Condo owners are in a unique situation when it comes to home warranty policies. Unlike homeowners who are responsible for everything (systems and appliances), you’re likely only on the hook for appliances. You don’t even need add-on coverage like pool or spa, sprinkler systems, or even extra coverage for your HVAC system, as many condo associations are responsible for the maintenance and repair of significant systems because multiple units share them. Of course, double-check this first, as each condo association is different, but this can save you a lot of money when shopping for a home warranty plan, as appliance-only plans are often the least expensive.
Now, if you’re shaking your head and unsure about even enrolling in a home warranty policy for your condo, you’re not alone. I get it. Some home warranty providers will do whatever they can to avoid paying for your appliance repairs or replacements. But reputable providers aren’t like that, and their policies can save you thousands of dollars in appliance repairs or replacements when you have one of those awful years where everything seems to fail at once.
I’ve spent countless hours researching, secret shopping, and reading terms and conditions and customer reviews to create this guide on the best home warranty companies for condos. These companies are ranked based on Today’s Homeowner’s unique criteria, such as plans and coverage, affordability, customer experience, company reputation, and much more. I’ve also spared no criticism of these companies, so you’ll know their potential drawbacks going forward with your shopping.
Here’s how we ranked and reviewed the nation’s top home warranty companies to bring you the most accurate information.
Our team of experts reviewed over 70 home warranty providers to compare plan options, coverage limits, prices, and customer feedback.
We collected over 100 sample quotes from dozens of home warranty companies to give you an accurate look at industry pricing.
Our rating system scores providers based on 6 key factors: coverage options, affordability, customer experience, reputation, claims processes, and availability.
Read our full Home Warranty Review Methodology for more details.
Top 5 Home Warranty Companies
- American Home Shield is a clear winner for condo owners because of its high appliance coverage limits — up to $4,000, depending on the plan. This coverage is about double what many providers, such as Liberty Home Guard, offer and gives me peace of mind that American Home Shield could completely cover most appliance replacements, meaning I’m not paying to make up the difference.
- Condo owners should prioritize appliance-only home warranty plans. Systems-only plans or comprehensive plans with both appliance and systems coverage may be a waste of money since most condo associations are responsible for major systems like your HVAC or plumbing. Of course, check your condo association policy on unit owner vs. association responsibilities before deciding whether you need systems coverage or if appliance-only coverage will do.
- I’ll be honest. Here’s a case where a home warranty really isn’t necessary: If you have a condo with all new appliances covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, a home warranty policy is an unnecessary expense that doesn’t provide added benefit.
My Expert Recommendation
I’d go with American Home Shield or Liberty Home Guard if I owned a condo. These providers offer appliance-only plans, which I recommend most condo owners look into to avoid overpaying on plans that cover home systems like HVAC or plumbing, which condo associations are often responsible for.
For condo owners with many unique appliances or home features, Liberty Home Guard is my recommendation for their mix-and-match shopping experience and a massive amount of customization (you can even opt for carpet cleaning with their plans, which is something I’ve never seen from another provider).
I recommend American Home Shield for those with premium appliances because of their higher coverage caps for appliances of up to $4,000, depending on your plan. This amount of coverage is about double what Liberty Home Guard offers and gives me greater peace of mind that even major appliance repairs or replacements would be covered, like replacing a washer and dryer, which costs over $1,400 in most cases.
Home Warranty Companies for Condos I Didn’t Include
I didn’t include US Home Guard in this guide because this provider has an F rating from the Better Business Bureau and sketchy practices. Customer reviews share that this company sends out fraudulent mailers scaring homeowners about their policies expiring. Homeowners who weren’t even customers of this business share that they received “final notice” mail and were subject to deceptive marketing practices, so this is definitely not a company I’m comfortable recommending to anyone.
Another company I excluded was Like New Home Warranty. The BBB has a current alert advising consumers to use caution with this business due to complaints about alleged misleading sales tactics, failure to cancel contracts after a consumer requested cancellation, poor customer service, and failure to provide refunds.
Compare The Highest Rated Home Warranties for Condos
| Company | Rating | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Response Time | BBB Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
$50-$60 |
$75 |
12-48 hrs. |
NR |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$35–$75 |
$100–$125 |
24-72 hrs |
B |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$44.99-$58.99 |
$70 |
48 hours |
A+ |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$46–$55 |
$85 |
24-48 hrs. |
B |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$52–$58 |
$60 |
24-48 hrs. |
B |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$38–$62 |
$75–$125 |
48 hours |
B |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$38–$48 |
$75–$125 |
48 hours |
B |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$17–$60+ |
$65–$100 |
2–24 hrs |
A- |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$28–$68 |
$100–$150 |
2–24 hrs |
B |
VISIT SITE |
Quote and cost data gathered January 2024. Cost data are updated and monitored continuously.
Our Reviews of the Best Home Warranties for Condos
Liberty Home Guard
4.6
Our Rating
Liberty Home Guard (LHG) offers the largest selection of add-ons I’ve seen on the market, giving them a distinct advantage over their competitors. If you have unique items like a reverse osmosis water filter or premium appliances like those from KitchenAid, American Range, or Chambers, check out LHG’s add-ons. Since most condo associations are responsible for home systems, you can mix and match Liberty’s add-ons with their appliance-only plan for optimal coverage without overpaying for things you probably don’t need, like HVAC coverage.
Liberty’s coverage limits are just okay. Most providers in the industry offer at least $3,000 in coverage, especially on major appliances or home systems, but Liberty only offers up to $2,000 depending on the appliance or system. This may not be enough to cover major replacements, especially if you have premium appliances in your condo (though you can get extra coverage for some of these with LHG’s add-ons). If you need more extensive coverage, I recommend American Home Shield as it offers up to $4,000 in appliance coverage, giving me more peace of mind that my home appliance would be fully covered if it broke down.
