A home warranty can feel like one more thing to add to your budget — which, for most of us, is already strained during these inflationary times. Unfortunately, the cost of appliance and home systems repairs and replacements is no joke. For example, on average, your water heater costs about $1,700 to replace, which is money most of us don’t have to spare, but nobody wants to be without hot water for months. This is where a home warranty comes in.
If you’re skeptical about home warranties, I completely understand. There are shady companies out there that will do anything to wiggle out of paying up, but reputable companies, like the ones in this guide, are often a good investment that can save you money and strain when things go wrong.
I’ve spent countless hours researching, secret shopping, and reading through dense sample contracts to deliver the following in-depth guide on the best cheapest home warranty companies. While none of these companies are perfect (as you’ll see because I won’t hold back on my criticism), they have strong company reputations, affordable options, and comprehensive plans, among other things. Keep reading to learn about the top five home warranties scored using Today’s Homeowner’s unique review criteria, which include plans and coverage, customer experience, affordability, ease of use, claims process, and much 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 Cheapest Home Warranty Companies
- Select Home Warranty is my top pick for the best, cheapest home warranty company. They offer affordable service fees, frequent sales and discounts, and already affordable monthly premiums that are less than $50 per month on average.
- When shopping for a cost-effective home warranty, look for exclusions regarding cleaning, maintenance, and improper installation. These are common exclusions that often lead to claim denials, costing you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in possible reimbursement money from your home warranty provider.
- I’ll be honest. You don’t need a home warranty if the manufacturer’s warranty currently covers your appliances and home systems. In most cases, this would be doubling up on coverage and a waste of money.
What’s Most Important in a Cheap Home Warranty?
If you’re on a budget, looking for a home warranty provider with low monthly premiums should be your top priority. We consider anything under the national average of $50 per month “cheap,” but you’ll also want to consider your coverage levels. Are you looking for a home warranty policy that can cover the costs of total replacements? If so, you might want to spend a few extra dollars monthly to save thousands in replacement costs later on.
I suggest looking for a home warranty company with a less expensive service call fee. A service call fee is how much you’ll pay each time you submit a claim, and a technician comes to address the issue. The average service call fee typically costs around $100, but I’ve seen rates as high as $150 and as low as $75. If you anticipate needing many repair visits, definitely prioritize a lower service fee of $100 or less to save money.
Cheap Home Warranty Companies I Don’t Recommend
I don’t recommend AmericanHomeWarranty.org, as this provider has a terrible F rating from the Better Business Bureau. Customers frequently complain about issues with technicians never coming to their homes and shady cancellation practices. For example, one reviewer revealed that the company tried to charge them over $500 in cancellation fees — which is definitely not budget-friendly or reputable.
Compare The Highest Rated Cheaper Home Warranties
| 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 Cheap Home Warranties
Select Home Warranty
4.2
Our Rating
If you’re on a tight budget, Select Home Warranty is my number one choice, as they offer the most competitive rates, free limited roof leak coverage with all plans (a savings of $6 to $11 per month compared to other providers), and have a fantastic number of discounts. Plus, their service fee is cheaper at only $75 per month, rather than most companies who charge at least $100 or more.
I like that you don’t have to worry about completing an inspection before enrolling, and they don’t discriminate against older appliances. Some providers, like Elite Home Warranty, will pay less toward repairs or replacements once an appliance reaches a certain age, so this hassle-free policy from Select makes their plans truly valuable.
On the other hand, Select Home Warranty has many confusing and extensive conclusions that make it more likely you’ll face a claim denial. This means you won’t receive money for a reimbursement or may end up footing part of the repair bill. For example, if your water heater is partially behind concrete, Select wouldn’t pay for drilling through the concrete to access your water heater for repairs. In addition, their lower coverage caps aren’t my favorite, especially for plumbing and electrical items, which only receive up to $500. This amount isn’t enough for major repairs or complete replacements, as a main water line repair can cost anywhere from $500 to $4,000.
Select Home Warranty is, by far, the most budget-friendly home warranty company on the market. Not only do they regularly offer steep discounts, like two extra months free when you enroll, but their rates are already lower than the national average. Most monthly home premiums cost $50 nationwide, but all Select plans cost between $44 and $48. Their service call fees are also more affordable at $75 rather than $100 to $150, which is what most home warranty companies charge per visit.
Another pro is that Select doesn’t exclude or charge more for specific makes and models of appliances and systems. This is something providers like Elite Home Warranty can’t boast because they require you to opt for Pro-Series add-ons for certain high-end brands, which adds to your overall costs.
