Cheapest Home Warranty Companies (2025)
Choice Home Warranty is the This Old House team’s top recommendation for the cheapest home warranty, offering system and appliance coverage for under $60 per month, along with item limits as high as $3,000. First American is another budget option, with generous coverage limits for major appliances and added protection for items affected by faulty installation or modifications.
Cheap home warranty coverage can help protect homeowners from costly repairs on essential appliances and systems by keeping expenses manageable. Keep reading to see our full list of cheap home warranty companies and find the best coverage for your needs.
Did You Know?
- In the last 30 days, more than 2,500 people bought home warranties from the above providers. Liberty Home Guard is our most popular provider, with 55% of buyers choosing to cover their homes with an LHG plan.
Top Cheap Home Warranty Companies
We evaluated 13 of the best home warranty companies and selected these five as the most budget-friendly options:
- Choice Home Warranty: Best Basic Plan Coverage
- Elite Home Warranty: Best for Flexible Coverage
- First American Home Warranty: Best for High-End Items
- Liberty Home Guard: Best Customer Support
- Select Home Warranty: Best Budget Plan Option
Comparing the Cheapest Home Warranty Companies
When evaluating the cheapest home warranty providers, we prioritized features that offer the most value for budget-conscious homeowners. We looked at key factors such as low monthly plan costs and affordable service call fees, which directly impact overall affordability. Homeowners owe a service call fee each time a technician visits, which is why it’s important to keep this rate low. Providers offering flexible plan options and add-ons also stood out, enabling homeowners to customize coverage without overpaying for unnecessary features.
The table below outlines our top picks, comparing overall scores from our analysis, plan costs, Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, and repair guarantees. We gathered sample quotes for a 2,000-square-foot, single-family home in Middletown, Kentucky, to provide accurate pricing.
*Pricing may vary depending on your home’s location, size, and type and your plan choices.
**The BBB is an independent organization that evaluates businesses’ credibility and responsiveness to customers. Ratings are accurate as of January 2025.
Note: NR, or “No Rating,” indicates that the BBB has not issued a rating due to an ongoing review or update to a company’s profile.
Our Reviews of the Cheapest Home Warranty Companies
In our reviews of the cheapest home warranty companies, we focused on key factors such as low monthly plan costs, service call fees, and coverage value. While many providers offer similar pricing structures, we highlighted the differences in plan flexibility, coverage options, and any hidden fees that can impact the overall cost for homeowners.
Monthly Cost: $46–$55
Service Fee: $100
Workmanship Guarantee: 90 days on parts and 60 days on labor
Coverage Overview
- Backs repair with a 90-day guarantee on parts and 60 days for labor
- Includes a $3,000 coverage limit for most items
- Offers 10 add-on options, including coverage for roof leaks and pools
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t offer service call fee flexibility, charging $100 for all repairs
- Excludes several key systems and appliances from its lowest-tier plan
Our Review
Choice Home Warranty balances affordability and solid coverage limits with two comprehensive plans priced under $60 per month. While Select Home Warranty offers cheaper plans, Choice offers higher coverage limits at $3,000 per item, which can help homeowners better handle costly repairs. Choice also includes a 90-day parts and 60-day labor guarantee, covering repeat issues without additional service fees. This added protection can save you money and ensure confidence in the quality of repairs.
However, Choice has some notable limitations. Its lower-tier Basic Plan excludes air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and clothes washers and dryers, requiring customers to upgrade to the more expensive Total Plan for these items. Choice is also currently involved in a consumer fraud lawsuit filed by the Arizona Attorney General. Before committing to any home warranty company, we recommend thoroughly researching the provider and reviewing the service contract.
Plan Details and Cost
Choice Home Warranty’s Basic Plan offers the most savings based on monthly costs. Here’s an overview of each available plan:
- Basic Plan ($46 per month): The company’s lowest comprehensive plan, which covers six home appliances and eight systems, such as heating systems, garbage disposals, and dishwashers.
- Total Plan ($55 per month): This plan covers nine home appliances and nine systems, including air conditioning, clothes washers and dryers, and refrigerators.
According to the Choice Home Warranty sample contract, coverage limits remain the same for both plans, with caps of $3,000 for all items. The company charges a flat $100 service call fee for repairs, whereas other providers may offer multiple service fee options, allowing for more control over pricing. Flexible service call fees can also lower monthly costs if you choose a higher fee.
