Best Mobile Home Warranty
Mobile homes, or manufactured homes, provide an affordable alternative to traditional houses while featuring many of the same essential systems and appliances. However, as with any home, mobile homeowners can face unexpected breakdowns that lead to costly repairs. A home warranty tailored to mobile homes can offer valuable financial protection, helping cover repairs for critical systems and appliances when things go wrong.
To find the best home warranty companies for mobile homes, we evaluated 13 top home warranty providers. American Home Shield (AHS) tops our list thanks to its generous coverage limits and protection for items with existing damage and issues. Keep reading for our full list of top-rated providers and to get practical tips for selecting the ideal home warranty coverage for your mobile home.
- Note: In 1976, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) changed the term “mobile home” to “manufactured home” to reflect homes built after that year, which were required to meet updated construction and safety standards. Since the term “mobile home” is still widely used, we will refer to both “mobile home” and “manufactured home” interchangeably throughout this article.
Top Home Warranty Companies for Mobile Homes
After reviewing 13 home warranty companies, we’ve narrowed our list down to these top picks for mobile home coverage:
- American Home Shield: Best Comprehensive Coverage
- Choice Home Warranty: Best Basic Plan Coverage
- First American Home Warranty: Best for High-End Items
- Elite Home Warranty: Best for Flexible Coverage
- AFC Home Warranty: Best Technician Flexibility
Comparing the Top Home Warranty Companies for Mobile Homes
When selecting mobile home warranty companies, we considered monthly plans costs and service call fees, which policyholders owe for each repair visit. We also considered appliance and system coverage limits, or the maximum amount a company will pay for a repair or replacement.
The table below highlights how each provider compares based on these key criteria. To ensure accurate cost information, we used sample quotes for a 2,128-square-foot, single-family manufactured home located in Fort Worth, Texas.
*BBB ratings are accurate as of December 2024
Our Reviews of the Best Mobile Home Warranty Companies
Here are our picks for the top home warranty providers for mobile home coverage:
American Home Shield
Best Comprehensive Coverage
Coverage Overview
- Covers items with preexisting conditions, which is rare compared to other companies
- Includes limits of up to $4,000 for appliances and $5,000 for most major systems
- Offers add-on coverage for septic systems, including pumping
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t cover window air conditioning (AC) units, which are common in mobile homes
- Excludes mobile home roofs from its roof-leak coverage
Company Overview
American Home Shield (AHS) provides comprehensive protection for mobile homeowners, including coverage for older items and preexisting conditions. This is especially helpful for homeowners with older systems or appliances, as AHS includes coverage for issues that may have existed before the policy began.
Its plans cover essential systems such as heating and cooling, offering up to $5,000 in coverage. The company also covers appliances up to $2,000 under its mid-tier ShieldGold plan and $4,000 under the comprehensive ShieldPlatinum plan. AHS also offers an add-on option for septic system coverage, an important component for many mobile homes.
However, American Home Shield falls short in certain areas. For instance, it doesn’t cover portable or window AC units, which are commonly used in mobile homes. When we read the AHS sample contract, we learned the company specifically excludes mobile homes from its roof-leak protections. These exclusions may leave homeowners without protection for some key features of mobile home living.
Customer Experiences
Based on the online reviews we read, homeowners consistently praised American Home Shield for its easy online claims process and timely processing time. Our AHS tester received a next-day servicing appointment five minutes after submitting his online claim. We noticed in negative reviews that some customers were displeased with the company’s repairs, stating repairs were only temporary fixes and required additional servicing. Others stated that some repairs took multiple technicians to complete.
