The Best Home Warranty Companies in Houston | 2021
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Best Basic Plan
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Best Coverage Upgrade
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Best Discounts
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Best Plan Variety
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Best Membership Perks
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A lot goes into maintaining a household. No matter how well you care for your major household systems and appliances, they will age and be damaged by everyday wear and tear. Some will even break down, be it your electrical and heating system or your refrigerator and dishwasher. When that happens, you don't want to be stuck with a sudden inconvenience and a bill for thousands of dollars out of pocket.
A home warranty policy can help mitigate this risk. In exchange for a monthly premium, the home warranty company will cover the cost to replace or repair your damaged items up to certain coverage caps. They can even handle calling a technician or contractor for you so you don't have to wait around for weeks.
You can find the best, most worthwhile coverage for your Houston home by reading our in-depth review of the top home warranty companies in your city. We look into their coverage, costs, and more to give you a better understanding of the best home warranty providers in Houston.
Top Home Warranty Companies in Houston
1. American Home Shield: Best Overall in Houston
2. Choice Home Warranty: Best Basic Plan
3. First American Home Warranty: Best Coverage Upgrade
4. Select Home Warranty: Best Discounts
5. America's 1st Choice: Best Plan Variety
#1 Best Overall in Houston: American Home Shield
Fifty years ago, American Home Shield (AHS) became the first company to enter the home warranty space. The company has paid $2 billion in home warranty claims in the last five years.
AHS coverage is comprehensive, extending to things many other home warranty companies don't cover, including older items (regardless of age), undetectable pre-existing conditions, breakdowns caused by lack of maintenance or improper installation, and more.
If you'd like to get a free quote from AHS, call 844-529-9298 or fill out this easy online form.
American Home Shield Pros and Cons
Pros
Founder of the home warranty industry
24/7 customer service
Home inspection not required before coverage
Coverage for items regardless of pre-existing condition
Cons
Relatively short workmanship guarantee (only 30 days)
Claim fees can go higher than $100
Attempts to make your own repairs can nullify coverage
Plans
AHS offers three home warranty plans, including one bundled plan. The trio includes the Appliances Plan, the Systems Plan, and the Combo Plan. Customers can add optional coverage for features like pool and septic pumps to customize their plans.
The Appliances Plan covers 11 major appliances, including your clothes washer and dryer, refrigerator, and dishwasher. The Systems Plan protects 10 home systems, including electrical and plumbing. The Combo Plan bundles all of that protection in one comprehensive package.
Plan Details
Here is a detailed breakdown of what each plan covers:
Appliances Plan: Refrigerator, dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, oven/range/cooktop, built-in microwave, freestanding ice maker, garage door opener, and trash compactor
Systems Plan: Electrical, air conditioning and ductwork, heating system and ductwork, plumbing stoppages, central vacuum, water heater, water dispenser, smoke detectors, and garbage disposal
Combo Plan: All appliances and systems listed above
Costs
American Home Shield offers three different costs per plan based on the service fee you select. Unlike many of its competitors, AHS offers you a choice between three service fees: $75, $100, or $125. The higher the service fee, the lower the monthly premium.
We received an instant online quote for a home in Houston and have listed the monthly premiums below:
Appliances Plan
With $75 service fee: $49.99
With $100 service fee: $39.99
With $125 service fee: $34.99
Systems Plan
With $75 service fee: $49.99
With $100 service fee: $39.99
With $125 service fee: $34.99
Combo Plan
With $75 service fee: $59.99
With $100 service fee: $49.99
With $125 service fee: $44.99
Optional Coverage/Add-Ons
American Home Shield offers the following add-ons for an extra cost:
Electronics warranty (not available in CA)
Pool and spa
Guest unit below 750 square feet
Well pump
Septic pump
Convenient Claims Process
AHS customer service is available 24/7 by phone at 888-682-1043 or via online request. AHS claims that the company reviews and contacts service request providers within the first 24 hours 98% of the time.
To get a free quote from AHS, call 844-529-9298 or fill out this easy form.
#2 Best Basic Plan: Choice Home Warranty
Choice Home Warranty is a popular choice with low service fees and comprehensive coverage. Choice's basic plan is among the strongest basic plans in the home warranty industry, covering a combination of 14 appliances and systems.
