We selected American Home Shield as the best home warranty company in Iowa due to its comprehensive coverage and higher plan limits. Choice Home Warranty stands out for its mid-level coverage and affordable comprehensive plans, which are almost $60 cheaper than its competitors.
Facing a broken HVAC system in Iowa’s humid summers or freezing winters can quickly become stressful and costly. A home warranty helps reduce unexpected repair expenses while ensuring you have access to trusted repair technicians, making breakdowns easier to manage. After reviewing 13 top home warranty providers, we identified the best options for Iowa homeowners. Keep reading to explore the best options for protecting your Iowa home.
Key Takeaways
- We selected American Home Shield as Iowa’s top home warranty provider, matching our 2025 survey, in which 39% of Iowa residents also chose the company for home coverage.
- The average home warranty in Iowa costs $539–$957 annually, or $46-$86 per month.
- Our survey also revealed that nearly 62% of Iowa homeowners prioritized coverage for their heating or furnace systems, making it the most protected home system in the state.
Top Home Warranty Companies in Iowa
We reviewed dozens of nationwide home warranty providers and selected the following companies as Iowa’s top home warranty companies.
- American Home Shield: Best for Comprehensive Coverage
- Choice Home Warranty: Best Basic Plan Coverage
- Elite Home Warranty: Best for Customized Coverage
- First American Home Warranty: Best for High-End Items
- AFC Home Warranty: Best Technician Flexibility
Compare Home Warranty Companies in Iowa
We ranked home warranty companies based on more than 30 factors, such as pricing, Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings and response times, and service fees. The table below shows how our top picks compare across some of these key factors.
| Company | Logo | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Monthly Cost | Service Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
American Home ShieldGet Quote |  | B | $36–$100 | $100–$125 | |
Choice Home WarrantyGet Quote |  | B | $60–$68 | $100 | |
Elite Home WarrantyGet Quote |  | B | $45–$60 | $70 ($150 for after hours and weekends) | |
First American Home WarrantyGet Quote |  | B | $77–$130 | $100–$125 | |
AFC Home WarrantyGet Quote |  | B | $44–$82 | $75–$125 |
Note: We based pricing information on average costs obtained from sample quotes pulled in all 50 U.S. states for single-family homes over and under 5,000 square feet. Your pricing may vary depending on your home’s location, size, type, and plan selections.
BBB ratings are accurate as of March 2025.
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in Iowa?
The average Iowa home warranty costs $46–$86 per month, or roughly $539–$957 per year. This pricing falls within the national range, typically $47–$82 per month or $564–$984 per year.
Several factors influence home warranty costs, with plan pricing and service call fees being the primary contributors. Plan costs are generally based on the extent of your coverage, with more comprehensive plans typically costing more. Some providers also offer flexible service call fees, ranging from $75–$125, allowing for customizable pricing. Other factors impacting costs include home size, location, and the age of your systems and appliances. We recommend obtaining quotes from at least three providers to compare coverage and pricing before buying a plan in Iowa.
Is a Home Warranty Worth It in Iowa?
A home warranty is often worth it in Iowa, as these plans provide financial assistance when major systems and appliances break down due to regular wear and tear. For example, HVAC systems are integral in most Iowan homes due to varying seasonal conditions. Over time, regular use can cause your HVAC system to break down. According to an InterNACHI report, the average life expectancy of an HVAC system ranges from 7–25 years. If your heating or cooling system is within that age range, it’s likely to experience a breakdown sooner rather than later.
A home warranty can provide financial protection for an unexpected HVAC malfunction. While it won’t cover all HVAC breakdowns, a home warranty can cover the components necessary for the system to function.
We’ve listed some of the most common breakdowns Iowans may face to help you better understand how a home warranty can protect your home.
Air Conditioning
About 97% of Iowa residents rely on air conditioning equipment to keep their homes cool, according to a report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. However, an unexpected system breakdown can leave you scrambling for a last-minute repair. A broken AC can make your home unbearable, but a malfunctioning unit could drive up energy costs. Minor air conditioning repairs range between $100–$650. If you need a full replacement, expect to pay $2,500–$15,000 for a new air conditioner.
