Home warranties are helpful for all homeowners to offset unexpected repair and replacement costs for home systems and home appliances. However, they’re especially useful in Arkansas, where the frequent extreme weather can put roofing material at risk of leaking and high temperatures from April through October can leave air conditioning systems and refrigerators at risk of being overworked and getting damaged.
For Arkansas homeowners, we’re prepared to list our recommendations for the best home warranty companies in the Natural State. Whether your primary concern is budget, comprehensiveness of coverage, or customization, we’ve found a provider that can meet your needs. Fortunately, getting a free, personalized quote is easy, so you can use our list as a starting point for your search.
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.
Best Home Warranty Companies in Arkansas
Overall, we find that American Home Shield offers the best home warranty in Arkansas. Although you’ll pay a little more per month, you’ll also receive coverage for a number of conditions that other providers simply don’t cover. You’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that your home warranty provider has been a mainstay in the industry for decades, and you’ll benefit from the large nationwide network of trusted technicians that American Home Shield maintains.
However, American Home Shield might not be right for all Arkansas homeowners, so we also recommend the additional providers below. They each provide free, instant quotes on their websites, and you can also easily find sample contracts to look at the fine print. We recommend gathering at least three quotes before making your decision.
Compare the Best Home Warranty Companies in Arkansas
The table below outlines data for the best home warranty companies on the market. We constantly update these ratings as companies change their policies and prices to give you the most accurate information possible. Continue reading for in-depth reviews of the best providers in Arkansas.
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 |
$60 |
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 |
How to Choose the Best Home Warranty in Arkansas
Now that you have the top Arkansas home warranties narrowed down to the top five choices on the market, it is time to choose the one that is best for your Arkansas home. There are some essential features to look for when you are narrowing down these home warranty policies. Three of the most important are overall pricing, workmanship guarantee, and add-on options.
The overall pricing of an Arkansas home warranty is not all that difficult to figure out. Simply consider the monthly price along with the service fee, and you will quickly see which plans are the most affordable to you. Also, pay attention to the coverage caps associated with the plans.
Workmanship guarantee means that if a repair on an appliance or system fails, the home warranty company will cover it for a certain period. Workmanship guarantee can range from 30 days to 180 days, but it is worth considering when choosing a plan.
Add-on coverage can include anything from a warranty for a swimming pool to a second refrigerator. If you have unique features in your Arkansas home, pay close attention to the add-on coverage options available to you.
While these general considerations are important to make to ensure you get a plan that suits your budget and expectations, there are also some local factors at play in Arkansas that can help you narrow down providers.
First, Arkansas is located in Tornado Alley, and residents experience many intense thunderstorms and tornadoes every year. While isolated damages caused by these weather events will likely be covered by your homeowners insurance, they can also cause gradual damage to your roof. Many Arkansas homeowners opt for home warranties that cover roof leaks, as they are more likely in the area than in many other states.
Additionally, Arkansas is known for hot, humid summers, and the heat and humidity can put a massive strain on your air conditioners. This is especially true at the height of the summer when temperatures reach up into the 90s. A home warranty that covers refrigerators and air conditioning systems will be far more valuable in Arkansas, given the strain the weather puts on these items.
How Much Does a Home Warranty in Arkansas Cost?
The average home warranty cost in Arkansas will range in price from around $35 a month to $75 a month, or $420 to $900 per year. The range of pricing will depend on the coverage you choose and the quality of the plan. The add-on coverage choices can also increase the total pricing of the plan. Arkansas home warranties are priced about the same as they are in other states across the nation. The table below provides some average pricing for different residential customers.
Overall | $720.38 |
Single Family | $585.29 |
Multi Family | $1,087.74 |
Townhome | $493.33 |
Condo | $614.80 |
Duplex | $880.81 |
Home Over 5,000 sq ft | $1,294.73 |
Home Under 5,000 sq ft | $650.55 |
Home Warranty Cost Calculator
Use our home warranty cost calculator tool to estimate the yearly costs of a home warranty for your Arkansas property. Just type in the following to get the full annual cost: monthly premium, service call fee, estimated number of service visits.
