How Much Does A Home Warranty Cost In 2024?

The cost of a home warranty varies by company. Within each company, you can typically choose different plan levels as well. We’ve found that by selecting a plan with a lower service fee (the flat rate that you pay when a system or appliance breaks down), you can expect to pay a higher monthly premium. On the flip side, choosing a higher service fee means a lower monthly payment for your home warranty.

The tables below break down home warranty costs by the lowest and highest available service fees of several leading home warranty companies.

Home Warranty Costs by Lowest Service Fee

Provider	Service Fee (lowest)	Monthly Premium
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty	$65.00	$25.18 – $72.27
AFC Home Club	$75.00	$39.33 – $59.00
American Home Shield	$75.00	$39.33 – $89.99
Cinch Home Services	$100.00	$44.99 – $61.99
Landmark Home Warranty	$70.00	$40.42 – $61.25
American Residential Warranty (ARW)	$55.00	$9.99 – $99.99

* Home warranty quotes researched and collected by Forbes Home in March 2023 for a single-family house.

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Home Warranty Costs by Highest Service Fee

Provider	Service Fee (highest)	Monthly Premium
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty	$100.00	$15.33 – $62.48
AFC Home Club	$125.00	$32.42 – $54.08
American Home Shield	$125.00	$19.99 – $69.99
Cinch Home Services	$150.00	$34.99 – $49.99
Landmark Home Warranty	$100.00	$35.00 – $55.84
American Residential Warranty (ARW)	$55.00	$9.99 – $99.99

* Home warranty quotes researched and collected by Forbes Home in March 2023 for a single-family house.

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Looking for a full breakdown of home warranty costs and coverages by the company across plans? Below, you’ll find comprehensive information from a few of the providers on our list of the best home warranty companies of 2024.

AFC Home Warranty

AFC Home Warranty has a fast response time, responding to each repair within 24 to 48 hours. Representatives are available by phone 24/7 and AFC’s services are available in 49 states as well as D.C. Coverage plans are customizable and run from one to three years, and homeowners can choose from a range of service fees.

Plan Name	Service Fee	Monthly Premium
Silver Plan	$75 – $125	$32.42 – $39.33
Systems Plan	$75 – $125	$41.83 – $46.75
Gold Plan	$75 – $125	$49.17 – $54.08
Platinum Plan	$75 – $125	$54.08 – $59.00

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Coverage	Silver Plan	Systems Plan	Gold plan	Platinum Plan
Appliances	✔	Optional add-on	✔	✔
Refrigerators	✔	Optional add-on	✔	✔
HVAC	X	X	✔	✔
Water Heater	X	X	✔	✔

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Liberty Home Guard

Liberty Home Guard promises a fast response time, is available in 48 states plus D.C. and has the highest consumer ratings of any home warranty company on our list. Plans are easy to understand since there’s a single service fee—$60—meaning you only have to choose between appliances, systems or a combination.

Plan Name	Service Fee	Monthly Premium
Appliance Guard	$60.00	$49.99
Systems Guard	$60.00	$54.99
Total Home Guard	$60.00	$59.99

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Coverage	Appliance Guard	Systems Guard	Total Home Guard
Appliances	✔	Optional add-on	✔
Refrigerators	✔	Optional add-on	✔
HVAC	X	X	✔
Water Heater	X	X	✔

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American Home Shield

American Home Shield offers the best plans and most comprehensive services of most home warranty companies. The company offers three plans, including ShieldSilver, its basic plan that covers 14 of the most important system items. And, with coverage in 49 states, most homeowners can tailor a plan to meet their needs.

