Top 5 Best Home Warranties For Older Homes (2023 Review)
Written By: Britt Olizarowicz
Edited by: Andrew Dunn
Looking for the best home warranty for an older home?
Perfect, you’re in the right spot! In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What is a home warranty for an older home?
- How much does a home warranty for an older home cost?
- Is a home warranty worth it for your older home?
- How do home warranties for older homes work?
- Where can you find the best home warranty for your older home?
- And much more!
We’ve reviewed 68 different home warranty companies, and below are our top picks for older homes specific to your state. Eager to know more? Continue reading!
Our Top Home Warranty for Older Homes Picks
- All plans have comprehensive coverage. Most other home warranty plans cover either just systems or just appliances.
- Choice’s coverage caps are $3,000 per item, per year for most major systems and appliances beating the industry average.
- Choice Home Warranty doesn't exclude older homes, so you can still get coverage regardless of the age of your property.
- $200 off + 1 Month Free + Free Roof Coverage!
- BBB's Only A+ Accredited Home Warranty Company!
- 60-day workmanship guarantee compared to the average of 30 days.
- More than 20 options, including window washing, swimming pools, and irrigation.
- 24/7 service calls
- With over 52 years of experience and 1.7 million customers AHS has a long history in the industry.
- American Home Shield, lest you choose a service fee that works for your budget.
- Coverage caps for systems are unlimited across all three plans and are either $3000 or $6000 for appliances.
- $150 off + 2 months free
- FREE Roof Leak Coverage
- Good selection of plans
- Must file claims within 3 days
- $75 cancellation fee
- First 2 Months Free on all Plans! (exclusions apply)
- Industry-leading 180-day workmanship guarantee
- $500 Homeowner insurance deductible reimbursement
- Thousands of reliable & fast local service providers
- 24/7 customer service
- Low cancellation fee
Top 3 Home Warranty Companies For Older Homes (2021)
| Provider | Best For | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | BBB Rating |
| Choice Home Warranty | Best Overall | $45 – $53 | $85 | D+ |
| Liberty Home Guard | Best Customer Service | $45 – $54 | $75 | A- |
| American Home Shield | Most Customizable | $25 – $75 | $75 – $125 | B |
Choice Home Warranty (Best Home Warranty for Older Homes)
Choice Home Warranty is the best pick for coverage on older homes. Here are a few reasons why.
Owning an older home means managing all the systems and appliances that have been aging right along with that home. What you don’t want is a company that will quickly come up with reasons to deny claims. Choice has a great reputation here – with a claim denial rate (based on our customer review research) that is fully half the industry average. American Home Shield and Select are both closer to the industry average than Choice in this regard.
Choice covers older homes in 48 states. Among the top five, only American Home Shield is in more states, at 49. How much will Choice pay to fix problems they cover in an older home? Choice Home Warranty has generous coverage limits of up to $3,000 for the most common appliances and many of your systems as well. Only American Home Shield matches these coverage limits. In our research, we also found that Choice has a good track record when it comes to the issue of claim denials. When you submit a claim, you don’t want a lot of hassle in getting it approved and getting the system or appliance fixed as soon as possible. Choice has a very low rate when it comes to complaints about claim denial – in fact, it is fully half the industry average. Others in our top five, including Select and ServicePlus, have a claim denial rate much closer (but still a bit lower) than the national average.
One more great reason to pick Choice is the savings you will realize through a generous offer they are making right now. For new customers, Choice will take $50 off plus one month free on the plan of your choosing. Go online for a free quote, or call them at 929-400-6169 before this offer goes away.
Pros
- Simple and easy to understand home service warranty contract
- Only a few exclusions in the Total Plan, additional coverage is available
- Plan offered from New York to California at a very fair price
Cons
- There is no option for a custom plan where you choose the appliances or systems covered
- You cannot choose your own technician to do the work in your home
American Home Shield (Editor’s Choice)
American Home Shield is the clear choice for the most comprehensive coverage on your older home. Owning an older home means dealing with appliances and systems of varying ages. You never know what system or appliance might give up the ghost next. That’s why American Home Shield’s comprehensive coverage is so attractive. With a Platinum Plan from American Home Shield, you’ll get coverage on 23 systems and appliances. Compare that with Choice which covers 18, and Liberty Home Guard, which covers fewer still. You will pay a bit more for AHS, but if you want the peace of mind that comes with coverage of so many of the things that keep your older home a great place to live, it is worth it.
