Blue Ribbon Home Warranty has offered coverage for Colorado homes since 1985, tailoring its plans to the state’s unique property construction methods, weather, and topography. While the company’s localized expertise is commendable, we recommend the national brand American Home Shield due to its robust coverage, which includes higher coverage limits and protection for preexisting conditions. You can also read our full review of the best home warranty companies in Colorado to find other recommended providers.
In this Blue Ribbon Home Warranty review, we examine the company’s plans, costs, and service to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your home.
Pros and Cons of Blue Ribbon Home Warranty
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of signing up for a Blue Ribbon Home Warranty protection plan:
Pros
- Has a 24-hour guaranteed response time from technicians
- Contract length is 14 months, as opposed to the industry standard of 12 months
- A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Cons
- Coverage is only available in Colorado, while many competitors are nationwide
- Doesn’t cover haul-away fees
- Doesn’t have an online chat support system
Blue Ribbon Home Warranty Plans and Coverage
Blue Ribbon Home Warranty offers three levels of protection: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The Silver Plan covers 14 commonly used home systems and appliances, such as the heating and electrical systems. The Gold Plan covers everything under the Silver Plan and extends protection to a few more items, such as a clothes washer and dryer. The Platinum Plan is Blue Ribbon Home Warranty’s most comprehensive plan for homeowners looking for thorough coverage and fewer exclusions on covered parts.
Compare coverage for each plan using the table below.
| Plan | Silver Plan | Gold Plan | Platinum Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating system | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Ductwork | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Plumbing system | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Water heater | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Built-in whirlpool tub | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Sump pump | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Electrical system | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Garage door opener | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Central vacuum | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Doorbell (wired) | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Over-the-range microwave | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Garbage disposal | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Trash compactor | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Washer | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| dryer | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Central AC, evaporative cooler, heat pump, or whole-house fan | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Blue Ribbon Premier Upgrade | ✔️ | ||
| Preventive Maintenance Check* | ✔️ | ||
| Second garage door opener | ✔️ | ||
| Three additional items from a pre-set menu | ✔️ |
*The Preventive Maintenance Check benefit is limited to one inspection for the following covered items: kitchen appliances, laundry appliances, water heater, HVAC system, and garage door opener.
Additional Coverage
Customers can add on the following items to any Blue Ribbon Plan. The cost of these add-ons range between $50–$150 unless you’re a Platinum Plan member, in which case you can choose three add-ons for free. Under the Platinum Plan, coverage for a hot tub and pool are considered as two additional items.
| Add-On | Monthly |
|---|---|
| Built-in double oven | $95 |
| Gas fireplace | $60 |
| Well pump coverage | $90 |
| Septic tank | $50 |
| Sewage ejector pump | $75 |
| Pool | $150 |
| Hot tub | $150 |
| Pool and hot tub combo | $195 |
| Roof leaks | $50 |
| Heating system | $125 |
| Water heater | $95 |
| AC, evaporative cooler, or whole house fan | $125 |
| Refrigerator | $95 |
| Stove | $50 |
| Dishwasher | $50 |
| Over-the-range microwave oven | $50 |
| Trash compactor | $40 |
| Central vacuum | $50 |
| Garbage disposal | $40 |
| Washer | $50 |
| Dryer | $50 |
| Garage door opener | $50 |
| Sump pump | $40 |
Coverage Exclusions
Home warranty companies typically have coverage exclusions for certain systems and appliances—Blue Ribbon Home Warranty is no different. Before committing to a warranty with this company, read through the coverage limitations available on Blue Ribbon Home Warranty’s sample contract.
Plumbing
Plumbing fixtures, urinals, electronic controls, touch controls, caulking and grouting, stoppages in incoming water lines, water flow restrictions from chemical or mineral build-up, insufficient or excessive water pressure, water softeners, septic tanks, sewage ejector pumps, circulating pumps, sprinkler systems, saunas, steam rooms, collapsed pipes, plastic piping, and sedimentary build-up are all excluded from Blue Ribbon Home Warranty coverage plans.
Electrical
Blue Ribbon Home Warranty excludes coverage for the following components within the electrical system:
- Lighting fixtures
- Ceiling and attic fans
- Intercoms
- Smoke, fire, and burglar alarms
- Low-voltage lighting controls
- Garage door springs
- Transmitters
- Security touch pads
Heating
Heating system components not covered under a Blue Ribbon plan include portable units, filters, electronic air cleaners, humidifiers, circulating pumps, fill valves, backflow preventers, purging, steam systems, stoppages in water lines, water flow restrictions, chemical or mineral deposits, baseboard casings, and fireplaces.
Ductwork
Repairs associated with flue ducts, vent dampers, and power vent units; zone damper systems; registers or grills; or issues arising from collapsed, crushed, and improperly sized ducts are not covered.
Kitchen Appliances
Blue Ribbon Home Warranty doesn’t cover clocks or self-cleaning mechanisms (unless it impacts the performance of an oven), timers, meat probes, interior lining, door glass, tubs, water reservoirs, refrigerant, refrigerant recapture, ceramic and glass stove tops, refinishing or replacement of countertops, cabinets, tile and floors, portable dishwashers, countertop microwave ovens, appliance knobs and handles, lights, removable baskets, lock and key assembles, springs and hinges, or food spoilage.
