A home warranty protects your home’s major appliances and systems. You pay a relatively low-cost monthly (or yearly) fee to shield you from high, unexpected, and expensive repair/replacement costs. When something inevitably has a breakdown, all you do is file a claim with your provider, and they send out an expert to repair it. The best home warranty companies include Home Warranty of America (HWA) and American Home Shield (AHS). And while they both have strengths, a plan from one of them may be a better fit for your home.
Deciding between a home warranty policy from these two home warranty providers can be challenging. So, we put them through our thorough vetting process to ensure they each have fair pricing, affordable service fees, comprehensive coverage, great customer support, speedy claim processing, etc. Then we compared Home Warranty of America and American Home Shield side-by-side to help determine which is best for your house.
Our Take
Home Warranty of America and American Home Shield have similar coverage, plans, and pricing. However, AHS has slightly lower monthly fees, more plans to choose from, and higher coverage caps for appliances ($3,000 or $6,000 depending on the plan). However, HWA has a few unique add-ons (GreenPlus and OrangePlus coverage) that may benefit many homeowners.
Compare Home Warranty of America vs. American Home Shield
| Home Warranty of America | American Home Shield | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Website | https://www.hwahomewarranty.com/ | https://www.ahs.com/ |
| Plan options | 4 plans (2 exclusive to buyers, sellers, & real estate professionals) | 3 plans |
| Monthly premium | Premier Plan: $41/month; $492/year Premier Plus Plan: $50/month; $600/year | Shield Silver: $24.99 to $39.99/month; $347.88 to $527.88/yearShield Gold: $34.99 to $49.99/month; $467.88 to $647.88/yearShield Platinum: $54.99 to $69.99/month; $711.24 to $891.24/year |
| Service fees | Premier Plan: $75 or $100 Premier Plus Plan: $75 or $100 | Shield Silver: $75, $100, or $125Shield Gold:$75, $100, or $125Shield Platinum: $75, $100, or $125 |
| Availability | All 50 States | 49 U.S. States (not AK) |
| BBB rating | NR (Not Rated) | B |
| Years in business | 23 | 50+ |
Home Warranty of America vs. American Home Shield Coverage
You can get more items covered with American Home Shield’s home warranty policies than you can with Home Warranty of America. For AHS, the number of protected home systems and appliances ranges from 19 to 27 depending on the plan, with the ability to add optional extras. On the other hand, HWA policies cover 20 or 21 home systems and appliances, also varying by the policy. HWA and AHS have similar coverage limits, waiting periods, and workmanship guarantees. All plans from both companies are “combo plans,” meaning they include appliances and home systems in each plan.
Home Warranty of America Coverage and Plans
Home Warranty of America offers two home protection plans for homeowners – the Premier Plan, which covers 20 home systems and appliances, and the Premier Plus Plan, which adds coverage for an AC unit and “Premium Coverage.” Premium Coverage adds extra protection to kitchen appliances, heating/cooling (HVAC) systems, and plumbing components that are usually excluded. This includes items such as appliance rollers, handles, knobs, door seals, and more.
| Item | Premier Plan | Premier Plus Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Heating system | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ductwork | ✓ | ✓ |
| Water heater | ✓ | ✓ |
| Clothes dryer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Clothes washer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kitchen refrigerator w/ice maker | ✓ | ✓ |
| Range/oven/cooktop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Built-in microwave | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dishwasher | ✓ | ✓ |
| Garbage disposal | ✓ | ✓ |
| Trash compactor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Central vacuum | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric system | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ceiling fan/exhaust fan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Burglar/fire alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Drywall | ✓ | ✓ |
| Doorbell | ✓ | ✓ |
| Garage door opener | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plumbing system | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instant hot water dispenser | ✓ | ✓ |
| Permanent sump pump | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stoppages/clogs | ✓ | ✓ |
| Whirlpool bathtub | ✓ | ✓ |
| *Premium Coverage | – | ✓ |
| Air conditioning | – | ✓ |
| Water heater | – | ✓ |
Home Warranty of America Optional add-on coverage options:
- Limited roof leak repair
- Stand-alone ice maker
- Pool/spa combo
- Septic tank pumping
- 2nd refrigerator
- Stand alone freezer
- SEER/R-410A modifications
- Well pump
- Salt water pool
- Septic system/sewage
- Ejector pump/septic tank pumping
- GreenPlus – Special guarantee that provides a replacement for your dishwasher, refrigerator, and clothes washer with an ENERGY STAR product if it is not repairable. Plus, it replaces heating systems with 90% efficiency models and water heaters with tankless water heaters
- OrangePlus – covers items that are otherwise exclusions, like building code violations.
For a no-obligation quote from Home Warranty of America, fill out its form or call (888) 492-7359.
And to learn more about the company, read our complete Home Warranty of American review and check out its sample service contract.
