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5 Best Home Warranty Companies in Ohio (2024)

American Home Shield tops our list of the best home warranty companies for Ohio homes. See our complete rankings based on coverage, cost, and 29 other key factors. 

Author Image Written by Dana Getz + 1 other Reviewed by Michael Mansueto Updated 10/17/2024

Ohio experiences cold winters and warm summers, so it’s essential to keep your HVAC system in good condition. A home warranty protects you in case of a system breakdown, helping to cover costs and speed up the repair process for numerous home appliances and systems.

We analyzed 13 leading home warranty companies to find the best fit for Ohio homeowners. We recommend American Home Shield for its comprehensive coverage of additional systems and appliances. If you need solid HVAC protections and extensive add-on coverage options, consider Liberty Home Guard. Read on to discover our picks for top Ohio home warranty companies and find the right plan for your needs.

Key Takeaways

  • We chose American Home Shield and Liberty Home Guard as the best home warranty options for Ohio residents.
  • The average cost of an Ohio home warranty is $53 per month or $636 annually, but it can vary depending on several factors, including your ZIP code and provider.
  • According to our 2024 home warranty survey, heating and cooling systems were the most commonly selected items for home warranty coverage among Ohio respondents.

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.

Ohio’s Top 5 Home Warranty Companies

According to our research, the highest-rated home warranty companies in Ohio include the following:


Summary of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Ohio

We conducted in-depth comparisons of the top Ohio home warranty companies. Before making our recommendations, we considered their coverage options, customer service, plan costs, service fees, and transparency. The table below highlights several comparison metrics we used:

Liberty Home Guard
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American Home Shield
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Select Home Warranty
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First American Home Warranty
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AFC Home Warranty
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Overall Score

4.4 / 5 4.8 / 5 3.7 / 5 4.6 / 5 4.6 / 5

BBB Rating

NR B B- B B

Monthly Cost

$49–$59 $49–$109 $44–$47 $47–$87 $34–$92

Service Fees

$65–$125 $100–$125 $60–$75 $75–$125 $75–$125

Customer Support Options

Email, Phone, Online Chat, Online Portal Phone, Online Portal Email, Phone, Online Portal Phone, Online Portal Phone, Online Portal

Response Time

Up to 48 hours Up to 48 hours 48-84 hours 4–48 hours 24-48 hours

Pros

  • Extensive add-on catalog
  • 60-day workmanship guarantee
  • Accessible customer support
  • High coverage caps
  • Preexisting coverage included
  • Bonus discounts on maintenance services
  • Low-cost plan options
  • High HVAC coverage
  • Free roof leak protection
  • Unlimited system coverage
  • Solid add-on catalog
  • Optional upgrade for preexisting condition coverage
  • Excellent plan flexibility
  • Technician flexibility
  • Unlimited HVAC coverage

Cons

  • Reviews mention low claim payouts
  • Low coverage caps for electrical and plumbing
  • Higher costs for comprehensive coverage
  • Smallest add-on catalog
  • Low coverage caps for other items
  • No service call fee flexibility
  • No AC coverage in the lowest plan
  • Excludes essential appliances from its lowest plan
  • Depreciation policy for older items
  • Immediate claim submission required

Summary

We recommend Liberty Home Guard for homeowners who need coverage for multiple HVAC systems and extensive add-on customizations.

We recommend American Home Shield for homeowners who need comprehensive coverage for older homes.

We recommend Select Home Warranty for homeowners who need affordable HVAC-only coverage.

We recommend First American Home Warranty for homeowners who need robust plan options for HVAC and high-end appliances. 

We recommend AFC Home Warranty for homeowners who want extensive HVAC coverage and protections for new systems.

Promotions

$200 Off + 2 Months Free + Roof Leak Protection Black Friday Savings: 50% OFF Select Plans 40% Off Home Warranty Plans $100 Off with Code “PROTECT” Fall Sale: $250 Off + Free Roof Leak Coverage

Rating Categories

Liberty Home Guard American Home Shield Select Home Warranty First American Home Warranty AFC Home Warranty

Coverage

2.9 / 5
4.8 / 5
2.1 / 5
4.9 / 5
3.9 / 5

Value

4.8 / 5
3.3 / 5
4.8 / 5
3.3 / 5
3.8 / 5

Trustworthiness

4.3 / 5
3.7 / 5
3.7 / 5
4 / 5
4.3 / 5

Plan Transparency

2.5 / 5
5 / 5
2.5 / 5
2.5 / 5
3.5 / 5

Customer Support

4.5 / 5
4 / 5
3 / 5
2.8 / 5
3 / 5

Flexibility

3.5 / 5
2.5 / 5
2.5 / 5
3 / 5
4 / 5

Note: BBB ratings are accurate as of April 2024.

