Home Warranty Costs
On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Home Services
Home warranties cover the cost of repairing or replacing major home systems and appliances, helping you avoid unexpected repair bills. Here's a detailed breakdown of the costs and benefits.
Average Costs
| Expense | Cost Range |
|---------------------|-------------------------|
| Annual Premium | $200–$1,800/year |
| Service Call Fee | $75–$125 per visit |
| Add-Ons | $2–$35/month |
Most homeowners pay $600–$1,000 annually, depending on the plan type and coverage.
Home Warranty Plan Types
| Plan Type | Cost (Per Year) | Coverage |
|---------------------|--------------------------|--------------|
| Appliance Plan | $360–$540 | Covers kitchen & laundry appliances.
| System Plan | $360–$540 | Covers HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc.
| Combination Plan | $545–$1,425 | Covers both appliances & systems.
Tip: Combination plans offer the most comprehensive coverage but come at a higher price.
Additional Costs
- Deductibles (Service Call Fees):
- $75–$125 per claim.
-
Higher premiums often come with lower deductibles.
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Add-Ons: Optional upgrades to cover extra items like pools, spas, and septic systems.
| Add-On Item | Cost (Per Month) |
|--------------------------|----------------------|
| Additional Refrigerators | $2 |
| Pool/Spa Coverage | $20 |
| Saltwater Pool Coverage | $35 |
| Roof Leak Repair | $8 |
Geographic Price Differences
Home warranty prices vary by location:
| City | Cost Range (Annual) |
|-------------------|-------------------------|
| Las Vegas, NV | $135–$725 |
| Chicago, IL | $205–$1,525 |
| San Francisco | $635–$5,750 |
| Orlando, FL | $105–$1,645 |
Tip: Costs are typically higher in areas with expensive home systems or frequent service needs.
Common Repairs Covered
| Appliance/System | Repair Cost (Without Warranty) |
|-----------------------|-----------------------------------|
| Refrigerator | $200–$400 |
| Washer/Dryer | $80–$500 |
| HVAC System | $160–$530 |
| Water Heater | $200–$900 |
A home warranty significantly reduces these costs by covering most repair expenses.
Key Considerations
- Coverage Limits:
- Plans often cap payouts (e.g., $2,000 per system).
-
Premium upgrades can increase these limits.
-
Exclusions:
-
Pre-existing issues and improper maintenance are not covered.
-
Service Providers:
- Some companies let you choose your contractor, while others assign one from their network.
When to Get a Home Warranty
- Older Homes:
-
Ideal for homes with aging systems and appliances.
-
Tight Budgets:
-
Protect against costly, unexpected repairs.
-
Home Sellers:
-
Offering a warranty can make your property more attractive to buyers.
-
New Buyers:
- Peace of mind when inheriting older appliances or systems.
Tips to Save Money
- Compare Plans:
-
Get quotes from multiple companies to find the best price and coverage.
-
Bundle Services:
-
Combine appliance and system plans for discounts.
-
Understand Coverage:
- Avoid overpaying for coverage you don’t need (e.g., excluding pool coverage if you don’t have one).
With proper research, a home warranty can be a cost-effective solution for peace of mind and financial protection.
