Best Home Warranty Companies for Veterans (2024)
Written by
We recommend Liberty Home Guard for veterans in the market for a home warranty. The company offers discounts for veterans and active service members and the ability to transfer plans to new addresses within the 48 states it services. These offerings and its generous coverage caps make it one of the best home warranty companies for veterans.
Our second recommended provider is American Home Shield. AHS offers discounts for veterans and military service members, as well as flexible plan options and affordable rates.
To determine the best home warranty providers, we combed through warranty plans, read more than 5,700 customer reviews, secret-shopped real quotes and prices, and conducted customer surveys on top providers. We share our insights in this article and break down which companies offer the best service plans, discounts, and coverage for veterans.
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.
What Are the Best Home Warranty Companies for Veterans?
After researching major home warranty companies, we determined the following providers offer the best home warranty deals for veterans:
- Liberty Home Guard: Best Customer Support
- American Home Shield: Best Comprehensive Coverage
- AFC Home Warranty: Best Technician Flexibility
- First American Home Warranty: Best for High-End Items
- Select Home Warranty: Best Budget Plan Option
Compare Top Home Warranty Companies for Veterans
The table below provides a comprehensive breakdown of these top companies. It includes data we gathered from our research, such as service fees, monthly costs, and coverage caps.
Note: For more details, see individual provider breakdowns below.
Note: We based the pricing information in this table and throughout the article on sample quotes we obtained for a single-family 2,000-square-foot home in Raleigh, NC. Your pricing may vary depending on your home’s location, size, type, and plan selections.
How We Rated Home Warranty Companies
We compared each provider to our unbiased ratings and review standards to find the best home warranty company for veterans. This method rates each company based on key criteria that homeowners find important. We judge providers based on coverage, cost, trustworthiness, plan transparency, customer support, and flexibility.
We research providers by reading customer reviews across major independent review sites such as the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and ConsumerAffairs. We’ve read more than 5,700 customer reviews across major home warranty companies. We look for major themes and recurring problems, such as sales tactics, long wait times, and overall customer experience. We supplement this customer feedback with firsthand data gathered through focus groups, surveys, and secret shopping.
Our Home Warranty Experts
We consulted two financial experts for this review. We asked them to share insights on the best home warranty plans and benefits for veterans.
- Jennifer Tolkachev: Tolkachev has been a managing editor of a Bankrate-owned site for 5+ years and now runs Touchdown Money, a site that provides financial advice for homeowners and business owners.
- Danny Johnson: Johnson is a real estate investor in San Antonio and the owner of Danny Buys Houses.
Understanding Home Warranties for Veterans
Veterans and active military personnel face unique challenges when choosing a home warranty. Active duty personnel may need a policy that allows transfers to new properties in the event of a move. Veterans with older homes may want a plan with allowances for preexisting conditions or more generous coverage caps. Consider the following questions before choosing your next home warranty:
When Should I Buy a Home Warranty?
The right time to sign up for a home warranty depends on what you want from your policy and the context of your purchase. For example, you may want to sign up for a plan if you’re new to your area. Finding vetted local contractors can be difficult for regional newcomers, and a home warranty sources technicians for you.
We recommend signing up for a home warranty if any of the following applies:
- Your home is older.
- Your appliances or home systems are old or expensive.
- You’re unfamiliar with your area or aren’t used to working with home improvement companies.
- You have a busy lifestyle and want to minimize the time and energy needed to manage the appliances and home systems.
- You want to entice buyers for a future home sale.
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost?
Our research shows that the national average home warranty cost is between $644 and $737 annually. Service fees range from $65 to $125. These costs are for a standard-sized home of 2,000 square feet. We received more than 120 quotes from top home warranty companies across 20 states and compiled the results of these quotes to find this national average.
If you’re an active duty military personnel or a veteran, you may be able to save on your home warranty plan. Some providers, including Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield, offer discounts or special pricing for military service members.
How Do I File a Home Warranty Claim?
Take the following steps to file a home warranty claim:
- Understand and re-read your policy: Understand your policy coverage before filing a warranty claim. Even generous policies have coverage limits, exclusions, and caps that can affect the claim process. We recommend thoroughly reading your policy before filing a claim. Exclusions include preexisting problems, damage from improper installations, and misuse or abuse of appliances and systems. Most home warranty contracts have payout limits for specific systems and appliances, which means you’ll pay any remaining costs if you reach that limit.