Note: We based the pricing information in this table and throughout the article on sample quotes we obtained for a 2,083-square-foot, single-family home in Cincinnati, Ohio. Your pricing may vary depending on your home’s location, size, type, and plan selections.

Why Trust Us? Our review and rating process for the best home warranty companies
13
Companies Considered We carefully considered 13 companies to find the best home warranty providers available.
2000
Homeowners Surveyed We surveyed 2,000 home owners to see what they care about most for home protection.
5700
Reviews Analyzed We went through 5,700 customer reviews of home warranty companies to see what people had to say about each provider.
31
Coverages Compared We compared 31 policies to find the best home warranty offerings on the market.

Do I Need a Home Warranty in Ohio?

Not everyone needs a home warranty in Ohio, but it can be a valuable investment for those concerned about expensive home appliances and system repairs. For example, if your air conditioning system stops working midsummer and you don’t have a home warranty, you’ll need to scramble to find a technician and get repairs. You may pay hundreds for emergency services; air conditioning repairs alone can cost $650 or more. 

Alternatively, if you had a home warranty plan with $2,000 coverage caps for air conditioning repairs, your only out-of-pocket cost would be the service call fee for the visit, typically $60–$150. Your plan would also cover other essential household items, such as your electrical system and dishwasher, helping you to save on repair costs long term.

  • Seasonal fluctuations in Ohio’s climate can stress your home’s built-in systems and appliances, leading to unexpected breakdowns. Home warranties can reduce repair costs and connect you to local technicians for faster servicing.

Home warranties are popular with both existing homeowners and first-time owners. We surveyed 1,000 homeowners with home warranty plans to discover the typical buying experience. We learned that 35.7% of homeowners purchased coverage with their new home. Having a home warranty before emergencies occur offers peace of mind for the future.


How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in Ohio?

A home warranty costs $42–$57 per month in Ohio or $504–$684 with an annual premium. Various factors impact your home warranty’s final cost, including your chosen coverage plan, location, and provider. Here are some useful tips to make your home warranty plan more affordable:

  • Select the right service call fee: Some home warranty companies let you select a higher or lower service fee to adjust your monthly premium. A higher service call fee decreases your monthly premium, whereas a lower service call fee means you will spend less on technician visits. Be aware that your monthly premium increases with a lower service fee.
  • Pay only for what you need: Most home warranty companies offer both comprehensive and specialized coverage plans. You’ll spend less on an appliance-only or system-only plan since they provide more targeted coverage. Our survey revealed that most Ohio respondents chose a home warranty specifically for heating and cooling protection. You can save money by selecting a system-only plan if you just need system coverage. We recommend looking for plans that cover only the systems and appliances you need.
  • Reconsider buying add-ons: Add-ons can dramatically increase your monthly premium. Buy add-ons only if they provide you with greater value. Some home warranty companies include free rook-leak coverage, which might reduce your monthly cost.

Ohio Home Warranty Company Reviews

Below are detailed reviews for our recommended Ohio home warranty providers.

American Home Shield

Best for Comprehensive Coverage
4.8 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

American Home Shield (AHS) provides comprehensive home warranty coverage to homeowners. Its plans include appliance coverage and unique conditions not typically covered by other companies. 

American Home Shield provides three coverage plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. The ShieldSilver includes up to a $5,000 coverage cap per home system. Under the ShieldGold plan, you get ShieldGold coverage plus appliances with a $2,000 cap. The most comprehensive plan, ShieldPlatinum, enhances the ShieldGold coverage with an increased $4,000 appliance coverage cap. Additional benefits include up to $1,000 in code upgrades, HVAC tune-ups, air filter discounts, and roof-leak coverage. 

