Updated On

April 18, 2023

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    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 warranties 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.

    To get a free quote from American Home Shield, call 844-529-9298 or fill out the online form.


    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. 


    Home Warranty Resources


    HomeGuard HomeWarranty Coverage

    Man repairing dishwasher. Male hand with screwdriver installs kitchen appliances, close up
    Photo Credit: Shutterstock © Lazy_Bear

    HomeGuard HomeWarranty offers different plans for homeowners in Arizona, Nevada, and California. 

    Arizona and Nevada Plans

    Systems, Appliances and Extra Features3 Star (Nevada Only)4 Star5 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 FeaturesStandard PlanAdvantage PlanTotal 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.

    ““ … Do research before choosing a company. I bought a place in April of last year. This warranty was included with my sale. I had a cracked pipe from my basement to the second floor (which my warranty covers) and they called appliances repair, which obviously has nothing to do with plumbing. And not to mention the appliance repair guy told me he isn't even in a contract with them anymore and hadn't been in over a year. He told me to find a new company because they refuse to pay out for work done and will downright deny me the right company and that's why he won't work with them anymore . . .””

    Sarah C. on BBB, March 2020

    ““… They look for any reason to deny your claim. The contractors they use are horrible. They were extremely limited on who they could send out and the company that did come took six visits to try and fix one problem, kept coming back with the wrong part and wasting my time…””

    Daniel I. on BBB, October 2018

    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. 

    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    When researching a company, always look carefully at its reviews from multiple sites. We recommend checking sites with strict rating and review criteria, like the BBB, first, then moving onto more broad review sites like Google My Business and Yelp.

    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

    2-10 Home Buyers WarrantyAllied Home WarrantyAmazon Home Warranty
    America’s Preferred Home WarrantyAmerican Home ShieldAmerican Residential Warranty
    AWG Home Warranty DivisionChoice Home WarrantyCostco Home Warranty
    Fidelity National Home WarrantyFirst American Home WarrantyFixd Home Warranty
    Freedom Home WarrantyHMS Home WarrantyHome Service Club
    Homeguard Home WarrantyHSA Home WarrantyHWA Home Warranty
    Landmark Home WarrantyOneguard Home WarrantyPivotal Home Solutions
    Pride Home WarrantyA.B. May Home WarrantyGlobal Home USA Home Warranty
    Secure Home WarrantySelect Home WarrantySuper Home Warranty
    Bosch Dishwasher WarrantyLennox AC WarrantySamsung Washer Warranty
    Squaretrade Appliance WarrantyWhirlpool WarrantyHomeServe
    Cinch Home ServicesLiberty Home Guard 
    Editorial Contributors
    Reviews Team

    Reviews Team

    The reviews team rates and reviews products and services to help our readers save time, find value and make better decisions. This team is independent from the Today’s Homeowner editorial staff.

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    Roxanne Downer

    Editor

    Roxanne Downer is a commerce editor at Today’s Homeowner, where she tackles everything from foundation repair to solar panel installation. She brings more than 15 years of writing and editing experience to bear in her meticulous approach to ensuring accurate, up-to-date, and engaging content. She’s previously edited for outlets including MSN, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes & Gardens. An alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, Roxanne is now an Oklahoma homeowner, DIY enthusiast, and the proud parent of a playful pug.

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