Table of Contents
Senior men and women are more likely to be living on a limited income, which can make covering a sudden home appliance or system breakdown especially stressful. That’s where a home warranty can be helpful.
Home warranty plans offer help paying to repair or replace your house’s appliances and systems in exchange for a monthly fee. But with so many companies offering home warranties on the market today, it can be difficult to determine which one is the right for you.
I’ve gone through dozens of the country’s best home warranty providers to determine which ones are the best for seniors. My review landed on five in particular that I think you should consider protecting your home and your wallet.
What Are the Best Home Warranty Companies for Seniors?
The best home warranty policies for seniors should be affordable and easy to sign up for. The following are our choices for the best home warranty coverage for senior citizens.
Quick Tips When Shopping for Home Warranties for Seniors
When comparing the best home warranty companies, it’s important to know which features to look for. The following are some of the most important features to review before purchasing any home warranty policy.
- Monthly premiums: Once you’ve retired from your career, your budget can become more limited. That’s why it’s especially important to choose a home warranty policy with an affordable monthly cost.
- Items included under coverage: However, cost isn’t everything when it comes to home warranties. Every home warranty plan has its own list of what’s covered and what’s not. Before shopping for a home warranty, take an inventory of the appliances and systems – like HVAC, plumbing and electrical – that you’re most concerned about. And make sure the home warranty plan you’re considering specifically names all the major appliances and systems in your home that you need coverage for.
- Service fees: A service fee is the amount you pay out of pocket every time you file a claim with your home warranty provider. This goes to pay the service technician who comes out to repair or replace your item. Be sure to choose a plan with a service fee you know you can meet each time.
Now that you understand what to look for in a home warranty plan, let’s take a look at a few top providers.
Compare Home Warranty Providers
The table below outlines data for the best home warranty companies, including our top picks for seniors. We constantly update these ratings as companies change their policies and prices to give you the most accurate information possible. Continue reading in-depth reviews of several top providers.
| Company | Star Rating | Best For | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Response Time | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Best Coverage Limits |
$35–$75 |
$75–$125 |
24-72 hrs |
B |
||
 |
Best for Customization |
$50-$60 |
$75 |
12-48 hrs. |
A+ |
|
 |
Best Claims Acceptance |
$46–$55 |
$85 |
24-48 hrs. |
N/A |
|
 |
Best Value |
$52–$58 |
$60 |
24-48 hrs. |
B- |
|
 |
Best for Additional Benefits |
$38–$62 |
$75–$125 |
48 hours |
B |
|
 |
Best Appliance Coverage |
$38–$48 |
$75–$125 |
48 hours |
B |
|
|
Best for Preventative Maintenance |
$28–$68 |
$100–$150 |
2–24 hrs |
B |
||
 |
Best Workmanship Guarantee |
$17–$60+ |
$65–$100 |
24 hrs |
N/A |
Best Value
Select Home Warranty
4.3
Our Rating
Limited Time:
$150 Off (Code HOUSE25)
Seniors living on a fixed income may have trouble covering the regular cost of a home warranty plan. With competitive monthly premium prices and reasonable service fees, plan costs from Select are some of the most affordable you’ll find in the industry.
To get a free quote visit Select Home Warranty online.
Value doesn’t just mean price. My review found that Select Home Warranty excels in multiple key areas, making it a standout choice in terms of value:
- Competitive premiums: Select Home Warranty offers monthly premiums ranging from $44 to $47 in most places, which is well below the overall industry average that is closer to $70 per month. By providing cost-effective coverage, Select Home Warranty ensures that homeowners can protect their investments without breaking the bank.
- Reasonable service fees: Select Home Warranty offers a variable service fee, ranging from $75 to $100, depending on your state. This falls within the general industry average, where service fees typically range between $75 and $125 per service call. By maintaining a reasonable service fee structure, Select Home Warranty ensures that customers have access to prompt and affordable repairs or replacements when needed.
