
Our Top 10 Best Home Warranty Companies in 2025
For homeowners, the average annual home maintenance cost has jumped to $6,663, making unexpected breakdowns a significant financial burden. A home warranty acts as a crucial safety net, protecting your investment and offering peace of mind. Given the myriad of providers and complex terms, choosing the right home warranty can be overwhelming. To simplify this, we’ve meticulously evaluated the leading companies to help you find the best coverage for your property and budget in 2025.
Our Top 10 Best Home Warranty Companies in 2025:
- Choice Home Warranty – Best home warranty company overall
- Select Home Warranty – Reasonably priced premiums and fees
- American Home Shield – Best for customizable plans
- Liberty Home Guard – Homeowners looking for a quick claims process
- Home Warranty of America – Best for comprehensive appliance coverage
- First American Home Warranty – Best for high payout caps
- Home Service Club – Best for covering pre-existing issues
- Elite Home Warranty – Customizable warranty policies
- 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty – Best for fast service
- First Premier – Best for lower service fees
Here’s a detailed look at the industry’s top home warranty providers:
1. Choice Home Warranty – Best Home Warranty Company Overall Choice Home Warranty is lauded for its straightforward approach, offering two clear plans (Basic and Total) and a uniform $100 service fee. Their Basic Plan covers essential home systems and appliances, while the Total Plan extends to AC, refrigerators, and washers. It’s also highly rated for plumbing coverage, including water heaters and garbage disposals, and even parts of the electrical system that regulate water pressure. Notably, Choice Home Warranty doesn’t deny coverage based on the age of your home’s systems or appliances, making it ideal for older homes. They offer substantial protection, covering up to $3,000 per successful claim, and new customers can get their first month free with an annual plan. They also provide professional coverage for buyers and sellers and a 30-day risk-free trial.
- Average Annual Premium: $562 – $657
- Service Requests: 24/7 online and by phone
- Key Features: Simple plans, uniform service fee, covers older items, 30-day guarantee on repairs, first month free with annual payment.
2. Select Home Warranty – Reasonably Priced Premiums and Fees Select Home Warranty stands out for its competitively priced coverage, with premiums starting at just $36/month. They offer three distinct plans, all of which include free roof leak coverage—a significant perk not always found with other providers. While their coverage limits might be lower than some competitors, their affordability makes them an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners. They provide 24/7 phone support and are highly regarded for their reliability and trustworthiness.
- Average Annual Premium: $432–$756
- Service Requests: 24/7 online and by phone
- Key Features: Affordable premiums, free roof leak coverage, 24/7 phone support, two months free with annual plan.
3. American Home Shield – Best for Customizable Plans As the largest and most established company in the US home warranty market since 1971, American Home Shield boasts over two million members. They offer three highly customizable plans—ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum—allowing homeowners to tailor coverage to their specific needs. ShieldPlatinum provides comprehensive system and appliance coverage, including perks like free HVAC tune-ups, unlimited A/C refrigerant, and coverage for roof leaks and code violations, along with higher payout caps. They stand out by automatically covering duplicate items and older items with rust or corrosion, and even undetectable pre-existing conditions.
- Average Annual Premium: $500–$700
- Service Requests: 24/7 online and by phone
- Key Features: Highly customizable plans, covers older items and pre-existing conditions, extensive contractor network.
4. Liberty Home Guard – Best for Homeowners Looking for a Quick Claims Process Liberty Home Guard has an excellent reputation for reliability and a rapid claims process. They offer three plans (Systems Guard, Appliance Guard, and Total Home Guard) with various optional add-ons. New policyholders receive free limited roof leak protection and two free months of coverage. Their 24/7 call center guarantees a contractor assignment within 24 to 48 hours from their network of over 10,000 qualified technicians across all 50 states. Their comprehensive mobile app further streamlines account management, claims filing, and communication.
- Average Annual Premium: $365–$699.99
- Service Requests: 24/7 online and by phone
- Key Features: Quick claims processing, excellent customer service, mobile app, free roof leak protection for new policyholders.