Gas Furnace
Natural gas furnaces provide a more cost-effective and energy-efficient way to heat your home. Iowa temperatures can reach as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, making a reliable heating system necessary. Most furnaces last up to 30 years, but after the 15-year mark, you might experience more failures. A failing gas furnace leaves your home in the cold and potentially leaks toxic fumes into the air. Repair costs could range from $30–$150 for simple fixes to $13,000 for a furnace replacement.
Plumbing Leaks
Plumbing leaks often begin as a minor inconvenience, but they can cause major damage if left untreated. Leaking water could pool under the leak and eventually seep into surrounding walls, cabinets, and flooring. These wet surfaces eventually grow mold and mildew that could cause significant health issues for you and your family. You could pay for plumbing repairs and additional replacement costs for damaged walls and cabinets. Simple leak repairs could cost $150–$450. However, severe damage could require higher plumbing costs, ranging from $200–$5,000.
Roof Leaks
Your roof undergoes a lot of strain when packed with thick layers of snow or exposed to high temperatures. Over time, it gradually wears down and can become plagued with leaks. Like plumbing leaks, untreated roof leaks cause major structural damage and health hazards. If you don’t have a home warranty, you can face a typical range of roof repair costs between $150–$2,000 for minor damage. Partial or complete roof replacement will cost significantly more, upwards of $3,800–$10,000.
Sump Pumps
Sump pumps help keep your basements or crawl spaces protected from excessive flooding and water damage. However, if you notice your sump pump starts to make strange noises or won’t turn on, it’s a sure sign it’s beginning to fail. Broken sump pumps fail to remove excess water, leading to basement flooding, mold and mildew growth, and major property damage. You could spend $350–$1,000 on minor sump pump repairs. Costs could soar as high as $4,000 or more for a new sump pump installation.
What Does an Iowa Home Warranty Cover?
An Iowa home warranty protects essential home appliances and systems from wear and tear over time. These plans provide repairs or replacements for covered items. Matching your coverage to your needs is key to maximizing the benefits of your home warranty plan. According to our 2025 survey involving 2,000 home warranty customers, 46% of Iowa homeowners cited plan coverage as the most crucial factor in their decision-making process
We’ve created the below guide on typical coverage, exclusions, and add-on options to help you find the right coverage for your home.
Common Inclusions
Most home warranties coverage includes major appliances and systems found in a home. Common items include the following:
- Air conditioning
- Built-in microwaves
- Clothes dryers
- Cooktops/ovens/ranges/stoves
- Dishwashers
- Ductwork
- Electrical systems
- Garbage disposals
- Garage door openers
- Heating systems
- Plumbing systems
- Refrigerators
- Washing machines
- Water heaters
Common Exclusions
Home warranty plans are designed to provide peace of mind, but it’s essential to understand the common exclusions that may apply. Coverage can vary between providers, but the following items and conditions are typically excluded from coverage:
- Cosmetic issues
- Preexisting conditions
- Issued caused by improper installation
- Problems due to poor maintenance
- Physical damage
An additional exclusion includes any issues that arise after signing up for a coverage plan. Most home warranties don’t offer immediate protection. Ryan Hawker, co-founder of H3 Homebuyers, says, “Your coverage begins typically after 30 days of signing a contract.” This means you don’t have home warranty coverage during that time. If an item breaks down, you typically can’t file a claim for coverage.
Common Add-ons
Iowa home warranty providers also provide add-on coverage options for additional monthly costs. These can include the following:
- Annual HVAC maintenance
- Electronics protection
- Guest homes
- Jetted tubs
- Lawn sprinklers
- Pest control services
- Plumbing fixtures
- Pool and spa equipment
- Pro-series and high-end appliances
- Rekey services
- Roof leaks
- Secondary appliances
- Secondary HVAC systems
- Septic tanks
- Septic tank pumping
- Sump pumps
- Well pumps
Our Home Warranty Research Process
Our Home Warranty Experts
We consulted the following experts to learn more about the home warranty industry, common customer pain points, and the customer experience:
- Ryan Hawker, who is the co-founder of H3 Homebuyers, a home-selling company.