When we pulled sample quotes for American Home Shield, we received details on all three plans and service fees of $100 or $125. Choosing a higher service fee resulted in a lower monthly premium. If you prefer to pay less for your service call fees, you’ll receive higher monthly rates. All AHS plans include an industry standard, 30-day workmanship guarantee.

Most companies offer monthly and annual premium options and include discounts for choosing annual plans. Unfortunately, American Home Shield only offers monthly premiums for its warranties. 

Why We Chose American Home Shield

The company offers three comprehensive coverage plans and two service call fees, giving homeowners more options for plan customization. AHS also includes coverage for preexisting conditions, improper maintenance, and physical damage, including rust and corrosion. These unique protections make AHS an excellent choice for homeowners with older appliances and systems. 

Pros and Cons

Pros Covers preexisting conditions and improper installations Includes items with corrosion, rust, and sediment damage Provides three coverage plans and two service call fees Cons Doesn’t offer a plan for appliance-only coverage Limits add-ons to five options Restricts premiums to monthly options only

Plans and Pricing

Here is an overview of American Home Shield’s plan options:

  • ShieldSilver: This system-only coverage includes major systems such as air conditioning, heating, and plumbing.
  • ShieldGold: The next plan includes major systems and appliances, including ranges and water heaters. 
  • ShieldPlatinum: The highest coverage plan includes the ShieldGold items plus added benefits, including roof-leak repairs and HVAC tune-ups. 
  • Optional add-ons: Homeowners can add coverage for electronics, guest units, pools, septic pumps, spas, and well pumps.

Here’s an overview of American Home Shield’s pricing, service fees, and coverage caps for each plan:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

ShieldSilver

$29.99–$39.99

$100–$125

$5,000

ShieldGold

$49.99–$59.99

$100–$125

Systems: $5,000

Appliances: $2,000

ShieldPlatinum

$79.99–$89.99

$100–$125

Systems: $5,000

Appliances: $4,000

What To Expect

We found American Home Shield’s online quote tool simple. You’ll need your home address, ZIP code, and email address for a personalized price. Homeowners can choose plan and service fee options to find the best fit. The site instantly updates with your adjusted premium costs. 

AHS uses its own network of contractors for service requests. Our team member has an AHS plan and tested the claim process to resolve a leaking bathroom pipe. The AHS representative found a local plumber within the hour and scheduled an appointment for the next day. Our team member’s pipe was fixed, and he only paid the service call fee. 

We read dozens of Better Business Bureau (BBB) customer reviews to gauge brand reputation and service. Overall, customers were pleased with American Home Shield and appreciated their prompt claims process. However, the company has mixed reviews for its customer support team. Some homeowners mentioned claim reimbursements that were lower than expected.

Liberty Home Guard

Best Customer Support
4.4 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

Liberty Home Guard (LHG) has the highest BBB scores and average customer review ratings than other providers in this review. Along with its excellent customer experience, the company offers three coverage plans plus almost 40 add-on options. 

Liberty Home Guard offers three coverage plan options: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Service fees vary from $65–$125 based on your coverage plan, location, and add-ons. The company has a $2,000 coverage cap on most items. We learned that electrical and plumbing systems include only a $500 cap for each system. LHG provides a 60-day workmanship guarantee with its plans—twice the industry standard coverage. 

You can choose between a monthly or annual premium. With an annual plan, you’ll pay $499–$599 per year. LHG doesn’t offer additional discounts or free months of service with its annual plans, which is common with other providers. 

Why We Chose Liberty Home Guard

The company maintains a 4.7 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and an A rating* with the BBB. Our team tried calling LHG customer service and reached a representative in under a minute. Its live-chat features also provide quick connections to customer support. 

Homeowners looking for a large catalog of add-on options should consider LHG. The company includes 38 add-on choices, including indoor and outdoor systems and appliances. Some coverage examples include standalone freezers, carpet cleaning, pest control, and plumbing fixtures.

