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Independent, data‑driven rankings of the best home‑warranty providers. Decide with confidence.
Updated April 30, 2025
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Written by: Warren T. Guy
Home Warranty Expert & Editor
The Home Warranty Guide™
For a snapshot of the key details—costs, coverage caps, and standout features—use this quick-compare list to see how each provider stacks up. Here’s a condensed overview of our 10 best home warranty companies, side by side!
Best Overall
Best Coverage
Fastest Service
Best Value
Most Reliable
Best Overall
Best Coverage
Fastest Service
Best Value
Most Reliable
We evaluated 100+ companies based on the factors that matter most to homeowners. Our key criteria include:
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Coverage & Plan Options
- How comprehensive each plan is, coverage caps, and any add-ons. -
Pricing & Fees
- Monthly costs, service fees, and overall value for different budgets. -
Claims & Service Experience
- Ease of filing claims, response times, and how fairly providers handle payouts. -
Customer Satisfaction
- Real-user feedback from reputable review sites, plus any major complaints or red flags. -
Repair Guarantees & Transparency
- Workmanship guarantees, coverage exclusions, clarity of contracts, and how openly providers disclose terms.
We refresh our analysis monthly to reflect new pricing or coverage changes. We may receive compensation from some partners, but our rankings are not for sale—they’re guided strictly by the data we gather and our independent editorial process.
Want the full breakdown of our scoring system and data sources?
What is a home warranty?
A home warranty is a service contract that helps cover the repair or replacement of home systems and appliances due to normal wear and tear. Unlike homeowners insurance, which protects against disasters and accidents, a home warranty provides coverage for unexpected mechanical breakdowns of essential household items.
Common items covered include:
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Major appliances (refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, washers, dryers)
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Home systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, water heaters)
A home warranty offers peace of mind by reducing out-of-pocket repair costs when these items fail.
How does a home warranty work?
When a covered appliance or system breaks, you can file a claim with your home warranty provider to arrange for repairs or replacement.
Step-by-Step Process:
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File a claim online or by phone with your home warranty provider.
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A service technician is dispatched to diagnose the issue.
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You pay a service fee (typically $60 – $150).
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The technician repairs or replaces the item if it’s covered under your plan.
If a repair isn’t possible, the company may offer a replacement unit or cash payout, depending on the policy.
What does a home warranty cover?
Coverage varies by provider and plan, but most home warranties cover major home appliances and systems.
Commonly Covered Items:
✔ Appliances: Refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, washers, dryers
✔ HVAC Systems: Air conditioning, furnaces, ductwork
✔ Plumbing: Water heaters, leaks, pipes, sump pumps
✔ Electrical: Wiring, circuit breakers, panels
What’s NOT Covered?
❌ Structural components (walls, floors, foundations)
❌ Improperly maintained items
❌ Damage from natural disasters
❌ Cosmetic issues (scratches, dents)
Always review the contract carefully to understand exclusions and coverage limits.
How much does a home warranty cost?
The cost of a home warranty depends on factors such as coverage level, home size, and location.
Average Home Warranty Pricing:
💰 Monthly Cost: $35 – $75
💰 Annual Cost: $400 – $900
💰 Service Fee Per Claim: $60 – $150
Additional coverage for pools, septic systems, or roof leaks may increase costs. Choosing a higher service fee can sometimes lower your monthly premium. For a detailed breakdown of cost, visit our full cost guide.
Is a home warranty worth it?
A home warranty can provide significant value depending on your home’s age and financial situation.
A Home Warranty is Worth It If:
✔ You own older appliances or systems that may break down soon.
✔ You don’t have an emergency fund for large repairs.
✔ You want predictable repair costs instead of unexpected bills.
A Home Warranty May NOT Be Worth It If:
❌ Your home’s appliances and systems are brand new.
❌ You prefer choosing your own repair technician.
❌ You can afford to pay for repairs out of pocket.
If your home has aging systems or expensive appliances, a home warranty can save thousands in repair costs.
Isn't a home warranty just homeowners insurance?
No, a home warranty is completely different from homeowners insurance.
A home warranty helps pay for repairs and replacements of appliances and home systems due to wear and tear. It covers things like HVAC failures, plumbing leaks, and broken dishwashers.
Homeowners insurance, on the other hand, protects against disasters, theft, and structural damage. It covers fires, storms, floods, and break-ins but not normal mechanical failures.
Most homeowners have both since they serve different purposes.
How do I file a home warranty claim?
Filing a claim is simple and typically takes only a few minutes.
How to File a Claim:
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Contact your home warranty provider (online or by phone).
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Describe the issue and schedule a technician visit.
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Pay the service fee (usually $60 – $150).
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A technician inspects and repairs the issue if covered.
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If replacement is needed, the provider may offer a new unit or a cash payout.
Most companies respond within 24 – 48 hours, but emergency repairs (like no heat in winter) may be handled faster.
Can I choose my own contractor for repairs?
Most home warranty providers require you to use their network of pre-approved technicians, but some allow homeowners to select their own contractors. Providers that don’t allow this will deny reimbursement if an unauthorized contractor performs the repair.
If choosing your own technician is important, make sure to select a provider that allows it.
Do home warranties cover preexisting conditions?
Most home warranty plans do NOT cover pre-existing conditions, but there are exceptions.
How Do Companies Handle Pre-Existing Issues?
✅ Some providers cover issues that were "unknown" before purchasing the plan.
❌ Most do NOT cover items that were already broken when coverage started.
Providers like American Home Shield cover undetectable pre-existing conditions, but many others exclude them entirely.
If your home has older appliances, ask about pre-existing condition policies before buying.
At The Home Warranty Guide, we're uniquely focused on one mission: becoming the web's most trusted resource for everything home warranty.
Our experts have over 20 years of specialized experience in residential repairs, contractor sales, and home services lead generation. We have particular expertise in home warranty solutions. We know the industry inside and out because we've worked extensively on every side of it: as homeowners dealing with unexpected repairs, professionals generating leads for home service providers, specialists helping contractors grow their businesses, and even as home repair experts.
This deep, firsthand expertise shaped our proprietary ranking methodology, which evaluates providers based on transparent pricing, claims responsiveness, customer satisfaction, and overall value. Unlike general review sites covering many unrelated services, our dedicated focus ensures you receive accurate, relevant, and up-to-date information to make confident home warranty decisions.
We're committed to guiding you clearly through the ever-changing home warranty landscape, helping protect your budget, your home, and your peace of mind
The Home Warranty Guide provides free, independent reviews and comparisons of home warranty companies and products to help homeowners make informed decisions. To support our efforts, we receive advertising compensation from some providers listed on our site, which may influence placement or prominence. However, this compensation never affects our independent research, ratings, or recommendations.