Unexpected home repair and replacement costs can add up quickly, especially if you own older systems and appliances. For both active and retired service members, a home warranty can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing your home’s major systems and appliances, such as a dishwasher, stovetop and water heater.
Most home warranty providers offer discounts to active and retired service members and a plan can be transferred to a new home should you move. We researched the top home warranty providers in the industry and compared their coverage options, pricing, state availability and other factors to determine which companies are best for veterans.
To give you an idea of plan pricing, Wwe gathered quotes from all of the home warranty providers in this review for a three-bedroom home in Raleigh, North Carolina, with a 27610 ZIP code.
In This Article:
1. Best Overall: American Home Shield
2. Most Customizable Plan Options: America’s 1st Choice Home Club
3. Best for Value Shoppers: Select Home Warranty
4. Most Comprehensive Claim Coverage: First American Home Warranty
Today’s Homeowner works with an independent reviews team to create evidence-based research that helps our readers make informed decisions. The reviews are always independent. For transparency, we may be compensated if you purchase through a link.
| Provider | Average Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating | Learn More |
| American Home Shield | $30–$55 | $75–$125 | B | ahs.com |
| Cinch Home Services | $35–$62 | $100–$150 | B | cinchhomeservices.com |
| Select Home Warranty | $36–$38 | $60–$75 | B | selecthomewarranty.com |
| Liberty Home Guard | $40–$60 | $60 | A | libertyhomeguard.com |
| America’s First Choice Home Club | $40–$53 | $75–$125 | B | afchomeclub.com |
| 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty | $22–$60 | $65–$100 | B | 2-10.com |
| First American Home Warranty | $36–$38 | $75 | B | homewarranty.firstam.com |
| ServicePlus Home Warranty | $29–$35 | $75 | N/A | serviceplus.com |
#1 Best Overall: American Home Shield
Although American Home Shield (AHS) doesn’t offer a military discount, the provider does offer some of the most comprehensive coverage in the industry, pushing it to the top of our list. The company has been in business for more than 50 years and offers plans throughout the continental United States and Hawaii.
American Home Shield customers can easily receive status updates on their claim, making it easy to track progress with a repair or replacement. Unlike many home warranty providers, American Home Shield allows you to use a pre-approved service technician and it lets you choose a service fee that lowers or increases your monthly plan rate.
Plan & Cost Breakdown
American Home Shield offers three different plan options: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold and ShieldPlatinum. View the details of each coverage option below.
| Coverage | ShieldSilver | ShieldGold | ShieldPlatinum |
| Monthly Cost | $24.83–$39.83 | $34.83–$49.83 | $54.83–$69.83 |
| 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 | ✔ | ✔ |
American Home Shield also offers its customers a variety of additional coverage options, listed below:
- Electronics protection plan
- Pool or spa
- Guest unit under 750 square feet
- Septic pump
- Well pump
Your individual quote will vary based on a number of factors, including your selected plan and where you live. Additionally, American Home Shield is one of the few providers that allows you to select your plan’s service fee, which also impacts cost. The higher the service fee, the lower your monthly cost, while a lower service fee increases your monthly cost.
If you want to learn more about American Home Shield’s comprehensive coverage plans, fill out this quick form or call 844-529-9298.
Home Warranty Resources
- What is a Home Warranty?
- How Much Do Home Warranties Cost?
- Is a Home Warranty Worth It for You?
- Best Home Warranties in 2023
- Do Your Appliances Need Extended Warranties?
#2 Most Customizable Plan Options: America’s 1st Choice Home Club
One of the major benefits of America’s 1st Choice Home Club is that your plan can be transferred to a new property should you decide to move. The home warranty provider is also available in 48 states, making it easy for service members to get coverage no matter where they’re stationed.
America’s 1st Choice Home Club also offers a military discount, though this promotion isn’t mentioned on its website and must be asked for upon receiving a quote. In addition to its customizable plans, this provider allows you to select your own contractor without prior approval, as long as they’re licensed, bonded and insured.
