Home warranty providers elicit a lot of reactions, both positive and negative. For instance, when Forbes Home surveyed 1,000 home warranty policyholders in August of 2024, we found that 84% of respondents were satisfied with their plans, and 82% would recommend a policy to others.
However, we also analyzed 146,478 online customer reviews and comments about home warranties using our Consumer Sentiment Index tool, and we found a broadly negative response that contrasts with our national survey results. Customer complaints included poor customer service and frustrations with delays and denied claims.
Unlike homeowner’s insurance, which protects against the cost of theft and disaster, home warranties control the cost of the normal wear and tear of large appliances and other household systems, such as plumbing, electrical and HVAC.
Home warranties typically come with a monthly cost and a fee structure for each service call, so it’s a good idea to track your typical spending on home repairs and compare that against the costs of a home warranty plan to see if it’s right for you. We also recommend that you make sure to read all the fine print on any policy before you sign up, as do our Advisory Board members.
“Always ask for clarification on exclusions to ensure you understand what is and what isn’t covered,” says Marcus Hill, a member of Forbes Home Advisory Board with two decades of experience as a home appraiser and real estate investor. “Watch out for excessive service call fees or unclear fee structures. Some companies charge high fees every time you request service, even if the repair is denied. Ensure the fee structure is reasonable and transparent.”
To help you compare providers, we analyzed more than 50 plans from 19 companies, looking at dozens of real price quotes, as well as a detailed review of company policies. We’ve determined that AFC Home Warranty offers the best overall coverage, but we also found several other providers that are worth considering.