Select Home Warranty has low coverage caps and extensive exclusions that can lead to them denying your claim. For example, their sample contract states they can request up to three years of prior maintenance records and pictures. These records are necessary. Otherwise, the maximum payout on any appliance or system is only up to $150 (far less than the $3,000 payout you could otherwise receive for your HVAC system). If you’re not used to keeping up with maintenance, such as cleaning and replacing your HVAC filters or periodically flushing your water heater, this could result in you receiving little to no money, which is an awful situation to find yourself in.
Other vital exclusions to note are that Select won’t cover manufacturer’s defects, issues related to damage or defects to the structural components of your home, or the cost for removal or disposal of any covered items, including waste or debris associated with that repair.
Select Home Warranty offers comprehensive coverage at low prices. During my secret shopping, all of Select’s plans cost less than $48 per month and came with a $75 service fee (anywhere from $25 to $75 less than other home warranty providers charge). I recommend Select’s Platinum Care plan primarily because it covers common appliances, like kitchen appliances, your clothes dryer, and garbage disposal, along with home systems coverage for your plumbing, electrical, and heating systems. This plan is my preferred choice because, for only three dollars more, you receive significant and extensive coverage.
| 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. Select Home Warranty has been running this promotion since the beginning of this year.”
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
All of Select’s plans come with free limited roof leak coverage, which is an exceptional deal. Most home warranty companies charge $6 to $11 more per month for this coverage.
- 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
Select Home Warranty is the most affordable provider on this list and on the market, so we gave them a 9/10 for costs. Their plans typically cost less than $50 per month. They almost always have discounts on their website, including two months free, a regular $150 enrollment deal, and a multi-year discount if you sign up for multiple years (call for this discount). On top of this, their service fee is only $75, half what Elite Home Warranty charges for repairs after-hours or on premium appliances or home systems, making Select a far more affordable provider. If you look at Select’s add-ons, you’ll notice that these are much cheaper than providers like Liberty Home Guard, who tend to charge at least $15 or more per add-on, while all of Select’s add-ons cost less than $10 (many under $5 per month!), which can add up to hundreds of dollars savings over time.
My customer experience with Select has always been positive, but we scored them a 7.8/10 because they do follow up pretty incessantly, so expect not to forget about their company after you’ve requested a quote because they’ll contact you via phone, emails, and texts. I’ve even received two or three follow-ups in a single day from this provider, which didn’t enhance my customer experience, especially as an introvert. Otherwise, their website is user-friendly, with a detailed FAQ section and sample contract. You can even receive an instant quote, which boosts their rating in my book for ease of use during the shopping experience.
Like most providers, SHW has mixed reviews. Their solid B rating with the Better Business Bureau and 12 years of experience in business give them a reasonable company reputation rating of 7.7/10. Positive reviews usually highlight the easy sign-up process, professional customer service, and timely service visits. However, negative reviews pointed out issues with misleading policy exclusions, often regarding the maintenance and cleaning stipulations, which are understandably frustrating. I also saw negative reviews criticizing this provider for putting off service visits, but take this with a grain of salt, as positive reviews contradicted these sentiments.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B/1.33 | 2,089 |
| Trustpilot | 3.7 | 4,855 |
| Yelp | 1.0 | 9 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Select Home Warranty has a lackluster response time of approximately 48 hours, but their sample contract states that non-emergency claims can take up to four days on weekends and holidays following when you submit your claim, which is why they scored just a 7/10. This is a long time to wait when your dishwasher is leaking all over the place or your clothes washer is down and dirty laundry is piling up everywhere. While 48 hours is the industry standard, I prefer providers like Liberty Home Guard, who respond in closer to 12 hours when I’m waiting for my refrigerator to be fixed so my food doesn’t spoil. Otherwise, their claims process is average, with the ability to submit claims online, over email, or on the phone.
Select Home Warranty receives an 8.5/10, with 5 points for their easily accessible sample contract posted online — a key component that all home warranty providers should have available online to keep their requirements and exclusions transparent. Otherwise, Select loses a few points due to their extensive number of exclusions. They have many exclusions that can trip you up, like incorrect installations or malfunctions or the failure to properly maintain your appliances, which can lead to a claim denial, hurting their overall score in this category.
Exclusions
Select Home Warranty has an extensive range of exclusions. They also have strict requirements for properly maintaining and cleaning your home systems or appliances, which can quickly lead to claim denials if you don’t keep detailed records.
- Secondary damage (i.e., 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 (e.g., 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.
Select Home Warranty receives a fantastic 10/10 score because you can choose your service provider with Select. To do so, call Select’s customer service and ask for authorization before making an appointment. If you don’t get approval first, Select won’t reimburse you for repairs. While this extra step is frustrating, it’s industry standard and doesn’t take away from Select’s perfect score here.
