Best Home Warranty Companies in the US (July 2024)

Leaky dishwasher? Faulty microwave? Stove takes forever to cook your favorite meal? We know the pain. When a crucial appliance starts to fail, it can be a stressful, EXPENSIVE ordeal. Luckily, there is relief. That relief comes in the form of Home Warranty.

The Warranty and Insurance team here at BumblBee have spent hours analyzing the most recent cost data from the top home warranty companies of 2024 in the US. Throughout our collective years of researching and writing about services and coverage for homes across America, one thing has remained consistent — repairs are expensive and a significant financial burden for many. And they aren't getting cheaper. American homeowners spent an average of $13,667 on home improvement, maintenance and emergency repairs in 2023, according to a recent spending report by Angi.

That's… A LOT OF MONEY! Home warranty coverage can help mitigate some of these costs by offering financial protection for your appliances and a variety of home systems. Based on our research, we’ve created the following guide to help you find the right home warranty provider for your specific needs.

Who are the Best Providers?

Liberty Home Guard - Overall favorite. Best customer service and coverage.
American Residential Warranty - Best for add-ons to existing plans.
Asurion - Best for all your tech devices.
Akko Phone Insurance - Best for your phone.
Select Home Warranty - Our pick for great discounts and promotions.
Super Home Warranty - Most budget friendly.
America's Preferred Home Warranty - Wide range of plans and affordable premiums.

Click here to see our full list of providers.

Understanding Home Warranties

What is a Home Warranty? A home warranty is a service contract designed to cover the repair or replacement costs of major home systems and appliances. It provides homeowners with peace of mind by mitigating the financial burden of unexpected breakdowns.

How Does a Home Warranty Differ from Homeowners Insurance? While homeowners insurance covers damages caused by perils like fire, theft, or natural disasters, a home warranty focuses on the repair or replacement of covered appliances and systems due to normal wear and tear.

So, did you buy a home and did it come with some appliances? How old are those appliances? Is it possible that they'll break down in the next… let's say 5 years? If so, home warranty is likely something you should consider.

Coverage

What Do Home Warranties Typically Cover? Home warranties cover essential home systems and appliances such as HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), electrical systems, plumbing, kitchen appliances, and more. However, coverage can vary (a lot) between providers, so it's essential to carefully review the terms of the warranty. Providers often have different packages tiered for the level of coverage and the types of appliances or systems you want covered.

What Items Are Often Excluded from Coverage? Certain items are commonly excluded from home warranty coverage, such as pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, and components not explicitly mentioned in the contract. Coverage for specific high-end appliances or systems may require additional fees.

Getting Set Up

Selecting a Home Warranty Provider

Reputation and Reviews - When choosing a provider, it's crucial to research and consider their reputation. Reading reviews from other homeowners can provide valuable insights into the company's customer service, claim resolution, and overall satisfaction. Don't just look at their site for reviews, check Google and other trusted review sites.
Coverage Options - Different providers offer various coverage options, ranging from basic plans covering essential systems to comprehensive plans including appliances. Homeowners should carefully evaluate their needs and choose a plan that aligns with their priorities and budget.
Contract Terms and Conditions - Before signing a home warranty contract, it's essential to read and understand the terms and conditions. Pay attention to coverage details, exclusions, and any additional fees. If there are unclear terms, seek clarification from the provider.

Liberty Home Guard

Why we picked them: They're all about kindness. What we mean by that is, they always want you to feel protected. They want you to feel like when something breaks down, you'll have access to a claims rep that knows what they're doing, and will be able to provide assistance ASAP. They've obviously done an amazing job, as they are considered the “#1 Consumer-Rated Home Warranty in America”. All you need to do is take a look on Google Reviews, Forbes Home, USA Today, and any other rating source to see the glaring reviews they've received in the last few years.

Available Plans:

American Residential Warranty

Why we picked them: With over 15 years of industry-leading experience, ARW's US-based team personally handles every aspect of your home warranty, from the first call to closing a claim. They strive to deliver the highest standard of care and coverage on every claim they cover.

You can file a claim online or over the phone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They’re committed to scheduling repairs within 24-48 hours and can usually dispatch a technician even more quickly in emergency situations.

15,000 Local Technicians
24/7/365 Service
$100 Million in Claims in 15 Years

Available Plans:

Asurion

Why we picked them: Home warranty (and much more) for the modern day! Asurion believes technology should work for everyone. As a tech care company, they meet every question with an answer, every problem with a solution, and every stressful moment with an Asurion Expert who cares about making it right. And sometimes ... that expert will tune your ukulele and play a few chords! True story.

700+ locations and counting: In 85% of the U.S., an expert can be at your house (or favorite coffee shop) to provide same-day service. And with their network of retail stores nationwide, it’s easy to get convenient, affordable repairs right in your neighborhood.

Expert help with heart.

Available Plans:

Coverage Period and Renewal

Home warranties typically have a one-year coverage period, but renewable options are available. Renewal may involve an increase in premiums, so make sure you carefully assess whether continuing coverage is in your best interest.

Benefits of Home Warranties

Financial Protection - One of the primary benefits of a home warranty is financial protection. Duh. Rather than facing high repair or replacement costs out of pocket, homeowners pay a relatively low annual premium and a service fee per claim, making budgeting for unexpected expenses more manageable.
Peace of Mind - Home warranties provide peace of mind by ensuring that essential home systems and appliances are covered. This can be particularly valuable for first-time homeowners or those with older homes where the risk of breakdowns is higher. Again… duh, but the older your home/systems/appliances - the more important it is to consider warranty.
Convenience - Home warranty providers typically have a network of pre-screened service technicians. When a covered item malfunctions, homeowners can contact the warranty company, which will arrange for a pre-vetted service technician to assess and repair the issue.

Limitations and Considerations

Coverage Limits: Home warranties often have coverage limits, meaning there is a maximum amount the warranty will pay for repairs or replacements. Homeowners should be aware of these limits and understand how they may impact their out-of-pocket expenses.
Pre-Existing Conditions: Most home warranties do not cover pre-existing conditions, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly inspecting a property before purchasing a warranty. Issues discovered after the coverage period begins may not be eligible for repair or replacement.
Service Call Fees: Homeowners are usually responsible for a service call fee, which is paid directly to the service technician upon their visit. These fees can vary, so it's essential to factor them into the overall cost of the home warranty.

Calling will often get you the best prices, limited time deals, and discounted add-ons currently available.

Making a Claim

Reporting a Problem: When a covered item malfunctions, homeowners should promptly contact their home warranty provider to initiate the claims process. Some providers offer online portals or mobile apps for convenient reporting.

Service Technicians: The warranty company will typically assign a service technician to assess and repair the issue. It's important to communicate effectively with the technician, providing details about the problem and any relevant information about the covered item.

Approval and Resolution: After the technician assesses the issue, the home warranty provider will determine whether the repair or replacement is covered. If approved, the provider will coordinate and cover the costs, and the homeowner is responsible for the service call fee.

A home warranty can be a valuable tool for homeowners looking to protect their investment (often the biggest investment of your life!) and manage the costs of unexpected repairs. Understanding the coverage, limitations, and how the claims process works is crucial for making an informed decision.

As with any financial commitment, it's essential to research and choose a reputable provider that aligns with your specific needs. BumblBee always does our best to make sure we provide all the details, but strongly encourage our readers to continue doing more research before making a decision. By doing so, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is covered in the event of unexpected breakdowns.