- Contact a service representative and begin the claim process: Contact a company-approved contractor. Most home warranty companies have a client portal to connect you with approved local contractors. Complete an online claim form or call the company to schedule your appointment. A home warranty company typically takes up to 48 hours to process and dispatch a contractor. The technician will contact you directly and set up an appointment.
- Pay service fees and out-of-pocket expenses: Once at your home, the service professional will inspect the damage to your system, correspond with the home warranty provider, and repair the damage. You’ll pay your service fee and any remaining balance if you reach your coverage cap. The technician will schedule a follow-up appointment for a replacement if the damage to your appliance or system is too severe to be repaired.
Home Warranty Providers for Veterans
Below is a detailed overview of our top recommended home warranty companies for veterans.
We recommend Liberty Home Guard for veterans who have a range of systems and appliances that require coverage. LHG provides customers with comprehensive coverage through its three plans and more than 40 add-on options. Liberty offers discounts for veterans and allows plan holders to transfer coverage to new addresses within the 48 states it services.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Allows policyholders to transfer plan to new addresses
- Offers a live-chat feature on its website for on-demand customer service
- Has comprehensive coverage with more than 40 add-ons
Cons
- Charges higher-than-average rates with no options for cheaper, higher-service fee plans
- Has an inflexible service call fee policy
- Provides low coverage caps for plumbing and electrical systems
Plans and Cost
Liberty Home Guard offers three plans: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. All three plans carry a coverage cap of $2,000 for appliances and home systems. The exceptions are electrical and plumbing systems, which have a cap of $500. It makes up for this with its 60-day workmanship warranty on all repairs.
- Appliance Guard: This plan covers nine home appliances, including clothes washers and dryers, garage doors, dishwashers, and refrigerators.
- Systems Guard: This plan covers six major home systems: air conditioning, heating, ductwork, plumbing, electrical, and water heaters.
- Total Home Guard: LHG’s top-tier plan combines the other two plans for complete home systems and appliance coverage.
Liberty Home Guard’s monthly costs are higher than the industry standard with average-priced service fees. The following table summarizes Liberty Home Guard’s plans and prices.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Coverage Cap |
| Appliance Guard | $49.99 | $65–$125 | $2,000 |
| Systems Guard | $54.99 | $65–$125 | $2,000 ($500 for plumbing and electrical systems) |
| Total Home Guard | $59.99 | $65–$125 | $2,000 ($500 for plumbing and electrical systems) |
Liberty Home Guard offers 42 optional add-ons such as pool and spa, sump pump, pest control, gutter cleaning, and lawn sprinkler system coverage. These add-ons range from $3 to $40 per month. Some of the most valuable add-ons include the following:
- Lighting fixtures
- Limited roof-leak
- Septic system pumping
- Water softener
Our Experience With Liberty Home Guard
We were impressed with the customer communication from Liberty Home Guard. We reached out for a quote and were quickly connected to a customer service representative. Its website’s chat feature uses an automated bot. You’ll need to ask to speak to an agent twice to get in touch with a real person through the chat system. We learned that LHG lets you select your own technician if there are none available in your area’s preapproved list.
We recommend American Home Shield (AHS) for veterans with older homes or systems and appliances nearing the end of their lifespan. Unlike most home warranty companies, AHS provides coverage for unknown preexisting conditions and physical damage. AHS also offers discounts to military personnel and veterans that can be applied on top of other promotions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers discounts for military service members and veterans
- Doesn’t exclude unknown preexisting conditions and damaged items in its coverage
- Has higher coverage caps for built-in systems
Cons
- Charges slightly higher-than-average monthly premiums costs
- Doesn’t offer an appliance-only plan
- Features less extensive coverage with only six add-on options
Plans and Cost
AHS offers three plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. Its system coverage cap exceeds the industry standard at $5,000. One of the most impressive elements of AHS’s plans is the inclusion of roof-leak coverage in its ShieldPlatinum plan. Roof-leak coverage is typically an add-on and is not commonly included in baseline coverage.
