Best Home Warranty Companies in Texas (2024)
Written by
Imagine your AC breaking down in the sweltering Texas heat. You’re sweating it out, frantically trying to find a reliable technician who won’t overcharge you. A home warranty can be a lifesaver in times like these, quickly connecting you to a trusted repair person and saving you money in the long run—in this case, as much as $2,000 on cooling repairs alone.
Our team researched and vetted 13 of the best home warranty providers to determine the best options in the Lone Star State. We spoke to 15 industry experts, surveyed 2,000 home warranty plan holders, analyzed more than 5,700 customer reviews, and tested 11 brands firsthand. We narrowed our list of vetted providers down to the 13 best and scored each of them on six criteria: coverage, cost, trustworthiness, plan transparency, customer support, and flexibility. We identified five home warranty providers as the top players in Texas. All selected brands meet the strict criteria set by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), which oversees home warranty companies in the state.
Our Top-Rated Texas Home Warranty Companies
-
Best Comprehensive Coverage:
-
Best Customer Support:
-
Best for High-End Items:
-
Best Technician Flexibility:
-
Best Budget Plan Option:
Compare Top Home Warranty Companies in Texas
The table below compares the 13 home warranty providers we’ve vetted and reviewed across crucial criteria like pricing and response times. We listed the providers in order of how they scored in our objective review standards.
We chose the five best companies in this review based on their comprehensive coverage of essential home systems and appliances for Texas homeowners, regardless of their performance in our overall review standards. What truly sets the “great” providers apart from the “good” ones is their combination of value, demonstrated trustworthiness, and excellent customer support.
Learn How Home Warranties Work in Texas
While the video below isn’t made specifically for Texas home warranties, it will give Texas homeowners a general overview of home warranties, including how they work and the coverage and benefits offered.
Why Trust Our Texas Home Warranty Company Reviews
Choosing the right home warranty plan requires extensive research and contract analysis, which can be overwhelming. We aim to help you make a more informed decision by tackling all the heavy lifting for you. Home warranties complement homeowners insurance by covering appliances and systems that insurance typically doesn’t, ensuring comprehensive protection for both your home’s structure and essential household items. Understanding the difference between a home warranty and homeowners insurance can help you maximize your home protection.
Our research of 13 home warranty companies involved reading sample contracts and verifying key coverage details and coverage caps. We also read thousands of customer reviews to gauge each company’s business practices. Finally, we gained insight into the customer experience by surveying 2,000 home warranty plan holders, conducting secret shopping, and testing the services of 11 providers.
How We Selected the Top Home Warranty Companies in Texas
Using these valuable consumer insights and company research, we scored 13 companies against our review standards based on six factors homeowners consider when shopping for a home warranty: coverage, cost, trustworthiness, plan transparency, customer support, and flexibility. While some companies rated higher in our overall review standards, we chose the five home warranty providers we think are best for Texas homeowners’ unique needs.
See how our top five recommended home warranty companies in Texas compare on average monthly cost versus their overall score in the chart below.
Coverage
Choosing the right Texas home warranty coverage is crucial in determining how much you could save or pay out-of-pocket for repairs. Our 2024 survey of 1,000 current home warranty plan holders found that coverage was their top priority when researching home warranty companies. Determining what your home warranty covers is especially important for Texas homeowners, where freezing winters and hot summers can significantly wear down your HVAC system. For more details on the best options, check out our guide on the best home warranty companies for HVAC coverage.
Each company received a score based on the coverage caps offered for six key items: electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, refrigerators, ovens, clothes washers, and dryers. Coverage caps were scored based on how they aligned with industry standards: $2,000 for systems and appliances and $500 for add-ons. Companies received lower scores if they imposed aggregate coverage limits on claim payouts or included a waiting period longer than the standard 30 days.
