Best Home Warranty Companies for Wells
Over 42 million Americans depend on wells for their water supply. While wells have their advantages, if something ever goes wrong with them, it can leave you without water for drinking, cooking, or cleaning. That’s where a home warranty with well coverage can really help. It connects you to qualified technicians who can diagnose and fix issues, easing the stress and costs of well maintenance.
To find the best well warranty protection, we evaluated 13 leading home warranty providers for their coverage options. American Home Shield (AHS) stood out as our top choice, offering up to $1,500 in well pump coverage along with unlimited coverage for most plumbing issues. We also favor First American Home Warranty (FAHW), known for its generous well coverage limits and additional add-on options for water filtration systems, which can help improve the quality of well water.
Keep reading to see our top picks, discover which companies didn’t make the list, and get tips on how to shop for well coverage that fits your needs.
Top Home Warranty Companies for Wells
We reviewed 13 home warranty providers and selected these five companies as the top choices for well coverage:
- American Home Shield
- First American Home Warranty
- Cinch Home Services
- Elite Home Warranty
- Choice Home Warranty
Comparing Top Home Warranty Companies on Cost and Well Coverage
When comparing home warranty companies offering well coverage, we focused on pump coverage caps (in other words, the maximum dollar amount your home warranty will cover), monthly plan costs, and service call fees (the cost per repair visit). Since homeowners are fully responsible for their well’s performance, we also took a close look at each provider’s plumbing coverage, as unexpected clogs or backups can often require repair.
The table below outlines how our top picks compare across these criteria.
| Provider | Well Pump Coverage Cap | Plumbing Coverage Cap | Monthly Plan Cost for Wells* | Service Fee Cost for Well Pumps | BBB Rating** | Get a Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,500 | $500–unlimited | $29–$89 | $100–$125 | B | Visit Site | |
| $1,500 | $500–unlimited | $62–$102 | $100–$125 | B | Visit Site | |
| $1,500 | $1,000 | $38–$66 | $100–$150 | B+ | Visit Site | |
| $1,000 | $750–$2,000 | $44–$58 | $150 | B+ | Visit Site | |
| $500 | $3,000 | $46–$55 | $100 | B | Visit Site |
| Well Pump Coverage Cap | Plumbing Coverage Cap | Monthly Plan Cost for Wells* | Service Fee Cost for Well Pumps | BBB Rating | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Home Shield |  | $1,500 | $500–unlimited | $29–$89 | $100–$125 | B | VISIT SITE |
| First American Home Warranty |  | $1,500 | $500–unlimited | $62–$102 | $100–$125 | B | VISIT SITE |
| Cinch Home Services |  | $1,500 | $1,000 | $38–$66 | $100–$150 | B+ | VISIT SITE |
| Elite Home Warranty |  | $1,000 | $750–$2,000 | $44–$58 | $150 | B+ | VISIT SITE |
| Choice Home Warranty |  | $500 | $3,000 | $46–$55 | $100 | B | VISIT SITE |
| American Home Shield | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Well Pump Coverage Cap | $1,500 |
| Plumbing Coverage Cap | $500–unlimited |
| Monthly Plan Cost for Wells* | $29–$89 |
| Service Fee Cost for Well Pumps | $100–$125 |
| BBB Rating | B |
| First American Home Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Well Pump Coverage Cap | $1,500 |
| Plumbing Coverage Cap | $500–unlimited |
| Monthly Plan Cost for Wells* | $62–$102 |
| Service Fee Cost for Well Pumps | $100–$125 |
| BBB Rating | B |
| Cinch Home Services | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Well Pump Coverage Cap | $1,500 |
| Plumbing Coverage Cap | $1,000 |
| Monthly Plan Cost for Wells* | $38–$66 |
| Service Fee Cost for Well Pumps | $100–$150 |
| BBB Rating | B+ |
| Elite Home Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Well Pump Coverage Cap | $1,000 |
| Plumbing Coverage Cap | $750–$2,000 |
| Monthly Plan Cost for Wells* | $44–$58 |
| Service Fee Cost for Well Pumps | $150 |
| BBB Rating | B+ |
| Choice Home Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Well Pump Coverage Cap | $500 |
| Plumbing Coverage Cap | $3,000 |
| Monthly Plan Cost for Wells* | $46–$55 |
| Service Fee Cost for Well Pumps | $100 |
| BBB Rating | B |
*We requested sample quotes for each provider using a 2,010-square-foot single-family home in Baltimore.