- ShieldSilver: This plan covers basic home systems, such as heating and electrical.
- ShieldGold: This plan is a direct upgrade from ShieldSilver and includes appliances and additional systems such as garbage disposals, water heaters, and plumbing.
- ShieldPlatinum: AHS’s highest-tier plan covers everything from the ShieldGold plan with additional coverage for roof leaks and HVAC tuneups.
American Home Shield’s plan prices are higher than the industry average. It makes up for this with generous coverage caps and moderately priced service fees. The following table outlines AHS pricing:
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Coverage Cap |
| ShieldSilver | $29.99 | $100–$125 | $5,000 |
| ShieldGold | $49.99 | $100–$125 | Systems: $5,000 Appliances: $2,000 |
| ShieldPlatinum | $79.99 | $100–$125 | Systems: $5,000 Appliances: $4,000 |
AHS has the smallest add-on selection out of every company on this list. It offers the following six add-on options:
- Electronics
- Guest units
- Pool and built-in spa equipment
- Roof leak repair
- Septic pumps
- Well pumps
Our Experience With American Home Shield
A member of our team reached out to AHS to test its claims and repair process. AHS was efficient and prompt. After submitting an online claim, our team member received a text and email confirmation within minutes. A technician reached out and scheduled an appointment for the following day. The repairs took about two hours and only required the payment of a service call fee.
We recommend America’s First Choice Home Warranty (AFC Home Warranty) for veterans looking for a customizable coverage plan. Its multiple plan options and add-ons let you pick a plan that suits your home’s unique needs.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers an unlimited workmanship guarantee
- Offers identity protection and credit monitoring
- Has four coverage plans and 13 add-ons
Cons
- Doesn’t cover unknown preexisting conditions
- Reduces coverage caps on older items (5 years or older)
- Requires homeowners to submit claims within 24 hours of noticing a problem
Plans and Cost
AFC Home Warranty offers four protection plans: Silver Plan, Gold Plan, Platinum Plan, and Diamond Plan. Our research found that AFC Home Warranty will only pay up to an item’s depreciated value if the item is older than five years. This policy makes the provider less ideal for homeowners with older systems or appliances. AFC Home Warranty makes up for this by providing unlimited workmanship guarantees on all its plans.
- Silver Plan: This plan covers nine essential home appliances, such as clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerators.
- Gold Plan: This plan covers 15 major home systems and appliances, such as air conditioning, heating, plumbing, clothes washer and dryer, and ductwork.
- Platinum Plan: This plan covers everything in the previous two plans, plus plumbing stoppages, refrigerator ice makers, and built-in microwaves.
- Diamond Plan: This is the highest tier plan that AFC Home Warranty offers. It includes everything from the Platinum Plan plus electronics and exterior water and sewer lines.
The following table summarizes these plans and their associated costs, fees, and coverage caps.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Coverage Cap |
| Silver Plan | $36.83 | $125 | $3,000 |
| Gold Plan | $51.92 | $125 | $3,000 for appliances; system caps vary |
| Platinum Plan | $57 | $125 | $3,000 for appliances; system caps vary |
| Diamond Plan | $91.58 | $125 | $3,000 for appliances; system caps vary |
AFC Home Warranty has 13 add-ons. The least expensive add-on is $25 (central vacuum), and the most expensive is $150 (in-ground pool and spa). These prices are significantly higher than the industry standard for add-ons. AFC Home Warranty’s add-ons include the following:
- Built-in microwave
- Electronic coverage
- In-ground pool
- Roof leak
- Septic system
- Tankless water heater
Our Experience With America’s First Choice Home Warranty
We used AFC’s online portal to request a quote for a 2,000-square-foot home. The system required us to enter a home address, name, email account, and phone number. We received options and prices for each of AFC’s plans within less than a minute after entering our information. The process was quick, efficient, and user-friendly.
