HomeServeUSA is a home warranty company that serves nearly 5 million customers around the globe. Founded in 2002, HomeServe helps its customers save time and money on home repairs and replacements by connecting homeowners to a national network of contractors. The company is based in Norwalk, Connecticut, but operates in several countries outside the U.S., including the UK, France, Spain and Italy.
HomeServe home warranty plans cover home appliance and system failures that typical homeowner’s insurance doesn’t. The company partners with local contractors and service providers to handle warranties and covered repairs, so the type of coverage and plans available may vary by state.
Using our jump link table of contents to find what you’re most interested in for this review on HomeServe.
Our Review of HomeServe
Total Score: 84.5 / 100 points
Home warranties exist so homeowners don’t have to worry as much about fronting enormous costs in the event of home repairs. Overall, we consider HomeServe to be a reputable nationwide company that offers a variety of affordable plans.
We reviewed and scored HomeServe based on six home warranty-specific criteria and gave the company a total score out of 100. The chart below provides an overview of HomeServe’s ratings, and we will dive deeper into each category in the following sections.
We explain our review methodology and what we look for below.
HomeServe Pros & Cons
Pros
- Basic Plan covers 18 systems and appliances
- One-year service guarantee
- Responds to most claims within 24 hours
Cons
- Plan selection may vary by location
- No add-ons available
- Can't choose your technician
Plans and Coverage of HomeServe
Score: 19.5 / 24 points
Pros
With 17 different plans, HomeServe offers far more options than the industry standard. The company’s Basic Combo Plan, for example, covers 18 systems and appliances, including your washer and dryer, kitchen appliances, air conditioning, electrical system and more.
More so, HomeServe covers appliances and systems no matter their age or condition.
Cons
Although HomeServe offers a wide selection of plans and covers most major home systems and appliances, it does not offer add-ons or additional coverage for less common services like roof leak repair.
You also cannot customize your own coverage package, but instead must choose from HomeServe’s existing offerings.
We go into more detail on HomeServe’s plans and coverage below.
Affordability of HomeServe
Score: 17.5 / 22.5 points
Pros
The exact cost of your plan will depend on where you live and which package you choose. Luckily, HomeServe makes the quote process easy, and you can get an exact quote over the phone.
HomeServe’s home warranty costs are generally on par with the industry average. The company’s standard plan covers most appliances and systems in your home at around $59 a month, whereas its premium protection plan costs around $70.
The company also offers more limited plans that cost just a few dollars a month. If you only need certain items covered — like your gas or electrical line, water heater or plumbing — you may pay as low as $5 a month.
Cons
HomeServe has such a wide variety of plan offerings that it’s difficult to establish an average cost for prospective customers. You’ll have to get a customized quote to learn exactly how much you’ll pay to cover the home systems and appliances you need.
We go into more detail on the cost of HomeServe below.
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?
Customer Experience of HomeServe
Score: 17.5 / 18.5 points
Pros
We gave HomeServe a nearly perfect score in this category. We requested a quote from HomeServe during our research process, and the company promptly provided us with a detailed quote and did not call back multiple times.
HomeServe also has a one-year workmanship guarantee, far longer than the industry standard of 60 days.
Cons
HomeServe only lost one point out of the possible 18.5 points in this category due to its 30-day waiting period that new policyholders are subjected to before they can file a claim.
However, this waiting period is standard across most home warranty companies.
Company Reputation of HomeServe
Score: 13.5 / 17.5 points
Pros
Overall, HomeServe has generally positive online reviews. It has a 4.3-star rating on Google, an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and a 3.8-star rating on Glassdoor. So, we conclude that most customers and employees of HomeServe are satisfied with the company.
Additionally, since its founding in 2002, HomeServe has built its reputation and network of technicians for over two decades.
Cons
HomeServe has had some legal troubles in the past. A class action lawsuit in New Jersey accused the company of selling warranty packages to residents of multi-unit housing, even though they were ineligible for coverage. Another class action lawsuit, in Florida, accused the company of spamming customers with unsolicited phone calls.
In 2010, several state attorney generals questioned HomeServe about its misleading marketing practices. The company used the logos of utility companies on its flyers and did not fully disclose that it was not affiliated with a government or municipality.
However, it seems that these lawsuits and legal disputes have now been settled, and HomeServe’s business practices have been reformed to properly disclose the nature of its service.
We’ve included some customer reviews of HomeServe from the BBB below.
Claims Process of HomeServe
Score: 11.5 / 12.5 points
Pros
HomeServe offers three ways to file a claim: over the phone, online or through the HomeServe app. In the event of a home emergency, the HomeServe claims hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. HomeServe usually sends out a technician to resolve a claim within 24 hours of submission.
Cons
Although customers generally report an easy claims submission process, HomeServe has mixed online reviews concerning backend support. Because HomeServe partners with local contractors, the quality of work can vary depending on where you live and the contracted technician.