5. Home Warranty of America – Best for Comprehensive Appliance Coverage Home Warranty of America provides comprehensive policies that cover most appliances and indoor systems, offering up to $15,000 in annual coverage for repairs and replacements. While potentially pricier than some competitors, their extensive coverage offers significant value. They provide 24/7 online or phone service requests and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Average Annual Premium: $550-$720
- Service Requests: 24/7 online, by phone during business hours
- Key Features: High coverage limits, covers most appliances, 30-day money-back guarantee.
6. First American Home Warranty – Best for High Payout Caps In business since 1984, First American Home Warranty is a strong choice for robust system and appliance protection. They cover items regardless of age and are committed to replacing faulty items with brand-new equivalents if repairs aren’t possible. They offer two basic plans and a premium plan, along with specialized plans for real estate professionals. Their service includes 24/7 claims service and fully vetted tradespeople, with a transparent application process.
- Average Annual Premium: $360–$546
- Service Requests: 24/7 phone and online claims service (no limit on requests)
- Key Features: Covers items regardless of age, high payout caps, 24/7 claims service, replaces instead of repairs when needed.
7. Home Service Club – Best for Covering Pre-Existing Issues & Unique Coverage Options Nationwide Home Service Club (HSC) offers two plans, Standard (18 items) and Comprehensive (33 items), with a broad selection of optional add-ons, including pool and roof coverage, gas lines, grinder pumps, ductwork, and even pest damage and utility line cover. This unique coverage sets them apart. You can choose your service fee ($65, $95, or $125), and all repairs come with a 90-day guarantee. While premiums and service fees can be higher, their extensive nationwide coverage and unique options make them a strong contender.
- Average Annual Premium: $552-$799
- Service Requests: 24/7 online, by phone during business hours
- Key Features: Unique coverage for pest damage/utility lines, nationwide availability, customizable service fees, 90-day workmanship guarantee.
8. Elite Home Warranty – Best for Customizable Warranty Policies Elite Home Warranty excels in providing highly customizable policies. You can choose from three packages and dozens of add-ons, or create a completely custom policy to protect specific appliances and systems. They also allow customization of coverage limits and service visit copays. Elite Home Warranty is one of the few providers that lets you choose your own service technician in addition to their nationwide network, with dispatches within 24-48 hours. Claims can be filed 24/7 online, by phone, or through their mobile app.
- Average Annual Premium: From $500
- Service Requests: 24/7 (online, phone, app)
- Key Features: Highly customizable plans, choose your own technician, 24/7 claims via multiple channels.
9. 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty – Best for Fast Service & High Annual Coverage Limits With 40 years of experience, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty offers three plan tiers with adjustable service fees ($65–$100). They provide a generous $25,000 annual coverage limit, protecting you against multiple failures. Plans are available for purchase anytime, whether you’re buying, selling, or currently living in your home. They offer 24/7 support and aim for service calls within 24–48 hours of claim submission. Benefits include coverage for everyday wear and tear and discounts on GE and Whirlpool appliances.
- Average Annual Premium: $239.88-$720
- Service Requests: 24/7 online and phone
- Key Features: High annual coverage limit ($25,000), covers wear and tear, fast service (24-48 hours), available in 42 states.
10. First Premier – Best for Lower Service Fees First Premier Home Warranty offers affordable services across 32 states, with their Premier Plan covering 15 appliances and systems at a lower price point than some competitors. They feature a low $75 deductible per claim. You can get a quick free quote online, and annual payments include roof leak coverage and two free months. Their customer service is highly rated for quality and timely repairs, with a target response time of 48 hours for claims and 24/7 customer support.
- Average Annual Premium: $420-$540
- Service Requests: 24/7 by phone or email
- Key Features: Low service fees ($75 deductible), two free months with annual payment, quick customer service response.
Our Review Methodology: Evaluating the Best Home Warranty Companies
We combine hands-on testing and in-depth research to provide a balanced and informative assessment of each home warranty plan. Our team, guided by seasoned insurance and renovation experts, personally examines each service and ranks it based on several critical factors:
- Coverage Details: Scrutiny of policy coverage, payout limits, add-ons, exclusions, and customization options.
- Claims Process: Assessment of ease, speed, and transparency, including waiting periods.
- Service Quality: Analysis of service provider quality, timeliness, and contractor network size.
- Reputation: Examination of the company’s standing, accreditation, and industry reputation.
- Pricing: Evaluation of premium costs, affordability, value, and coverage caps.