Liberty Home Guard offers three solid home warranty plans, including an appliance-only plan that condo owners may particularly benefit from, and over 40 unique add-ons. Add-ons allow you to increase coverage for specific items or add coverage for things like a reverse osmosis water filter, pro-series appliances, and a freestanding ice maker, which you otherwise wouldn’t have coverage for. These are scarce offerings in this industry, so if you have many unique appliances or features, take advantage of Liberty’s above-and-beyond selection. Plus, you can even opt for carpet cleaning and pest control, which I’ve never seen another home warranty provider offer.
On the negative side, Liberty Home Guard has average to below-average coverage caps of up to $2,000. While it may not be as critical for condo owners to have many thousands of dollars in coverage because they won’t be responsible for the most expensive items such as their HVAC systems, the caps may not be high enough for premium appliances.
Overall, Liberty is one of my preferred providers for its mix-and-match shopping experience, over 40 add-on options, and excellent customer service ratings. I just wouldn’t go with Liberty if I had premium appliances since neither their regular coverage nor their pro-series coverage is enough to cover the cost of replacing luxe appliances.
For condo owners, you’ll definitely want to check out Liberty’s Appliance Guard plan, which covers major appliances like your washer and dryer, refrigerator, built-in microwave oven, and ceiling and exhaust fans. Compared to the Systems Guard and Total Home Guard plans, which cover home systems (most of these your condo association probably covers), you’ll save a chunk of money each month, only pay for what you need, and get peace of mind that you won’t be stuck with a big bill when your dishwasher suddenly breaks down. For the best deal, spend a little time on Liberty’s website after getting a quote and switch to a different tab on your browser. Liberty offered me a significant discount of $200 and two months free when I returned to Liberty’s tab, which is a considerable amount off your first year with them.
The following prices don’t include available discounts.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
| Appliance Guard | $47.47 | $125 | Two months free, $200 off coupon |
| Systems Guard | $52.49 | $125 | Two months free, $200 off coupon |
| Total Home Guard | $57.49 | $125 | Two months free, $200 off coupon |
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a two-bedroom condo under 5,000 square feet in Phoenix, AZ. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
Some of Liberty’s add-ons, such as the casita guest unit or pool and spa add-on, won’t apply to condo owners. But you can find a lot of value in add-ons like in-fridge ice makers, re-key coverage, and pro-series appliance coverage, which is ideal for homeowners with premium appliances.
- Pool and spa: $19.99/month
- Additional spa: $9.99/month
- Lawn sprinkler system: $9.99/month
- Saltwater pool: $23.99/month
- Generator: $19.99/month
- Casita guest unit: $35.99/month
- Sump pump: $8.99/month
- Well pump: $12.99/month
- Septic system pumping: $12.99/month
- Ejector pump: $14.99/month
- Grinder pump: $14.99/month
- Limited roof leak: $11.99/month
- Re-Key: $9.99/month
- Gutter cleaning: $14.99/month
- Pest control: $14.99/month
- Carpet cleaning: $19.99/month
- Window washing/cleaning: $19.99/month
- Power washing (exterior flooring): $19.99/month
- Central vacuum: $8.99/month
- Stand-alone freezer: $5.99/month
- Water softener: $13.99/month
- Swamp cooler: $14.99/month
- Second refrigerator: $7.99/month
- Trash compactor: $7.49/month
- Ice maker (in-fridge): $3.99/month
- Freestanding ice maker: $14.99/month
- Wine cooler/fridge: $11,99/month
- Water dispenser water line: $4.99/month
- Instant hot water dispenser: $9.99/month
- Reverse osmosis water filter system: $14.99/month
- Lighting fixtures: $7.99/month
- Plumbing fixtures: $7.99/month
- Electronics protection: $19.99/month
- TV mounting (up to 65-inch TVs): $14.99/month
- TV mounting (up to 85-inch TVs): $19.99/month
- Pro-series refrigerator: $14.99/month
- Pro-series stand-alone freezer: $14.99/month
- Pro-series range/oven/cooktop: $12.99/month
- Pro-series dishwasher: $7.99/month
- Pro-series microwave: $4.99/month
- Pro-series washing machine: $4.99/month
- Pro-series clothes dryer: $4.99/month
Exclusions
Liberty Home Guard has more exclusions than most providers on this list, but their exclusions are standard or don’t apply to most condo owners. For example, if your condo building has them, you’re likely not responsible for the fire sprinkler, solar, or leak detection monitoring systems.
- Flues, vents, chimneys, and exhaust lines
- Electronics, computerized, “smart,” or Internet/enabled components and parts
- Filters associated with any covered items
- Remote receiving and transmitting devices
- Radon and other leak detection monitoring systems
- Fire sprinkler systems
- Lighting
- Solar systems and applications
- Cosmetic defects
- Disposal of appliances, systems, or components
- Cranes or other specialty vehicles required to install, remove, or access your appliances or home systems
- Glass parts
- Noise
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it is imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
Condo owners will be happy to hear that Liberty is affordable, especially if you’re interested in their Appliance Guard plan at $47.47 per month based on the quote I received a quote for a two-bedroom condo. This plan is about $13 less than the national average, which is around $50 to $60 monthly.