Plan Name	Service Fee	Monthly Premium
ShieldSilver	$75 – $125	$19.99 – $39.99
ShieldGold	$75 – $125	$39.99 – $59.99
ShieldPlatinum	$75 – $125	$69.99 – $89.99

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Coverage	ShieldSilver	ShieldGold	ShieldPlatinum
Appliances	X	✔	✔
Refrigerators	X	✔	✔
HVAC	✔	✔	✔
Water heater	✔	✔	✔

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Cinch Home Services

Homeowners who want the fastest response time in the industry should consider a home warranty from Cinch Home Services. This company is available in 48 states and customers wait no longer than 24 hours, but a contractor can be in contact with them within two hours in some cases.

Plan Name	Service Fee	Monthly Premium
Appliances	$100 – $150	$34.99 – $44.99
Built-In Systems	$100 – $150	$39.99 – $51.99
Complete Home	$100 – $150	$49.99 – $61.99

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Coverage	Appliances	Built-in Systems	Complete Home
Appliances	✔	X	✔
Refrigerators	✔	X	✔
HVAC	X	✔	✔
Water Heater	X	✔	✔

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Home Warranty of America (HWA)

Home Warranty of America (HWA) is available in every state as well as D.C., and it has two features that really make the plan especially worthwhile: no age limits on appliances and systems and the GreenPlus option, which allows you to get high-efficiency appliances when your existing appliances can’t be repaired.

There are only two plan choices, however, with the higher-tier plan adding premium coverage for AC systems.

Plan Name	Service Fee	Monthly Premium
Premier Plan	$75 – $100	$46.04
Premier Plus Plan	$75 – $100	$57.92

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Coverage	Premier Plan	Premier Plus Plan
Appliances	✔	✔
Refrigerators	✔	✔
HVAC	✔	✔
Water heater	✔	✔

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Unless the home warranty was part of the home’s purchase agreement, homeowners typically pay for their warranty in one of two ways: monthly or upfront. Those who choose monthly payments can nibble away at their premium in smaller bites, while those who pay upfront may be able to save some money. In general, we’ve found that the monthly cost of a home warranty plan is around $50 per month, depending on the warranty.

In addition to the monthly premium payments, homeowners will be responsible for service fees or deductibles for each repair. This amount is typically agreed upon at the start of the coverage, and it may vary based on the system that needs repair. For instance, the cost of a dishwasher repair may include a $50 service charge, while a boiler may require a $100 service charge. This depends on the company and warranty coverage.

Also, home warranty companies typically offer packages, such as basic appliances or systems, appliances and mechanical systems and other lumped-together coverage. Homeowners often have the opportunity to add additional coverages, such as septic or roofing coverage, for an extra fee each month. These fees can range from just a few dollars to $30 or $40, depending on the item covered.

A home warranty is an agreement between a homeowner and the warranty company that covers certain appliances, systems and items within a home. Items like refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines might come to mind, but these warranties often cover electrical and mechanical systems, plumbing, roofing, air conditioning and other major components as well.

While home warranties and home insurance are different, these agreements typically work similarly. If one of the covered items should break or fail, the homeowner can file a claim with the home warranty company. The home warranty company will then review the claim, and should the claim be approved, send a repair person to the home. The warranty company will cover the majority (if not all) of the bill, minus the deductible or service fee agreed upon at the warranty’s start.

Typically, a home warranty will cover a home for up to one year. After that year, homeowners can choose to renew their warranty or opt out of the coverage. In many cases, sellers may include one of these one-year home warranties with the sale of the house, costing the homeowner nothing for the coverage (though service fees and deductibles are the new homeowner’s responsibility).

Every home warranty company is slightly different, but there are some general rules as to what a home warranty will cover.

Appliances

One of the most common items that home warranties include is appliance coverage, often referred to as home appliance insurance. This includes items like refrigerators, stoves, ovens, dishwashers, microwaves, washers, dryers and even trash compactors. Should one of these items break, the homeowner can file a claim with their home warranty company and expect to pay only the service fee.

There may be appliance age or proof of maintenance stipulations for these appliances, so homeowners should be aware of what the warranty company requires. Also, homes with more than one set of appliances, such as those with kitchenettes or bars, may only be eligible for coverage on their main appliances in the kitchen.