While some other home warranty providers may offer more comprehensive plans, Select Home Warranty’s is outstanding for what you pay. That means Select remains a top choice for homebuyers seeking quick and low-cost protection.
By focusing on delivering competitive premiums and reasonable service fees, Select Home Warranty strikes a balance between affordability and sufficient coverage, making it an appealing option for senior homeowners looking for value-driven home warranty choices.
Select’s main appeal is its affordability, with premiums ranging between $44 to $47 per month. And for what you pay, the coverage options are very reasonable. Here’s what’s included under coverage on each plan option.
- Bronze Care: The Bronze Care plan is Select Home Warranty’s most basic offering, providing coverage for eight essential appliances. This plan includes protection for a cooktop, dishwasher, garbage disposal, built-in microwave, refrigerator, stove and oven, clothes washer, and clothes dryer. With the Bronze Care plan, homeowners can ensure that these key appliances are covered against unexpected breakdowns.
- Gold Care: If you’re looking for coverage for only major home systems, the Gold Care plan can be the ideal choice. This plan includes protection for six crucial systems — namely the air conditioner or cooling system, ductwork, electrical system, heating system, plumbing system, and water heater. This plan provides peace of mind and protection against often-expensive system breakdowns.
- Platinum Care: For comprehensive coverage, Select Home Warranty offers the Platinum Care plan, which encompasses all items covered in the Bronze and Gold Care plans plus additional features. In addition to the coverage provided in the previous plans, the Platinum Care plan includes protection for ceiling fans and a garage door opener.
It’s worth noting too that the Platinum Care plan is the only option from Select Home Warranty that covers plumbing stoppages, ensuring a more comprehensive level of protection. In total, the Platinum Care plan offers coverage for 17 unique items, making it the most inclusive option available from this company.
Like most home warranty provider choices, Select allows you to customize coverage with optional add-ons. You can choose from the following additional coverage options from Select:
- Central vacuum
- Lawn sprinkler system
- Pool
- Septic system
- Spa
- Stand-alone freezer
- Sump pump
- Well pump
Like most home warranty provider choices, Select allows you to customize coverage with optional add-ons. You can choose from the following additional coverage options from Select:
- Central vacuum
- Lawn sprinkler system
- Pool
- Septic system
- Spa
- Stand-alone freezer
- Sump pump
- Well pump
Best Coverage Limits
American Home Shield
4.2
Our Rating
Limited Time:
$150 Off Any Plan
While most home warranties cap home system coverage at $2,000 or less per covered system, American Home Shield (AHS) includes coverage caps of up to $5,000 on home systems.
The company’s coverage for appliances is also generous, with up to $4,000 in protection for each appliance. Even better: AHS partners with the AARP to offer a discount on home warranties to AARP members.
To get a free quote visit American Home Shield online.
I’ve found that coverage limits are the most important factor when selecting a home warranty. IT represents the maximum amount a home warranty will pay out to repair or replace something in your home – and you want these limits to be high enough to cover you when something breaks down.
This becomes especially important if you have high-end appliances or reside in a historic property that may require specialized modifications in the future.
AHS used to have an extraordinarily generous unlimited coverage for home systems. In spring 2023, this dropped down to $5,000 – but this is still well above the industry average. It’s also high enough to repair even larger issues, which can be of particular importance to seniors living in older homes.
Appliances like washers and ovens enjoy impressive coverage limits ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 for most units, further demonstrating AHS’s commitment to comprehensive coverage.
AHS provides homeowners with three plan options: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and PlatinumShield. While AHS’s premiums fall on the higher end compared to other home warranty providers, they offer perhaps the most comprehensive coverage. Beginning in 2023, the company’s service call fee options range between $100 and $125, and premium prices range between $34.99 and $89.99 per month.