Condo owners can save by opting for the Appliance Guard plan, which protects what you are responsible for, such as your fridge, stove, laundry machines, and more. Basically, you’re not left paying for commonly homeowners association-covered home systems like your electrical or plumbing systems. However, Liberty Home Guard does fall short in affordability with its more expensive add-ons, which often cost $20 or more per month, significantly increasing the cost of your monthly premium. While the coverage is good with these, I would only opt for add-ons you truly think you’ll get your money’s worth from, such as extra coverage for premium appliances with Liberty’s pro-series add-ons.
Liberty Home Guard provides some of the best customer service in the industry. My experience with the company has proven positive over and over, with quick customer service on phone calls, a user-friendly website, and a quote calculator. I love how Liberty’s quote calculator organizes and breaks down its plans with easy charts that allow me to compare and contrast each plan so I can weigh my options. The only con to Liberty’s customer service is the barrage of follow-up emails and calls I received.
Still confused about how a home warranty works? Watch this helpful video by Liberty Home Guard.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is currently assessing Liberty Home Guard for the volume of complaints they’ve recently received that took LHG’s rating from A+ to “Not Rated” or “NR.” While this isn’t stellar, Liberty has a strong history of excellent customer reviews, with over 2,500 reviewers on Trustpilot giving them close to a perfect 5-star score. I’m pleased to say that most reviews are positive, with many customers pointing out a quick claims process, professional technicians, and helpful customer service agents. The fast turnaround time is so important when you have an urgent situation in your condo, like your refrigerator breaking down — compromising all of your food — so I’m happy to see many customers sharing this. The only negative reviews I saw pointed out issues with longer wait times and additional hidden fees on top of the typical service fee, which is strange, but I take these with a grain of salt as most reviews are positive.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | NR* / 4.5 out of 5 stars | 2,511 |
| Trustpilot | 4.7 | 2,621 |
| Yelp | 1.4 | 59 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
*Note (As of 3/22/24): the Better Business Bureau recently shifted LHG’s A+ rating to “NR.” We reached out to a representative from the BBB, and they told us, “This business is not currently rated. BBB has recently received numerous complaints against this business and will issue a rating after it has fully evaluated them.” When asked about whether they revoke ratings after an increase in complaints, the rep said, “Yes, if they feel they need to review the complaints first before issuing an accurate rating.” This scenario has happened to LHG twice in the last two years, but each time, the BBB has restored its A+ rating after a thorough review.
Liberty Home Guard receives a perfect score for its faster-than-average claim response time of 12 hours and top-notch emergency service — something not all providers, such Elite Home Warranty, offer without an extra cost. Emergency services are vital for condo owners as you don’t want to be left waiting to hear back from your provider while your dishwasher or laundry machine leaks all over your lovely flooring. Customers also repeatedly praise LHG for an easy claim process and fast payouts, ensuring you won’t be left struggling with the task of calling to check on when your new dishwasher is on its way.
With nationwide availability, Liberty Home Guard provides coverage for condo owners in all 50 states. They’re one of the only providers with coverage in every state, giving them a perfect score in this category as they’ve demonstrated the ability to keep up with their policies and claim payouts on a vast scale.
American Home Shield
4.3
Our Rating
Condo owners will love American Home Shield (AHS)’s high appliance coverage caps of up to $4,000, which is enough to cover most appliance repairs and replacements. Its plans also come with discounted home maintenance services, which can help you save on out-of-pocket expenses. If you’re responsible for your roof, American Home Shield has phenomenal roof leak repair coverage included in its ShieldPlatinum plan or available as an add-on. This roof coverage is up to $1,000 in repairs, twice as much as that of providers such Choice Home Warranty.
American Home Shield has many negative reviews online and an overall negative rating on websites like Trustpilot and Yelp. Reviews complain most frequently about not hearing back from customer service agents, which is something I hate to see and wouldn’t want to deal with personally.
With over two million members and coverage for up to 23 home items, American Home Shield is a solid choice for condo owners — especially its appliance-focused ShieldGold plan. The best part of American Home Shield’s policies is its Shield Assurance promise — American covers your appliances and systems for normal wear and tear, improper installation, insufficient maintenance, rust, corrosion, sediments, older items, and unknown preexisting conditions. All of these are standard exclusions for many providers, meaning they would deny your claim if your appliance fell into any of these categories, which is extremely frustrating. Unknown preexisting conditions is one of the most common exclusions I see during my research, and claims are frequently denied based on this finding, so not excluding them is a big plus for AHS.
Another benefit of working with American Home Shield is that you receive coverage for duplicates of the same item. For example, suppose you bought an extra A/C unit or refrigerator. In that case, AHS will cover the second one, which is excellent for homeowners with big families who need that second fridge or anyone in a hot area who wants an extra A/C unit. This provider also doesn’t discriminate against old appliances or home systems. Their home warranty protection covers items of all ages, so if you bought a condo with older appliances, you’re covered.
On the negative side, American Home Warranty receives poor customer reviews. While the Better Business Bureau accredits them and gives them a solid B rating, AHS has low ratings with Trustpilot and other review websites. While you can’t always trust customer reviews fully, this is still a worrying indicator. Still, AHS is a strong choice for condo owners looking for high coverage limits and peace of mind about coverage that extends to unknown preexisting conditions, old appliances, rust, and even insufficient maintenance.
American Home Shield has three plan options, with its ShieldGold plan being the optimal choice for condo owners as it covers appliances and some home systems. For the most comprehensive coverage, the ShieldPlatinum plan will be your best choice because it covers up to $4,000 for repair or replacement of appliances, which is what most condo owners need most. You also receive up to $250 in coverage for code violations and permits, unlimited AC refrigerant, and coverage for kitchen and laundry appliances, making this a well-rounded plan with plenty of perks.
