi-year coverage discount (phone) |
Platinum Care | $47.75 | $75 | $150 off (website), two extra months free (website), multi-year coverage discount (phone) |
*Monthly cost figures provided include the discounted rate offered at the time of writing.
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Boise, ID. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
Select Home Warranty doesn’t have an extensive list of add-ons, but their add-ons are a fantastic deal with well pump coverage costing only $3.33 per month.
- Central vacuum: $3.33/month
- Lawn sprinkler system: $5.83/month
- Pool: $8.33/month
- Limited roof leak: $0/month
- Septic system: $5.83/month
- Spa: $5.83/month
- Stand-alone freezer: $3.33/month
- Sump pump: $3.33/month
- Well pump: $3.33/month
Out of all the providers on this list and many throughout the industry, Select Home Warranty is one of the most affordable providers you’ll find that I still find reputable and trustworthy (you know what they say, if a price seems too good to be true it just might be). Fortunately, SHW has a good reputation and offers excellent pricing, especially when it comes to add-ons. Roof leak coverage is free, which many providers charge around $10 per month for, and well pump coverage comes in at an affordable price of $3.33 per month for $400. Select’s premiums are all less than the national average of $50 per month, making this a genuinely cost-effective provider across the board.
Select Home Warranty receives mixed customer reviews regarding experience, with many saying the customer service team is helpful, but the claims process is frustratingly long. My experience with Select’s website has been positive as the website clearly lays out all the information you need, breaks down pricing, and features an informative blog that gives a lot of insight into what you can do as a proactive homeowner to avoid expensive repairs and replacements. I like that Select’s waiting period is only 30 days as some companies make you wait 60 days or longer for coverage, which makes me nervous because anything can happen in a few months that could disqualify your well from coverage.
Select gains some points in this category for their 12 years of industry experience but loses some for their subpar B- rating from the Better Business Bureau. Trustpilot reviewers give them a decent 3.6-star rating, but negative reviews are scathing, with many sharing that they had no-show, no-call appointment issues and problems with claim resolutions. This is something I definitely don’t want to see when I’m concerned about murky water from a broken-down well pump. Fortunately, positive feedback shared that they were thrilled with Select’s affordable pricing, special discounts when you call, and high-quality repairs.
Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
BBB | B- / 1.28 out of 5 stars | 2,111 |
Trustpilot | 3.6 out of 5 stars | 4,881 |
Yelp | 1.0 out of 5 stars | 9 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Select has a standard claims process. You can submit claims over the phone, email, or online portal. But I don’t love that non-emergency claims can take up to four days on weekends or holidays to process. When your water is murky because your well pump is on the fritz, this is less than reassuring as it doesn’t clearly state what is and isn’t considered an emergency.
I appreciate Select’s transparency as they have an easy-to-find sample policy on their website. However, the policy can be tricky to understand, especially if you’re new to shopping for a home warranty. In particular, finding the coverage caps for each item is challenging and often buried at the bottom of the contract.
Exclusions
Homeowners should know that a lack of maintenance or routine cleaning will disqualify your well, appliances, and home systems from coverage. Otherwise, I find Select’s exclusions to be typical.
- Secondary damage (e.g., your home warranty may cover roof damage but won’t cover water damage caused by the leak)
- Incorrect installation or malfunctions due to construction damage or improper wiring
- Issues with systems or appliances related to hazardous or toxic materials (such as mold, asbestos, and gas leaks)
- Common areas in condominiums or family homes
- Failure to properly maintain or clean systems or appliances
- Electrical surges
- Solar heating systems
- Foundation or structural issues
- Damage caused by natural disasters and rust
- Defects or damages caused by the foundation and structure of the home
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it’s imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
SHW receives a perfect score in this category because of their flexibility regarding service providers. All you need to do is call Select’s customer service before scheduling with your chosen service provider. Once you’re given authorization, you can go ahead with your selected contractor, and Select will reimburse you based on the terms of your policy.
