Choosing a home warranty company can feel overwhelming. With so many providers promising great service and coverage, how do you know which one to trust? Here’s a review and comparison of the top 5 home warranty companies to help you decide.

1. American Home Shield (AHS)
Pros:

Covers a wide range of systems and appliances

Customizable plans

No home inspection required

Cons:

Higher-than-average monthly premiums

Mixed customer service reviews

Best For: Homeowners seeking flexibility in coverage.

2. Choice Home Warranty
Pros:

Affordable pricing

24/7 claims support

Standard plans cover most essential appliances

Cons:

Less customizable

Limited contractor network in some areas

Best For: First-time buyers and budget-conscious homeowners.

3. Select Home Warranty
Pros:

Competitive pricing

Frequent promotional offers

Covers roof leaks in basic plan

Cons:

Limited coverage caps

May take time to dispatch technicians

Best For: Homeowners looking for roof coverage.

4. Liberty Home Guard
Pros:

A+ BBB rating

Optional add-ons for luxury appliances and electronics

Fast claims processing

Cons:

Slightly more expensive

Requires pre-approval for some repairs

Best For: Tech-savvy homeowners with modern systems.

5. First American Home Warranty
Pros:

Great for older homes

Generous appliance replacement terms

Straightforward contracts

Cons:

No coverage for roof or HVAC add-ons

Higher service fees

Best For: Owners of older properties with aging appliances.

Conclusion
Each company has strengths and weaknesses. If flexibility is key, go with AHS. For affordability, Choice or Select are solid picks. Tech-forward homeowners may prefer Liberty, while First American is ideal for older homes.

When buying a home, you’re often introduced to two critical forms of protection: homeowners insurance and a home warranty. While they may sound similar, they cover very different aspects of homeownership. Understanding the difference between them is essential for safeguarding your investment.

What Is Homeowners Insurance?
Homeowners insurance protects you financially from unexpected events that damage your home or belongings. This includes:

Fire and smoke damage

Weather-related damage (storms, hail, lightning)

Theft or vandalism

Liability if someone is injured on your property

Your mortgage lender will usually require you to carry homeowners insurance as a condition of the loan.

What Is a Home Warranty?
A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of systems and appliances due to normal wear and tear. This includes:

HVAC systems

Plumbing and electrical systems

Kitchen appliances (e.g., dishwasher, refrigerator)

Washer and dryer

Unlike homeowners insurance, a home warranty is optional and not required by lenders.

Key Differences
Aspect Homeowners Insurance Home Warranty
Covers Structural damage, theft, liability Systems & appliances due to wear and tear
Required? Yes (by lender) No
Claim Examples Storm-damaged roof, stolen laptop Broken A/C, malfunctioning water heater
Payout Type Lump sum to repair/replace damages Contractor service and replacement parts
Why You Might Need Both
These two types of coverage complement each other. Insurance protects against unexpected disasters; a warranty helps with everyday breakdowns. Together, they create a more comprehensive safety net.

Conclusion
A home warranty and homeowners insurance serve different but equally important roles. To fully protect your home and finances, consider having both. Just make sure you understand what’s covered in each policy to avoid surprises.