Our research process
- Start with the contract. We base plan details on the provider’s sample contract, terms and conditions, and official plan pages. Marketing summaries alone are not enough.
- Record what we checked, and when. For each provider we record the plan names, contract version or document, source links, and the date we checked.
- Apply consistent criteria. We describe every plan using the same attributes so readers can compare like with like.
- Separate facts from opinion. Provider-published facts, such as prices, fees, and caps, are presented apart from our editorial assessment, which is labeled.
- Re-check on a schedule. Prices, fees, plan names, and availability change often, so we re-check them more often than evergreen explainers.
What we evaluate
| Criterion | What we look for |
|---|---|
| Contract clarity | A public sample contract that clearly lists covered items, exclusions, and limits |
| Coverage breadth | Which systems and appliances are included, and what requires an add-on |
| Limits and caps | Per-item, per-claim, and aggregate payout limits, and notable sublimits |
| Service fees | The amount, and when it applies (per visit, per claim, on denied claims) |
| Exclusions | Pre-existing conditions, maintenance clauses, code upgrades, access costs, and parts exclusions |
| Replacement terms | How replacement is decided, and whether cash-out options exist |
| Waiting period, renewal & cancellation | When coverage starts, how renewal pricing works, and cancellation terms |
| Availability | Where the plan is sold, as published by the provider |
Each “best” page lists its own criteria and how they’re weighted for that homeowner need.
Contract score
We also calculate a 10-point contract score from facts in each provider’s sample contract: heating and cooling caps, appliance caps, overall limits, code and permit coverage, unknown pre-existing conditions, cancellation terms, service fee choice, and whether a full sample contract is public. Anything a provider doesn’t publish scores at the low end, so missing information never helps a provider. The full point table is on our comparison page.
How we handle prices and examples
- Advertised prices are shown as published by the provider, with the date checked. They aren’t quotes; your price depends on your home and address.
- Estimates and worked examples are labeled as such, with their assumptions shown.
- We never present an example as a quote, or imply guaranteed savings.
What we don’t claim
- We don’t claim first-hand testing of a provider’s service unless we actually did it, and we say so when we have.
- We don’t guarantee coverage, claim approval, savings, contractor quality, or availability.
- We don’t use unsupported superlatives such as “number one” or “guaranteed.”
Limitations
Our reviews reflect published terms on the date shown. Contracts vary by state and can change; an individual customer’s experience may differ from what the contract suggests. Always read the contract for your state before you buy.
Affiliate relationships
We may earn commissions from some providers. Compensation can affect which offers appear and where links are placed, but it doesn’t change our criteria or assessments. See our affiliate disclosure.
Updates and corrections
Each page shows the date it was last reviewed. If you spot an error, please tell us. See corrections.
This page is general education, not legal, financial, or insurance advice. Home warranty terms vary by provider, plan, and state; the contract you sign controls what is covered. Spotted an error? Request a correction.