Coverage caps were scored based on how they aligned with industry standards: $2,000 for systems and appliances and $500 for add-ons. Companies received lower scores if they imposed aggregate coverage limits on claim payouts or included a waiting period longer than the standard 30 days, which could be problematic for Texas residents who need prompt repairs. Also, providers offering roof leak coverage options scored higher since severe storms and roof damage are prevalent in Texas due to the state's location in "Hail Alley" and its exposure to hurricanes along the Gulf Coast.
We awarded providers additional points if they offered unique protections or benefits not commonly offered by other companies. Examples include coverage for preexisting conditions, bonus services like discounted HVAC maintenance, and coverage upgrades to increase limits and protections.
Based on our evaluation, American Home Shield and First American Home Warranty stand out for their comprehensive coverage options and generous benefits. For example, American Home Shield offers $5,000 in HVAC coverage and discounted HVAC maintenance, while First American provides an unlimited system cap with no aggregate limit. Both companies also cover preexisting conditions, an excellent benefit for Texas homes with older systems and appliances.
Here’s how each provider scored for coverage:
Cost
When determining if a home warranty is worth the money, we look at factors that impact your monthly budget and how well the plan protects you. Choosing an expensive, comprehensive plan might be tempting, but for Texas homeowners, that could mean overspending on coverage you don't necessarily need—for example, maybe you only need to cover your home systems because your kitchen appliances are new. Since a functioning HVAC system is essential for Texas homes, we focused on home warranty companies that offered top-notch HVAC coverage at an affordable price.
Our evaluation included comparing average monthly home warranty costs and service call fees, which you pay for each service technician visit. Many home warranty providers offer monthly and annual plan options, including special discounts for longer plan commitments. Having both plan options allows Texas homeowners to choose a payment option that’s better suited to their budgets. Providers with both annual and monthly options earned higher points.
We deducted points for some additional fees that can raise plan costs, including surcharges for choosing a monthly payment option and higher service call fees for certain types of repairs and repair timeframes. For example, we docked points from Elite Home Warranty since it charges $150 for weekend or after-hour calls. AFC Home Warranty, Liberty Home Guard, and Select Home Warranty lost points for including depreciation policies, which lower claim payouts based on an item’s age or condition.
Many companies scored mid-range in this category due to their higher service call fees and monthly costs. Select stood out as the best budget-friendly option with the lowest service call fees and monthly costs but substantial HVAC coverage. This makes it the best option for Texas homeowners focused on HVAC-only coverage.
Here’s a breakdown of each company’s cost scores:
Trustworthiness
With the unfortunate stigma that some home warranty companies are just out to scam people, providers really need to go the extra mile to prove they're legitimate and will deliver on what they promise. Homeowners want to feel confident that if they sign up and pay for a home warranty, the company will actually come through with quality services when needed.
We read hundreds of customer reviews on third-party review sites, such as the Better Business Bureau, Best Company, and Trustpilot. We averaged the 5-star ratings on these three sites to determine their scores. Companies with 3.8-star ratings or higher scored better than poorly rated companies. We looked for any recurring positive and negative themes in customer reviews and any issues that could impact your experience. Points were deducted for any ongoing lawsuits or legal issues that directly impacted the brand's reputation.
We also considered the length of workmanship guarantees, as they indicate a provider’s commitment to quality work. Guarantees that exceeded the 30-day industry standard received higher points. Providers earned points if they were members of national trade organizations such as the National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA), a nonprofit that represents properly licensed and reputable service contract providers. Although these memberships are optional, they reflect a commitment to higher service quality and accountability.
Liberty Home Guard, AFC Home Warranty, and First American Home Warranty scored highest in this category. Liberty Home Guard maintains 4-star and higher review scores across all three review sites and offers a 60-day workmanship guarantee. AFC Home Warranty scored well due to its plan-length workmanship guarantee and NHSCA membership. However, its review scores were the lowest compared to the other two top providers. First American tied in this category since it’s also an NHSCA member and has higher review scores than LHG. However, the company only offers a standard 30-day guarantee with its plans.