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 |
Home Warranty Regulations in Arkansas
In addition to our home warranty reviews, you can check the company with the Arkansas Insurance Department. The purpose of this Department is to protect your interests by enforcing and regulating laws in the insurance industry. They will be more than happy to verify for you if the company has a license to work in Arkansas.
Resources for Arkansas Homeowners and Home Buyers
- Arkansas Development Finance Authority: The Arkansas Development Finance Authority can help with anything from a down payment to mortgage assistance for new home buyers. If you are looking into any type of loan or borrowing of funds, this is a resource to consider.
- Homeownership Assistance Arkansas The US Department of Housing and Urban Development can help Arkansas homeowners who are considering purchasing a home. Those who are going through a difficult financial time can also benefit from the services that HUD offers.
- US Department of Agriculture Rural Development: Some areas of Arkansas are quite rural, and there are special accommodations for this. If you are looking for a bit of help with a down payment or mortgage assistance, the US Department of Agriculture Rural Development may be able to help.
- Arkansas Home Loans: For those who want to ensure they are getting fair pricing on an Arkansas home loan, the Government of Arkansas website can help. This is also a great resource if you are looking for first-time buyer incentives or assistance.
- Little Rock Down Payment Assistance: Little Rock is one of the most popular areas of Arkansas to live in. If you are serious about living in Arkansas and have everything but the down payment figured out, the Little Rock Down Payment Assistance may be able to help. Check to see if you qualify, and take advantage of these tremendous benefits.
Our Reviews of the Best Arkansas Home Warranty Companies
American Home Shield
4.3
Our Rating
First on our list is American Home Shield, a home warranty company that’s been in business since 1971. In its more than 50 years in the industry, American Home Shield has garnered a reputation for great customer service and some of the most comprehensive plans available.
Under an American Home Shield plan, covered items aren’t just protected from wear-and-tear damage. They’re also covered in case of malfunction from improper repairs, insufficient maintenance, rust, sediment and corrosion. You’ll also have protection from pre-existing conditions as long as they were undetectable when the coverage period began.
American Home Shield offers its customers three plans. The first, ShieldSilver, covers your home’s major systems like plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical systems. The second, ShieldGold, adds coverage for home appliances, including kitchen appliances, washers and dryers. Finally, ShieldPlatinum also covers both home systems and appliances and adds coverage for one free HVAC tune-up, roof leaks, A/C refrigerant and code upgrades.
Coverage | ShieldSilver | ShieldGold | ShieldPlatinum |
Roof-leak repairs | ✔ | ||
Air conditioner | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Heating unit | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Ductwork | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Built-in exhaust, vent and attic fans | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Main breaker and fuse panel box | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Doorbells and chimes | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Interior electrical lines | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Ceiling fans | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Garage door openers | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Interior plumbing lines | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Toilets | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Faucets and valves | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Whirlpool tub motor and components | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Water heater | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Refrigerator | ✔ | ✔ | |
Range/Cooktop | ✔ | ✔ | |
Oven | ✔ | ✔ | |
Dishwasher | ✔ | ✔ | |
Built-in microwave | ✔ | ✔ | |
Garbage disposal | ✔ | ✔ | |
Instant hot/cold water dispenser | ✔ | ✔ | |
Clothes washer | ✔ | ✔ | |
Clothes dryer | ✔ | ✔ |
To any of these plans, you can add optional coverage for pools/spas, septic pumps, well pumps and guest units of up to 750 sq. ft. However, you won’t need to purchase anything extra to get coverage for duplicate appliances.
Your premium cost is what you pay your home warranty company every month or year that the policy is active. Additionally, your service call fee or deductible is what you pay directly to service providers the company sends to your home to diagnose or repair a covered item. American Home Shield allows you to customize your service fee with respect to your premium. Thus, you can choose to pay a lower premium with a higher service call fee and vice versa.
American Home Shield offers service call fees of $75, $100 or $125. Here are the premiums you can choose from for a house of about 2,000 sq. ft. in Little Rock, AR.