The following prices don’t factor in any available discounts.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
| ShieldSilver | $22.49 | $125 | Same-day discount of $125 off first year (website) |
| ShieldGold | $39.99 | $125 | Same-day discount of $125 off first year (website) |
| ShieldPlatinum | $59.99 | $125 | Same-day discount of $125 off first year(website) |
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a two-bedroom condo under 5,000 square feet in Phoenix, AZ. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
While American’s affordable roof leak repair add-on is a standout benefit, you may not need it if your condo association is responsible for common areas like roofs. However, if you’re responsible for roof leaks, I strongly recommend it as it’s one of the most affordable and valuable add-ons in the home warranty space.
- Roof leak repair: $10/month
- Electronics protection plan: $14/month
- Pool & built-in-spa equipment: $18/month
- Guest unit: $15.99/month
- Septic pump: $5/month
- Well pump: $8/month
Exclusions
The good news for condo owners is that many of AHS’s exclusions won’t impact you because you’re likely not responsible for exhaust lines or construction costs. Overall, American has standard exclusions you’ll find with most providers, so this isn’t a category that sways my opinion of the company much.
- Construction or carpentry costs
- Restoration of walls
- Flues, chimneys, venting, and exhaust lines
- Repairs or replacements due to cosmetic defects
- Repairs due to mold
- Natural disasters
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it’s imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
American Home Shield has competitive pricing, with their ShieldGold plan being a strong option for condo owners since it covers common appliances in your laundry room and kitchen. American quoted me only $22.49 monthly for a two-bedroom condo in Phoenix, AZ. This price is around half the national average of $50 per month. Their biggest drawback is a more expensive service fee. You pay a service fee anytime AHS sends a technician to address a claim. American Home Shield has service fee options of $100 and $125 (you can choose the higher service fee to save money on your monthly premium, but this is only worth it if you don’t expect to have too many claims). Compared to providers like Select Home Warranty, which has a service fee of as little as $75, this is pricey and can add up if you need multiple services.
One of American Home Shield’s strong points is its service guarantee. They offer a 30-day workmanship guarantee, meaning if your completed repair has an issue within 30 days of service, AHS will send another technician out for free to fix the problem. I love seeing a workmanship guarantee like this because it ensures you’re satisfied with your repairs and replacements. Essentially, this guarantee gives you enough time to use your fixed-up stove to notice anything wrong before reporting it to AHS and getting it fixed with no additional service fee charge. On the negative side, customer reviews shared that the company’s follow-up wasn’t a strong point, with customers noting that they never heard back from agents. I don’t want to see this when researching home warranty providers, so keep this con in mind.
American Home Shield has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 1997 — an impressive feat and show of its reputation because the BBB doesn’t accredit many home warranty companies. It has a solid B rating from the BBB but struggles with poor reviews on other third-party websites like Trustpilot. Most negative reviews focus on the company sending contractors out after a long delay, dealing with incompetent technicians, and running into exclusions they weren’t aware of. While it’s up to homeowners to read the policy carefully, it’s understandably frustrating when you run into an exclusion you weren’t aware of. On the other hand, positive reviews highlighted exceptional, comprehensive coverage, meaning many people felt the policy was worthwhile.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B / 2.11 out of 5 stars | 11,118 |
| Trustpilot | 2.2 | 5,268 |
| Yelp | 1.1 | 1,273 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Like most providers, American Home Shield allows you to submit claims through its online portal or over the phone, which representatives answer 24/7. After submitting your claim, you can follow up or view your claim progress through their online portal. This is a standard setup for the industry. Still, the 24/7 customer service availability pushes AHS to the top tier in the industry, especially if you’re worried about receiving emergency service or don’t want to be limited to nine-to-five customer service hours.
American Home Shield offers coverage in 49 states. Although Alaska homeowners are excluded, AHS provides overall great coverage, giving it a high score in this category.
Choice Home Warranty
4.3
Our Rating
Many customers praise Choice Home Warranty (CHW) for its high claim acceptance rate and fast emergency services, which are a must-have for that terrible day during a hot summer when your fridge gives out. Their plans are also pretty affordable. During my secret shopping, Choice offered me many discounts, including a $50 same-day discount and a discount for paying annually rather than monthly. Some of these discounts could save you hundreds of dollars combined or over time, so this is a significant benefit.
In addition, Choice Home Warranty doesn’t exclude older appliances or systems as long as they’re in good working condition and properly maintained. If you have older appliances, this is a huge plus, as some providers aren’t keen on providing coverage for them.
Choice Home Warranty doesn’t cover known or unknown preexisting conditions or appliances you fail to maintain. This means that if you don’t keep up servicing appliances or didn’t know your appliance had a preexisting condition before your coverage kicked in, Choice would deny your claim, and you’d be out of luck with being reimbursed. While these aren’t unheard-of exclusions, they are incredibly frustrating and can leave room for claim denials you don’t expect. Some providers like Liberty Home Guard don’t exclude appliances based on unknown preexisting conditions, so keep this in mind if you have many older appliances.
Depending on where you live, Choice has cancellation, or what they refer to as “administrative,” fees. For example, if you live in Alabama, you may be charged an administrative fee of up to $25, but in Arizona, Choice may charge up to $50 or 10% of the gross amount you paid. I recommend reviewing Choice’s terms and conditions and checking if your state has specific state provisions so you’re fully aware of what Choice may charge you for cancellation.
Choice Home Warranty is good for condo owners wanting simple coverage at an affordable price point. Their plans aren’t as comprehensive as those of providers like Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield, but you’ll find better discounts, less-expensive premiums, and a high claim acceptance rate. Depending on your priorities, CHW may be the right choice for you, especially if you have older appliances, which they do cover.