See how each of our top Texas providers rated for trustworthiness:
Plan Transparency
When you’re comparing home warranty plans, you need to know exactly what you’re paying for to get the most from your investment. However, sample contracts can be a pain to read, and some companies just don’t offer enough details on their websites. If you don’t understand your coverage, this could result in unexpectedly denied claims and more out-of-pocket expenses. We evaluated each Texas provider for its transparent contract terms and policy disclosures.
Our team thoroughly reviewed each company's website and awarded high scores to those companies that offered clear coverage, exclusion, and service call fee disclosures. This also includes disclosures in the online quote tool. We also read sample contracts to find key policy details, including service technical options and cancellation details. Companies that offered vague terms or disclosed few details on their websites and sample contracts scored lower.
American Home Shield earned a perfect score for its transparent disclosure of plan policies on its website and in the service contract. The company's website provides easily accessible, detailed information on coverage caps, exclusions, and service call fees. This level of transparency allows you to make informed decisions and select the plan that best fits your needs and budget. No other company offered these detailed plan disclosures online.
The same holds true for AHS' sample contracts, which are organized by state and offer transparent, state-specific information that Texas real estate owners need to know. Its sample contract provides a comprehensive overview of all plan specifics on the first page, as well as frequently asked questions and a glossary for key plan terms. This level of detail and consideration was absent from the other sample contracts we reviewed.
Here’s how each provider scored on plan transparency:
Customer Support
One of the biggest benefits of having a home warranty is convenience. During an emergency situation, you can contact your home warranty provider, file a claim, and connect with pre-vetted service technicians for a low-cost service fee. You also want access to a reliable customer support team for assistance with your plan. Home warranty companies should provide accessible customer support methods and dedicated emergency claims lines.
Our team thoroughly evaluated each Texas provider to assess its claim filing process and customer support methods offered. Providers earned points for offering multiple claim filing solutions, including a 24/7 claims line or dedicated mobile app. Claims process time was also considered, as the standard is 24 to 48 hours. For instance, if you submit a claim on a Monday, you may not receive confirmation of the claim process or technician details until Wednesday. Companies that offer quicker processing received high points, while 48-hour or longer timelines received lower scores.
We also awarded points for each company’s customer support methods. Standard options typically include phone support. Additional points were given for other options, including email, online chat, and apps.
Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield received high scores for this category. Both companies offer a 24/7 claims line and a standard 24–48 hours processing timeframe. They also provide a dedicated app, a rare feature for home warranty companies. Both apps let you review your plan details, process online payments, and submit claims. For customer service, Liberty stands out for offering more than phone and email support. It offers an online chat feature, which connects you to customer support in just a few seconds.
Below are the customer support scores for each provider:
Flexibility
Flexibility is one of the key elements that helps you maximize your home warranty benefits. We evaluated providers on flexibility based on their plan options, service call fees, add-ons, and even technician selection. Plan variety helps you tailor coverage to your specific home needs, reducing the chance of overpaying for unnecessary coverage. With service call fee variety, you have more control over your budget and can opt to pay a higher fee for a lower plan cost.
Having more add-on options allows you to extend coverage to items often excluded from main coverage, such as pools, septic tanks, or even secondary appliances. Having better flexibility in these plan options can improve your cost savings and overall satisfaction with your coverage.
Our ratings included points for home warranty companies offering two or more plan options. Most companies offer at least two plans. Companies that offered at least two service call fees scored higher than providers that offered no flexible options. Our team also considered service technician options in our scoring. Although most home warranty companies maintain a network of pre-approved technicians, a few providers let you choose your own technicians. We awarded extra points for this rare feature.
Regarding flexibility, AFC Home Warranty ranked the highest for Texas providers. The company offers four plan options, the highest plan variety in this review. Its plans include appliance-only and comprehensive coverage with enough variety to match most customers’ needs. AFC Home Warranty also offers three service call fees and the option to choose your own technicians.
