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Best Home Warranties of 2025: Ranked & Reviewed
December 12, 2024 – Our list features Liberty Home Guard, Old Republic Home Protection, and Cinch Home Services, and more.
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The best home warranty providers stand out for offering flexible coverage options, transparent pricing, responsive customer service, and high claim limits. Choosing the right one depends on your home’s repair needs and the features that matter most to you.
To help you decide, we’ve analyzed providers based on cost, coverage, and availability, selecting the top companies that deliver the best value and reliability. Below are our top recommendations for home warranty companies to consider for your home protection needs.
Review Takeaways
- Liberty Home Guard claims the top spot due to its comprehensive plans, high customer satisfaction, and widespread availability.
- For excellent coverage options, American Home Shield and First American Home Shield stand out as strong contenders.
- If maximizing value from a basic plan is your goal, Old Republic Home Protection is worth considering.
Choosing the Perfect Home Warranty for Your Needs
A home warranty is essentially a service plan that helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing major systems and appliances in your home. These plans typically involve paying a monthly or annual fee, plus a service fee whenever a technician is sent to your home.
It’s worth noting that you’ll still pay these fees even if your claim isn’t approved. Costs can vary widely based on the provider, your location, and how often you file claims.
To find the best home warranty for you, here are some key questions to ask yourself:
- What’s my budget for monthly payments?
Can I afford to pay for a full year upfront if it saves me money in the long run? How much am I okay paying for service calls?
Do I prefer having a set service fee, or would I like to choose my own fee?What do I need the warranty to cover?
Should I go for a plan that only covers appliances, one focused on systems, or a comprehensive option?What coverage limits am I comfortable with?
Will the plan provide enough protection for the items I care most about
Different plans cover different things. Some focus on appliances like refrigerators and ovens, while others cover home systems like plumbing and HVAC. Comprehensive plans might cover a mix of both, but even similar plans can vary in the details. For example, one appliance-only plan might cover your dishwasher, while another excludes certain parts or damage types.
Another key factor is the plan’s coverage limits—the maximum amount the company will pay toward a repair. Understanding these limits and what’s excluded is critical since they can affect whether your claim is approved.
Taking the time to compare plans and review the fine print will help you avoid surprises and ensure you’re getting the protection you need.
Monthly premiums
$50 and up
Services fees
$70–$125 per claim
States available
50 states.
on Liberty Home Guard’s website
Why It Stands Out:
Liberty Home Guard secures the top spot thanks to its flexible plan options, high customer satisfaction ratings, and nationwide availability. Customers can choose from system-only, appliance-only, or comprehensive plans, and these plans cover more items than many competitors. Additionally, the ability to select your own technician adds convenience. Liberty’s availability across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. is another big advantage.
Pros:
- Customizable plans for different needs.
- Covers more items compared to competitors.
- Higher-than-average customer ratings.
- Available nationwide.
Cons:
- Coverage limits of $500 for electrical and plumbing are relatively low.
- Won’t cover repairs to walls, floors, or ceilings if they’re cut during repairs.
- 60-day technician guarantee is better than some but not the longest available.
Liberty Home Guard is a strong choice for homeowners seeking comprehensive, reliable, and highly-rated home warranty coverage, with a few minor drawbacks to consider.
Monthly premiums
$20 and up
Services fees
$100 or $125 per claim
States available
48 states.
on American Home Shield’s website
Why It Stands Out:
American Home Shield provides coverage that goes beyond the industry standard by paying for repairs caused by lack of maintenance, a benefit many competitors don’t offer. This feature makes it an excellent choice for homeowners who may lack maintenance records or routine upkeep experience.
What We Like:
- Affordable monthly premiums in some areas.
- High coverage limits: up to $5,000 for HVAC, $3,000 for electrical and plumbing, and up to $4,000 per appliance.
- Flexibility to hire your own technician with prior approval.
What We Don’t Like:
- Premiums vary significantly by ZIP code.
- Short 30-day repair guarantee.
- Below-average customer satisfaction ratings.
Plan Options:
- ShieldSilver: Covers essential home systems like heating, air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing.
- ShieldGold: Includes ShieldSilver coverage plus kitchen appliances and laundry equipment.
- ShieldPlatinum: Offers the most extensive coverage, including roof leak repairs, higher coverage limits, free HVAC tune-ups, and more.
American Home Shield stands out for its robust coverage options and unique benefits, but homeowners should consider the variability in pricing and repair guarantees when choosing a plan.