Choice Home Warranty
4.3
Our Rating
If you’re on a budget, Choice Home Warranty is one of the best providers on the market because they offer competitive pricing, cost-effective add-ons (especially their roof leak coverage, which is only $5.83 per month), and thorough combination plans. I particularly like their Total Plan, which is only a few dollars more than the national home warranty monthly premium average of $50 per month but offers coverage for many unique and valuable items around the home, like a whirlpool bathtub, dishwasher, your clothes washer and dryer, and your AC unit — which can be incredibly expensive to repair at approximately $150 to $650 or up to $4,200 if you need a complete replacement. Plus, Choice has a highly praised claim acceptance rate, meaning they accept more claims than other providers, so you don’t have to worry about your provider denying your claim.
On the other hand, Choice has lower coverage caps than I’d like to see. Their coverage can sometimes be as little as $500, which is insufficient for significant repairs or replacements of many items, like your plumbing or water heater. I also don’t love that this provider has an ongoing lawsuit against them from the Arizona Attorney General. While it’s pending, this is still concerning.
Choice Home Warranty packs a lot of value into their cost-effective home warranty plans. Both of their plans cost less than $55 and are combination plans, meaning they cover a mix of home systems, like your AC unit, and appliances, like your dishwasher. I strongly recommend the Total Plan as it’s far more comprehensive at an affordable price of only $54.75 monthly. It covers many parts of your home, like your AC unit, dishwasher, clothes washer, and dryer. Plus, you receive up to $3,000 in coverage for your HVAC system, which is excellent, considering most providers offer between $2,000 to $3,000 in HVAC coverage and often at a higher monthly premium cost.
The other money-saving benefit Choice offers is its high claim acceptance rate. This shows that they accept more claims than most providers, so you’re not constantly getting your claims denied. When a provider denies your claim, you don’t receive a reimbursement for your broken refrigerator, which leaves you with no financial protection. A high claims acceptance rate is a must-have for budget-conscious homeowners, making this a massive win for Choice.
Choice Home Warranty has low coverage caps of as little as $500 for some items, like your water heater. This isn´t enough for many total appliance replacements or significant repairs, so you’ll have to pay part of the bill out of pocket.
I don’t care for Choice’s many tricky exclusions. For example, Choice could reimburse you for a covered item (which may be less than the retail cost), but Choice doesn’t cover the cost of shipping, tax, or installation when they offer you cash or a cash equivalent for this replacement. You also can’t make claims for 12 months on that replacement, leaving you at risk of your new clothes washer falling and you needing to pay for the repairs out of pocket.
I recommend skipping Choice Home Warranty’s Basic Plan as it lacks coverage for commonly covered, everyday appliances like your clothes washer and dryer, refrigerator, and AC unit. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be left without my AC unit during a blazing summer, so this isn’t a good plan for many homeowners (and why we dropped their score to 8.3 for coverage).
Choice’s Total Plan is affordable and offers coverage for these items, plus other unique features like your built-in microwave, whirlpool bathtub, ductwork, and garbage disposal. This reassures me that I’m covered. At less than $10 more per month, Choice’s Total Plan is affordable but a much more comprehensive plan that provides greater protection should your appliances or home systems fail.
| 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 some of the most affordable add-ons in the industry. Standouts include their competitively priced limited roof leak coverage, which costs only $5.83 (most providers charge $10 or more). In addition, their stand-alone freezer, sump pump, and second refrigerator coverage are terrific deals.
- 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
Choice Home Warranty has affordable plans, costing around $50 (give or take $5 per month). Their add-ons are cost-effective, with nearly all of their add-ons costing less than $10 — a far more affordable price point than Elite Home Warranty or Liberty Home Guard. Their roof leak coverage is a solid deal at only $5.83 per month and offers $500 in roof leak coverage, giving you a nice cushion should your roof start leaking after heavy rain.
However, some of Choice’s policies make them less affordable, which is why we lowered their score to 7.8/10. For example, they charge you an additional service fee to dispose of a covered item or one of its components. So, if you paid an initial $100 service fee for the repair visit, you could be charged an extra $100 if part of your covered refrigerator needs to be disposed of. This feels like nickel and diming to me and quickly makes Choice’s average service fee very expensive.
Learn more about Choice’s benefits in this video:
Choice Home Warranty offers a fantastic 90-day workmanship warranty for parts and a 60-day warranty for labor, which is two to three times what most home warranty companies offer. This gives you far more time to report any issues and greatly boosts my rating of Choice to 8.1/10 regarding customer experience. Their waiting period is average at 30 days (the amount of time you’d wait to have your coverage become effective after enrolling in a plan). Still, I find Choice’s website user-friendly, and their instant quote calculator is convenient for getting a quick idea of what your monthly premium will cost. Choice loses a few points in this category for their relentless number of follow-ups. Our team at Today’s Homeowner found that Choice followed up on average over five times, about three times too many for my taste.
