The Best Home Warranty Companies of 2021
Homeowner’s insurance covers property damage due to fires and other disasters, but it isn’t much help when your dishwasher breaks down. That’s where home warranty insurance comes in. It helps cover the repair costs of the appliances and systems in your home that regularly malfunction, such as refrigerators and plumbing systems.
While mortgage lenders don’t require that you get a home warranty, purchasing one can give you extra peace of mind. If you’re considering signing up for a plan, browse the list of the top six best home warranty companies.
What is home warranty insurance?
Home warranty insurance provides coverage for the things that homeowner’s insurance doesn’t, like broken appliances and failing air conditioning units. It generally costs a few hundred dollars per year and provides thousands of dollars’ worth of coverage for a variety of home systems and appliances. The cost is typically broken down into a monthly premium, plus a service fee you pay whenever you file a claim (like a deductible). The service fee is preset in your contract and some companies allow you to opt for a higher service fee in exchange for a lower monthly premium — or vice versa. Others allow you to pay in an annual lump sum and forgo the monthly rate entirely. Home warranty insurance can significantly reduce the amount of money you pay out of pocket when something breaks, which may make it a worthwhile investment, especially if you own an older home.
Best home warranty companies of 2021
- Cinch Home Services: Best for pre-existing conditions
- American Residential Warranty: Best for customer service
- 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty: Best for insuring new homes
- Harmony Home Warranty: Best value
- America’s First Choice Home Club: Best for customization
- The Home Service Club: Best for fast coverage
We chose these companies because they offer a wide range of coverage options to suit every homeowner’s needs. They also have affordable premiums and generous annual repair limits, so you won’t have to pay a lot out of pocket to get great coverage.
Cinch Home Services: Best for pre-existing conditions
Why it made our list
Many home warranty companies don’t cover appliances that had problems before you bought your plan – ones that are considered as having pre-existing conditions. But Cinch Home Services will still reimburse you for repairs on home systems and appliances that had existing problems you didn’t know about, like a hidden leak or defect.
Cinch Home Services also has affordable monthly premiums and a longer-than-average service guarantee, which is why it made the list.
Cinch Home Services at a glance
- Number of plan options: 3
- Length of contract: One year
- Offers services in 48 states
- Plan prices start at $34.99 per month
- Service fees: $100, $125 or $150
- Length of work guarantee: 180 days
- Is it BBB accredited? Yes
- BBB rating: A-
- Trustpilot rating: 3.6
Cinch Home Services plan options:
|
Plan |
Monthly premium | |
|---|---|---|
| Appliances | $34.99 | 12 appliances, including refrigerators, trash compactors, and wall ovens |
| Built-In Systems | $39.99 | 16 systems, including air conditioning, plumbing, and heating |
| Complete Home | $49.99 | 29 systems and appliances, including water heaters and ranges |
Cinch Home Services reviews
Cinch Home Services received an A- from the BBB and gets good ratings from customers, too. Several reviews mentioned how thorough and helpful the customer service representatives are when it comes to picking out plans. Customers also appreciate the affordable pricing and fast service.
Pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Pro tip: Most home warranty companies only offer work guarantees for 30 or 60 days. To avoid paying multiple service fees for the same problem, make sure you choose a plan with a work guarantee that lasts for 180 days or longer.
American Residential Warranty: Best for customer service
Why it made our list
American Residential Warranty has a track record of providing great customer service and gets top marks from customers. It also offers a wide variety of plans to suit homeowners with different coverage needs and budgets, so you’ll be able to find one that works for you.