On the other hand, if your appliances have known or unknown preexisting conditions, they won’t be covered, so you may want to consider your condo’s appliances and what Choice would exclude. Another con is the sneaky administrative or cancellation fees included in Choice’s home warranty policy. Depending on your state, Choice Home Warranty may charge you $25, $50, or even up to 10% of the amount you paid just to cancel, which feels like a low blow.
Condo owners will want to steer clear of Choice’s Basic Plan, which lacks coverage for common appliances like clothes dryers, washers, and refrigerators. Choice’s Total Plan provides coverage for these, making it my recommendation for condo owners interested in a policy from CHW.
While secret shopping, Choice offered me a same-day sign-up discount of $50 when I lingered on the page. They also applied an automatic 5% discount to the monthly costs you see listed below, but I didn’t include the other offered discounts to give you the most accurate look at what the plan would cost without the discount.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
| Basic Plan | $46.83 | $100 | $50 same-day sign-up discount, annual payment discounts, and one month free (online or phone) |
| Total Plan | $54.75 | $100 | $50 same-day sign-up discount, annual payment discounts, and one month free (online or phone) |
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a two-bedroom condo under 5,000 square feet in Phoenix, AZ. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
I especially like that condo owners can opt for limited coverage for roof leaks and coverage for sump pumps and stand-alone freezers. While nice, most of the other add-ons probably won’t apply to many condo owners.
- Central vacuum: $3.33/month
- Limited roof leak: $5.83/month
- Pool: $15/month
- Second refrigerator: $3.33/month
- Septic system: $10/month
- Septic tank Pumping: $5.42/month
- Spa: $15/month
- Additional spa: $15/month
- Sprinkler system: $8.33/month
- Stand-alone freezer: $3.33/month
- Sump pump: $3.33/month
- Well pump: $8.33/month
Exclusions
The good news is that exclusions like pool accessories or above-ground spas likely won’t impact you as a condo owner. But you’ll want to keep in mind that Choice won’t cover upgrades or modifications you’ve made to original systems or appliances.
- Audio or visual equipment
- Known or unknown preexisting conditions
- Internet connection components
- Failure to maintain covered systems and appliances
- Upgrades or modifications to original systems or appliances
- Pool accessories
- Fireplaces
- Doorbell
- Central vacuum ductwork, accessories, hoses, and blockages
- Portable or above-ground spas and pools
- Act of God incidents
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it’s imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
CHW is largely affordable with their many discounts. During my secret shopping trip, they offered me a same-day discount of $50 off, an annual discount, one month free, and a 5% discount (automatically applied at checkout). These deals are far more varied than many providers who may offer one to two discounts at a time, so you can likely land a good deal during your shopping trip with Choice. On top of this, Choice’s rates are already competitive. Their most comprehensive plan is $54.75 per month (for a two-bedroom condo in Phoenix), which falls in the national average range for home warranty costs. Lastly, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a provider with more affordable add-ons. This provider has add-ons that are almost all less than $10, with some even less than $5. This is a significant savings compared to providers like Elite Home Warranty, which charges around $20 per month for add-ons.
Choice Home Warranty ranks well for its reliable customer service and my experience with the company. I find its website very user friendly, with the only exception being its quote calculator, which doesn’t allow you to compare different plan prices easily. You must click through to see a price, then backtrack to look at other plan prices, which isn’t as user friendly as Liberty Home Guard’s or Select’s online quote systems. Besides that, Choice ranks well in this category for its helpful website, 24/7 customer service, and workmanship guarantee.
Choice Home Warranty has over 14 years of experience in the industry and mostly positive reviews. The Better Business Bureau gives it a solid B rating. While they aren’t BBB-accredited, the provider has a robust 3.7-star rating from Trustpilot, and many reviews share that they experienced fast turnarounds after submitting a claim. For example, one customer submitted a claim and heard back almost immediately, and within two days, Choice’s technician fixed their dryer. This fantastic turnaround time bolsters my confidence in their service, especially because we all want a home warranty provider that responds to our claim as if it were their own home experiencing a broken down stove or fridge.
The biggest issue with Choice Home Warranty’s company reputation is the Arizona Attorney General’s lawsuit against it for consumer fraud. While this lawsuit hasn’t been finalized in the plaintiff’s favor, it isn’t a reassuring part of Choice’s reputation.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B / 1.4 out of 5 stars | 4,371 |
| Trustpilot | 3.7 | 38,629 |
| Yelp | 1.0 | 64 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Our team chose Choice Home Warranty for their high claim acceptance rate, which many customers praise in reviews, and easy claims process. You can submit a claim through their online portal or over the phone, making this a quick and easy process. Plus, we like that their average response time is between 24 and 48 hours. While not the fastest we’ve seen (Liberty Home Guard takes around 12 hours), this is still better than most.
Choice Home Warranty is available in most states, excluding California and Washington. What really gives Choice an edge in this category is that it has handled over three million claims and 6,600,000 service requests in its 14 years of operation, proving this provider’s steadfast business model and ability to manage many claims nationwide.
Select Home Warranty
4.2
Our Rating
Select Home Warranty (SHW) offers some of the most affordable plans in the industry, with all the quotes I received coming in at less than $48 per month. For condo owners, the appliance-only plan is inexpensive at an estimated cost of $44 per month, which is about $6 to $16 less than the national average, giving you a savings of $72 to $192 every year — not to mention, Select has lower service fee rates of $75, which save you around $25 to $75 per visit compared to providers like American Home Shield and Elite Home Warranty, who both have higher service fees starting at $100 or more.
