10 Best Home Warranty Companies

Why Consider a Home Warranty?

A home warranty is a service agreement designed to cover the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances that fail due to regular use. While it’s different from homeowners insurance—which protects against unforeseen disasters like fires, storms, or theft—a home warranty fills the gap by handling breakdowns caused by normal wear and tear.

For U.S. homeowners, a home warranty is a practical way to manage unexpected repair costs. If you recently purchased a home, be sure to check if any systems or appliances are still covered under manufacturer or builder warranties before buying additional coverage. A home warranty is a smart complement to a robust homeowners insurance plan, offering added peace of mind.

How to Choose the Best Home Warranty Company?

When it comes to protecting your home, finding the best home warranty company is essential for peace of mind and financial security. To choose the best home warranty company, start by researching the best home warranty companies that offer comprehensive coverage for both appliances and major home systems. Look for the best home warranty companies with strong customer reviews, transparent pricing, and a reputation for excellent customer service. 

The best home warranty company should provide flexible coverage plans that fit your budget and needs, as well as fast, reliable claims processing. Comparing the best home warranty companies side by side will help you evaluate what’s included in their plans, such as coverage limits, service fees, and optional add-ons. Ultimately, the best home warranty company will offer a balance of affordability, coverage options, and customer support, ensuring your home stays protected from costly repairs.

What Does Home Warranty Offer to a Homeowner?

A home warranty is a service contract designed to provide homeowners with financial protection against the cost of repairing or replacing key systems and appliances in the home. This type of homeowner warranty offers a safety net for unexpected breakdowns, covering items such as heating and cooling systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and major appliances. With a home warranty plan in place, homeowners can avoid the sudden, often steep expenses associated with repairing aging or malfunctioning equipment, thereby reducing the stress of unexpected repairs and ensuring that the home's essential functions remain operational.

In addition to providing cost savings and peace of mind, a home warranty also simplifies the repair process by connecting homeowners with pre-screened service professionals. This homeowner warranty not only minimizes the hassle of finding reliable technicians but also ensures that repairs are completed promptly and efficiently. Ultimately, having a home warranty means that homeowners are better equipped to manage the inevitable wear and tear of everyday living, making it a practical investment for maintaining the long-term value and comfort of their home.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties typically include coverage 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
• Water and sewer lines.
• Pool and spa
• Septic system and septic tank pumping

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a Home Warranty?

The cost of a home warranty varies based on the provider, the level of coverage, and your location. Plans generally range from $214 to $1,662 annually, with an average cost around $900 per year. Be sure to factor in any additional service fees when comparing plans to fully understand the cost of ownership.

The Value of a Home Warranty

For many American homeowners, a home warranty serves as a safeguard against the financial stress of unexpected repairs. Whether you’re maintaining an older property or ensuring a new home stays in top condition, a home warranty provides financial stability and peace of mind. By pairing a warranty with homeowners insurance, you can enjoy a more comprehensive approach to protecting your most significant investment.

What Do You Get from an Extended Home Warranty?

An extended home warranty offers homeowners peace of mind by providing additional coverage beyond the standard home warranty. This extended warranty typically covers the repair or replacement costs of major home systems and appliances, such as heating and cooling systems, electrical wiring, and kitchen appliances. By investing in an extended home warranty, homeowners are protected from the unexpected financial burden of repairs or replacements that could arise due to wear and tear. The extended home warranty provides a safety net, ensuring that even older or heavily used appliances and systems are covered under the plan, helping to maintain the home’s functionality without the stress of sudden expenses.

One of the primary benefits of an extended warranty is the convenience it offers. When a covered system or appliance breaks down, homeowners can simply contact the warranty provider to request service, eliminating the need to search for and pay for contractors. The extended home warranty offers a streamlined approach to home maintenance by guaranteeing that necessary repairs are handled promptly, often at little to no cost to the homeowner. Additionally, extended warranties often come with customizable plans that allow homeowners to select the specific coverage they need, ensuring they only pay for what they require. This tailored approach makes the extended warranty a valuable investment for anyone looking to protect their home for the long term.

Understanding Home Warranty Cost and Price: What You Need to Know 

When considering a home warranty, it's essential to understand both the home warranty cost and the home warranty price. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they can mean different things depending on the context. In this article, we’ll explore what impacts these costs, and provide a clearer understanding of what you’re paying for when choosing a home warranty.

What Affects Home Warranty Cost and Price? 

The home warranty price can vary depending on multiple factors, including coverage type, location, and the service provider. The home warranty cost typically refers to the annual premium you’ll pay, but there may also be additional fees involved. Let’s break it down:

Type of Coverage: A basic plan that covers essential home systems like plumbing and electrical will cost less than a comprehensive plan that includes major appliances and additional coverage options.

Home Size and Age: Larger homes and older properties with more systems and appliances tend to have higher home warranty costs due to the added risk and complexity of repairs.

Location: Where you live can also affect the price. Areas with higher living costs or where contractors are in high demand may result in higher home warranty prices.

Service Call Fees: In addition to your annual premium, service call fees—ranging from $50 to $125—are typically charged when a technician comes to your home to perform repairs.

Average Home Warranty Costs and Price Breakdown 

Here's a general overview of home warranty costs for different coverage options:

Additional Fees to Watch Out For 

Add-Ons: You can often add coverage for specific systems or appliances, like your pool or septic system. These extra coverages can add $50 to $150 each to the home warranty price.

Renewal Increases: After your first year, some home warranty companies may increase their annual price when it’s time to renew. However, some offer discounts for loyal customers or long-term contracts.

Is a Home Warranty Worth the Cost? 

Whether a home warranty is worth the home warranty cost depends largely on your home’s condition. If your systems and appliances are aging, a home warranty can help cover repair costs, making it a good investment. However, if your systems are relatively new and well-maintained, the price may outweigh the benefits.

A home warranty price that aligns with your needs can offer peace of mind, knowing that unexpected repairs won’t come with hefty out-of-pocket expenses. However, it’s important to balance the premium cost with how often you anticipate needing repairs.

Summary of Suggested Images

Comparison chart of basic, premium, and comprehensive home warranty plans

Infographic showing factors affecting home warranty costs (e.g., home size, location, coverage type)

Conclusion

With countless providers offering a wide range of plan options, the ideal home warranty company ultimately comes down to how well they can address your home's unique needs. The most effective way to choose the right home protection plan is to research what each company offers. For example, if your home features older appliances, you might look for a plan that includes home appliance insurance. Interested in learning more before making a decision? We've got some useful tips and tricks to help keep you informed.

Ready to dive deeper? Check out our expert reviews for detailed insights on the top home warranty providers. Once you find the plan that best suits your needs, you'll join many other homeowners who enjoy the peace of mind that comes from being protected by one of the leading home warranty companies.