Other Exclusions
Additionally, Blue Warranty Home Warranty won’t repair or replace systems and appliances with the following issues:
- Malfunctions from improper installation, wrong wiring, lack of efficiency, power failures, overloads, missing parts, improper maintenance, misuse or other mechanical defects
- Damaged from fire, smoke, earthquakes, storms, lightning, flood, water, theft, accidents, and conditions beyond the control of the company
- Items labeled as “commercial” by the manufacturer
- Items located underground or encased in concrete
How Much Does Blue Ribbon Home Warranty Cost?
Blue Ribbon Home Warranty plans provide protection for single-family homes, condos, and townhomes. Coverage is available for mobile homes and other home types, but you’ll need to call Blue Ribbon for specific pricing.
Here’s an overview of Blue Ribbon Home Warranty plan pricing for 14-month contract terms.
| Type of Plan | Single-Family Home | Condo or Townhomes |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Plan | $475 | $425 |
| Platinum Plan | $795 | $745 |
Blue Ribbon Home Warranty also offers two-year plans that cost, on average, $50–$500 more than the 14-month contracts. For example, the Gold Plan costs $715 for a 2-year contract for condos or townhomes, and the Platinum Plan costs $1,325 for 2-year coverage for single-family homes. Customers can choose to pay in a lump sum or opt for monthly installments. Depending on the plan, paying in full could save you $20–$100 on the total cost of the plan.
Blue Ribbon will waive your fourth year premium if you don’t request any service for three consecutive years. For example, if your appliances are new and have a lower risk of breakdown, you might be able to take advantage of this offer, considering that you stick with Blue Ribbon Home Warranty for more than three years without filing a claim.
Blue Ribbon Home Warranty Service Fees
Blue Ribbon Home Warranty’s service fee is $55 per call. This amount is significantly lower than the $75–$125 industry standard.
Blue Ribbon Home Warranty Coverage Limits
As with most other home warranties, Blue Ribbon has coverage caps on several items. Coverage limits indicate the maximum amount the company will pay for the repair or replacement of an item. This cap is reset every time your contract renews.
| Home System or Appliance | Coverage Limit (per item) |
|---|---|
| Gas, electrical and hot water heating system, heat pump, dual pack, AC, evaporative cooler, hot tub and/or pool | $1,600 |
| Water heater | $800 |
| Refrigerator | $750 |
| Icemaker | $250 |
| Sub-zero refrigerator | $1,500 |
| Kitchen or laundry appliance | $600 |
| Double Oven | $1,500 |
| Gas fireplace | $1,000 |
| Whirlpool tub | $800 |
| Well pump | $1,200 |
| Roof leaks | $350 |
| Lead or galvanized piping | $250 |
| Drain cleaning | $120 |
How Do You File a Claim With Blue Ribbon Home Warranty?
If your covered system or appliance malfunctions, you can file a claim online or by calling 303-986-3900.
Blue Ribbon’s claim center is open 24/7. You must put in a service request within three days of discovering the problem. Once the request is approved, Blue Ribbon will dispatch a pre-approved technician who will contact you within 24 hours (except on weekends and holidays) to schedule an appointment. If Blue Ribbon Home Warranty doesn’t have any technicians available in your area, the company will allow you to select your own.
Non-emergency repair requests should be made during normal business hours. If you request a non-emergency repair outside of business hours, you may have to pay additional overtime fees to the technician.
Once the repair is addressed, you will be reimbursed for the authorized repairs within 30 days of submitting an invoice. The repairs or replacements are under warranty for 30 days. If the item malfunctions again for another reason after this time, you’ll have to pay a service fee again.
Blue Ribbon Home Warranty Customer Reviews
Blue Ribbon Home Warranty is accredited by the BBB and holds an A+ rating. Other notable home warranty companies like American Home Shield and First American Home Warranty have B ratings from the BBB.
- Positive reviews praise the company for its friendly service, prompt attention to claims, and hassle-free reimbursements, while others warn of deceptive contracts and numerous excuses to avoid covering appliance repairs.
While most reviews are positive, even the most reputable providers have negative reviews. Here are a few BBB reviews from current customers:
“I’ve had a contract as a condo owner with Blue Ribbon Home Warranty for six years now (I renew it every year). Why? Because they have never failed to take care of problems I’ve encountered with various items in my condo (plumbing, garage door opener, HVAC, washer/dryer issues, et al.), with a friendly voice at the other end of the phone line, prompt attention to my claims, and prompt payment when reimbursement was in order. I highly recommend this warranty service for homeowners and buyers! They have had to reimburse me for a number of items that went kaput, including a dishwasher (partial reimbursement since I made the choice to purchase a high-end model) and a garage door opener… This month, they reimbursed me—in full—for the repair of my air conditioning unit when we had to find an out-of-their-network repair person since all their contracted HVAC companies were booked solid for weeks. No fuss, no muss, and they walked me through the whole process with cheerfulness and patience.” — Teresa V. via the BBB on June 24, 2017
“Beware of their endless excuses of why they will not cover your appliances. Reading the small print on the contract will not do you any good (it’s deceiving). It’s almost worth fighting in court. However, I chose the route NOT to renew with Blue Ribbon Home Warranty. The 2 friends that I had join Blue Ribbon will now not renew with them either. I will never recommend Blue Ribbon again. I have been in the real estate realm for 30 years; Blue Ribbon will no longer have my support or reference.”— G.R. via the BBB on Jan. 8, 2018
How Does Blue Ribbon Compare to the Competition?
