HomeServe Review (November 2024)

HomeServe USA offers specialized home warranties to customers across the country and provides affordable coverage for systems and emergency home repairs. The company’s unique plan structure allows homeowners to select the exact coverage they need and offers generous coverage caps.

We read more than 100 customer responses for this review across independent review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and Google Reviews. We also surveyed 1,000 home warranty customers across the nation. Below, we’ll discuss our findings and analyze its plans, costs, and reputation to help you determine if HomeServe is the best home warranty company for your needs.

Editor’s Note: This review was updated on April 11, 2024, with our latest consumer survey data, competitor comparison details, and added insights from industry experts. All pricing information in this article was gathered from a sample quote for a 2,000-square-foot home in Tempe, Arizona.

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Our Take on HomeServe

We like HomeServe’s wide coverage selection, 24/7 customer service availability, and guaranteed repair warranty for up to one year. We recommend HomeServe for homeowners who only need coverage for a few specific items. HomeServe’s reasonable prices, generous coverage caps, lack of service fees, and wide selection of plan options make it one of the most versatile options on the market.

Some highlights include:

• Plans for individual home systems
• No service fee for systems plans
• A team of local, licensed, and insured technicians

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What Are the Pros and Cons of HomeServe?

HomeServe stands out thanks to its unique plan structure that allows customers to select the specific coverage they need. However, it doesn’t offer add-on coverage and, despite its availability in all 50 states, it limits coverage in some areas.

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How We Rated HomeServe

We rated HomeServe using our detailed review standards based on the criteria homeowners find most important. We scored HomeServe in each category to determine its final star rating of 3.3 out of 5. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of HomeServe’s performance in each of these categories:

• Coverage: We docked HomeServe points in this category due to its lack of add-on options and limited appliance coverage options.  
• Cost: HomeServe’s reasonable monthly premiums, lack of service call fees, and high coverage caps earned it high points in this category. 
• Trustworthiness: HomeServe lost some points in this category because of its restrictive policies and mixed customer review scores on Trustpilot.
• Transparency: HomeServe lost points in this category due to its website lacking critical information on its plans.
• Customer Support: HomeServe earned full points in this category thanks to its fast response times, smooth claims process, and multiple means of customer communication. 
• Flexibility: We docked HomeServe points in this category due to its small add-on catalog and inflexible technician and service call policies.

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What Plans and Coverage Does HomeServe Offer?

HomeServe is somewhat unique in that it offers up to 18 individual plans with varying levels of coverage. For example, if you need coverage for your home’s interior plumbing, you can pick a plan that covers only that system. The catch is that not all plans are available in all areas, so you’ll have to input your ZIP code on the HomeServe website to determine what plans are available in your area.

HomeServe System Plans

If you only need coverage for one or two systems, consider the following options:

Cooling system

Covers your air conditioner

• Cost: $12.99 per month
• Coverage cap: $1,750 
• Exclusions: Air ducts, grills, asbestos coverings, wiring and parts external to the unit, compressors, chillers, condenser casings, and condenser coils.

Electrical surge

Covers damage to your home electronics

• Cost: $3.99 per month
• Coverage cap: $1,000 
• Exclusions: Sump pumps, HVAC systems, medical equipment, electric vehicles, items less than $100, and antiques

Exterior electrical line coverage

Covers the weatherhead, insulator, riser, meter base, and service entrance conductor

• Cost: $5.49 per month
• Coverage cap: $5,000 
• Exclusions: Appliances, transformers, generators, damage or failure due to disconnection or interruption to the main electrical supply, non-utility supplied power and/or lines, meter pedestals, and damage from accidents, misuse, or abuse

Exterior sewer/septic line

Covers clogs or breakage of your sewer or septic line; for more information, check out the best sewer line home warranty companies

• Cost: $12.98 per month
• Coverage cap: $10,000
• Exclusions: Non-conforming drain lines, septic tanks, collection tanks, leaching fields, branch lines, replacement of any artificial grass or plants, restoration to water structures, pastures or wooded areas

