Wondering if HMS Home Warranty is for you? We can help!
We’ve taken note of the company’s credibility, policy, terms and conditions, coverage, customer reviews and pricing to provide all of the necessary information so you can make an educated decision about this provider.
Here’s the bottom-line about HMS Home Warranty: With over 40 years of experience and its recent merge with Cinch Home Services, the coverage plans and contractor network are more extensive than ever.
Our Preferred Home Warranty Alternatives
Today’s Homeowner recommends a few home warranty companies to our readers. Below, you’ll see our latest suggestions and their money-saving deals. You can also read our review of the companies with similar home warranty plans to learn more about these top picks.
Company Pros and Cons
This section covers the HMS Home Warranty’s high-level pros and cons to keep in mind as you continue reading.
Editorial Notes
Established almost 40 years ago, HMS Home Warranty is a veteran of the home warranty industry. It provides services all across the USA, including California, Texas, Ohio, New York, Virginia, and Florida.
Last year, October of 2019, the company was rebranded as Cinch Home Services, a Cross Country Home Services company. It’s transition to Cinch reflects a fresh and modern service provider committed to fair customer services and an easy home warranty experience.
The company’s premiums range between $489 and $587, which is the industry’s average, and the deductible is $100, which is a bit above the average. The value of this company is the peace of mind that the plans provide for all types of homeowners and realtors.
What customers like most about HMS Home Warranty is that the company’s representatives are easy to reach online and by a simple phone call, and emergency response is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Twenty-four percent of the customers praised the company’s good work, which is twice as much as the industry’s average.
We’re just beginning to discuss the benefits and pitfalls of this company. Continue reading to learn more!
If you’re looking for a trusted, industry-leading home warranty company, we recommend Choice Home Warranty. They’re a top-rated brand, and right now you can take advantage of their current promotions that get you $50 off, plus one free month and free 30-Day cancellation.
Trustworthiness
HMS Home Warranty was established in 1979, the same year as the other industry giant, TotalProtect Home Warranty, also in the Cinch Home Services family. Since then, the company has been a successful provider of home warranty services for customers all over the United States, except Alaska and Hawaii. The company is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Legal
| Information Type | Description |
| Ownership | Cross Country Group, LLC; HMS National, Inc. |
| Established | 1979 |
| CEO | Beverly Dabreau, VP Customer Service |
| Registered in | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
| Address | 1625 NW 136th Ave Bldg E # 200 |
| Available states | All except: Alaska, Hawaii |
| Type of company (private, public) | Private |
| Mediation and arbitration bodies | Disputes are resolved in Small Claims Court |
| Sister companies | TotalProtect Home Warranty, Home Protect Home Warranty |
Accessibility
| Information Type | Description |
| How to contact | Main page >> Contact us |
| Online chat | No |
Because of HMS’s recent rebranding, all customer service transactions and inquiries occur through Cinch Home Services. However, you can rest assured that your contracts, coverage and logins remain the same. To contact customer service online, please visit https://www.hmsnational.com/contact-us. This link will automatically redirect you to Cinch Home services.
To request service, you will be automatically redirected to Cinch as well. Unfortunately, there is no online chat support available. However, the company can be contacted via phone calls or through one of the social networks available for direct messages. HMS (now Cinch) is available on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. Customers generally appreciate its extensive presence and accessibility on social media.
If you prefer to contact this company by phone, please dial the phone number 1.800.247.3680 to speak to representative, wait for a call back or follow up regarding your claim. While HMS customer support is accessible, we advise you also to contact your real estate agent for advice on which plan is right for your home.
But, if you are just looking to renew your HMS National subscription, the online renewal system makes it easy for you to continue your coverage. You may also contact (888) 488-9624.
Benchmarks
| Information Type | Description |
| Company size | 375 |
| Annual revenue | $77,000,000 |
| Number of homeowners | No data |
| Number of BBB complaints closed within last 3 years | 2,702 |
| Traffic | 221,000 |
| Number of independent contractors | 40,000 |
Reputation
| Information Type | Description |
| BBB accreditation | B (Accreditated) |
| Awards | Gold 2019 Stevie Award in the Sales Distinction of the Year category, Silver 2019 Stevie Award in the Front-Line Customer Service Professional of the Year category, Silver 2019 Stevie Award in the Best Use of Technology in the Customer Service category, Bronze 2019 Stevie Award in the Customer Service Complaints Team of the Year category, Bronze 2019 Stevie Award in the Business Development Achievement of the Year category |
HMS Home Warranty BBB rating is B+, which is a very good index compared to many other companies in the industry. The company has received 2.2 out of 5 stars based on 239 customer reviews, comparable to those of such industry leaders as Select Home Warranty.
