On the surface, America’s Preferred Home Warranty (APHW) seems like a solid contender in the home warranty world. A $25,000 aggregate limit, ultra-low $50 service fee, and ample positive customer reviews are all compelling reasons to sign up.
It almost seems too good to be true, so the Today’s Homeowner team dived into research mode to see what’s up with APHW. While we’d like to say that everything checked out, some issues prevent us from recommending it.
And it all comes back to the supposed benefit of being able to hire your own techs. Although hiring someone you trust is a plus, contractors must jump through too many hoops to do the work, and coverage exclusions often result in claims denials.
3.9
Our Rating
To avoid that headache, check out the top home warranty providers that offer the full package. Also, stick around to learn the good and bad about APHW to make a well-informed decision on which company to choose.
Our Preferred Home Warranty Companies
At Today’s Homeowner, we do the research for you, making it much easier to find the best level of protection for your home.
Check out our preferred home warranty companies in the table below to see what the industry leaders offer customers.
America’s Preferred Home Warranty Reviews
Total Score: 77.5/100
At America’s Preferred Home Warranty, the customer is king. The support team prioritizes customer satisfaction and does everything possible to provide a great experience. They’re adept at successfully filing claims, easy for customers and contractors to talk to, and quick to resolve complaints.
Their efforts don’t always pan out, though. Far too many reviews point to overly restrictive coverage policies that result in claims denials and reimbursement refusals. While that’s not the customer support team’s fault, they’re left dealing with the issues.
Luckily, they’re chipper and forever helpful, inspiring customers to write positive reviews even when they didn’t get to use their warranty as intended. The positive reviews greatly transcend the bad, showing the power of quality customer service.
Reading both the negative and positive reviews offers the complete picture:
- This company’s great at making you feel well supported but not usually as successful in getting things repaired.
- The online claims process is quick and easy, while the rest of the journey can be a frustrating ordeal.
- The aggregate limit of $25,000 is high, but per-item limits and exclusions lead to many claims denials.
And so on. There’s an interesting duality to it all. But getting services from this home warranty company could feel like a gamble.
Company Pros and Cons
Carefully weighing the pros and cons can help you select the best home warranty company. Here’s where America’s Preferred Home Warranty excels and where it could improve.
What We Like and Don’t Like
Reading this section will give you an even deeper understanding of what we like and don’t like about America’s Preferred Home Warranty. Each area helps paint the picture of how this company does business and whether it will meet your expectations.
Score: 23/24
Although there’s only one plan, it covers the most important appliances and systems in the house, 24 in total. The standard coverage even extends to items not usually covered by home warranty companies, like roof leaks and exterior plumbing and sewer lines.
One especially unique thing is the Termite Control add-on. For just $5 extra a month, you get protection against this truly destructive insect, so you can handle an infestation before it causes extensive damage to your home.
The relatively high aggregate limit of $25,000 allows you to fix multiple systems in one contract period. That makes it so you don’t have to worry about maxing out your coverage in a particularly unlucky year.
One plan and a handful of add-ons don’t give you much room for customization. If the available coverages don’t work for your needs, you have no choice but to go elsewhere.
In addition, the aggregate limit is higher than most, but per-item-coverage limits leave a lot to be desired. Getting costly repairs or replacing unrepairable equipment could wipe out your coverage for that category.
In some cases, the low limits might not even cover the cost of replacing your refrigerator, water heater, or other reasonably expensive item.
Score: 16/22.5
You’re in control of how much you pay per month and the service fee cost when going with this home warranty provider. If you want the low $50 service fee, you just have to pay a little extra each month. Either way, the monthly premiums are within the average range for most warranty companies.
The Premier Upgrade brings plenty of value for only $12 more per month. The higher coverage limits alone make it worthwhile, but the benefits don’t stop there. It also makes it easier to get claims approved by expanding what’s covered.
Customers usually pay for the repairs out of pocket and then wait to get reimbursed. Not many people have hundreds of dollars lying around for repairs, which is a big reason to get home warranty coverage in the first place. To add insult to injury, reimbursement can take more than a month.
Score: 5/5
Offering coverage in nearly every state wins APHW all the points in this category. Only California is left out, but that may change in the future.
The pricing and policy terms vary depending on which state you’re in. So, you don’t really know what to expect unless you request a quote and dig through the warranty policy.
Score: 12/18.5
Customer service is a top priority at this company, and it shows. Even when customers have problems, the support team gets them laughing and feeling better within minutes of hopping on the call. They also take their time to resolve the issue the best they can, more often than not.
If you’re loyal to a specific contractor or appliance repair company, you’ll love being able to choose your own technician. The repair experience always goes much smoother when you work with someone you know and trust.