An appliance-only home warranty is often the best choice for condo owners since your association likely covers major systems like your HVAC and plumbing. While Select offers a cost-effective appliance-only plan, some of its appliance coverage caps are as low as $500. This cap is extremely low and insufficient to replace common appliances like washers, dryers, dishwashers, or stoves. However, Select may still be a good choice if you’re looking for coverage that’ll cover common repairs without breaking the bank each month.
Select has some strange exclusions. For example, even if your dishwasher is covered, the racks and rollers, which I and many homeowners would consider part of the appliance, aren’t. While this isn’t unheard of in the industry, it’s frustrating, so read your sample contract closely before enrolling in Select or any company’s policy.
Select Home Warranty is a budget-friendly provider with multiple plan options, excellent discounts (which seem always available), and strong coverage caps for air conditioning and HVAC systems (up to $3,000). I also like that Select is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, so U.S. condo owners can easily access Select’s coverage options regardless of location.
While I think Select packs a lot of value in for an affordable monthly rate, its lower appliance coverage caps are a significant con for condo owners with luxury appliances. Still, if you’re looking for a cost-effective plan that’ll cover most repairs and help you with the cost of appliance replacement, Select may be a good choice — especially if you’re responsible for your roof because their plans all come with free roof leak coverage.
Select has three plan options —an appliance-only plan, a systems-only plan, and a comprehensive plan covering both appliances and systems. For condo owners, Bronze Care is probably your best option because it covers major appliances like a cooktop, dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, fridge, stove, and oven. Unfortunately, this appliance-only plan isn’t as comprehensive as those of providers like Liberty Home Guard, but it is more affordable, which is a plus.
The following monthly costs include the offer for two months free, saving you around $13 and $16 each month (depending on which plan you pick) off the original price. During secret shopping online, Select offered this two-months- free discount. While this sale may or may not happen when you’re shopping, I regularly see $150 off coupons or 20%-off sales on Select’s website. Some customer reviews even shared that they received a lower monthly fee and service when speaking with Select agents over the phone.
| Plan | Monthly Cost* | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
| Bronze Care | $44.42 | $75 | $150 off (website), two extra months free (website) |
| Gold Care | $44.42 | $75 | $150 off (website), two extra months free (website) |
| Platinum Care | $47.75 | $75 | $150 off (website), two extra months free (website) |
*Monthly cost figures provided include the discounted rate offered at the time of writing. Select Home Warranty has been running this promotion since the beginning of this year.
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a two-bedroom condo under 5,000 square feet in Phoenix, AZ]. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
As a condo owner, you can definitely skip the pool and lawn sprinkler system add-ons, but you might benefit from sump pump coverage if this falls under your responsibility.
- Central vacuum: $3.33/mo
- Lawn sprinkler system: $5.83/mo
- Pool: $8.33/mo
- Roof leak: $0/mo
- Septic system: $5.83/mo
- Spa: $5.83/mo
- Standalone freezer: $3.33/mo
- Sump pump: $3.33/mo
- Well pump: $3.33/mo
Exclusions
Select has standard industry exclusions, with nothing that would significantly hurt a condo owner. Just keep these in mind when applying for claims and securing a policy.
- Secondary damage (i.e., your home warranty may cover roof damage but won’t cover water damage caused by the leak)
- Incorrect installation or malfunctions due to construction damage or improper wiring
- Issues with systems or appliances related to hazardous or toxic materials (e.g., mold, asbestos, and gas leaks)
- Common areas in condominiums or family homes
- Solar heating systems
- Damage caused by natural disasters and rust
- Defects or damages caused by the foundation and structure of the home
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it’s imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
If you’re on a budget, Select Home Warranty is an excellent choice because their Bronze Care plan comes with free roof coverage (valued at $99) and is much less expensive than the average home warranty costing at least $50 per year. Select quoted me $44.42 for their appliance plan for a two-bedroom condo in Phoenix, AZ. Plus, their $75 service fee is one of the lowest fees I’ve seen among home warranty companies. You pay a service fee each time you request service, similar to an insurance deductible, so it’s nice to see a much more affordable service fee offered — some providers, like Elite Home Warranty, have service fees starting at $100 or more, so this can save you quite a bit of money over time.
Select has a good customer experience with their user-friendly website and online quote calculator. I especially like that the quote is generated instantly for you, so you don’t have to wait for an agent to reach out to you, as is the case with Elite Home Warranty. Select’s quote calculator saves you time during the shopping process, which is a huge plus. Another bonus is that Select’s pricing is transparent. You can easily find plan and add-on pricing, allowing you to weigh your options and budget more effectively. Where Select Home Warranty loses a point is their 30-day waiting period after you’ve signed up. This condition means Select isn’t covering your home until 30 days pass. While a waiting period is typical, some providers have shorter waiting periods, allowing you to get peace of mind much quicker.
While the Better Business Bureau doesn’t accredit Select Home Warranty, the BBB does give Select a decent B rating, which, paired with a nearly four-star rating from Trustpilot, gives me confidence in Select’s customer service. Most reviews online share that Select has an easy signup process, helpful customer service reps who aren’t pushy, and prompt appointments with technicians who successfully address their appliance issues. Negative reviews noted issues with claim denial and contacting Select customer service. Overall, the reviews were mixed but mostly positive, with customers sharing that they loved their over-the-phone experience with customer service.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B / 1.38 out of 5 stars | 2,110 |
| Trustpilot | 3.8 | 4,818 |
| Yelp | 1.0 | 9 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Select Home Warranty has two claim submission options: through their online portal or over the phone. Once submitted, wait to hear back from a Select customer service representative to schedule a repair appointment. Our team found that Select has an average response time of around 48 hours for non-emergency claims, which isn’t as good as Liberty Home Guard but is pretty standard. As a whole, Select doesn’t stand out in this category negatively or positively.