Coverage
HMS Home Warranty offers a variety of plans for home sellers, home buyers, and existing homeowners. There are plans available for single-family homes, duplexes, townhouses, condos, and new home construction.
Home sellers may only purchase a basic plan for a single-family home or a condo/townhome. It includes all major home systems and appliances plus pest control services and extras.
Similar basic plans are available for home buyers as well. Premier plans, however, are available to home buyers only. The premier plan includes the Premier Upgrade Package and a homeowner’s insurance deductible reimbursement in addition to the basic plan coverage.
The Premier Upgrade Package provides home buyers with extra coverage for items excluded under any home warranty. Some examples include, but are not limited to: fees required for permits mandated by federal or local government, upgrades as required when replacing heating or air systems, and non-covered items associated with a covered claim.
Additionally, this repair company offers home buyers optional coverage for items such as additional central air conditioning or water heater units, refrigerators, pool and spa, well pump system, and more. Each item is priced separately.
Summary of Plans and Coverage:
What does HMS Home Warranty cover?
To answer this question, we took an HMS Home Warranty brochure for Texas, as an example, and carefully studied the information and summarized it below. It will give you a general idea of coverage plans and limits. For other states, information may slightly differ.
Air Conditioning
For an air conditioner, the company covers mechanical replacement parts and components for up to two systems of the ducted electrical central heat pump system or the evaporative (swamp) cooler unit. Please note that ductwork from the air conditioning unit to the point of attachment at registers/grills is covered. The coverage limit is $1,500 per agreement term.
Central Heating System
The company covers mechanical parts and components of two systems, either the hot water and steam heating system, or the centrally ducted forced air gas/electric/oil heating system, or electric baseboard units if providing the primary source of heat in the dwelling.
Unfortunately, the whole unit of a heating system isn’t covered, but this is industry-standard. The coverage includes accessible ductwork from the covered heating unit to the point of attachment to register/grill. HMS will not pay more than $1,500 per covered item per contract term for any repairs or replacements. This limit is comparable to coverage limits of other home warranty companies.
Read Also: What Does A Home Warranty For An HVAC System Include?
Plumbing System
HMS Home Warranty’s plumbing coverage includes mechanical parts and components of the garbage disposal, interior hose bibs, shower and tab valves, leaks and breaks (except when caused by freezing or roots), toilet tanks, bowls and mechanisms, valves, sump pumps, whirlpool motor, and clogs in the sewer lines up to 125 feet from the point of access.
Coverage includes access, diagnostics, and repair. Please note that a request to clear the same line(s) after 14 days’ time has elapsed will be considered a new claim and require a new deductible to cover the plumber’s service.
Septic System
As septic system coverage, the contract may cover the mechanical parts and components of one sewage ejector pump located within the main foundation’s perimeter.
The clearing of stoppages within the connecting waste line leading from the house to the primary septic tank, which is attributable to normal wear and tear and can be accessed through an existing cleanout without excavation, is also covered by HMS.
Please note that in the event the septic tank needs to be pumped or replaced, you may be responsible for locating an independent contractor to perform the necessary repairs or replacement. The coverage limit for pumping the septic tank is $500, and $1,000 for septic tank replacement.
Electrical System
Electrical system coverage by HMS includes standard mechanical parts or components located within the perimeter of the outer load-bearing walls consisting of ceiling fan motors and their controls, excluding transmitters and remotes. All exhaust fans in the house, smoke detectors, interior light switches, garage door openers and doorbells are also covered and can be fixed by a repairman once you submit a service request.
Home Appliances
HMS Home Warranty covers most components and parts that affect the operation of major home appliances. These include washer and dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, exhaust unit, oven/range/stove/cooktop, trash compactor and built-in microwave. The coverage limit is $3,000 in the aggregate per contract term, which is above the market’s average limit.
Optional coverage is available for homebuyers only. It includes a swimming pool and spa, a well pump system, additional a/c units, outside gas, sewer and water lines, and more.
HMS National – Coverage
HMS National Warranty, better known as Cinch Home Services, offers coverage for home appliances and systems in 3 plans;
Appliances Plan
This plan covers essential home kitchen and laundry appliances such as;
• Clothes dryers
• Wall ovens
• Cooktops
• Dishwashers
• Range exhaust hoods
• Refrigerators
• Freestanding ice makers
• Ranges
• Clothes washers
• Built-in food centers
• Built-in microwaves
• Built-in trash compactors
Built-in Systems Plan
This plan covers major home systems such as;
• Smoke detectors
• Water heater
• Attic/ceiling fans
• Plumbing system
• Sump pump
• Garbage disposals
• Central vacuums
• Homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement
• Doorbells
• Hot water dispenser
• Electrical systems
• Toilets
• Heating system with ductwork
• Jetted bath/ built-in whirlpool
• Garage door openers
• Air conditioning with ductwork
Complete Home Plan
A Cinch Home Services complete home plan covers all items in the systems and appliances plan.