Choice Home Warranty offers quick, efficient customer service and one basic plan and one extensive protection plan. The provider also made the Inc. 5000 list in 2018. Choice offers a generous workmanship guarantee of 90 days, which is significantly higher than the industry norm of 30 or 60.
If you'd like to get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, call 929-400-6165 or fill out this easy form.
Choice Home Warranty Pros and Cons
Pros
Low-cost plans
24/7 customer service
Simple cancellation process
No home inspection requirement
Free re-service for failed repairs
Cons
Few customization options
Customers can't choose their own contractor
Plans
Choice Home Warranty offers two plans: the Basic Plan and the Total Plan. The Basic Plan protects essential household systems like electrical, plumbing, and heat along with more than a dozen household appliances like your dishwasher and stove. Freon is also covered, which is rare in the home warranty industry and a great perk in Houston.
The Total Plan is more comprehensive, covering everything in the Basic Plan as well as your washing machine, dryer, refrigerator, and air conditioning (including Freon).
Plan Details
Here is a breakdown of what each plan covers:
Basic Plan: Dishwasher, oven/stove/cooktop, built-in microwave, garage door opener, heating system, plumbing system, plumbing stoppages, electrical system, water heater, ductwork, exhaust and ceiling fans, Whirlpool bathtub, garage door opener, and garbage disposal
Total Plan: Refrigerator, clothes washer and dryer, air conditioning, dishwasher, oven/stove/cooktop, built-in microwave, garage door opener, heating system, plumbing system, plumbing stoppages, electrical system, water heater, ductwork, exhaust and ceiling fans, Whirlpool bathtub, garage door opener, and garbage disposal
Costs
Choice Home Warranty's costs can either be paid monthly or in one upfront payment for 13 months. The upfront payment option saves money in the long run. Choice's service fee is $85, making it slightly higher than the $75 industry standard.
Basic Plan
Monthly: $41.69
Upfront payment for 13 months: $470.25
Total Plan
Monthly: $50
Upfront payment for 13 months: $570
Optional Coverage/Add-Ons
Roof leak
Septic system
Septic tank pumping
Well pump
Sump pump
Second refrigerator
Stand-alone freezer
Central vacuum
Pool and spa
24/7 Claims Process
Choice's 24/7 customer service is available every day of the year, including holidays. Claims can be submitted either by calling 888-531-5403 or sending a message through the Message Center on your account. You can also receive updates on existing requests.
Once a request is received, Choice Home Warranty will contact a service provider in your area within 48 hours if you submit on a normal business day, or within four days if you contact the company on a weekend or holiday.
To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, call 929-400-6165 or fill out this easy form.
#3 Best Coverage Upgrade: First American Home Warranty
First American Home Warranty offers comprehensive coverage with affordable monthly premiums, 24/7 customer service, and a unique optional add-on called First Class Upgrade. Its most extensive protection plan covers 16 systems and appliances.
First American Home Warranty also covers appliances and systems that were improperly installed or maintained, which is a rarity in the industry.
If you're interested in getting a free quote from First American Home Warranty, call 800-891-9778 or fill out this simple online form.
First American Home Warranty Pros and Cons
Pros
Coverage of improperly installed/maintained appliances
35 years in the business
24/7 customer service
BBB accredited
Cons
30-day workmanship guarantee
Fewer customization options
Plans
First American provides two plans, plus the optional First Class Upgrade. The Basic Plan covers major household appliances, including your washing machine, clothes dryer, refrigerator, and more.
The Premier Plan encompasses everything included in the Basic Plan and adds protection for key home systems like electrical and plumbing.
Plan Details
Basic Plan: Refrigerator, clothes washer and dryer, dishwasher, oven/stove/cooktop, built-in microwave, garbage disposal, and trash compactor
Premier Plan: Refrigerator, clothes washer and dryer, dishwasher, oven/stove/cooktop, built-in microwave, garbage disposal, trash compactor, plumbing, plumbing stoppages, heating system, water heaters, electrical systems, ductwork, garage door openers, and central vacuum
Costs
First American Home Warranty has affordable rates, offering one of the least expensive basic plans.
Basic Plan
Monthly: $37
Premier Plan
Monthly: $49.50
Optional Coverage/Add-Ons
You can customize your First American home warranty plan by adding on the following coverage:
Central air conditioning system
Secondary refrigeration
Pool and spa equipment
Well pump
First Class Upgrade
First Class Upgrade
The optional First Class Upgrade gives policyholders coverage for cosmetic damage on home appliances and systems, covers the expenses from using cranes during installation, pays for the costs associated with removing old appliances, and pays up to $250 where local building permits are needed to replace appliances.