Plan | $75 Service Fee | $100 Service Fee | $125 Service Fee |
ShieldSilver | $59.99 | $49.99 | $44.99 |
ShieldGold | $69.99 | $59.99 | $54.99 |
ShieldPlatinum | $89.99 | $79.99 | $74.99 |
Choice Home Warranty
4.3
Our Rating
From solid coverage caps to remarkable claims acceptance rates, Choice Home Warranty (CHW) is a strong contender for Arkansas homeowners shopping for a home warranty. This provider has been in business since 2009 and has proudly served over 1.65 million homes nationwide and completed more than 5 million service repairs.
Denied claims can be frustrating, especially when you think the claim falls under your purchased policy. This can leave you to figure out how to pay for the cost of repairs or replacements, potentially leading to financial stress. With Choice Home Warranty, denied claims are less of a problem, as the company has an excellent claims acceptance rate.
It accepts many of the claims its policyholders submit, making it a worthwhile consideration for Arkansas homeowners. On top of that, this provider offers system and appliance coverage in both of its plans, ensuring you don’t have to choose between the two. It offers solid coverage caps above the industry standard and includes things many providers exclude, such as older homes, systems, or appliances.
Of course, this provider has drawbacks, such as its limited customization options and a lower Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating.
Unlike many home warranty providers, Choice Home Warranty only offers two plans: the Basic Plan and the Total Plan. Each comes with a slightly different coverage scope, but both cover systems and appliances. Here is what the two plans cover:
System or Appliance | The Basic Plan | The Total Plan |
Heating and Cooling | ||
Air Conditioner | X | ✓ |
Heating Unit | ✓ | ✓ |
Ductwork | ✓ | ✓ |
Electrical Systems | ||
Built-in Exhaust, Vent & Attic Fan | ✓ | ✓ |
Main Breaker & Fuse Panel Box | ✓ | ✓ |
Doorbell & Chimes | ✓ | ✓ |
Interior Electrical Lines | ✓ | ✓ |
Ceiling Fan | ✓ | ✓ |
Garage Door Opener | ✓ | ✓ |
Plumbing Systems & Accessories | ||
Water Heater | ✓ | ✓ |
Interior Plumbing Lines | ✓ | ✓ |
Toilets | ✓ | ✓ |
Faucets & Valves | ✓ | ✓ |
Whirlpool Bathtub Motor & Components | ✓ | ✓ |
Kitchen Appliances | ||
Refrigerators | X | ✓ |
Ranges/Cooktops | ✓ | ✓ |
Ovens | ✓ | ✓ |
Dishwashers | ✓ | ✓ |
Built-in Microwaves | ✓ | ✓ |
Garbage Disposal | ✓ | ✓ |
Instant Hot/Cold Water Dispenser | X | X |
Laundry Appliances | ||
Washers | X | ✓ |
Dryers | X | ✓ |
Roof | ||
Roof Leak Repair | Add-on | Add-on |
Choice Home Warranty offers a decent list of add-on riders, ensuring homeowners can tweak their policies to meet their unique needs. While there aren’t as many options as some providers, the list is solid. Each add-on comes at an extra cost:
- Pool
- Spa
- Additional spa
- Roof leak, limited
- Central vacuum
- Second refrigerator
- Standalone freezer
- Sprinkler system
- Well pump
- Sump pump
- Septic tank pumping
- Septic system
Choice Home Warranty has two plans available to Arkansas homeowners. Each covers a mix of home systems and appliances and has a service call fee of $85 per warranty repair. In total, the Basic Plan covers 14 items and the Total Plan covers 18 systems and appliances.
The Basic Plan | The Total Plan |
$46.83 per month | $54.75 per month |
Select Home Warranty
4.2
Our Rating
Select Home Warranty rounds out our list as another highly affordable provider. All of its plans are available for less than $50 a month, and they all come with free roof leak coverage for areas over the inhabited part of your home.
Select Home Warranty also offers numerous additional coverage options, and it’s the only company on our list that covers lawn sprinkler systems.
Select Home Warranty offers its Bronze Care plan, which covers home appliances, and its Gold Care plan, which covers home systems, for the same affordable price. For only a few more dollars a month, you can sign up for the Platinum Care plan for a few more dollars a month, which covers systems and appliances, including ceiling fans, garage door openers and plumbing stoppages.
