365 Home Warranty’s license was revoked in New Jersey in 2018 due to failing to file annual reports for two years. The company has since shut down nationwide, ceasing communication with policyholders and closing its website.
Although 365 Home Warranty is no longer operating, some alternate providers offer reliable coverage. In this review, we’ll provide tips on shopping for a new provider and recommend top home warranty companies for your home protection needs.
What To Look For in a Home Warranty Company
Choosing the right home warranty company requires careful evaluation of several key factors to make you get the best coverage for your needs. Keep the following factors in mind as you shop for a home warranty:
- Coverage options: Choose a provider with comprehensive plans that cover major home systems and appliances. Look for plans that include key items such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing system coverage. Some companies also offer system-only or appliance-only plans for more tailored protection.
- Pricing and fees: Compare monthly and annual costs along with service call fees, which typically range from $75–$125. Lower plans often come with higher out-of-pocket costs when filing a claim. We recommend requesting sample quotes from at least three providers to find the most affordable home warranty plans.
- Reputation and customer reviews: Research customer reviews on platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. Look for a company with a strong reputation for approving claims and providing fair service.
- Contract terms and exclusions: Read the fine print to know exactly what the plan covers. Many warranties exclude preexisting conditions, improper maintenance, or specific types of damage. Understanding these details helps you avoid denied claims.
- Claim process and service speed: Choose a company with a simple claims process and fast response times. Companies that offer 24/7 claims filing and a network of qualified contractors can provide added convenience.
- Flexibility and customization: Pick a provider that lets you customize coverage or choose your own repair technician. Many companies offer add-ons such as pool coverage, roof leak protection, and septic system coverage.
- Workmanship guarantee: Look for a provider that backs repairs with an extended workmanship guarantee. These guarantees protect your repairs from defects in workmanship. While many companies only cover repairs for 30–60 days, some protect them for the entire plan, giving you long-term peace of mind.
What Are Top-Rated Alternatives to 365 Home Warranty?
We recommend American Home Shield, Choice Home Warranty, and Elite Home Warranty as alternatives to 365 Home Warranty. These companies offer comprehensive coverage for major home systems and appliances, flexible plan options, and strong customer service reputations.
American Home Shield offers comprehensive coverage for key items, including HVAC systems, refrigerators, dishwashers, and water heaters. It provides three plan options: systems-only or both systems and appliances. In addition to its high coverage limits, American Home Shield also includes rare preexisting condition coverage for items with physical damage, making it a good option for older or worn systems and appliances.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Covers appliances and systems of any age
- Includes free roof-leak coverage with its highest plan
- Provides coverage for items with preexisting conditions
Cons
- Limits workmanship coverage to 30 days
- Offers limited add-on options
Choice Home Warranty offers basic home warranty protection at an affordable rate. The company offers two comprehensive plans priced under $70 per month, which is more affordable than some competitors. Plans include $3,000 coverage limits for most systems and appliances, 24/7 claims support, and a network of licensed technicians. The company’s straightforward coverage and competitive pricing make it a solid option for budget-conscious homeowners.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Charges less than $70 for comprehensive protection
- Includes a standard $3,000 limit for most covered items
- Offers a workmanship guarantee of 90 days for parts and 60 days for labor
Cons
- Doesn’t offer service call fee flexibility
- Offers fewer plan options than its competitors
Elite Home Warranty offers customizable plans, including appliance-only, systems-only, comprehensive, and fully tailored options. Plans come with a 90-day workmanship guarantee for added protection on repairs. The company also provides an extensive add-on catalog with over 30 options, such as HVAC maintenance and sewer line protection. With its flexibility and reliable service, Elite Home Warranty is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking personalized coverage.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Backs repairs with a 90-day workmanship guarantee
- Includes over 30 add-on options for plan customization
- Offers a fully customizable plan option
Cons
- Charges a higher $150 service call fee for certain repairs
- Excludes out-of-network service techniques from its workmanship guarantee coverage
Which Home Warranty is Right for You?
Although 365 Home Warranty has closed, many companies still offer affordable, comprehensive coverage for you and your home. We recommend obtaining quotes from the providers featured in this article to compare coverage options and pricing, helping you select the best provider for your needs.
FAQs About Home Warranties
What is a home warranty?
A home warranty covers your home’s systems and appliances that malfunction due to normal wear and tear. While not mandatory, it offers peace of mind and protects you from expensive repair costs. For more details, check out our article on home warranty basics.
What does a home warranty cover?
A home warranty covers appliances, systems, or a combination of the two. Many companies also allow policyholders to add on optional coverage, like protection for a well pump or pool, to any plan. The most common systems and appliances covered include air conditioning, heating, electrical, plumbing, ductwork, refrigerators, water heaters, built-in microwaves, dishwashers, ovens, clothes washers, clothes dryers, and garbage disposals.
How does a home warranty work?
When you sign up for a home warranty, you’ll typically have to wait 30 days for coverage to take effect. After the 30 days have passed, you’ll be eligible to receive coverage on the items included in your plan.
If a covered item breaks down due to normal wear and tear, you can file a claim and your provider will send a technician to assess the appliance or system in question, usually within 48 hours. Before they leave, you’ll pay a predetermined deductible.
How much does a home warranty cost?
A home warranty costs around $564–$984 a year, with service fee deductibles ranging between $75–$125 per claim.
Our Rating Methodology
We use an in-depth rating methodology to score each home warranty provider objectively. Our process involves speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing contracts, conducting focus groups, and surveying homeowners. We also signed up for service with 11 providers to directly test the claims process.
Providers were scored across six key categories that our team considers essential for homeowners, based on insights from our national surveys. Companies receive a total score of 100 points, which is converted into a 5-star rating.
Here’s a breakdown of our weighted factors:
- Coverage: This category looks at the comprehensiveness of each provider’s coverage, including whether plans cover unique items. Companies that cover more items and have higher annual limits scored higher.
- Cost: We compared monthly rates and service call fees, giving the most points to providers with competitive pricing and no hidden fees.
- Trustworthiness: We reviewed customer ratings on platforms such as Trustpilot and the BBB, looked at company responses to complaints, and checked National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) membership. Providers with good reputations and longer workmanship received more points.
- Plan transparency: We examined contract terms, policies, and disclosures. Providers with clear and transparent contract details received higher scores.
- Customer support: We considered how easy it is to file claims, the speed of responses, and the availability of customer support. Providers with superior support systems scored better.
- Flexibility: Providers offering a variety of plans and add-ons, the ability to choose their own technician, and flexible cancellation policies scored higher.