American Home Shield Coverage and Plans
AHS offers three plans with different levels of coverage to homeowners, i.e., a good, better, and best option. The plans differ primarily in the number of covered systems and appliances, with the higher-tier plans covering more items. For homeowners that need additional coverage, they can choose from several add-ons for electronics, pools, septic systems, guest units & houses, and more.
| Covered Appliance or System | ShieldSilver | ShieldGold | ShieldPlatinum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Conditioner | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Smoke Alarms | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Attic Fans | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bath Exhaust Fans | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ceiling Fans | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cooktop Exhaust Fans | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dishwasher | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Garbage Disposal | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Doorbell | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Clothes Dryer | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ductwork | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electrical System | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Garage Door Opener | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heating System | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Locksmith | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| Microwave | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Oven/ Food Centers | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plumbing System | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plumbing Stoppages | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Refrigerator | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Roof Leak Coverage | – | – | ✓ |
| Toilet | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Trash Compactor | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Clothes Washer | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hot & Cold Water Dispenser | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| Water Heater | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Whole House Fan | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
American Home Shield optional add-ons for each plan include:
- Pools and spas – all parts of one heating, filtration, and pumping system
- Septic systems
- Well pumps
- Sewage ejector pumps
- Televisions
- Desktop computers
- Home theater systems
- Smart home products
- Gaming systems
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Smoke detectors
- Guest house, less than 750 square feet
- And more
To get your free quote from American Home Shield, call 888-365-2839.
For additional details on the company and its home warranty policies, read our full American Home Shield review.
Home Warranty of America vs. American Home Shield Cost
Home Warranty of America and American Home Shield make their home warranty coverage and service call fees affordable. But, of the two, AHS has lower premiums and covers more home systems and appliances. Their service fees are similar; both allow homeowners to choose their own deductible. HWA customers can choose $75 or $100, and AHS customers can choose $75, $100, or $125. Both home protection providers provide a lower monthly premium if you pay a higher home service call fee.
Home Warranty of America Cost
Home Warranty of America allows its customers to choose from two deductible levels for each of its plans. So, if homeowners choose the $75 trade call fee, they will have a higher monthly rate. Similarly, if they choose the higher service fee of $100, they pay a lower monthly rate. This curtails to homeowners of varying budgets.
| Home Warranty Policy | Monthly Premium | Service Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Premier Plan | $41 | $75 or $100 |
| Premier Plus Plan | $53 | $75 or $100 |
In addition, HWA offers exclusive plans (Gold Plan and Diamond Plan) to buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals. These plans range in price from $37-$49 a month and protect the majority of home appliances and systems.
American Home Shield Cost
Similar to HWA, AHS allows homeowners to choose from three service fees ($75, $100, or $125) and three monthly rates (varies by plan). For example, a homeowner can choose the ShieldSilver plan with the lowest service call fee ($75), but they will pay a higher monthly rate ($39.99). Or they can select a higher service fee of $125 and pay a $24.99 monthly fee.
| Home Warranty Policy | Monthly Premium | Service Fee |
|---|---|---|
| ShieldSilver | $24.99 to $39.99 | $75 to $125 |
| ShieldGold | $34.99 to $49.99 | $75 to $125 |
| ShieldPlatinum | $54.99 to $69.99 | $75 to $125 |
Home Warranty of America vs. American Home Shield Reviews
Home Warranty of America and American Home Shield have similar customer ratings and reviews online. AHS is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and holds a B rating. HWA isn’t BBB accredited and thus has no rating, which doesn’t mean it’s bad (or good). The customer ratings in the table below appear to be relatively low. But keep in mind that many homeowners only submit home warranty reviews when they have a problem, frustration, or a single poor experience. On the flip side, many satisfied customers don’t even think about leaving a review. This contrast is why many average ratings for businesses get negatively skewed.
Home Warranty Customer Reviews Comparison
| Home Warranty of America | American Home Shield | |
|---|---|---|
| BBB rating | NR (not rated) | B |
| Average star rating | 1.2 BBB1 YelpN/A Trustpilot | 2.3 BBB1 Yelp1.9 Trustpilot |
| Number of online customer reviews | 856 BBB563 YelpN/A Trustpilot | 9,790 BBB127 Yelp2,449 Trustpilot |
| BBB accreditation | No | Yes |
Home Warranty of America Customer Reviews
Here are a few of the Yelp reviews from Home Warranty of America customers:
“HWA comes thru again. We have had two major appliances quit this year and HWA gave us more than we would have expected. I feel they were very realistic in their chosen replacement dollars. Both appliances were 19 years old and they gave us what they would have been worth new. I strongly recommend their program.”
– Jeffery V.
“Sellers bought us an HWA warranty last year when we bought our new house. So far, they’ve covered over $3600 worth of repairs: new washer and dryer (after the 22-year-old machines that came with the house pooped out), two new water heaters, baseboard heater that leaked, refrigerator, dishwasher, the list goes on. I’ve met some really great contractors through HWA. They are super responsive whenever you call. I’m definitely renewing.”
