What is not covered by home appliance insurance?

Home appliance insurance doesn’t cover all scenarios and malfunctions, so it’s essential to understand your service contract. The terms can vary from provider to provider, but in general, home appliance insurance does not cover the following items: Any appliance covered by a manufacturer or installation warranty Cosmetic damage that doesn’t affect the functionality Damage due to rust and corrosion Improper modifications or installation Insufficient maintenance Misuse or accident damage Preexisting conditions

The Best Home Appliance Insurance (2024)

Updated: Apr 23, 2024

Written by Faith Wakefield

Written by Faith Wakefield Author

Faith Wakefield is a writer based in North Carolina. She holds economics and English degrees from UNC Chapel Hill, and her work has been featured on EcoWatch, The World Economic Forum and Today’s Homeowner. In her free time, she loves to binge-watch personal finance videos on YouTube, collect books and spend time in nature.

Edited by Tori Addison

Edited by Tori Addison Editor

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

Home appliance insurance, also known as a home warranty policy, can provide peace of mind by helping you cover repair or replacement costs and locate a contractor if a major home appliance breaks down.

We at the Marketwatch Guides team have rounded up our home warranty recommendations offering appliance coverage. We then reviewed and ranked each provider based on its coverage levels, quality of customer service, overall customer satisfaction and cost. We determined the best home appliance insurance company is Liberty Home Guard.

8 Best Home Warranty Companies of April 2024 The Best Home Warranty Companies for Furnaces (2024) The Best Home Warranty Companies for Roof Coverage (2024) Best Home Warranties for Refrigerators (2024) Best Home Warranties for High-end Appliances of 2024

Top 5 Home Warranty Companies for Appliance Insurance

Review our picks for the best insurance for home appliances:

Liberty Home Guard: Most customer-friendly
American Home Shield: Most experienced
Elite Home Warranty: Most unique add-ons
Select Home Warranty: Budget friendly
America’s 1st Choice Home Warranty: Most coverage options

What Is Home Appliance Insurance?

Home appliance insurance is another name for a home protection plan or a home appliance warranty. As a customer, you pay a monthly or annual fee in exchange for discounted diagnostics, repairs and replacements of your home’s essential components, such as HVAC units, refrigerators and laundry appliances. Many home warranty companies offer multiple coverage tiers so you can select the best plan for your budget and household needs, including appliance-only coverage.

Our survey of 1,000 homeowners found that nearly 50% of respondents have had to pay $700 or more to replace a single home appliance. If that figure alarms you, home appliance insurance can help alleviate the expense of appliance replacement and repairs.

Compare Home Appliance Insurance Companies

When deciding which home appliance warranty is best for you, you’ll want to consider important factors like coverage, cost and level of customer satisfaction. Compare our top-rated home appliance warranty companies to see which one fits your needs:

Company	Service Fee	Best For	Monthly Cost	BBB Rating	Visit Site
Our Top Pick Liberty Home Guard EXPLORE PLANS	$65–$125	Most Customer-Friendly	$50-$60	NR The BBB does not provide a company rating (indicated by "NR" or no rating) if it lacks insufficient information about a business or is conducting an ongoing review of its practices.	EXPLORE PLANS
American Home Shield EXPLORE PLANS	$100–$125	Most Experienced	$42-$93	B	EXPLORE PLANS
Elite Home Warranty EXPLORE PLANS	$75	Most unique add-ons	$50-$80	A+	EXPLORE PLANS
Select Home Warranty EXPLORE PLANS	$75	Most Budget-Friendly	$44-$48	B-	EXPLORE PLANS
AFC Home Warranty EXPLORE PLANS	$75–$125	Most Coverage Options	$35-$55	B	EXPLORE PLANS

Company	BBB Rating	Service Fee	Best For	Monthly Cost	Visit Site
Our Top Pick Liberty Home Guard EXPLORE PLANS	NR The BBB does not provide a company rating (indicated by "NR" or no rating) if it lacks insufficient information about a business or is conducting an ongoing review of its practices.	$65–$125	Most Customer-Friendly	$50-$60	EXPLORE PLANS
American Home Shield EXPLORE PLANS	B	$100–$125	Most Experienced	$42-$93	EXPLORE PLANS
Elite Home Warranty EXPLORE PLANS	A+	$75	Most unique add-ons	$50-$80	EXPLORE PLANS
Select Home Warranty EXPLORE PLANS	B-	$75	Most Budget-Friendly	$44-$48	EXPLORE PLANS
AFC Home Warranty EXPLORE PLANS	B	$75–$125	Most Coverage Options	$35-$55	EXPLORE PLANS

No results were found.

