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Home repair budgets don’t stretch as far in Hawaii as they do in other states. From the Big Island to Honolulu, housing prices are high. With experts suggesting you budget around 1-4% of your home’s purchase price for repairs each year, maintenance costs can quickly add up.
One way to protect your budget is to purchase a home warranty, a residential service contract that covers the bulk of repair and replacement costs if a covered appliance or system breaks down due to wear-and-tear damage.
Unlike homeowners’ insurance, home warranties cover day-to-day repair costs. We’ve identified the best home warranties in Hawaii based on coverage, cost and reputation. These providers offer varying levels of coverage and price points, so take a look at the details and gather some quotes to see which provider best meets your home’s needs.
In this article:
- Best Overall: American Home Shield
- Best Most Customizable Plan Options: America’s First Choice Home Club
- Best for Value Shoppers: Select Home Warranty
- Our Verdict
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: American Home Shield
Quick Take
If you want the most comprehensive overall coverage, we find that American Home Shield offers the best home warranty around. In addition to the usual wear and tear damage, American Home Shield also covers damage from rust, corrosion, sediment and insufficient maintenance of your appliances or systems. If the problem is due to improper installation or repair of the appliances, you’re still covered. With more than 50 years in the home warranty industry, American Home Shield still offers the best service contract on the market.
Pros and Cons
✓ Covers unknown pre-existing conditions
✓ Has been in business since 1971
✓ Covers duplicates of the same appliance
✘ Is more expensive than average
✘ Has fewer add-on options than other companies
Plans and Coverage
As with many home warranty companies, American Home Shield offers three protection plans. The first, ShieldSilver, covers major systems like heating, cooling, electricity and plumbing. The second, ShieldGold, covers these systems and adds coverage for home appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers and clothes washers and dryers. Finally, ShieldPlatinum covers major systems and appliances, plus roof leaks, HVAC tune-ups and code upgrades.
American Home Shield also offers a few additional coverage options for items that not all homeowners may have. You can purchase coverage for pools/spas, septic pumps, well pumps and guest units of up to 750 sq. ft.
| 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 | ✔ | ✔ |
Cost
Every home warranty requires you to pay a monthly or yearly premium for the length of your service contract. Each time you file a claim, you’ll also pay a deductible or service call fee when a technician comes to your home. These fees are paid directly to the service providers at the time they diagnose or fix the problem.
American Home Shield allows you to customize your service fee with respect to your premium. If you choose a higher deductible, you’ll have a lower premium payment and vice versa. Here’s some sample pricing we were quoted for a 1,400 sq. ft. home in Waianae, HI, on Oahu.
| Plan | $75 Service Fee | $100 Service Fee | $125 Service Fee |
| ShieldSilver | $74.99 | $64.99 | $59.99 |
| ShieldGold | $84.99 | $74.99 | $69.99 |
| ShieldPlatinum | $104.99 | $94.99 | $89.99 |
Get a Free Quote
To find out how much an American Home Shield plan will cost you, call 844-529-9298 or fill out this quick online form.
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?
Best Most Customizable Plan Options: America’s First Choice Home Club
Quick Take
Hawaii is a truly unique state, with plenty of unique homes and homeowners. If you’d like a little more customization with your home warranty plan, America’s First Choice (AFC) Home Club may have exactly what you need. With four plans, three deductible choices, and a long list of additional coverage options, you can create a home warranty plan that covers what you have without having to pay for things you don’t need. You can even choose your own contractor, as long as they receive prior authorization before performing repairs.
Pros and Cons
✓ Extends workmanship guarantee through the length of your contract
✓ Lets you lock in rates as long as you renew
✓ Offers free security perks including identity protection
✘ Requires HVAC coverage maintenance records
✘ Features a $75 cancellation fee
Plans and Coverage
AFC Home Club’s Systems Plan covers home systems, and the Silver Plan covers major appliances. The Gold Plan covers both systems and appliances, plus ductwork, and the Platinum Plan adds coverage for microwaves, ice makers, faucets and plumbing stoppages.
