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Cinch Home Services Review (With 2025 Testing Insights)

Updated 02/05/2025

With nearly 50 years in the industry, Cinch Home Services has built a reputation in the home warranty space. Offering plans starting under $60 per month, Cinch is an affordable choice for homeowners seeking coverage without breaking the bank. Cinch also offers three specialized plans, allowing you to select the best fit for your needs—whether appliance-only, system-only, or comprehensive coverage.

Cinch stands out for covering rust and corrosion damage, which many competitors exclude, and for its rare coverage of unknown preexisting conditions—ideal for homeowners with older systems. Additionally, Cinch guarantees repairs for 180 days, offering more coverage than many top home warranty companies, providing added security for long-term protection.

Best Additional Perks
Cinch Home Services
4.3 Overall Score
#7 out of 15 reviewed companies
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First 2 months free on all plans
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Our Take on Cinch Home Services

Cinch is a solid choice for homeowners seeking affordable home warranty coverage with unique benefits. The company’s monthly pricing, ranging from $30–$56, is among the lowest our team has seen across the industry. Cinch also offers specialized appliance-only and system-only plans and a comprehensive plan that covers both types of items. This flexibility allows homeowners to choose a plan that best fits their needs, whether they want coverage for specific appliances or systems or prefer a more comprehensive option.

A major perk of Cinch’s coverage is its inclusion of rust and corrosion damage, which many other providers exclude. Additionally, Cinch covers unknown preexisting conditions, another rare benefit that makes the company a strong choice for homeowners with older or damaged systems and appliances. Furthermore, plans come with a 180-day workmanship guarantee, six times longer than the industry standard of 30 days.

However, Cinch’s individual coverage caps meet or fall below the industry average of $2,300, meaning expensive repairs could result in out-of-pocket costs. Plans also include a $10,000 aggregate coverage cap, meaning Cinch covers up to $10,000 for all items combined per year. This may leave homeowners paying out-of-pocket if repairs exceed that amount. The company only offers six add-ons, limiting customization options, and lacks some common coverage, such as roof leak protection.

In customer reviews, some homeowners appreciate Cinch’s affordable pricing and unique coverage options, particularly the inclusion of rust and corrosion damage and coverage for unknown preexisting conditions. However, other customers have expressed frustration with slow claim approval and poor communication, which can lead to delays and a more complicated process.


Cinch Home Services Coverage

Cinch Home Services offers three plans focusing on appliances, systems, or a combination of both for comprehensive home warranty coverage. These customizable options let you select exactly what you need, helping you avoid paying for unnecessary coverage. According to our 2025 survey of 2,000 home warranty users nationwide, 58% of respondents identified coverage options as the most important factor when shopping for a home warranty.

Core Plans

Here’s a closer look at the coverage options offered by Cinch Home Services.

Appliance Plan

The Appliance Plan covers 12 key home appliances, including washers and dryers, dishwashers, ranges, refrigerators, and ovens, with a coverage cap of $2,000 per item—slightly below the industry average of $2,300.

The plan also includes an aggregate coverage cap of $10,000, meaning Cinch will pay up to $10,000 for all covered items per contract year. While this type of coverage cap isn’t common in the home warranty industry, it can lead to out-of-pocket expenses for homeowners once the overall limit is reached.

Built-in System Plan

If you just need to protect your essential systems, consider the Built-in Systems Plan. This plan covers 16 systems and related components, including your heating, cooling, plumbing, and ductwork, with individual coverage caps ranging from $500–$3,000. Some of these caps fall below the industry standard. For example, Cinch offers $1,500 in HVAC coverage, while most companies extend $2,000 or more. Like the Appliance Plan, the Built-in Systems plan also includes a $10,000 aggregate coverage cap.

Complete Home Plan

Cinch’s Complete Home Plan covers all items in the Appliances and Built-in Systems plans for a mix of 26 systems and appliances. Coverage and claims caps remain the same as described above. This plan also includes a reimbursement of up to $500 towards your homeowners insurance deductible. This reimbursement is a rare feature, offering value by helping reduce out-of-pocket costs in the event of a covered claim.

Additional Plan Inclusions

Plans include a 180-day workmanship guarantee, which is six times longer than the industry standard of 30 days. This extended guarantee offers peace of mind by covering any repairs and services provided. Cinch also covers mechanical failures caused by rust, corrosion, or sediment—issues often excluded by other providers.

Additionally, Cinch covers unknown pre-existing conditions that you can’t detect through a visual inspection or simple mechanical test. In some cases, however, Cinch may request additional documentation during a claim review. This makes Cinch a good option for homeowners with older systems or appliances, offering comprehensive protection for issues that are difficult to predict or identify.