We recommend First American Home Warranty for veterans with high-end appliances or a new home. First American has high appliance coverage caps, allowing you to protect expensive items while minimizing out-of-pocket payments.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers coverage options for preexisting conditions (a great option for older homes)
- Has a $7,000 appliance cap for its highest plan
- Provides unlimited coverage caps for major systems
Cons
- Doesn’t include air conditioner coverage in its basic plan
- Doesn’t offer plans that cover appliances only or systems only
- Is only available in 33 states
Plans and Cost
First American Home Warranty offers three plans: Starter Plan, Eagle Premier Plan, and Max plan. First American has a series of increasingly comprehensive plans, unlike other companies that offer two equal plans for appliances and systems. You can mix appliances and system coverage no matter what plan you buy. The downside is that each plan is more restrictive and covers fewer overall items. These plans are moderately priced with high coverage caps.
- Starter Plan: This is the most basic plan that covers essential appliances and systems, such as dishwashers, heating systems, and ductwork.
- Eagle Premier Plan: This is a direct upgrade to the starter plan and covers everything above, along with other essential items such as water heaters, air conditioners, and clothes washers.
- Max Plan: This is the most comprehensive plan that covers everything from the previous plan and luxury items such as faucets, garbage disposal, and roof leaks.
First American’s monthly premiums are moderate to high compared to the industry standard. It has higher-than-average service fees but generous appliance coverage caps and unlimited caps for most home systems.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Coverage Cap |
| Starter Plan | $41.25 | $75–$125 | Systems: Unlimited Appliances: $3,500 |
| Eagle Premier | $55 | $75–$125 | Systems: Unlimited (Water heaters: $1,000) Appliances: $3,500 |
| Max Plan | $66.67 | $75–$125 | Systems: Remain the same Appliances: $7,000 |
First American provides 12 add-ons at varying price ranges. One of its most popular options is its roof-leak coverage for $8.33. The add-ons available to homeowners include the following:
- Additional refrigeration
- Central air conditioning (Starter Plan only)
- HVAC tune-up
- Limited roof-leak
- Pool/spa equipment
- Septic tank pumping/system
- Water softener
- Well pump
Our Experience With First American Home Warranty
A member of our team reached out to First American for a garage door opener repair. They submitted an online form and received a text message from a First American-approved technician within 30 minutes. The technician set up an appointment for the repairs in three days. Our team member paid a service call fee, and the repairs took less than half an hour.
We recommend Select Home Warranty for veterans who want to get the most out of their dollar and save on home warranty costs. Select offers some of the most competitively priced plans that cost below $50 per month. Select’s generous pricing system may be a good fit for veterans on fixed incomes or those trying to budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has affordable monthly rates (a good choice for fixed-income households)
- Provides a $3,000 coverage cap on HVAC systems
- Offers free roof-leak coverage with all plans
Cons
- Doesn’t offer military discounts
- Has a rigid service call fee policy
- Offers lower-than-average coverage caps
Plans and Cost
Select offers three home warranty plans: Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care. It has a low $500 dollar coverage cap for all appliances and home systems. The exception is its HVAC coverage cap of $3,000. Here’s a more detailed outline of Select’s home warranty plans:
- Bronze Care: This plan covers essential home appliances such as cooktops, clothes washers, and refrigerators.
- Gold Care: This plan covers six home systems: heating, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, water heaters, and ductwork.
- Platinum Care: This plan covers all items included in the Bronze and Gold Care plans and garage door openers, plumbing stoppages, and ceiling fans.
Select has among the lowest-priced premiums for annual and monthly plans. It has low service fees at only $60 to $75 per claim. The downside is that you cannot choose your service call fee. The following table breaks down Select’s plan costs:
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Coverage Cap |
| Bronze Care | $44.42 | $60–$75 | $500 |
| Gold Care | $44.42 | $60–$75 | $500 (HVAC: $3,000) |
| Platinum Care | $47.75 | $60–$75 | Coverage caps remain the same |
Select has nine add-ons to choose from at $9 or less per month. The coverage caps for these options are low at $400. Select’s add-on options include the following:
- Central vacuum
- Lawn sprinkler system
- Pool
- Roof leak (FREE)
- Septic system
- Spa
- Standalone freezer
- Sump pump
- Well pump
Our Experience With Select Home Warranty
We reached out to Select and spoke with a customer service representative. We learned that Select chooses which service technician from its network will arrive at your home. Select will let you choose your technician if no one from the preapproved network is in your area. However, Select must verify and approve the company before sending a technician to make repairs.