Coverage | Bronze Care | Gold Care | Platinum Care |
Limited roof leak | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Air conditioning and cooling | ✔ | ✔ | |
Ductwork | ✔ | ✔ | |
Electrical system | ✔ | ✔ | |
Heating system | ✔ | ✔ | |
Plumbing system | ✔ | ✔ | |
Water heater | ✔ | ✔ | |
Cooktop | ✔ | ✔ | |
Dishwasher | ✔ | ✔ | |
Garbage disposal | ✔ | ✔ | |
Built-in microwave | ✔ | ✔ | |
Refrigerator | ✔ | ✔ | |
Stove/Oven | ✔ | ✔ | |
Clothes washer | ✔ | ✔ | |
Clothes dryer | ✔ | ✔ | |
Garage door opener | ✔ | ||
Plumbing stoppages | ✔ | ||
Ceiling fan | ✔ |
The company’s additional coverage options include a lawn sprinkler system, central vacuum, pool, septic system, spa, stand-alone freezer, sump pump or well pump.
Select Home Warranty offers a relatively low service fee of $75. Note that you can save money and get two free months of coverage by paying annually.
Plan | Monthly Cost | Yearly Cost |
Platinum Care | $46.08 | $499.99 |
Gold Care | $41.67 | $449.99 |
Bronze Care | $41.67 | $449.99 |
AFC Home Warranty
4.3
Our Rating
For the most personalized home warranty available, America’s First Choice (AFC) Home Warranty is our top pick. You can choose from four different plans and three premium/deductible combinations. Additionally, the company has a list of 11 add-on coverage options.
Although you don’t need to sign an AFC contract, if you do, you’ll lock in your rates for as long as you continue to renew. Since AFC Home Warranty offers particularly good prices to Arkansas homeowners – some of the lowest they offer in the country – we highly recommend this provider.
AFC Home Warranty’s four plans include the Systems Plan, which covers home systems, and the Silver Plan, which covers home appliances. The Gold Plan covers both and adds coverage for ductwork. The Platinum Plan covers everything in the Gold Plan, plus plumbing stoppages, microwaves, ice makers and faucets.
Systems Plan | Silver Plan | Gold Plan | Platinum Plan | |
Air conditioning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Heating | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Water heater | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Electrical system | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Plumbing system | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Ductwork | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Clothes dryer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Clothes washer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Kitchen refrigerator | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Oven | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Range | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Dishwasher | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Garbage disposal | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Garage door opener | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Built-in microwave | ✓ | |||
Ice maker | ✓ | |||
Plumbing stoppages | ✓ |
With any of these plans, you can purchase additional coverage for a tankless water heater, in-ground pool, stand-alone freezer, sump pump, double oven, central vacuum, hot water dispenser, septic system or well pump. With the Systems, Silver or Gold Plans, you can also add coverage for an ice maker or microwave.
AFC Home Warranty offers a service call fee of $75, $100 or $125. Here are the premium prices we were quoted for a service fee of $100.
Plan | $75 Service Fee | $100 Service Fee | $125 Service Fee |
System Plan | $45.75 | $43.58 | $41.33 |
Silver Plan | $39.17 | $37.00 | $34.83 |
Gold Plan | $52.33 | $50.08 | $47.92 |
Platinum Plan | $56.67 | $54.50 | $52.33 |
Cinch Home Services
4.1
Our Rating
From speedy response times that make sure you’re not left high and dry to comprehensive warranty packages that cover most major appliances and home systems, Cinch Home Services (CHS) is a top consideration for Arkansas homeowners.
Waiting for hours or even days for a response from your home warranty company can be frustrating, especially in emergent situations. With Cinch, these response times are shortened substantially. The company offers 24/7 support for its customers, which means you always have help when you need it.
But its perks go far beyond its rapid response times. For example, it offers a 180-day workmanship warranty that far exceeds the industry standard of 30 days. It provides affordable monthly premiums starting at just $30, complete transparency on core components, and a decent Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating.
That said, it has its downsides, such as the higher-than-standard service fees and cancellation costs if you cancel outside the 30-day window.