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes a 60-day workmanship guarantee Maintains high customer review scores on BBB and Google Reviews Provides 38 add-ons options for its plans Cons Does not offer discounts for choosing an annual premium May take up to 48 hours to respond to a claim Lacks transparency with service call fee pricing options

Plans and Pricing

We’ll explain Liberty Home Guard’s monthly plans below:

  • Appliance Guard: The lowest plan covers major appliances, including ceiling and exhaust fans, clothes washers, and dishwashers.
  • Systems Guard: This plan covers most built-in systems, including air conditioning, ductwork, electrical, and water heaters.
  • Total Home Guard: Homeowners receive the combined coverage of the Appliance Guard and Systems Guard plans.
  • Optional add-ons: LHG offers 42 add-on coverage options, including floor cleaning, generators, pest control, pools, spas, and second refrigerators.

Here’s an overview of Liberty Home Guard pricing:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Appliance Guard

$49.99

$65–$125

$2,000

Systems Guard

$54.99

$65–$125

$2,000 (Plumbing & electrical: $500)

Total Home Guard

$59.99

$65–$125

Coverage caps remain the same

What To Expect

You can receive a quote over the phone or using the LHG online tool. If you use the tool, you’ll need certain basic information and home details to get your quote. You must provide your name, phone number, and email to begin the process. Next, enter your home address, home type, and estimated home size. Once you receive your quote, you can switch between plans and premiums to find the best rate. 

LHG sends its own service technicians for repair calls. You can select your own contractor if there are no company technicians in your area. 

Our team analyzed reviews from LHG homeowners. We learned that LHG received positive customer reviews for the service technicians’ professionalism and the quick claims process. Some negative reviews called the company out for issuing lower reimbursements than promised.

We also tested the live chat features and were pleased with the responsiveness and ease of use.

First American Home Warranty

Best for High-End Items
4.6 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

*(excluding these states, but click the following links to find the best home warranty companies in AlaskaConnecticutDelawareHawaiiIllinois, Louisiana, MaineMassachusettsMinnesotaNew HampshireNew YorkNorth DakotaRhode IslandVermont, and Wisconsin)

First American Home Warranty offers some of the best appliance coverage in our list of reviewed companies. The coverage cap begins at $3,500 for its lowest plans and doubles to $7,000 with its most comprehensive coverage. 

First American Home Warranty provides three plan options: the Starter Plan, the Essential Plan, and the Premium Plan. Homeowners can opt for a $75, $100, or $125 service call fee for their plan. Its Starter and Essential Plans include a $3,500 coverage cap, and the Premium Plan covers up to $7,000. Every plan includes a 30-day workmanship guarantee.

The Essential and Premium plans also include the First American Advantage upgrade, which covers the following items:

  • Refrigerant recapture, reclaim, and disposal
  • Removal services for appliances and systems
  • Up to $250 for a building permit
  • Fees associated with cranes and other lifting equipment
  • Repairs and replacements on items that malfunction due to improper maintenance or installation

Why We Chose First American Home Warranty

If you own high-end appliances, First American is a solid choice due to its high appliance coverage caps. After reading its sample contract, we found First American pairs each appliance with a $3,500 limit in the Starter and Essential plans, which is higher than other providers. 

You can enhance your coverage with the First American Advantage upgrade, adding additional protection for systems and appliances. This coverage includes protections for improper installations, maintenance, and modifications.

Pros and Cons

Pros Doesn’t set an age limit for covered systems and appliances Includes unlimited coverage caps on cooling, heating, and ductwork Offers up to a $7,000 appliance coverage cap on its highest plan Cons Doesn’t allow you to choose your technician Excludes roof-leak coverage Lacks coverage for home systems under its basic plan

Plans and Pricing

We received quotes for both annual and monthly plan premiums. Expect to pay between $480 and $960 for annual premiums. Unfortunately, First American offers no bonus perks for choosing an annual plan. 

Let’s take a closer look at First American’s coverage plans:

  • Starter Plan: Covers built-in microwaves, dishwashers, ductwork, electrical system, heating, plumbing systems, oven/cooktop, plumbing stoppages, refrigerators, and toilet tanks, bowls, and mechanisms
  • Essential Plan: Includes everything in the Starter Plan plus air conditioning, ceiling/attic/exhaust fans, clothes washers and dryers, First American Advantage upgrade, garage door openers, trash compactors, and water heaters
  • Premium Plan: Covers all items in the Essential Plan plus full garage door systems, instant hot water dispensers, luxury appliances, shower heads and arms, and window air conditioning units
  • Optional add-ons: Additional refrigeration, air conditioning for Starter Plan, HVAC tune-up, limited roof-leak coverage, pool and spa equipment, septic tank systems and pumping, water softeners, and well pumps. First American offers limited roof-leak coverage for less than $9 per month.