Compared to most home warranty providers, Cinch Home Services does have a lot of items covered in their plans. For instance, a Select Home Warranty appliances plan (Bronze Care Plan) covers refrigerator, dishwasher, built-in microwave oven, cooktop/stove/oven, clothes washer, clothes dryer, and garbage disposal. The systems plan (Gold Care Plan) will cover the electrical system, air conditioning and cooling, heating system, ductwork, water heater, and plumbing system while their Platinum Care plan merges the other plan into one and adds coverage for plumbing stoppages.
Based on our research, at least 5 out of every 100 claims filed are rejected. That makes up 5%, and this is relatively low compared to the industry average of up to 10%. Pre-existing conditions won’t be a reason for claim denial like with other providers, but other common reasons will contribute you your claim being rejected, such as;
Neglect or failed servicing; you must produce maintenance records
• If the appliance/systems are covered by another warranty, for instance, a manufacturer’s warranty or a builder’s warranty.
• If the appliances/systems are for commercial use
• If the damage is not a result of normal wear and tear
• If the service involves toxic or hazardous material
This home warranty plan suits homeowners who want extensive coverage on their home appliances and systems regardless of cost. After all, a home warranty will save you more money in repairs and replacement costs, especially with the old ones. If your appliance/system does have a pre-existing condition, then you ought to invest in plans from this home warranty provider.
You may also want to explore some irresistible HVAC home warranty offers for your HVAC systems.
HMS National – Expense
As noted, the home warranty plans are quite comprehensive, going beyond the basic appliances and systems to ensure your home is fully protected. But does this impact the cost? Yes. Cinch Home Services are not exactly the cheapest plans.
Like American Home Shield’s build your own plan, HMS National warranty plans prices vary according to the service fee. A higher service fee lowers the monthly premiums and vice versa.
Here is a table summarizing the average cost of HMS National:
| Service Fee | Appliances Plan | Built-in Systems | Complete Home Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | $44.99 | $51.99 | $61.99 |
| $125 | $39.99 | $45.99 | $59.99 |
| $150 | $34.99 | $39.99 | $49.99 |
The table above shows the price of a Cinch Home Services warranty plan for a home in North Carolina, and it’s important to note that this price will vary according to state. Homeowners must therefore get accurate quotations depending on their areas of residence.
Here are a few quotes we collected based on the $150 service fee.
| Plans | New York | West Virginia | Louisiana |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appliances Plan | $65.99 | $49.99 | $59.99 |
| Built-in Systems Plan | $69.99 | $54.99 | $64.99 |
| Complete Home Plan | $84.99 | $64.99 | $74.99 |
The average American homeowner pays between $25- $50 in monthly premiums and between $50- $100 in service fees for a home warranty plan. With the HMS National service fee going above the $50- $100 range and plans above $60, it’s evident that this is not a very affordable option. But is it worth paying the extra? We can only determine this by checking out their coverage limits.
Here is a table comparing the coverage limits for various appliances and systems by different home warranty companies against their pricing.
| Home Warranty Company | Average Cost of Plans (Appliance, Systems and All-inclusive) | Service Fees | Coverage Limits Plumbing | Coverage Limits Ductwork | Coverage Limits Refrigerator | Coverage Limits Air Conditioning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinch Home Services | $34.99- $49.99 $39.99- $51.99 $41.99- $61.99 | $100, $125, $150 | $1000 | $1000 | $3000 | $1500 |
| American Home Shield | $49.99 $49.99 $59.99 | $75, $100, $125 | $1000 | $1000 | $3000 | $1500 |
| Select Home Warranty | $35.83 $35.83 $37.50 | $60 – $75 | $500 | $500 for Platinum and bronze care plans or $2000 for the Platinum Care plan policyholders | $500 | $2000 |
From the comparison above, we can conclude that it would be cheaper to buy an AHS plan as the coverage limits are just the same, and indeed American Home Shield does offer comprehensive coverage. When it comes to Select Home Warranty, their plans are relatively affordable, but they cover very few items and their coverage limits are quite low.
Although it appears to be an expensive warranty provider, the Cinch Home Services cancellation fee is below the industry average; it stands at $25, compared to American Home Shield’s at $75 and Choice Home Warranty’s at $50. Like most industry players, you can cancel at any time, but it’s free within the first 30 days, after which you’ll pay the cancellation fee and get a prorated refund for the unexpired period.
Unfortunately, the contract is not transferable, so you might have to cancel when selling or moving out.
HMS National – Reliability
So far, we’ve determined that HMS National, or Cinch Home Services, has very comprehensive plans. It means a lot to a homeowner to know that they can call in for service repair or replacement and get it quickly without any follow-ups and at any time. So, is Cinch Home Services all that?