With over 14 years of experience, Choice Home Warranty has a solid B rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 3.7-star rating from Trustpilot (much better than American Home Shield’s lower 2.1-star rating). This experience boosts their score in this category. However, their lower scores on Yelp and a pending lawsuit against them filed by the Arizona Attorney General regarding consumer fraud lowered their rating to an 8/10. The lawsuit is pending, but it’s not what I want to find when researching a home warranty provider.
Positive reviews praise Choice for their high claims acceptance rate and top-notch, efficient customer service — two must-haves when selecting a home warranty provider as you want your claims approved and the agents easy to work with. In contrast, some negative reviews reveal that Choice charged them two service fees for the same repair. For example, one customer needed a repair after a lightning strike, which required an electrician and an AC repair man. Choice charged the customer two service fees (one for each contractor, which seems a bit unfair.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B/1.04 | 4,495 |
| Trustpilot | 3.7 | 39,484 |
| Yelp | 1.1 | 158 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Choice Home Warranty has an above-average claims process, giving them a score of 8.5/10. This is due to several factors, including their high claims acceptance rate — a must-have to ensure most of your claims are accepted and you’re actually receiving those reimbursements. Plus, Choice’s sample contract shares that they start contacting service providers within four hours of your service request, which is faster than most. You can submit claims through the online portal or over the phone, which is industry standard and overall convenient. But, their biggest win is their extensive workmanship guarantee of up to 90 days for parts and 60 days for labor. Choice’s guarantee is two to three times the industry average of 30 days, giving you more time to report any issues with a repair or replacement and have it fixed without paying another service fee — a real budget saver, as service fees can really add up.
Overall, Choice doesn’t have many exclusions. I recommend looking through their sample contract closely before enrolling, but I find their posted sample contract easy to understand. It doesn’t feel like they’re trying to pull the rug out from under me with tricky exclusions, making them a more straightforward company — and that’s why we scored them 9.1/10.
Exclusions
Choice Home Warranty has typical exclusions, with nothing standing out as a red flag to me.
- Audio or visual equipment
- Internet connection components
- 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, its imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
With Choice Home Warranty, you can choose any service provider you want, giving you greater flexibility and control over who works on repairs in your home. However, if the service provider isn’t in their network, Choice’s valuable workmanship guarantee might not apply. Always confirm with customer service before choosing your provider to ensure you receive this protection.
Liberty Home Guard
4.6
Our Rating
Liberty Home Guard is my pick if you’re after an affordable plan with unique coverage for items like a reverse osmosis water filter, saltwater pool, or even carpet cleaning. This provider offers many extra money-saving benefits and discount options, such as their friend referral program, discounts on appliances, and additional property discounts if you’re enrolling in-home warranty coverage for more than one property — a significant savings for landlords. You also don’t have to go through the hassle of a home inspection or providing maintenance records with Liberty Home Guard, reducing the chances that Liberty will deny your claim for lack of maintenance, a problem customers encounter with some companies like Select Home Warranty.
On the other hand, their low-coverage caps aren’t my favorite. For example, they only provide up to $2,000 in HVAC coverage, which isn’t enough, in my opinion. A complete HVAC replacement can cost up to $11,000, so this $2,000 barely scratches the surface. Plus, their multitude of exclusions, such as the requirement to have items with no preexisting conditions, can lead to claim denials down the line and more money out of your pocket.
Still, if you need flexible coverage, you can’t beat this provider’s fantastic add-on and customization options.
If your home has unique features, like a saltwater pool, casita guest unit, or instant hot water dispenser, Liberty is one of the few (if not the only) home warranty providers that offer this coverage.
They’re an affordable provider with competitive rates, especially considering how many items each plan covers. I recommend their Total Home Guard plan because it offers the greatest protection and value by covering both appliances and home systems. Still, you can save additional money by choosing one of their less expensive plans or taking advantage of their many excellent discounts. During my secret shopping, Liberty offered me $200 off, two free months, and free roof leak coverage — hundreds of dollars in total savings, making them a budget-friendly option, especially if you need customizable coverage.
Despite their extensive coverage options, Liberty Home Guard has low coverage caps. This means that once the company hits its coverage cap for a specific item, you may end up paying out of pocket for bigger repairs or total replacements. For example, your plumbing system only receives $500 in coverage, which isn’t enough for substantial repairs.