Exterior water service line

Covers age, corrosion, or ground shifting damage to main water lines

• Cost: $7.95 per month
• Coverage cap: $7,000
• Exclusions: Branch lines, frozen lines, tanks or appliances, replacement of any artificial grass or plants, pastures or wooded areas, and damage from accidents

Exterior service line plus

Covers exterior water and septic lines and restoration

• Cost: $20.97 per month
• Coverage cap: $7,000–$10,000
• Exclusions: Branch lines, frozen lines, tanks or appliances, replacement of any artificial grass or plants, pastures or wooded areas, and damage from accidents

Gas line plus

Covers interior or exterior leaks due to aging pipes, valves, or fittings

• Cost: $6.49 per month
• Coverage cap: $8,000
• Exclusions: Meter moves, lines not supplied by a utility, meter replacements except when required by local code appliances, fixtures or pressure regulating devices, and restoring floor coverings

Heating and cooling system

Covers air conditioners and heaters

• Cost: $19.99 per month
• Coverage cap: $10,000
• Exclusions: Air ducts, registers, zoning components, air filters, damage from accidents, misuse, or abuse

Heating system

Covers your furnace and heat pump.

• Cost: $12.99 per month
• Coverage cap: $1,750
• Exclusions: Air ducts, air filters, zoning components and electronics, registers, electronic air cleaners, flues, humidifiers, thermostats, air balancing, and chimneys

Interior electrical line coverage

Covers wiring, outlets, light switches, and your fuse box

• Cost: $11.99 per month
• Coverage cap: $2,500
• Exclusions: Appliances, knob and tube wiring, service entrance conductors, aluminum or non-standard and non-permanent materials, damage or failure due to disconnection or interruption to the main electrical supply, and damage from accidents, misuse or abuse

Interior plumbing and drainage

Covers leaks, burst pipes, and clogged or blocked drains

• Cost: $18.99 per month
• Coverage cap: $3,000
• Exclusions: Appliances, vent stacks, fittings and fixtures, frozen pipes, pressure-reducing valves, backflow prevention devices, pumps, grinders, non-conforming drain lines, fire suppression and other sprinkler systems

Water heater repair and replacement

Covers water heater repair and replacement

• Cost: $12.99 per month
• Coverage cap: $1,500 
• Exclusions: Jacket and interior doors, exhaust venting, electrical service wiring, heat exchangers, expansion tanks, non-flexible water supply, delivery piping, damage due to restricted lines or water pressure over 80 P.S.I, and damage from misuse or abuse of the system

HomeServe has recently begun offering a single appliance-only plan, called the TotalHome Warranty Appliance Plan. Here’s what’s covered:

• Built-in microwaves
• Clothes dryers
• Clothes washers
• Dishwashers
• Garage door openers
• Kitchen refrigerators
• Stovetops and ovens
• Trash compactors

Five of HomeServe’s plans cover three or more items across multiple systems. Compare all five plans below.

What Do HomeServe’s Combination Plans Cover? 

The TotalHome Combo Plan also adds coverage for the following items:

• Attic and ceiling fans
• Central vacuum
• Doorbell system
• Ductwork
• Garbage disposal

Optional Add-Ons

HomeServe doesn’t offer add-on coverage.

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How Much Does HomeServe Cost?

Plan pricing will vary based on where you live and your home’s size. The general cost of living in your area is another significant determining factor, and if your home is very large—over 5,000 square feet—you may be charged more for a home warranty.

In general, a home warranty costs between $54 and $61. The typical service call fee is between $65 and $125.

Plan Pricing

HomeServe is upfront with its pricing structure. When you enter your ZIP code on the company’s website, you can receive a free estimate for plans in your area without needing to input any more personal information, unlike the quote process for many home warranty providers.

Here are the monthly quotes we received for an average-sized home in Tempe, Arizona:

Here’s the monthly cost for coverage on individual items:

• Cooling system: $12.99
• Electrical surge coverage: $3.99
• Exterior electrical line: $5.49
• Exterior pipes: $15.99
• Exterior sewer/septic line: $11.98
• Exterior water service line: $7.95
• Gas line: $4.99
• Heating system: $12.99
• Interior electrical line: $11.99
• Interior plumbing and drainage: $11.99
• Water heater repair and replacement: $7.99
• Water heater repair: $6.99

Note: Coverage for heating and cooling systems is not available in central Florida.