Here’s an overview of First American’s plan pricing:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Starter Plan

$44–$59

$75–$125

Systems: Unlimited

Appliances: $3,500

Essential Plan

$54–$69

$75–$125

Systems: Unlimited (Water heaters: $1,000)

Appliances: $3,500

Premium Plan

$69–$84

$75–$125

Systems: Remain the same Appliances: $7,000

What To Expect

Request a quote over the phone or with the company’s online quote tool. When we used the online quote tool, we had to enter our name, phone number, email, and home address. We also choose our home type and estimated square footage. When we received our sample quote, we could adjust our service call fee and switch between annual and monthly premiums. The online tool also offers complete details on each plan below the premium pricing, making it easy to compare options. 

First American maintains its own network of service contractors. You do have the option to choose your own contractor if First American can’t find a local technician for you. One of our team members has a First American coverage plan and processed a claim for a garage door opener repair. He spoke with a rep on a Friday and received a repair appointment for the following Monday. The repairs were completed in under 30 minutes, and he was only charged for the service repair fee. 

After reading homeowner reviewers, we learned that customers liked the prompt claims process but experienced delays with scheduling service appointments.

AFC Home Warranty

Best Technician Flexibility
4.6 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

America’s First Choice Home Warranty (AFC) earns its spot as one of the best home warranty companies for Ohio homeowners due to its variety of plan options and flexible pricing model. Customers can also select optional coverage for up to 12 additional items, such as tankless water heaters, in-ground pools, and double ovens.

AFC Home Warranty provides four coverage plans: Silver Plan, Systems Plan, Gold Plan, and  Platinum Plan. You can choose from a $75, $100, or $125 service call fee. Choosing a higher fee results in a lower premium.

While getting a sample quote, we learned that HVAC systems have an unlimited coverage gap. The only exception was thermostats, which received a $80 limit. Appliances receive up to $3,000 per item but could receive a lower cap due to age. We discovered that AFC Home Warranty pays the depreciated value of an item older than five years old. All replacements and repairs include a workmanship guarantee with unlimited coverage. 

You may choose between an annual or monthly plan premium. Expect to pay between $347 and $629 annually for AFC Home Warranty plans. The company does offer added savings for choosing an annual option. Selecting a one-year plan includes a $100 discount, while a three-year commitment includes a $250 discount.

Why We Chose AFC Home Warranty

Homeowners receive several plan options and service fees to help create the ideal coverage. Along with plan variety, the company offers added benefits, including free credit monitoring and identity fraud protection. AFC Home Warranty is a great choice for homeowners who want more personalized coverage options. 

The company also offers an unlimited workmanship guarantee with its plans. Most warranties include up to 60 days for workmanship coverage. With AFC Home Warranty’s guarantee, your appliances and systems remain covered for as long as you keep your service plan.

Pros and Cons

Pros Lets homeowners choose their own contractor Offers unlimited workmanship coverage for your plan’s entire length Provides four plans and three service fee options Cons Charges a $75 cancellation fee after 30 days Depreciates the value of items that are five years or older Doesn’t cover unknown preexisting conditions

Plans and Pricing

Here is an overview of AFC Home Warranty plans:

  • Silver Plan: The first coverage tier protects appliances only and includes refrigerators, clothes washers, and dryers.
  • Systems Plan: The next plan focuses on home systems only, including air conditioning, heating, and plumbing.
  • Gold Plan: You receive coverage for appliances and systems, such as ductwork, oven, range, and garage door opener.
  • Platinum Plan: The highest tier includes coverage under the Gold Plan and includes protection for your built-in microwave and ice maker.
  • Optional add-ons: Add-ons include central vacuum, double oven, electronic coverage, hot water dispenser,  pool, roof-leak repair, septic system, spa, stand-alone freezer, and sump pump.