Choice offers 10 add-on options, priced between $5 and $15 per month, which is midrange compared to other providers we reviewed. This catalog is average, as most providers offer 8–12 options. However, coverage limits for add-ons range from $250–$500, which is lower than those offered by providers such as First American Home Warranty and Elite Home Warranty.
We’ve highlighted a few add-on options below:
- Central vacuum
- Limited roof leak
- Pool and spa
- Second refrigerator
- Septic tank pumping
Monthly Cost: $45–$85
Service Fee: $100–$125
Workmanship Guarantee: 30 days
Coverage Overview
- Doesn’t set coverage limits for most systems, including HVAC and ductwork
- Includes a free upgrade for coverage for items damaged by poor installations
- Offers up to $7,000 in appliance coverage, the highest in this review
Keep in Mind
- Excludes air conditioning, water heaters, and laundry appliances from its lowest plan
- Has the most expensive comprehensive plan in this review
Our Review
Homeowners with high-end appliances and systems may find First American Home Warranty ideal, as it offers comprehensive coverage with generous limits, including up to $7,000 for appliances. Its unlimited coverage for essential systems such as your HVAC, electrical, and ductwork is especially valuable for customers with costly or complex home systems. The First American Advantage upgrade is another money-saving feature, as it protects items damaged by improper installation or modifications—offering coverage that few other providers include.
However, First American’s lowest plan, the Starter Plan, excludes air conditioning, water heaters, and clothes washers and dryers. While you can buy air conditioning coverage as an add-on, you must upgrade to a more expensive plan to cover your washer and dryer. Additionally, the Premium Plan, which is the most comprehensive, starts at $80 per month, making it less suitable for homeowners on a budget.
Plan Details and Cost
First American offers three plans that cover a mix of systems and appliances. Homeowners can find the most monthly cost savings with the Starter Plan. Here’s an overview of each plan:
- Starter Plan ($45–$50 per month): The lowest-tier plan includes eight appliances and four systems, including dishwashers, refrigerators, and heating systems.
- Essential Plan ($60–$65 per month): This mid-tier plan includes 11 appliances and six systems, such as air conditioning, water heaters, and clothes washers and dryers.
- Premium Plan ($80–$85 per month): The most comprehensive plan covers 11 appliances and eight systems, including faucets, instant hot water dispensers, and luxury appliances.
After reviewing the First American sample contract, we found that while most systems have unlimited coverage, water heaters have a $1,000 limit under the Essential Plan. This limit doesn’t apply under the Premium Plan. The Starter and Essential plans offer a $3,500 appliance limit, which increases to $7,000 under the Premium Plan. First American Advantage benefits, which cover items damaged by improper installation or modifications, are included at no extra charge in the Essential and Premium plans.
First American provides flexible service call fees of $100 or $125 per visit, allowing you to adjust your premium based on your selected rate. The company’s catalog of 12 add-on options ranges from $2–$21 per month, with coverage limits between $500 and $2,500.
We’ve highlighted a few add-on options below:
- Limited roof leak
- Septic system
- Up to three additional refrigerators
- Up to two pools and spas
- Water softener
Monthly Cost: $44–$59
Service Fee: $70
Workmanship Guarantee: 90 days
Coverage Overview
- Includes a 90-day workmanship guarantee with its repairs
- Offers three specialized plans under $60 plus a fully customizable plan
- Provides over 30 add-on options to help customize your coverage
Keep in Mind
- Sets an overall $15,000 limit on annual claims payouts
- Charges a higher $150 service call fee for certain repairs
Our Review
Elite Home Warranty is the only provider in this review that offers a fully customizable plan. This means you can select the exact systems and appliances you want covered, helping to keep costs down. Or, the company’s predefined plans offer appliance-only, system-only, or comprehensive protection, making it easier to choose the coverage you need. In addition, you can customize your plan further with a catalog of over 30 add-on options, additional sewer line coverage, and upgrades to appliance and system coverage limits.
Elite offers a $15,000 aggregate or overall limit per plan term, setting clear coverage limits for system and appliance repairs. This allows homeowners to understand how much coverage they have for repairs over the course of a year. However, we recommend that homeowners looking for cheaper home warranty plans carefully consider these limits. While low premiums might seem attractive upfront, you could face additional costs if you have an item that needs multiple or major repairs over your plan term, especially if the total costs exceed the $15,000 limit.
Plan Details and Cost
Elite offers three plan options for homeowners, with the Elite Appliances offering the cheapest coverage option. Here’s an overview of the available plans:
- Elite Appliances ($45 per month): This appliance-only plan covers 10 appliances, such as ceiling fans, built-in microwaves, and cooktops.
