1
AH
American Home Shield
One of the largest home warranty companies
- Can cover unknown pre-existing conditions
- Covers rust and corrosion
- Plans for systems, appliances or both
Updated October 2026 · plan coverage · service fee · caps
Compare the Best Home Warranty (2026)
A home warranty helps pay for repairs to systems and appliances that break down from normal wear. Compare plans, service fees and coverage caps.
About 2 minto see your matches
Freeno cost or obligation
By ZIP codeproviders that serve you
Step 1
Free to use. Answering does not affect your credit score.
Providers
Featured home warranty providers
2
CH
Choice Home Warranty
Budget-friendly coverage for systems and appliances
- Broad system and appliance coverage
- Service fees from $75 to $100
- Available in most states
3
FA
First American Home Warranty
Home warranty with high appliance limits
- Appliance coverage limits up to $7,000
- No caps on HVAC, electrical and plumbing
- Plans for homeowners, buyers and sellers
Our top picks, explained
Best for older homes
AH
American Home Shield
A strong fit for older homes because it can cover some pre-existing issues.
Pros and cons
- Covers some pre-existing issues
- Large contractor network
- Higher service fees
Best for value
CH
Choice Home Warranty
Lower service fees keep the cost of each repair visit down.
Pros and cons
- Low service fees
- Simple plans
- Coverage caps apply
Best coverage limits
FA
First American Home Warranty
High coverage limits reduce the risk of a big repair going over the cap.
Pros and cons
- High coverage limits
- Uncapped major systems
- Not available in every state
Side-by-side comparison
AH | CH | FA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot rating | – | – | |
| Monthly price | About $40–$70 | About $49–$58 | About $49–$84 |
| Service fee | $100–$125 | $75–$100 | Varies |
| Plans | Systems, appliances, combo | Basic, Total | Basic, Premium |
| Visit site | Visit site | Visit site |
Head to headAmerican Home Shield vs Choice Home WarrantyAmerican Home Shield vs First American Home WarrantyChoice Home Warranty vs First American Home Warranty
Provider details were checked against public sources in October 2026; confirm current rates and terms with the provider. Listings may include providers that compensate The Top 10 Experts. Order and placement may be influenced by compensation. Advertiser disclosure.
Before you choose
What to compare
Use these points to compare any home warranty provider, whether or not it appears on The Top 10 Experts.
Plan
What each tier covers
Plans usually split into systems, appliances, or both. Pools, second fridges and septic are often add-ons.
Service fee
Cost per visit
You pay a fixed trade call fee each time a technician comes out. Compare it with the monthly price.
Caps
Coverage limits
Most contracts cap payouts per item or per year. Read the HVAC and plumbing limits closely.
Exclusions
Pre-existing conditions
Problems that existed before coverage started and improper maintenance are commonly excluded.
Common questions
Is a home warranty the same as home insurance?
No. Insurance covers sudden damage like fire or storms. A warranty covers breakdowns from normal wear.
Can I choose my own contractor?
Usually the company assigns a technician. Some plans allow your own contractor with approval.
Is there a waiting period?
Most contracts have a waiting period, often 30 days, before claims are accepted.
Related guides
More in Home
Trademark and logo notice: Company names, logos and trademarks shown on this page are the property of their respective owners. They are used only to identify each company and its products. Their appearance does not mean that any company endorses, sponsors or is affiliated with The Top 10 Experts, or that The Top 10 Experts endorses it, unless we say so. Logos are displayed from each company's public website. Customer ratings are TrustScores published on Trustpilot as of October 2026, shown with their review counts, and appear only for companies rated 4.0 or higher with at least 25 reviews. They may have changed since, and The Top 10 Experts is not affiliated with Trustpilot. If you own one of these marks and would like it updated or removed, contact legal@thetop10experts.com.