We outlined the cost, service fees, and coverage caps associated with each plan below:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Silver Plan

$34.33–$39.08

$75–$125

$3,000

Systems Plan

$48.50–$53.17

$75–$125

Appliances: $3,000

Systems: Unlimited

Gold Plan

$53.17–$57.92

$75–$125

Coverage caps remain the same

Platinum Plan

$87.75–$92.50

$75–$125

Coverage caps remain the same

What To Expect

Homeowners can receive AFC Home Warranty quotes through a representative or online. When we tested the online tool, we found it simple to use but ran into issues trying to compare plans. Unlike other companies that offer all plan details on one page, AFC requires you to select a plan first, then takes you to a separate page with details. You must switch back and forth between two screens for comparison shopping. These extra steps make the quote process less efficient than other providers. 

You can choose your own contractor for service calls, a rare option with home warranty companies. Although this is a welcomed feature, the company offers mixed coverage limits for home systems, lowering its plans’ overall value compared to other companies. 

Based on our online review analysis, we learned that AFC Home Warranty received mixed reviews from homeowners. Customers appreciate the prompt claims process but were disappointed with the depreciation value policy included with the plans.

Select Home Warranty

Best Budget Plan
3.7 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

Select Home Warranty provides low-cost coverage plans with service fees starting at $80.  You can choose from plans covering appliances-only, systems-only, or combined coverage for the most protection.

Select Home Warranty offers three coverage options: Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care. During secret shopping, we learned that Select offers its lowest service fee through an exclusive deal over the phone. Although HVAC systems receive a $3,000 coverage cap, all other systems receive a much lower $500 cap. Select backs its repairs with a 30-day workmanship guarantee.

Select offers options for annual and monthly premiums. You pay between $479 and $524 for annual expenses. When we ran a sample quote, we received $150 off annual premium costs and two additional months of coverage at no charge. 

Why We Chose Select Home Warranty

Its coverage plans start under $50 per month and include service fees as low as $80. Homeowners also receive roof-leak coverage with every plan, which typically requires additional fees. 

Homeowners looking for basic home protections should consider Select Home Warranty. We should note that Select offers lower coverage caps than other competitors. Although the lower premiums make it a more affordable choice, its lower coverage caps could impact your claims process. We’d recommend choosing Select if lower costs and baseline coverage options are your primary concerns.

Pros and Cons

Pros Charges less than $50 for monthly premiums Includes discounts and free months of service with annual plans Provides roof-leak coverage free of charge Cons Doesn’t let you choose your service call fee Excludes coverage for unknown preexisting conditions Offers lower coverage caps compared to other providers

Plans and Pricing

Below is a breakdown of Select Home Warranty’s plans:

  • Bronze Care: Its appliance-only plan includes major appliances, such as cooktops, dishwashers, garbage disposals, and stoves.
  • Gold Care: This system-only plan includes major home systems, such as ductwork, electrical systems, heating, and plumbing.
  • Platinum Care: The highest-plan tier combines the Bronze and Gold Care coverage plus additional coverage for other items such as luxury appliances.
  • Optional add-ons: Add-on options include central vacuums, lawn sprinkler systems, pools, septic systems, stand-alone freezers, sump pumps, and well pumps.

Here’s an overview of pricing for each plan:

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

What To Expect

Our team pulled quotes for Select Home Warranty via phone and using the online tool. With the tool, you must enter your ZIP code first. Next, you’ll provide your name, phone number, and email before receiving the personalized quote. We did not need to enter a home address. Our team also learned that Select prefers solving customer issues and processing claims over the phone. 

Select will choose a service technician for your repairs in most cases. However, if the company cannot find someone in your area, you can select your own contractor. Select must approve of your selected technician before having them complete the repairs. 

Based on customer reviews, we learned that homeowners appreciated the low-cost options but had issues reaching the customer service department.


Are Home Warranties Worth the Money in Ohio?

Whether home warranties are worth the money depends on your situation. The main benefit of a home warranty is the cost savings you’ll have on appliance and system repairs. For example, suppose you’re in the process of buying or selling a home. If you’re a seller, you won’t be on the hook for any repair or replacement costs while the house is on the market. If you’re a buyer, you can rest easy knowing you won’t have to shell out big bucks for major repairs right after purchasing a new home. In this scenario, a home warranty is worth the money.


How Are Home Warranties Regulated in Ohio?

Our research shows that Ohio doesn’t clearly label home warranties as insurance in most cases. This means the state doesn’t regularly enforce regulations on companies selling home service contracts. That said, Ohio’s Department of Insurance (ODI) allows homeowners who own a home warranty to file a complaint online. 