People should never have to fight to get the service they’ve paid for, but it happens more than it should at this company.
Claims denials are a common complaint, leaving homeowners without essential appliances and systems for weeks or longer. Although reversing the decision is possible, it’s difficult and time-consuming.
It’s also time-consuming to research and find a repair professional if you don’t already have one in mind. APHW will provide a list of techs in your area upon request, but you still have to vet each one to find someone you can trust.
Score: 16.5/17.5
Researching a home warranty company and finding countless positive reviews is definitely a breath of fresh air. You simply don’t see that all that often in this industry. Most people quickly move on without a word when things go right and only leave reviews when they’re unhappy with the quality of service.
So, when we see many more positive reviews than negative, it’s a surefire sign that the company’s doing something right. The A+ Better Business Bureau rating and the low number of complaints to match also highlight its commitment to quality service and support.
Although negative reviews are few and far between, the complaints within are startling. So many customers have their claims denied outright due to the extensive exclusions or simply not following procedures precisely as written.
Put simply, if the repair isn’t listed as covered in their policy, you can bet it’s excluded. But my research revealed that the company doesn’t always say that outright. Also, you must follow every step in the claims process or risk losing your right to reimbursement.
Score: 5/12.5
Until recently, you could only file a claim by phone. Thankfully, the company upgraded to an online claims process that’s a cut above the rest.
The form isn’t hidden behind cumbersome login screens. It’s just easily accessible on the APHW.com website. Also, the cute video on the page helps ensure customers know how to file a claim and what to expect afterward.
Filling out the online claims form is quick and easy, but that’s where the convenience ends. This company puts the customer and their repair tech through the wringer to get claims approved.
The worst of it is having the customer get the contractor to sit on the phone with the warranty company for free, which many techs do not appreciate. And if you don’t complete the claims process just right, you could be out the money for repairs without any chance of reimbursement.
Availability of America’s Preferred Home Warranty By State
America’s Preferred Home Warranty offers its services in 49 states. California residents are not yet eligible for coverage, but the website explains that the company is working on it.
America’s Preferred Home Warranty Vs. Its Competitors
Discover how America’s Preferred Home Warranty compares to its competitors to easily weigh all your options. Use the table below to see what each home warranty company offers.
| Provider | Best for | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | BBB Rating* | Date Founded | Company Reviews |
| America’s Preferred Home Warranty | Best positive customer review rate | $58 – $79 | $50 – $100 | A+ | 1999 | Read our review of America’s Preferred Home Warranty |
| Liberty Home Guard | Best for customization | $50 – $60 | $75 | A+ | 2017 | Read our review of Liberty Home Guard |
| Select Home Warranty | Best value | $52 – $58 | $60 | B- | 2012 | Read our review of Select Home Warranty |
* Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings are accurate as of August 2023.
Video Overview of America’s Preferred Home Warranty
America’s Preferred Home Warranty’s founder and CEO, Randy Caltrider, has an excellent reputation as a business owner who truly cares about his customers.
His journey from working 30 years in corporate America to growing his values-driven business resonates with people and keeps them loyal to his company. Here’s a glimpse of how he got his start.
America’s Preferred Home Warranty Plans and Coverage Options
When seeking coverage from America’s Preferred Home Warranty, you’ll only find one option: the Premium plan with two service fee levels. However, you can get the Premier Upgrade if their basic plan doesn’t offer your desired coverage. That upgrade increases your per-item coverage limits and adds a few things, like ceiling fans and toilets.
Pricing for each plan varies by state, and your preferred service fee, but the table below shows what you may pay each month for the Premium plan and the Premium plan with the Premier Upgrade.
| Service Fee | Premium | Premier Upgrade |
| $50 | $62.08 | $78.66 |
| $100 | $57.42 | $74.00 |
Quotes listed in the tables above were collected on 08/04/2023 for a single-family residence in Washington State on a one-year contract term. Claim your free quote to learn more about pricing in your state or area.
Premium: If you want basic coverage for 24 major systems and appliances in your home, this plan could suit your needs. It comes with a generous $25,000 aggregate limit that provides peace of mind that if any of the covered items break, you can get them fixed.
