What is a home warranty?

Home warranties protect your home's appliances and systems in the event of a malfunction. Normal wear and tear takes a toll on all systems in your house, so a home warranty saves you from having to spend the hundreds or thousands of dollars it takes for even the smallest of repairs. By purchasing a home warranty plan, you're able to call a technician to repair or replace your faulty appliances when needed.

Why should I buy a home warranty?

Having a home warranty provides peace of mind. It usually comes as a surprise when your heating system stops working, your dryer breaks, or your air conditioner goes out. When your systems and appliances need a repair, it is an urgent matter and you want to make sure you're able to afford the cost of getting them fixed. If you have a plan that covers the item that malfunctions, you'll have it paid for minus the cost of any applicable deductible or service fee.

What does a home warranty cover?

When purchasing a home warranty, you'll be able to select from different plans depending on what you want covered. They might include a kitchen plan (fridge, range, oven, dishwasher, garbage disposal, etc.), heating and cooling (air conditioning, interior electrical system, central heating, etc.), plumbing systems, pool pumps, garage door opener, TVs, laptops, and more. You can buy as many plans as you want or bundle and save!

How much does a home warranty cost?

Home warranties are usually billed monthly and range from about $30 - $100/month depending on what you want covered, how many plans you buy, if you bundle your plans, and so on. On top of this, the company you use might charge service fees or have a deductible set up that you'll need to meet before they cover the rest of what it takes for repairs. Either way, having a home warranty will likely save you thousands of dollars in the long run since appliance repairs can be so expensive.

How does a home warranty differ from home insurance?

Home warranties cover the effects of normal wear and tear on systems and appliances. After running your dishwasher a couple hundred times, it might need maintenance, which would be covered by your warranty (if you selected a plan that included it). Home insurance protects you financially from unexpected major events like a fire, flood, or weather damage. It allows you to get a lump sum of money to replace items in the home or the house itself when disaster strikes. However, if your air conditioning goes out in the middle of summer, you're out of luck if you have home insurance without a home warranty.

How long does a home warranty last?

A home warranty lasts as long as you choose to pay for it! Many people just budget for it long-term and pay year after year just like they make their house payment. You can pay monthly or make a yearly payment on the type of coverage you select. As long as you are subscribed to a home warranty plan, you'll be able to have a repairman come to your home to take care of your appliances and systems when problems arise.

Is there a limit to the number of repairs I can have done during the length of my contract?

There is no limit to the number of repairs you can call in during your home warranty contract. If there is a service fee, you'll need to pay that each time a technician comes out. If you have a deductible to meet, you'll pay for each repair until you hit your deductible and can be fully covered by the company. It's reassuring to know that regardless of how many things go wrong in your home, as long as your contract includes the repairs, you'll be able to have them taken care of!

How do I request service through my home warranty?

Every home warranty service might do things a little differently. Most of the time you'll be able to call in and let them know your issue and get a timeframe for a technician to come make repairs. Some companies have an online form you fill out and then they contact you back and dispatch their workers. It's easy to get the help when you need it within a reasonable timeframe when you're dealing with home warranty companies.

Best Home Warranty Companies for November 2025

Item: The Best Home Warranty Companies - Summary Reviews
Rating: 5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Monday, November 17th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2025 Home Warranty Company Reviews

Where Can You Find the Best Home Warranty? Being prepared for unexpected expenses is part of homeownership. Whether you're a landlord looking to reduce operating costs, a homeowner trying to sell your property, or just a regular homeowner who wants to be protected against surprise repairs, having a good home warranty can be a lifesaver. A home warranty is a type of insurance, separate from your home insurance, that covers the cost of repairs or replacements for major systems and appliances in your home.

5.0

EXCELLENT

Best Option

American Residential Warranty

Prices from $49.99 to $89.99 per month
Add-ons from $10.99 to $24.99
Trade service fees from $50 to $75 per service request

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EXCELLENT

5.0

On the American Residential Warranty website

American Residential Warranty is a well-established company that has been providing top-notch home warranty services to homeowners across the country for many years, with an impressive "A-" rating from the Better Business Bureau. With three plans to choose from, including options for kitchen appliances, systems, and even technology, you can customize your coverage to fit your home. Overall, American Residential Warranty stands out for its exceptional reputation and excellent value for the money, making it our top pick for complete peace of mind at home.