Liberty Home Guard

Most Customer-Friendly

4.5

Our Review

Monthly Cost $50.19 Service Fee $65–$125 State Availability 50

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides a $2,000 coverage cap per covered appliance, system and add-on Includes a 60-day workmanship guarantee for completed repairs Offers discounts to customers who purchase select new appliances Cons Only provides pro-series appliance coverage as an add-on Higher service call fees don’t always result in lower monthly premiums

Why We Picked Liberty Home Guard

Liberty Home Guard earned 4.5 out of 5 stars according to our methodology and is our top pick for a home appliance insurance provider. Liberty has consistently broadened communication with its customers, offering live-chat customer support and a customer survey tool to implement feedback on features like add-on options.

We also like that Liberty offers an appliance-only plan that fits your needs, as well as a long list of optional add-ons you can choose from to customize your appliance plan. If you have less common appliances like an ice maker, stand-alone freezer, second refrigerator or pro-series appliances, Liberty Home Guard allows you to add personalized protection to your plan.

Plans and Pricing for Appliance Coverage

Liberty Home Guard offers three plans, two of which offer appliance coverage. Its Appliance Guard covers only appliances, while its Total Home Guard covers both home systems and appliances. The Systems Guard does not cover appliances, only home systems.

Compare coverage between the three plans:

Coverage	Appliance Guard	Systems Guard	Total Home Guard
Air conditioning	–	✓	✓
Built-in microwave ovens	✓	–	✓
Ceiling and exhaust fans	✓	–	✓
Clothes dryer	✓	–	✓
Clothes washer	✓	–	✓
Dishwashers	✓	–	✓
Ductwork	–	✓	✓
Electrical	–	✓	✓
Garage-door openers	✓	–	✓
Garbage disposals	✓	–	✓
Heating	–	✓	✓
Plumbing	–	✓	✓
Ranges/ovens/cooktops	✓	–	✓
Refrigerator with ice maker and display	✓	–	✓
Water heaters	–	✓	✓

Liberty Home Guard’s plans cost between $50 and $60 per month, with its Appliance Guard plan being the cheapest option. Unlike other providers that allow you to choose your own service fee, Liberty assigns you a service call fee between $65 and $125 based on your plan, add-ons and location.

Appliance Guard: $50.19 per month
Systems Guard: $55.19 per month
Total Home Guard: $60.19 per month

Get a quote: To request a free and customized quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this quick form or call 866-452-9107.

To learn more: Liberty Home Guard review

Company Comment

Note: As of April 2024 Liberty Home Guard is under review by the BBB for complaints related to its claims process, customer service and sales tactics. As of the time of this writing, the company does not hold a rating with the BBB. The company provided our team with the following statement regarding its rating:

“Despite the BBB’s alert, our customer satisfaction levels remain by far the highest relative to our scale, said David Moreno and Ben Joseph, co-CEOs and co-founders of Liberty Home Guard. “Last month, we had the lowest percentage of customer cancellation requests in our entire history. On the BBB’s own platform, Liberty Home Guard has achieved a star rating of 4.5 out of 5 from nearly 2,500 reviews. For added context, the approximately 480 resolved complaints on Liberty Home Guard’s BBB profile equate to an extremely low, fraction of a percentage relative to the size and scale of our total customer base. As we navigate this situation, which we believe will be resolved in time, we want to assure you that we remain committed to our customers and their satisfaction; they are the key stakeholders we orient all our efforts around.”

American Home Shield

Most Experienced

4.6

Our Review

BBB Rating B Monthly Cost $42.31 Service Fee $100–$125

Pros and Cons

Pros Pairs appliance coverage with coverage caps of $3,000–$6,000 per unit Includes coverage for rust, sediment and corrosion damage Covers pro-series appliances within standard plans Cons Charges more for monthly plans compared to other providers Provides limited add-on coverage

Why We Picked American Home Shield

American Home Shield (AHS) earned 4.6 out of 5 stars based on our provider review methodology and is ranked as our most experienced appliance insurance provider. Although AHS does not have an exclusive, appliance-only policy, two of its three plans offer comprehensive appliance coverage. We like AHS for appliance coverage because it extends a high coverage cap of $3,000 to $6,000 per item (depending on your plan) and even covers professional-series appliances.