We’ve highlighted some American Home Shield customer reviews below:
“Made a claim for my furnace. It was so easy to request service. [The] company came in and accessed the problem. The unit was too old to fix. [American Home Shield] requested a new unit and got it installed.” —Corey B. via Trustpilot on Nov. 22, 2024
“[American Home Shield] hires unqualified contractors who don’t know what they’re doing and never fix the problem but still charge the customer the $125 service fee. When you call them to follow up on your claim, they give you the run around. They say they have to call the company for a follow up—that never happens and they never contact the customer back. I’m still waiting for a call back after calling them three times on this same request that they closed!” —Ywanda J. via Trustpilot on Nov. 30, 2024
Coverage Overview
- Backs repairs with a 90-day guarantee on parts and a 60-day guarantee on labor
- Includes a $3,000 coverage limit for systems and appliances
- Offers the most affordable, comprehensive plans in this review
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t offer appliance-only or system-only plan options
- Excludes air conditioning and some essential appliances from its lowest level plan
Company Overview
Choice Home Warranty is worth considering if you’re looking for affordable system and appliance coverage for your mobile home. It offers $3,000 worth of coverage for its items, which is midrange compared to other providers. Choice’s top-tier plan, the Total Plan, costs $55 per month. Only Elite Home Warranty offers comparable coverage that is both low-cost and comprehensive, charging $58 for its top-tier plan. Choice also backs its repairs with a 60-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee, which exceeds the 30-day protection offered by American Home Shield and First American Home Warranty, providing peace of mind for mobile homeowners.
However, Choice does have some drawbacks. Its Basic Plan doesn’t include air conditioners, refrigerators, or laundry appliances, which are commonly covered by most home warranty companies across all plan tiers. In addition, Choice only offers comprehensive coverage plans, lacking appliance-only or system-only options. This means you could end up paying for coverage you don’t need.
Customer Experiences
After reviewing online reviews, we found that many Choice customers appreciated the company’s friendly customer support team and straightforward claims process. They also praised the quality of technicians, noting that they were punctual and knowledgeable.
However, delays in technician appointments were a common concern. Some customers reported waiting several weeks or longer for an assigned technician. Our Choice tester, for example, experienced inconsistent repair timelines. She received a technician in just one day in some cases, while waiting over a month in others. She also noted that certain repairs required multiple technicians to complete one repair.
We’ve highlighted some Choice Home Warranty customer reviews below:
“We had a problem with a leak under our kitchen sink, which involved our garbage disposal. We put in a claim on Monday evening and had a repairman to our home in less than 48 hours. He installed a new garbage disposal in no time, and it works great. Our experience with Choice for more than three years has been terrific!”—Ed D. via Trustpilot on Dec. 5, 2024
“Our clothes washer was leaking. We paid the fee and had a tech visit our house. He determined that three parts needed replacement, but the parts in question are no longer made. That was reported back to Choice Home Warranty on the date of the visit on November 15. Since that time, we’ve not been able to get a straight answer on [the] next steps despite many attempts on the phone and the website. We just want to know what’s next, and it seems to be taking an inordinate amount of time with only vague updates thus far.”—Edwin R. via Trustpilot on Nov. 24, 2024
First American Home Warranty
Best for High-End Items
Coverage Overview
- Covers window AC units under its highest-tier plan, the Premium Plan
- Includes improper installation and modification protection under the First American Advantage upgrade
- Offers the highest appliance coverage caps in this review
Keep in Mind
- Excludes air conditioning and laundry appliances from its lowest-tier plan
- Only offers comprehensive plans without system- or appliance-only options, similar to Choice
Company Overview
First American Home Warranty offers some of the highest appliance limits in this review, making it ideal for mobile homes with high-end appliances. The Starter and Essential plans provide $3,500 in appliance coverage—higher than both Elite Home Warranty and Choice Home Warranty. The Premium Plan doubles this coverage to $7,000 and includes window AC unit protection, a unique feature among providers we reviewed. The First American Advantage upgrade also extends coverage to items damaged by improper modifications or installations, offering unique protection that other companies don’t typically include.
However, First American has some limitations. Like Choice Home Warranty, it doesn’t offer appliance-only or system-only plans. Instead, customers must select from three comprehensive plans. The lowest plan tier, the Starter Plan, excludes coverage for key items such as air conditioning, clothes washers, and dryers. While you can add air conditioning protection as an optional upgrade, coverage for clothes washers and dryers requires upgrading to a higher-tier plan.
Customer Experiences
Many of the First American reviews we analyzed discussed the quality of service technicians. Homeowners generally praised the technicians, highlighting their expertise and professionalism. Our First American tester noted that the technicians were local, worked quickly, and resolved issues in a single visit.
However, several negative reviews described significant delays in service. Some homeowners waited weeks for replacement parts and didn’t receive updates from First American or the technicians handling their requests.