- Elite Systems ($50 per month): The system-only plan includes eight systems, including heating, cooling, and electrical systems.
- Elite Complete ($60 per month): The highest plan tier includes comprehensive protection, covering all 18 items.
After reading through the Elite Home Warranty sample contract, we found that coverage limits vary by item, ranging between $250–$3,000 for appliances and $250–$5,000 for systems. While the company’s standard service call fee is $70, after-hour and weekend calls and repairs for high-end appliances and add-ons result in an increased $150 fee. These fees can increase overall repair costs for budget-conscious homeowners, especially for frequent or emergency calls.
Elite’s extensive catalog of over 30 add-ons offers coverage with limits ranging from $500–$7,000. However, add-on costs vary based on your location and selected plan, so we recommend requesting a sample quote to determine the exact pricing.
We’ve highlighted a few add-on options below:
- Guest house
- HVAC annual maintenance
- Limited roof patching
- Premium appliances
- Water heater annual maintenance
Monthly Cost: $49–$59
Service Fee: $65–$125
Workmanship Guarantee: 60 days
Coverage Overview
- Includes a 60-day workmanship guarantee, which is double the industry standard length
- Offers three specialized coverage plans priced under $60 per month
- Provides 42 add-on options priced as low as $3 per month
Keep in Mind
- Limits electrical and plumbing systems with a $500 cap
- Varies service call fee rate based on your location, plan, and add-on choices
Our Review
Budget-conscious homeowners with unique coverage needs may appreciate Liberty Home Guard. With three specialized plans priced under $60 per month, Liberty Home Guard offers a solid $2,000 coverage cap for most items. The company also provides a range of 42 add-on options, a benefit for homeowners looking to customize their coverage to fit specific needs, such as additional protection for appliances, plumbing, or sewer lines. This flexibility allows homeowners to tailor their plans while staying within budget.
However, Liberty’s coverage for electrical and plumbing systems is capped at $500, which may not cover more extensive repairs. The company’s service call fee also varies based on your location, plan, and selected add-ons, which can make it harder for homeowners to predict their exact out-of-pocket costs. While the low pricing is appealing, these trade-offs could affect homeowners with higher repair needs or those seeking more consistent pricing.
Plan Details and Cost
Liberty Home Guard offers three plans to protect your home. Appliance Guard offers the lowest monthly costs. Here’s an overview of all plan options below.
- Appliance Guard ($50 per month): The company’s appliance-only plan covers nine key items, including exhaust fans, kitchen refrigerators, and garage door openers.
- Systems Guard ($55 per month): With this system-only plan, you get protection for six systems, such as electrical, heating, and plumbing.
- Total Home Guard ($60): If you need a complete home protection plan, this comprehensive plan includes all 15 items listed above.
The Liberty Home Guard sample contract states that the company offers a $2,000 coverage limit for most items. However, electrical and plumbing systems only include $500 limits, which falls below many other competitors, including Choice and First American Home Warranty.
Liberty Home Guard assigns a service fee between $65 and $125 based on your plan, location, and add-ons, rather than letting you choose your rate. Most home warranty companies offer multiple service fee options for more pricing flexibility.
Pricing for its 42 add-on options ranges from $4–$36, depending on the coverage. While some items have a listed $500 limit, others do not include specific coverage limits. We recommend speaking with Liberty Home Guard to clarify any unlisted coverage limits and ensure you have the details needed for your plan.
Check out the add-on options we’ve highlighted below:
- Carpet cleaning
- Electronics protection
- Limited roof leak
- Pro-series washing machine
- Sump pumps
Monthly Cost: $44–$47
Service Fee: $60–$75
Workmanship Guarantee: 30 days
Coverage Overview
- Covers HVAC systems with a $3,000 limit
- Includes three plans priced below $48 per month, the lowest in this review
- Offers free roof-leak coverage with every plan
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t disclose service call fees during the quote process, similar to Liberty Home Guard
- Limits coverage for appliances and select systems to $500
Our Review
Select Home Warranty is a good option for homeowners who want baseline coverage for their home. With three plans priced below $50 per month, it’s the most budget-friendly provider in this review. Select also stands out by offering coverage for roof-leak repairs with every plan, providing extra protection at no additional cost. Homeowners needing HVAC systems coverage will appreciate the $3,000 limit on these units, which is higher than companies such as Liberty Home Guard.
