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9 Best Home Warranty Companies in Houston for 2024
By chiara MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Low service fee
$60
$58 - $62
60 days minimum
AC, heating, water heater, plumbing, electrical
No home inspection needed before purchasing a plan
$85
$45 - $53
90 days for parts and 30 days for labor
AC, heating, ductwork, plumbing, electrical, water heater
Three plans with optional add-ons
$85
$38 - $48
30 days
AC, electrical, plumbing system, water heater
Many coverage options and long service guarantee
$100 - $150
$28 - $40
180 days
AC, heating, ductwork, plumbing, electrical, water heater
A home warranty is a service agreement that helps you cover repair and replacement costs for your major home appliances or systems. Finding the right home warranty company can give you peace of mind when it comes to maintaining your most expensive home items. For instance, you can avoid the burden of paying for AC repair by finding the best home warranty for HVAC in your area.
But before contacting the first home warranty company you come across, some research is in order.
To help you jumpstart that effort, here’s a list of the best home warranty companies for residents of Houston. We explain the most important considerations in a buying decision, such as pricing, coverage and customer reviews.
Picks for the Best Home Warranty Companies in Houston
- Best overall: Choice Home Warranty
- Best reputation: Liberty Home Guard
- Best technicians: Cinch Home Services
- Best add-on options: First American Home Warranty
- Best budget-friendly options: Select Home Warranty
- Best coverage: American Home Shield
- Best ratings and reviews: AFC Home Club
Best Home Warranties in Houston Reviews
Best Overall: Choice Home Warranty
Why we chose it: Choice Home Warranty is a company with a long-standing reputation for decent service. It offers customizable contracts and high coverage caps.
- First month is free with single payment plan
- No prior inspections needed
- Allows plan customizations
- No choice of technician
- Weekend repairs can take longer
Choice Home Warranty offers customers two different plans to best suit their needs: Basic and Total. The Basic plan costs $47 per month in Houston and covers select major appliances, including ranges and dishwashers, and systems, including heating.
The more comprehensive Total plan costs $55 and covers additional items like air conditioning, refrigerators and clothes washers. Choice Home Warranty charges a fixed service fee of $100, no matter what plan you choose.
Aside from these two options, you can get coverage for additional home appliances and systems by paying an add-on fee. Coverage options include a central vacuum, pool and spa, septic tank and well pumps.
Choice Home Warranty gives you a 90-day guarantee on parts and a 60-day guarantee on workmanship after repairs. If you have any queries or wish to file a claim, the company’s customer service is available 24/7. Note that it takes approximately two days before you get a response to your claim.
Choice Home Warranty has a Trustpilot rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars, which is above the industry norm. The company has a B rating from the Better Business Bureau, but only a 1.04-star rating based on more than 4,000 reviews. To learn more, you can check out our Choice Home Warranty review for an in-depth assessment.
Best for Reputation: Liberty Home Guard
Why we chose it: Liberty Home Guard has among the best reputations among the home warranty companies available in Houston, Texas. The company is accredited with the Better Business Bureau, with which it holds an A rating.
- High overall ratings compared to other companies
- Low claim rejection
- User-friendly portal for making claims
- Relatively new company
- Hidden service fees
- Coverage starts 30 or 60 days after enrolling
Liberty Home Guard offers homeowners three plans from which to choose: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard and Total Home Guard. Appliance Guard coverage is about $50 per month (according to our quote for Houston) and covers most of your major appliances. Systems Guard which is around $55 and covers home systems like your HVAC, water heater and electrical systems, to name a few. The third plan, Total Home Guard, is $60. It covers both appliances and home systems by combining the Appliance and Systems Guard plans.
Aside from these set plans, you can complement your core policy with more than 30 add-ons, including coverage for sump pumps, vacuums, pools, stand-alone freezers and more.
Liberty Home Guard is highly regarded in reviews on Google and the Better Business Bureau. Customers have given the company an average rating of 4.52 out of 5 on the BBB website, which is above the industry average. Its user portal also makes it easier for policyholders to know how to file a home warranty claim.