We’ve highlighted some First American Home Warranty customer reviews below:
“Service tech was knowledgeable, friendly, and very professional. He diagnosed the problem and was able to order the parts and complete the work in a timely manner. Would [definitely] recommend him to anyone.” —James C. via Trustpilot on Dec. 2, 2024
“Our furnace went out overnight on Nov. 28, 2024. It has been 12 days without heat. Two techs were assigned. The first one never called, although we repeatedly called them. The second tech came seven days later. [The] part needed has not been approved by First American Home Warranty. [The] part [was] not ordered yet as of Dec 10, 2024.” —Morris and Cheryl M. via Trustpilot on Dec. 10, 2024
Coverage Overview
- Has the largest add-on catalog in this review, with over 30 options available
- Offers a 90-day workmanship guarantee on all repairs
- Provides appliance-only, system-only, and comprehensive plan options
Keep in Mind
- Charges a $150 service fee for repair calls during weekends, after hours, and certain add-on items
- Doesn’t extend its workmanship guarantee to out-of-network technicians
Company Overview
If your mobile home has unique coverage needs, consider Elite Home Warranty as a provider. Elite offers over 30 add-on items—more than other providers we reviewed. Some add-on options include coverage for septic systems, roof patching, extended sewer lines, and standalone freezers. Plus, you can get Premium Appliance or Premium System add-ons to increase kitchen appliance and HVAC coverage limits. Elite also includes a 90-workmanship guarantee, providing longer protection than Choice Home Warranty’s labor and part guarantees.
Elite Home Warranty has a few drawbacks, however. Although the company lets you choose your own service technicians, it doesn’t extend its 90-day guarantee to those repairs. This means any repairs completed by your preferred technician could result in subsequent service call fees if you need repeat repairs. In addition, Elite charges a higher $150 service call fee for repairs provided after hours or over the weekend. This higher fee also applies to high-end appliances and certain add-on items, such as septic systems, generators, and sump pumps.
Customer Experiences
Many homeowners appreciated that Elite assigned a dedicated customer support team member to manage their claims from start to finish. Customers described the support as polite, professional, and friendly. Our Elite tester also shared a positive experience, noting that a representative contacted him within 30 minutes of submitting his claim and helped him to arrange a convenient repair time.
However, timely callbacks were not consistent across some negative reviews. Some homeowners reported delays or a lack of communication regarding claims, while others expressed frustration with denied claims for items they believed were covered.
We’ve highlighted some Elite Home Warranty customer reviews below:
“[The company is] very informative and polite. [I] appreciated the variety of options as well. The information provided seems very comforting knowing I’m covered if anything goes wrong and my bad experience with another company at my old home won’t happen again. I really liked the option of having a warranty of 90 days after the maintenance is done for any other potential issues.” —Brenda L. via Trustpilot on Aug. 21, 2024
“There is no way to file or view the status of a claim online. They frequently are unable to assign a tech for repairs within the agreed upon timeframe (24-48 hours). When I call to make or follow up on a claim there is usually nobody available or I’ve had to wait on hold for 20-25 minutes before being transferred to an answering service. I’m so disappointed by this company.” —GEP via Trustpilot on Aug. 28, 2024
Coverage Overview
- Offers four plans and two service call fees for more coverage customization
- Lets you choose your own technicians for repairs
- Offers a plan-length guarantee on parts and labor
Keep in Mind
- Includes a depreciation policy for items aged five years or older
- Offers low coverage limits for electrical and plumbing systems
Company Overview
AFC Home Warranty stands out thanks to its unlimited workmanship guarantee, which is the longest in this review. This guarantee protects repairs or replacements as long as you have an active plan, and you can even choose your own technician—an ideal option if you already have a trusted local provider. Unlike Elite Home Warranty, AFC’s workmanship guarantee covers repairs by both in-network and out-of-network technicians, giving you more flexibility. Plus, with four plan options and two service call fee choices, AFC makes it easier to tailor coverage to fit your budget.
On the downside, AFC’s depreciation policy may lead to lower reimbursements for older appliances and systems, as it reduces payouts for items over five years old. Additionally, the company caps its coverage limits for electrical and plumbing repairs at $500, which could leave you with higher out-of-pocket costs for repairs to these crucial systems.
Customer Experiences
After analyzing AFC Home Warranty reviews, we found that many customers appreciated the company’s flexible technician policy and quick claims process. Customers also appreciated the option to work with an assigned account manager.