Monthly premiums
$42 and up
Services fees
$100 or $125 per claim
States available
35 states.
on First American Home Warranty’s website
Why It Stands Out
First American Home Warranty is unique for its unlimited coverage on key home systems. Unlike most providers, it places no cap on HVAC, electrical, and plumbing repairs (except water heaters on lower-tier plans). If a claim is approved, the company covers the full cost of the repair, no matter how expensive.
What We Like
- Unlimited System Coverage: No caps on HVAC, electrical, and plumbing repairs give homeowners peace of mind.
- Flexible Service Fees: Customers can choose between a $100 or $125 service fee, with the higher fee lowering the monthly premium.
- Generous Appliance Repair Limits: Coverage for appliances ranges from $3,500 to $7,000 per appliance, which is higher than most competitors.
What We Don’t Like
- Limited Air Conditioning Coverage in Basic Plans: The most affordable plan doesn’t include air conditioning, which may be a drawback for some homeowners.
- Inconsistent Customer Satisfaction: Reviews vary significantly depending on the source, making the customer experience unpredictable.
- Repair Technician Restrictions: Customers must use the company’s network of technicians and cannot choose their own.
- Short Repair Guarantee: Repairs are only guaranteed for 30 days, which is shorter than many competitors offer.
Plan Options
- Starter Plan: Covers plumbing, electrical, and heating systems, plus several kitchen appliances.
- Essential Plan: Includes everything in the Starter Plan, plus air conditioning systems, water heaters, and additional appliances.
- Premium Plan: Offers the most comprehensive coverage, including high-end appliances and extra perks not covered in lower-tier plans.
First American Home Warranty shines with its unlimited system coverage and high appliance repair limits. However, homeowners should weigh its limited air conditioning coverage on cheaper plans and short repair guarantee before deciding if it’s the right fit.
Monthly premiums
$49 and up
Services fees
$75-$100 per claim
States available
49 states.
on Choice Home Warrant’s website
Why It Stands Out
Choice Home Warranty is a solid contender for its high coverage limits—up to $3,000 for HVAC, electrical, plumbing systems, and appliances. While it doesn’t match First American’s unlimited system coverage, it still surpasses many competitors.
What We Like
- Roof Leak Coverage: Pays up to $500 toward roof leak repairs, which many competitors don’t offer.
- Affordable Service Fees: Service fees range from $75 to $100, which is on the lower end compared to other providers.
- Wide Availability: Operates in 49 states and Washington, D.C., making it accessible to most homeowners.
What We Don’t Like
- Limited Plan Options: Only two comprehensive plans are available, so you can’t opt for appliance-only or system-only coverage.
- Short Repair Guarantee: Repairs are only guaranteed for 30 days, which is less than what some competitors provide.
- Mixed Customer Satisfaction: Scores are decent on Trustpilot and ConsumerAffairs but low with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Plan Options
- Basic Plan: Covers heating, electrical, plumbing, water heaters, and most kitchen appliances, but excludes the refrigerator.
- Total Plan: Includes everything in the Basic Plan, plus air conditioning, the refrigerator, and the washer and dryer.
Choice Home Warranty offers strong coverage limits and affordable service fees, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners. However, the lack of plan variety and short repair guarantee might be limiting for those looking for more flexibility.
Monthly premiums
$45 and up
Services fees
$100-$125 per claim
States available
25 states.
on Old Republic Home Protection’s website
Why It Stands Out
Old Republic Home Protection excels at offering comprehensive coverage with its Basic Plan, which covers nearly everything a homeowner might expect in a robust plan. Compared to competitors, its basic coverage stands out as more inclusive.
What We Like
- High HVAC Coverage Limit: Pays up to $6,500 per system for HVAC repairs, which is above most competitors’ limits.
- Unlimited Electrical Repairs: No cap on electrical repairs, providing extra peace of mind.
- Flexible Technician Selection: You can choose your own repair technician if approved by the company in advance.
- Strong Appliance Coverage: Appliance coverage ranges from $3,500 to $7,000, depending on the plan, placing it ahead of most competitors.
- Positive Customer Ratings: Earns relatively solid reviews from the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot.
What We Don’t Like
- No Air Conditioning in Basic Plan: The Basic Plan covers heating systems and ductwork but excludes air conditioning unless you pay extra or upgrade to the Deluxe Plan.
- Low Plumbing Coverage: Plumbing repairs are capped at $1,500 for leaks and $600 for toilets, which is lower than many competitors.
- Short Repair Guarantee: Repairs are guaranteed for only 30 days, which is less than what some other companies offer.
Plan Options
- Basic Plan: Covers heating systems, ductwork, plumbing, most electrical systems, and all major appliances except washers and dryers.
