If you’re a homeowner, unexpected costs aren’t so unexpected — especially when it comes to repairing and replacing your systems and appliances. Things can always go wrong, and they often do, whether it’s your plumbing or your refrigerator.
Home warranty services exist to safeguard your finances from unplanned expenses when your systems and appliances break down from everyday wear and tear. A good home warranty plan can give you peace of mind when things malfunction.
We’ve reviewed the best home warranty providers by looking at their fees, claims processes, plans and fine print. HomeGuard HomeWarranty has been in business nearly 20 years and protects homeowners in California, Nevada, and Arizona.
While this company is an option for homeowners in those three states, American Home Shield is a good option for those who live elsewhere.
Keep reading to see what we learned about HomeGuard and whether American Home Shield is a better fit.
Our Preferred Home Warranty Alternatives
Today’s Homeowner recommends a few home warranty companies to our readers. Below, you’ll see our latest suggestions and their money-saving deals. You can also read our review of the companies with similar home warranty plans to learn more about these top picks.
HomeGuard Overview
While HomeGuard HomeWarranty’s coverage area is limited, its focus on just three states gives it precise knowledge of the weather conditions and seasons. The company can tailor its coverage to local customers’ needs and provide trusted local contractors for services and repairs.
HomeGuard HomeWarranty Coverage
HomeGuard HomeWarranty offers different plans for homeowners in Arizona, Nevada, and California.
Arizona and Nevada Plans
| Systems, Appliances and Extra Features | 3 Star (Nevada Only) | 4 Star | 5 Star |
| Central air conditioning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mini split | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| No hidden freon charges | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Crane, permits, code upgrades, haul away | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Improper installation, repairs or modifications | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Mismatched systems | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Dishwasher | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Trash compactor | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kitchen exhaust fan | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Oven/range/cooktop | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Built-in microwave | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Garbage disposal | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instant hot/cold water dispenser | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Water heater | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plumbing system leaks | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plumbing stoppages | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electrical system | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Garage door opener | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Central vacuum | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pest control | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Re-key service | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ductwork | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Service call guarantee | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Limited roof leak (Nevada only) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manufacturer warranty | ✓ | ✓ | |
| $250 supplemental blanket coverage | ✓ | ||
| Code/modification upgrade | ✓ | ||
| Stoppage coverage | ✓ | ||
| Water heater/heating system coverage | ✓ | ||
| Additional plumbing | ✓ | ||
| Radiant heat upgrade | ✓ | ||
| Enhanced slab leak and additional pipe leak Coverage | ✓ | ||
| Washer/dryer/refrigerator | ✓ |
HomeGuard also has a long list of additional add-ons, including limited roof leaks in Arizona, washers and dryers, well pumps and pools, to name a few.
California Plans
| Systems, Appliances and Features | Standard Plan | Advantage Plan | Total Protection Plan |
| Re-key | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dishwasher | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Range/oven/cooktop/built-in microwave | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Garbage disposal | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Trash compactor | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instant hot water dispenser | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heating system | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plumbing system and stoppages | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electrical system | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Central vacuum system | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Garage door opener | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ceiling, attic and exhaust fans | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Water heater | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pest control | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Telephone wiring | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Doorbells | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Smoke detectors | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Limited roof leak coverage | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Improper installations and repairs | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Mismatched systems | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Crane | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Limited code upgrade/modification | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Permits | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Lack of maintenance | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Refrigerant recapture, reclaim and disposal | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Disposal of defective equipment | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Ice makers | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Swamp cooler pre-season tune-up | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Supplemental blanket coverage | ✓ | ||
| Zone control coverage | ✓ | ||
| Code/modification upgrade | ✓ | ||
| Stoppage coverage | ✓ | ||
| Toilet replacement | ✓ | ||
| Water heater/cooling system coverage | ✓ | ||
| Plumbing coverage | ✓ | ||
| Radiant heat upgrade | ✓ | ||
| Enhanced slab leak and additional pipe leak coverage | ✓ |
HomeGuard Costs
In Arizona, the 4 Star Plan is $420 per year for a single-family home, and the 5 Star Plan is $510.
In California, the Standard Coverage Plan for a single-family home is $335, the Advantage Plan is $485 and the Total Protection Plan is $585.
In Nevada, the 3 Star Plan for a single-family home is $365, the 4 Star Plan is $470 and the 5 Star Plan is $585.
Quotes and Claims
You can view sample contracts and order a HomeGuard protection plan online. However, beware that the plan requests billing information — there doesn’t seem to be a way to get an online quote. If you want a quote before providing billing information, we recommend contacting the company’s customer service.
Current customers can make a claim online or by phone.
Once you’ve had an appliance or system repaired, HomeGuard also guarantees the parts of that repair for 90 days and the labor for 30 days. This is a service many competitors don’t offer and gives customers some quality assurance.
HomeGuard HomeWarranty Reviews
HomeGuard is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and holds an A+ rating. Out of 12 customer reviews, the company has only received a one-star rating. These customers complain of poor customer service, low-quality technicians and unhonored claims.
Assessment of HomeGuard HomeWarranty
Overall, the plans offered by HomeGuard HomeWarranty are comprehensive, offering unusual features like pest control. However, certain appliances that even basic home warranty plans cover aren’t included, such as the washer and dryer.
While the company has a high BBB rating, the customer reviews give us pause. The company tended to rank only two or three stars across other online reviews, as well.
If you live in Arizona, California or Nevada, we think it’s worth comparing HomeGuard HomeWarranty to a more widely used provider: American Home Shield.
Recommended Provider: American Home Shield
American Home Shield was founded in 1971 and said to be the inventor of the home warranty industry. This BBB-accredited business holds a B rating and nearly three stars from customers.
American Home Shield is a favorite because it offers extensive coverage and operates in all states except for Alaska. Its coverage comes in three plans, so every kind of homeowner is sure to find something that fits their needs and budget.
Its base plan, the ShieldSilver Plan™, covers 14 major systems. The ShieldGold Plan™ covers the systems covered by the ShieldSilver Plan™ and adds coverage for appliances up to $2,000. The ShieldPlatinum Plan™ covers all 23 systems and appliances in the ShieldGold Plan™ and adds $1,500 of roof-leak coverage. It also increases the coverage limit on appliances to $4,000.
The claims process is simple, and American Home Shield says representatives respond to customer service requests within 24 hours 98% of the time. Homeowners can select a $75, $100 or $125 service fee per visit.
Reviews of Other Home Warranties