However, some reviewers expressed frustration with multiple claim denials or receiving low payouts for covered items. Many reviewers also mentioned communication issues between technicians and the company. Our AFC tester, for example, faced miscommunication, as the contractor was unaware they needed to contact the warranty provider before starting the repair, which led to confusion about claim coverage.
We’ve highlighted some AFC Home Warranty customer reviews below:
“The representative was courteous and seemed to be knowledgeable of the products [the company] covers as well as the competition’s products. She did a great job of comparing the differences. I thought [the representative] was an excellent representative of your business and products.” —Leon via the Better Business Bureau (BBB) on Oct. 16, 2024
“AFC Home Club is pretty worthless. My AC unit broke and we filed our first claim. I had purchased the highest coverage they offered. Their solution was to give me $100 toward [a] repair or replacement. What a joke and true waste of money. Steer clear of AFC. They always find some buried caveat on why they don’t cover this or that.” —Angele M. via Trustpilot on Oct. 8, 2024
What Does a Mobile Home Warranty Cover?
Typically, mobile home warranty plans cover essential items such as plumbing systems, HVAC systems, electrical systems, and appliances. However, it’s important to note that coverage can differ and may not automatically include every system in your home. For instance, some providers might offer different coverage levels, where basic plans might include essential items such as heating and plumbing, but you can only add electrical systems or certain appliances as optional upgrades.
For mobile homes, you’ll want to pay special attention to items that are specific to these homes, such as window AC units, septic systems, and exterior plumbing. Home warranty plans may not always cover these components. For example, if your home uses a septic system or has underground piping, confirm with home warranty companies if those parts are included. Some warranties may only cover the plumbing inside the house, leaving out external pipes or septic tanks often found in mobile homes.
It’s important to note that roof coverage is often not included in standard home warranty plans. However, many providers offer roof-leak protection as an optional add-on. To ensure your mobile home is adequately protected, double-check what is included in your policy.
Cost of Mobile Home Coverage
A typical mobile home warranty costs between $40–$70 per month, or about $480–$840 annually. The final cost of a home warranty can vary based on your location, the plan you choose, and any add-ons you purchase. Appliance-only and system-only plans generally have lower monthly fees compared to comprehensive combination plans. However, according to our 2024 home warranty survey of 1,000 home warranty plan holders nationwide, nearly 73% selected a comprehensive plan for their homes.
If you need additional coverage, such as for a septic system, sump pump, or roof leak, you should expect to pay an extra $5–$12 per month for these options. Additionally, service call fees can affect your overall home warranty costs, since you’ll typically need to pay between $70–$125 for each technician visit. Nevertheless, having a warranty for your mobile home can save you thousands in appliance and home system repairs and emergency repair costs.
Reading the Fine Print of Your Mobile Home Coverage Plan
Mobile home warranties cover normal wear and tear on major systems and appliances, but these plans have certain limitations. For instance, plans usually will not cover repairs for items that have preexisting conditions or damage. Knowing your plan’s exclusions reduces your chance of denied claims. Below, we’ve outlined some common exclusions found in mobile home warranty coverage.
- Commercial use: Systems or appliances in mobile homes used for business purposes, such as daycare or rental properties, may not have coverage.
- External damage: Damage from natural disasters, accidents, or misuse is usually excluded.
- Foundation requirement: Home warranty companies typically require eligible mobile homes to be on a foundation. Other types of mobile homes—such as campers, travel trailers, and motorhomes—usually don’t qualify for this type of coverage.
- Mobile home size: Most home warranty providers limit coverage to mobile homes of 5,000 square feet or less.
- Secondary damages: Indirect damages caused by a system or an appliance failure, such as water damage from a leaking pipe, are typically not covered.
- Shared systems or common areas: Common areas and facilities of mobile home parks and condominiums are not covered. This may include pools, spas, or shared systems and appliances located outside of the home.
- Structural issues: Home warranties don’t cover damage to the foundation, walls, or other structural components of a mobile home, as these aspects typically fall under homeowners insurance rather than a warranty.
How To Choose the Right Home Warranty Company
When choosing a home warranty for your mobile home, it’s all about finding coverage that works for your home’s unique needs. Keep the following recommendations in mind as you shop for mobile home coverage.