Liberty has many exclusions. It doesn’t cover commercial-grade items or professional series or luxury appliances, or home systems, such as Bosch, Viking, or Scotsman appliances. If you want coverage for professional series items, you’ll need to pay for the Professional Series add-on. Other frustrating exclusions that can lead to claim denials include no coverage for items with preexisting conditions, disposal of the appliance, system, or component, and cranes or other specialty equipment needed to install or remove heavy appliances or systems. All these costs will be on you, so double-check that these exclusions fit your budget.
Liberty has an outstanding range of plans that are clearly organized and easy to navigate, which is why they earned a 10/10 in coverage. You can choose from an appliance-only plan, a home systems plan, or a comprehensive plan, the Total Home Guard plan, which covers both. While the Appliance Guard plan is the most affordable (typically around $49.99 based on my secret shopping), their Total Home Guard plan, which costs $10 per month, offers immense value. It covers appliances and home systems, like your HVAC system, plumbing, water heaters, garage door openers, and ductwork.
| 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 a far more comprehensive list of add-ons than most home warranty providers. While some of these are pricier, the value you receive and the types of coverage often aren’t available with other providers (i.e., coverage for a saltwater pool or gutter cleaning). If your home has unique features, Liberty’s add-ons may be an excellent upgrade to give you greater peace of mind.
- 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 $1 per day, though most quotes Liberty has provided me during my research start at closer to $49.99 — which is still a competitive price. Their add-ons aren’t the most affordable on this list (which is why they get a 7.8/10 score in this category), but Liberty does offer unique coverage you won’t find elsewhere, such as electronics protection, septic tank support, or reverse osmosis filter coverage. With more than 40 options, you can customize your plan far more than other providers I’ve seen on the market. Despite their pricier add-ons, LHG offers several great discounts, such as free limited roof leak coverage and a $200 off coupon when I was secret shopping. Some customers have even reported receiving discounts for being veterans.
I find Liberty’s quote process quick and to the point, with the company sharing that you can enroll in coverage in just minutes. Their website is user-friendly, although I don’t care for the many follow-up calls I received after putting my information in for a quote, which resulted in a lower 7.5/10 score. I like that Liberty Home Guard has a generous 60-day workmanship guarantee. If you find any issues with your repair or replacement, Liberty will send out another technician at no additional cost if you re-request the service within 60 days. This is double the industry standard, giving you extra time to truly test your newly repaired appliance and ensure the work was completed to your satisfaction — and it can save you the cost of another $125 service fee.
Many customers rave about Liberty’s excellent service, so they earned a 9/10 for company reputation. Reviews shared that the Liberty team went out of their way during an emergency, like their air conditioning breaking down — something I definitely want in a home warranty provider, as no one wants to be left without AC or heat. Beyond that, Liberty’s positive reviews typically highlight responsive customer service agents and professional technicians who quickly took care of the repair during the first visit. Unhappy customers usually point out issues with misleading home warranty policies that didn’t meet their expectations and long response times after submitting a claim. Overall, this provider has much higher ratings than most providers, with a 4.48 from BBB reviewers and a 4.7-star rating from Trustpilot, reassuring me that they provide excellent service behind closed doors.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | NR*/4.48 | 2,479 |
| Trustpilot | 4.7 | 2,757 |
| Yelp | 1.3 | 67 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
*Note (as of 5/15/24): 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 4.5 out of 5 from nearly 2,500 reviews. For added context, the approximately 480 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 a fantastic claims process, so we gave them a 10/10 rating. The most standout feature of their claims process is their revolutionary mobile app. Most providers only let you submit claims over the phone or their online portal, so a convenient mobile app is a big step forward for the customer experience. This intuitive app allows you to manage your home warranty account and claims, file claims, and follow up on the status of the claim. You can even check when your next payment is coming and the amount, allowing you to budget more effectively while you’re waiting for that money to hit your bank account.
Liberty has an excellent online sample policy with clear breakdowns of what is and isn’t covered. While I find their policies and pricing transparent, I struggle a bit with the overwhelming number of exclusions, which led to their 9.3/10 score. Their leak exclusion and refusal to cover items with preexisting conditions are two exclusions that can cause trouble for many homeowners with older appliances or in areas with heavy rain.
Exclusions
Liberty Home Guard has an extensive number of exclusions. None of these exclusions are out of the ordinary, but there are many to keep track of, so make sure you closely review your policy so you understand what will and won’t lead to claim denials (and ultimately no reimbursement).
- 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.
