As the hot and stormy Texas climate strains home appliances, it's essential to have a home warranty service to protect your investments against unforeseen expenses.
Collaborating with insurance and home renovation experts, we'll share our picks for the best home warranties in Texas. We've researched, reviewed, and compared each company to help you make the right choice.
» Ask yourself these questions before purchasing a home warranty.
Our Top 5 Best Home Warranty Companies in Texas in 2024:
- Choice Home Warranty - Best home warranty company in Texas overall
- Select Home Warranty - Best for electrical appliance coverage
- American Home Shield - Best for air conditioning maintenance and repairs
- Liberty Home Guard - Best for coastal regions prone to storms and floods
- Home Warranty of America - Best for extensive protection on basic plans
How We Reviewed the Best Home Warranty Companies in Texas - Our Methodology
We collaborated with home warranty, insurance, and renovations expert Sunday Odudu to determine our picks for the best home warranty companies in Texas. Together, we thoroughly researched and evaluated several major providers in the state and analyzed sample contracts to understand coverage inclusions and exclusions.
Evaluation Process
We read numerous customer reviews on independent third-party websites to gauge satisfaction levels. Insights from academic studies and state governmental resources also informed our rankings and assessments.
To quantify our findings, we developed a scoring rubric covering key metrics such as cost, coverage breadth, reliability, and complaint ratios. Leveraging this methodology allows us to rate and rank our best home warranty options in Texas and assist you with choosing the best provider for your budget and needs.
Evaluation Criteria
Our critical review criteria include the following:
- Types of coverage offered
- Coverage limits
- Deductibles
- Cost and value
- Years in business and financial stability
- Additional coverage options
- Claim process (ease of use, response times, and denial rates)
- Customer service
- User reviews
A Closer Look at Our Top Rated Home Warranty Companies in Texas in 2024 - Reviews:
1. Choice Home Warranty
Best home warranty company in Texas overall
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A reliable network of skilled technicians and repairpersons
- Average annual premium - $560–$660
- Contractors - 15,000 in-network
- Services call fee - $100
- Service requests - 24/7 online and by phone
Choice Home Warranty has an extensive selection of service technicians. Whenever you need to schedule a repair, its agents can book an appointment within a day or two. The company also gives you a cash payment equal to the appliance's estimated value if it can't find a suitable replacement.
Older air conditioning (AC) units can easily break down with summers in Texas reaching record temperatures of 86.8 °F in 2023. Luckily, Choice Home Warranty doesn't exclude coverage for dated systems and appliances—as long as you maintain them and don't misuse them.
Why we chose Choice Home Warranty: Due to the extreme heat, Texas uses the most electricity per household in the country. This makes Choice Home Warranty ideal for protecting your major electrical appliances against the state's demanding climate conditions. It also has affordable rates of just $660/year on the Total Plan.
Client perspective: Terry (42) from Dallas says the following about Choice Home Warranty, "I never had to wait long to have someone come take a look when I filed claims. The technicians were prompt and took care of the problem within a short period of time."
Choice Home Warranty Plans and Coverage
Pros
Low annual costs for the complete protection plan
Comprehensive heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) coverage
Responsive service requests
Cons
Certain items aren't covered for unit replacements
Some customers report claim denials that contradict their contracts
2. Select Home Warranty
Best for electrical appliance coverage
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Offering mid-ranged plan pricing and low service call fees
- Average annual premium - $432–$765
- Contractors - 10,000 in-network
- Services call fee - $60–$75
- Service requests - 24/7 online and by phone
Select Home Warranty offers comprehensive, systems-only, or appliance-only home warranty plans. It's also flexible with various add-ons, allowing you to customize your protection to meet your needs.
Texas has the most frequent lightning storms in the US, which can cause electrical surges. This makes Select Home Warranty an ideal option for protecting major home systems like AC units, plumbing, electrical, ceiling fans, and kitchen appliances.
Why we chose Select Home Warranty: It's convenient that Select Home Warranty plans include protection for pools and spas, which are popular during hot local summers. We also appreciate that it provides roof leakage repairs for free to account for stormy weather.
Client perspective: Cassy (47) from Houston says she "never owned a home warranty before and had many questions and concerns." After choosing Select Home Warranty, she says that "[the customer service representative] understood [her] concerns, answered all [her] questions, and made [her] confident with [her] purchase."