However, there are some trade-offs to consider for the lower cost. While Select’s low premiums make it a highly affordable choice, coverage for most appliances and select systems is capped at just $500, which may not cover costly repairs. Additionally, the company doesn’t disclose service call fees during the quote process, which can lead to unpredictable costs, similar to Liberty Home Guard. This lack of transparency, along with the lower coverage caps, may not suit homeowners with higher repair needs or those seeking more comprehensive protection.
Plan Details and Cost
Select offers two plans that cost $44 per month each: one covers appliances, and the other focuses on systems. Below, we detail all three plan options:
- Bronze Care ($44 per month): This appliance-only plan includes eight appliances, such as stoves, clothes washers, and refrigerators.
- Gold Care ($44 per month): This system-only plan includes six major home systems, including heating, ductwork, and plumbing.
- Platinum Care ($48 per month): This plan offers comprehensive coverage for 17 items, including plumbing stoppages and garage door openers.
The company offers only $500 in coverage for appliances, plumbing, and electrical systems, according to the Select Home Warranty sample contract. Select provides both annual and monthly plans, with annual options including two free months of service. Service call fees range from $60–$75, limiting pricing flexibility, though these fees are lower than many competitors.
Select offers nine add-on options, fewer than other providers we’ve reviewed, but pricing is more affordable, ranging from $3–$8 per month. However, the company extends lower coverage limits than other providers, with only $400 in protection available for add-ons.
Below are some of the add-on options you can choose from:
- Central vacuum
- Lawn sprinkler system
- Pool
- Stand-alone freezer
- Well pump
Our Experience Filing Home Warranty Claims
Along with reviewing the cheapest home warranty companies, we also tested the claims process of two providers on our list: First American Home Warranty and Select Home Warranty. We’ve provided summaries of our experiences below.
Testing First American Home Warranty
Our First American Home Warranty tester opened a repair claim when his dryer, which was purchased in 2008, stopped working. However, the technician recommended replacing the dryer instead, and First American promptly approved the replacement without requiring additional documentation. The company ordered our tester a new GE dryer, valued at $1,000—significantly more than the original model, which cost $400–$500, even accounting for inflation. The dryer arrived within a week and was then installed by a First American contractor, with our tester only paying an $85 deductible. The process was straightforward, efficient, and hassle-free.
Testing Select Home Warranty
Our Select Home Warranty tester found the claims process initially smooth but ultimately frustrating. Filing a claim for a leaking washing machine was quick and intuitive using the company’s online portal, and a technician arrived the same day to assess the issue. The contractor recommended a replacement due to unavailable parts, but Select sought a second opinion, causing delays. Communication was a challenge for our tester, with limited updates via the portal and slow follow-ups from Select. The claim remained unresolved nearly three weeks after filing, leaving our tester dissatisfied with the lack of progress and responsiveness.
Comparing the Cheapest Home Warranty Plans
Choosing the most affordable home warranty can result in savings on your monthly expenses compared to buying a more expensive plan. The cheapest home warranty plans typically cover essential systems and appliances at a lower cost. However, the cost of a home warranty often reflects the level of coverage provided, and basic plans may not include high-end appliances or certain systems. If your appliances require frequent servicing, for example, having reduced coverage could result in higher out-of-pocket expenses over time, potentially offsetting the initial savings.
This is why it’s important to balance the upfront cost of a home warranty with the potential for additional expenses based on your home’s specific needs, such as incurred service fees if you need multiple repairs in a given contract year. Compare the cost of the cheapest plan offered by the companies in our review below.
| Provider | Cheapest Plan Cost* |
|---|---|
| Choice Home Warranty | $46 |
| First American Home Warranty | $45 |
| Elite Home Warranty | $44 |
| Liberty Home Guard | $49 |
| Select Home Warranty | $44 |
*Pricing based on sample quotes we pulled for each provider using a 2,000-square-foot single-family home in Middletown, Kentucky.
How Much Money Can a Home Warranty Save You?
A home warranty can help you save on costly appliance and system repairs. For example, air conditioner repairs can cost anywhere from $130–$2,000 without home warranty coverage, while refrigerator repairs may range from $300–$1,000. A home warranty typically reduces these expenses for covered items, only requiring you to pay a service fee for technician visits and resulting repairs. This can help you avoid the often high costs of emergency service calls, providing peace of mind for homeowners dealing with unexpected breakdowns.