- Patrick Grayson, who owns the construction company Stolco Designs and partners with Paramount Property Buyers, a real estate business.
Iowa Home Warranty Reviews
We’ve provided detailed reviews of our top Iowa home warranty providers below.
American Home Shield
We recommend American Home Shield (AHS) for Iowa residents who need comprehensive coverage for their older homes. It’s one of the few companies that offers coverage for preexisting conditions and damaged items.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Includes roof-leak protection with its highest plan
- Offers some of the highest coverage caps in this review
- Provides two flexible service fee options
Cons
- Doesn’t provide an appliance-only plan option
- Offers one of the smallest add-on catalogs
Plans and Pricing
American Home Shield offers three plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. We reviewed the American Home Shield sample contract to ensure the company offered the right coverage options for Iowa homes. We learned the company provides a $5,000 cooling, heating, and plumbing cap. You receive unlimited coverage for electrical and ductwork. Appliances receive a $2,000 limit for the ShieldSilver and ShieldGold plans. This coverage doubles to $4,000 on the ShieldPlatinum plan. This plan also includes roof-leak protection with its standard plan, which is rare. You can add roof-leak protection to the ShieldSilver or ShieldGold. American Home Shield offers a standard 30-day workmanship guarantee.
Here’s a look at American Home Shield’s plans:
- ShieldSilver ($25 per month): The lowest-tier plan offers system-only coverage, including cooling, heating, and plumbing.
- ShieldGold ($35 per month): This plan offers comprehensive coverage for systems and appliances, such as cooktops, dishwashers, and refrigerators.
- ShieldPlatinum ($100 per month): The highest-tier plan offers ShieldGold coverage plus additional benefits, including roof-leak coverage, one free HVAC tune-up, and unlimited AC refrigerant.
American Home Shield offers two flexible service call fee options: $100 or $125. Choosing a higher service call fee lowered the premiums in our sample quote. Unlike other home warranty providers, AHS offers only monthly premium plans, not annual ones. Our sample quote included a bonus of $250 if we choose the ShieldGold or ShieldSilver plans.
American Home Shield offers a limited catalog of only six add-on options. Our other reviewed companies offer an average of 10 or more. Pricing ranged from $5–$24 per item. Roof-leak coverage adds $10 per month to the ShieldSilver and ShieldGold plans.
Other add-on options include the following:
- Electronics protection plan
- Septic pump
- Well pump
Our Experience With American Home Shield
Our American Home Shield tester submitted a claim for a leaky bathroom pipe. He submitted an online claim for and received immediate email and text confirmations upon submission. A service technician reached out within an hour to schedule a next-day appointment. Repairs took two hours to complete, and he only paid the service call fee.
We read through online reviews for American Home Shield and learned that customers appreciate the simple claims process and quick response time. Some reviewers called the company out for its disappointing payouts and underskilled service technicians.
We recommend Choice Home Warranty for Iowa homeowners who need comprehensive home coverage at an affordable rate. The company offers two combination plans priced under $70 per month, which is up to $60 cheaper than some competitors, including American Home Shield and First American Home Warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Covers most items with a $3,000 limit
- Offers comprehensive coverage for less than $70 per month
- Provides a 60-day guarantee on labor and 90 days on parts
Cons
- Excludes air conditioning and several appliances from its lowest-tier plan
- No systems-only or appliance-only plans available
Plans and Cost
Choice Home Warranty offers two plan options: the Basic Plan and the Total Plan. After reviewing a Choice Home Warranty sample contract, we found the company covers most items with a $3,000 cap, which is higher than many competitors offering coverage ranging from $2,000–$2,500. However, we noticed that the Basic Plan excludes some commonly covered items, such as air conditioning, laundry appliances, and refrigerators, which other companies typically include in base plans. You must upgrade to the Total Plan to receive coverage for these items, which comes at a higher price tag.
Here’s a look at Choice Home Warranty’s plans:
- Basic Plan: This plan offers appliance-only coverage for major appliances, such as clothes washers, ovens, and refrigerators.
- Total Plan: This combines the protection of the Appliance Guard and Systems Guard plans for a more comprehensive option.
