- Cyber Sale! $75 off + 1 month free
- 25,000+ local pre-screened technicians
- Handled over 6,600,000 service requests
- Covers over 2 million homes across America
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Covers HVAC to electrics
- 24/7 availability guaranteed
- No inspection required before purchase
- Nationwide trusted technicians
- Reliable 24/7 home protection
- $50 off home warranty plans
- Covers up to 21 appliances' major components
- 1.8+ million customers across the US
- Cyber Deal: 60% off all plans
- Service calls usually completed in 24 hours
- Affordable and competitive plans
- Special Offer: $200 with code FA200
- 24/7 service requests
- Will replace systems that can't be repaired
What Home Warranty Has to Offer to a Homeowner
You just purchased your dream house along with all the perfect décor that turns your dream house into your dream home. It's been a few months and everything is unpacked and placed in its designated spot within your new home. So you turn your attention to rebuilding your savings account since it was depleted from the biggest and most important purchase of your life. However, within a few months of living in your dream home, you experience a costly unexpected expense when your heater blows out during the winter.
With a new mortgage payment and a limited amount in savings, you're looking at numerous financial options on how to pay for this unexpected expense. Fortunately, you purchased a home protection plan that will cover this expense as well as any major systems and appliances that may need repair or replacement in your home.
What Does a Home Warranty Include?
Home warranties typically include coverage of the following major appliances and systems:
- Central air conditioning systems
- Central heating systems
- Humidifiers
- Interior electrical systems
- Refrigerators
- Ranges, ovens, and cooktops
- Dishwashers
- Built-in microwaves
- Water heaters
- Plumbing systems
- Garbage disposals
- Washers and dryers
- Garage door openers
- Roof leaks
When Do You Need a Home Warranty?
Home warranties are offered to all homeowners whether they are new or existing. Typically, home warranty plans are offered to the home-buyer when they are purchasing a new home. However, if the buyer decides not to purchase home warranty insurance simultaneously with their home purchase, then they can secure a home protection plan at a later date. There is no time restriction as to when a homeowner can decide to purchase a warranty plan.
Cost Involved with a Warranty for Your Home
Typically, a home warranty costs a couple of hundred dollars, which can be paid in a lump sum amount during the purchase of a new home. This lump sum payment would be collected at the time closing costs are due for the newly purchased home. However, the seller, real estate agent, or a family member or friend can purchase home warranties on behalf of a home buyer. If a home appliance insurance claim is filed then the homeowner may be responsible for paying a service fee or deductible that typically ranges from $50 to $100. Please note, home warranty companies have different contract agreements therefore, fee amounts may vary.
Home Warranty Process
Filing a claim is a very simple process. Prior to filing your claim, review your insurance contract to verify the item that you need to repair or replace is covered under your plan. Once you verify this information, you'll complete the following steps:
- Contact your home warranty insurance company to file a claim.
- The warranty company will review their home warranty plans to verify that you have a plan that covers the item in question.
- The warranty company will schedule an appointment for you with a local contractor.
- The contractor will diagnose the situation and makes a recommendation to repair or replace the item in question.
- Repairs and replacements will be carried out.
- You will pay a cost in the form of a service fee to the warranty company.
- The process is complete.
Conclusion
As there are many providers to choose from that have a variety of plan options; the best home warranty companies depend on how they can meet the needs of your home. The best way to select the right home protection plan for you is by doing your research on what each company has to offer with their plans. For instance, if you have a home with older appliances then you may be interested in locating a plan that has home appliance insurance. Want to learn more before choosing? Here are some tips and tricks to get you up-to-date.
Convinced? Check out our expert written reviews for information on the top providers for home warranties. Once you've selected the plan that best fits your needs, you'll join the many homeowners that have peace of mind because they are protected by one of the top home warranty companies.
Our Top 3 Picks
- 1Save on premiums with full coverage and round-th...