With Cinch Home Services, you can take your pick from three options: the Complete Home Plan, the Built-in Systems Plan, and the Appliances Plan. As you might guess, the Appliances Plan covers just appliances, the Systems Plan covers home systems only, and the Complete Home Plan combines both plans into one. The best fit for your Arkansas home will vary based on your needs and home features. Here is what the three plans cover.
Home System or Appliance | Complete Home Plan | Built-In Systems Plan | Appliances plan |
Heating and Cooling | |||
Air Conditioner | ✓ | ✓ | X |
Heating System | ✓ | ✓ | X |
Ductwork | ✓ | ✓ | X |
Electrical Systems | |||
Built-in Exhaust, Vent & Attic Fan | ✓ | ✓ | X |
Doorbell & Chimes | ✓ | ✓ | X |
Interior Electrical Lines | ✓ | ✓ | X |
Ceiling Fan | ✓ | ✓ | X |
Garage Door Opener | ✓ | ✓ | X |
Central Vacuums | ✓ | ✓ | X |
Smoke Detectors | ✓ | ✓ | X |
Plumbing Systems & Accessories | |||
Water Heater | ✓ | ✓ | X |
Sump Pump | ✓ | ✓ | X |
Interior Plumbing Lines | ✓ | ✓ | X |
Toilets | ✓ | ✓ | X |
Faucets & Valves | ✓ | ✓ | X |
Whirlpool/ Jetted Tub | ✓ | ✓ | X |
Kitchen Appliances | |||
Refrigerators | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Built-in Food Centers | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Freestanding Ice Makers | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Trash Compactor | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Ranges/Cooktops | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Ovens | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Dishwashers | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Built-in Microwaves | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Garbage Disposal | ✓ | ✓ | X |
Instant Hot/Cold Water Dispenser | ✓ | ✓ | X |
Laundry Appliances | |||
Clothes Washers | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Clothes Dryers | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Other | |||
Homeowners Insurance Deductible Reimbursement | ✓ | X | X |
Air Conditioner or Water Filter Credit | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Cinch Home Services offers a few add-on riders, allowing homeowners to customize their plans based on their unique needs. Each add-on comes at an additional monthly cost:
- Pool, heater included
- Spa, heater included
- Pool and spa combination, heater included
- Septic tank and pumping
- Well pump
- Premier Upgrade Package, which includes code upgrades, permits, and removal and disposal costs
Cinch Home Services three plans vary in cost, but are about average compared to other home warranty providers. The Complete Home Plan is the most comprehensive, covering both appliances and home systems, but costs the most. The costs in the chart below reflect a service call fee of $150 for each plan. However, Arkansas homeowners can choose a $100 or $125 service call fee and pay a slightly higher monthly premium instead.
Plan | Starting Monthly Cost |
Complete Home Plan | $49.99 |
Built-in Systems Plan | $39.99 |
Appliances Plan | $34.99 |
Additional Home Warranty Resources
More Arkansas Resources
Home warranties all cover different aspects of your home, so it’s tough to say exactly what yours will cover and what it will exclude. Most home warranties either provide coverage for home appliances, home systems, or both.
If you choose a plan that covers appliances, you’ll often get coverage for your refrigerator, oven, cooktop, microwave, dishwasher, clothes washer, clothes dryer, and more. Some minor appliances like your garbage disposal or trash compactor are other common inclusions. When you submit a claim for one of these items, you’ll typically get repair or replacement at just the cost of the service fee.
If you choose a plan that covers home systems, common inclusions are plumbing, heating, and electrical systems, HVAC ductwork, air conditioners, water heaters, garage door opener, and central vacuum systems. Again, coverage will typically include repair or replacement, depending on what is needed.
In most cases, you can determine exactly what is and isn’t covered in a home warranty by looking at your service contract. However, some common exclusions are pre-existing home damages, cosmetic repairs, and damages or system breakdowns caused by a lack of maintenance. Every home warranty is different, so you should always check your contract before signing to ensure you know what is excluded.
Biggest Complaints about Home Warranty Companies in Arkansas
Most Arkanites are pleased with their home warranty service, but there are some complaints that pop up regularly from customers in the area.