Best for Technicians: Cinch Home Services
Why we chose it: Cinch Home Services is one of the longest-running home warranty companies in the country, having been founded in 1978. The company works with a network of technicians in Houston and across the country. All of Cinch’s technicians are insured, licensed and are guaranteed to deliver acceptable service.
- 180-day workmanship guarantee
- Free cancellation within 30 days
- High service call fees
- Not many discounts
When it comes to home warranty policies, Cinch offers three plans, with Houston pricing as shown:
- Appliances plan: $39 to $49 per month, depending on service fee chosen
- Built-in Systems plan: $44 to $56 per month, depending on service fee chosen
- Complete Home plan: $55 to $67 per month, depending on service fee chosen
When opting for a plan, you must choose how much you are willing to pay in service fees for any claims you may file. The choices are $100, $125 or $150 per visit — all on the high side for the industry. This fee will determine the monthly price of your warranty plan — the lower your service fee, the higher your premium.
Cinch Home Services claims to have a two-hour response time to claims made during business hours. The company also has one of the longest workmanship guarantees, at an impressive 180 days.
Cinch garners decent ratings from customers. Its Trustpilot rating is 3.7 out of 5 stars. It holds a B rating from the BBB. If you find yourself unhappy with Cinch, you can cancel your policy and get a refund within 30 days of signing up.
Best for Add-On Options: First American Home Warranty
Why we chose it: First American Home Warranty has been around since 1984. The company gives customers many options for add-ons, making their plans highly customizable.
- Low pricing
- Many add-on options
- Automatic renewal of plans
- Can't choose a contractor
First American Home Warranty (FAHW) has three plans for you to consider. The Starter Plan, for which we were quoted at $47 per month in Houston, covers the essential appliances in your home, including your refrigerator, dishwasher, built-in microwave, oven and kitchen range hood. It also covers electrical, HVAC and plumbing systems.
The most popular option is the Essential Plan. It covers a few more appliances and systems, including your clothes washer, dryer and trash compactor.
The Premium Plan, priced at around $72 per month, covers systems like your plumbing, electrical and heating in addition to a central vacuum and all the appliances listed in the Basic Plan. The service fee for all policy options ranges between $75 and $125, which is on par with many other warranty providers.
If you need additional coverage for your appliances and systems, many add-ons are available, including options for your pool and spa, HVAC, air conditioning, well pump, second refrigerator and septic tank. This represents a good degree of coverage flexibility, especially if the items you need to be covered aren’t included in the Premium Plan.
First American has average ratings that are comparable to other home warranty companies. It has a Trustpilot rating of 4.1 out of 5 and a B rating from the Better Business Bureau.
The average response time for the company is 48 hours, and you can contact them any time (24 hours a day, seven days a week). While the company has automatic renewal for its plans, you can request to cancel 30 days before the renewal date. Check out our comprehensive First American Home Warranty Review to learn more about this company.
Best for Budget-Friendly Options: Select Home Warranty
Why we chose it: Select Home Warranty has a lower service fee than many other companies. The company also offers discounts and freebies if you decide to pay annually.
- Low service and monthly fees
- Can be contacted 24/7
- Up to $150 off annual plan when paying yearly
- Claims window is only three days
- Can't choose your own technician
- Long repair delays
Select offers homeowners a choice of three plans. The Bronze Care Plan mainly covers appliances, including garbage disposals, dryers, microwaves, ranges and refrigerators. The Gold Care plan covers systems like air conditioning, electrical, heating and plumbing. Both plans cost around $45 per month.
Finally, the Platinum Care Plan, which is slightly pricier at about $48 per month, includes coverage from both the Bronze and Gold Care plans. It also covers other items like your garage door opener, ceiling fans and more.
When you choose to an annual contract, rather than a month-by-month arrangement, you’ll get a $150 discount, free roof coverage and an additional two months of coverage for free.