Plan & Cost Breakdown
America’s 1st Choice Home Club offers four different plan options: Systems Plan, Silver Plan, Gold Plan and Platinum Plan. View the chart below to learn more about what each plan covers and its monthly cost.
| Coverage | Systems Plan | Silver Plan | Gold Plan | Platinum Plan |
| Monthly Cost | $38.25–$42.75 | $31.50–$36 | $45–$49.50 | $49.50–$54 |
| Air conditioning/cooler | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Heating system | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Water heater | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Electrical system | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Plumbing system | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Plumbing stoppages | ✔ | |||
| Ductwork | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Clothes dryer | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Clothes washer | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Kitchen refrigerator | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Oven | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Range | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Stove/Cooktop | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Dishwasher | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Garbage disposal | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Garage door opener | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Built-in microwave | ✔ | |||
| Ice maker | ✔ |
America’s 1st Choice Home Club also offers a few additional coverage options, listed below:
- Tankless water heater
- In-ground pool
- Stand-alone freezer
- Sump pump
- Double oven
- Central vacuum
- Ice maker
- Hot water disposal
- Septic system
- Well pump
- Built-in microwave
The price of your home warranty will depend on a variety of factors, including your selected plan, location and chosen service fee. Take a look at the price difference between each available service fee and the monthly cost of America’s 1st Choice Home Club’s Platinum Plan.
| Service fee | Monthly cost |
| $75 | $54 |
| $100 | $51.75 |
| $125 | $49.50 |
To get a free quote from America’s 1st Choice Home Club, fill out this quick form or call 877-755-1115.
Find the Best Home Warranties for You
- What Are the Best Home Warranties?
- What Are the Cheapest Home Warranties?
- What Is the Best Home Appliance Insurance?
- What Are the Best Home Warranties for Roof Coverage?
- What Are the Best Home Warranties for HVAC Systems?
- What Are the Best Home Warranties for Sewer Lines?
- What Are the Best Home Warranties for Water Heaters?
- What Are the Best Home Warranties for Rental Properties?
- What Are the Best Home Warranties for Condos?
- What Are the Best Home Warranties for Mobile Homes?
#3 Best for Value Shoppers: Select Home Warranty
Select Home Warranty offers a variety of plans to homeowners and service members in 46 states, excluding Nevada, New York, Washington and Wisconsin. Although Select is a relative newcomer to the home warranty industry, the provider has established itself as a quality and affordable option.
At the time of this article, Select Home Warranty is offering veterans and other new customers two months free on their selected home warranty plan when they purchase a 14-month plan. The provider also works with its customers to transfer coverage to a new homeowner should you move. This is especially helpful to active-duty members who may move frequently.
Plan & Cost Breakdown
Select Home Warranty offers three different plan options: Bronze Care, Gold Care and Platinum Care. View the chart below to analyze each plan’s cost and covered items.
| Coverage | Bronze Care | Gold Care | Platinum Care |
| Monthly Cost | $44.42 | $44.42 | $49.83 |
| Air conditioning and cooling | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Heating system | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Plumbing system | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Electrical system | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Water heater | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Ductwork | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Plumbing stoppages | ✔ | ||
| Clothes washer | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Garbage disposal | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Refrigerator | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Stove/Oven | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Built-in microwave oven | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Cooktop | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Dishwasher | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Clothes dryer | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Garage door opener | ✔ | ||
| Ceiling fan | ✔ |
Select Home Warranty also offers a handful of additional coverage options, listed below:
- Central vacuum
- Lawn sprinkler system
- Pool
- Roof-leak coverage
- Septic system
- Spa
- Stand-alone freezer
- Sump pump
- Well pump
While we listed an estimate of each plan’s cost in the table above, the price of your specific coverage will vary based on your location and additional coverage selected. Select Home Warranty offers relatively low service fee options compared to its competitors, charging between $75 and $100 per service call.
To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this simple quote form or call a representative at 888-370-3956.
#4 Most Comprehensive Claim Coverage: First American Home Warranty
First American Home Warranty is a solid coverage choice for homeowners with aging appliances or systems. While the provider doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, it doesn’t cap items at a certain age limit. Additionally, homeowners are offered a variety of affordable and comprehensive plans and the option of unique add-ons.
First American Home Warranty is one of the few home warranty providers that explicitly details its military discount on its website. It offers a $25 discount on the purchase of a new plan to both active and retired military personnel of any branch.
Plan & Cost Breakdown
First American Home Warranty offers two different plan options: Basic Plan and Premier Plan. Take a look at the cost and coverage associated with each plan below.