One of the most common issues we see in online customer reviews is a lack of coverage where coverage was expected. Some customers believe that their home warranty company just denies coverage to save money. However, based on the company responses, it seems clear that it’s more likely a misunderstanding of the contract and coverage exclusions. Be sure to read your contract thoroughly before signing.
Another common complaint is that the out-of-pocket charges are higher than the service fee for certain repairs or replacements. In most cases, this is due to coverage caps, which are a limit set on payouts from your home warranty company. If your repair or replacement is more than the coverage cap, you’ll be on the hook for the difference. Make sure you understand coverage limits entirely before committing to a home warranty provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas Home Warranties
How much does a home warranty cost in Arkansas?
Although prices differ by company and coverage details, most home warranties in Arkansas cost between $30 and $60 per month. That works out to $360 to $720 per year, but you can often save money by paying your premiums annually instead of monthly.
What’s the difference between a home warranty and homeowners’ insurance?
Homeowners’ insurance is there to protect you from catastrophic events. If your home or possessions are significantly damaged or destroyed by fire, theft, vandalism, severe weather or earthquakes, for example, your insurance will often pay for repair or replacement. However, home warranties cover more routine breakdowns that happen over the lifetime of an appliance or system. If a covered appliance wears out, your home warranty will often pay to get it fixed or replaced.
What’s the difference between a home warranty and a manufacturer’s warranty?
A home warranty applies to all the appliances and systems listed in your contract, regardless of age or brand. On the other hand, a manufacturer’s warranty usually only applies to individual, newly-purchased items of a certain brand. Additionally, while a home warranty covers items from normal wear and tear, a manufacturer’s warranty will only apply if a part of the item came off the assembly line defective. For this reason, manufacturer’s warranties only last a few years after purchase.
What should I look for in a home warranty?
Here are some questions to ask about each home warranty or company you consider.
- How trustworthy is the company? How long has it been in business? How well does it handle complaints?
- Does the home warranty cover only wear and tear or other types of damage as well?
- What appliances and systems are covered? What parts of these appliances and systems are or aren’t covered?
- What are the coverage limits for each covered appliance or system?
- How easy is it to file a claim? How easy will it be to speak to my claim representative once the process is started?
Today's Homeowner Home Warranty Ranking Methodology
At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. Our home warranty company ratings emphasize what matters most to you — whether you’re looking for low-cost coverage, a hassle-free repair process, 24/7 assistance, or all of the above.
Our ratings are based on publicly available information about each company, secret shopping online and over the phone, customer-review analysis, and discussions with real estate professionals and repair contractors.
A company can earn a maximum of 100 points across six categories converted to a five-star scale. We researched more than 60 home warranty providers to develop the following formula:
- Plans and Coverage (24 points): A home warranty provider can earn the maximum point value in this category if it offers multiple robust plans that cover all basic systems and appliances and optional add-on coverage. We give bonus points to companies that cover uncommon items, such as electronics and roof leaks.
- Affordability (22.5 points): When evaluating costs, we not only consider monthly plan prices, but we also take into account the cost of add-on coverage, service fees, and whether companies offer free cancellation periods or money-back guarantees. If a provider allows potential customers to view sample contracts before getting a quote, that transparency earns more points in this category.
- Customer Experience (18.5 points): A home warranty company must give its customers ample support when they experience issues. We gauge overall support by looking at customer reviews and conducting homeowner surveys. We also go through the quote process with each company and take meticulous notes about the friendliness of salespeople, how detailed each quote is, and how often the provider contacts us after giving a quote.
- Company Reputation (17.5 points): In this category, we look at a combination of customer reviews and reputable organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). We also consider the years of company experience, how satisfied its employees are, and whether it has been hit with any consumer rights violations or lawsuits.
- Claims Process (12.5 points): We score providers highly when they offer short response times, multiple ways to file claims, and around-the-clock availability. Companies can earn bonus points if they have a good reputation for quick and easy claims processing.
- Availability (5 points): Providers that serve more areas can have experience dealing with a wider range of homeowner headaches. A company earns the maximum points in this category if it offers services in most U.S. states.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.