Here’s how each recommended company scored for flexibility:
Our Top Texas Home Warranty Company Picks
During our home warranty research, we encountered several untrustworthy providers. There’s a common misconception that all home warranty companies are scams that take your money and deny every repair claim. While the worst home warranty providers deliver poor experiences, many reliable, trustworthy companies have years of industry experience in Texas and provide dependable service tailored to the unique needs of Texas homeowners.
While a home warranty plan can help with repair and replacement costs, it may not cover all expenses. Depending on the coverage limit, you might receive a payout that doesn't cover the full costs, which is typical. For instance, if your home warranty plan includes a $2,000 cap for plumbing systems but your repair bills total $2,500, you would be responsible for the remaining $500. It’s still a significant amount, but it's a better option than paying the full $2,500 on your own.
In addition, home warranties offer a convenient solution when dealing with unexpected breakdowns, which can be common in Texas due to the state's extreme weather conditions. With a home warranty, you can simply call to schedule repairs with contractors who have already been vetted and approved by the provider, which saves you the time it would take to research contractors yourself. This is especially helpful in large metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin, where there are countless options to sift through.
After reviewing 13 companies, surveying 2,000 homeowners, and testing 11 nationwide providers firsthand, we chose the following companies as the best options for Texas homeowners.
Best Comprehensive Coverage: American Home Shield
What We Liked
- Includes preexisting and physical damage coverage, a rare benefit
- Provides a $5,000 cap for HVAC, exceeding the $2,000 industry standard
- Offers a discount for an annual HVAC tune-up and air filters on its highest plan
What We Didn't Like
- Charges more for its comprehensive coverage than other reviewed providers
- Offers the smallest add-on catalog, limiting your customization options
Our Scores
We rated American Home Shield 4.8 out of 5 stars. It offers customers a $5,000 cap for HVAC systems, well above the industry standard.
Our Review
American Home Shield (AHS) offers a generous $5,000 cap for HVAC per plan term. Considering that the cost of HVAC repairs typically falls in the ballpark of $300–$500, you’ll have more than enough coverage to tackle common repairs. The company offers roof-leak coverage as an add-on, which is essential given Texas’ frequent storms and hurricane season. Its highest plan, ShieldPlatinum, includes bonus coverage, including one free seasonal HVAC tune-up and free roof-leak coverage.
AHS is also one of the few companies that includes preexisting conditions under its standard coverage. Many home warranty providers, including Liberty Home Guard and Select Home Warranty, exclude items with preexisting physical damage or issues. This makes AHS an exceptional choice for homeowners with older Texas homes.
We don’t like AHS’s higher monthly charges for its comprehensive plans. Although more robust plans usually cost more, AHS’s costs exceed those of many other providers in this review. These higher costs extend to its service call fees, which start at $100, much higher than other reviewed providers, which start around $60. This means you’ll pay at least $100 per service call, which can add up if your items need frequent repairs. AHS only offers six add-ons, making it hard to customize your coverage to meet your needs.
Customer Reviews
- Efficient claims timelines
- Simple claims process
- Helpful support
- Underskilled technicians
AHS has mixed scores across third-party review sites. It has nearly 10,000 Better Business Bureau (BBB) reviews with an average of 2 out of 5 stars. In contrast, its Best Company page has 34,246 reviews with an average score of 3.4 out of 5 stars.
AHS received praise for its timely claims processing, with some homeowners mentioning it took less than 24 hours to get a response. Customers also mentioned the simple claims process both online and over the phone and the helpful customer support team.
However, negative reviews mentioned its service technicians, whom some reviews claimed weren’t skilled enough for the work needed. One reviewer on the BBB explained that multiple technicians were required to complete one water heater repair. In other reviews, customers claimed they received relatively low payouts for their repairs.