With true nationwide home warranty coverage, condo owners from all 50 states and the District of Columbia can enroll in a home warranty policy with Select. Since Select has positive reviews and a steadfast business model, I feel confident in this provider’s ability to serve customers nationwide.
Elite Home Warranty
4.3
Our Rating
Elite Home Warranty is the only provider I’ve seen with massive coverage of up to $6,000 for appliances and up to $10,000 for home systems like your HVAC or electrical systems, depending on your plan and add-ons. While systems coverage might not be as crucial for condo owners, the impressive appliance coverage is terrific, especially if you have premium appliances. Some providers, like Select Home Warranty, have as little as $500 in coverage for some appliances. Hence, Elite’s much more comprehensive coverage gives me greater peace of mind, especially if you want coverage that’ll be enough to replace most appliances fully.
Elite doesn’t include emergency services in the cost of their plans. If you want service outside their standard hours, you must pay an additional fee, which isn’t a common practice in the industry. Plus, all commercial-grade appliances are excluded from their policies, so keep this in mind if your condo has anything commercial-grade.
Condo owners may especially benefit from Elite’s unique premium appliances add-on. At $249.99 per year, it’s a steep add-on, but it boosts your coverage to up to $6,000 for appliances, which is a much better cap if you have luxe appliances or want the ultimate peace of mind. Plus, you can save by choosing Elite’s appliance-only plan, which saves you around $132 per year compared to the comprehensive plan covering home systems and appliances (you likely don’t need home system coverage to the same extent as someone without a condo association).
On top of this, Elite has one of the best selections of add-ons I’ve seen on the market (second only to that of Liberty Home Guard) and offers unique choices like coverage for wine coolers, jetted hot tubs, sump pumps, and freestanding freezers. If you have unique or luxury appliances in your condo, Elite is one of my favorite choices for its extensive coverage of up to $6,000 on appliances, which is two to three times higher than most providers, and a massive list of add-ons.
The biggest downside is that Elite doesn’t offer emergency services without an extra fee. They also don’t cover commercial-grade appliances, so keep this in mind when shopping plans if your condo has them. However, these are two cons I can personally live with when trying to find high allowances for condo appliances.
Elite Home Warranty is a standout company for its plans and coverage because it offers an appliance-only plan, a systems-only plan, and a comprehensive plan covering it all (and offers a 30-day free trial on any of its plans). If you’re a condo owner, I’d look into the Elite Appliance plan so you’re not paying for home systems coverage if you don’t need to. In terms of coverage, Elite is a knock-out, with some of its plans providing up to $6,000 in appliance and $10,000 in home systems coverage, which is two to three times more than the industry average of $2,000 to $3,000. If you have luxury appliances, Elite is an excellent choice because their higher coverage caps make it more likely that you won’t hit a cap and have to pay the remaining cost yourself — a situation I really don’t want to find myself in when I’m already frustrated about my broken-down oven.
Elite offers several discounts on its website, including a $150 sign-up bonus and a first-month-free offer. You can get these by filling out the quote form on their website and waiting for an agent to contact you. The following prices don’t reflect the offered discounts.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
| Elite Appliance | $48.99 | $100 | $150 sign-up discount, 30-day trial, first month free |
| Elite Systems | $52.99 | $100 | $150 sign-up discount, 30-day trial, first month free |
| Elite Complete | $59.99 | $100 | $150 sign-up discount, 30-day trial, first month free |
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a two-bedroom condo under 5,000 square feet in Phoenix, AZ. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
Elite Home Warranty offers one of the most extensive selections of add-ons, second to only Liberty Home Guard. Condo homeowners can greatly benefit from in-unit add-ons like a freestanding ice maker or water softener coverage, limited roof leak repair (if the homeowners association doesn’t cover it), and even wine cooler coverage.
- Attic exhaust fan: $69.99/year
- Central vacuum: $49.00/year
- Effluent pump: $99.99/year
- Ejector pump: $99.99/year
- Freestanding freezer: $59.99/year
- Freestanding ice maker: $59.99/year
- Freestanding spa equipment: $119.99/year
- Generator: $99.99/year
- Geothermal heating and cooling system: $299.99/year
- Grinder pump: $99.99/year
- Guest house: $299.99/year
- HVAC annual maintenance: $299.99/year
- Jetted/hot tub: $99.99/year
- Lawn sprinkler system: $99.99/year
- Lift pump: $99.99/year
- Limited roof leak repair: $99.99/year
- Pool & spa equipment: $199.99/year
- Pool equipment: $149.99/year
- Premium appliances: $249.99/year
- Premium benefits: $199.99/year
- Premium systems: $299.99/year
- Premium systems Plus: $499.99/year
- Septic system: $129.99/year
- Service lines: $349.99/year
- Sump pump: $99.99/year
- Swamp cooler: $149.99/year
- Water filtration System: $99.99/year
- Water softener: $99.99/year
- Well pump: $99.99/year
- Wine cooler: $69.99/year
Exclusions
Elite has overall standard exclusions. The biggest concern for condo owners is if you plan on buying and renting other units. The coverage is only for your personal home, so keep this in mind when shopping.
- Natural disaster-related damages
- Acts of God
- Commercial-grade appliances
- Units in a rental property
- Cosmetic damage
- A lack of maintenance
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it’s imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
Elite Home Warranty is a bit pricer than most providers, with its cheapest plan starting at $48.99 monthly when I received quotes for a two-bedroom condo in Phoenix, AZ. With that said, this provider is very affordable for its superior coverage of up to $6,000 for appliances and $10,000 for home systems — far higher caps than the industry average of $2,000 to $3,000. If you have premium appliances in your condo or want the most peace of mind, Elite packs a lot of value into their plans and still offers competitive pricing. Their add-ons are also reasonably priced, with many costing between $15 and $20 per month (once you break down the yearly price).