Coverage and Cost

AHS offers three plans — two of which cover appliances. You won’t get appliance coverage if you enroll in AHS’s basic plan, ShieldSilver™. You’ll have to upgrade to ShieldGold™ or ShieldPlatinum™, which both cover appliances and other home systems like air conditioners, electrical lines and plumbing.

Compare AHS’s three plans:

Coverage	ShieldSilver	ShieldGold	ShieldPlatinum
Air conditioners	✓	✓	✓
Built-in exhaust/vent/attic fans	✓	✓	✓
Built-in microwave ovens	–	✓	✓
Ceiling fans	✓	✓	✓
Clothes dryers	–	✓	✓
Clothes washers	–	✓	✓
Dishwashers	–	✓	✓
Doorbells and chimes	✓	✓	✓
Ductwork	✓	✓	✓
Faucets and valves	✓	✓	✓
Garage-door openers	✓	✓	✓
Garbage disposals	–	✓	✓
Heating units	✓	✓	✓
Instant hot/cold water dispensers	–	✓	✓
Interior electrical lines	✓	✓	✓
Interior plumbing lines	✓	✓	✓
Main breaker and fuse panel box	✓	✓	✓
Ranges/cooktops	–	✓	✓
Refrigerators	–	✓	✓
Roof-leak repairs	–	–	✓
Ovens	–	✓	✓
Toilets	✓	✓	✓
Water heaters	✓	✓	✓
Whirlpool tub motor and components	✓	✓	✓

American Home Shield’s plans cost between $30 and $100 per month, depending on which plan and service call fee or deductible option you choose ($100 or $125).

ShieldSilver™: $42.31 per month
ShieldGold™: $65.63 per month
ShieldPlatinum™: $93.37 per month

Get a quote: To get a personalized quote from American Home Shield, use this simple online tool or call 844-529-9298.

To learn more: American Home Shield review

Elite Home Warranty

Most unique add-ons

4.8

Our Rating

Our Review

BBB Rating A+ Monthly Cost $49.99 Service Fee $75

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers emergency and weekend service Larger selection of add-ons than some competitors High aggregate coverage limits Cons Pricing is more expensive in Kansas than some other options Does not allow you to use your own technician

Why We Picked Elite Home Warranty

Elite Home Warranty is another option for homeowners looking for a provider with more extensive coverage, however, the company uses aggregate coverage limits. Elite includes up to $7,000 in aggregate coverage for appliances and up to $8,000 in combined protection for systems — although many items include a lower individual limit. For example, washers and dryers have a coverage limit of $1,000, which counts toward the overall $7,000 limit for appliances.

Elite also offers coverage on 25 specific items, a potential benefit for Kansas homeowners who desire customization. We rated Elite Home Warranty 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Coverage and Cost

Elite Home Warranty has three plans for Kansas homeowners, each of which includes a $100 service fee:

Elite Appliances ($50): Covers a built-in microwave, ceiling fans, washer, dryer, dishwasher, garbage disposal, oven, range, cooktop and refrigerator
Elite Systems ($60): Covers your air conditioning system, heating system, electrical system, garage door opener, water heater and plumbing system, including stoppages
Elite Complete ($80): Covers all items on the appliances and systems plans

You can also upgrade your coverage with any of the following add-ons:

Annual maintenance
Central vacuum
Drainage and sewer lines
Effluent pump
Ejector pump
Freestanding freezer
Freestanding ice makers
Freestanding spa equipment
Generator
Geothermal heating and cooling systems
Grinder pump
Guest house
Jetted and hot tubs
Lawn sprinkler system
Lift pump
Limited roof-leak repair
Pool and spa equipment
Pool equipment
Premium appliances
Premium benefits
Premium systems (with the option to add extended coverage)
Septic system
Sump pumps
Water softener
Well pump
Wine coolers

Select Home Warranty

Most Budget-Friendly

4.5

Our Review

BBB Rating B- Monthly Cost $44.45 Service Fee $75

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides two free months of coverage when you sign up for an annual premium Covers second refrigerators and stand-alone freezers Offers budget-friendly plans Cons Caps appliance coverage at $500 for appliances Excludes coverage for unknown preexisting conditions

Why We Picked Select Home Warranty

Select Home Warranty earned 4.5 out of 5 stars according to our rating system and is the most budget-friendly provider on our list. Although Select Home Warranty has a relatively low coverage cap of $500 per appliance, it also has one of the cheapest complete home plans (which covers appliances and home systems) at just $47.75 per month. The company also offers a low service fee of $75.