You also might choose AHS because they allow you to choose your own service fee. There are a lot of expenses in owning and maintaining an older home, so if you want a lower premium, you might want to choose a higher deductible or service fee. American Home Shield offers service fees of $75, $100, or $125. Since these are charges that only happen when you file a claim and a service tech is sent to your home, it might be an attractive option to choose the higher service fee. So you get coverage on many more items, at a higher price, but if you choose the higher service fee, the premium will be more comparable to Choice and Select Home Warranty.
Another thing about AHS: they offer a lot of optional coverage. With an older home, you probably have a mix of old and new. So with AHS, you can cover septic and well if your older home is away from those public utilities. But you can also get coverage on home electronics. Only Liberty offers that among the top five.
Right now, American Home Shield is offering $50 off the plan of your choosing. To take advantage of that offer, get a free quote online or request information about coverage for older homes from AHS at 866-464-7521.
Pros
- Over 50 years in the business makes the team at AHS experts in the industry
- AHS gives customers the ability to customize both plan and payment options
- A very broad range of coverage options with many add on choices
Cons
- The pricing is higher than most other companies
- BBB rating is only a B, some issues with customers service in the past
- Some optional coverages for non-covered appliances and systems will increase the price of the plan
Select Home Warranty (Most Affordable)
Select Home Warranty offers great value for owners of older homes. Like most home warranty companies, they will not deny coverage on older systems and appliances, so you don’t need to worry about the age of those things, as long as they are working and you’ve been maintaining them over the years. So for a premium of $58 and a service fee of just $60, you can get excellent coverage. Choice has a plan that costs less but does not have quite as many bells and whistles as Select. Here’s what I mean.
One unique feature offered by Select is their free roof leak coverage. This is something most other companies, including top contenders Choice and AHS, only cover as optional add-ons. So save your money for other home maintenance with your older home. You can get a roof patched instead of having to replace it. Our research shows Select gets high marks from reviews when it comes to contractor professionalism and good communication. These are important metrics when dealing with issues that can crop up in an older home.
And if all this were not enough, Select outdoes Choice and AHS in incentives for new customers. Right now, they are offering $150 off plus two free months! Go online for a free quote, or contact one of their customer service pros at 888-370-3954 to get that deal and begin coverage on your older home.
Pros
- One of the most affordable plans on the market for older homes
- Plan choices are simple and straightforward
- Free roof coverage with the Total plan
Cons
- $75 Cancellation Fee
- Must file a claim quickly, or it will potentially be denied
- Lower policy limits may not cover full replacement costs
What's In This Guide?
Older homes are full of character, charm, and a whole lot of history. However, owning an older home can get expensive very quickly. All those unexpected repairs and replacements on your older building’s home systems and appliances can rack up some pretty big bills over the years. Thankfully, there’s a way to protect yourself from costly home repairs.
The answer? A home warranty.
With a home warranty and appliance insurance for your older home , you can feel confident in your financial security and your ability to pay to replace major appliances or systems. But, can you even get home warranty coverage for an older home?
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. Get a free online quote or contact a specialist at 929-400-6169 before these deals end. Another great option is American Home Shield which offers $50 off. Get a free quote online or you can call a home warranty specialist directly at 866-464-7521.
What Are Home Warranties Meant For Older Homes?
A home warranty for an older home is a way to protect your real estate investment and reduce or eliminate any unexpected repair costs.
With a home warranty plan, you pay an annual premium in exchange for coverage on your home appliances. Additionally, depending on your coverage options and covered items, you can also protect major systems, like your electrical system, plumbing system, or even your HVAC.
Top 5 Best Home Warranties For Older Homes
Then, if you need to repair or replace something in your older home, your home warranty service contract will cover most, if not all, of the cost of your expenses. So, a home warranty plan is one of the best ways to reduce how much you have to spend on maintaining your home each year.
Home Warranties For Buying An Older Home
Additionally, if you are a home buyer interested in purchasing an older home, then a plan from a reputable home warranty provider can make a big difference. Even the best-kept of older houses will ultimately need to replace some of the building’s most important components, like the HVAC system or septic system.
Read Also: What Is The Best Home Warranty For A Septic System?
So, new homeowners can protect themselves from any issues that eventually crop up by using a home warranty. In fact, real estate agents will often recommend that individuals purchase a home warranty, particularly while closing on an older house. Doing so can help give you peace of mind and can defray the cost of any major issues that might happen in your new home.
