Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
With a variety of seasons in American, your home systems can experience quite a bit of wear and tear. There’s nothing worse than having your heater go out in the middle of winter. A home warranty in American can help bring down your out-of-pocket costs by covering repairs or replacements to major home systems and appliances that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
The home warranty market has many providers — all with different plans — so the Today's Homeowner team has done the research to help you choose the best home warranty companies in American.
Very highly rated among customer service reviews
Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
Extensive list of 20+ add-on coverages
Easy claims process
Won’t cover known or unknown pre-existing conditions
Liberty Home Guard is the most trustworthy home warranty for American residents. When you purchase a policy from Liberty, you will get a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Liberty Home Guard also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage.
Liberty Home Guard offers 3 plans for American homeowners. The Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Liberty’s plans are around the $3,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $75.
Read our Liberty Home Guard Review to learn more. To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, you can fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281.
Appliance Guard
Systems Guard
Total Home Guard
Over 10 years of experience
24/7 customer service team
Home inspections aren’t required
90-day repair guarantee
Plans aren’t customizable
Customers can’t choose their own contractor
Not available in washington
Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty for American residents. When you purchase a policy from Choice, you will get very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Choice Home Warranty also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. The home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage.
Choice Home Warranty offers 2 plans for American homeowners. The Basic Plan and Total Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Choice’s plans are around the $3,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $85.
Read our Choice Home Warranty Review to learn more. To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164.
Basic Plan
Total Plan
Low service fees compared to other home warranty providers
Two months of free coverage
Has an appliance-only, systems-only, and combo plan option
90-day repair guarantee
Has a $75 cancellation fee
Low coverage caps
Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty for American residents. When you purchase a policy from Select, you will get a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Select Home Warranty also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage.
Select Home Warranty offers 3 plans for American homeowners. The Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Select’s plans are around the $2,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $60.
Read our Select Home Warranty Review to learn more. To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953.
Bronze Care Plan
Gold Care Plan
Platinum Care Plan
The oldest and most trusted company in the industry
Allows customers to build their own plans
Ability to choose the service fee you want to pay
Broad coverage on up to 33 appliances and systems
Doesn’t let customers choose their own technician
Doesn’t provide coverage in alaska
American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty for American residents. When you purchase a policy from AHS, you will get the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. American Home Shield also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage.
American Home Shield offers 3 plans for American homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with AHS’s plans are around the $2,500 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
Read our American Home Shield Review to learn more. To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839.
ShieldSilver
ShieldGold
ShieldPlatinum
Established company with a bbb accreditation
Doesn’t have a coverage cap on heating, cooling, or ductwork
24/7 service calls available
Offers replacement of some covered items that are too damaged to repair
Doesn’t let customers choose their own contractor
According to some customer reviews, the technical jargon in contracts is confusing
First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage for American residents. When you purchase a policy from First American, you will get very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. First American Home Warranty also has a unique add-on alongside common ones called the First Class Upgrade, which covers fees associated with the use of lifting equipment, up to $250 per local building permits, haul away services, and appliances and systems that have been insufficiently installed or modified. The home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage.
First American Home Warranty offers 2 plans for American homeowners. The Basic Plan and Premier Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with First American’s plans are around the $1,500 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $85.
Read our First American Home Warranty Review to learn more. To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164.
Basic Plan
Premier Plan
Offers home insurance deductible of $500
Extra long 180-day workmanship guarantee
Offers free cancellation in the first 30 days
Charges high service fees of $75-$150
Doesn’t allow customers to choose their own technician
Isn’t available in hawaii or alaska
Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee for American residents. When you purchase a policy from Cinch, you will get a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Cinch Home Services also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage.
Cinch Home Services offers 3 plans for American homeowners. The Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Cinch’s plans are around the $1,000-$2,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
Read our Cinch Home Services Review to learn more. To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505.
Appliances Plan
Built-in Systems Plan
Complete Home Plan
Policy starts in ten days
24/7 customer service support
Generous coverage caps on important systems and appliances
30-labor guarantee and 90-day parts guarantee
Offers utility and home service outside line coverage
Higher service fee of $95
Not accredited by the better business bureau (bbb)
Only 2 plan options
The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service for American residents. When you purchase a policy from HSC, you will get quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. The Home Service Club also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee. The home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage.