Here’s what’s each plan option covers:
- ShieldSilver: Unlike many basic home warranty offerings, the ShieldSilver plan provides coverage for both home systems and appliances. However, the coverage is more limited compared to other options. This plan includes protection for an air conditioner, ceiling fan, ductwork, electrical system, garage door opener, heating system, plumbing system (including stoppages), water heater, and whirlpool bathtub.
- ShieldGold: Building on the coverage of the ShieldSilver plan, the ShieldGold policy expands coverage to additional features. In addition to the items covered in the ShieldSilver plan, the ShieldGold plan includes a built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, instant hot and cold water dispensers, oven, range and cooktop, refrigerator, and a washer and dryer combo.
- PlatinumShield: AHS’s most comprehensive plan option is the PlatinumShield plan. In addition to covering everything included in the ShieldGold plan, the PlatinumShield plan offers additional benefits including limited roof leak repairs, a free annual tune-up for the HVAC system, and unlimited AC refrigerant coverage. The PlatinumShield plan ensures comprehensive protection for both major systems and appliances, providing enhanced peace of mind.
AHS offers a limited range of add-on selections, including the following.
- Electronics Protection Plan (not offered in California)
- Guest unit coverage
- Pool or spa
- Septic pump
- Well pump
American Home Shield sets upper coverage limits as high as $5,000 for select systems. Notably, many components covered by their policies do not have a specific overall limit, amplifying the value provided by AHS’s policy. This lack of an overall limit enhances the coverage and can help justify the slightly higher premiums associated with the company. Additionally, when it comes to home appliances, AHS offers individual coverage limits ranging between $2,000 and $4,000 per item, which surpasses the industry average.
Best Claims Acceptance
Choice Home Warranty
4.1
Our Rating
Limited Time:
$50 Off + 1 month free!
One of the biggest complaints I hear about home warranty companies is that they don’t always cover what you think they should. This is where Choice Home Warranty excels. The company boasts a 90% claims acceptance rate — a refreshing note of transparency in an industry with more-common claim rejections and policy cancellation disputes.
Get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty.
Browse complaints related to home warranties on third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau and you’ll find rejected claims are the most common complaint homeowners have about home warranties.
Choice Home Warranty showcases one of the best claims acceptance rates in the industry, with 90% of homeowners who submit a claim seeing approval. This means you’re less likely to have to deal with a dispute over coverage for appliances, systems, and components when you need service.
In addition to providing excellent claims acceptance rates, Choice Home Warranty also extends coverage to older homes and even pre-existing conditions. You don’t need to provide maintenance records when enrolling in coverage with Choice, which can be especially beneficial if you live in an older home. When you do need to file a claim for a repair or replacement, work is protected by a 60-day workmanship guarantee.
Unlike most home warranty companies, Choice provides only two plan options. While this may make Choice a weaker option if you’re searching for customizable plans, it can make it better for those who prefer straightforward coverage options. Pricing ranges between $46 and $55 per month depending on plan choice, and all Choice plans include a standardized $85 service fee. Here’s what’s included under each home warranty plan choice.
- Basic Plan: Choice’s Basic Plan includes coverage for your heating system, water heater, electrical system, plumbing system, plumbing stoppages, oven and range combo, built-in microwave, cooktop, dishwasher, garbage disposal, ceiling and exhaust fans, ductwork, garage door opener and a whirlpool bathtub.
- Total Plan: The Total Plan includes coverage for all items listed on the Basic Plan, plus coverage for a clothes washer and dryer set, a refrigerator, and your air conditioning system.
Choice offers the following additional coverage choices in most states, which are compatible with both plan options.
- Central vacuum
- Limited roof leak coverage
- Pool and spa
- Second refrigerator
- Septic system
- Septic tank pumping
- Stand-alone freezer
- Sump pump
- Well pump
Both of Choice’s policies include coverage caps of $3,000 for most individual components of your plan. This is higher than many other home warranty providers, with the exclusion of companies like American Home Shield that specialize in high-limit coverage. Note that coverage caps for most optional add-ons are $500, which is lower than most competitors.