How Much Does Coverage For An Older Home Cost?
For an older home, the average home warranty costs between $300 and $600 for an annual premium. However, this amount can vary quite a bit depending on a number of factors, including:
- Size of the home
- Location of the residence
- Whether you choose a comprehensive plan, a basic plan or a make your own plan with add-ons
Most companies will offer you a free quote based on the coverage you’re interested in and the size/location of your home before purchasing a plan. This can be a good way to see how much your plan will cost and if there’s room in your budget for any optional coverage add-ons to better protect your home.
Do You Pay More For Home Warranties On Older Homes?
While the size and location of your house are important in determining your premium, the best home warranty companies will not charge you more for owning an older home. In fact, most companies don’t even require that you get a home inspection before you purchase a home warranty plan – though it’s still good to do one anyway (more on that in a bit).
This makes warranties very different from home insurance, which will charge you more for outdated or older systems and appliances. Indeed, the best warranty providers won’t deny you coverage just because you have older fixtures and appliances in your house.
However, many companies will request that you provide documentation and repair records when servicing older systems and appliances. Generally, you just need to show proof of regular service and maintenance for the period that you’ve owned your home, but the more information you have, the better.
Additionally, while most home warranties do not cover pre-existing conditions, some plans made for real estate transactions involving older homes will offer some protection for these problems. Your home inspection should catch any glaring pre-existing conditions, but if the issue wasn’t obvious to an inspector or professional, it’d likely be covered under your plan.
Read Also: Should Your Older Home Protection Plan Include Sewer Lines?
Is A Home Warranty For An Older Home Worth It?
Adding the cost of a home warranty premium to your monthly expenses might not seem very enticing. But, a warranty on your older home is worth the expense and can make a big difference to your finances if you have a major issue with an appliance or system.
Here’s how a home warranty works to protect you and your older house:
Helps Maintain Your Home
Older homes have character and appeal that you often can’t find in a new build. However, when houses age, they need a whole lot of repairs.
With a home warranty, so long as any issues with your house’s systems and appliances weren’t caused by insufficient maintenance, you’ll likely be covered. This means your warranty plan will help to pay for repairs and replacements that you will eventually need to maintain your older home.
Of course, you will have to spend a bit on your annual premium with a warranty plan. But, when compared to how much you will save each year on repairs, a home warranty is certainly worth it.
Best Home Warranty For Older Homes?
Choice Home Warranty is our top pick for homeowners looking for a home warranty. Choice has more than 10 years of experience and won’t deny you coverage just because you have old systems or appliances.
Financial Protection
Even if you have enough budgeted for regular maintenance on your home, the cost of replacing a major feature of your home, like your air conditioning system or your well pump, can be a big hit financially. With a home warranty, though, you’re protected from large out-of-pocket expenses.
With your home warranty protection plan, you get coverage on all of your included appliances and systems up to a certain dollar amount each year. Older homes often need to replace at least one large and expensive item every few years, so the coverage offered by a warranty can keep more money in your pocket over time.
Read Also: Which Home Warranty Plan is the Cheapest?
Simplified Repair Service
One of the biggest advantages of a home warranty is the simplified repair service. With a warranty plan, when you have a problem, you simply file a claim. Then, the company will send a qualified repair specialist to your home to assess, diagnose, and fix any issues you may have.
This process makes getting home repairs easy and stress-free. Instead of having to rush to find a reputable local plumber, electrician, or HVAC specialist to come to your home in an emergency, with a warranty, you just need to reach out to the company’s service center. Then, you’ll get prompt, quality service without all the panic normally associated with broken home systems.
Read Also: Can I Have A Home Warranty For My Older Columbus, Ohio Home?
Protection For New Homeowners
Another great yet under-appreciated benefit of a home warranty for older homes is the protection they offer for new homeowners. Although many people sign up for a warranty plan to cover their current house, most companies will offer some sort of coverage for homebuyers through the real estate process.
Getting a home warranty when you purchase an older home can give you the peace of mind to know that you’re protected if something happens after you close on the house. Hopefully, any potential issues are caught during the home inspection and then repaired, but a warranty can cover you if there are any issues down the line that weren’t obvious to an inspector.
Thus, a warranty for new homeowners can protect the charm and character of the house you love while also ensuring that you can enjoy your new home for years to come – without breaking the bank.
Are You A First-Time Buyer? Check Out This Article!
Are you a new homeowner and curious about the pros and cons of buying a new-build home vs. an older home? Check out this video!
