How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- American Home Shield stands out for high HVAC and appliance caps on its top plan, while its entry plan covers systems only and leaves appliances out.
- Choice Home Warranty keeps the choice simple with two combined plans, but its per-item cap and pre-existing condition rules need a close read.
- Liberty Home Guard offers a separate appliance-only plan and a long list of add-ons, which suits buyers who want to build cover piece by piece.
- Cinch Home Services covers items regardless of age and offers a 180-day repair guarantee in its published material, but its service fee can be higher than rivals.
- Select Home Warranty, First American Home Warranty, and AFC Home Warranty each suit a different buyer, from value-focused shoppers to owners of higher-end appliances and people who want a repair guarantee that lasts for the life of the plan.
Quick comparison
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The best appliance warranty companies
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
American Home Shield is the largest name on this list, and its size shows in the structure of its plans. ShieldSilver covers parts of major systems, including heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical work. ShieldGold adds kitchen and laundry appliances. ShieldPlatinum adds roof leak repair, unlimited air conditioning refrigerant, and a higher appliance cap. Across all three plans, the published HVAC cap is 5,000 dollars per covered system, which is higher than many rivals offer, and the total limit per agreement term is 50,000 dollars on the plans described on its homepage.
That structure makes it a strong fit for owners of older homes, where the age of a furnace or an air conditioner can be the main worry. The company states that older items are eligible, no maintenance records are required, and unknown pre-existing breakdowns are covered. The honest catch is that the middle plan caps each appliance at 2,000 dollars, so a costly replacement may still leave a gap. You also pay a service fee on each visit, chosen at sign-up, with a lower fee usually tied to a higher monthly amount.
What we like- High HVAC cap on all three plans
- No inspection or maintenance records required
- Unknown pre-existing breakdowns covered under its published terms
Watch out for- Appliance caps are lower on the middle plan
- You cannot pick your own technician in most cases
- Price varies by quote and location
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Choice Home Warranty keeps its menu short, and for many buyers that is the main appeal. The Basic plan covers heating, plumbing, electrical work, the water heater, and most kitchen appliances. The Total plan adds air conditioning, the refrigerator, and the clothes washer and dryer. Add-ons are available for items such as a pool and spa, a well pump, and a second refrigerator.
The trade-off is that the Basic plan leaves out four items that many households use every day, so it only makes sense if you are buying mainly for systems and kitchen appliances. The published per-item cap in third-party reviews is 3,000 dollars, which is workable for many repairs but can fall short on a full replacement. Get a written quote, confirm the service fee for your state, and ask how pre-existing conditions are handled before you sign.
What we like- Two plans that are easy to compare
- Both plans mix systems and appliances
- Claims can be filed online or by phone around the clock
Watch out for- Basic plan leaves out air conditioning, refrigerator, washer, and dryer
- Per-item cap is lower than some rivals
- Pre-existing condition rules are strict in published reviews of its terms
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Liberty Home Guard is a useful pick when you want appliance cover without paying for full systems cover, or when you want to add cover in small steps. Its Appliance Guard plan covers the refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, washer, dryer, microwave, and garbage disposal. Systems Guard covers air conditioning, heating, ductwork, plumbing, electrical work, and water heaters. Total Home Guard combines both.
The breadth of add-ons is another reason to consider this company. Buyers can add items such as electronics protection and septic support, rather than moving to a much larger plan for one item. The catch is that per-item caps are commonly around 2,000 dollars in third-party comparisons, so a high-end appliance may not be fully covered. Service fees also vary, and the homepage promotes cover starting at about one dollar per day, which is a starting point for a quote rather than a fixed price for every home.
What we like- Separate appliance-only plan available
- Wide range of add-ons
- Cover available in all 50 states according to its homepage
Watch out for- Per-item caps are commonly lower than the top plans from rivals
- Service fee varies by plan and state
- The cheapest plan covers appliances only, not systems
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Cinch Home Services has been in the home warranty market for decades, and its pitch is built around older homes and older appliances. Its homepage states that it steps in for repair or replacement of covered systems and appliances no matter their age, and that a nationwide network of vetted technicians handles the work. That matters for buyers who have just moved into an older home and do not want to argue about the age of a washer, a furnace, or a refrigerator. The company also highlights a repair guarantee period that is longer than the 30-day guarantee offered by several rivals.