Choice Home Warranty
4.3
Our Rating
Choice Home Warranty is a budget-friendly home warranty provider offering a solid well pump add-on at only $8.33 monthly. This add-on comes with $500 in coverage for well pumps, and you don’t have to worry about Choice not being able to access specific components of the well or other covered items as they’ll pay up to $500 to access covered items (a nice benefit most providers don’t offer). Customers also praise CHW for their high claim acceptance rate, which is incredibly important, because if your provider doesn’t approve your claims, Choice won’t reimburse you for the repair or replacement.
On the other hand, I wish CHW had a better company reputation. Their third-party ratings from the BBB and other review websites are subpar. Some exclusions, like routine maintenance, can even trip homeowners up, so if you are considering this provider, read the sample policy closely and keep records of all maintenance services.
Choice Home Warranty provides $500 in coverage for well pump repairs and replacements. All parts and components of the well pump used for your primary dwelling are included, making this a comprehensive add-on choice for any homeowner with a well pump on their property. I’m impressed that Choice will pay up to $500 to access covered items through ceilings, floors, concrete, roofs, and other obstructions, too. Many providers, like Elite Home Warranty, leave these costs to the homeowner, so this is a nice bonus if your well pump or other home systems aren’t easily accessible.
Like almost all home warranty providers, CHW doesn’t cover your well pump, appliances, or home systems if they malfunction due to misuse, neglect, or a lack of routine maintenance. While this isn’t abnormal, it puts additional stress on you as a homeowner to maintain records demonstrating that you kept up with cleaning and maintaining your well pump, filters, and corrosion prevention.
Choice has a poor company reputation. While third-party review ratings are so-so, the Better Business Bureau has a current alert on this provider. The Arizona Attorney General filed a consumer fraud lawsuit against CHW in 2019 for allegedly making false promises. This lawsuit is pending, but obviously, it’s not what I want to see when researching a company.
CHW offers fewer plan choices than the other providers on this list. Frankly, I’d skip the Basic Plan altogether because it doesn’t cover enough key appliances or home systems, like your fridge and clothes washer and dryer — which I certainly don’t want to be left without. However, I like their Total Plan, which covers these items and your built-in microwave, cooktop, garage door opener, and oven/stove. Depending on the item, you’ll receive anywhere from $500 to $3,000 in coverage per item. This coverage varies based on location, so read the fine print of your state’s sample policy before enrolling.
Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
Basic Plan | $46.67 | $100 | 5% discount, annual payment discounts and 1 month free (online or phone) |
Total Plan | $54.75 | $100 | 5% discount, annual payment discounts and 1 month free (online or phone) |
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Boise, ID. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
Choice offers a decent range of add-ons, including a competitively priced well pump add-on at $8.33 per month.
- Central vacuum: $3.33/month
- Limited roof leak: $5.83/month
- Pool: $15/month
- Second refrigerator: $3.33/month
- Septic system: $10/month
- Septic tank pumping: $5.42/month
- Spa: $15/month
- Additional spa: $15/month
- Sprinkler system: $8.33/month
- Stand-alone freezer: $3.33/month
- Sump pump: $3.33/month
- Well pump: $8.33/month
After Select Home Warranty, Choice is one of the more affordable providers on the market. They frequently have discounts and sales on their website. During my secret shopping for this article, CHW offered me one month free and an annual payment discount, which can really add up. Their well pump add-on is $8.33 a month, which is around the industry average cost-wise. It comes with a standard coverage of $500, making it a solid option when paired with one of CHW’s budget-friendly plans.
Choice Home Warranty is praised for their non-pushy sales staff, and I agree with this sentiment. I’ve found their customer service team helpful, but not solely focused on making the sale. In terms of the quote process, everything on their website is easy to navigate. I only wish they had a single page where you could compare quotes for both plans. Instead, you need to go back and forth between web pages to look at your different quotes, which is inconvenient.
Out of all the companies on this list, Choice has many positive reviews, sharing that their claims rate is high and that the claims process and repairs are fast. This bodes well, especially for well owners, because you don’t want to be without your primary water source for days or weeks. Otherwise, they have a decent B rating on the BBB, but their BBB reviewer, and Yelp rating leave a lot to be desired as they’re around a one-star average. Most negative reviews highlight issues with coordinating appointments and lackluster communication from customer service, which isn’t amazing.
Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
BBB | B / 1.04 out of 5 stars | 4,534 |
Trustpilot | 3.7 out of 5 stars | 40,297 |
Yelp | 1 out of 5 stars | 216 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
After Liberty Home Guard, Choice Home Warranty has my favorite claims process in the industry. Customers routinely praise them for their high claims acceptance rates, which is exactly what you want to find in a home warranty provider. Remember, if your provider denies your claims, you’re left footing the entire repair bill. One of the best parts of Choice’s claims process is that their sample contract shares it usually takes less than four hours to start looking for a service provider for the necessary repair, which is much faster than most. When my water is brown and murky, I’d prefer that to waiting days for an appointment.
CHW has an exceptional workmanship guarantee of 90 days for parts and 60 days for labor. This guarantee is anywhere from two to three times the industry average, providing extra protection should anything fail after a completed repair or replacement.
Overall, Choice Home Warranty earns a high score for transparency. Their sample contract is clearly posted online and is generally easy to understand. They don’t have too many tricky or sneaky exclusions that are unusual to the industry, although I would like to see a better breakdown of their coverage caps. You have to dig through the sample contract to find these, which isn’t my preference.
Exclusions
Choice Home Warranty has standard exclusions — nothing raises a red flag for me.
- Audio or visual equipment
- Internet connection components
- Routine maintenance
- Upgrades or modifications to original systems or appliances
- Pool accessories
- Fireplaces
- Doorbell
- Central vacuum ductwork, accessories, hoses, and blockages
- Portable or above-ground spas and pools
- Act of God incidents
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it’s imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
You can choose your own service provider with Choice, giving them a perfect score in this category for their excellent flexibility. However, you may lose Choice’s amazing workmanship guarantee of 90 days for parts and 60 days for labor. This is an exceptionally long guarantee that most providers don’t offer, so weigh the pros and cons before choosing your service provider.
Calculate the Cost of a Well Home Warranty
Estimate the cost of a well pump warranty by plugging in your monthly premium, service fee, and expected number of service visits (remember to include the well pump add-on in the premium cost).
Appliance | Average Repair Cost | Average Replacement Cost |
---|---|---|
Dehumidifier | $50–$200 | $1,300–$2,800 |
Microwave | $50–$400 | $60–$2,000 |
Dishwasher | $50–$500 | $400–$3,000 |
Exhaust Fans | $16–$300 | $250–$950 |
Electric Range | $100–$500 | $230–$3,000 |
Gas Range | $100–$500 | $230–$3,000 |
Dryer | $100–$400 | $450–$2,300 |
Oven | $100–$430 | $400–$3,000 |
Washer | $50–$450 | $400–$2,300 |
Freezer | $90–$500 | $160–$2,900 |
Refrigerator | $40–$350 | $200–$5,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need a Home Warranty for Wells?
While you’re not legally required to have a home warranty for wells, a home warranty can be a good decision if you don’t have a large emergency fund for home repairs. Well pump replacements can easily cost over $2,500, and a well pump add-on typically provides $500 to $1,500 in coverage.
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost for Wells?
The average cost of a home warranty for wells is about $53 per month based on my secret shopping across a handful of top home warranty providers, with most well pump add-ons increasing the monthly premium by around $10 per month for well coverage. Still, your monthly premium will vary based on the company, location, type of plan, and add-ons (like well pump coverage).
How Can I Save Money When Shopping for Home Warranties for Wells?
Well pump coverage is almost exclusively available as an add-on from home warranty companies, meaning you pay an extra fee on top of your monthly premium to have well coverage added to your home warranty policy. Most of these add-ons cost between $5 and $15 per month, so shop around by calling multiple home warranty companies and asking about their deals and discounts to reduce the overall monthly premium cost.
Is a Home Warranty Worth It for Wells?
Yes, a home warranty is worth it for wells because replacing a well pump alone can cost over $2,500. Most of us don’t have that kind of money sitting around for home repairs, which is why financial protection from a home warranty is worth it for most homeowners, as it can save you hundreds of dollars in repair costs when your well pump breaks down.
Other Warranty Resources for Homeowners
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