The HomeServe app also has poor reviews. Many customers reported poor functionality and difficult navigation. Customers may be better off submitting a claim on the HomeServe website or over the phone instead.
We’ve included a step-by-step outline of HomeServe’s claims process below.
Availability of HomeServe
Score: 5 / 5 points
Pros
HomeServe is available in every state except for Hawaii and Alaska. The HomeServe website has a convenient feature that allows you to immediately view exactly what packages are available in your area, just by putting in your zip code.
Cons
Although HomeServe is available in 48 U.S. states, the level of coverage can vary significantly based on where you live and which local technicians the company partners with. When you file a claim, HomeServe will connect you with a local technician, and some services may not be available everywhere.
HomeServe Plans, Costs and Coverage
HomeServe offers 17 different plan options, each with varying degrees of coverage. We’ll explore some of the most popular packages below.
Plan Option | Starting Monthly Cost |
TotalHome Warranty Combo Plan | $59 |
Premium Home Protection Plan | $69.99 |
Total Home Warranty Appliance Plan | Varies |
HomeServe Complete Plumbing Repair Plan | $41.99 |
TotalHome Warranty Combo Plan: This is a basic plan that covers most systems and appliances in your home, no matter how old they are. This plan may be a good choice if you are looking for broad coverage over a spectrum of items in your home, including your HVAC system, internal plumbing system, electrical, kitchen appliances and more.
Premium Home Protection Plan: This repair plan covers major systems in your home, including exterior systems like your septic line and home plumbing and drainage systems. It also offers coverage for your heating and cooling systems, hot water heater and gas line.
Total Home Warranty Appliance Plan: This plan covers nearly every appliance in your home, including your clothes washer and dryer, kitchen appliances and more. No matter how old your appliances are, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that they are eligible for repair or replacement through HomeServe when something goes wrong.
HomeServe Complete Plumbing Repair Plan: HomeServe’s plumbing plan services both your exterior and interior plumbing, including your sewer septic service line, exterior water service line, gas line and water heater.
Other Plans: The four plans above are just some of the most comprehensive plans that HomeServe offers. However, HomeServe does have other, smaller plans that allow you to customize your coverage. These include the Home Comfort Plan and Interior Protection Plan. Plan availability will depend on where you live, but you can visit the HomeServe website and enter your ZIP code to see which plans are available in your area.
The chart below compares the systems and appliances covered under HomeServe’s four major plans.
Home System or Appliance | TotalHome Warranty Combo Plan | Premium Home Protection Plan✓ | TotalHome Warranty Appliance Plan | Complete Plumbing Plan |
Heating and Cooling | ||||
Cooling System and Heat Pump | ✓ | ✓ | X | X |
Heating System | ✓ | ✓ | X | X |
Ductwork | ✓ | X | X | X |
Gas Line | X | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Electrical Systems | ||||
Built-in Exhaust, Vent & Attic Fan | ✓ | X | X | X |
Doorbell & Chimes | ✓ | X | X | X |
Interior Electrical Lines | ✓ | ✓ | X | X |
Exterior Electrical System | ✓ | ✓ | X | X |
Garage Door Opener | ✓ | X | ✓ | X |
Central Vacuum | ✓ | X | X | X |
Plumbing Systems & Accessories | ||||
Water Heater Repair | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Interior Plumbing | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Exterior Sewer/Septic | X | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Toilets | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Kitchen Appliances | ||||
Refrigerators | ✓ | X | ✓ | X |
Ranges/Cooktops | ✓ | X | ✓ | X |
Ovens | ✓ | X | ✓ | X |
Dishwashers | ✓ | X | ✓ | X |
Built-in Microwaves | ✓ | X | ✓ | X |
Trash Compactor | ✓ | X | ✓ | X |
Garbage Disposal | ✓ | X | X | X |
Laundry Appliances | ||||
Washers | ✓ | X | ✓ | X |
Dryers | ✓ | X | ✓ | X |
Roof | ||||
Roof Leak Repair | X | X | X | X |
What Optional Add-ons Does HomeServe Offer?
Unlike most other home warranty companies, HomeServe does not offer additional services. Add-ons allow customers to “customize” their home warranty plans by adding appliances or home systems to their warranty, which can also provide plan flexibility.
Despite not offering any add-ons, HomeServe has a larger-than-average offering of home warranty plans. You’ll have more plans to choose from, so you may not even need additional coverage.
Does HomeServe Have Any Exclusions?
Like all home warranty plans, HomeServe warranties have certain limitations. Before you agree to a plan, read the terms and conditions first. The most notable residences and situations that are excluded from warranty coverage with HomeServe include:
- Homes over 5,000 sq. ft
- Commercial buildings
- Damage due to improper installation
- Damage due to lack of maintenance, neglect or accidents
- Damage caused by natural disasters, fires, explosions, earthquakes, drought, tidal waves, extreme weather, floods, war, riots or other unrest
- Problems related to mold, unless specifically covered by your plan
- Certain system and appliance components
For full details of what is covered under your home warranty and what is not, you should check HomeServe’s terms and conditions. Keep in mind that the exact terms and conditions of your warranty will vary depending on which plan you have.