Cinch Home Service Plan Comparison

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the coverage included in each Cinch Home Services plan.

CoverageAppliance PlanBuilt-in System PlanComplete Home Plan
Microwaves (built-in)X
Clothes washersX
Clothes dryersX
CooktopsX
DishwashersX
Food centers (built-in)X
Freestanding ice makerX
RangesX
Range exhaust hoodsX
Refrigerators​​X
Trash compactors (built-in)X
Wall ovensX
Air conditioner and ductworkX
Attic fansX
Ceiling fansX
Central vacuumsX
DoorbellsX
Electrical systemX
Garage door openersX
Garbage disposalsX
Heating systems and ductworkX
Instant hot and cold water dispensers​​X
Jetted tub (built-in)​​X
Plumbing systemX
Smoke detectors​​X
Sump pumps​​X
Toilets​​X
Water heaters​​X
Homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement ($500)XX

Add-Ons

Cinch offers six add-ons to extend your coverage, which is fewer than many other companies that typically feature between 8–12 options. Additionally, Cinch’s add-on selection is limited in that it does not include common options such as roof leak coverage, high-end appliance protection, or coverage for secondary appliances. Coverage caps for add-ons range from $500–$1,500, depending on the item.

Cinch also provides a Premier Upgrade Package, which offers up to $2,000 per year (divided into two claims of up to $1,000 each) for expenses not typically covered under a home protection plan. These expenses may include permits, code upgrades, removal, and disposal costs.

Cinch Add-On Coverage and Coverage Caps

We’ve outlined Cinch’s add-on items and coverage limits below.

Add-OnCoverage Cap
Septic tank and pumping$500 (up to $1,000 for tank replacement)
Pool (heater included)$1,500
Spa (heater included)$1,500
Pool with spa (heater included)$1,500
Well pump$1,500
Premier upgrade package$2,000

The Fine Print

Similar to other home warranty companies, Cinch has exclusions in its coverage. However, while most home warranties provide an online sample contract for only one plan, Cinch offers versions for each of its policies. We largely found similarities across all three contracts, with the main differences in specific coverage details.

Cinch does not cover mobile homes, multi-family dwellings, or commercial properties. It also excludes routine maintenance such as cleaning or replacing filters, items already covered by other insurance or warranties, and damages from misuse or neglect. The company also excludes structural issues, natural disasters such as fires and floods, electrical power issues, and manufacturing defects. Additionally, Cinch does not cover mechanical failures related to mold, mildew, water pressure, or inadequate wiring.

We also found some additional policies that homeowners should note, which we’ve highlighted below.

Additional Costs With Repairs and Replacement

Cinch does not cover costs for removing defective items or handling refrigerants during repairs. These exclusions may result in unexpected out-of-pocket expenses for tasks often required as part of HVAC or appliance repairs. You must add the Premier Upgrade Package to cover these services.

A portion of a Cinch Home Services sample contract.
Source: Cinch Home Services sample contract

Out-of-Network Service Professionals

Cinch prioritizes using in-network professionals for claims but may authorize out-of-network providers at its discretion. If your chosen provider is approved, they must promptly submit a diagnosis and a detailed estimate, including all costs, for Cinch’s review and coverage determination before starting any work. Failure to follow this process may result in a denied claim.

A portion of a Cinch Home Services sample contract.
Source: Cinch Home Services sample contract

Surcharges for Parts and Labor

Homeowners should note that they may face additional costs for surcharges related to repairs or replacements, making it important to understand these potential fees before work begins. The company states that it depends on local in-network professionals, parts availability, and inventory for repairs and replacements. Cinch may add additional surcharges for parts, delivery, or labor and will inform homeowners of these charges before they are incurred.

A portion of a Cinch Home Services sample contract.
Source: Cinch Home Services sample contract

Cinch Home Services Cost

Cinch Home Services pricing depends on your location, chosen plan, and any add-ons you select. Below, we’ll break down Cinch’s plans and add-on costs.

Plan Cost

We gathered three sample quotes for each of Cinch’s plans using a 2,096-square-foot home in Phoenix, Arizona. Pricing ranged from $31–$57 per month, or $372–$684 annually, which is lower than the national average home warranty cost of $55 per month, or $660 annually.

However, Cinch charges higher service call fees, ranging from $100–$150, compared to the typical industry range of $75–$125. Cinch allows you to choose your service fee at signup, which impacts your monthly premium—the lower the service fee, the higher the monthly cost, and vice versa. So, if you prefer paying more upfront for a lower monthly premium, you can adjust your service fee accordingly.