You can choose your service provider with Liberty Home Guard, so they get a 10/10 here. Just make sure you reach out to Liberty first so they can authorize the provider. Liberty recommends sticking with their LHG-certified professionals because they vet all of their professionals, and their work comes with a 60-day workmanship guarantee — which you forfeit if you choose an out-of-network provider.
American Home Shield
4.3
Our Rating
While not the cheapest home warranty provider on the market, American Home Shield delivers impressive value with unmatched coverage limits of up to $4,000 for appliances and up to $5,000 for home systems like your HVAC. Unlike providers like Select Home Warranty, who max out $3,000 in HVAC coverage, American Home Shield’s coverage is high enough to cover some HVAC replacements and major repairs, saving you money in the long run.
A drawback with AHS is their poorer customer reviews (although they are BBB-accredited) and limited selection of add-ons. Unlike Liberty Home Guard, which offers more than 40 add-ons, you only have six options with AHS. However, their roof leak coverage is more valuable than most, as AHS provides up to $1,000 in roof leak coverage (double what Choice Home Warranty offers). I also love that this provider covers unknown preexisting conditions, so you don’t have to worry about your older appliances having an issue and being disqualified from coverage.
While your premium will be a little more per month, this experienced provider will likely save you money on repairs in the long run, especially if you have premium or lux appliances that require costlier repairs.
American Home Shield has phenomenal coverage caps of up to $4,000 for appliances and up to $5,000 for home systems, which is about two times the industry average and sufficient for most repair or replacement costs. While they charge more with their monthly premiums than providers like Select Home Warranty, you’re receiving far greater coverage, allowing you to rest easy knowing that your home warranty provider can pay for full replacements when necessary.
In addition, AHS offers valuable member benefits, such as free HVAC tune-ups with their ShieldPlatinum plan, tech installation and support, indoor service and maintenance (for things like cleaning your dryer vent), and re-key service. These perks can save you money and time keeping up with maintenance and keep your home safer, as most of us probably don’t change our keys as often as we should.
American Home Shield is a little pricier than most home warranty companies, especially if you opt for their ShieldPlatinum plan, which starts at $79.99 monthly based on my secret shopping for a two-bedroom single-family home. To be fair, this particular plan includes free roof leak coverage (worth up to $1,000 and a $120 per year value), making the price more reasonable.
If you’re on a very tight budget, opt for AHS’ ShieldSilver plan, which is more affordable, or look into their discounts.
I love how comprehensive AHS’ plans are, especially because you can opt for up to $4,000 in appliance coverage and up to $5,000 in home systems coverage (more than double what Liberty Home Guard provides). Because their coverage is so extensive, they got a 9/10 here.
While it’s the most expensive option, I strongly recommend the ShieldPlatinum plan. This plan comes with a free HVAC tune-up, roof leak coverage (a savings of $120 a year), and other great member benefits, like help to maintain your appliances, which increases their longevity and functionality.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
| ShieldSilver | $29.99 – 39.99 | $100 – $125 | Same-day discount of $125 off first year (website), 40% off Shield Gold plan (website) |
| ShieldGold | $49.99 – 59.99 | $100 – $125 | Same-day discount of $125 off first year (website), 40% off Shield Gold plan (website) |
| ShieldPlatinum | $79.99 – 89.99 | $100 – $125 | Same-day discount of $125 off first year(website), 40% off Shield Gold plan (website) |
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 offers limited add-on options but at a competitive price. Their roof leak repair add-on is an especially cost-effective deal: only $10 a month for up to $1,000 in coverage (twice what Choice Home Warranty offers).
- Roof leak repair: $10/month
- Electronics protection plan: $14/month
- Pool & built-in-spa equipment: $18/month
- Guest unit: $15.99/month
- Septic pump: $5/month
- Well pump: $8/month
While AHS has higher monthly premiums than many providers (this led them to lose a few points for a 7.5/10 score), they offer a wide range of discounts and deals that can make their plans more affordable. During my secret shopping, they offered me a same-day discount of $125 off my first year and 40% off their ShieldGold plan, which made this plan more affordable than even Select Home Warranty’s plans. Plus, you can check out their promo page, which advertises deals for AARP members, military members, multiple properties, and if you refer a friend. All of these discounts can help you save on their otherwise pricier plans.
American Home Shield has a user-friendly website, and professional customer service agents have always made my secret shopping experience enjoyable, so we gave them an 8.1/10. With over 50 years of experience, this provider has their customer service down pat, and I like that you can receive coverage within a short waiting period of 30 days. Some providers make you wait up to two months for your coverage to start, putting you at risk of an appliance failing and your coverage not being active yet. However, AHS can be aggressive with their follow-ups, so keep this in mind, especially if you’re a shyer individual like me who gets stressed out by multiple voicemails left on their phone.