Select Home Warranty has a good reputation among customers. It has a Trustpilot rating of 3.7 out of 5 and a B- from the Better Business Bureau.
Select’s customer service response time is 48 hours, which is less than some companies promise. Still, there are some downsides. You only have three days to file a claim after something breaks down. Also, repair delays after the company first responds can be long, and you can’t choose your own technician — Select Home Warranty will choose for you.
Best for Coverage: American Home Shield
Why we chose it: American Home Shield has been in business since the early 1970s. It’s our pick for the best coverage because of its wide variety of options.
- Low claim denial rate
- Lots of discounts
- Offers a customizable plan
- High service fees
- Short 30-day workmanship guarantee
American Home Shield offers three home warranty plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold and ShieldPlatinum. The monthly cost of each one starts at $30 for Silver, $50 for Gold and $80 for Platinum, according to our quotes.
The service fees for AHS vary by plan, with prices ranging from a reasonable $75 to a somewhat pricey $125. You can pick your own service fee, and choosing a higher one results in a lower monthly plan payment.
American Home Shield’s plans are comprehensive and offer some of the highest coverage caps in the industry. Another benefit of choosing AHS is that you won’t need to complete a home inspection before getting coverage.
AHS gets a low Trustpilot score of 2.2 and a similar rating based on more than 11,000 reviews through the BBB. That said, the company is BBB-accredited with a B rating.
Best for Ratings and Reviews: AFC Home Warranty
Why we chose it: America’s First Choice Home Club (AFC Home Club) offers 24/7 availability, claimed 24- to 48-hour response time and extended workmanship guarantee for the life of the plan.
- Comprehensive coverage
- Low service fee
- Many plans to choose from
- Membership automatically renews 30 days before expiration
- 30-day wait period before you can file a claim
- High service fees
The company offers four plans. The Silver Plan covers nine appliances, including refrigerators, ovens, garbage disposals and garage door opener. According to our quote, it costs about $45 to $50 per month, depending on the service fee you choose. In addition to coverage in Silver, the Gold Plan covers these six systems: air conditioning, heating, water heater, electrical, plumbing and ductwork. It costs $60 to $65 per month.
The Platinum and Diamond plans both cover 18 appliances and systems, but Diamond adds electronics and exterior water and sewer lines. Items not included in the Gold plan include plumbing stoppages, built-in microwaves, ice makers and fans. The Platinum offers comprehensive coverage and includes all appliances as well as the major systems mentioned in all the other plans. The Platinum Plan costs between $65 and $70, and the Diamond Plan between $100 and $105.
Like a few other home warranty companies, America’s First Choice Home Club prices its monthly plans based on the service fees you choose: $75, $100 or $125.
Customers gave AFC Home Club this company a rating of 3 out of 5 on Trustpilot. Additionally, it gets a score of B from the Better Business Bureau.
Other Companies We Considered
The companies listed above are our top picks, but there are other worthy choices. Below are a few runner-up home warranty companies you might want to consider in Houston.
First Premier Home Warranty
- $200 discount for annual plans
- Low claim denials
- Premier Plan is customizable
- Only two plans to choose from
- No online chat support
First Premier Home Warranty only has two plans for you to choose from, Premier and Platinum. You can, however, customize the latter to fit your specific needs.
The Premier Plan costs roughly $40 per month and covers approximately 15 appliances and home systems. The Platinum Plan is around $48 per month and includes 20 systems and appliances. First Premier charges a fairly low $75 deductible per claim.
First Premier also boasts a low claim denial rate, multiple discounts for annual policy payments and a 24/7 emergency service option. It doesn’t have online chat support, but you can call its customer service hotline anytime and any day of the week. Also, if you discontinue your policy, you must contact them 60 days before it’s due for renewal.
The company has a 3.07-star rating and a B- rating from the BBB. However, its Trustpilot score was removed due to fake reviews and a breach of Trustpilot’s guidelines.