Plans and Pricing for Appliance Coverage

Select Home Warranty offers three plans: Bronze Care, Gold Care and Platinum Care. The Bronze Care plan is appliance-only, while the Platinum Care plan covers both appliances and home systems. Gold Care does not cover appliances.

Coverage	Bronze Care	Gold Care	Platinum Care
AC/cooling	–	✓	✓
Built-in microwave	✓	–	✓
Ceiling fan	–	–	✓
Clothes dryer	✓	–	✓
Clothes washer	✓	–	✓
Cooktop	✓	–	✓
Dishwasher	✓	–	✓
Ductwork	–	✓	✓
Electrical system	–	✓	✓
Garage-door openers	–	–	✓
Garbage disposal	✓	–	✓
Heating system	–	✓	✓
Plumbing stoppages	–	–	✓
Plumbing system	–	✓	✓
Refrigerator	✓	–	✓
Stove/oven	✓	–	✓
Water heater	–	✓	✓

All of Select Home Warranty’s plans cost under $50 per month, making it a budget-friendly option. Plus, Select’s service fee is always $75, which is cheaper than most other providers.

Bronze Care: $44.45 per month
Gold Care: $44.45 per month
Platinum Care: $47.80 per month

Get a quote: To request a free quote from Select Home Warranty, use this simple online tool or call 888-370-3956.

To learn more: Select Home Warranty review

AFC Home Warranty

Most Coverage Options

4.5

Our Review

BBB Rating B Monthly Cost $35.18 Service Fee $75–$125

Pros and Cons

Pros Covers up to $1,000 in repairs for high-end appliances Extends a generous $3,000 coverage cap for standard appliances Allows you to choose your own contractor Cons Requires you to file a claim as soon as you detect a breakdown Prorates older, covered items based on depreciated amount

Why We Picked AFC Home Warranty

America’s First Choice (AFC) Home Warranty earned 4.5 out of 5 stars based on our rating methodology, and it has the best selection of coverage options of the providers on our list. AFC Home Warranty offers four plans, three of which cover appliances. Its Silver Plan is the cheapest appliance-only plan on our list, costing between $33.83 to $38.67 per month, depending on your service fee.

Although you’re paying a low price, you’ll still enjoy a high coverage cap of $3,000 for standard appliances and a $1,000 coverage cap for high-end appliances.

Plans and Pricing for Appliance Coverage

AFC Home Warranty offers three plans: Systems, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The Silver, Gold and Platinum plans all offer appliance coverage, but the Silver Plan exclusively covers appliances. The Systems Plan only covers home systems.

Compare plan coverage to see which one fits your needs the best:

Coverage	Systems Plan	Silver Plan	Gold Plan	Platinum Plan
Air conditioning	✓	–	✓	✓
Built-in microwave	–	–	–	✓
Clothes dryer	–	✓	✓	✓
Clothes washer	–	✓	✓	✓
Dishwasher	–	✓	✓	✓
Ductwork	✓	–	✓	✓
Electrical system	✓	–	✓	✓
Faucets	–	–	–	✓
Garage-door opener	–	✓	✓	✓
Garbage disposal	–	✓	✓	✓
Heating system	✓	–	✓	✓
Ice maker	–	–	–	✓
Oven/range/cooktop/stove	–	✓	✓	✓
Plumbing stoppages	–	–	–	✓
Plumbing system	✓	–	✓	✓
Refrigerator	–	✓	✓	✓
Water heater	✓	–	✓	✓

AFC Home Warranty offers flexible service call fee options of $75, $100 or $125, which allows you to adjust your monthly prices. You can compare the prices of each plan below:

Silver Plan: $35.18 per month
Gold Plan: $49.66 per month
Platinum Plan: $54.48 per month

Get a quote: To request your free quote from AFC Home Warranty calling 877-755-1115 or fill out this online form.

To learn more: AFC Home Warranty review

What Does Home Appliance Insurance Cover?

Home appliance insurance covers the cost to diagnose, repair or replace a major appliance when it malfunctions due to normal wear and tear. Our analysis of customer reviews of the top home warranty companies revealed that many customers don’t understand what their plans will and will not cover. It’s important to have a good sense of what your home warranty covers before agreeing to any contract. The most commonly covered appliances include, but are not limited to, the following:

Dishwasher
Garbage disposal
Oven, range, stove or cooktop
Refrigerator
Clothes washer and dryer

A home warranty covers repair costs and replacements that are outside the scope of homeowners insurance. While homeowners insurance will protect your home in the event of a burglary, vandalism or natural disaster, it doesn’t cover costs associated with the routine wear and tear of your home’s built-in systems and appliances.