Covers What Homeowners Insurance Won’t
Home warranties are often confused with homeowners insurance, but they’re not the same thing. Homeowners insurance is a policy that protects you against damage caused by events like fires, earthquakes, theft, or flooding.
While you should certainly have home insurance, it won’t cover you if your dishwasher or water heater breaks – this just isn’t the purpose of this type of coverage. But, this means you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket for these repairs even if you have homeowners insurance.
Read Also: What Are The Differences Between A Home Warranty And Home Insurance?
But, with the right home warranty plan, you’ll be protected if you have an issue with your air conditioner, sump pump, or even your clothes washer. You’ll even be covered after the manufacturer’s warranty on major appliances expires, which is an added bonus for owners of older homes.
How Do Home Warranties For Older Homes Work (Are They Unique)?
For the most part, the home warranty that you can buy for an older home is the same as what you’d get for a new home. Interestingly, most companies will not offer separate “older home” plans but will offer you coverage under the same great protection plans that you can get for a new home.
Here’s what you need to know about how the whole process works:
Step 1: List Your Priorities
If you’ve owned your older home for a while, you’re probably quite familiar with repairing and replacing your house’s systems and appliances. So, you’re also probably well aware of what coverage you’d like to protect your home.
For older homeowners, it’s best to make a list of all your top priorities when it comes to home warranty coverage. While you’ll want to get as much coverage as you can, if you’re working with a limited budget, consider what systems and appliances are most important to cover in your home.
Making a list of these items before you start looking at any individual policies will help you narrow down your different plan options to see which one is best for you.
Step 2: Get A Home Inspection
Although this advice applied to anyone interested in a home warranty, it’s highly recommended that people who own older homes get an inspection before purchasing a policy. Since older homes can amass various issues over time, it’s best to find out precisely what problems your house has before you purchase a plan.
Since most warranties do not cover pre-existing conditions, you’ll want to know if there are any issues lurking in your major systems or appliances before you purchase a plan. Then, you can fix any of these problems before starting your warranty. This will give you peace of mind moving forward as you can be confident that any future issues will be covered by your policy.
Step 3: Choose A Plan
Once you know what you want to cover in your home and you’ve determined that your systems and appliances don’t have any pre-existing conditions, it’s time to choose a plan.
When shopping, you’ll notice that you often have the option between appliances plans, systems plans, or more comprehensive coverage through a combo plan. Sometimes, you can build your own plan if you want to mix and match different covered items for your home.
If you’re looking to protect the appliances in your house, you can save a bit of money with an appliance plan. However, in an older home, a combo plan with coverage for appliances and systems is usually a solid bet.
Since older systems can be very expensive to replace, the added coverage of a combo plan can bring you a lot of peace of mind and financial protection over the years.
Step 4: Wait For The Grace Period To End
After purchasing a plan, you’ll generally have to wait for a short grace period to end before you can make your first claim. This is normally about 30 days from the time the plan starts.
However, if you already have a warranty policy and you’re just looking to switch providers or coverage options, then most companies will waive this grace period. You usually have to provide proof of continuous coverage to qualify for this exemption.
Step 5: Make A Claim
When your grace period finishes, you can make your first claim as soon as an issue arises. The best companies will have a 24/7 call center where you can submit a claim for service. Many plans will require that you report the issue within 1-3 days of it starting, so don’t delay when it comes to contacting the call center.
Step 6: Pay The Service Fee
Once you make your claim, you’ll have to pay a small service fee to have a repair technician come to your house. This fee varies from company to company and is usually between $60-$125. The fee is generally paid just once per repair claim, regardless of the number of times contractors are sent to your home. You can think of these as similar to the cost of a copay when you visit the doctor.
Step 7: Get Prompt Repair Service
As soon as your claim is processed, your warranty company will send a service provider to your home for a hassle-free and prompt repair service. The specialist will assess and diagnose the issue and then give you options for how to proceed with repairs or replacements of your appliance or system.
Final Thoughts On Coverage For Older Homes
If you own an older home, a home warranty is a must-have. Older homes need major repairs much more frequently than new builds, so a warranty can help protect you financially from huge maintenance costs. Choice Home Warranty is our top choice because they offer comprehensive and affordable coverage for older homes, regardless of the age of your systems or appliances.
No matter if you live in a historic property in Maine, Rhode Island, or Delaware, there is appliance and system protection for you. Check out our state-specific pages for more information.