Systems

System coverage is when home warranties cover the major systems within the home. This includes electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems, primarily. However, other systems may be eligible to add on, such as roofing, central vacuum, fire alarm and septic systems. These items will cost more to cover every month, but they can provide peace of mind for homeowners.

We’ve found that these items are less likely to require proof of age, but they may require specific maintenance schedules to be covered under the home warranty.

Optional Add-ons

Basic home warranties aren’t comprehensive—some parts of your home won’t be covered. If you want extra coverage, you can add it onto your pan for an additional fee, ranging from a few dollars a month to $30 or more, depending on the specific add-on.

Each company’s plans work differently, but you can often choose from add-ons like:

• Roofing
• Septic systems
• Sump pumps
• Pool components
• Pest control options
• Electronics
• Guesthouses
• Lawn irrigation systems

How Much Do Common Repairs Cost?

Home warranties are designed to cover common repairs, and in the right circumstances, they can save the homeowner money over the course of the year. Here are some of the most common repairs and their associated costs, with labor and materials combined:

Appliance or System	Average Repair Cost	Average Replacement Cost
Refrigerator	$250	$1,500
Roof	$950	$11,500
Dishwasher	$250	$970
HVAC System	$410	$8,000
Septic System	$1,175	$6,300
Washer/Dryer	$300/$150	$1,425/$1,000
Oven/Stove	$220	$2,000

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While home warranties provide peace of mind, they aren’t all-encompassing. Not everything that occurs within a home will be covered under a warranty.

For example, pre-existing issues will not be covered by a warranty, even if that item falls within the coverage type. If that dishwasher has been broken for three months, attempting to file a claim on that brand-new policy might not work.

Also, damage from leaks, structural damage, pest damage, natural disasters and other items outside of the normal wear and tear on an appliance or electrical system will not be covered. And, if an item is suggested to be maintained and isn’t maintained properly, it most likely won’t be covered by the home warranty.

Cost Savings

A home warranty has the potential to save the homeowner quite a bit of money. According to a Forbes Home survey of 1,000 homeowners conducted in 2024, over 40% said that their home warranty saves them $200 to 400 per repair. Considering that the average homeowner warranty costs around $600, using a warranty twice a year would likely pay for itself.

Streamlined Repair Process

After a homeowner files a claim for a repair, the home warranty company will generally send one of their approved partners to the home. This means that homeowners don’t need to shop for contractors or repair companies, or even get several quotes for the repair if they don’t want to. But, should the homeowner prefer to use their own repair service, they’ll have to clear this with the warranty company ahead of time.

Customizable Coverage

Home warranty shoppers can tailor their warranty according to their needs, and subsequently, their budget. They’ll be able to choose a package that works for them or possibly add additional services to develop the ideal warranty. This provides peace of mind that they won’t be stuck footing the entire repair bill for most of the systems and appliances within their home.

Despite their benefits, home warranties aren’t perfect. There are some drawbacks that homeowners need to be aware of before purchasing a plan.

Added Monthly Bill

Homeownership can be expensive and some folks might see paying an additional bill for coverage they aren’t required to carry as a downside. While a home warranty is typically around $50 a month, folks on a tighter budget might find it challenging to pay the extra bill.

Repair Costs Have to Fall Within a Certain Range

In many cases, the home warranty company may have a maximum amount they are willing to pay for a particular repair. So, if a homeowner has an extremely high-end furnace that requires an abnormally expensive repair part, the warranty company may not cover the entire cost. In that case, the homeowner will have to foot the rest of the bill and square it away with the repair technician.

Not Every Claim Gets Approved

In some cases, homeowner’s claims may be denied. If the broken appliance is too old, was misused or there is evidence of abnormal damage, the warranty company may choose not to repair the cost. In this case, the homeowner is typically still required to pay the service fee as the repair person did come to the house to assess the claim.