HomeServe Customer Reviews
We looked at both positive and negative HomeServe reviews on Yelp, TrustPilot, Google Reviews and the BBB. Below are some reviews that highlight key themes among customers.
Positive Reviews of HomeServe
Customers who left positive reviews of HomeServe shared that the company was very responsive when they filed a claim and that repairs were done quickly:
Negative Reviews of HomeServe
Negative HomeServeUSA reviews generally complain about a lack of communication and complicated terms that exclude repairs.
HomeServe vs Other Home Warranty Companies
Every home warranty company is slightly different. See how HomeServe stacks up against other top providers below.
Provider | Best For | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | BBB Rating | Years in Business |
HomeServe | Comprehensive coverage | $4.99 – $69.99 | $0 – $100 | A+ | 21 |
American Home Shield | First-time Homeowners | $49.99 – $99.99+ | $75.00 – $125.00 | B | 51 |
Liberty Home Guard | Most Customizable | $49.99 – $69.99+ | $65.00 – $125.00 | A- | 5 |
Choice Home Warranty | Value | $46.83 -$54.75 | $85.00 | D+ | 13 |
Select Home Warranty | Most Affordable Service Fee | $60.42 – $63.75+ | $60.00 – $75.00 | B- | 10 |
AFC Home Club | Most Added Benefits | $30.00 – $50.00+ | $75.00 – $125.00 | B | 13 |
2-10 Home Warranty | Kitchen Appliances | $17.00 – $60.00+ | $65 – $100 | B | 39 |
If you’d like to get a free quote on a home warranty, get started by checking out one of our top-recommended providers.
How to File a Claim With HomeServe
After the 30-day waiting period, HomeServe policyholders can file a claim at any time. The below steps can help you know what to expect when filing your claim.
Note: If you’d rather not file a claim online, need an emergency repair or have additional questions, you can also call the service hotline at 1-855-336-2465 to speak with a representative. The hotline is available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Frequently Asked Questions About HomeServe
Is HomeServe a legitimate company?
Yes, HomeServe is a legitimate company that services nearly 5 million customers.
How much does HomeServe cost per month?
Depending on the service plan you choose, HomeServe home warranties will cost you between $5 and $70 per month. The TotalHome Warranty Combo Plan, a basic plan that covers 18 home appliances and systems, costs around $59 a month. Costs will vary depending on where you live.
Can you cancel your HomeServe policy at any time?
You can cancel your HomeServe policy at any time by calling 1-855-336-2465 or emailing your name and address to info@homeserveusa.com.
How long is the waiting period before I can file a claim with HomeServe?
Once you begin your policy with HomeServe, there is a 30-day waiting period before you can file a claim.
How We Evaluated HomeServe Against Our Review Criteria
To help consumers like you choose the best home warranty companies for your home, we dive deep into every top-rated home warranty company and rate them based on six factors. Once we research a company and have gathered all our data, we use the following scoring system to grade each home warranty company on a 100-point scale. We then convert the score to a 5-star rating.
- Plans + Coverage (24 Possible Points): Since every customer has different needs and a different budget, we award more points to providers that offer more plans and greater flexibility. HomeServe does not offer add-on coverage, but it still scored well in this category for offering more plans and systems coverage than most other home warranty companies.
- Affordability (22.5 Possible Points): Affordability is an important factor because many homeowners choose home warranties to avoid high payments for home appliance repairs. We evaluate each company based on the cost of its plans and additional services, service call fees and cancellation terms. HomeServe performed well in this category as its home warranty costs are generally on par with the industry average. The company also has zero service fees for appliance plans and free plan cancellation at any time.
- Customer Experience (18.5 Possible Points): Your experience as a customer is important, including the support you receive when contacting your home warranty provider. We gauge overall support by looking at customer reviews, conducting homeowner surveys and analyzing the quotes process. HomeServe earned nearly perfect points in this category because it offers a one-year workmanship guarantee, short waiting period and in our experience, a pleasant quotes process.
- Company Reputation (17.5 Possible Points): A company’s reputation is a combination of reviews from customers and reputable organizations like the BBB. We also take into account the years of experience a company has, how satisfied its employees are and any past or pending lawsuits. HomeServe has mostly positive employee and customer reviews, but some past legal disputes caused its score in this category to decrease slightly.
- Claims Process (12.5 Possible Points): In this category, we look at the overall claims process, including how easy it is to file a claim and a company’s response time. HomeServe stacked up well against these criteria due to having multiple ways to file a claim and a quick response time.
- Availability (5 Possible Points): Availability refers to how many states and locations a company serves. HomeServe offers at least some coverage in the 48 contiguous states, so it earned a perfect score in this category.
Reviews of Other Home Warranties