Convenient Claims Processing
First American offers 24/7 customer service. Customers can either submit a service request online or call 800-992-3400. Policyholders also have the option to choose an independent contractor to handle their repairs if there are no contractors available in the First American Home Warranty network.
To get a customized quote from First American Home Warranty, call 800-891-9778 or fill out this simple online form.
#4 Best Discounts: Select Home Warranty
Select Home Warranty is a solid choice for budget-conscious shoppers, offering comprehensive protection as well as some rare coverage and perks. Select frequently offers discounts on multi-year coverage plans.
Select Home Warranty has three tiers of coverage plans, which is more comprehensive than the two plans you'll find with many of its competitors.
To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, call 888-370-3956 or fill out this easy online form.
Select Home Warranty Pros and Cons
Pros
Free roof leak coverage
24/7 customer service
Variety of customizable add-ons
90-day repair guarantee
Cons
Must report claims within three days
$75 cancellation fee if you cancel after the first month
Low coverage caps
Plans
Select Home Warranty offers three plans: Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care. Bronze Care protects major appliances like dishwashers, stoves, and clothes washers and dryers. Gold Care covers major home systems, including electrical, air conditioning, and heating.
The comprehensive Platinum Care plan bundles the Bronze and Gold coverage, and includes add-ons like plumbing stoppages.
Plan Details
Bronze Care: Refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, built-in microwave, stove/oven, clothes washer and dryer, and garbage disposal
Gold Care: Air conditioning, heating system, electrical system, ductwork, plumbing system, and water heater
Platinum Care: All of the above, plus plumbing stoppages, garage door openers, and ceiling fans
Costs
Select Home Warranty has comparatively low monthly premiums and a standard $75 service fee.
Bronze Care
Monthly: $41
Gold Care
Monthly: $41
Platinum Care
Monthly: $47
Optional Coverage/Add Ons
Select Home Warranty offers the following optional coverage items:
Pool and spa equipment
Well pump
Sump pump
Central vacuum
Stand-alone freezer
Lawn sprinkler system
Septic system
Rare Perk
All of Select Home Warranty's plans include free roof coverage—a rare feature in the home warranty industry. That is a $99 value.
Claims
Select Home Warranty customer service is available 24/7. Representatives can be reached by online service requests or by phone at 855-267-3532. They will contact a contractor within two days if you reach out on a regular business day, or within four days if you contact them on a weekend or holiday.
To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, call 888-370-3956 or fill out this quick form.
#5 Best Plan Variety: America's 1st Choice
This trusted home warranty provider has 10 years of experience in the industry and offers a high level of customization for its coverage. America's 1st Choice Home Club (AFC) offers four different home warranty plans, the most of any provider on this list.
Customers can choose their own contractor or technician for added flexibility, and the provider offers exclusive club benefits.
To get a free quote from AFC, call 877-755-1115 or fill out this online form.
America's 1st Choice Pros and Cons
Pros
24/7 customer service
Parts and labor guaranteed for entire membership duration
Free identity protection alerts and credit monitoring
Cons
Customers only have one day to submit a claim
High service fees of up to $125
Plans
AFC offers a wide range of plans, surpassing the industry norm of two or three. There is a Systems Plan, a Silver Plan, a Gold Plan, and a Platinum Plan. The Systems Plan covers major household systems while the Silver Plan protects appliances. The Gold and Platinum Plans each cover both systems and appliances, but the Platinum Plan's coverage is more comprehensive.
Plan Details
Systems Plan: Air conditioning, heating, electrical, plumbing, ductwork, and water heater
Silver Plan: Refrigerator, oven/range/stove, dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, garbage disposal, and garage door opener
Gold Plan: All of the above
Platinum Plan: All of the above, plus built-in microwave, faucets, and ice maker
Costs
AFC offers monthly and yearly payment plans for one-year and three-year contracts. Like American Home Shield, AFC gives you the choice between a $75, $100, and $125 service fee. The higher the service fee, the lower the monthly premium.