You can add coverage for microwaves or ice makers to the Systems, Silver or Gold Plans for a small extra monthly fee. You can also purchase optional 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. If you pay monthly, you can add total electronics coverage for $24.99 a month, too.
| 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 | ✓ | |||
| Faucets | ✓ |
Cost
As with American Home Shield, AFC Home Club offers service fees of $75, $100 or $125. The following quotes apply to a fee of $100 and a one-year contract. You can lower these prices further by choosing a higher service call fee or a longer contract.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
| System Plan | $52.50 | $560 |
| Silver Plan | $43.75 | $455 |
| Gold Plan | $61.25 | $665 |
| Platinum Plan | $67.08 | $735 |
Get a Free Quote
Enter your contact information in this easy form or call 877-755-1115 to get a free quote from AFC Home Club.
Best for Value Shoppers: Select Home Warranty
Quick Take
If you live in Hawaii, you’re probably used to everything costing a little bit more. However, Select Home Warranty offers its plans to Aloha State homeowners for the same prices paid by residents on the mainland. All of its plans cost less than $50 a month, which is an especially good deal in the non-contiguous US. Additionally, every plan comes with free roof leak coverage, which is a must in a rainy climate.
Pros and Cons
✓ Offers two months free coverage with annual payment
✓ Provides add-on coverage for lawn sprinkler systems
✓ Gives policyholders free roof leak coverage
✘ Has lower coverage caps than competitors
✘ Auto-renews policies unless you cancel in writing
Plans and Coverage
Select Home Warranty’s Bronze Care plan covers only home appliances. Its Gold Care plan covers only home systems. The Platinum Care Plan covers both, plus garage door openers, ceiling fans and plumbing stoppages.
You can also purchase optional coverage for a lawn sprinkler system, central vacuum, pool, septic system, spa, stand-alone freezer, sump pump or well pump.
| 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 | ✔ |
Cost
Select Home Warranty also offers a relatively low service fee of $75. Note that premiums cost less when paid annually, and you’ll receive a total of 14 months of coverage with yearly payments.
| Monthly Cost | Yearly Cost | |
| Bronze Care Plan | $41.67 | $449.99 |
| Gold Care Plan | $41.67 | $449.99 |
| Platinum Care Plan | $46.08 | $499.99 |
Get a Free Quote
For a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this simple online form or call 888-370-3956.
Our Verdict
Overall, we think American Home Shield is your best bet for home warranty coverage. The company covers more conditions and types of damage than its competitors. It has longevity in the industry and excellent customer service to make it worth the price. With fewer exclusions, your money will go farther in terms of covered repairs or replacements.
However, American Home Shield may not be right for every Hawaiian homeowner. If that’s the case for you, check out one of the other companies on our list, all of which get our recommendation. Each of the companies in this review provide free online quotes and sample contracts, so you can get the information you need to make your choice with just a few clicks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii Home Warranties
How much does a home warranty cost in Hawaii?
Nationwide, a typical home warranty costs between $30 and $75 per month. However, since the cost of living in Hawaii is generally higher, home warranty premiums will also be higher. You’re more likely to pay in the range of $40 to $80 a month, plus any applicable service fees.
Will a home warranty pay to replace my refrigerator?
If you have a home warranty and a covered item breaks down due to wear and tear, your provider will first send a technician to try to repair the problem. If repairs aren’t possible, the company will either send a replacement or cover replacement costs in cash. While you will get the covered item replaced, be aware that it may not be the color or brand you want, and the cash will likely be less than retail value for the item.
How does a home warranty provide peace of mind if I’m buying a home?
Although home repairs are never fun to pay for, they can be especially troublesome for homebuyers just moving into a new place. However, your budget will be protected from breakdowns of covered items due to wear and tear with a real estate home warranty. If the problem falls under the terms of your warranty, you’ll only be responsible for the cost of service fees.
Will a home warranty pay to replace my roof?
Because partial roof replacement is a very expensive undertaking, home warranties don’t cover this feature. However, some home warranties will cover roof leaks, typically those over the inhabited parts of your home. In this instance, a leak over the living room would be covered, whereas a leak over a lanai would not.
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.
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