The downside is cost at the point of use. Third-party comparisons put its service fee in a higher range than many rivals, and the exact fee depends on the plan and state. Pricing is by quote, so two homes in different states can see different monthly amounts for similar cover. Before you buy, confirm the service fee, the cap for each appliance you care about, and whether the plan includes the 180-day guarantee as described. For a home with several aging appliances, that guarantee can be worth the higher visit fee.
What we like- Covers items regardless of age
- Repairs guaranteed for 180 days in published material
- Nationwide network of vetted technicians
Watch out for- Service fee can be higher than rivals
- Pricing is by quote and varies by state
- Some benefits and offers vary by location
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Select Home Warranty is best understood as a value pick with a few extras that other companies do not offer. Its homepage lists three plans: a full-home plan, a systems plan, and an appliance plan. The appliance plan covers the washer, dryer, cooktop, dishwasher, garbage disposal, built-in microwave, refrigerator, and stove or oven. Claims can be filed through its website or mobile app.
What sets it apart is the Select Benefits Club, which offers discounts at major retailers. Those discounts will not replace repair cover, but they can add value if you already shop at the listed stores. The honest catch is the 30-day waiting period stated on its homepage, which means cover does not start at once for most buyers. You also pay a service fee for each visit, and the sample agreement sets out the caps and exclusions.
What we like- Three clear plans including an appliance plan
- Monthly or annual payment options
- Member discounts at major retailers through its benefits club
Watch out for- 30-day waiting period before cover starts
- Service fee applies on each visit
- Add-on pricing and caps need checking in the sample agreement
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
First American Home Warranty has been helping homeowners for more than 40 years, according to its homepage, and its plan ladder is clear. The Starter plan covers basic systems and appliances, including plumbing, electrical and heating systems, the dishwasher, refrigerator, garbage disposal, oven, cooktop, and microwave. The Essential plan adds the clothes washer and dryer, water heater, air conditioning, and garage door opener. The Premium plan adds luxury appliances, HVAC tune-ups, roof leaks, garage door systems, and other enhancements. That top tier is the reason to shortlist this company if you own higher-end kitchen or laundry appliances.
The company also states that there are no age limits on home systems, no inspections are needed, and there is no limit on service calls. The catch is that the base plan is limited, so buyers who pick the cheapest option may find that a key item is not covered. Third-party reviews also flag a strict cancellation policy, so read that section before you buy. First American states that most plans range from 400 to 1,000 dollars per year, with service call fees typically between 95 and 125 dollars.
What we like- Premium plan covers luxury appliances
- No age limits on home systems
- No inspections needed and no limit on service calls in its published terms
Watch out for- Base plan is limited
- Cancellation terms are strict in third-party reviews
- Pricing is by quote and varies by home size and location
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
AFC Home Warranty, also known as AFC Home Club, is the pick on this list for buyers who worry most about a repair failing again. Its homepage states that it guarantees the cost of parts and labor on repairs for the life of the plan, which is longer than the 30-day or 90-day guarantees offered by many rivals. It also allows you to choose your own technician, as long as that technician is licensed, bonded, and insured and AFC approves the choice. That flexibility can matter if you already have a trusted local repair company.
AFC offers four plans, from an appliance-focused option to a top plan that adds electronics and other cover, with add-ons for pool and spa equipment, septic systems, and well pumps. Cover is not available in Hawaii, California, and Washington, according to its homepage. HVAC systems need annual maintenance to stay eligible, so you must keep tune-up records even though no home inspection is required to buy. Service fees are set at 75, 100, or 125 dollars depending on the plan.