What To Consider When Buying a Home Warranty as a Veteran
It can be difficult to find the right home warranty if you’re a veteran or an active duty service member. If you move often or are too busy to handle repairs, you’ll need a plan that works with your schedule. Each provider offers plans with unique discounts, coverage caps, and limitations. We recommend doing the following before choosing a home warranty company:
- Check coverage needs: Each home has unique coverage needs. Homeowners with brand-new appliances may not need a warranty right away. System-oriented warranties will better suit older homes. Knowing your coverage needs before signing a contract will help you avoid plans that won’t protect your most important systems and appliances.
- Assess available budget: Consider how much you’re comfortable paying monthly. Remember to account for add-ons, service fees, and total coverage caps for your most at-risk items. We recommend prioritizing providers that offer military discounts, such as Liberty Home Guard or American Home Shield.
- Check your locations plan: Not all companies operate out of every state. Some home warranty companies even limit plan options or add-ons in certain areas. We recommend checking plan and add-on availability before selecting your provider. This step is key if you have to move often. It’s possible a provider won’t extend its coverage to a state where you’re relocated for a permanent change of station.
- Read customer reviews and assess reputation: Even reliable and trusted national brands can have poorly performing branch locations. We recommend checking the customer reviews for each home warranty company’s local branch office through independent review sites such as BBB and Trustpilot.
- Compare plans and shop around: Comparing quotes is one of the best ways to get the best plan for your home at the lowest possible price. We recommend getting at least three free quotes before making a decision.
- Ask for referrals from friends and family: One of the best ways to find a reliable warranty provider is by asking family, neighbors, or other members of the military community for their recommendations.
How Are Home Warranties Regulated?
Each state has rules and regulations to ensure that home warranty companies act fairly and within the bounds of the law. The regulation of home warranty contracts is typically overseen by a state’s Department of Licensing and Regulation, Consumer Protection Division, or Department of Insurance.
Most states base their regulatory laws on the Service Contracts Model Act published by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) in 1988. The NAIC is an organization run by chief insurance regulators from all 50 states founded in 1871. Its goal is to “set standards and ensure fair, competitive, and healthy insurance markets to protect consumers.” The SCM Act is a guideline and legal framework for home service contracts. State regulatory bodies use this framework to create rules that ensure home warranty companies do the following:
- Have contracts that are clear, easy to understand, and accurately represent the policy being offered.
- Accurately and extensively disclose prices, coverage, fees, and limitations.
- Allow policyholders the ability to cancel and receive a full refund within a reasonable timeframe (typically 30–45 days).
FAQs About Home Warranties for Veterans
Do VA loans come with a home warranty?
No, VA loans don’t come with a home warranty.
Does American Home Shield offer a veterans discount?
Yes, American Home Shield offers a veterans discount. American Home Shield veterans and active-duty military discounts can be applied with other applicable discounts.
Are there special home warranty plans for veterans?
No, there aren’t special home warranty plans for veterans. Most home warranty programs are pre-set and not tailored to specific groups or customers. However, many home warranty companies offer veteran discounts and the ability to customize your plan with add-ons.
Does First American Home Warranty offer a military or veteran discount?
No, First American Home Warranty does not offer a military discount.
Does Liberty Home Guard offer a veteran or military discount?
Yes, Liberty Home Guard offers a military discount.
Does Select Home Warranty offer a veteran or military discount?
No, Select Home Warranty does not offer a military discount.
Related Resources
We’ve compiled several easy-to-digest guides based on our extensive home warranty coverage. Learn more below.
More on Home Warranties
- What Is a Home Warranty?
- Home Warranty vs. Homeowners Insurance
- Residential Service Contract
- Cheapest Home Warranty Companies
- USAA Home Warranty
Related to Home Appliances
- Appliance Extended Warranties
- Best Refrigerator Warranty
- Home Depot Extended Warranty
- Sears Appliance Warranty
- Best Home Warranty for High-End Appliances
Related to Home Systems
- Best Home Warranty for HVAC
- Best Water Heater Home Warranty
- Best Sewer Line Home Warranty
- Best Plumbing Home Warranty
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our home warranty ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each provider. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts from each company, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys. We then score each provider against our review standards for coverage, cost, trustworthiness, plan transparency, customer support, and flexibility to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
