Home warranty plans compared on price, coverage breadth, per-item caps, service fees and complaint data — plus the fine print that decides whether a claim gets paid.
A home warranty is a service contract, not insurance: for a monthly premium and a per-visit service fee, the company repairs or replaces covered systems and appliances that fail from normal wear. The value depends almost entirely on the fine print — per-item caps, exclusions for pre-existing conditions and improper maintenance, and how the company handles replacements.
We score plans on price, coverage breadth, caps and exclusions, customer satisfaction and contract transparency, and we link to each company's sample contract so you can read the exclusions before you buy. Home warranties are regulated state by state; licensing and cancellation terms vary.
One of the largest home warranty companies, with two plan tiers and a flat service fee.
Covered: wear-and-tear failures of listed systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, water heater) and appliances (kitchen and laundry), up to a per-item cap. Not covered: cosmetic damage, pre-existing conditions, code upgrades, improper installation, and anything excluded in the contract. Caps commonly run $1,500–$3,000 per item; an HVAC replacement can exceed that.
Add 12 months of premium to two or three expected service fees, compare that to the repair costs you are most likely to face given the age of your systems, and read the cap table. A cheaper plan with a $1,500 HVAC cap can cost more than a pricier plan with a $3,000 cap the year your compressor dies.
It can be for homes with aging systems and owners who value predictable costs. For newer homes or owners with an emergency fund, self-insuring is often cheaper. The math depends on your system ages and the plan's caps.
Choice operates in most states; availability and terms vary by state because home warranties are regulated as service contracts. The quote tool confirms availability for your address.