Choice offers monthly and annual premium rates, which is common for many home warranty providers. However, it imposes a $2.50 monthly billing charge. The company charges a standard $100 service call fee for its repairs, which differs from some competition that offers flexible options.
Choice offers 10 add-on options, with pricing ranging from $3–$15, which is midrange compared to other companies. You can add roof-leak coverage for $6 per month, cheaper than many providers. Below are additional add-ons included in our quote:
- Additional spa
- Septic tank pumping
- Standalone freezer
- Sump pump
Our Experience With Choice Home Warranty
Our Choice Home Warranty tester has filed multiple claims with the company, starting some by phone and completing others online. While the process was straightforward, issue categorization in the online portal was sometimes unclear. The company provided contractors for repairs, but service quality and timing varied, with some issues resolved quickly and others requiring multiple visits. Appointment wait times ranged from one day to one month, leading our tester to feel occasionally frustrated.
We recommend Elite Home Warranty for Iowa homeowners who want more flexible standard coverage. The company provides its customers with three different coverage plans, a customized option, and 30 add-ons for additional flexibility.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Includes a 90-day workmanship guarantee
- Offers up to $4,000 limit for HVAC systems
- Provides 30 add-on options, the second highest catalog in this review
Cons
- Charges a higher service call fee for high-end appliances
- Imposes an annual aggregate limit of $15,000
Plans and Cost
Elite offers three plan options: Elite Appliances, Elite Systems, and Elite Complete. We checked Elite’s sample contract for details on coverage limits. We discovered the company includes a $15,000 aggregate annual limit for its plans. This means your total claims for the contract period cannot exceed this limit. This breaks down to a $7,000 total cap for appliances and $8,000 for systems. However, Elite includes varying caps for systems and appliances. We recommend reviewing the Elite contract to ensure you have ample coverage for your needs.
Here’s a quick overview of Elite’s plans:
- Elite Appliances ($45 per month): This offers protection for eight appliances, including dishwashers and refrigerators.
- Elite Systems ($50 per month): This system-only plan covers eight key systems, including cooling, heating, and plumbing.
- Elite Complete ($60 per month): The highest plan offers comprehensive protection, combining the Elite Appliances and Elite Systems plans.
Unlike other companies that offer flexible service fees, the company charges a standard $70 service call fee for its standard plans. In addition, Elite charges $150 for high-end appliance repairs and service calls on weekends or after hours.
Elite offers 30 add-ons, one of the largest add-on catalogs in this review. The company also imposes a $5,000 aggregate limit for add-on claims. The coverage limits for each item vary, just like the standard coverage. The company offers $1,000 for roof-leak coverage, which is midrange compared to other providers.
Here are some of Elite’s add-on options:
- Annual maintenance
- Septic system
- Sump pump
Our Experience with Elite Home Warranty
Our Elite Home Warranty tester requested a repair for his faulty high-end dishwasher. After submitting an online claim, an Elite claims specialist contacted him within 30 minutes to schedule a next-day repair appointment. When the technician arrived, he realized he needed to order a part that was out of stock. The technician returned to complete the repair a few days after the required parts arrived. The repair was completed within 30 minutes.
We learned that Elite relies on its in-network technicians for its repairs. However, you can use your own technician. Unfortunately, the company doesn’t include its 90-day workmanship guarantee for out-of-network technician repairs.
First American Home Warranty
We recommend First American Home Warranty for Iowa residents who own high-end appliances. The company provides up to $7,000 appliance coverage on its highest plan and unlimited coverage for key systems.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Covers up to $7,000 for appliances, the highest appliance limit in this review
- Offers an upgrade that includes coverage for preexisting conditions
- Provides three service call fees for better plan flexibility
Cons
- Excludes laundry appliances from its lowest plan
- Requires an add-on for air conditioning coverage on its lowest plan
Plans and Cost
First American Home Warranty offers three plan options: the Starter Plan, the Essential Plan, and the Premium Plan. We read through First American’s sample contract to verify coverage for every plan. We discovered that the company excludes several major items from its Starter Plan.