Consider Your Coverage Needs
When choosing a home warranty for your mobile home, ensure the coverage fits your home’s specific needs. While many warranties cover standard systems and appliances such as HVAC, plumbing, and kitchen appliances, mobile homes may require additional protection. Look for plans that include coverage for specialized mobile home needs, such as window AC units or roof-leak protection, which basic plans often exclude.
Review Coverage Limits
Some warranties have lower payout limits for high-cost repairs, such as plumbing and electrical systems, which are crucial in mobile homes. Verify that a warranty provides sufficient coverage for these essential systems and check whether additional costs apply to higher-end or specialized repairs.
Check Customer Reviews and Technician Availability
Lastly, read online customer reviews about the warranty provider’s claims process and service quality. Check if the company lists available technicians in your area, or speak directly with customer support to learn more. If you have limited technician options locally, opt for a warranty provider that allows you to choose your own technician, ensuring quicker service and more control over the repair process.
Advice From Real Homeowners
Mobile homes require regular upkeep and updates, though they also present some unique challenges. Wendy S., a mobile homeowner from South Carolina, has lived in her home for over 20 years, during which she has made several cosmetic upgrades, such as renovating her bathroom and flooring. She also replaced her aging HVAC system, similar to what many homeowners do with traditional houses.
However, Wendy advises first-time mobile home buyers to ask key questions early in the buying process to avoid surprises, particularly about important systems unique to mobile homes, such as wells and septic systems. This proactive approach helps to ensure proper maintenance and avoid costly repairs down the line.
“Ask if there is a well and septic system,” Wendy said. “If so, is there a filter on the well? When was the septic system last cleaned? What technicians are in the area to service both?”
A mobile home warranty can offer value by helping to manage these responsibilities. By covering systems such as HVAC, septic tanks, and plumbing, a warranty helps to reduce unexpected repair costs. It also simplifies the transition to mobile homeownership, offering access to qualified service professionals when needed.
FAQ About Mobile Home Warranties
Why should I get a manufactured home warranty?
A manufactured home warranty can help cover unexpected repair costs for essential systems and appliances, such as HVAC, plumbing, and major kitchen equipment. It can minimize out-of-pocket expenses for covered repairs, offering greater financial stability. It also provides access to a service technician network, reducing the hassle of finding repair professionals independently.
What issues do mobile home warranties not cover?
Mobile home warranties typically don’t cover structural issues related to roofing, siding, and flooring, as well as cosmetic damages or upgrades. Other common exclusions include external and underground piping, preexisting issues, and damage from natural disasters or improper maintenance.
How do I file a mobile home warranty claim?
To file a mobile home warranty claim, contact your provider through its website or customer service line. In your claim, you’ll describe the issue and specify the affected system or appliance. The company will review your claim to determine if the issue is covered. Once approved, the provider will assign a technician and schedule the repair. You’ll then pay the service call fee outlined in your contract at the time of the appointment.
How We Evaluated Home Warranty Providers on Mobile Home Coverage
To help you find the best mobile home warranties, we thoroughly evaluated top providers using a detailed scoring system that considered key factors such as coverage options, service quality, and customer experiences. Below is an overview of our process.
Our Rating Methodology
We began our research by consulting with home warranty experts, reviewing online customer reviews, and evaluating home warranty plans. Our team also contacted customer support teams and purchased home warranty plans for 11 leading providers. We also conducted surveys with home warranty customers to learn more about their shopping process, claims experiences, and home needs.
Based on this research, we created a detailed rating methodology and scored each company in six categories: coverage (35%), cost (20%), trustworthiness (15%), plan transparency (10%), customer support (10%), and flexibility (10%).
When evaluating mobile home warranties, we also considered the following factors:
- Mobile home inclusion: We selected home warranty providers that specifically included mobile homes or manufactured homes in their plans. We also looked for plans that covered homes of at least 5,000 square feet. We didn’t consider providers with vague coverage terms or providers that didn’t mention coverage for mobile homes.
- Key item coverage: We looked for warranties that covered essential items in their standard plans, such as HVAC systems, electrical systems, and kitchen appliances. We also checked for other necessary add-on coverage, such as roof-leak protection and septic-system coverage. We didn’t include providers that excluded key systems or appliances or lacked essential add-ons.
- Firsthand experience with the claims process: Our team submitted claims to 11 providers to assess service quality firsthand. This allowed us to evaluate how quickly and efficiently claims were handled, from the initial filing to the completion of repairs.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