| Coverage | Basic Plan | Premier Plan |
| Monthly Cost | $37 | $49.50 |
| Garbage disposal | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dishwasher | ✔ | ✔ |
| Oven/Range | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cooktop | ✔ | ✔ |
| Microwave | ✔ | ✔ |
| Trash compactor | ✔ | ✔ |
| Refrigerator | ✔ | ✔ |
| Clothes washer and dryer | ✔ | ✔ |
| Plumbing system | ✔ | ✔ |
| Plumbing stoppages | ✔ | |
| Water heater | ✔ | |
| Heating system | ✔ | |
| Ductwork | ✔ | |
| Electrical system | ✔ | |
| Garage door opener | ✔ | |
| Central vacuum system | ✔ |
First American Home Warranty also offers a handful of additional coverage options, listed below:
- Central air conditioning (electric)
- Additional refrigeration
- Pool and spa equipment
- Well pump
- First Class Upgrade
- Septic tank pumping system
- HVAC tune-up
First American Home Warranty’s unique First Class Upgrade gives policyholders coverage for cosmetic damage on systems and appliances as well as the following items:
- Expenses from using cranes during installation
- Up to $250 where local building permits are required for replacing home appliances
- Expenses related to removing or hauling away an appliance
Unlike many home warranty providers that allow their customers to select a service fee, First American Home Warranty sets its fee at $85. Additionally, it’s important to note that your specific quote may differ from the ones listed above because of where you live and the add-ons you choose.
If you’re interested in checking out a home warranty from First American Home Warranty, visit the company’s website or call a customer service representative at 800-891-9778. When filling out your online quote, be sure to use the promo code, MILITARY25, to receive your $25 discount.
Final Thoughts
There are a variety of home warranty providers that can help active and retired service members protect their most important home systems and appliances. However, American Home Shield is our top choice because of its experience within the industry, comprehensive coverage and helpful online claims tracker.
America’s 1st Choice Home Club is also a quality option that offer some sort of military discount. Even if you have a home warranty provider in mind, it’s important to request free quotes from multiple companies before making a final decision. This will allow you to compare coverage options and quotes to get the best available plan.
What Is a Home Warranty?
A home warranty helps prevent you from paying expensive, out-of-pocket costs for repairing or replacing a damaged system or appliance. This type of coverage differs from homeowners insurance, which protects your home and belongings in the event of a natural disaster or other unexpected event, such as a fire.
Purchasing a home warranty gives you peace of mind that your important systems and appliances are covered, even if they break from normal wear and tear. Most policies are contracted for a year and paid month to month.
Whenever an issue arises, you can file a claim and a vetted service technician will arrive to diagnose the issue, at which time you’ll pay a set service fee or deductible. Most home warranty providers allow unlimited technician visits, though they cap coverage at a particular amount.
What Is Covered by a Home Warranty?
Systems and appliances that a home warranty covers vary from provider to provider. Here’s a list of the most common items protected under a company’s most comprehensive plan:
- Air conditioning
- Heating system
- Electrical system
- Plumbing system
- Water heater
- Refrigerator
- Oven/Range/Stove
- Cooktop
- Dishwasher
- Built-in microwave
- Garbage disposal
- Clothes washer
- Clothes dryer
- Garage door opener
How Do I Find the Best Home Warranty?
To find the best home warranty for your home, it’s important to receive quotes from multiple providers. This will allow you to compare each company’s costs and coverage details in your area. In addition to acquiring multiple quotes, look into providers’ service contracts. These documents will detail important information such as coverage caps, service fees and contractor requirements.
Do VA Loans Include a Home Warranty?
VA loans are typically $0-down options used to purchase a property as a primary residence or refinance an existing mortgage. However, a VA loan typically lending slightly more money than what’s needed for living in your area. This leaves a little extra cushion to pay for a home warranty, should you decide to go with a particular provider.
Which Home Warranty Companies Offer Military Discounts?
Many home warranty companies offer discounts to active and retired service members. Some providers, such as America’s 1st Choice Home Club, offer discounts on a case-by-case basis. Other providers have explicit military discounts. For example, First American Home Warranty offers a $25 military discount when you purchase a new plan.
Home Warranty Rating Methodology
To help you find the best home warranty, our reviews team researched numerous home warranty companies, analyzing their coverage plans, pricing and customer service, among other factors:
- Coverage: Home warranty companies that provide extensive coverage and protect important systems and appliances, including your air conditioning, refrigerator and heating, scored higher than companies with minimal coverage.
- Plan variety: A provider with more coverage plans allows for more flexibility among customers. In general, most home warranty companies provide an appliances-only plan, systems-only plan and combination plan.
- Pricing: We scored providers based on their monthly plan prices and service call fees compared to the industry average pricing. Companies with more affordable coverage received more points than companies with more expensive plans.
- State availability: Where you live will determine what companies are available in your area. Home warranty companies that covered more states received more points than companies with a limited state availability.
- Trustworthiness: There are some home warranty companies that are scams and don’t follow through on their service agreements. We rated companies based on their years of experience, ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and customer reviews.
To keep our data current, our team regularly updates the data points for each company to ensure their coverage offerings, pricing and availability are accurate.
