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Home Warranty Picks.com
Costs6 min read

How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in 2026?

Typical home warranty prices, service call fees and add-on costs in 2026 - plus what drives the price and how to compare plans fairly.

Updated October 12, 2026

Key takeaways

  • Most plans run roughly $300-$700 a year; premium tiers and add-ons cost more.
  • Service call fees are commonly $60-$150 per visit, and at many companies are owed even if a claim is denied.
  • A higher service fee usually means a lower premium.
  • Compare the yearly premium plus expected service fees - and the caps - not just the monthly price.

Typical price ranges

Based on published quotes and third-party reviews in 2025-2026, here are rough monthly price ranges for the companies we track (always confirm for your address):

  • Choice Home Warranty: ~$46-$49 (Basic) to ~$55-$58 (Total).
  • American Home Shield: ~$30-$40 (ShieldSilver), ~$50-$60 (ShieldGold), ~$80-$90 (ShieldPlatinum).
  • Select Home Warranty: ~$36-$64 before promotions.
  • First American: ~$40-$140 depending on plan and state.
  • Home Warranty of America: ~$48 (Premier) to ~$61 (Premier Plus) in a sample quote.
  • The Home Service Club: ~$54 (Standard) to ~$67 (Comprehensive).
  • 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty: from ~$27-$35.

Service call fees

Every visit carries a service call (or "trade call") fee, typically $60-$150. Some companies let you choose: American Home Shield offers $100 or $125; First American offers $75, $100 or $125. Choosing a higher fee lowers your premium, which can make sense if you expect few claims.

Top-Rated Providers

1
Our Top Pick
Choice Home Warranty logo
9.6
Exceptional

Two simple plans covering home systems and appliances, with a $3,000 per-item cap and coverage in 49 states

  • Basic & Total plans
  • $3,000 per covered item
  • Online claims, 24/7
  • Available in 49 states

Free Online Quote

Visit Site
2
American Home Shield logo
9.4
Excellent

The industry's oldest home warranty company - three plan tiers, a choice of service fee and some of the highest coverage caps

  • ShieldSilver, Gold & Platinum
  • Up to $5,000 HVAC coverage
  • Choose a $100 or $125 fee
  • In business since 1971
Visit Site
3
Select Home Warranty logo
9.1
Excellent

One of the lowest-cost plans available, with frequent free-month and free roof coverage promotions

  • Bronze, Gold & Platinum Care
  • Low starting price
  • Free roof leak coverage promo
  • Multi-year plan options
Visit Site

What drives the price

  • Plan tier - systems-only and appliances-only plans cost less than combos.
  • Location - prices vary by state and ZIP code.
  • Home size and type - larger homes and multi-unit properties often cost more.
  • Add-ons - pool/spa, well pump, septic, second refrigerator and similar extras.
  • Billing - paying annually sometimes unlocks discounts or free months.

How to compare fairly

Add the yearly premium to the service fees you expect to pay, then check the caps on the items you're most worried about. A cheaper plan with a $500 per-item cap can cost you far more after one big repair than a pricier plan with a $3,000-$5,000 cap. Compare head-to-head in Choice vs Select or American Home Shield vs Choice.

This article is general information, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Coverage, prices and terms vary by company, plan and state - always read the full sample contract before you buy.

Ready to compare home warranty companies?

See how top companies stack up on coverage, pricing, and claims service.

Sources & references

Regulatory and ownership facts on this page come from public records. Pricing, plan and contract details come from each provider's published information. This content is for information only and is not legal, insurance or financial advice - always read the full contract before buying a plan.

  1. 1.Attorney General Mayes Announces $11.8 Million Settlement with Choice Home Warranty - Arizona Attorney General - February 2026
  2. 2.Frontdoor, Inc. Completes Acquisition of 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty - Frontdoor, Inc. via Business Wire - December 2024
  3. 3.Frontdoor, Inc. Quarterly Report (Form 10-Q), Q2 2026 - U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (EDGAR)
  4. 4.American Home Shield plans - American Home Shield
  5. 5.Choice Home Warranty user agreement - Choice Home Warranty
  6. 6.Select Home Warranty terms and conditions - Select Home Warranty
  7. 7.The Home Service Club pricing and plans - The Home Service Club