Best Customer Support: Liberty Home Guard
What We Liked
- Includes 42 add-on options for more tailored home coverage
- Offers a 60-day workmanship guarantee, double the 30-day industry standard
- Provides multiple customer support channels, including 24/7 live chat and a mobile app
What We Didn't Like
- Has received negative reviews about its lower-than-expected claims payouts
- Restricts electrical and plumbing caps to $500, resulting in higher out-of-pocket expenses
Our Scores
We awarded Liberty Home Guard 4.4 out of 5 stars. Its 60-day workmanship guarantee is twice the industry standard.
Our Review
Liberty Home Guard (LHG) offers midrange coverage for HVAC and other key items. Two of its plans, Systems Guard and Total Home Guard, include a $2,000 cap for HVAC systems, including air conditioners, heaters, and other related components. This coverage meets the industry standard but falls short of other providers, including AHS and Select. These two plans also include coverage for up to two heating and cooling units, coverage that other service providers don't offer. LHG offers an industry-leading 42 add-on coverage options, which gives you the flexibility to build a plan that meets your specific needs.
Similar to other providers, LHG has 24/7 claim support lines, offering peace of mind that you can get help with your unexpected breakdowns whenever needed. However, its standout customer support feature is its online chat feature. We tested its live chat service and were connected to support in under 10 seconds. The company also provides a dedicated mobile app for convenient access to claims submission at any time. This is a rare benefit for home warranty companies, with AHS being the only other provider offering this convenient option.
What we didn’t like was LHG’s limited $500 electrical and plumbing caps, which fell well below the $2,000 industry standard. These lowered caps won’t provide enough coverage for major home repairs, leading to more out-of-pocket costs for Texans. LHG also assigns its service call fees, which may vary between $65 and $125. Most home warranty providers offer two or more flexible options so you can customize your plan to your budget.
Customer Reviews
- Excellent customer support
- Quick claims process
- Knowledgeable technicians
- Vague depreciation policy
LHG maintains consistently high customer review scores across multiple sites. In fact, these scores are higher than most of our other reviewed home warranty providers. It has over 2,300 Better Business Bureau (BBB) reviews, with an average of 4.41 out of 5 stars. Its Trustpilot page features more than 4,600 reviews and an average score of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
LHG customers praised its efficient customer support teams and excellent availability. We called the customer support line and reached a representative in less than one minute. Other reviewers appreciated its quick claims process, which often took only 24 hours, less than its advertised 48-hour deadline. They also appreciated the knowledgeable service technicians.
Some negative reviews called out the company's low claims payouts, which often fell below coverage caps outlined in the sample contracts. One user attributed the lower payments to the company’s “vague” book value disclaimer, which reduces payouts based on the item’s age.
Best for High-End Items: First American Home Warranty
What We Liked
- Includes 12 add-on options for extended coverage
- Offers unlimited caps for systems, including HVAC
- Provides an option upgrade that extends protection to include preexisting conditions
What We Didn't Like
- Excludes air conditioning from its lowest plan
- Requires a higher plan tier for laundry appliance coverage
Our Scores
First American Home Warranty received 4.6 out of 5 stars. Its unlimited cap on HVAC coverage makes it especially valuable for Texas homeowners.
Our Review
First American Home Warranty offers extensive HVAC coverage, providing unlimited caps for HVAC and ductwork. This allows Texas homeowners more flexibility for covered repair costs without the worry of hitting a coverage cap. The company offers comprehensive coverage, meaning they cover both systems and appliances. First American is a great solution for Texas homeowners who need high caps for appliances, as it covers up to $7,000 for appliance protection. You receive not only excellent coverage for HVAC but ample coverage for high-end appliances, providing a more complete warranty option.
In addition to solid item coverage, it offers its First American Upgrade for its Essential and Premium Plans at no charge. This upgrade extends your standard coverage to include preexisting conditions and any covered item with damage due to improper modification or maintenance. That means your items are covered even if you didn't maintain them properly. AHS is the only other Texas provider in this review that offers these protections.