**BBB ratings are accurate as of November 2024.
Top-Rated Home Warranty Providers for Wells
Here’s a detailed overview of the top home warranty providers with well coverage.
American Home Shield
First American Home Warranty
Cinch Home Services
Elite Home Warranty
Choice Home Warranty
Which Home Warranty Companies Didn’t Make the List?
Below are home warranty companies that didn’t make our well warranty top picks due to their coverage limitations. However, they could still be great provider options for homeowners with specific needs.
AFC Home Warranty
Although AFC Home Warranty sets a lower $500 limit for well pump and plumbing coverage, it offers a plan-length workmanship guarantee, which protects homeowners from paying multiple service call fees for additional repairs on the same issue. This makes AFC a solid option for homeowners who value the assurance that they won’t incur extra charges for repeated well problems despite the lower coverage limits.
Home Service Club
While Home Service Club offers $1,000 in well pump coverage, its plumbing limit is only $750, which is lower than the $1,000 offered by most other providers. This may be a good option for homeowners who prioritize well pump coverage but do not need higher plumbing coverage limits.
Liberty Home Guard
Liberty Home Guard (LHG) offers well pump and plumbing coverage up to $500, which is lower than most providers. However, it provides over 40 add-ons, including water softeners and reverse osmosis filtration systems, along with various other home services. This could make LHG a better option for homeowners who need basic well pump protection but also require a broader range of home maintenance coverage.
What Parts of a Well Are Covered by a Home Warranty?
Home warranties with well coverage typically protect the well pump system’s essential components, including the pump itself, pressure switches, motors, and other parts that keep the system running efficiently. However, most home warranty providers do not specify coverage based on well types, such as drilled, driven, or dug wells. Instead, they focus on covering the well pump as long as it supplies water to the primary residence. According to our 2024 survey of 1,000 home warranty users, 25% of homeowners opted for a well pump add-on to their coverage plan.
How Much Does Well Coverage Cost?
On average, a well warranty costs $35–$54 per month, including the monthly premium and add-on costs. Most home warranty providers offer well pump coverage as an add-on to their base plans, meaning you’ll need some form of standard coverage to receive well warranty protection. Add-on costs typically range from $7–$13 per month. Additionally, each service visit incurs a service fee, usually between $80 and $150, depending on the provider.
To put costs into perspective, imagine making three service calls over the year. With premiums, add-ons, and service fees, your total annual cost would range from $744–$1,254. While this may seem like a significant investment, it could save you thousands compared to well pump repair or replacement, which can cost several thousand dollars.
Home warranty costs and coverage levels can differ significantly among providers, so we recommend coverage from multiple providers to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
Reading the Fine Print of Your Well Coverage Plan
Well warranties typically cover only specific parts of the well pump, such as the pump itself and its key components like motors and pressure switches. Many other parts, such as utility connections and additional machinery used outside the well, are often excluded from coverage.
We’ll highlight some of the common exclusions found in well warranties.
- Above or underground piping: Home warranty providers typically exclude piping not directly connected to the well pump, meaning pipes leading to or from the pump itself are not covered.
- Access to repair well pump system: Costs for accessing hard-to-reach pumps, such as those requiring excavation, are often excluded, meaning repair access may not be covered if significant labor or material removal is required.
- Booster pumps: Pumps used to increase water pressure for household needs are generally not covered, as they are secondary to the primary well pump.
- Electrical or cable lines: Electrical connections beyond basic pump components aren’t usually covered, as they supply power to various parts of the well system but aren’t part of the pump mechanics.
- Geothermal or water-source heat pump parts and components: Specific heat pump systems related to geothermal sources aren’t covered since they serve heating and cooling functions rather than direct water supply.
- Outside pressure switches: Many home companies won’t cover switches that control pressure but aren’t located on the pump itself. These switches regulate water pressure but may be located outside the well system.
- Pressure, holding, or storage tanks: Storage or holding tanks beyond the pump system are generally excluded since these tanks store water but aren’t essential to pump operation.