It doesn’t cover air conditioning, clothes dryers, and washing machines. There is an add-on option for air conditioning coverage for this plan. If you want laundry appliance coverage, you must select the Essential Plan or the Premium Plan. The company offers unlimited coverage for most systems, with water heaters only receiving a $1,000 cap.
Here’s a look at First American Home Warranty’s plans:
- Starter Plan ($81 per month): This plan offers coverage for some essential systems and appliances, such as electrical and refrigerators.
- Essential Plan ($101 per month): This plan includes the Starter Plan coverage, plus coverage for air conditioning, clothes washers, and water heaters.
- Premium Plan ($133 per month): This coverage plan includes the Essential Plan coverage and adds luxury appliances and window air conditioning units.
First American Home Warranty offers annual and monthly premium options for its plans. Unlike other companies, the company didn’t provide any added benefits for opting for an annual plan. The company offers two service call fees: $100, or $125. In our sample quote, the premium pricing decreased when we chose the highest service fee.
It offers 12 plan add-on options ranging from $2–$21. Roof-leak protection costs $8 per month. You’ll pay $8 per month to add central air conditioning to the Starter Plan. You can add the First American Advantage upgrade to the Essential and Premium plans at no extra charge. This add-on offers added coverage for improper maintenance, installation, or modification.
Other add-on options include the following items:
- Additional refrigeration
- HVAC tune-ups
- Water softeners
Our Experience With First American Home Warranty
Our First American Home Warranty tester submitted an online claim for a broken garage door opener. Within 30 minutes of submitting the claim, he received a confirmation text with the technician’s information. The technician contacted our team member an hour later to schedule the service appointment. The repairs were completed in less than 30 minutes, and our team member only paid the service call fee for the visit.
We recommend AFC Home Warranty for Iowa residents seeking more flexibility in their coverage. The company’s standout features include a plan-length workmanship warranty and the ability to choose your own technician, rare benefits in the home warranty industry.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Doesn’t set a cap for heating, cooling, and water heater coverage
- Includes free roof-leak coverage with each plan
- Lets customers choose their own technicians
Cons
- Includes a depreciation policy for items aged five years and older, which can lower claim payouts
- Offers below-average coverage caps for some systems
Plans and Cost
AFC Home Warranty offers four plan options: Silver Plan, Gold Plan, Platinum Plan, and Diamond Plan. After reviewing the AFC Home Warranty sample contract, we found the company sets lower coverage caps for some key systems, including plumbing. These caps fall below industry standards, providing only $500 in coverage. Appliance coverage also varies, ranging from $150–$3,000.
Here’s an overview of AFC Home Warranty’s plan options:
- Silver Plan (call for a quote): This plan offers appliance-only coverage for nine major appliances, including cooktops, kitchen refrigerators, and laundry appliances.
- Gold Plan ($44 per month): This plan includes 15 essential systems and appliances, such as air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing.
- Platinum Plan ($51 per month): This next plan tier expands coverage to 20 items, including refrigerator ice makers, faucets, and built-in microwaves.
- Diamond Plan ($82 per month): The highest plan option offers Diamond Plan protections and adds coverage for electronics, exterior sewer lines, and exterior water lines.
AFC Home Warranty offers annual and monthly premiums for its plans and contract lengths of up to three years. You can choose between a $75 or $125 service call fee. Choosing a lower service call fee will raise your monthly costs and vice versa.
AFC Home Warranty offers eight add-on options, which is average for most companies. The company lists annual pricing instead of monthly rates when getting a quote, which range from $25–$150 per year. When we pulled a sample quote, we learned that add-on pricing will convert to monthly pricing when added to your plan.
Here are some of AFC Home Warranty’s add-on options:
- In-ground pool and spa
- Standalone freezer
- Well pump
Our Experience With AFC Home Warranty
Our AFC Home Warranty tester found the online claim process quick and intuitive, taking about five minutes overall. While frequent phone calls and text updates felt overwhelming at times, she appreciated the company’s customer service and ability to find a contractor in her rural area. The first repair attempt was unsuccessful, but a second contractor quickly resolved the issue. The entire process took about a week and a half, but our tester was satisfied with the outcome and had no out-of-pocket costs for the second visit.