Cinch Home Services Plan Cost

Below is an overview of Cinch’s plan costs for each plan and service call fee:

PlanMonthly Cost with a $100 Service Call FeeMonthly Cost with a $125 Service Call FeeMonthly Cost with a $150 Service Call Fee
Appliance Plan$41$39 $31
Built-in System Plan$48$44 $36
Complete Home Plan$57$53 $44 

Note: We based pricing information on a sample quote for a 2,096-square-foot, single-family home in Phoenix, Arizona.

Add-On Costs

Like many home warranty companies, Cinch charges a flat rate for add-ons, regardless of your chosen plan. Add-ons range from $5–$22 per month, depending on your choices. This is slightly above the industry average, typically from $5–$15 per add-on.

Cinch Add-On Fees

Here’s a breakdown of Cinch’s add-on fees:

Add-On CoverageMonthly Cost
Septic tank and pumping$5
Premier upgrade package$13
Well pump$13
Pool (heater included) $22
Spa (heater included) $22
Pool with spa (heater included) $22

Discounts

At the time of writing, Cinch was not offering any general discounts on its plans, but you can check with a customer service representative about potential promotions. The company offers two months of free coverage to Sam’s Club members. New customers also receive a $25 credit toward an air conditioning filter when they sign up.


Comparing Cinch Home Services to Other Top Providers

Cinch Home Services offers competitive pricing compared to other top providers we’ve reviewed. While the company charges slightly higher service fees than some competitors, Cinch’s monthly premiums are among the lowest by comparison. Our team gave Cinch a 4.3 out of 5 star rating based on our methodology, slightly below some other reviewed providers. However, the company’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating is slightly higher than other leading providers.

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Company Our Rating (Out of 5) Monthly Plan Cost Service Fee BBB Rating*
Cinch Home ServicesGet Quote
4.3/5
$51–$68
$100–$150
B+
American Home ShieldGet Quote
4.8/5
$36–$100
$100–$125
B
Choice Home WarrantyGet Quote
4.7/5
$60–$68
$100
B
Elite Home WarrantyGet Quote
4.6/5
$45–$60
$70 ($150 for after hours and weekends)
B
First American Home WarrantyGet Quote
4.6/5
$77–$130
$100–$125
B

*BBB ratings are accurate as of February 2025.


Customer Reviews: Reddit, Trustpilot, and More

To better understand what it’s like to have a home warranty with Cinch Home Services, we read over 100 customer reviews from various third-party sources, including the BBB, Reddit, and Trustpilot.

Overall, Cinch has mixed customer reviews. Satisfied customers praised its courteous customer representatives, easy signup process, and quick responses to service requests, often within 24 hours. Customers also appreciated the company’s user-friendly claims portal.

However, the most frequent complaint was the slow claims approval process. While Cinch is seemingly quick to send a technician, many customers reported it took several days to over a week for claims approval. Some customers felt the technicians didn’t meet their expectations, requiring multiple visits to resolve issues.

Here are two online reviews we’ve selected for Cinch Home Services:

“I purchased this home service warranty through my mortgage company. It is affordable [and] it covers my appliances as well as the systems attached to my home. In addition, it allows me to claim some deductible money for my insurance coverage in case of home damages. It comes with all that for a minimal price.” —Julie W. via Trustpilot on Jan. 1, 2025

“This company has [cost] me $13,000! They didn’t fix my HVAC [and are] refusing to replace it as needed. That situation [has gone] on since October 2024—three months! I had to replace it out of pocket. My water heater has been out for four days and they are not responding properly, meaning they have yet to send the part needed for the repair. The ‘escalation manager,’ hung the phone up when I pressed him for more information on when my water heater would be replaced.” —Chriss via Trustpilot on Jan. 16, 2025


Our Experience With Cinch Home Services

Our team tested the Cinch Home Service signup and claims process to better understand the customer experience firsthand. Below is an overview of our tester’s experiences.

Signing Up

You can sign up for Cinch Home Services coverage by calling customer service at (888) 915-6549 or using the company’s website. Our tester used Cinch’s online portal to get a free quote and buy a home warranty plan.

1. Enter Home Details

To start the process, enter your ZIP code and email address online. Cinch doesn’t require a full address to get an online quote, based on our experience.

A screenshot of the Cinch Home Services online quote tool.
Source: Cinch Home Services online quote tool

2. Choose Your Plan

Next, you can compare and choose a plan. Use the dropdown menu to review available plans and sample terms for each option. You can also toggle between service call fee options and see real-time updates to your plan costs.

A screenshot of the Cinch Home Services online quote tool.
Source: Cinch Home Services online quote tool

3. Select Add-On Coverage

You can customize your coverage with available add-on options and make changes to the plan, service call fee, or property during this step. If you’re not ready to decide, Cinch makes it easy to save your quote for later.