4.5

GREAT

Great

Elite Home Warranty

Prices offered via phone
Custom plans from $79 annually
Coverage for appliances, heating system, electrical, plumbing, water heater, whirlpool bathtub, and more

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GREAT

4.5

On the Elite Home Warranty website

Elite Home Warranty stands out from the rest with its unique approach to home warranties, allowing you to customize your plan and choose only the coverage you need. With three main plans to choose from and the option to create a custom plan, your coverage fits your specific needs and budget. Elite has an impressive reputation, with an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau and excellent customer feedback, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and transparent home warranty provider.

4.0

VERY GOOD

Very Good

First American Home Warranty

Prices from $82 to $152 per month
Add-ons from $6.25 to $31.25 per month
Service fees from $100 to $125 per visit

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VERY GOOD

4.0

On the First American Home Warranty website

First American Home Warranty is a well-established company with a strong reputation, offering reliable service and a wide range of coverage options to suit different needs and budgets. With three main plans to choose from, homeowners can select the level of coverage that's right for them, from basic systems and appliances to luxury upgrades. The company's customer service team has received praise from satisfied clients, making it a top contender for those seeking a hassle-free home warranty experience.

3.5

GOOD

Good

Sears Home Warranty

Prices from $59.99 to $109.99 per month
Service fees are $100 per visit
Coverage for total home including appliances and HVAC

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GOOD

3.5

On the Sears Home Warranty website

Sears Home Warranty has been a trusted name in the industry for over a century, with a unique approach to providing high-quality service through its own team of expert technicians. With five customizable plans to choose from, Sears Home Warranty offers flexibility for your home warranty. While its mixed reviews and lack of customer reviews on third-party sites are worth noting, Sears Home Warranty's competitive pricing, 180-day workmanship guarantee, and 24/7 claims filing make it an option worth considering for those looking for total coverage.

3.4

GOOD

Good

Cinch Home Services

Prices from $30.99 to $44.99 per month
Add ons from $4.58 to $22 per month
Trade service fees around $100 to $125 per claim

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GOOD

3.4

On the Cinch Home Services website

Cinch Home Services has been around for over 40 years, making it a well-established player in the home warranty industry. The company offers three plans that include appliances, built-in systems, and extras like sump pumps and garage door openers, all at an affordable price range of $30.99 to $44.99 per month. However, while Cinch has a solid reputation, some recent reviews have raised concerns about repair delays and customer satisfaction, which make it slightly less competitive than our top options.

3.0

AVERAGE

Average

American Home Shield

Prices from $39.99 to $89.99 per month
Add-ons from $5 to $18 per month
Trade service fees from $100 to $125 per service request

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AVERAGE

3.0

On the American Home Shield website

American Home Shield has been a trusted provider of home warranties for over 50 years, serving over two million customers nationwide, and aims to protect your home and make repairs easy with its network of technicians. While American Home Shield has faced some criticism in the past, it has shown improvement in recent years, with a 4.1-star average rating on ConsumerAffairs and a 30-day workmanship guarantee, making it a solid middle-tier option for those seeking home warranty coverage.

2.5

FAIR

Fair

Select Home Warranty

Prices from $44.22 to $47.75 per month
Service call fees from $75 to $100
Add-ons from $3.33 to $8.33 per month

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FAIR

2.5

On the Select Home Warranty website

Select Home Warranty is a reputable company that has been providing home warranty services since 2012, with a unique approach that includes celebrity endorsement from William Shatner. With three customizable plans to choose from, Select Home Warranty offers coverage including appliances, systems, and more. While the company has some areas for improvement, including transparency around service fees and repair response times, Select Home Warranty's competitive pricing and flexible add-on options may make it worth considering if you don't find what you need with a higher-ranked provider.

1.5

WEAK

Weak

Home Warranty of America

Prices from $46.04 to $57.92 per month
Add-ons from $4.58 to $15.83 per month
Service fees are around $75 per visit

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WEAK

1.5

On the Home Warranty of America website

Home Warranty of America offers flexible coverage options for homeowners, with two plans to choose from and the ability to add extra protection for specific items. With no home age restrictions or inspections required, it's easy to get started with their warranty program. However, despite some positive reviews, the company's reputation has taken a hit due to frequent complaints about delayed services and denied claims, making it a less-than-recommended choice for home warranty coverage.