- Deluxe Plan: Includes everything in the Basic Plan, plus air conditioning systems, faucets, showerheads, garage door parts, remote control transmitters, keypads, and washer and dryer sets.
- Elite Plan: Adds to the Deluxe Plan by increasing the appliance coverage limit to $7,000 per appliance and includes a pre-season HVAC tune-up.
Old Republic Home Protection offers strong coverage with high limits for HVAC and appliances, making it a great option for homeowners looking for solid protection. However, its limited plumbing coverage and lack of air conditioning in the Basic Plan may require some to upgrade for more comprehensive protection.
Is a Home Warranty Worth the Investment in 2025?
A home warranty can be a great way to protect yourself from unexpected repair or replacement costs for your home’s systems and appliances. However, whether it’s worth the investment depends on your specific circumstances. Here’s what you need to know to determine if a home warranty is a good choice for you.
Understanding the Costs of a Home Warranty in 2025
In 2025, the average home warranty will set you back around $57.83 per month, with service fees ranging from $65 to $150 per technician visit. These costs will vary based on several factors, including the plan you choose, your home’s location, and the level of coverage you need.
While these costs might seem manageable, remember that the service fees are for each visit and can add up quickly if you need multiple service calls. It’s important to weigh these costs against the potential repair expenses you’re looking to cover.
Who Should Consider a Home Warranty?
A home warranty can provide real savings in certain situations. Here’s why it might be the right choice for you:
1. Preventing High Repair Costs
If you have aging appliances or home systems—like your HVAC, plumbing, or electrical systems—covered under a warranty, you may face fewer out-of-pocket expenses when these systems break down. Rather than paying for potentially steep repair or replacement costs, a home warranty could help you minimize financial strain.
2. Coverage Beyond Manufacturer Warranties
Items still under manufacturer warranties aren’t usually covered by home warranties. However, if some of your appliances or systems aren’t covered by their original warranties, a home warranty can step in to protect you.
3. Convenience and Peace of Mind
For homeowners who prefer to avoid the hassle of finding and managing contractors, a home warranty provides the convenience of a third-party technician sourcing and coordinating repairs. This can be a huge benefit for busy homeowners who want to avoid the stress of handling service calls themselves.
When a Home Warranty May Not Be Worth It
While home warranties offer significant benefits, they aren’t for everyone. Here are a few scenarios where a home warranty may not be the best option:
1. Poorly Maintained or Modified Systems
Home warranties typically don’t cover items that have been poorly maintained or modified. If your appliances or systems have issues due to lack of maintenance, there’s a higher chance your claims may be denied. To make the most of your warranty, it’s important to keep your home systems in good working condition.
2. Overlapping Coverage
If some of your appliances or systems are still covered under manufacturer warranties, a home warranty may duplicate existing protection. In these cases, paying for an additional home warranty may not make sense and you might be better off managing those warranties individually.
Final Thoughts: Is a Home Warranty a Good Investment?
In conclusion, a home warranty can be a worthwhile investment for homeowners who want to protect themselves against unexpected repair and replacement costs, particularly if their systems and appliances are aging or lack existing coverage. However, it’s essential to carefully review the fine print and ensure that the coverage aligns with your needs and home conditions.
Before signing up, consider the costs, service fees, coverage limits, and any exclusions in the plan. A home warranty can offer peace of mind and financial protection if it’s the right fit for your home, but it’s crucial to do your research to find the best option.
For more guidance on choosing the best home warranty for your home, check out NerdWallet’s detailed analysis of home warranty costs and recommendations for the best plans in your state.
FAQ
1. How much does a home warranty cost?
On average, a home warranty costs around $57.83 per month. The service fees for technician visits typically range from $65 to $150 per visit. The total cost will depend on your location, the plan you choose, and the coverage options you select.
2. Are home warranties worth it?
A home warranty can be worth it if you have aging systems or appliances, or if you want to protect yourself from unexpected repair and replacement costs. It can also be beneficial if you don’t want the hassle of finding technicians yourself. However, make sure your appliances and systems are well-maintained and that the plan covers your needs to avoid issues with claims.
3. Do home warranties cover everything?
No, home warranties typically do not cover everything. For example, items still under manufacturer warranties aren’t usually covered, and some home systems and appliances may be excluded from coverage or have specific limitations. It’s important to review the plan carefully to understand what’s covered.
4. Can I choose my own technician with a home warranty?
In some cases, you can choose your own technician, but you’ll need to get approval from the home warranty company first. Many companies will assign a technician based on their network of providers.
5. How long does a home warranty last?
Home warranties are typically annual contracts, but you can renew them each year. Make sure to review your plan annually to ensure it still meets your needs and that the coverage and service fees remain competitive.
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