Each home warranty policy will have its own coverage limits — the maximum amount a home warranty company will pay to repair or replace an item — per system or appliance. Some companies will have only an annual coverage limit. You can find information about specific coverage limits in your home service contract.

How Much Does Home Appliance Insurance Cost?

When you enroll in home appliance insurance (or a home warranty) you will pay a monthly fee for the coverage, as well as a fee when your service technician comes to handle a repair.

Based on our comparison of the top home warranty providers, the average cost of appliance coverage is $47.71 each month, or $572.52 annually. Service call fees typically range from $75 to $125 for each claim. Most home warranty plans are a year-long contract, so you may incur fees if you choose to cancel your plan early.

The chart below is a breakdown of the average costs of home appliance insurance by the home warranty provider.

*Plan costs are based on a single-family home under 5,000 sq. ft. in Raleigh, NC. Pricing reflects the most basic plan that covers laundry and kitchen appliances.

Home Appliance Insurance Cost Calculator

The MarketWatch Guides team developed a calculator to help you analyze the anticipated annual expenses of owning a home warranty with appliance coverage. To determine your projected yearly cost, input your monthly premium, service call fee and estimated number of claims. We recommend getting quotes from our top providers directly, as prices vary by plan, location and home size.

Appliance	Average Repair Cost	Average Replacement Cost
Dehumidifier	$150	$370
Microwave	$200	$450
Dishwasher	$220	$1,100
Exhaust Fans	$250	$440
Garbage Disposal	$250	$440
Gas Range	$250	$2,100
Dryer	$300	$1,100
Oven	$300	$1,800
Washer	$300	$1,100
Freezer	$350	$1,050
Refrigerator	$400	$3,000

Source: Home Depot

The calculators used on this website are being provided for educational purposes only. Data will not be collected or stored. The results are estimates based on the information you provide and may not reflect the actual pricing of your quote.

Home Appliance Repair and Replacement Costs

The cost of replacing or repairing home appliances can vary depending on several factors, including the following:

The age, condition and brand of the appliance
Cost of labor and parts
Your home’s location
Scope of the damage

Typically, repairs are more affordable than replacements, but sometimes the damage may be greater than the appliance’s value. In this case, your home warranty company may suggest a total replacement.

According to our market research, the cost to repair appliances can range from $50 to $800, depending on the item. Water heaters and air conditioning units are the most expensive.

On the other hand, having to replace all your major home appliances can cost upwards of $10,000. Individual appliance replacement costs range from $150 on the low end to $10,000 for more luxury appliances, such as top-of-the-line refrigerators and air conditioning systems.

How Does Home Appliance Insurance Work?

When a covered item malfunctions, you can file a claim with your home warranty provider and expect a reply within 24 hours to five days, depending on your location and the urgency of the breakdown. The company will likely ask you to provide the make and model of the broken item. You should also be ready to explain the nature of the malfunction in detail — for example, explain that your washing machine won’t drain water rather than simply stating it’s not working.

Once your claim is approved, your provider will pair you with a local, licensed and insured service contractor. The technician will diagnose the problem and typically perform minor repairs and parts replacements during the initial visit. More extensive repairs and replacements may require an additional appointment, which may incur an additional service call fee.

It’s important to note that most home warranty companies have a 30-day waiting period from enrollment before new customers can file their first claim.

Home Appliance Insurance vs. Appliance Warranties

There are several options for home appliance insurance that can help cover the cost of a repair or replacement if something in your home breaks. Compare the differences between a home warranty, home appliance warranty, manufacturer’s warranty and extended warranty to decide what coverage is best for you:

Home Appliance Insurance Buying Guide: What To Look For

When looking for a home appliance warranty, you’ll want to balance several factors, including:

Monthly cost and service fee: In our survey of 1,000 homeowners with a home warranty, 64.3% of respondents said that price was an important factor when choosing a provider. Typically, you’ll see appliance-only home warranty plans starting around $50 per month with a $75 service fee, though some plans are more expensive.

Coverage limits: A coverage limit is the maximum amount your provider will pay to repair or replace an appliance. The best coverage limits for appliances are between $3,000 and $7,000, which are offered by American Home Shield and First American Home Warranty.