Still not sure if Blue Ribbon is right for you? Compare Blue Ribbon Home Warranty to two of the top-ranked home warranty companies in the industry.
| Provider | Blue Ribbon Home Warranty | American Home Shield | Choice Home Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan options | 3 with optional add-ons | 3 with optional add-ons | 2 with optional add-ons |
| Monthly premiums | $23–$56 | $40–$58 | $36–$44 |
| Service call fee | $55 | $100–$125 | $100 |
| Unique benefits | Offers 14-month contracts instead of standard 12-month terms | Covers preexisting conditions, which is typically excluded from most plans | Provides affordable home warranty plans with basic coverage for essential home items |
Is Blue Ribbon Worth the Cost?
Yes, Blue Ribbon Home Warranty can provide a worthwhile option for Colorado homeowners, offering low service fees and affordable monthly premiums. It also allows homeowners to customize their coverage, even with basic plans. This makes it an appealing choice for those looking for budget-friendly protection with some level of personalization.
However, the cost of add-ons can quickly raise monthly premiums, and customer reviews from the BBB indicate concerns about claim denials and lack of accountability. Additionally, Blue Ribbon does not cover certain expenses, such as haul-away fees for repairs. Perhaps the company’s biggest limitation is that it only services homes in Colorado, making it unsuitable for those seeking nationwide coverage.
Our Preferred Provider: American Home Shield
We recommend American Home Shield as the best home warranty provider in Colorado because of its comprehensive coverage and generous limits.
The company offers coverage limits of up to $4,000 for home appliances and up to $5,000 for major systems such as your HVAC and water heaters. Plus, the company doesn’t cap electrical and plumbing coverage. American Home Shield is one of the few companies we’ve reviewed that covers preexisting conditions, which describes issues or damage that existed before coverage begins. This makes it a good fit for owners of homes with older systems and appliances.
American Home Shield also offers flexible service fees ranging from $100–$125. This allows you to customize your pricing based on your coverage needs, which is useful if you’re looking for affordability. Opting for a higher service fee will lower your monthly premium and vice versa.
FAQs About Blue Ribbon
Why are home warranties important?
Home warranties cover costs associated with the repair and replacement of commonly used home systems and appliances. For example, if your air conditioner suddenly stops working in the middle of a blistering hot summer month, a fix is as easy as giving your warranty company a call.
Is Blue Ribbon Home Warranty BBB accredited?
Yes, the company has been accredited by the BBB since 1988.
Are Blue Ribbon Home Warranty policies transferable?
Yes, policies are transferable and can be extended to new homeowners with an additional fee.
Are Blue Ribbon Home Warranties renewable?
Yes, your contract will be automatically renewed unless you cancel. Cancellation is allowed with a 10-day written notice before your contract ends. You will be eligible to receive a refund of your contract fee depending on the length of time left in your coverage. Administrative fees (10% of the contract price) will not be refunded.
How long does Blue Ribbon provide coverage for?
While most companies offer 12-month warranties, Blue Ribbon Home Warranty provides coverage for 14 months—two of which are completely free.
Can I hire my own service technician with Blue Ribbon?
If you file a claim with Blue Ribbon Home Warranty but hire your own service technician without the company’s consent, you won’t be refunded the fee or be reimbursed for repair or replacement costs.
Our Rating Methodology
Our home warranty ratings and recommendations are backed by a detailed methodology designed for objective scoring. We conduct in-depth research by consulting company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys. We also tested 11 leading home warranty providers by purchasing plans and submitting claims to evaluate their service firsthand.
Each provider is assessed against six key rating factors, with points assigned based on their importance to homeowners, totaling 100 points. These scores are then converted into a 5-star rating system.
Here’s a breakdown of our weighted factors:
- Coverage: Our team rated providers based on how many items they covered, whether they included unique appliances and systems, and their payout limits. Companies with long waiting periods or depreciation-based reductions lost points.
- Cost: We examined affordability, awarding more points to companies with competitive rates, reasonable service fees, and no extra charges.
- Trustworthiness: We examined BBB and Trustpilot reviews, company responses to complaints, and NHSCA membership. High ratings and strong workmanship guarantees boosted scores, while legal issues resulted in penalties.
- Plan transparency: We reviewed contract language and website disclosures, rewarding providers with clear and detailed terms.
- Customer support: Providers with multiple ways to file claims, prompt responses, and accessible support teams performed best.
- Flexibility: Providers offering more plan choices, extensive add-ons, technician selection, and customer-friendly cancellation terms scored higher.
