CostPrism
Business Updated June 2026

Home Warranty Cost Calculator

Calculate 2026 home warranty costs by coverage tier, service call fee, and home size. Compare American Home Shield, Choice Home Warranty, and other top providers.

National avg: $600/year
Range: $300 – $1,200/year
Used by 24,350 people

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What Affects the Cost?

1. Coverage Tiers

Basic/systems-only plans ($30–$45/month) cover major systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, water heater). Appliance-only plans cover kitchen and laundry appliances. Combo/comprehensive plans ($50–$80/month) cover both. Premium add-ons include pool/spa, roof leak repair, and septic coverage ($5–$15/month each).

2. Service Call Fee

The service call fee (also called trade call fee) is what you pay when a technician visits, regardless of repair cost. Options: $75, $100, $125, or $150 per call. Plans with lower service fees charge higher monthly premiums. If you expect multiple claims per year, lower service fees save money overall.

3. Coverage Limits & Exclusions

Most home warranties cap payouts at $1,500–$5,000 per system or appliance. HVAC coverage is often limited to $1,500–$3,000 (a new unit costs $5,000–$12,000). Common exclusions: pre-existing conditions, improper maintenance, code violations, cosmetic damage. Read the contract carefully — exclusions vary significantly by provider.

2026 Cost Reference Table

Type / Option Typical Cost Range
Basic systems (AHS ShieldSilver) $360 – $540/year
Combo plan (AHS ShieldGold) $480 – $720/year
Premium plan (AHS ShieldPlatinum) $660 – $960/year
Choice Home Warranty (Basic) $480 – $600/year
Choice Home Warranty (Total Plan) $540 – $660/year
Add-ons (pool, roof, septic) $60 – $180/year each

Frequently Asked Questions

A home warranty is worth it if: your appliances are 8–15 years old and likely to need repair, you want predictable repair costs, and you can't afford unexpected $2,000–$5,000 repair bills. It's less valuable for new homes (under 3 years old) or if you're a handy homeowner who can DIY repairs.

Common exclusions include: pre-existing conditions, improper maintenance or installation, cosmetic damage, rust and corrosion, code violations, and items above coverage limits. Roof coverage is typically limited to leak repair, not replacement. Always read the contract's exclusions section.

Homeowners insurance covers sudden, accidental damage (fire, storm, theft). A home warranty covers mechanical breakdown from normal wear and tear. You need both — insurance won't pay when your HVAC compressor fails from old age; a warranty won't cover storm damage.

Compare Home Warranty Plans

Home warranties vary widely in coverage limits and exclusions. Always read what's NOT covered before purchasing.

American Home Shield — Plans from $29.99/mo Choice Home Warranty — $46/mo

Tips Before You Start

  • ✓ Higher service call fees ($125+) mean lower monthly premiums — better if you rarely make claims
  • ✓ HVAC systems are the most claimed item — ensure your plan includes full system coverage
  • ✓ Pre-existing conditions and improper maintenance are common claim denial reasons
  • ✓ Some providers offer discounts for paying annually (vs. monthly)
  • ✓ Home warranty is NOT the same as homeowners insurance — both may be needed

Cost by State — 2026

Based on national average pricing adjusted for local labor and material costs.