The Home Service Club offers 2 plans for American homeowners. The Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with HSC’s plans are around the $2,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
Read our The Home Service Club Review to learn more. To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443.
Standard Coverage Plan
Comprehensive Coverage Plan
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on home warranty companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Home Appliance | Repair Cost |
---|---|
Air Conditioner | $5,698 |
Heating | $3,798 |
Electrical | $570 |
Toilets | $475 |
Washer/Dryer | $760 |
Plumbing | $570 |
Oven | $1,519 |
Fridge | $570 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps American homeowners lower the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide financial coverage to fix or replace appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to handle the repair or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty provides security for homeowners by helping them avoid expensive emergency fixes. They're particularly useful for those who live in older homes or ones with outdated systems. More modern homes with working appliances probably don’t require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many home systems and appliances. Covered appliances typically include washers, microwaves, refrigerators, garbage disposals, dishwashers, dryers, and others. Covered systems include electrical, heating, plumbing, and air conditioning. Many home warranty providers also offer additional coverage for roof leaks, locksmiths, central vacuums, and septic systems. American homeowners should know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day period you must wait before they will cover the cost of any repairs. Additionally, policies typically only cover repairs and replacements needed due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover things like natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, or improper use of a system or appliance. You need to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure that your next repair or replacement will be covered by your policy.
There are multiple home warranty terms to learn before signing an agreement, including:
When choosing a home warranty provider, there are several key factors to consider:
Home warranties differ greatly in the items covered. Basic plans typically provide protection for AC, heating, electrical, plumbing, and appliances, while more comprehensive plans may also cover spas, well pumps, roof leaks, and pools. Look for providers with a diverse range of coverage options, including upgraded plans. This allows you to customize your plan to your needs.
You'll pay a repair fee, normally ranging from $60–100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. This fee is charged per request and can quickly add up, so you may look for providers advertising lower service fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain providers may eliminate deductibles when a homeowner submits no claims in a defined period.
A home warranty provider's reputation can provide insight into things such as contractor quality, approval rates, repair timeliness, and customer satisfaction. Check review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to research providers. Positive ratings and feedback indicate a company known for exceptional service.
Home warranty providers have networks of contractors that they use to tackle covered repairs. Bigger networks improve the likelihood of getting skilled contractors to your home quickly. Contact possible providers to learn how many contractors they have in American to understand how long repairs might take in an urgent situation.
Certain home warranty providers include perks such as energy-efficient upgrades, protection for smart home devices, and discounts on maintenance. These bonuses can offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Added perks enhance your home and maximize your home warranty.
Home warranties are an inexpensive way to guard your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in American hitting an average high of 59℃F, you may find that some appliances, like your air conditioning system, get a lot of use. A home warranty can considerably lower out-of-pocket expenses should your HVAC system stop working.
Not only does a home warranty give you some savings, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks, the last thing you want to do is find a technician and schedule a repair. A home warranty takes care of this process by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. Another good thing about having a home warranty is when you’re selling your home, you can most likely transfer your home warranty to the new owners. This can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers and may help your house sell faster.
As for the downsides of home warranties, coverage varies by company, so it’s important to understand what each policy covers and excludes in the contract.
Another consideration is that home warranties typically only cover damage from normal wear and tear. They most likely won’t cover systems or appliances that have stopped working due to natural disasters, improper maintenance, animal infestations, etc.
A home warranty in American can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. Higher-priced plans usually have broader coverage, higher coverage limits, and a lower service fee. This cost is often lower if you pay annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also lower your up-front costs when you opt for a higher service fee.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty helps protect against normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. A homeowners insurance plan protects your home in a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. With homeowners insurance, you will not be able to file a claim should you need a new dryer or air conditioner, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which isn't that common in American.
A home warranty can help investors, home sellers, real estate agents, homebuyers, and homeowners. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved with homeownership.
A home warranty will cover your appliances, systems, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you need more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be useful if you're concerned about one more than the other.
Generally, a home warranty plan lasts for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some providers may offer month-to-month plans.
Typically, the person who owns the home is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the home seller may buy a home warranty and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then need to pay the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in American is $172,844, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.