Best for Additional Benefits
AFC Home Club
4.3
Our Rating
Limited Time:
$200 off + free roof leak coverage
I think seniors will love the additional benefits offered by America’s First Choice (AFC) Home Club. From a lifetime guarantee on work performed while you’re a policyholder to annual discounts for purchasing a longer policy, AFC Home Club helps you get the most from your plan.
One of the best benefits is the discount you can earn for buying a longer-term plan. Perhaps you’ve just bought a retirement home and know you’re likely to stay in their space for years to come. AFC Home Club offers generous discounts when you purchase up to five years of coverage at once.
AFC Home Club also offers one of the most generous workmanship guarantees I’ve seen, ensuring work for as long as you’re an active AFC Home Club member. This saves you the expense of paying multiple service fees, which can be especially important for senior men and women on a budget. AFC also offers policies for seniors protecting an investment property.
AFC Home Club offers four plan choices, with monthly costs ranging between $38 and $62 depending on covered items. Service fees range between $75 and $125, which is the industry average. Opting for a lower service fee will increase your monthly premium, and vice versa.
Let’s look at what’s included under coverage on each plan.
- System Plan: The Systems Plan covers your heating system, air conditioning, electrical system, plumbing system, water heater, and ductwork.
- Silver Plan: The Silver Plan covers nine major home appliances, including laundry machines, refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and garage door opener.
- Gold Plan: The Gold Plan covers each appliance and system included in both of the previously mentioned plans.
- Platinum Plan: The Platinum Plan includes coverage for an ice maker and a built-in microwave in addition to all of the items found on both of the previously mentioned plans.
AFC Home Club provides more add-on options than some of its competitors included in our list. You can add coverage for any of the following components on any of AFC Home Club’s four plan choices.
- Central vacuum
- Double oven
- Electronic coverage
- Hot water dispenser
- In-ground pool
- In-ground pool and spa
- Roof leak
- Septic system
- Stand-alone freezer
- Sump pump
- Well pump
Like Choice Home Warranty, AFC Home Club includes an individual appliance and system limit of $3,000 for most items. However, AFC also includes an aggregate overall limit of $10,000 per contract term, which means that the total amount of all covered breakdowns and replacements over 12 months cannot exceed $10,000. In most cases, you’ll never come close to this limit – so it’s plenty high enough for you to feel comfortable. Select items (like coverage for plumbing stoppages) have lower individual limits. Review a sample contract from your state for specific limitations to be aware of.
Best for Preventative Maintenance
Cinch Home Services
4.1
Our Rating
Limited Time:
2 Months Free On All Plans
Older homeowners may be more likely to fall out of the habit of engaging in preventative maintenance due to physical and financial stress, which may lead to more breakdowns. Cinch Homes Services provides a $100 credit for HVAC maintenance for each year that you don’t file an HVAC home warranty claim.
Real estate and home repair professionals agree — the best way to avoid expensive repair bills in the future is to invest a bit of time and effort into preventative maintenance. Older homeowners who are used to doing their own preventative maintenance might fall out of the habit as they age. When combined with aging properties, this can make senior homeowners especially vulnerable to breakdowns.
Cinch Home Services offers a $100 HVAC maintenance credit for each year that you don’t file an HVAC home warranty claim, helping protect you against future repair costs. Cinch also offers a generous 180-day workmanship guarantee, which is one of the longest in the industry. Its Premier Package upgrade is also especially notable for seniors, as it covers often expensive code upgrades and permit changes.
Cinch Home Services offers three plan options: the Appliances Plan, the Built-In Systems Plan, and the Complete Home Plan. Premiums range between $28 and $68 per month, while service fees range between $100 and $150. While these prices are higher than those of most competitors, they may be worth it for homeowners interested in higher coverage limits and preventative benefits.
Let’s take a look at what’s included under coverage on each plan.
