If you’re here, chances are you either:

  • Own a home and are considering getting a home warranty, or
  • Already have one and want to understand it better.

Good news—you’re in the right place. This guide covers what a home warranty is, what it can do for you, and whether it’s the right choice for your home.

What Is a Home Warranty?

A home warranty is a service contract that may help cover the cost of repairing or replacing certain home systems and appliances when they break down from normal wear and tear. You can choose to pay monthly or annually for coverage of the items in your contract. 

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranty coverage depends on the provider and the plan you choose. APHW home warranty plans may help cover a wide range of home systems and appliances, such as:

  • Central air conditioning and heating systems
  • Water heater
  • Plumbing and electrical systems
  • Kitchen appliances including the oven, refrigerator, built-in microwave, and dishwasher
  • Washer and dryer
  • Garbage disposal
  • Roof leak repair

For a full list of what may be covered under an APHW plan, visit our coverage details page.

Important: Each contract spells out what’s covered, payout limits for each item, and the maximum payout per coverage period. Read your contract carefully before buying, and don’t hesitate to ask your provider’s customer service team for clarification.

How Much Is a Home Warranty?

APHW provides affordable home warranty plans to provide homeowners with an affordable plan with strong coverage. Plans are available with either a $50 or $100 deductible (service fee call), allowing you to choose the option that suits you best. If you would like to know more about our pricing options, visit the APHW Home Warranty Pricing page.

The right plan for you may not always be the least expensive one. A lower premium can mean smaller payout limits or fewer covered items under your warranty. Comparing plans at the same level gives you a better understanding of what you are getting for your money.

When Is the Best Time to Buy a Home Warranty?

Simply put, the best time to buy a home warranty is before something in your house breaks down. Having a home warranty means having coverage for future breakdowns of covered systems and appliances. Having a plan in place before a covered item fails means you have a clear path toward resolving the problem simply and efficiently.

That being said, there is no single moment that is the only right time to purchase a home warranty. Some homeowners buy a warranty when they close on a new home, and others purchase one when their existing warranty expires. The good news is that you do not have to be in the middle of a real estate transaction to get coverage. APHW home warranty plans are available to homeowners at any time.

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

When a covered item breaks down, simply follow these steps to get started:

  1. File a claim online or by phone.
  2. Select your own licensed contractor to determine the issue. Instead of APHW choosing who fixes your appliance, we let you choose someone you trust. 
  3. Contact APHW with the diagnosis before any work starts.
  4. If the claim is approved, APHW will coordinate payment with the contractor.

The ability to choose your preferred licensed contractor is one of our biggest differentiators. With APHW, you can stay in control of who comes into your home and how your repair is conducted. 

Do You Need a Home Warranty?

While homeowner’s insurance is typically required, a home warranty is optional. Still, there are two major reasons to consider one:

1. Budget Protection

Unexpected repairs can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. Depending on your plan and coverage terms, your home warranty may be able to help cover a part of these costs, providing you with peace of mind when something breaks down.

2. Peace of Mind

When an essential system or appliance breaks, you’ll know exactly who to call—reducing stress and getting your home back to normal faster.

Trust APHW as Your Home Warranty Company

For more than 20 years, America's Preferred Home Warranty has been helping homeowners manage the unexpected costs of covered repairs and replacements. We offer you the freedom to choose your own licensed contractor and an easy claims process that you can start by phone or online. 

Our customer service is also available 24/7/365, so we're ready to help when you need us. We have a track record recognized by the BBB Torch Award for Ethics and a Stevie Award for customer service, showing that our home warranty company is built around the homeowner, not the claims process. 

Get your free quote today or call 800.648.5006 to find the right plan for your home. No inspection required.

Terms and conditions apply. Coverage varies by plan. 

The Bottom Line

A home warranty won’t cover everything, so it’s important to review the Terms and Conditions carefully before signing. But if you want budget protection and peace of mind for your home’s most important systems and appliances, a home warranty can be a practical and affordable option.

Get your free quote today!