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Whether you’re purchasing a new house or an existing one, the best home warranties may help take some of the stress out of owning. You may have peace of mind knowing that many of your home’s key components are protected for repairs or replacement with a home warranty. What’s the best part? You have the option of paying a monthly or annual fee, and you may tailor your warranty to give the coverage you want.

However, not all house warranties are created equal, and some have more features or are more affordable than others. With that in mind, we examined the top 20 home warranty providers to see which ones keep their promises and provide a comprehensive list of benefits.

Select Home Warranty earned our top spot because of their comprehensive home warranty plans with several benefits, but we can also suggest American Home Shield, Choice Home Warranty, and other organizations that provide high-quality home warranty coverage.

Best Home Warranties in 2022: Our Picks

• Best Comprehensive Plans: Select Home Warranty 
• Best for Online Claims: Liberty Home Guard
• Best for Flexibility: American Home Shield
• Best for Established Homeowners: America’s 1st Choice Home Club
• Best Budget Option: First American Home Warranty
•  Best for 24-hour service is a Choice home warranty.

Select Home Warranty: For the Most Comprehensive Plans

Select Home Warranty has three distinct options to help you pay for unexpected repair costs. A simple Bronze Care plan, a mid-tier Gold Care home warranty plan and a Platinum Care plan with all the bells and whistles are all available options.

All essential components of your house, as well as all major appliances, are covered under their Platinum plan for a single plan cost. Air conditioning, heating, plumbing, ducting, electricity, water heater, plumbing blockage, trash disposal, clothes washer, and all major appliances, including ceiling fans, are all covered. Additional coverage for pools, central vacuums, sump pumps, well pumps, freestanding freezers, sprinkler systems, and other items is available via Select Home Warranty.

PROS

• Various plans are available.
• Some options include roof leak coverage and a labor guarantee for the term of your contract.
• In 46 states, coverage is accessible.

CONS

• You can only employ Select Home Warranty’s team of repair specialists.
• Nevada, New York, Washington, and Wisconsin have no plans available.

Liberty Home Guard is the best for online claims.

Consumers may choose from three home warranty plans: an appliances plan, a systems plan, or a Total Home Guard home warranty plan that covers practically every functional system and appliance in your home. Customers may also purchase add-on coverage for items like a pool and spa, a good pump, a sump pump, septic system pumping, and more.

This house warranty company is also notable for its service availability and online claims procedure. According to Liberty House Guard, you may file a claim by phone or online at any time, and a technician will be at your home within 24 to 48 hours in most circumstances.

PROS

• 24/7 online or phone claim processing
• In 24 to 48 hours, a technician will arrive at your location.
• It’s legal in 45 states.
• Pest control, restricted roof leaks, and even electronics protection are available as options.

CONS

• Typically, 10,000 LHG-certified technicians perform service.
• California, Washington, Wyoming, Wisconsin, and Illinois have no plans available.

American Home Shield is the most flexible option.

Since its founding in 1971, American Home Shield has had plenty of time to establish a good name in the home warranty industry. This company entered our list because of the versatility of their plans (ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum), which allow you to protect your key systems, appliances, or all of the above depending on your needs.

The comprehensive Combo Plan from American House Shield covers 21 different aspects of your home, including all key systems like your electrical system, water heater, home appliances, and more. You may also create your own home warranty plan, paying just for the coverage you want and need.

PROS

• Plan flexibility allows you to only pay for the coverage you require
• Basic plans are reasonably priced.
• Some insurance policies cover minor roof leaks.
• Plans are available in 49 states.
• HVAC tune-ups are included in ShieldPlatinum.

CONS

• Service fees might be rather costly.
• Your repair specialist is assigned by American Home Shield.
• In Alaska, it is not available.

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America’s 1st Choice Home Club is the best option for established homeowners.

Because you may choose any licensed and insured professional for your home repairs, AFC Home Club made our list. This makes more sense for long-term homeowners who may already have a trusted network of experts or firms. This home warranty company also offers a wide range of policies that cover anything from home appliances like a stove to major house systems. Customers may also purchase extra coverage for items like a sump pump, central vacuum, and a stand-alone fridge. Roof leak coverage is also offered as an add-on.

PROS

• Homeowners have the option of selecting their own repair expert.
• In 30 seconds, you’ll have a free quotation.
• Plans are available in 49 states.
• 24/7 service calls

CONS

• In Hawaii, it is not available.
• Service fees might be rather costly.

Best Budget Option: First American

First American Home Warranty earned our top spot because of their affordable plans, which run from $38 to $48.50. Their top-tier “Premium” plan covers the majority of the important components of your house, including electrical systems, plumbing, and large home appliances like washers. In addition to various payment choices, First American Home Warranty has a network of pre-screened contractors who can conduct essential repairs. You may also request support 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

PROS

• Affordably priced insurance alternatives
• Add-ons to a customizable home warranty package
• It’s legal in 36 states.