The table below highlights average repair costs for common home systems and appliances without warranty coverage, based on market research.
| Appliance | Repair Costs Without a Home Warranty |
|---|---|
| Air conditioner | $130–$2,000 |
| Furnace | $130–$500 |
| Refrigerator | $300–$1,000 |
| Dishwasher | $160–$300 |
| Washing Machines | $125–$450 |
How To Choose the Best Affordable Home Warranty Provider
When selecting an affordable home warranty provider, it’s important to balance cost with the level of coverage you need. While the most budget-friendly plans can lead to immediate savings, they often come with limited coverage, potentially leaving you financially responsible for repairs or replacements on important systems and appliances. To ensure comprehensive protection, consider providers that offer customizable plans or add-ons, allowing you to tailor coverage to your home’s specific needs. This approach can help you avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses and provide peace of mind knowing you have protection for your essential systems and appliances.
Before committing to a home warranty, assess your coverage needs by making a list of essential appliances and systems you want to protect. This can help you identify plans that match your requirements and avoid paying for unnecessary coverage. Additionally, compare quotes from multiple providers to find a plan that offers the best value for your specific needs. Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always provide the most comprehensive coverage, so it’s important to evaluate the overall value of each plan.
It’s also beneficial to check for promotions or discounts that providers may offer, such as free coverage for a few months or discounts for choosing an annual plan. However, watch for plans with numerous exclusions or coverage caps, which can lead to higher out-of-pocket expenses if you need to file a claim. Thoroughly reviewing the terms and conditions of each plan can help you make an informed decision and ensure you select a home warranty that offers both affordability and adequate protection.
FAQs About Cheap Home Warranties
What does a typical home warranty cost?
A typical home warranty costs about $56 per month on average, or approximately $672 annually. Cheap home warranty usually falls below that average, starting at around $40 per month. Final costs vary based on your provider, plan type, location, and any add-on options you select.
Is having a home warranty worth it?
A home warranty is worth it if you want financial protection for unexpected appliance or system repairs. While a plan may not cover all issues in your home, it can save you money on unexpected repairs, especially with older systems and appliances.
Is a home warranty a tax write-off?
Home warranties are generally not tax-deductible unless the property is a rental, which may qualify as a business expense.
How We Evaluated the Cheapest Home Warranty Providers
When selecting the most affordable home warranty providers, we conducted a thorough research process. We consulted with industry experts to gain insights, requested sample quotes from each provider, and reviewed sample contracts to better understand their coverage.
We also considered homeowner experiences by analyzing customer reviews on third-party sites such as the BBB and Trustpilot and visiting home warranty websites. To gain further insight, we reached out to customer support teams, tested online quote tools, and signed up for plans with 11 leading home warranty companies.
We then rated each company against our detailed rating methodology on six rating factors, giving each provider a final 5-star score.
Below is a breakdown of how were selected the best providers for affordable home warranty plans:
- Coverage: When choosing a cheap home warranty plan, it’s important to find a company that offers baseline protection for key items without charging extra. Companies that provide $500 or more in coverage for major systems and appliances ranked higher in our review for affordability. We didn’t consider providers with limits below $200, which we determined doesn’t offer enough value for the cost.
- Cost: The cost of a home warranty is a key factor in affordability. Companies that rated higher on our list offer plans starting below $50 per month while still providing essential coverage. We excluded providers with basic plans priced at $60 or more per month because these rates exceed budget-friendly thresholds.
- Trustworthiness: Trustworthiness is important when selecting an affordable home warranty plan to avoid denied coverage and unexpected costs down the road. Companies rated higher for having solid reputations, positive customer reviews, and including at least a 30-day workmanship guarantee for reliability. Providers without these assurances were not prioritized, as these options pose a higher risk for homeowners.
- Plan Transparency: For a cheap home warranty, it’s important that companies offer clear terms so you can understand what you’re paying for and avoid hidden costs. Companies that scored higher in our review offer detailed contracts with clear limits, exclusions, and pricing, which can help homeowners make informed, budget-friendly choices. Providers with vague or unclear terms can cause unexpected expenses, making the overall plan less affordable.
- Customer Support: Reliable customer support ensures claims get handled efficiently, preventing delays or additional costs. Companies that scored higher offer knowledgeable, responsive customer assistance through multiple channels, making the claims process smoother. Providers with slow or unhelpful support can create stress and unexpected out-of-pocket costs for homeowners.
- Flexibility: Flexibility in plan options allows homeowners to customize their coverage to create an affordable plan tailored to their needs. Providers that ranked highest in our review offer a variety of plan options, competitively-priced service call fees, and multiple add-ons, giving homeowners more control over costs. Companies with rigid plans and few customization options can make it harder to find budget-friendly coverage, so we ranked those options lower.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