How To Choose a Home Warranty in Iowa
Keep the following steps in mind to find the right coverage plan when buying a home warranty in Iowa:
- Determine your coverage needs: First, consider which appliances and systems need coverage. Avoid investing in more coverage than you need. Grayson suggests confirming the type of coverage a provider offers. “When shopping for a home warranty, consider the coverage that each company offers and make sure it fits your needs,” he says. Many providers offer comprehensive and specialized plans, so choose the type that best suits your situation.
- Get multiple quotes: We recommend getting quotes from at least three providers. Compare premium costs, service call fees, coverage, and exclusions. Check for any promotion discounts and free months of service for extra savings.
- Research each provider: Gauge brand reputation by checking the BBB and third-party customer reviews. Check for any recurring complaints about poor customer support, denied claims, underskilled technicians, and low payouts.
- Read through sample contacts: Most home warranty providers offer sample contracts on their website. They should offer full details on the company’s policies and procedures. Read through each contract and check for any missing disclosures about their policies. Contact customer support to get clarification for any unclear terms and conditions.
- Verify technician availability: Check each company’s claims process and verify technician availability in your areas. Some companies have limited coverage throughout the state. If technician coverage is limited, ensure the provider will let you choose your own provider.
How Does Iowa Regulate Home Warranties?
Iowa’s Insurance Division (IID) regulates home warranties. The IID follows the legislature outlined in Iowa’s Chapter 523C insurance code to ensure home warranty companies adhere to the established regulations. For example, section 523C.5 highlights the financial requirements home warranty companies must follow to obtain a license to sell service contracts, such as maintaining a reserve fund.
If you believe your home warranty company is ignoring its contractual obligations, you can file a complaint with the IID.
Other Resources for Residents in Iowa
FAQs About Home Warranties in Iowa
Are Iowa home warranties worth it?
Yes, Iowa home warranties are worth it for most residents. Systems and appliances don’t last a lifetime and will eventually break down or fail. A home warranty in Iowa can help protect you from the high costs associated with repairing and replacing these systems and appliances and get your broken item back to working quickly.
Do home warranties in Iowa cover preexisting conditions?
No, most Iowa home warranties exclude preexisting conditions. Most home warranty providers will only cover items that have been properly installed and maintained.
Can I purchase an Iowa home warranty after closing on a house?
Yes, you can purchase an Iowa home warranty after a home closing. Home warranties can be added after closing, moving in, or settling in your new home.
How does a home warranty work in Iowa?
An Iowa home warranty protects appliances and systems that suffer wear and tear over time. If a covered item breaks down, you submit a claim with your home warranty company online or over the phone. Your company will assign a service contractor to your case and set an appointment if it approves your claim. The contractor comes to your house to diagnose the issue and offer a repair or replacement.
Our Methodology
Our team used a detailed rating methodology to score each home warranty provider we reviewed objectively. We gathered data by speaking with representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts, and conducting homeowner surveys and focus groups. We also conducted secret shopping and tested the claims and follow-up processes for 11 leading providers.
From this, we scored each company across six crucial factors, assigning points to each factor based on their relevance to homeowners. The total score, out of 100 points, was converted to a 5-star rating.
Here’s how we weighted the factors:
- Coverage: We evaluated each company’s coverage comprehensiveness, giving higher scores to those covering a wider range of items and higher limits. Companies with long waiting periods or depreciation clauses received lower scores.
- Cost: We compared monthly pricing and service call fees, focusing on companies with prices at or below the industry average and no hidden fees.
- Trustworthiness: We assessed customer reviews on sites like the BBB and Trustpilot. We also checked for National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) membership. Providers receiving the highest ratings and offering the most extended warranties were awarded higher scores, whereas any ongoing legal issues led to point deductions.
- Plan Transparency: We examined each company’s contracts and website for transparency. Companies with clear, easily understandable terms earned more points.
- Customer Support: Companies that offered multiple claims filing methods, fast responses, and accessible support received higher scores.
- Flexibility: We looked at the variety of plan options, add-on choices, the ability to select your technician, and cancellation policies, awarding more points for flexibility.