– Jan E.
“I have had HWA since we bought our latest home four (4) years ago. I have had three (3) claims, Oven, Heater and leaking toilet plumbing in the upstairs bathroom, all three times a local technician was sent out in a timely manner, the only time I had to wait for the next day was when he had to get the part for the oven. On all three occasions I paid my $60.00 and was completely satisfied. I am glad I have HWA, I hope I never have an experience like some here, fortunately I have had nothing but great experiences.”
– Lou M.
American Home Shield Customer Reviews
And here are a couple of BBB reviews from American Home Shield customers:
“Polite, professional and thorough. The techs explain everything and are pleasant. Office staff is also very friendly.”
– Bill A.
“Good 1st experience! While it was slightly inconvenient that the contractor could only come on Wednesdays, I was able to be at home and I was happy that he could fix the problem in just the one visit -and he was very professional as well as fast. The lady setting up my appointment was accommodating.”
-Mary M.
“Was gifted a warranty through AHS when I purchased my home, and because of the coverage and general customer ********************** experience I have had I renewed with an upgraded plan at renewal time. I tell everyone about AHS and how wonderful their service is. I have been able to feel way more at ease being a first time home buyer knowing there is AHS covering me with any issues that arise.”
-Cody T
Final Thoughts
Both home warranty companies could provide good coverage for your home, depending on what you need to be covered. However, we recommend American Home Shield because its policies are more affordable and protect more home appliances and systems. But, if you want Home Warranty of America’s unique optional GreenPlus and OrangePlus add-ons, it is a good choice too.
FAQs about Home Warranty of America vs American Home Shield
Is a home warranty necessary?
A home warranty is the way to go if you want to protect your home from repair and replacement costs. Home warranties are a low-monthly cost and fully cover repairs and replacements of your home appliances and systems if they break down (assuming they are a covered item and less than your coverage caps). They could save you hundreds to thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs.
How much does American Home Shield cost?
American Home Shield home warranty plans range from $24.99 to $69.99 depending on the plan and the service call fee you choose ($75, $100, or $125). Optional add-ons range from $5 to $33.99 per month per item.
How does a home warranty plan work?
When you have a home warranty policy on your home, you pay an affordable monthly rate, and the plan covers the repair and replacement of home systems and appliances. Then, when something fails or breaks down, you file a claim and request service with your home warranty provider. The provider usually has a fast response time and sends a service person to repair or replace it. Then, you pay a small deductible. If you don’t have a home warranty, you’d be stuck with paying for the repair out of pocket and finding an experienced contractor yourself.
Is a home warranty worth it?
Yes, a home warranty is completely worth it. In many cases, it pays for itself in a single home warranty claim. For example, if your yearly rate is $850 per year and you get repairs or replacements totaling $2,000, you will have saved $1,150 (minus the service fee, assuming the home warranty covers it). Plus, you will have peace of mind knowing you won’t have any sudden expenses. If you think your home insurance is enough, you should know that homeowners insurance rarely covers appliances and home systems.
Today's Homeowner Home Warranty Ranking Methodology
At Today's Homeowner, transparency and trust are our most important values for the reader.
To create this rating system, our team spent hours researching over 60 companies, analyzing 2500+ key data points, getting the thoughts and opinions of 1000+ homeowners, and speaking to home warranty company representatives directly. We also dug into the fine print on each company’s service agreement to ensure no detail was left out.
We developed an objective home warranty review and rating methodology to score each home warranty company based on several criteria. We used a five-point scale with a point index ranging from 0.00 to 1.00. The minimum awardable value is 0.0, whereas 1.00 is the maximum. These numeric points are translated into star ratings, using whole star increments between one and five.
Here is a quick breakdown of our five core scoring categories:
- Coverage (0.4): This category evaluates the scope of protection offered by a home warranty provider. We clearly distinguished between limited or broad coverage to help homeowners identify their own home protection needs. We also factor in claim turnaround times, average waiting period lengths, plan types, annual coverage limits, policy exclusions, etc.
- Cost (0.3): This category considers what home warranty companies charge homeowners monthly, annual, and out-of-pocket. We urge homeowners also to consider the cost-to-value ratio of a home warranty plan.
- Transparency and Trustworthiness (0.15): This category evaluates home warranty providers based on pending or past legal action, hidden fees, lack of information readily available on the website, exclusions, and more. We consider how upfront a company is to its potential policyholders, which says a lot about its products and services.
- Customer Support and Satisfaction (.09): This category evaluates the efficacy of a home warranty company’s effort to provide supportive guidance to inquiring customers and how policyholders are satisfied with the assistance they receive.
- Customization (.06): This category evaluates the ability of homeowners to adjust and choose their policy details, such as pricing variation, optional add-ons, and the number of plans available.