I’ve repeatedly had good experiences with Elite’s customer service representatives, who weren’t too pushy but offered an educational, informative shopping experience. Many customer reviews echoed this sentiment, so I feel comfortable recommending Elite to anyone who has been burned by aggressive sales tactics in the past. However, Elite’s lack of follow-through is a sore spot. I had a text conversation with an agent that the agent neglected to follow up on when I texted an additional question.
Out of all the providers on this list, Elite Home Warranty and Liberty Home Guard shine for their exceptional reputations. Elite Home Warranty has an outstanding A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, indicating a history of positive customer experiences and follow-up. You’ll find that websites like Trustpilot and Yelp give Elite nearly perfect scores, which I’ve yet to see any home warranty provider match. The biggest drawback to Elite is that they’ve only been in business for four years, so they don’t have the same experience that industry giants like Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield have. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t provide great service. Trustpilot reviews frequently noted professional customer service experiences, fast repair appointments, and satisfaction with the higher coverage caps — all things that matter a lot to me and many condo owners looking for reliable service that won’t result in weeks of back and forth before the provider resolves your appliance issue.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A+ / 4.97 out of 5 stars | 371 |
| Trustpilot | 4.7 | 60 |
| Yelp | 4.8 | 4 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
The claims process garners Elite its lowest score because their plan fees don’t include emergency services. Condo owners who want emergency services must pay a fee in addition to the regular service call fee for service outside normal hours. Elite Home Warranty is the only provider on this list that I’ve found this to be true with, making it a less common practice and something that would bother me personally when I’m already upset about my condo’s leaking dishwasher. On the positive side, Elite has excellent customer service availability 24/7/365 for filing claims over the phone or the online portal.
Elite Home Warranty has nearly nationwide coverage in 47 states — minus California, Texas, and Washington. Condo owners in the District of Columbia can also receive coverage from Elite. We gave this provider a perfect score due to its widespread availability and overwhelmingly positive reviews from homeowners across the country.
Calculate the Cost of Condo Home Warranty
Calculate the yearly cost of a condo home warranty by inputting your service fee, monthly premium, and estimated number of service visits per year so you can budget appropriately.
| Appliance | Average Repair Cost | Average Replacement Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Dehumidifier | $50–$200 | $1,300–$2,800 |
| Microwave | $50–$400 | $60–$2,000 |
| Dishwasher | $50–$500 | $400–$3,000 |
| Exhaust Fans | $16–$300 | $250–$950 |
| Electric Range | $100–$500 | $230–$3,000 |
| Gas Range | $100–$500 | $230–$3,000 |
| Dryer | $100–$400 | $450–$2,300 |
| Oven | $100–$430 | $400–$3,000 |
| Washer | $50–$450 | $400–$2,300 |
| Freezer | $90–$500 | $160–$2,900 |
| Refrigerator | $40–$350 | $200–$5,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need a Home Warranty for a Condo?
You don’t need a home warranty for a condo, but it’s a good idea for most condo owners to have one unless you can pay thousands of dollars for major appliance replacements out of pocket. Unless your appliances are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, a home warranty is a wise investment that protects you against extensive appliance repair and replacement costs for your condo.
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost for a Condo?
The average cost for a home warranty for a condo is $50 per month nationwide. However, based on my research into condo home warranty costs, if you opt for an appliance-only plan, you can find more affordable home warranty premiums in the $30 to $40 range.
How To Save Money When Shopping for Home Warranties for Condos?
When shopping for home warranties for a condo, start by looking at what is and isn’t covered by the condo association. Most condo associations cover shared home systems, so you may not need coverage for home systems like your plumbing. However, investing in an appliance plan to cover your washer, dryer, dishwasher, and kitchen appliances can save you from large, unexpected repair or replacement bills.
Is a Home Warranty Worth It for Condos?
A home warranty is worth it for condos because most condo owners are responsible for repairing and replacing their appliances, such as the dishwasher or clothes dryer, and a home warranty can help you do this without breaking the bank. Depending on your condo association, you may not need extensive home system coverage for your electricity or plumbing, but securing appliance coverage for your condo almost always makes a home warranty worth it for the peace of mind and financial protection.
Other Warranty Resources for Homeowners
- Best Home Warranty Companies
- Best Home Warranty Companies for Seniors
- Best Home Warranty for Garage Doors
- Best Home Warranty Companies for Water Heaters
- Best Home Warranty Companies for Heat Pumps
- Best Mobile Home Warranty Companies
- Best Home Warranties for Older Homes
- Best Home Warranty Companies for Electrical Systems
- Best Home Appliance Insurance Companies
- Best Home Warranty Companies for Pre-Existing Conditions
- Best Home Warranties With No Deductible
- Best Home Warranty Companies for Luxury Homes
- Septic System Warranty Coverage and Cost
- Best Pool Warranty Companies
- Best Home Warranty Companies for Duplexes
- Best Home Warranty Companies for Roof Coverage
- Best Home Warranty Companies for Plumbing
- Best Home Warranty Companies for Rental Properties
- Best Home Warranty Companies for Sewer Lines
- Best Home Warranty for New Construction Homes
- Best Home Warranty Companies for High-End Appliances
- Best Home Warranty Companies For Wells
- Best Home Warranty Companies for Plumbing
- Best Options for a Dishwasher Warranty