However, First American doesn’t offer this complete coverage in every plan. We learned that the Starter Plan, its lowest plan option, doesn’t include air conditioning coverage. It excludes other essential items, including laundry appliances. Most home warranty companies include these essential items in their coverage. If you want the lowest plan with AC coverage, you have to add a separate add-on. The alternative is moving to one of the higher-tiered plans for this coverage, which will increase your costs.
Customer Reviews
- Efficient claims processing
- Quick technicians assignments
- Excellent support staff
- Poor repair results
First American has inconsistent review scores across third-party review sites. It has over 1,800 BBB reviews with an average of 1.8 out of 5 stars, the second-lowest BBB rating in our review. However, it scores 4.1 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot based on 15,000 reviews. Given the larger review total on Trustpilot, we feel this score serves as a more accurate representation of First American's overall reputation.
First American customers appreciated the company’s helpful technicians and quick and efficient claims process. When we tested First American’s services and filed a claim, the claim was processed and a technician was assigned to it within 30 minutes of submitting it online.
Some customers were disappointed in the repair quality, with some reviews stating that First American's technicians used subpar replacement parts. First American also had several complaints about denied claims for misdiagnosed issues. One Trustpilot reviewer stated they had multiple denied claims due to technicians stating their item issues were due to damage, not normal wear and tear.
Best Technician Flexibility: AFC Home Warranty
What We Liked
- Offers unlimited coverage for heating and cooling systems
- Includes four plans and three service call fees for excellent customization
- Lets you choose your own contractor
What We Didn't Like
- Includes a depreciation value clause that can reduce reimbursements
- Requires claim submissions within 24 hours after noticing a problem
Our Scores
We awarded AFC Home Warranty 4.7 out of 5 stars. It allows you to choose your own contractor, a rarity in the industry.
Our Review
Similar to First American, AFC Home Warranty offers unlimited coverage for heating and cooling systems. This means you’ll have reliable HVAC coverage year-round. The company also offers a plan-length workmanship guarantee. This extensive workmanship guarantee translates to lower future repair savings since any failed repair will be covered free of charge. AFC Home Warranty offers the best plan customization of any other reviewed provider, making it easier to find a plan that fits your coverage needs and budget.
Along with its coverage options, the company also includes exclusive membership benefits not found with other providers. AFC customers have access to free credit monitoring, identity protection, and pet, dental, and health insurance plan options.
While AFC Home Warranty offers several excellent benefits, it does have its shortcomings. After reviewing the company’s sample contract, we learned that it includes a depreciation policy with its plans. Any five-year-old or older items receive a lower payout, meaning you pay more in repair and replacement costs. Since AFC Home Warranty doesn’t cover preexisting conditions, it isn’t recommended for Texas homes with older systems and appliances. The company also requires immediate reporting of any items or issues within 24 hours. Failure to do so could result in claim denial.
Customer Reviews
- Comprehensive protection
- Excellent benefits
- Technician flexibility
- Depreciation policy issues
AFC Home Warranty has limited third-party reviews compared to other providers. For example, it only has 201 BBB reviews with a 3.08 out of 5 star rating. It has 3.4 out of 5 stars on Best Company based on 115 reviews.
Positive AFC Home Warranty customer reviews complimented the comprehensive plan coverage and unique member benefits. Customers also appreciated the simple claims process and flexibility to choose their preferred technicians.
Negative reviews criticized the company for its low payouts for claims. Several reviews specifically cited the depreciation policy, stating it lowered coverage for their older systems and appliances. One customer explained that though they expected lower payouts for their appliance, the payout wasn’t enough to cover the replacement cost of their clothes washer.