The Home Service Club
- Short wait time to file a claim
- Many items covered in each plan
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Only two plans to pick from
- High service fees
- Very few contractors on its roster
Home Service Club has two plans: Standard and Comprehensive. The first, which costs around $51 a month, protects approximately 20 of your appliances and systems. Some of these items include air conditioning, heating, plumbing, refrigerators, ceiling fans, garage door openers, washers and dryers.
The Comprehensive Plan is $63 per month and includes 12 additional items, such as sump pumps, smoke detectors and doorbells.
Several add-on items are available for coverage, including roof leaks, spas and pools and sprinkler systems.
Service rates range from $65 to $125, depending on what you want to pay monthly.
The Home Service Club has a score of 1.8 out of 5 from customers on Trustpilot and a C rating from the BBB.
Guide to the Best Home Warranty Providers in Houston
If you’re still unsure whether you need a home warranty plan, this guide can help you decide. When choosing the best home warranty provider in Houston, it helps to know what to expect and what to look for.
What is a home warranty plan?
A home warranty plan, also called a residential service contract, covers part of the cost of repairing or replacing home systems or appliances that may suffer damage from regular use or wear. (Homeowners remain responsible for covering a service call fee, typically of between $75 and $125 per claim.)
If you compare a home warranty vs. home insurance, you’ll notice that the latter covers appliances and systems damaged by unexpected events, such as forces of nature, fires or burglary. A home warranty, by contrast, covers the cost of repairs or replacement of systems and appliances brought about by normal wear and tear.
How does a home warranty company in Houston work?
Before you learn how to buy a home warranty, you should first understand how it works. A home warranty is an agreement between you and the home warranty company you sign a contract with. This contract covers the cost of servicing, replacing or repairing the appliances and home systems listed within.
If you experience a damaged appliance or system that is covered by your plan, you will file a home warranty claim with your provider. The company will process your request and send a technician to assess whether the system or appliance should be fixed or replaced.
How to pick home warranty coverage
Not all home warranty plans are the same, as you can see from our list above. How do you choose the right one for your home? Here are some steps to follow.
01. Read the fine print
Before you sign on the dotted line, find out what you’re getting yourself into first. Check for additional costs, hidden fees and contract stipulations that may negate your policy or cost you more.
Some policies don’t cover certain expensive repairs on some items listed in your home warranty. These are called limited repairs. Your policy may list plumbing and heating as covered in your home warranty. But if the fine print says there are specific problems it won’t touch, you’re out of luck. Be sure to read the terms and conditions before making your decision to avoid any negative surprises.
02. Find one that covers your needs
Look through what each warranty plan covers so you can go elsewhere if they don’t cover the systems and appliances you need. Check what add-ons and customization options they offer so you can increase your coverage limits for your appliances and systems if needed.
There’s a chance that not all of your appliances or systems may receive coverage with any of these home warranty companies. In this situation, you’ll need to assess which ones will cost you more in repairs and replacements. List those as the priority items to include in your quest to find the right home warranty company in Houston.
03. Be sure it fits your budget
When going through your list of home warranty companies, make sure to note not only the monthly price but also the service fees and cost of add-ons.
Some add-ons will cost more than others, so check the list your chosen home warranty company provides when you’re thinking of customizing your policy.
How much does a home warranty cost in Houston?
The cost of a home warranty in Houston can vary depending on several factors, including the provider, the coverage options selected, the size and age of the home, and the deductible amount chosen. On average, the cost of a home warranty in Houston can range from $360 to $1,250per year. It’s essential to compare multiple home warranty providers and their coverage options to find the best plan that fits your needs and budget.
What is covered and not covered under a home warranty?
A home warranty typically covers the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear. These can include heating and cooling systems, plumbing and electrical systems, water heaters, dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, and stovetops, among others. However, it’s important to note that specific coverage can vary between providers and plans.
On the other hand, a home warranty generally does not cover pre-existing conditions, items that are not properly maintained, cosmetic damages, or damages caused by homeowner negligence or misuse. Additionally, home warranties often have specific coverage limits and exclusions outlined in the contract, so it’s essential to review the contract thoroughly before purchasing a home warranty plan.