- Customer Experience: Compilation of policyholder reviews, feedback from platforms like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau, and assessment of customer support availability and communication.
- Contract and Policies: Evaluation of contract transparency and cancellation policies, including associated fees.
What is a Home Warranty?
A home warranty is a service contract that provides coverage for the repair or replacement of major household systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear. It acts as a financial safeguard against unexpected repair costs for covered items such as air conditioning units, heating systems, plumbing, electrical wiring, water heaters, refrigerators, ovens, washing machines, and more.
How Do Home Warranties Work?
When you purchase a home warranty plan, you gain a “security blanket” for unexpected repairs. If a covered appliance or system malfunctions, you typically:
- Contact the Warranty Company: You initiate a claim with your home warranty provider.
- Technician Dispatch: The company dispatches a qualified, approved technician to assess the issue.
- Service Fee Payment: You pay a small service fee (also known as a deductible or trade service fee) for each repair visit, which usually ranges from $65 to $125.
- Repair or Replacement: The technician diagnoses the problem and, if it’s a covered item, repairs or replaces it using approved parts. The warranty company covers the remaining cost up to your plan’s coverage limits.
This setup helps homeowners manage unpredictable repair expenses, often paying a small fee instead of hundreds or thousands of dollars for a major breakdown.
Are Home Warranty Plans Worth It?
For most homeowners, home warranty plans are a worthwhile investment. They offer protection from the steep costs of unforeseen repairs and replacements, especially for major appliances and systems that can be incredibly expensive to fix or substitute.
Beyond the financial protection, a significant benefit is peace of mind. Knowing that a sudden breakdown won’t derail your budget allows you to focus on other aspects of homeownership. Many companies also offer customizable plans and add-on coverage for items like pools, spas, or additional appliances, allowing you to tailor protection to your specific needs.
How to Choose the Best Home Warranty Plan for Your Needs
Follow these steps to ensure you select the best home warranty company:
- Research Different Plans and Compare Features: Thoroughly read up on available contracts, focusing on coverage limits, service fees, and any unique benefits each plan offers.
- Ask Important Questions: Don’t hesitate to reach out to companies directly with any questions about their plans, ensuring you understand inclusions, exclusions, restrictions, and limitations.
- Get Home Warranty Quotes from Multiple Providers: Compare pricing from several providers and always read the fine print of the contract before making a decision.
- Check for Credentials: Look for companies certified by organizations like the National Home Service Contract Association to ensure they are reputable and adhere to proper licensing and regulations.
- Examine Customer Reviews: Read reviews from current and past customers to gauge the company’s reliability, customer service responsiveness, and the quality and timeliness of their repairs.
What Types of Home Warranty Plans Are Available?
Understanding the different types of plans is crucial:
- Appliance-Only Plans: Cover major home appliances such as cooktops, garbage disposals, refrigerators, ovens, washing machines, and dryers.
- Systems-Only Plans: Focus on major home systems, including plumbing, electrical, heating (HVAC), and water heaters.
- Comprehensive Plans: Offer a combination of both major appliances and home systems coverage. These are often the most popular choice for broad protection.
- Add-On Coverage: Allows you to extend your base plan to items not typically included, such as pools, spas, septic tanks, sump pumps, well pumps, second refrigerators, or even pest control in some cases.
Always read the fine print and ask questions to ensure your investment is properly protected.
What Is Not Covered Under Warranty?
While home warranties provide valuable protection, they don’t cover everything. Common exclusions include:
- Breakdowns due to Improper Maintenance: Damage or malfunctions caused by a lack of upkeep (e.g., not changing HVAC filters).
- Damage Due to DIY Repairs: If you attempt to fix an item yourself and cause further damage, the repair costs won’t be covered. Always call a professional.
- Pre-Existing Damage: Issues that existed before your policy’s start date are typically not covered.
- Cosmetic Issues: Minor repairs like scratched countertops or chipped paint are usually excluded.
- Code Violations: Damages associated with building code violations (e.g., unpermitted home additions) are not covered.
- Commercial-Grade Appliances: Most policies are for residential-grade appliances only.
Choosing the right home warranty means balancing cost with comprehensive coverage for your unique needs. Have you considered which specific systems or appliances are most critical for you to protect.