Your home deserves a proper safety net.
Compare home warranty plan options for your major systems and appliances. Connect with a licensed plan advisor to find coverage that matches your home and budget.
Coverage items shown are illustrative. Actual covered systems and appliances vary by plan, provider, and your specific agreement. Review plan terms carefully before enrolling.
Compare Plan Options
A plan advisor will review available home warranty options for your property. No obligation to enroll.
Important: ShieldHome is an independent plan comparison and enrollment assistance service — not a home warranty provider, insurance company, or government agency. Home warranty plans are service agreements between you and the plan provider. Coverage terms, exclusions, service call fees, claim limits, and pricing vary by plan and provider. No specific repair outcome is guaranteed. Review all plan documents carefully before enrolling. Service availability varies by state and property type.
What a home warranty plan covers — and what it doesn't.
Home warranty plans are annual service agreements that may cover repair or replacement of covered home systems and appliances. Coverage varies significantly by plan and provider.
Many plans include coverage for heating and cooling systems, including central air, furnaces, and heat pumps.
Coverage limits and excluded components vary by plan.
Interior plumbing stoppages, leaks, and water heaters are commonly included in systems-focused plans.
Exterior plumbing and pre-existing conditions are typically excluded.
Interior wiring, panels, and outlets may be covered under electrical system provisions.
Code upgrades and exterior fixtures are commonly excluded.
Built-in ovens, dishwashers, refrigerators, and microwaves are often covered under appliance plans.
Cosmetic damage and damage from misuse are typically excluded.
Clothes washers and dryers are available as add-on coverage in many plans.
Typically available as an optional add-on. Coverage limits apply.
Structural components, roofing, pools/spas (unless added), pre-existing conditions, and cosmetic damage are generally excluded from standard plans.
Always review the specific plan contract for exclusions before enrolling.
Typical home warranty plan structures.
Most home warranty providers offer tiered plans. Coverage details, pricing, and service call fees vary by provider, plan, and state.
| Plan Type | HVAC / Plumbing / Electrical | Kitchen Appliances | Washer / Dryer | Typical Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Systems Plan | ✓ Generally included | – Not included | – Not included | Varies by provider & state |
| Appliance Plan | – Not included | ✓ Generally included | Optional add-on | Varies by provider & state |
| Combo Plan | ✓ Generally included | ✓ Generally included | Often included | Varies by provider & state |
Coverage descriptions are general only. Actual covered items, coverage caps, service call fees, and annual limits vary significantly by plan and provider. A plan advisor can provide specific plan details available in your area. Home warranty plans are service agreements — not insurance policies.
How plan comparison and enrollment works.
A simple four-step process with no obligation at any stage.
Share your ZIP code, home type, and which systems or appliances you want coverage for. This helps identify plans available in your area.
Plan availability varies by state and ZIP code.
A licensed plan advisor presents available home warranty plan options, explains coverage terms, exclusions, service fees, and annual pricing.
All plan terms are reviewed before any enrollment decision.
Before enrolling, you receive the full plan contract to review — including coverage details, exclusions, claim process, service call fees, and cancellation terms.
We strongly recommend reading all plan documents carefully.
If you decide a plan is right for your home, your advisor assists with enrollment. There is no obligation to enroll at any stage of the process.
Cancellation terms vary by plan. Review before enrolling.
What may and may not be covered.
Understanding what home warranty plans typically do not cover is as important as knowing what they do cover. Coverage varies — always read the plan contract.
Mechanical breakdown of covered systems and appliances that results from normal wear and use — subject to the plan's specific terms, coverage caps, and exclusions. Your plan contract defines exactly what is covered.
Pre-existing conditions, cosmetic damage, improper installation, code upgrades, structural components, roofing, pools and spas (unless added), outdoor equipment, and damage caused by misuse or neglect are commonly excluded. Exclusions vary by plan.
When a covered item breaks down, you submit a claim and a service technician is dispatched. A service call fee (trade service call fee) is typically charged per visit, regardless of the repair outcome. Fee amounts vary by plan.
Home warranty plans are service agreements, not guarantees that every repair will be covered or completed. Claims are subject to plan terms, coverage caps, and the plan provider's determination of coverage. No specific repair outcome is guaranteed.
Before you speak with a plan advisor.
Plain answers to the questions we hear most often about home warranty plans.
What is a home warranty plan?
A home warranty plan is an annual service agreement between a homeowner and a home warranty provider. When a covered system or appliance breaks down due to normal wear and use, the provider arranges for a service technician to diagnose and repair or replace the item — subject to the plan's terms, coverage caps, and exclusions. Home warranty plans are service agreements, not insurance policies.
Is a home warranty the same as homeowners insurance?
No. Homeowners insurance covers sudden and accidental damage to the structure of your home and personal property — such as fire, storm, or theft damage. A home warranty plan covers mechanical breakdown of your home's systems and appliances due to normal wear and use. The two types of coverage serve different purposes and do not replace one another.
What is a service call fee?
A service call fee (also called a trade service call fee or deductible) is a flat fee you pay each time a service technician is dispatched to your home for a covered claim. This fee is charged regardless of the repair cost or outcome. The amount varies by plan — typically between $75 and $150 per visit. Your plan advisor will disclose the specific service call fee before enrollment.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
Generally, no. Most home warranty plans exclude pre-existing conditions — defects or breakdowns that existed before the plan's effective date. Some plans include a home inspection or waiting period (typically 30 days) to establish coverage eligibility. Review the specific plan's pre-existing condition terms before enrolling.
What happens if a claim is denied?
If a claim is denied, the plan provider will provide a reason based on the plan's terms. Reasons typically include items not covered under the plan, pre-existing conditions, or damage caused by improper use or installation. Most plans include a dispute or appeal process. Coverage determinations are made by the plan provider, not by ShieldHome.
Can I cancel my plan?
Yes. Most home warranty plans allow cancellation, subject to the plan's cancellation terms. A prorated refund may be available, less any claims paid or administrative fees. Cancellation terms vary by provider and state. Review the cancellation section of your plan contract before enrolling.
Is ShieldHome a home warranty provider?
No. ShieldHome is an independent plan comparison and enrollment assistance service. We help homeowners understand and compare available home warranty plan options. We are not a home warranty provider, insurance company, or government agency. The plan contract is between you and the home warranty provider you select.
How long does it take for coverage to start?
Most home warranty plans include a waiting period of approximately 30 days before coverage becomes effective. This is to prevent claims for pre-existing conditions. Some plans waive the waiting period for home purchases with a current home inspection. Your plan advisor will disclose the specific waiting period for any plan you consider.
Ready to compare plan options?
A plan advisor will review available home warranty options for your property and budget — with no obligation to enroll at any stage.