Best Home Warranty Companies in Houston FAQ
What do home warranty companies cover?
Home warranty companies cover the cost of repairs and replacements of appliances and systems that break down in your home due to wear and tear. They don't cover damage caused by pests, improper installation, neglect or misuse.
How do home warranty companies determine depreciation?
Depreciation comes into play when your home warranty company pays you in cash instead of replacing or repairing the damaged appliance. This is usually the case when there are no suitable replacements for the appliance in question or parts that can be used to repair it.
Home warranty companies assess depreciation value by subtracting the item's depreciation rate and age from its replacement cash value. The depreciation rate is the rate at which the appliance or system loses its value.
Why do home warranty companies sell year-long plans?
Home warranty companies want to ensure that a policyholder stays with them for the longest time possible. If a policyholder cancels, the company will give you a pro-rated refund. The company will also likely charge a cancellation fee, which ensures the warranty company still gets some money out of the transaction.
What regulations cover home warranty companies?
Both the state and the federal government regulate home warranties. Unfortunately, there are no set regulations for home warranty companies in Texas. If you have a complaint about your home warranty company, you can contact the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for help.
What's the difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance?
A home warranty and homeowner's insurance are two different types of coverage that provide protection for different issues. Homeowner's insurance is designed to protect your home and personal belongings from damages caused by unexpected events like fire, theft or natural disasters. It typically covers the structure of your home, personal property and liability coverage for accidents that occur on your property.
On the other hand, a home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances due to normal wear and tear. A home warranty typically covers items like HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens. Unlike homeowner's insurance, a home warranty is not mandatory and is typically purchased by the homeowner to provide extra protection for their home's systems and appliances.
Does a home warranty come with any deductibles?
Yes, a home warranty typically comes with a deductible, also known as a service fee or trade call fee. The deductible is a predetermined amount that the homeowner pays each time they request service from the warranty company. The amount of the deductible can vary depending on the home warranty provider and the plan selected. It's important to review the deductible amount outlined in the contract before purchasing a home warranty plan to ensure it fits your budget.
How We Chose the Best Home Warranty Companies in Houston
We evaluated Houston home warranty companies based on the following criteria.
Add-on options
One of the things we considered in choosing which home warranty companies in Houston qualified for this list was their add-on options. Some companies have more add-on possibilities than others, which makes it easier for you to tailor your warranty to your specific needs.
Coverage
Another factor we looked at was coverage options. Some companies offer more plan options but only cover a few items for each. Others may only have one or two plan options, but cover many systems and appliances within them. We chose the ones that offered the best coverage for homeowners at varying price points.
Pricing
We also looked at pricing and value. Remember, not all low-cost home warranty plans can give you what you need. We balanced the cost with what’s included in the plans and chose the best deals based on inclusions, service fees and total cost.
Option to choose your own technicians
Not all home warranty companies allow homeowners to use their chosen technicians to service their appliances or systems. A company may decline a claim if a worker from outside its roster has serviced an appliance or system.
For this list, we put a high value on companies that allowed policyholders to work with technicians they want (as long as they were licensed and insured technicians). If that option wasn’t available, we chose home warranty companies that guaranteed quality, experienced technicians.
Discounts
Many of the companies on this list offer huge discounts for annual warranty payments. We also considered companies that offered customers freebies and additional incentives such as referral programs and brand-name appliance discounts.
Reviews
We also checked online user reviews. We scanned a number of trusted platforms for ratings and reviews, including the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot.
Summary of Best Home Warranty Companies in Houston of 2024
We found the following companies to be among the best home warranty company options in Houston, Texas.
- Best overall: Choice Home Warranty
- Best reputation: Liberty Home Guard
- Best technicians: Cinch Home Services
- Best add-on options: First American Home Warranty
- Best budget-friendly options: Select Home Warranty
- Best coverage: American Home Shield
- Best ratings and reviews: AFC Home Club
Make sure to check the sample contract proposed by each company before signing a contract.