What we like- Repairs guaranteed for the life of the plan
- You can choose your own licensed technician with approval
- Four plans with a wide range of add-ons
Watch out for- Not available in Hawaii, California, and Washington according to its homepage
- HVAC systems need annual maintenance for eligibility
- Service fee varies by plan
How we chose
We compared pricing pages, plan documents, and public reviews on G2, Capterra, and Reddit, along with each company's own homepage and sample terms. We checked what each plan covers, the cap for each appliance and system, the service fee, the waiting period, and the repair guarantee. We also weighed company-size fit. We did not claim hands-on testing, and we did not invent prices, ratings, or customer names. Where a company sets price by quote, we wrote See website rather than publishing a single number that would not apply to every home.
This is general information, not financial advice. A home warranty is a contract with limits and exclusions, and the sample agreement for your state is the document that decides what is covered.
What to check before you sign
Start with the appliances you actually own, not the full list on a sales page. Write down the age and brand of your refrigerator, washer, dryer, dishwasher, and oven. Then check the cap for each of those items on each plan you are considering. A plan that looks cheap can be costly if its cap is half the price of a replacement refrigerator.
Caps, fees, and waiting periods
Read three numbers together. The monthly or annual amount is what you pay to keep cover in place. The service fee is what you pay each time a technician visits. The cap is the most the company will pay for that item. Most plans on this list start cover after 30 days, so a breakdown in the first month is usually not covered.
Pre-existing conditions and maintenance
Ask how the company treats a problem that existed before you bought the plan. Some companies cover unknown pre-existing breakdowns, while others exclude pre-existing conditions in full. That difference can decide a claim on an older appliance. Also ask about maintenance rules. AFC requires annual HVAC maintenance for eligibility, while American Home Shield states that no maintenance records are required.
Who sends the technician
Most companies on this list send a technician from their own network. That is convenient, because you do not have to find a repair company yourself. It can also be a drawback if you prefer your own technician. AFC is an exception, since it allows you to choose your own licensed technician with approval. If you already trust a local company, that flexibility may matter more than a small difference in monthly price.
Frequently asked questions
What is an appliance warranty?
An appliance warranty in this guide is usually a home warranty plan or service contract that covers repair or replacement of covered appliances and, in many plans, home systems when they break down from normal wear and tear. It is not the same as a manufacturer warranty for a single new appliance, and it is not homeowners insurance.
How much does an appliance warranty cost?
The cost varies by plan, home size, location, and the service fee you choose. Companies on this list mostly set price by quote, so the same plan can cost different amounts in different states. First American Home Warranty states that most plans range from 400 to 1,000 dollars per year, with service call fees typically between 95 and 125 dollars. Get quotes from at least two companies for the same items before you decide.
Does an appliance warranty cover old appliances?
It depends on the company. American Home Shield and Cinch Home Services state that items are eligible regardless of age, and First American Home Warranty states that there are no age limits on home systems. Other companies may have different rules in their sample agreements, and pre-existing conditions can still be excluded. Check the age rule and the pre-existing condition rule for each plan you consider.
What is not covered by most appliance warranties?
Most plans do not cover damage from misuse, cosmetic damage, or items that were already broken before cover started, unless the terms state otherwise. They also have caps, exclusions, and limits for specific parts. Some items, such as a pool, spa, well pump, or second refrigerator, may only be covered as an add-on. The sample agreement for your state lists the exclusions in full.
Can I choose my own repair technician?
In most cases, the company assigns a technician from its network. AFC Home Warranty is a notable exception, since it allows you to choose your own licensed, bonded, and insured technician with its approval. If you want to use your own technician, confirm that option in writing before you buy, and ask whether approval is needed for each visit.
Is an appliance warranty worth it for a new home?
It can be, but the case is weaker than for an older home. New appliances often still have a manufacturer warranty, and breakdowns are less likely in the first few years. Compare the yearly cost plus likely service fees with the cost of the repairs you expect.
Sources we checked (7)
- https://www.americanhomeshield.com
- https://choicehomewarranty.com/
- https://libertyhomeguard.com/
- https://www.cinchhomeservices.com
- https://www.selecthomewarranty.com
- https://homewarranty.firstam.com/
- https://afchomeclub.com/
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.
American Home Shield
Choice Home Warranty
Liberty Home Guard
Cinch Home Services
Select Home Warranty
First American Home Warranty
AFC Home Warranty