- Best for - Homeowners seeking affordable full-home coverage
- Average annual premium - $562 - $657
- Service requests - 24/7 online and by phone
Save on premiums with full coverage and round-the...Read Choice Home Warranty ReviewChoice Home Warranty stands out with its two straightforward plans and uniform $100 service fee. Its Basic Plan covers essential home systems and appliances, while the Total Plan covers air conditioning, refrigerators, and washers. It’s also our top home warranty for plumbing since it covers your entire plumbing system, including your water heater and garbage disposals. It also covers parts of your electrical system that regulate water pressure.
As Jake Hill, CEO of DebtHammer, notes, Choice Home Warranty is "especially helpful for owners of older homes" since it doesn't "deny coverage based on the age of your home's systems or appliances."
Choice Home Warranty offers substantial protection, covering up to $3,000 per successful claim. Plus, you get your first month free if you purchase any single-payment home warranty plan.
Why we chose Choice Home Warranty: Choice Home Warranty's straightforward plan structure and single $100 service fee make it our top option. In addition to its homeowner plans, CHW provides professional coverage for buyers and sellers. It also offers a 30-day trial, so you can try its services risk-free before fully committing.
Client perspective: Irene Smith (53) notes, "My last repair for my garage door was the best experience I’ve had in all the years I've had home warranty service. “ She also adds that the service person was on time, explained the issues, and fixed a major problem in about 15 minutes. “It was quick, professional, and couldn’t have been easier.”
Choice Home Warranty Pros & Cons
PROS
Offers 30-day guarantee on covered repairsFirst month free with purchase of any single payment planEasy online claims processCONS
Limited add-on coveragesNot available in Washington - 2Comprehensive coverage for all your appliances
- Best for - Comprehensive appliance coverage
- Average annual premium - $550-$720
- Service requests - 24/7 online, by phone during normal business hours
Comprehensive coverage for all your appliancesRead Home Warranty of America ReviewHome Warranty of America has comprehensive policies that cover most appliances and indoor systems. Offering up to $15,000 in annual coverage for repairs and replacements, they also have 24/7 online or phone service requests and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
They may be a little pricier than some competitors, but you get a lot for your money—all plans come with a deductible per-service visit.
Why we chose Home Warranty of America: Home Warranty of America provides nationwide service and is good value for money when covering all appliances.
Our experience: We were impressed with Home Warranty of America's extensive coverage and efficient customer service. It was easy to set up a plan, and we appreciated their 30-day money-back guarantee.
Home Warranty of America Pros & Cons
PROS
Covers most home appliancesHigh coverage limits30-day money-back guaranteeCONS
30-day waiting period10% cancelation fee - 3HSC offers unique coverage options nationwide
- Best for - Homeowners looking for extensive coverage options
- Average annual premium - $552-$799
- Service requests - 24/7 online, by phone during normal business hours
HSC offers unique coverage options nationwideRead Home Service Club ReviewHome Service Club (HSC) offers two service plans: Standard and Comprehensive. The Standard plan covers 18 basic appliances and systems, while the Comprehensive plan covers 33. Optional add-ons, such as pool and roof coverage, are available for an extra fee.
HSC's unique plans include pest damage and utility line cover, setting them apart from other home warranty services. You can also choose your service fee amount from three options ($65, $95, and $125), and all repairs have a 90-day guarantee.
However, HSC charges higher service fees and premiums than average. You must also live in a single-family residence, condo, townhouse, or multi-family property to qualify for a plan.
Why we chose Home Service Club: HSC has a broad selection of optional add-ons, including coverage of gas lines, grinder pumps, ductwork, pools, and spas. Additionally, the company's services are available nationwide with no exclusions.
Our experience: We appreciated that HSC provides coverage for pest damage, which many competitors don't.
Home Service Club Pros & Cons
PROS
Provides coverage for pest damageAvailable nationwide90-day workmanship guarantee on all repairsCONS
High base premiums and service feesDon't list pricing on the website