This BBB-accredited provider stands out with their solid B rating and BBB accreditation, which few home warranty providers have. With that said, their third-party reviews are subpar, with over 5,000 reviewers giving them an average score of only 2.1 stars. Negative reviews honed in on American Home Shield for their “bait and switch” tactics, which they share lead to claim denials, miscommunication over the wrong technicians being sent out to address repairs and cancellation issues. While these reviews aren’t reassuring, AHS still scores decently in this category (a 7.3/10) for their BBB accreditation and positive reviews highlighting their high coverage caps, saving customers thousands of dollars in repair bills.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B/2.11 | 11,119 |
| Trustpilot | 2.1 | 5,361 |
| Yelp | 1.1 | 1,298 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
This provider offers 24/7/365 availability — a significant benefit because nobody wants to wait for business hours when their dishwasher is leaking everywhere. You can submit claims online or over the phone with customer service, and our team found that AHS gets back to you after a claim submission in around 48 hours. In this industry, 24 to 48 hours is standard, so this is a little slower than I’d like to see, especially when you look at providers like Liberty Home Guard, who take closer to 12 hours.
American Home Shield clearly lists their sample contract online, giving them a nearly perfect 9.5/10 score in this category for their transparency regarding their exclusions and policy terms. Overall, the fine print is readable and easy to understand, even if you’re new to the home warranty industry. This is a vast improvement over providers like Liberty Home Guard and Elite Home Warranty, which overly complicate their policy’s fine print, making it easier for you to trip up and have your provider deny your claim, leaving you with no reimbursement. In addition, AHS has fewer exclusions than most providers. Liberty Home Guard has around three times the number of exclusions I found during my research, which makes it more complicated to stay on top of what will violate the terms of your policy.
Exclusions
American Home Shield has fewer exclusions than many home warranty companies, making them a better value because you don’t have to worry about tricky exclusions leading to claim denials.
- 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 only receives half the points (for a 5/10 score) in this category because you can’t typically choose your service provider. In rare cases, the provider may authorize you to select a technician, but AHS chooses your provider in most situations.
Elite Home Warranty
4.3
Our Rating
If you prefer planning your budget around a monthly premium and don’t want to stress about service fee charges, often around $100 per service visit, Elite has a no-service call fee option. They are the only home warranty company I’ve seen offer a choice to pay $0 for every service fee. But this will raise your annual premium, so this is best for homeowners interested in spending a set amount each month with no fluctuations from repair visits.
Many of Elite’s policies can save you money, such as their commitment to pay for the use of cranes, disposal of covered parts or appliances, and added permits or code violations. Most providers, like Liberty Home Guard, have you pay extra for these, so this is a great bonus that lives up to Elite’s fantastic company reputation and A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
On the downside, this provider’s premiums can be a bit more expensive than usual, and they don’t cover premium appliances without the purchase of an add (which adds around $15 more to your monthly premium). Their service fees can also become quite expensive when you have premium appliances or need after-hours services, as the fee jumps to $150 (double what Select Home Warranty charges for all service calls).
Elite Home Warranty offers competitive pricing and unmatched coverage caps. You can receive up to $6,000 in appliance coverage and up to $10,000 in home systems coverage, depending on your plan and selected add-ons. This can save you a lot of money in the long run, as these caps are high enough to replace most home systems and appliances in full. This means you’re not left paying for part of the replacement cost yourself, which would be the case with Liberty Home Guard, which has a low coverage cap of only $2,000 for your HVAC system (which easily costs $5,000+ to replace).
This BBB-accredited provider has phenomenal customer ratings, with nearly perfect five-star ratings across three third-party review websites. I’ve never seen another provider match these high scores. I also love that Elite offers excellent customer protection. For example, they have a lodging coverage benefit of up to $375 for three days if your home isn’t habitable because of a carbon monoxide leak or your AC dies during a hot summer. This speaks to their dedication to go above and beyond and help you with extra costs incurred while waiting for the technician to complete the repairs on your home.
Elite has complicated exclusions and doesn’t cover premium or luxury appliance brands unless you pay for an add-on, which adds around $15 to your monthly premium. They aren’t the cheapest provider on this list, though the high coverage caps can make up for this when it comes time for your appliance to be replaced entirely.
In addition, I don’t like Elite’s service fee policy. They typically charge $75 per service visit but can charge as much as $150 for repairs on premium appliances or after-hours. This can quickly add up, hurting your budget.