Select Home Warranty Plans and Coverage
Pros
Free roof leak coverage
Affordable service fees
Customers report helpful phone claim services
Cons
Low coverage limits on many items
Claims may be subject to strict exclusion criteria
3. American Home Shield
Best for air conditioning maintenance and repairs
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Providing homeowners financial protection against repairs for over half a century
- Average annual premium - $239.88–$1,079.88
- Contractors - 17,000 vetted contractors
- Services call fee - $75–$125
- Service requests - 24/7 online and by phone
When a covered item like an AC unit, plumbing system, or refrigerator stops working, American Home Shield connects you with local, licensed contractors and pays the bill for repairs and replacements. This can save Texas homeowners thousands of dollars in unexpected costs over time.
The company has various customizable coverage options, fast claims processing, the ability to renew policies annually, and a helpful 24/7 emergency home assistance helpline. It also delivers a free HVAC tune-up per contract term (one year) on its ShieldPlatinum plan—ideal for Texas's harsh climate.
Why we chose American Home Shield: As the largest home warranty company nationwide with over 50 years of experience, American Home Shield has built an excellent reputation and provides quality service in the Lone Star State.
Client perspective: David (58) from Austin says, "We were given the name of our service representative immediately. The [technician] came the next day." Although their appliance couldn't be repaired, they were "offered a replacement within the next few business days."
American Home Shield Plans and Coverage
Pros
Discounted HVAC maintenance
High appliance coverage limits of up to $4,000
Covers improper installation and repair
Cons
Expensive service fees
Difficult to cancel your contract
4. Liberty Home Guard
Best for coastal regions prone to storms and floods
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A customer favorite for home warranty services
- Average annual premium - $599.88–$719.88
- Contractors - 10,000 in-network
- Services call fee - $65–$125
- Service requests - 24/7 online and by phone
Liberty Home Guard has a mid-tier plan that covers many expenses if your pipes burst or wiring shorts out. With unpredictable Texas weather, having a robust backup for home system failures provides invaluable peace of mind.
Liberty Home Guard also has a stellar reputation among its customers, with a 4.7/5 rating from over 2,000 TrustPilot reviews and a 4.51/5 score on Better Business Bureau.
Why we chose Liberty Home Guard: For home protection across HVAC, home appliances, and plumbing, Liberty Home Guard is a wise investment. Some Texas areas around the coast might also benefit from its saltwater damage coverage due to floods.
Client perspective: Cynthia (61) from Fort Worth mentions, "Liberty Home Guard has competitively priced plans with equivalent coverage to [their] old home warranty provider." She goes on to say that "[customer service] was very helpful" and that she "hope[s] to work with them again."
Liberty Home Guard Plans and Coverage
Pros
Excellent customer reviews
Saltwater damage coverage
Low annual premiums
Cons
Expensive basic plan
Doesn't cover preexisting conditions
5. Home Warranty of America
Best for extensive protection on basic plans
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Affordable, premium coverage for all your unique needs
- Average annual premium - $475–$650
- Contractors - N/A
- Services call fee - $75–$100
- Service requests - Response time within 48 hours
Home Warranty of America (HWA) has responsive customer service and quick turnaround times on service calls. Another significant benefit is its extensive network of service providers across Texas. This widespread coverage is crucial when you need urgent help but live in more remote areas away from large cities.
Home Warranty of America can provide consistent protection if a Texan buys a home warranty and chooses to relocate elsewhere within the US. Some of the firm's plans also cater specifically to townhomes and condos, potentially making Home Warranty of America appealing to more affluent Texans living in Austin and Houston.
Why we chose Home Warranty of America: HWA has a low price range for home warranties. The company also doesn't conduct inspections to approve your contract, which is ideal if you have an older home with dated appliances.
Client perspective: David (55) from Arlington had a clogged kitchen sink, and after contacting Home Warranty of America, "a plumber called a day later to come fix [it]." David happily remarks that "within an hour [his] sink was unclogged, and [the plumber] stayed to observe if everything was working."
» Learn more about these easy ways to unblock a drain.
Home Warranty of America Plans and Coverage
Pros
Basic plan has extensive item coverage
Large network of service technicians
Diamond plan covers unique items not usually protected by warranties
Cons
Inconsistent claims approval
Mixed customer reviews
Compare the Best Home Warranty Companies in Texas
How To Choose a Top Rated Home Warranty Company in Texas
Doing thorough research and checking reviews are crucial to finding the right Texas home warranty plan for your budget and systems. You can narrow down the better providers through the following tips:
- Compare plans and prices: Shop around and get quotes from multiple companies. Compare costs, deductibles, service fees, and customer reviews.
- Check item coverage: Carefully read contracts and determine which systems and appliances are and aren't included. You should also find out if it's a home warranty that covers preexisting conditions or faults in your home that were there before you bought it.
- Evaluate industry reputations: Look into the company's credentials with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and check for complaints. Select a provider that's been operating for several years.