- Appliances Plan: The Appliances Plan covers a built-in food center, built-in microwave, clothes dryer and washer set, cooktop, dishwasher, freestanding ice maker, range and exhaust hood, refrigerator, trash compactor, and wall oven.
- Built-in Systems Plan: The Built-in Systems Plan covers your air conditioning system, attic fan, ceiling fan, central vacuum, doorbell, electrical system, garbage disposal, garage door opener, heating system, hot and cold water dispenser, plumbing system, smoke detectors, sump pump, water heater, and whirlpool bathtub.
- Complete Home Plan: The Complete Home Plan covers everything found on each previously listed plan plus a $500 credit towards your homeowner’s insurance deductible in the event that you need to file a claim after a natural disaster or theft.
Cinch Home Services offers only a few add-on choices, including the following:
- In-ground pool
- In-ground spa
- Pool and spa combination
- Premier package upgrade (extends coverage to include expenses for code violations, permit changes, and more)
- Well pump
Cinch Home Services currently institutes a coverage limit of $2,000 for most systems and appliances included under coverage, which is about average in the home warranty industry. Its overall coverage limit is $10,000, which is also generous.
Our Ratings of the Best Home Warranty Providers for Seniors
Ready to begin shopping? The table below summarizes our top choices for the best home warranty providers for senior citizens, as well as a few convenient links you can use to get a free quote.
How Much Do the Top-Rated Home Warranties for Seniors Cost?
The average cost of a home warranty policy in the United States is about $50 per month, according to our home warranty review. It’s important for seniors in particular to consider the features that play into coverage pricing from each service provider. The following are some major factors that play into the cost of your home warranty and how you can use them to limit your costs.
- Service call fees: Some home warranties cover the same items on a single plan option, but allow you to adjust pricing by choosing between multiple service fees. If you live in a new home or recent construction that’s less likely to experience regular breakdowns, you might want to consider selecting a plan with a higher service fee. This will lower your monthly premiums, saving you money until you must call for service.
- Items included under coverage: The more covered items included in the terms of your policy, the more you’ll pay for protections. Create a list of the systems and appliances you know you need under coverage before shopping for a plan. This will help ensure that you aren’t overpaying by purchasing protections for items you don’t have in your home.
- Additional coverage options: While add-on coverages make your home warranty customizable, they also come with an additional monthly payment on top of your premium. Carefully consider the terms of add-on coverage before purchasing a plan, as add-ons often have lower coverage limits when compared to major appliances and systems.
If you’re in the process of buying a home or downsizing, consult with your real estate agent when searching for affordable home warranty coverage. They may be able to negotiate the inclusion of a home warranty with your new home sale as a benefit from the seller.
What Do the Top-Rated Home Warranties for Seniors Cover?
Each individual home warranty company decides what to include on each of its plans. Many companies split policies into an appliance coverage plan, a systems plan, and a complete home plan, making it easier to compare options across companies. Knowing which items are most commonly included with home warranty plans can help you identify standout options.
Most systems plans include coverage for:
- Air conditioning systems
- Electrical systems (including ductwork)
- Garage door openers
- Heating systems
- Plumbing systems (some plans also include coverage for plumbing stoppages along
- Water heaters
When shopping for an appliance plan, you’ll usually find coverage for all of the following:
- Built-in microwaves
- Cooktops
- Dishwashers
- Dryers
- Garbage disposals
- Ovens and ranges
- Refrigerators
- Washers
- Well pumps
So, What is the Best Home Warranty for Seniors?
The best home warranty for seniors is one that fits comfortably into their budget and provides protections for the items they need.
We recommended companies like Select Home Warranty and Choice Home Warranty because they provide lower-than-average rates for system and appliance coverage, which seniors are more likely to need.
However, if you live in an older home or one that’s more likely to need more expensive repairs, an option like American Home Shield or AFC Home Club that offers higher coverage caps could be better choices.