Elite’s plans are competitively priced, especially when you consider how comprehensive their Elite Complete plan is, so we scored them a perfect 10/10. I like that their service fee is more affordable at only $75 (out of the providers in this guide, only Select Home Warranty offers a service fee this low). Plus, the Elite Complete plan covers all of the essential appliances and systems you likely use daily, like your dishwasher, ceiling fans, built-in microwave, plumbing, heating, and electrical system, giving you greater peace of mind.
The following plan’s monthly costs don’t include any available discounts.
| 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 charges yearly rates for its add-ons, making the following add-ons look more expensive than those of its competitors. However, when you do the math, most of its add-ons cost between $15 and $20 per month, which is average.
- 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 & 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
- Wine cooler: $69.99/year
Elite Home Warranty is pricier than some providers (which is why they got a 7.5/10), but considering their fantastic coverage caps, they have overall affordable plans. Most of their add-ons cost between $15 to $20, which isn’t cheap, but it’s industry standard. On top of this, I appreciate their consistent discounts, like the regular $150 off coupon I see on their website and their 30-day free trial. They even have a 60-day full money-back guarantee that allows you to opt out anytime for any reason and instantly refunds you, so this is a big win if you’re wavering on signing up for a home warranty policy and worried about losing your hard-earned money.
Customers frequently rave about their experience with Elite, and I can see why. Their agents have always been knowledgeable and have an education-focused approach to speaking with customers rather than a pushy sales approach, which I really appreciate as an introvert. However, I rate Elite at a lower 7.5/10 for their expensive 8% cancellation fee when you can cancel after the 30-day trial period. Many providers have cancellation fees after a certain point, but it’s often a flat rate of as little as $50 rather than a larger 8% chunk.
This BBB-accredited provider has an outstanding reputation, especially considering they’ve only been around for four years. This is why we scored them an 8/10. U.S. News named them the Best Coverage Plans Home Warranty 2024, and they regularly receive nearly perfect scores on websites like Trustpilot and Yelp. Positive reviews rave about Elite’s quick response time, proficient technicians, and communicative customer service. Negative reviews were so far and few between, making it difficult to summarize the consensus there.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A+/4.97 | 405 |
| Trustpilot | 4.8 | 86 |
| Yelp | 4.8 | 4 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Elite Home Warranty has a hit-or-miss claims process, which led to them losing some points for a 6/10 score. On the positive side, I like that you have a dedicated claims concierge who can help you submit claims, or you can submit them online. They claim to process claims 24/7 and solve the issues as quickly as possible. Their white-glove service means they can dispatch technicians within a few hours at times, and they back their service with a 90-day parts warranty, which is reassuring that you can put your repair to the test. However, their FAQ page states they have a 30-day workmanship guarantee, suggesting that the repair’s labor is only backed by 30 days, which I find frustrating.
Elite Home Warranty isn’t as transparent as I’d like them to be. They advertise a lower service fee of as little as $70 on their home page, but you can pay as much as $150 on any claims related to high-end or professional-grade appliances and systems (more than double the initial claim). If you don’t read the fine print, you’d be completely unaware of this. Likewise, items older than 10 years are covered for repairs only. If the item isn’t repairable, you receive a limited cash payout. All of these exclusions make their policies less user-friendly than I’d like, and this is why they got a transparency score of 5/10.
Exclusions
Elite Home Warranty has overall standard exclusions:
- 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.
Elite receives a perfect 10/10 score in this category because you can pick your service technician as long as they are licensed and qualified for the service required in your state. However, this may invalidate Elite’s workmanship guarantee, so double-check with customer service first.
Calculate the Cost of Cheap Home Warranties
Plug in your monthly premium, service call fee, and estimated number of service visits per year to calculate your expected cheap home warranty plan 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
Can You Benefit From a Cheap Home Warranty?
Home repairs aren’t cheap, especially when you consider massive replacement costs for items like your refrigerator or HVAC system. A cheap home warranty can save you from huge repair bills, making the initial investment in the warranty worthwhile in many cases.
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost?
The average cost of a cheap home warranty is around $53, depending on the plan, your location, add-ons, and other factors. However, the average cost of a home warranty can vary dramatically, especially if you’re able to land exclusive discounts or deals.
How Can You Money When Shopping To Find a Cheap Home Warranty?
The quickest way to save money when shopping for cheap home warranties is to research less expensive companies and then call to ask about deals, discounts, or special enrollment bonuses. I always receive the best rates when I take a few minutes to call, so I recommend this practice to save the most money.
Is a Cheap Home Warranty Worth It?
A cheap home warranty is worth it for most homeowners because it can save you a lot of money on expensive appliances and home system repairs and replacements. Instead of being responsible for the entire bill, a reliable home warranty will pay for the entire repair or replacement (other than your service call fee, around $100 on average), making a home warranty worth it for most.
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