- Research claims process: Ask about the claims process and average repair times. To file a successful home warranty claim, you need a streamlined process and prompt service and repairs when something breaks down.
- Find out about additional costs: Inquire if you pay contractors a flat fee or if you have to cover overages out of pocket since this will raise repair fees.
- Consider optional coverage: Add-ons for pools, septic systems, and well pumps can be invaluable if your house has those features. Ensure your essential home systems and appliances are covered, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and kitchen appliances.
» Check out our top picks for the best home warranties for HVAC coverage.
How Much a Home Warranty Costs in Texas
The cost of a Texas home warranty varies depending on a few factors, but average prices can be around:
- $30–$60/month
- $240–$1,000+/year
- $75–$150/services claim
Factors Affecting Home Warranty Costs
- Coverage level: Basic plans covering only appliances or systems will be cheaper than comprehensive options protecting both.
- Service calls: You pay the technician a fee each time you file a claim, regardless of the repair fee.
- Optional add-ons: Coverage for things like pools, spas, septic systems, etc., will increase the price.
- Home size and age: Larger and older homes typically cost more to cover due to the potential for more frequent breakdowns. If you're buying an old house, your expenses might increase due to potential preexisting conditions. Luckily, companies like Home Warranty of America don't do inspections, so this won't affect prices.
- Location: Some areas of Texas might have slightly higher costs. Most companies give you a quote through their websites based on your zip code.
Compare plans carefully, not just based on price—factor in what items are covered and if there are any coverage caps or maximum payout limits.
» Find out about the benefits of getting a home warranty for an older home.
Is a Home Warranty in Texas Worth It?
One of the most important things to know about home warranties when selling a house is that they can enhance your property's value and attract buyers seeking peace of mind.
The best home warranties for homeowners in Texas are also essential due to the state's extreme weather conditions. For example, scorching summers, occasional storms, and floods can strain HVAC, electrical, and water systems.
The diverse housing landscape in Texas, spanning urban to rural areas, also necessitates customizable plans catering to different needs like well water, HVAC, and roof warranty coverage.
Authoritative sources emphasize the importance of home warranties in the state, including the following organizations:
- Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)
- Texas Association of Realtors (Texas REALTORS)
- Texas Department of Insurance (TDI)
» Learn more about why you should have a home warranty plan.
Are Home Warranties Regulated in Texas?
Home warranties fall under the regulatory oversight of the TREC, ensuring consumer protection and fair practices within the industry in Texas. The TREC mandates that providers must be licensed as residential service companies to maintain standards and compliance with state regulations.
Home warranty sellers must disclose coverage details, limitations, and fees upfront to ensure client understanding. Customer protections include avenues for dispute resolution through TREC, safeguarding against unfair practices.
Specific considerations for Texas home warranties involve:
- Reviewing coverage details
- Assessing provider reputation
- Understanding contract terms
- Evaluating costs and fees
- Familiarizing with the claims process
- Noting exclusions and limitations
These regulations and considerations aim to protect consumers and promote transparency in providing home warranties within the state.
Home Warranty Companies in Texas: A Secure Investment
Having a home warranty in Texas can provide invaluable peace of mind. There are several excellent home warranty companies in the state, each with its own strengths. For example, Choice Home Warranty alternatives like Liberty Home Guard stand out for their broad coverage options and well-received customer service.
You should avoid common mistakes when buying a home warranty. So, read the fine print to confirm what systems and appliances are covered. And pay attention to service fees, limits, exclusions, and any existing issues that may impact coverage eligibility. While no home warranty is perfect, having one in place beats no protection at all.
» Explore our best home warranties for plumbing coverage.
FAQs
Is a home warranty required in Texas?
No, home warranties aren't legally required in the state of Texas.
What's the average cost of a home warranty in Texas?
Home warranties can range between $200 to over $1,000 annually. However, this heavily depends on the extent of your coverage options.
Do home warranties cover air conditioning systems?
Yes, many home warranties like American Home Shield and Choice Home Warranty cover AC units as part of their plans.
How can a Texas home warranty benefit me?
A Texas home warranty can offer several advantages, but remember that their value depends on your circumstances. For example, you can benefit from cost savings on repairs, convenience in finding repairpersons in your network, and value increases when selling your home.
How long does a home warranty last in Texas?
Home warranties renew on an annual basis. For newly-built homes in Texas, some home warranties can last one year for workmanship and materials, two years for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, and 10 years for major structural defects.
What are the cons of a home warranty?
Some cons include limitations on how much companies disburse for certain repairs (coverage limits or caps), exclusions, claim disputes, and annual fees you pay even when you don't use the warranty.