American Residential Warranty at a glance
- Number of plan options: 6
- Length of contract: Annual, quarterly, and monthly plans
- Offers services in 50 states
- Plan prices start at $34.99 per month
- Service fees: Varies depending on plan and service request, but typically $55
- Length of work guarantee: 30 days for labor, 60 days for parts
- Is it BBB accredited? No
- BBB rating: A+
- Trustpilot rating: 4.7
American Residential Warranty plan options:
|
Plan |
Monthly premium | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating & Cooling | $39.99 | 4 systems including your humidifier, interior electrical system, and central air and heat |
| Kitchen Plus | $34.99 | 8 appliances and systems including water heaters, refrigerators and ranges |
| Platinum | $49.99 | 11 systems and appliances such as the interior electrical system and central air conditioning |
| Platinum Premier | $59.99 | 17 appliances and systems including your plumbing system, ductwork and garbage disposal |
| 3-in-1 Bundle | $109.99 | 20 appliances and systems including your electronics and washer and dryer |
| 4-in-1 Bundle | $124.99 | 21 appliances and systems including sewer and water lines |
American Residential Warranty reviews
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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2-10 Home Buyers Warranty plan options
| Plan | Monthly premium | What’s covered |
|---|---|---|
| HVAC + Water Heater | $33.25 | 10 systems total including gas lines, thermostats and central heating system |
| Major Appliances | $33.25 | 7 appliances including stoves, trash compactors and washers and dryers |
| Everything Together | $45.75 | 27 systems and appliances total including electrical wiring, water heaters, ductwork and garbage disposals |
American Residential Warranty reviews
American Residential Warranty receives glowing reviews from customers. They’re impressed with the company’s quick turnaround times for repairs and communicative staff. Customers are also happy with the level of coverage, saying that they reimburse repairs other companies don’t.
Pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Pro tip: Home warranty companies place limits on how much they’ll pay per repair or per year. Some plans offer more coverage than others, so make sure you shop around to find the best one.
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty: Best for insuring new homes
Why it made our list
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty is one of the only companies that provides structural warranties for new homes. Buyers can get a plan through their builder and receive coverage for costly structural defects like cracks in the foundation. The company also offers appliance and system plans with low monthly premiums and service fees.
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty at a glance
- Number of plan options: 3 plans for homeowners, plus buyer, seller, and builder options
- Length of contract: One year
- Offers services in 48 states
- Plan prices start at $33.25 per month
- Service fees: $85
- Length of work guarantee: For the remainder of the service agreement, up to one year
- Is it BBB accredited? Yes
- BBB rating: A
- Trustpilot rating: N/A
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty plan options:
| Plan | Monthly premium | What’s covered |
|---|---|---|
| HVAC + Water Heater | $33.25 | 10 systems total including gas lines, thermostats and central heating system |
| Major Appliances | $33.25 | 7 appliances including stoves, trash compactors and washers and dryers |
| Everything Together | $45.75 | 27 systems and appliances total including electrical wiring, water heaters, ductwork and garbage disposals |
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty reviews
The company receives mixed reviews from customers due to issues with contractors and claim denials. However, they’ve maintained an A rating with the BBB and have a good track record of responding to and resolving complaints in a timely manner.
Pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Pro tip: If you don’t take care of your appliances, your home warranty won’t cover them — so make sure you follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.
Harmony Home Warranty: Best value
Why it made our list
Harmony Home Warranty has plans with low monthly premiums and service fees, making it one of the most affordable home warranty options on the market. Although the company offers low fees, it doesn’t skimp on coverage and has high repair limits ranging from $400 to $1,500.
Harmony Home Warranty at a glance
- Number of plan options: 2
- Length of contract: One year
- Offers services in 50 states
- Plan prices start at $32.14 per month
- Service fees: $75
- Length of work guarantee: 90 days on parts, 30 days on labor
- Is it BBB accredited? Yes
- BBB rating: B
- Trustpilot rating: N/A
Harmony Home Warranty plan options:
| Plan | Monthly premium | What’s covered |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $32.14 | 15 appliances and systems including cooktop, dishwasher and trash compactor |
| Total | $39.29 | 20 appliances and systems including electrical system, plumbing, air conditioning and refrigerator |
Harmony Home Warranty reviews
Overall, customers seem very satisfied with their Harmony Home Warranty plans. The company gets an above-average rating from the BBB and nearly five stars from customers. They say the company has great customer service, robust coverage options and affordable prices.
Pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Pro tip: Many home warranty companies including Harmony Home Warranty will offer you a sizable discount if you choose a yearly plan instead of a monthly one.
America’s First Choice Home Club: Most customizable plans
Why it made our list
America’s First Choice Home Club has four different plans and eight add-ons, which gives you lots of coverage options. The company also allows you to choose your own contractors. So if you already have a list of professionals you trust, you don’t have to stop using their services.
America’s First Choice Home Club at a glance
- Number of plan options: 4
- Length of contract: One year or three years
- Offers services in 46 states
- Plan prices start at $31.25 per month
- Service fees: $75, $100 or $125
- Length of work guarantee: For the remainder of the service agreement
- Is it BBB accredited? Yes
- BBB rating: B
- Trustpilot rating: N/A
America’s First Choice Home Club plan options:
| Plan | Monthly premium | What’s covered |
|---|---|---|
| System | Starts at $31.25 | 6 systems including air conditioning, heating and water heater |
| Silver | Starts at $33.33 | 9 appliances including oven, refrigerator and washer and dryer |
| Gold | Starts at $41.67 | 15 appliances and systems including heating, garbage disposals and plumbing |
| Platinum | Starts at $45.83 | 18 appliances and systems including ice makers, built-in microwaves and garage door openers |
America’s First Choice Home Club reviews
America’s First Choice Home Club gets an above-average rating from the BBB and pretty positive reviews. Customers say the repairmen and customer service agents are courteous, professional and efficient. However, there are a few complaints about denied claims. So before you sign up for a plan, make sure you read the fine print and understand what’s covered and what’s not to avoid disappointment.
Pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Pro tip: Choosing a higher deductible will lower your monthly premiums but you’ll have to pay more out of pocket if one of your appliances breaks.
The Home Service Club: Best for fast coverage
Why it made our list
Unlike other home warranty companies, Home Service Club allows you to start making claims just 10 days after signing up. It also offers comprehensive plans that cover much more than the average home warranty, ensuring that your home is protected from top to bottom.
The Home Service Club at a glance
- Number of plan options: 2
- Length of contract: One year
- Offers services in 50 states
- Plan prices start at $43.82 per month
- Service fees: Range from $65 to $125
- Length of work guarantee: 90 days on parts and 30 days on labor
- Is it BBB accredited? No
- BBB rating: C
- Trustpilot rating: 4.3
The Home Service Club plan options:
| Plan | Monthly premium | What’s covered |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $43.82 | 18 appliances and systems including garbage disposals, water heaters and plumbing systems |
| Comprehensive | $60.49 | 33 systems and appliances including whirlpool motors, gas leaks, alarm wiring and electrical systems |
The Home Service Club reviews
Home Service Club gets mostly positive reviews online, especially when it comes to customer service. On TrustPilot, several reviewers praised the company for its quality customer care, saying that the repair techs are quick to resolve problems and the customer service agents are easy to communicate with.
Pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Pro tip: Unlike Home Service Club, most home warranty companies make you wait 30 days before you can file a claim. So if something breaks during that time, you’ll have to pay for it on your own.
The bottom line
Getting home warranty insurance can help you sleep better at night knowing that your essential home systems and appliances are covered when things fail. If you’re interested in getting a plan, look for companies like the ones on this list that have good reputations, low premiums and service fees, and high coverage limits.
Frequently asked questions
What does homeowners warranty insurance cover?
Home warranties cover repairs on appliances like ovens and refrigerators and home systems like air conditioning and plumbing.
Are home warranty plans worth it?
While there are some things that home warranty insurance doesn’t cover, like appliances that haven’t been properly maintained, it tends to be a good deal overall. Most plans cover thousands of dollars worth of repairs per year and only charge a couple of hundred dollars in monthly premiums.
Should I get a home warranty?
If you have a sizable emergency fund and can pay for repairs entirely out of pocket, or most of your appliances and systems are brand new, you may not need a home warranty. But if you don’t have large cash reserves and live in an older home with aging appliances and systems or you just moved into a new house whose appliances you don’t know well, getting a home warranty may be a good idea.
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