Home Warranty Reviews You Can Actually Trust
We cite contract language, not marketing copy. We publish complaint data, not star ratings from affiliates. And yes, we tell you when a company is one you should avoid.
"Do Not Buy" Verdicts
We recommend against companies when the data warrants it
Contract Language Cited
We read the actual contracts so you know exactly what you're signing
Complaint Data Published
BBB complaints, AG actions, and denial rates are featured, not buried
Revenue Model Disclosed
We explain exactly how this site makes money
Top-Rated Home Warranty Companies
Ranked by our weighted scoring model across coverage, value, complaints, and financial stability.
Old Republic Home Protection
Old Republic International
Backed by a $12B insurance holding company with the industry's highest HVAC cap. Limited availability is the only real downside.
AFC Home Club
Independent
The only major provider with no stated HVAC cap. Highest Trustpilot score in the industry. A genuine standout.
First American Home Warranty
First American Financial
Strong financial backing, honest pricing, and relatively low complaint volume make this a solid pick where available.
American Home Shield
Frontdoor Inc.
Best for older homes needing maximum HVAC protection, but renewal prices and claim denial patterns are serious red flags.
Liberty Home Guard
Independent
High Trustpilot scores and flexible plans, but relatively new and HVAC cap is below average.
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
Frontdoor Inc.
Strong in the real estate transaction space with unique structural warranties. Now owned by Frontdoor, which raises consolidation concerns.
Compare Home Warranty Companies
Side-by-side comparisons with real data. No sponsored placements, no hidden bias.
| Company | Score | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | HVAC Cap | BBB Rating | Trustpilot | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Republic Home Protection | 8.2 | $32-$52/mo | $75/$100 | $6,500 | A+ | 3.8/5 | Recommended |
| AFC Home Club | 8 | $40-$67/mo | $75 | No Cap | A+ | 4.7/5 | Recommended |
| First American Home Warranty | 7.8 | $36-$54/mo | $75/$100 | $4,500 | A | 3.2/5 | Recommended |
| American Home Shield | 7.2 | $30-$80/mo | $75/$100/$125 | $5,000 | B | 1.6/5 | Conditional |
| Liberty Home Guard | 7 | $50-$70/mo | $60/$80/$125 | $2,500 | B+ | 4.5/5 | Conditional |
| 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty | 7 | $28-$65/mo | $75/$100 | $2,500 | B+ | 3/5 | Conditional |
| Armadillo Home Warranty | 6.8 | $35-$60/mo | $65/$75 | $2,000 | A | 4.2/5 | Conditional |
| Choice Home Warranty | 6.5 | $46-$55/mo | $85 | $3,000 | B | 4.3/5 | Conditional |
| HomeServe USA | 6.5 | $7-$50/mo | $0/$75 | $3,000 | A- | 3.5/5 | Conditional |
| HSA Home Warranty | 6.2 | $32-$55/mo | $75/$100 | $2,000 | B+ | 2.9/5 | Conditional |
| Cinch Home Services | 6 | $31-$63/mo | $75/$100/$150 | $1,500 | A- | 2.8/5 | Conditional |
| Home Warranty of America | 5.9 | $34-$58/mo | $75/$100 | $2,000 | B | 2.5/5 | Conditional |
| Select Home Warranty | 5.8 | $42-$56/mo | $75/$100 | $2,000 | B- | 3.1/5 | Not Recommended |
| ARW Home | 5.5 | $40-$65/mo | $55/$75 | $2,000 | B- | 2.4/5 | Not Recommended |
| ServicePlus Home Warranty | 4.5 | $42-$54/mo | $75 | $1,500 | C | 2.1/5 | Not Recommended |
Industry Alert: One Company Now Owns 7 Home Warranty Brands
Frontdoor Inc. (NASDAQ: FTDR) controls American Home Shield, HSA, HWA, 2-10 HBW, and three others. Most consumers have no idea they're comparing products from the same parent company.
Home Warranty Guides & Resources
Everything you need to understand, evaluate, and use home warranties effectively.
What Is a Home Warranty?
A complete plain-English guide to what home warranties are, how they differ from insurance, and what they actually cover.
Is a Home Warranty Worth It?
The honest math behind home warranties. We calculate break-even points and show you when they make sense and when they do not.
What Do Home Warranties Cover?
The complete list of covered systems and appliances, plus the exclusions and caps that marketing pages never mention.
Claim Denied? Start Here
Step-by-step guidance for fighting back when your home warranty company denies a legitimate claim.
How to Choose the Right Warranty
A data-driven approach to selecting the right home warranty for your specific home, budget, and risk tolerance.
12 Contract Red Flags
The contract clauses that should stop you from signing. Most consumers miss at least three of these.
What Do Home Warranties Actually Cover?
The gap between what's marketed and what's in the contract is where homeowners get burned.
Systems
Full coverage guide →Appliances
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Washer & Dryer
- Oven / Range
- Microwave (Built-in)
- Garbage Disposal
Common Exclusions
- Pre-existing conditions (usually)
- Code upgrade costs at replacement
- Refrigerant above per-lb cap
- Cosmetic damage
- Improper prior installation
- Outdoor faucets & sprinklers
Free Tools & Calculators
Make data-driven decisions with our interactive tools. No sign-up required.
Latest Industry News
Tracking the companies, lawsuits, and regulatory actions that affect your coverage.
Elite Home Warranty Bankruptcy Case Closed
Final outcome for customers revealed after Chapter 7 filing.
RegulatoryChoice Home Warranty Pays $11.8M in Arizona Settlement
Arizona AG secures largest home warranty settlement in state history.
IndustryFrontdoor Now Owns 7 Home Warranty Brands
Market consolidation reaches new heights after 2-10 HBW acquisition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a home warranty?
A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear. Unlike homeowners insurance (which covers damage from events like fire or storms), a home warranty covers mechanical failures of items like your HVAC system, plumbing, and kitchen appliances.
How much does a home warranty cost?
Most home warranty plans cost between $300 and $900 per year, plus a service call fee of $75-$150 per claim. The total annual cost depends on your coverage level, chosen service fee, and geographic location. Premium plans with lower service fees can exceed $1,000/year.
Are home warranties worth the money?
It depends on your specific situation. Home warranties tend to be worth it for owners of older homes (10+ years) with aging systems, especially HVAC. They are generally not worth it for newer homes still under manufacturer warranties, or for homeowners with substantial emergency savings. Our break-even calculator can help you do the math for your situation.
What is the difference between a home warranty and homeowners insurance?
Homeowners insurance covers sudden damage from external events (fire, theft, storms, liability). Home warranties cover mechanical breakdown of systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. They are completely different products that serve different purposes. You need homeowners insurance; a home warranty is optional.
Why do home warranty claims get denied?
The most common denial reasons are: pre-existing conditions (the issue existed before your warranty started), lack of maintenance (you didn't maintain the item properly), improper installation (it wasn't installed to code), and coverage caps (the repair cost exceeds your plan's dollar limit for that item). Our claims hub has step-by-step guidance for fighting unfair denials.
Not sure where to start?
Take our 2-minute quiz to get a personalized recommendation based on your home, budget, and priorities.