Number of appliances covered: When looking for a home appliance warranty, compare the cost with how many appliances are covered. Check that all the largest appliances in your home are covered — especially if they’re getting older.

Limitations and exclusions: Although many home warranty plans look similar upfront, the limitations and exclusions outlined in your service contract can make all the difference. All home warranty plans have some coverage limitations and exclusions, so make sure to read over the terms and conditions of your contract carefully before you enroll.

Customer feedback: Customer reviews on reputable websites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or TrustPilot can reveal whether or not a home warranty company is trustworthy and reputable. It’s important to read customer reviews because the worst home warranty companies will take your money each month but never hold up their side of the agreement.

When To Purchase Home Appliance Insurance

Although many homebuyers purchase home appliance insurance when moving into a new home, you can enroll in coverage at any time. However, most home warranty providers that cover appliances require you to wait 30 days after enrollment before you can submit a service request.

You may want to consider purchasing home appliance insurance if you have older appliances. Older appliances are more likely to break down due to normal wear and tear and need repairs or replacements, meaning you’ll be more likely to take advantage of your home warranty and avoid paying out of pocket when something breaks. If you have all new appliances, it may not be worth it to pay for home appliance insurance every month.

Our Conclusion: Best Home Appliance Insurance

We at the Marketwatch Guides team recommend American Home Shield since it offers as much as $6,000 in coverage for appliances, whereas Liberty Home Guard allows you to customize your package with a massive suite of add-ons. Select Home Warranty allows you to cover your appliances and built-in systems for less than $50 a month.

Because all providers vary in their policies, coverage caps and response time, it’s important to request a quote from at least three options and to read their sample agreements carefully for clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Appliance Insurance

Home appliance insurance is a warranty that covers appliance repair costs in the event of unexpected malfunctions. A home insurance policy typically covers damages to the structure of your house and personal property, while a home warranty covers the repair and replacement of specific appliances and systems.

Home appliance insurance can help cover costs associated with repairing or replacing appliances when they break due to regular wear and tear. If you have brand-new appliances, appliance insurance might not be worth the monthly cost. However, if your appliances are getting older, appliance insurance can be a good way to mitigate costs when one of them inevitably breaks down.

Home appliance insurance doesn’t cover all scenarios and malfunctions, so it’s essential to understand your service contract. The terms can vary from provider to provider, but in general, home appliance insurance does not cover the following items:

Any appliance covered by a manufacturer or installation warranty
Cosmetic damage that doesn’t affect the functionality
Damage due to rust and corrosion
Improper modifications or installation
Insufficient maintenance
Misuse or accident damage
Preexisting conditions

Other Home Service Resources From MarketWatch Guides

Discover our top home services recommendations and find out which providers meet your needs.

Methodology: Our System for Ranking the Best Home Warranty Companies

Our team created a comprehensive rating system to rank providers based on objective factors. We researched each company by speaking with company representatives, reading sample contracts, and analyzing and comparing consumer reviews. We deepened our research by gaining homeowner insights through surveys and focus groups. After collecting data, we scored each provider based on what matters most to homeowners: plan options, cost, trustworthiness, customer service, state availability, additional benefits and coverage specifics. Here’s the breakdown of how we scored each home warranty company on our list:

Plan options (20%): Companies that offered at least three plan options and various add-on coverage scored the highest in this category.
Coverage details (20%): We rated companies both on their total number of home appliances and systems covered in their plans, putting more emphasis on the most essential systems like plumbing and air conditioning units.
Plan pricing (18%): Home warranty providers that had a service fee of $75 or less and offered combination plans for less than $50 a month earned the most points in this category.
Trustworthiness (14%): We evaluated the Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, sample contract availability, workmanship guarantee and years in the industry to determine the trustworthiness of each company.
Customer service (16%): Home warranty companies that are available 24/7, 365 days a year, provide emergency services and offer customers at least two claim filing options earned the highest points in the customer service category.
Additional benefits (8%): Companies that offer a 30-day free cancellation period earned points in this category, and any additional coverage perks and exclusive benefits a provider offered earned it extra points.
State availability (4%): Providers that are available in all 50 states earned full credit for this category.

Our review methodology for home warranty companies is intended to provide a thorough overview of the best providers nationwide. To learn more, you can read our full home warranty methodology.

If you have questions about this page, please reach out to our editors at editors@marketwatchguides.com.

Faith Wakefield Author

Tori Addison Editor