Premier Upgrade: The Premier Upgrade could work well if you want to expand the basic coverage. The upgrade adds a special electrical package and several more items while also covering more repair issues and raising the per-item coverage limit by $200.
| Home System or Appliance | Premium | Premier Upgrade |
| Electrical Systems | ||
| Built-in exhaust, vent and attic fan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ceiling fan | X | ✓ |
| Doorbell and chimes | X | ✓ |
| Garage door opener | X | ✓ |
| Interior electrical lines | ✓ | ✓ |
| Main breaker and fuse panel box | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heating and Cooling Systems | ||
| Air conditioner | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ductwork | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heating unit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plumbing Systems and Accessories | ||
| Faucets and valves | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior plumbing lines | ✓ | ✓ |
| Toilets | X | ✓ |
| Water heater | ✓ | ✓ |
| Whirlpool bathtub motor and components | X | X |
| Kitchen Appliances | ||
| Built-in microwaves | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cooktops/ranges | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dishwashers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Garbage disposal | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ice maker | X | ✓ |
| Instant hot/cold water dispenser | X | ✓ |
| Refrigerators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stove/ovens | ✓ | ✓ |
| Laundry Appliances | ||
| Clothes dryers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Clothes washers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Roof | ||
| Roof leak repair | ✓ | ✓ |
What Optional Add-ons Does America’s Preferred Home Warranty Offer?
Add-ons allow you to customize the Premium plan to best work for your home. America’s Preferred Home Warranty doesn’t offer as many add-ons as providers like Liberty Home Guard, but there are some valuable options.
The Premier Upgrade offers the most protection and is a sure bet for homeowners who want comprehensive coverage. This add-on expands coverage significantly by removing many of the exclusions and adding items like the special electrical package. That package covers your lighting fixtures, ceiling fans, garage door opener, and more.
Another notable add-on is the Home Entertainment & Technology plan. Serviced through Fortegra, this add-on protects your computers, mobile devices, and home theater systems for just $17 monthly. It has its own deductible of $75 per service call, but that’s well under the price of most electronics repairs.
The chart below shows all the add-ons you can choose from when getting the basic or upgraded plan.
| Add-On | Cost Per Month |
| Additional refrigerators | $5 |
| Gas fireplace | $5 |
| Home Entertainment & Technology Plan | $17 |
| Inground pool/spa | $18 |
| Premium saltwater pool/spa | $33 |
| Sprinkler system | $5 |
| Termite control | $5 |
| Water softener | $8 |
Does America’s Preferred Home Warranty Have Any Exclusions?
Exclusions are the most common reason America’s Preferred Home Warranty customers don’t get their requested repairs.
Our research revealed why that is: Many of the exclusions in the Premium plan apply to common causes of system and appliance failures. For example, if your refrigerator’s thermistor breaks, you’re out of luck because the coverage only applies to the compressor.
You can remove many exclusions by signing up for the Premier Upgrade, though. That upgrade removes key issues from the list, like sediment buildup in the water heater. It also adds items left off the original plan, including ceiling fans, garage door openers, and toilets.
Complicating matters further, the company reserves the right to call its own contractor for a second opinion. So, while you can hire a repair tech you trust, that doesn’t mean their diagnosis is the final word on the problem.
Exclusions that apply to both the basic plan and its upgrade include:
- Anything beyond normal wear and tear
- Preexisting damage and malfunctions
- Improperly installed or maintained equipment
- Commercial systems or appliances
- Damage caused by natural disasters
- Knobs and keypads for kitchen appliances
- Roof vent repair and replacement
- Smart home systems and devices
- Well pumps used for sprinkler systems
This is just a brief overview of the coverage exclusions. To explore the complete list, you’ll need to read the sample contract.
Does America’s Preferred Home Warranty Have Any Coverage Limits?
America’s Preferred Home Warranty has a high aggregate limit of $25,000 but relatively low per-item coverage limits on many systems and appliances. With other companies, you get $2,000 or more in coverage for each item.
This warranty only gives you $500 to repair items like your laundry appliances, concealed plumbing and electrical systems, and septic systems. However, it does have higher coverage limits in the $1,000 to $2,500 range for things like premium kitchen appliances and central air conditioning and heating units.
The basic coverage limits apply to single-family residences only. Other types of homes have different limits on some items, like a $500 HVAC limit for older manufactured homes. Limits vary from state to state, too.
Review the table below to get an idea of what coverage limits you can expect.
| Covered Item | Coverage Limit |
| Air conditioning system | $2,250 |
| Built-in pool or spa | $600 |
| Code violation correction | $250 |
| Concealed plumbing/enclosed electrical | $500 |
| Exterior water and sewage line | $1,000 |
| Gas fireplace | $400 |
| Heating systems | $2,250 |
| Premium/saltwater pool or luxury spa | $1,200 |
| Primary sump pump | $500 |
| Refrigerator | $1,000 |
| Roof repair | $550 |
| Septic system | $500 |
| Special electrical package | $1,000 |
| Sprinkler systems | $250 |
| Termite control | $500 |
| Washer and dryer | $500 |
America’s Preferred Home Warranty Customer Reviews
Most home warranty providers’ reviews skew toward the negative, but that’s not the case with America’s Preferred Home Warranty. After reading hundreds of reviews, we discovered that most customers leave overwhelmingly positive feedback about their experiences.
