How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost? (2025)

A home warranty is a service contract for your home that pays to repair or replace major home systems and appliances when they break down due to age or normal wear and tear.1 Depending on the plan and coverage, a home warranty typically costs between $30 and $100 per month. But your actual costs will vary based on the size and age of your home, its location, and the level of coverage you choose.

This guide breaks down what a home warranty typically costs, what the price includes, and how to determine whether it offers good value for your situation.

Cost of top home warranty plans

When comparing the best home warranty companies, it’s helpful to review what providers offer side by side. Prices and coverage can vary widely, so understanding what each plan includes and how much it costs can make it easier to find the best fit for your home and budget.

The table below shows the top warranty providers’ plan options, coverage, monthly premiums, service fees, and add-ons.

Home warranty fees

Premiums for home warranty coverage range between $30 and $100 per month, depending on the company and plan, but that’s not the only expense. A home warranty includes several cost components, including a monthly (or annual) premium, a per-visit service fee, and charges for optional add-on coverages.

Monthly premium

The monthly premium is the fixed amount you pay to keep your home warranty active. Some companies offer the option to make one annual payment for a slight discount. 

Premiums can range between $30 and $100 per month, depending on the company and coverages you select, as well as your home’s size, age, and location. Broader coverage usually means a higher premium.

Per-visit service fee

You’ll pay a per-visit fee each time you request service. This fee is separate from your monthly premium and typically ranges from $50 to $150. Whenever your warranty company sends a technician, you’ll pay this fee, regardless of whether they repair or replace the system or appliance.

Additional coverage costs

Most home warranty plans cover basics like plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and kitchen appliances, but they don’t cover everything. 

You can often purchase add-on coverage for roof leak repairs, pool and spa systems, well pumps, second refrigerators or freezers, or septic systems. Each add-on typically increases your monthly premium by $2 to $20, depending on the item and your home warranty company.

Factors that affect home warranty cost

Home warranty costs aren’t one-size-fits-all. What you pay can vary significantly based on your home and the coverage you choose. These factors all influence your price:

• Home size and age: Larger homes and those with older appliances may require more coverage, which can increase your premium.

• Location: Labor rates, climate, and local regulations affect pricing. For example, homes in hot or humid regions may face higher costs due to heavier HVAC use.

• Type of plan: Basic plans are more affordable but cover fewer items. Comprehensive plans typically cost more.

• Optional add-ons: Extra coverage for pools, septic systems, or standing freezers will increase your costs.

• Service fees: Choosing a lower service fee usually results in a higher monthly premium, and vice versa.

• Provider pricing model: Since each company sets its own rates, costs can vary from one company to another — even for similar coverage.

How home warranties work

A home warranty is a service contract that helps cover repair or replacement costs when major systems or appliances break down due to normal wear and tear. If a covered item stops working, you submit a service request to your warranty provider. The company sends a contractor to diagnose the issue, and you pay a service fee.

If your contract covers the problem, the warranty company pays for the repair or replacement.

A home warranty covers mechanical failures due to age or use. This is different from homeowners insurance, which covers damage from events such as fires and storms.2

What home warranties cover

Coverage varies by plan and provider, but most home warranties include protection for major systems and appliances that tend to wear out over time. Commonly covered items include:

• HVAC systems

• Plumbing systems

• Electrical panels and wiring

• Water heaters

• Kitchen appliances

• Laundry appliances

• Garbage disposals

• Exhaust fans

Some plans also cover garage door openers, ceiling fans, and doorbells. It’s important to check your contract to understand what it includes.

What home warranties exclude

Home warranties don’t cover everything, so it’s also a good idea to understand what they may exclude. Most plans won’t cover:

• Pre-existing conditions or improper installations

• Cosmetic issues like dents or scratches

• Structural features, including roofs and walls

• Non-mechanical components like windows and doors

• Items still under the manufacturer’s warranty

Pros and cons of home warranties

The primary benefit of a home warranty is the potential savings when a major home system or appliance breaks down. But home warranties aren’t for everyone. For example, homeowners with brand-new appliances still under the manufacturer’s warranty may not get much value from an additional plan.3

Home warranty cost FAQs

Methodology

Our editorial team analyzed home warranty companies to assess which offer homeowners the best prices, coverage options, customer service, and savings. We looked at available plans, coverage limits, service fees, and agreements, prioritizing competitive prices, customer service reviews, discounts, and specialty or supplemental coverages.