In matters of customer support, Cinch Home Services offers 24/7 customer support. So, yes, you can make your claim any time on call. And you don’t have to worry about being put on hold for too long as you can submit your claim online via their website.
After filing a claim, you are contacted by the company at least within 48 hours. HMS National also understands that you can have an emergency; a gas leak, or maybe it starts flooding due to a faulty plumbing system or a problem with your electrical wiring, and you have to stay in the dark. There’s an emergency service available, and you get a service visit within 24 hours.
However, numerous customers have complained over delays in repairs, and bearing in mind they don’t cover secondary damage caused by the damaged appliance or system, this can be quite inconvenient.
Despite this, HMS National has been recommended for the provision of quality services. This is probably one of the reasons they have an A rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). You, therefore, don’t need to choose a particular contractor as you are guaranteed quality services, and anyway, you don’t get the chance to.
Let’s talk about the workmanship guarantee. While American Home Shield gives you a 30-days workmanship guarantee, and Choice Home Warranty gives you 90, with Cinch Home Services, you get up to 180 days.
Overall, Cinch Home Services is a reliable home warranty provider. It’ll be even better for you if;
• You want comprehensive coverage.
• Your appliances/systems have pre-existing conditions.
• You want discounts on new appliances. Customers get great deals when shopping for new appliances.
Cinch Home Services may not be an excellent option for you if;
• You are on a tight budget
• You want to choose your preferred technician
• You live in Alaska or Hawaii
The Fine Print
| Item | Value | Comparison to Industry |
| Coverage effective after | 30 days | Above industry average |
| Cancellation with refund within | 30 days | Above industry average |
| Cancellation fee | $25.00 | Below industry average |
| Automatic policy renewal | Yes | As 92% of industry |
| Time to cancel automatic renewal | Unknown days | n/a |
| Fee for contract transfer | $25.00 | Above industry average |
| Max time to submit claim | 1 days | At industry minimum |
| Repair timeframe | Unknown business days | n/a |
| Repair timeframe (weekends and holidays) | Unknown days | n/a |
| Free second opinion | No | As 42.3% of industry |
| Emergency service available | Yes | As 87.3% of industry |
| Hours for service calls | 24/7 | As 86.5% of industry |
| Reservice if repairs fail | Unknown | n/a |
| Free reservice period (parts) | Unknown days | n/a |
| Free reservice period (labor) | Unknown days | n/a |
We have carefully read all of the terms and conditions to find every little yet important, detail of the company’s operating procedures. We found that HMS Home Warranty coverage becomes effective 30 days after the contract was signed. It is possible to cancel the contract within 30 days with a $25 cancellation fee.
In case the contract is not canceled, it will be renewed automatically. This is almost an industry standard, with 95% of the companies having this term in their policy. The contract can be transferred to a new owner with a $25 fee above the industry average.
Unfortunately, we could not find any information on repair timeframes during business hours, next day or on weekends and holidays. Information on reservice parts and labor in case the repair fails is not available either.
Feedback
HMS Warranty reviews were collected from multiple consumer reporting sites. Overall, we gathered more than 1,000 reviews from eleven sources, including the Better Business Bureau, Yelp and Google Reviews.
Average rating scores ranged from 1 out of 5 stars based on 42 reviews at My3Cents, to 4.4 out of 5 stars based on eleven reviews on ActiveRain.
Happy customers reported high satisfaction with contractors’ good work and professionalism, while unhappy customers complained about communication problems, repair delays, and unexpected costs.
In some cases, when company clients left negative reviews or felt that the company was a scam, there was a misunderstanding between the customer and support, or the customers misinterpreted the company’s terms and conditions.
The Final Words
HMS Home Warranty is one of the oldest companies on the market comparable to American Home Shield and Sears Home Warranty. Being over 40-year-old, this company has more than enough experience in home services and customer satisfaction, and it may surely be considered one of the most reputable home warranty companies, which is great for first-time home warranty buyers.
It’s unlikely that this company will provide you a new unit for systems like HVAC and plumbing when its short of a total breakdown, but a trusted HMS repair person is happy to assist in part and component repair.
The company offers home warranty plans for home buyers, home sellers, existing homeowners, as well as new home construction warranties. There are basic and premier plans for single-family homes, townhouses, and condos.
We collected HMS Home Warranty reviews from multiple websites and performed meticulous research of the company so that you could make an educated choice regarding a home warranty for your property.
The HMS Home Warranty terms and conditions are clearly stated in the company’s brochure. The policy may vary by state, so please read it carefully, and contact company representatives with any questions before making your final decision. Alternatively, you can check the reviews of our best home warranty companies.