Home warranties also self-regulate via industry associations. The leading industry organizations that oversee the home warranty industry are the National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) and the Service Contract Industry Council (SCIC). Each organization has the common goal of protecting consumers from unfair business practices. In addition, they both have a member directory that lists compliant companies to help you choose the right Ohio home warranty.


How To Choose a Home Warranty in Ohio

Some providers may fit your unique situation better than others. Here are a few pointers to help you choose the best home warranty:

  • Ask a professional: Talk to your local real estate agent if you have questions about home warranties. Many real estate agents know the ins and outs of home warranties and can give you provider recommendations based on their experience.
  • Be wary of price: Going for the cheapest option may not always be the best option. Our research found that companies that charge less for coverage plans tend to have lower coverage limits. Consider a company that covers the full replacement cost of your home items.
  • Understand your needs: Think about the home appliances and systems you use most daily and purchase a plan covering those items. Avoid buying a comprehensive plan if you don’t need some coverage options.
  • Bundle with home insurance: Some homeowners insurance providers offer bundling discounts when you pair a home warranty plan with a home insurance policy. 
  • Check for coverage overlaps: You may not need a comprehensive home warranty plan if you recently purchased new major appliances or systems. New appliances and systems usually have manufacturer’s warranties, eliminating the need for a home warranty.
  • Limit your claims: Avoid filing claims on small issues you can repair yourself. This reduces the number of service call fees you’ll pay since providers charge a fee each time they send a technician to your home.

How To Read a Home Warranty Contract in Ohio

Reading a home warranty company’s sample service contract helps you understand the company’s coverage, exclusions, and special conditions. While no two Ohio home warranty companies provide the same contract language, most follow a similar outline of terms and conditions. Here are the sections to focus on when reading a sample contract:

Coverage

The coverage section of the sample contract lists all the items and the specific components a company covers. Companies also list their optional add-ons within this section.

Limitations and Exclusions

The limitations and exclusions section outlines the items, components, damages, and situations a company won’t cover. We recommend carefully reading this section to avoid an unexpected claim denial.

State-Specific Clauses

Most home warranty companies list state-specific terms within their sample contracts towards the end of their service contracts. Generally, these state-specific terms list amendments, arbitration clauses, or actions you can take when filing a dispute.


What is the Best Home Warranty Company in Ohio?

We recommend Liberty Home Guard for Ohio homeowners who need specialized home protections, such as system-only coverage. The company scored 4.5 out of 5 stars in our review due to its extensive add-on catalog and excellent third-party review scores. American Home Shield is a great option for Ohio homeowners who want extensive comprehensive coverage for their older systems and appliances. Its 4.4 out of 5-star rating reflects its high coverage caps and rare preexisting condition protections. 

Regardless of the coverage type, we recommend getting quotes from at least three home warranty companies to compare plan pricing and coverage options.


Other Resources for Residents in Ohio


FAQ About Ohio Home Warranty Companies

What are the costs involved with purchasing an Ohio home warranty?

Purchasing an Ohio home warranty involves two costs: a monthly or annual premium and a service call fee. Whether you use it or not, the premium is what you pay to own the policy. You pay the service call fee when a technician visits your home to diagnose or fix a problem.

How is a home warranty different from a homeowners insurance policy in Ohio?

A home warranty differs from a homeowners insurance policy in that it covers items in your Ohio home that fail due to normal wear and tear. Homeowners insurance covers items in your home damaged by theft, fire, or storms. Both policies can save you significant money on repairs because they provide complementary coverage.

What is the biggest benefit of a home warranty in Ohio?

The biggest benefit of an Ohio home warranty is financial protection for your home appliances and systems. Home warranties cover repair and replacement costs when faced with breakdowns from regular use. They help keep your system in working order and ensure it continues functioning properly.

Who pays for an Ohio home warranty?

The homeowner who purchased the Ohio home warranty pays for the coverage, usually via a monthly or annual premium. The homeowner also pays a service call fee for each filed claim. Remember that home warranty plans have coverage caps in the contract’s fine print indicating how much the provider will cover for a repair. If the repair costs more than the coverage cap, the homeowner must pay the remaining amount.


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 Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.