Systems Plan
With $75 service fee:
Yearly (1-year plan): $475
Yearly (3-year plan): $1,195
Monthly (1-year plan for 12 months): $39.58
Monthly (3-year plan for 20 months): $62.50
With $100 service fee:
Yearly (1-year plan): $425
Yearly (3-year plan): $1,120
Monthly (1-year plan for 12 months): $35.42
Monthly (3-year plan for 20 months): $58.75
With $125 service fee:
Yearly (1-year plan): $375
Yearly (3-year plan): $1,045
Monthly (1-year plan for 12 months): $31.25
Monthly (3-year plan for 20 months): $55
Silver Plan
With $75 service fee:
Yearly (1-year plan): $400
Yearly (3-year plan): $1,045
Monthly (1-year plan for 12 months): $37.50
Monthly (3-year plan for 20 months): $55
With $100 service fee:
Yearly (1-year plan): $375
Yearly (3-year plan): $1,020
Monthly (1-year plan for 12 months): $35.42
Monthly (3-year plan for 20 months): $52.50
With $125 service fee:
Yearly (1-year plan): $350
Yearly (3-year plan): $945
Monthly (1-year plan for 12 months): $33.33
Monthly (3-year plan for 20 months): $50
Gold Plan
With $75 service fee:
Yearly (1-year plan): $550
Yearly (3-year plan): $1,350
Monthly (1-year plan for 12 months): $45.83
Monthly (3-year plan for 20 months): $68.75
With $100 service fee:
Yearly (1-year plan): $500
Yearly (3-year plan): $1,275
Monthly (1-year plan for 12 months): $43.75
Monthly (3-year plan for 20 months): $65
With $125 service fee:
Yearly (1-year plan): $475
Yearly (3-year plan): $1,200
Monthly (1-year plan for 12 months): $41.67
Monthly (3-year plan for 20 months): $61.25
Platinum Plan
With $75 service fee:
Yearly (1-year plan): $600
Yearly (3-year plan): $1,550
Monthly (1-year plan for 12 months): $50
Monthly (3-year plan for 20 months): $78.75
With $100 service fee:
Yearly (1-year plan): $550
Yearly (3-year plan): $1,475
Monthly (1-year plan for 12 months): $47.92
Monthly (3-year plan for 20 months): $75
With $125 service fee:
Yearly (1-year plan): $500
Yearly (3-year plan): $1,400
Monthly (1-year plan for 12 months): $45.83
Monthly (3-year plan for 20 months): $71.25
Optional Coverage/Add-Ons
For an additional cost, AFC will add any of the following items to your coverage:
Sump pump
Well pump
Pool and spa
Septic system
Hot water dispenser
Stand-alone freezer
Central vacuum
Tankless water heater
Claims Process
AFC has 24/7 customer service available via phone and online. However, homeowners only have a single day to make a claim after an appliance or system breaks. AFC will contact a technician within two days if you reach out during a regular business day or within four days if you contact the provider on a weekend or holiday.
We recommend getting a free online quote from AFC or obtaining customized cost information by calling 877-755-1115.
Home Warranty Rating Methodology
The Home Service Research Team at Better Homes & Gardens strives to provide unbiased and objective reviews to readers by compiling relevant information on home warranty companies and rating the providers on a variety of factors.
Here's what our review process looks like:
We examine each provider's website to determine plan details, coverage, customer service offerings, and other benefits. We also speak with company representatives to get more insight on plan details.
We read sample contracts from each home warranty company to analyze and compare coverage details, limits, and exclusions.
We read at least 100 third-party customer reviews for each home warranty company to determine the real-life benefits and drawbacks of each provider.
We gather cost information for a variety of home warranty plans in different states by completing online quote forms and speaking with sales representatives to simulate the quote process.
We revisit each company's offerings on a seasonal basis, ensuring that we include the most up-to-date information in our reviews.
We also created a 100-point rating system to score companies based on objective factors, such as plan options, coverage, and customer service:
Overall, the Home Service Research Team has reviewed over 70 home warranty companies to select the top-rated providers in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which company has the best home warranty?
We believe American Home Shield is the best Texas home warranty company. AHS founded the home warranty industry, offers coverage for items damaged by rust and corrosion, and requires no home inspection.
Are home warranty companies worth the money?
If you want peace of mind knowing that when your appliances and systems break down, you won't have to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket to replace them, then a home warranty is worth it.
Do home warranties cover old HVACs?
That depends on the coverage exclusions of the specific home warranty company you choose.