1.4

WEAK

Weak

Liberty Home Guard

Prices from $49.99 to $59.99 per month
Add-ons from $4.99 to $23.99 per month
Service fees of $50 to $125 or more per visit

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WEAK

1.4

On the Liberty Home Guard website

Liberty Home Guard is a relatively new company that offers home protection plans, covering everything from appliances to systems, with a network of vetted technicians. With three plan options and 35 add-on choices, they offer flexibility and customization, but their reputation has already been marred by a pattern of complaints about long wait times and slow claim resolution. Despite their promise of top-notch workmanship, Liberty Home Guard's reputation concerns may make it advisable to use other providers for home warranty coverage.

1.0

POOR

Poor

Choice Home Warranty

Prices from $55.33 to $45 per month
Add ons from $3.33 to $15 per month
Trade service fees are around $85 per service request

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POOR

1.0

On the Choice Home Warranty website

Choice Home Warranty has been in business for over 15 years, with a significant amount of experience under its belt, which is reassuring for homeowners seeking reliable coverage. The company offers two main plans, Basic and Total, which cover essential systems and appliances, as well as optional add-ons for additional coverage. However, concerns about the company's reputation, including a low Better Business Bureau rating and a pending fraud lawsuit, make it difficult to recommend Choice Home Warranty for home warranty coverage.

Continued from above...

Where Can You Find the Best Home Warranty?

Being prepared for unexpected expenses is part of homeownership. Whether you're a landlord looking to reduce operating costs, a homeowner trying to sell your property, or just a regular homeowner who wants to be protected against surprise repairs, having a good home warranty can be a lifesaver. A home warranty is a type of insurance, separate from your home insurance, that covers the cost of repairs or replacements for major systems and appliances in your home.

By choosing the right plan, you can avoid the financial burden of costly repairs so that your home remains safe and functional. Home warranty plans typically offer different levels for different home concerns and budgets. Basic coverage might include protection for appliances and systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems.

Premium plans, on the other hand, might cover more extensive components like electronics, septic systems, and pools and spas. Some providers offer add-on services for extra fees, such as coverage for sump pumps or water softeners.

When selecting a home warranty provider, you'll want to read the fine print and understand what's covered and what's not. Most policies have limits, exclusions, and caps on the amount they'll pay out over the contract's life. For example, some policies might only cover appliances up to a certain age or value. Others might exclude certain types of damage or wear and tear. Be sure to ask about these details before signing up. It's also important to note that most policies have a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect. So, if you need to make a claim soon after purchasing the policy, you'll have to wait a month before it kicks in.

During the waiting period, many providers offer a money-back guarantee. This allows you to cancel your policy if you're unsatisfied with the coverage or if you discover something you didn't expect. Another important consideration is the trade call service fee, which is similar to a copay on medical insurance or a deductible on car insurance. This fee can vary depending on the provider and may apply per service call or per repair. Be aware that you could be charged multiple fees for a single repair if different tradespeople are needed to fix the issue.

While it's great that there are a lot of companies to consider for your home warranty, sifting through them all can be stressful. To help you avoid getting overwhelmed by the numerous plans and companies, we've put together some helpful criteria to guide you through your vetting process:

Reputation. When considering a home warranty provider, it's essential to know what homeowners have to say about their experience with the company. You'll want to find out if claims are processed swiftly, with repair technicians arriving at your doorstep promptly. Does the company have a reputation for approving claims easily, or should you expect to navigate a lengthy and frustrating process?
Value. Cost is always a concern. How much does the warranty itself cost? How much will you pay for trade service call fees? Make sure you figure out what your premium totals and fees might be each year and make sure you'll be getting a good deal on the cost for repairs vs. doing the same thing out of pocket.
Coverage. What kind of coverage do you need? What kind of coverage is offered? Make sure that if you want extras or more extensive coverage, the company you choose offers plans that support your home the way you want.

To help keep your home safe from any eventuality, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the most popular home warranty providers out there today. We hope this information helps keep your home and appliances operating safely, and gives you a little extra financial peace of mind!