Best Budget Plan Option: Select Home Warranty
What We Liked
- Includes system-only and combined coverage options for better plan options
- Offers $3,000 of HVAC coverage for less than $50 per month, cheaper than other providers
- Provides free roof-leak coverage with every plan
What We Didn't Like
- Doesn’t let you choose your service fee, limiting cost customization
- Limits all other item caps to $400–$500, well below the industry standard
Our Scores
Select Home Warranty earned 3.7 out of 5 stars. It offers its customers free roof-leak coverage with every plan.
Our Review
Select Home Warranty offers high $3,000 coverage caps for less than $50 per month, making it one of the most affordable HVAC coverage options in this review. By comparison, Liberty Home Guard charges almost $55 for its lower $2,000 HVAC cap.
In addition to generous coverage, the company also includes free roof-leak coverage with every plan. Most providers only offer this coverage as an add-on or, in rare cases, with their most expensive plan. Select offers both system- and appliance-only plans and comprehensive plans, making it easier to meet your coverage needs without overpaying for too much coverage. Select is the right choice for Texas homeowners who need low-cost heating and cooling system coverage. It also works well for new homeowners with brand-new appliances who want baseline coverage for minor repairs.
Where Select falls short is in its coverage for other systems and appliances. The company offers $500 for other items, well below other reviewed providers and the industry standard. While it stands out for its affordable HVAC coverage, we don’t recommend it if you need higher limits for other systems or appliances. Select also doesn’t offer service call fee flexibility, meaning it could assign you a fee between $60 and $75 at its discretion.
Customer Reviews
- Affordable plans
- Considerate sales team
- Friendly customer support
- Multiple service call fee charges
Select has mixed positive and negative customer review scores. It has over 2,000 BBB reviews, with an average of 1.12 out of 5 stars. Its Trustpilot page has an average score of 3.2 out of 5 stars with over 4,900 reviews. Based on our research, these scores rate lower than those of most reviewed companies on our list.
Homeowners appreciated Select’s affordable plan options and easy claims process. Positive reviews mentioned that the company’s sales team wasn’t pushy and actively helped them find the right plan to meet their needs. They also found the customer support team to be friendly.
Negative reviews mentioned that despite having a great customer support team, it was hard to reach them. Some customers cited long wait times for phone support, with one review mentioning a 10- to 20-minute wait. Customers were also unhappy with frequent denied claims for items that should be covered and mentioned that the service technicians would charge multiple service call fees for separate items during the same visit.
Methodology: How We Evaluated Texas Home Warranty Companies
We use a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each home warranty company we review. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts, and running focus groups and homeowner surveys.
We use this information to score each provider in six comparison categories that we think are most important when choosing a home warranty. We rate each provider across 23 factors within those categories. Each factor is assigned a point value based on its importance to a homeowner, totaling 100 points. We convert the final scores to a 5-star rating.
Here’s a breakdown of our weighted factors:
- Coverage (35%): This category looked at how comprehensive each provider’s coverage was, including whether they covered unique items. Companies that covered the most items and had higher annual limits received the highest scores. We docked points from providers that impose long waiting periods or had depreciation policies that decrease your payouts for aging items.
- Cost (20%): We looked at average monthly prices and service call fees. We gave the most points to companies that offer pricing at or below the industry average and don’t impose any surcharges or extra fees.
- Trustworthiness (15%): To gauge reputation and reliability, we reviewed customer ratings across sites like the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot as well as companies’ responses to complaints. We also checked for National Home Serice Contract Assocation (NHSCA) membership. Providers with the highest ratings and longest workmanship guarantees received higher scores. We deduced points for any ongoing legal issues.
- Plan transparency (10%): We read terms, policies, and disclosures in provided contracts and on each company’s website. Providers with transparent contract details and policies received more points.
- Customer support (10%): Companies with multiple claims filing options, fast response times, and accessible customer support scored well in this category.
- Flexibility (10%): We awarded more points for providers offering more plan options, larger add-on catalogs, the ability to choose your own technician, and customer-friendly cancellation policies.