What Is HomeServe’s Service Call Fee?

HomeServe doesn’t charge a service call fee with its system plans. This may be because it’s easier to diagnose and obtain necessary parts for systems. However, any plan that covers appliances, including the TotalHome Appliance and Combo Plan, comes with a $100 service fee. After calling HomeServe and filing a claim, you’ll pay this fee to the technician who comes to your home to diagnose and fix the problem.

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What Is HomeServe’s State Availability?

HomeServe is available in all 50 U.S. states, including Washington, D.C. However, not all plans are available in all areas within each state. Because of this, we recommend getting a quote from HomeServe on its website.

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HomeServe vs. Competitors

Review some of HomeServe’s top nationwide competitors to see how they compare. All of these companies offer free quotes, so consider requesting a few estimates before making a final decision.

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 2,115-square-foot, single-family home in Tempe, Arizona. Your pricing may vary depending on your home’s location, size, type, and plan selections.

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Home Warranty Cost Calculator

We created a calculator to break down the estimated annual cost of owning a home warranty. 

Use the following steps to calculate your projected annual cost:

1. Enter your monthly premium
2. Enter your service call fee
3. Enter your estimated number of claims 

It’s best to request a quote directly from one of our recommended providers, as annual costs and service fees vary between them.

Use the table below to compare your calculated cost to repair and replacement costs for common appliances.

Life span and repair cost data sourced from InterNACHI and Home Depot

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What’s Our Verdict on HomeServe?

If you want to cover specific home systems, HomeServe may be a good option as it allows you to cover individual items instead of multiple items in one plan. Additionally, HomeServe doesn’t charge a service call fee with its systems plans, making it an affordable choice if you anticipate needing to file a lot of claims.

However, HomeServe may not be right for every homeowner. For example, if you’re looking for comprehensive coverage for as many systems and appliances as possible, you’re better off considering other providers such as American Home Shield. This home warranty company covers major systems and appliances, including your refrigerator, dishwasher, and air conditioning, and covers damage resulting from insufficient maintenance, improper repairs, and unknown preexisting conditions.

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FAQs About HomeServe

Do HomeServe plans cover air conditioners?

Yes, there are several of HomeServe’s warranty plans that cover HVAC systems. You can purchase this coverage separately or as part of a combination plan. HomeServe plans also include up to $1,500 worth of repairs or replacement parts to capacitors, condensers, fan controls, and most other internal parts of your A.C. unit. Coverage also includes up to one pound of refrigerant, excluding maintenance recharges.

How much does HomeServe cost per month?

HomeServe’s plans vary widely in price, ranging from $3.99 per month to $69.99 per month. HomeServe is one of the few home warranty companies that allows you to pay for coverage for individual items or small groups of home systems.

Is there a waiting period before my HomeServe coverage begins?

HomeServe has a 30-day waiting period before coverage can begin. This waiting period falls in line with the industry average. If you decide you don’t want to keep your home warranty within those 30 days, HomeServe will refund the entire price of your warranty.

How do I file a claim with HomeServe?

When a covered item breaks, you can call the HomeServe repair hotline at 1-866-549-4877 to file a claim 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you need to file a claim after business hours, you’ll likely have to wait until the next business day before a HomeServe representative can dispatch a technician to your home.

What types of damage does a home warranty cover?

All home warranties cover breakdowns on systems and appliances that fail due to normal wear and tear. If a covered item stops working over the course of normal use, your home warranty provider will pay to repair or replace it. Some companies, such as American Home Shield, cover unknown preexisting conditions, but most don’t. The following conditions are typically not covered under a home warranty:

• Accidental damage
• Neglect or insufficient maintenance
• Improper repairs or modifications
• Code upgrades
• Unusual circumstances often covered by homeowners insurance, such as natural disasters, fire, and theft

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