No matter what you’re looking for in a home warranty, be sure to get a quote from at least three competing providers before you buy. Home warranty pricing may vary depending on which state you’re located in due to local laws and differences in labor costs. Getting multiple quotes ensures that you’ve got the best possible option for your home budget.
The following are some last-minute answers to questions seniors might have about home warranties.
FAQs about Home Warranties for Seniors
Who are 2-10 Home Warranty competitors?
Competitors of 2-10 Home Warranty include Liberty Home Guard, American Home Shield, and Cinch Home Services.
Is there a difference between homeowners insurance and home warranty?
A home warranty and home insurance are not the same thing. A home insurance policy protects the physical structure of your home from sudden disasters like fires and storms. These policies are typically required as a term of getting a mortgage loan
A home warranty only provides repairs and replacements for items that break down due to normal wear and tear. These plans also only extend to home systems and appliances.
What is a home warranty deductible?
A home warranty deductible is most often called a home warranty service fee or trade fee. It’s the amount you pay each time you use your home warranty coverage. It is not a true deductible because there is no capped amount that must be met in order for the service fee to no longer be assessed.
What is a home warranty?
A home warranty is a service contract that will help pay to repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances if they break down due to normal wear and tear. It offers financial protection and peace of mind to homeowners by helping to offset the costs of unexpected breakdowns.
Typically, homeowners pay an annual premium and a service call fee when requesting repairs. When a covered item malfunctions, they can contact the warranty provider, who will send a qualified technician to assess and resolve the issue.
What is the difference between a home warranty and an extended warranty?
A home warranty and an extended warranty differ in terms of what they cover and the context in which they are applied. A home warranty typically covers a range of systems and appliances within a home, such as HVAC systems and plumbing, against unexpected repair or replacement costs.
An extended warranty usually applies to a specific product, such as a car, electronics, or appliances. It extends the manufacturer’s warranty beyond the standard coverage period, offering additional protection against defects and malfunctions. While both provide coverage, a home warranty offers broader protection for multiple items in a home, while an extended warranty is more specific to a single product.
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Home Warranty Companies for Seniors
At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. For this article, our home warranty company ratings emphasized what matters most to seniors —especially low-cost coverage, a hassle-free repair process and 24/7 assistance.
Our ratings are based on publicly available information about each company, secret shopping online and over the phone, customer-review analysis, and discussions with real estate professionals and repair contractors.
A company can earn a maximum of 100 points across six categories converted to a five-star scale. We researched more than 60 home warranty providers to develop the following formula for the best home warranty companies for seniors:
- Plans and Coverage (24 points): A home warranty provider can earn the maximum point value in this category if it offers multiple robust plans that cover all basic systems and appliances and optional add-on coverage. We give bonus points to companies that cover uncommon items, such as electronics and roof leaks.
- Affordability (22.5 points): When evaluating costs, we not only consider monthly plan prices, but we also take into account the cost of add-on coverage, service fees, and whether companies offer free cancellation periods or money-back guarantees. If a provider allows potential customers to view sample contracts before getting a quote, that transparency earns more points in this category.
- Customer Experience (18.5 points): A home warranty company must give its customers ample support when they experience issues. We gauge overall support by looking at customer reviews and conducting homeowner surveys. We also go through the quotes process with each company and take meticulous notes about the friendliness of salespeople, how detailed each quote is, and how often the provider contacts us after giving a quote.
- Company Reputation (17.5 points): In this category, we look at a combination of customer reviews and reputable organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). We also consider the years of company experience, how satisfied its employees are, and whether it has been hit with any consumer rights violations or lawsuits.
- Claims Process (12.5 points): We score providers highly when they offer short response times, multiple ways to file claims, and around-the-clock availability. Companies can earn bonus points if they have a good reputation for quick and easy claims processing.
- Availability (5 points): Providers that serve more areas can have experience dealing with a wider range of homeowner headaches. A company earns the maximum points in this category if it offers services in most U.S. states.