A screenshot of the Cinch Home Services online quote tool.
Source: Cinch Home Services online quote tool

4. Complete Your Order

Finally, complete your order by entering your or the contract holder’s full name, address, and email. You can choose between annual or monthly billing, but Cinch doesn’t offer extra benefits such as free months with either option. You can pay using a credit card or bank account.

After purchasing a plan, you should receive confirmation of your contract and details of the 30-day waiting period. You can sign up for the online portal for easy account management. You should also receive a $25 air filter credit 14 days after signing up.

A screenshot of the Cinch Home Services online quote tool.
Source: Cinch Home Services online quote tool

Filing Claims

You can file a claim anytime through Cinch Home Service’s 24/7 claims hotline at (844) 324-5688 or via its online portal. Below, our tester details their experience with filing a claim online.

Our Cinch Home Services tester filed a claim online for a broken dishwasher that wasn’t cleaning properly. The process took just a few minutes, required no documentation, and communication was primarily through text, with no phone calls. Cinch assigned a contractor, who arrived within a few days.

However, the contractor faced some challenges. As English was her second language, she relied on a translator app, which made communication difficult at times, especially when she needed the tester’s attention. Additionally, she couldn’t complete the repair on the first visit because she needed to order a part, which took a week to arrive. Once the part was available, she returned and completed the repair.

Ultimately, our tester paid only the $100 service call fee. While the process took about a week and a half due to the delay and communication hurdles, he felt it still met his expectations.


Is Cinch Home Services Worth It?

Buying a home warranty from Cinch Home Services is worth it if you’re looking for affordable coverage for your home appliances and systems. Cinch is a solid option for homeowners, especially those on a budget or dealing with older items or rust, as it covers issues many providers don’t. The company’s affordable monthly premiums make it an attractive choice, though some customers have reported service delays and claim denials. After reviewing its service contracts, we found that Cinch clearly outlines coverage exclusions, so claim denials may result from fine print misunderstandings. For this reason, we recommend that homeowners read through their plan’s service contract and ask the company any questions they may have before filing a claim.


FAQs About Cinch Home Services

How does Cinch Home Services work?

Cinch Home Services is a home warranty company that provides coverage for certain repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear. This service helps protect against unexpected costs for maintaining home systems and appliances over time. In exchange for service, homeowners pay a monthly fee based on their selected plan, and when a covered repair is needed, will owe a service fee for each claim.

How much does Cinch Home Warranty cost?

Cinch Home Warranty plans typically cost between $30–$56 per month, depending on the coverage selected. Service fees for each claim range from $100–$150, allowing homeowners to choose a lower or higher fee based on their preferred monthly premium.

What does a Cinch Home Services warranty cover?

Cinch covers major systems such as your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, as well as appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens. The company also offers optional add-ons such as pools, spas, and septic systems.

What is the difference between homeowners insurance and a home warranty?

Homeowners insurance covers damage to your home and belongings caused by events such as fires, storms, or theft. In contrast, a home warranty covers repairing or replacing home systems and appliances that break from normal wear and tear.


How We Evaluated Home Warranty Providers

Our research includes requesting sample quotes, reviewing contracts and coverage details, and analyzing company policies. We also read customer reviews on sites like the BBB and Trustpilot, tested home warranty websites, and contacted customer support teams. To gain firsthand experience, we tested online quote tools and signed up for service with 11 top providers.

Based on that research, we evaluated each company across six factors using our detailed rating methodology and assigned a final 5-star score.

  • Coverage: We evaluate how comprehensive each provider’s coverage is, including whether they cover unique items. Providers with broader coverage and higher annual limits earned the most points, while those with long waiting periods or depreciation policies that reduce payouts for aging items were docked points.
  • Cost: For this category, we looked at the average monthly prices and service call fees. Companies that offered pricing at or below the industry average without additional surcharges or fees scored higher.
  • Trustworthiness: To assess reputation, we reviewed customer ratings from sources like the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot, as well as companies’ responses to complaints. Providers with the highest ratings, longest workmanship guarantees, and no active lawsuits scored better.
  • Plan Transparency: We reviewed the clarity of terms, policies, and disclosures in each company’s contract and website. Providers that offered transparent and easy-to-understand contract details received higher ratings.
  • Customer Support: This category measured the ease of filing claims, response times, and availability of support. Companies with multiple claims filing options and responsive, accessible customer support were rated higher.
  • Flexibility: This factor considered the variety of plan options, available add-ons, the ability to choose your technician, and customer-friendly cancellation policies. Providers offering more flexible options earned higher scores.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.

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