Across 5,000 reviews on Google, the vast majority of customers give a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. All that feedback from happy customers adds up to a score of 4.0 out of 5 stars overall, which is remarkable for a company helping people deal with high-stress situations.
Moreover, an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau speaks volumes about the company’s mission to resolve problems right away. The BBB has only had to handle 138 complaints in the past three years as a result.
In comparison, home warranty providers that leave customers dissatisfied and without a resolution have thousands of complaints. For example, just look at Sears Home Services, with over 7,800 complaints in the same period.
Let’s explore some positive and negative reviews about APHW to see what it’s doing right and where to improve.
Positive Reviews of America’s Preferred Home Warranty
Positive reviews outweigh the negative, for sure. Our research found that’s because of the quality of customer service. The team aims to always provide friendly support and go out of their way to resolve any issues that arise.
Negative Reviews of America’s Preferred Home Warranty
Not all customers have a satisfying experience with America’s Preferred Home Warranty. The negative reviews mostly reveal ongoing problems with getting repairs covered due to the strict exclusions. Some customers also complain about local repair techs refusing the job because they don’t want to take the time to report their findings to the claims team.
How To File a Claim With America’s Preferred Home Warranty
The claims process works differently with America’s Preferred Home Warranty than with other home warranty companies. Most companies will send out a repair tech from their network once you file a claim by phone or online. Then, they’ll directly pay the tech once the work is done.
But that’s not how it works here. Instead, you will need to:
- Check if the system or appliance is covered under your plan by reviewing your contract.
- File a claim by calling 1 (800) 648-5006 or visiting the “Start a claim online” page on the website. Save the claim number for future reference.
- Call a local contractor of your choosing to set up a diagnosis and repair appointment at your earliest convenience. If you don’t already have a licensed repair tech you use, research to find someone in your area with an excellent reputation.
- Have your licensed contractor call the claims department after diagnosing the problem. You must complete this step to get authorization for service, or reimbursement won’t get approved.
- Set up payment with the support team. You will usually need to pay for the repair services out of pocket using cash or a credit card and then get reimbursed. In some cases, the company can pay the contractor directly.
You must follow these steps to have your repairs covered by your warranty and receive reimbursement. Many common issues are listed in the exclusions for the policy, so don’t be surprised if the agent doesn’t authorize repairs upon hearing from the contractor.
Is America’s Preferred Home Warranty Worth It for You?
Sometimes, it’s really nice to do business with a company built around values that align with your own. So, if you connect with the brand story and mission, it might be worthwhile to go through this company for all your home warranty needs.
If that’s not the case, other home warranty companies could better serve your needs. For example, American Home Shield has the best coverage limits in the industry at $3,000 to $6,000 per system or appliance. And Choice Home Warranty has an outstanding claims acceptance rate without all the runaround.
If you’d like to explore your other options, retrieve free estimates from a few industry leaders with the panel below.
FAQs About America's Preferred Home Warranty
What is the deductible for America’s Preferred Home Warranty?
The deductible, or service fee, for America’s Preferred Home Warranty is either $50 or $100. You can select from those two options when you sign up for the 12-month plan. If you want the lower service fee, you’ll pay more per month and vice versa.
How fast will America’s Preferred Home Warranty complete repairs?
The total time from submitting your home warranty claim to getting repairs varies depending on your selected repair technician. Since the customer service team doesn’t set that up for you, there’s no target response time.
Does America’s Preferred Home Warranty cover mold remediation?
America’s Preferred Home Warranty doesn’t cover mold remediation services. In certain cases, the plan will cover services needed to stop the water intrusion and prevent it from recurring, like roof leak repairs.
Is it easy to cancel coverage with America’s Preferred Home Warranty?
Yes, you just have to call the customer support line to let them know you’d like to cancel. You’ll get 100% of your money back if you cancel within 30 days of signing up for the warranty. Otherwise, you’ll get a prorated refund minus an administrative fee of up to 10% and the cost of any paid claims.
How long has America’s Preferred Home Warranty been in business?
America’s Preferred Home Warranty has been in business since 1999. Founder Randy Caltrider and his team in Jackson County, Michigan, will celebrate their 25th year in business sometime in 2024.
Methodology: How We Rank Home Warranty Companies
At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. Our home warranty company ratings emphasize what matters most to you — whether you’re looking for low-cost coverage, a hassle-free repair process, 24/7 assistance, or all of the above.
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:
- 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.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