CONS

• The firm assigns a service technician.
• The highest tier plan does not offer central air conditioning.
• Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin are among the states where the product is not accessible.

Choice Home Warranty is the best for 24/7 service.

Choice House Warranty entered our list of top home warranties because of their 24/7 customer service options and the fact that clients may make a claim fast and conveniently over the phone or online. This company offers two primary coverage options: a basic house warranty that covers appliances and many important home components, and a Total Plan that covers practically all of your home’s breakable components. Choice Home Warranty also allows you to add coverage for pools and spas, septic tank pumping, and more to your home warranty.

PROS

• Available service 24/7
• Discounts are offered.
• Service fees are predictable and affordable.
• In 49 states, it is widely available.

CONS

• Your repair professional will be chosen by Choice Home Warranty.
• In Washington, it is not available.

Guide to Home Warranty

What does a home warranty entail?

A home warranty functions in the same way as other warranties, such as extended warranties on gadgets. Customers pay a one-time charge or a monthly price for a service contract, and they are covered for repairs or replacements of covered products for the length of the contract. A home warranty is a “year-long, renewable home service plan that keeps you insured should a covered breakdown occur,” according to American Home Shield.

“A home warranty complements your homeowners’ insurance coverage by protecting items that your insurance doesn’t,” they say. Naturally, your house warranty will only cover regular wear and tear, not intentional sabotage or damages caused by a lack of proper maintenance and cleaning.

What is covered by a home warranty?

The finest home warranty plans offer dependable coverage, but they don’t all cover the same things, so it’s a good idea to go at sample contracts on each service provider’s website. Some house guarantees, for example, only cover a limited number of goods in your home, such as your appliances. Trash compactors, built-in microwave ovens, stoves, freezers, and washing machines, for example, are frequently covered. Other plans offer more comprehensive coverage for critical systems including your home’s electrical and plumbing systems, as well as your water heater and HVAC system.

Fortunately, the finest house guarantees allow you to tailor your coverage to your specific need. For example, you may be able to add coverage for “extras” or optional add-ons like a second refrigerator, pool or spa, sump pump, septic tank, and even your ice machine and garage door opener if you have them around your property. Roof leaks are even covered by certain house warranties.

What is the cost of a house warranty?

The price of a house warranty is determined by the features of your home, the home warranty company you choose, and the level of coverage you choose. However, according to our study, typical house warranties cost between $37 and $70 per month, without counting extras like service call fees or deductibles.

Keep in mind that the finest home warranties with comprehensive coverage are on the higher end of the range in terms of monthly rates. Meanwhile, for less than $40 a month, you can receive basic coverage for your appliances and some of your home’s systems. There will be a cost for cancellation, which might vary from $50 to $75 dollars.

Finally, consider your house warranty as part of the overall cost of ownership.

What’s the distinction between a house warranty and home insurance?

House insurance protection policies cover the structure of your home, but a home warranty covers the repair and replacement of your home’s systems and appliances. For example, homeowners insurance covers damage caused by hail and tornadoes. If your house is completely destroyed by fire or other insured calamities, this type of insurance can rebuild it from the ground up.

Liability coverage is included with homeowner’s insurance and can protect you if someone is hurt on your property and sues you for damages. In terms of home safety, our guide on house warranty vs. home insurance describes how each of these coverage alternatives works.

Is it worthwhile to get house warranties?

Home warranties, like any other sort of warranty coverage, might be worthwhile if you need to submit a claim. If your electrical system needs substantial repairs or your HVAC system fails, for example, you could be extremely pleased with your home warranty coverage. If numerous of your home appliances need to be replaced, or if you have roof leak coverage and need to utilize it, your house warranty might be really beneficial. In many circumstances, a house warranty is a worthwhile investment.

Even the best house warranty companies, though, might feel like a waste of money if your home’s components never require replacing or repairs, or if the company’s response times and workmanship assurances aren’t up to par. Most house guarantees are valuable because they give homeowners peace of mind. When you have a home warranty in place, you can be certain that you will not be hit with thousands of dollars in unexpected repair fees.

At the end of the day, house warranties can assist you in deciding whether to rent or buy. A home warranty allows you to enjoy home ownership without being responsible for unexpected repair costs, just like you would if you were renting.

What We Did to Find the Best Home Warranty

We evaluated house warranty plans and features to identify the top home warranties for 2022. We used a 3,000-square-foot home in Central Indiana as a comparison point, and we sought firms that offered many plan options with the opportunity for clients to tailor their coverage limits.

Meanwhile, we selected home warranty businesses that are open and honest about their plan contents, charges, and fees. We also searched for businesses that offered clients the option of filing a claim online or over the phone, with the assurance of prompt service.

Finally, we only considered firms in our list that have a Better Business Bureau rating of “B” or above (BBB).