- Preexisting conditions: If your well pump has existing damage before the start of your coverage, most providers won’t cover it. This typically includes damage from improper installations, repairs, and modifications.
- Pumps used for irrigation, animals, and non-living quarters: Many coverage plans exclude pumps not used for primary household water.
- Well casings: Structural elements like casings, which protect the well shaft and prevent contamination, are often excluded from warranty coverage.
- Well drilling or redrilling: Home warranties typically don’t cover any costs associated with drilling or redrilling, which is the process of creating or deepening a well shaft.
How To Choose the Right Home Warranty for Well Coverage
When selecting well pump coverage, consider your overall home needs. Since you’ll need a basic home warranty plan to add well pump coverage too, evaluate which systems and appliances you also need covered. For plumbing, look for plans with coverage limits of at least $1,000 for minor repairs. According to our 2024 survey, 72% of homeowners opt for comprehensive plans covering both systems and appliances. However, if you’re on a budget, you may want to consider appliance-only or system-only plans since they are usually more affordable.
We recommend reviewing service contracts for their service call fee policies. Some companies provide higher-level plans with more fee options, while others may have fixed fees across all service levels. Be sure to consider how these fees fit into your overall budget when selecting the right provider.
Finally, check each company’s service technician network and their availability in your region. If you live outside urban areas, consider a provider that allows you to choose your own technician for well pump repairs. This can be particularly useful if local coverage is limited or if you prefer specific contractors for repairs.
Advice From a Homeowner
For new well owners, managing repairs and maintenance can come with a learning curve, especially if you’re used to a city-managed water system. If something breaks or needs attention, it’s your responsibility to handle it, which can be overwhelming when you’re dealing with specialized parts like pumps, motors, and electrical systems.
Homeowner Shawn T. recently moved from Salt Lake City to Oregon and has learned that well maintenance requires knowledge and professional support. She said, “I would tell new well owners to get their well information [including year and type] and reach out to a neighbor or two for a local company recommendation.”
If you’re buying a home with an existing well, learning about its history can save you from some unnecessary headaches later on. “Before closing, ask the previous owners for any details about the well, such as known issues, quirks, or helpful tips they may have learned during their ownership,” Shawn said.
In addition to understanding your well’s history, having a well warranty can make a big difference for new owners. A warranty covers key well pump repairs and provides access to professional assistance when necessary, giving new owners the support they need through unexpected maintenance challenges.
How We Evaluated Providers on Well Coverage
Our team conducted in-depth research and evaluation to identify the top home warranty companies with well coverage. Here’s a breakdown of our process.
Our Rating System
We conducted our research by consulting home warranty experts, reviewing multiple providers and their coverage plans, and evaluating customer experience. To test the claims process directly, our team reached out to each company’s support and purchased plans from 11 top providers. We also surveyed current home warranty users to learn about their reasons for choosing specific coverage and gain insight into their personal claims experiences.
We then used this research to develop a detailed methodology for scoring and ranking each provider in the following six categories: coverage (35%), cost (20%), trustworthiness (15%), plan transparency (10%), customer support (10%), and flexibility (10%).
Since most well pump plans cover the same components, we considered other factors that could impact your coverage. We’ll highlight these factors below.
- Well pump coverage limits: Since well repairs can be costly, having sufficient coverage for emergencies is essential. We prioritized home warranty companies offering at least $500 in well pump coverage. Providers with lower limits were not included in our selection.
- Plumbing coverage limits: Because well pumps aren’t connected to a public water system, you’re responsible for any repairs involving the pump and surrounding plumbing. Solid plumbing coverage is essential in case issues arise beyond the well pump itself. Our evaluations considered each provider’s plumbing coverage, focusing on plans that offered at least $1,000 in repair protection.
- Water quality add-ons: Since the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not regulate private wells as it does public water systems, homeowners are responsible for maintaining their water quality. Given this responsibility, we evaluated home warranty companies for coverage options that support well maintenance, including add-ons like water filtration systems and water softeners. These supplemental coverages can provide added protection and help keep your water safe and clean.
- Our firsthand claims testing: Reading customer reviews is an excellent way to understand the overall experience with a home warranty provider. Our team personally enrolled with 11 different companies to assess key aspects such as customer support, the claims process, and other important factors that influence the user experience.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