There are plenty of factors that affect home warranty costs. Homeowners should be familiar with the most important factors to ensure they end up with a policy that fits their needs.

Coverage

The type of coverage that the homeowner chooses is the most important factor when determining the cost of a home warranty. Choosing simply system coverage or appliance coverage will be less expensive than choosing a combination policy. However, we’ve noticed that combination policies are generally less expensive than the sum of the two individual policies, saving homeowners a bit of money.

Service Fee Amount

The amount that the homeowner agrees to pay is a determining factor in a home warranty’s premium. Policies that require the homeowner to pay more for each individual claim will be more affordable on a month-to-month basis. However, homeowners should recognize that many repairs will then be more affordable to handle out of pocket than actually filing a claim.

Home Size

Some home warranty companies will base the home warranty pricing on the size of the home that it’s covering. Larger homes typically have larger, more advanced mechanical systems and more appliances, meaning potentially more expensive repair costs. Take AFC Home Warranty’s pricing for example:

AFC Home Warranty Plan Pricing By Type Of Home (monthly)

Home Type	Systems Plan	Silver Plan	Gold Plan	Platinum Plan
Single-family house	$41.83 – $46.75	$32.42 – $39.33	$49.17 – $54.08	$54.08 – $59.00
Condo	$44.24 – $49.50	$36.50 – $41.67	$52.08 – $57.33	$57.33 – $62.50
Mobile home	$40.00 – $44.75	$33.00 – $37.67	$47.08 – $51.83	$51.83 – $56.50

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Add-ons and Optional Extras

When purchasing a home warranty, you can upgrade your system, appliance or combination coverage to include add-ons (i.e., parts of your home not covered by a traditional warranty).

Getting a warranty for things like a pool or spa, extra refrigerator, pest control services, electronics, roof or a sump pump might prove useful, but these extras can quickly drive up your monthly premium.

While shopping for home warranties, homeowners should get multiple quotes from a handful of companies by contacting them directly. Equipped with information such as the age of the home, the types of appliances and the systems they’d like covered, the company will be able to answer basic questions and give a home warranty quote.

Paying roughly $50 a month for a home warranty may not drain your budget, but over the years, the premiums can add up. We’ve got a few tips for keeping home warranty costs low while still enjoying the security of having your home systems and appliances covered.

Ask About Home Warranty Discounts

Some home warranty companies might offer discounts if you sign up for multiple years of coverage, cover multiple properties or pay for the policy upfront, rather than in monthly premiums. Companies may also offer lower home warranty pricing to military members and veterans, AARP members and other select groups.

Cover Only What You Need

Don’t be tempted by the top-tier plans. For many homeowners, the most basic home warranty will get the job done.

If you’re comfortable paying a higher service fee when an appliance or system breaks down, you can also keep monthly premiums down by choosing a higher-fee plan.

Request Multiple Quotes

Don’t go with the first home warranty company that you research. Get multiple quotes from several companies, and compare the premiums and coverages to find the best deal.

After receiving multiple quotes for the desired coverage, there are some points to consider when choosing the best home warranty company.

For example, homeowners should be asking questions about the required documentation for their appliances and systems. If a company requires stringent documentation but the homeowner doesn’t have those documents, it might not be the company to choose.

Also, homeowners who want to use their own repair services should clarify with the home warranty company ahead of time as to whether it’s allowed. If it’s not allowed and the homeowner chooses their own service person anyway, their repair won’t be covered.

Another point to consider is whether or not the homeowner has any decision-making power as to the brands or materials used in the repairs. It’s also important to note whether the repair parts will be new or refurbished, as that could be a deciding factor.

It’s also important to understand how the home warranty company’s claim process goes. How the homeowner should file, when they should file and how long it takes to get approval might be considerations that help decide which home warranty company to choose.

To arrive at the average costs in this article, editorial team members surveyed a range of providers on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.