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Iowa experiences humid summers and freezing winters. Over time, your furnace or air conditioning system could break down from regular use. A home warranty offers peace of mind by covering common home systems and appliances such as these. When you file a claim, your home warranty company will send a vetted service provider to fix your broken system or appliance.
To help you find the right provider, our team compared the best home warranty companies in the United States against our review standards. We then selected our top choices for Iowa homeowners.
The Top 5 Home Warranty Companies in Iowa
Here are our top Iowa home warranty companies:
- American Home Shield : Best for Comprehensive Coverage
- Liberty Home Guard : Best Add-on Variety
- Select Home Warranty : Best for Cost-Effective Plans
- First American Home Warranty : Best for Home Systems Coverage
- America’s 1st Choice Home Club : Best Membership Perks
All pricing information in this article is based on a single-family home (smaller than 5,000 square feet) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Your pricing may vary depending on your home’s size and type, your location, and your chosen plan and add-on coverages.
Compare Iowa’s Top Home Warranty Companies
| Star Rating | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | BBB Rating | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Home Shield |  | $65–$76 | $100–$125 | B | VISIT SITE | |
| Liberty Home Guard |  | $49-$60 | $65–$125 | A+ | VISIT SITE | |
| Select Home Warranty |  | $44–$48 | $65–$75 | B- | VISIT SITE | |
| First American Home Warranty |  | $59–$77 | $75–$125 | B | VISIT SITE |
| American Home Shield | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $65–$76 |
| Service Fee | $100–$125 |
| BBB Rating | B |
| Liberty Home Guard | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $49-$60 |
| Service Fee | $65–$125 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Select Home Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $44–$48 |
| Service Fee | $65–$75 |
| BBB Rating | B- |
| First American Home Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $59–$77 |
| Service Fee | $75–$125 |
| BBB Rating | B |
American Home Shield
Fast Facts:
- Number of plans: Three
- Service call fee: $100–$125
- Get a quick quote: Visit American Home Shield’s site
Coverage Overview
American Home Shield (AHS) offers three flexible coverage plans and two service call fee options, priced from $100 to $125 per filed claim. In addition to plan flexibility, AHS offers comprehensive coverage via generous coverage caps per covered system and appliance.
AHS pairs a $5,000 coverage cap per covered system in the ShieldSilver plan. ShieldGold includes a $2,000 limit per covered home appliance. It doubles its appliance coverage limit with the ShieldPlatinum plan. AHS also includes rust, corrosion, and sediment damage protection in its plans.
Plans
We outlined American Home Shield’s coverage plans below.
ShieldSilver ($69.99–$89.99 per month): The ShieldSilver plan covers a variety of home systems and components, such as doorbells and chimes, garage-door openers, ceiling fans, ductwork, attic and built-in exhaust fans, faucets, toilets, whirlpool tub motor components, water heaters, heating units plus interior electrical lines, main breaker and fuse panel boxes, electrical systems, plumbing, air conditioning, heating systems, plumbing stoppages, and interior plumbing lines.
ShieldGold ($89.99–$109.99 per month): The ShieldGold plan bundles systems and appliance coverage. This plan covers everything in the ShieldSilver plan plus built-in microwaves, clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, garbage disposals, instant cold and hot water dispensers, ovens, cooktops, ranges, and refrigerators.
ShieldPlatinum ($119.99–$139.99 per month): The ShieldPlatinum plan covers all items in the ShieldGold plan plus code violation protection, discounts for HVAC tune-ups, roof-leak repair, and unlimited refrigerant.
Read more: American Home Shield Review
Liberty Home Guard
Fast Facts:
- Number of plans: Three
- Service call fee: $65–$125
- Get a quick quote: Visit Liberty Home Guard’s site
Coverage Overview
Liberty Home Guard (LHG) provides three home warranty coverage options and pairs each plan with a 60-day workmanship guarantee. It provides an extensive suite of add-on coverage options for those who want customizable protection plans. As an added benefit, LHG offers discounts on select major appliance purchases when you sign up for a plan.
LHG assigns a $65 to $125 service call fee to your plan based on your home’s type and size, location, coverage, and add-on selections. You must pay the service fee each time you file a claim, except for repeated repairs that fall within the 60-day workmanship guarantee window.
Plans
We outlined Liberty Home Guard’s coverage plans below.
Appliance Guard ($49.99 per month): The Appliance Guard plan covers major appliances such as built-in microwave ovens, ceiling and exhaust fans, clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, garage-door openers, garbage disposals, ranges, ovens, cooktops, and refrigerators with built-in ice makers.
Systems Guard ($54.99 per month): The Systems Guard plan includes coverage for six major systems. Covered systems include water heaters, ductwork, air conditioning, plumbing, and heating and electrical systems. In addition, LHG includes coverage for second heating systems and air conditioners.
Total Home Guard ($59.99 per month): The Total Home Guard plan includes everything in the Appliance Guard and Systems Guard plans.
Read more: Liberty Home Guard Review
Select Home Warranty
Fast Facts:
- Number of plans: Three
- Service call fee: $75
- Get a quick quote: Visit Select Home Warranty’s site
Coverage Overview
Select Home Warranty is our final recommendation for Iowa residents. It offers three home protection plans and a low service call fee. For those who need basic HVAC coverage, Select offers a generous coverage limit for heating and cooling systems. Select also includes free roof-leak repair coverage of up to $400 per claim in each plan.
Select’s coverage options consist of the Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care plans. The Bronze Care plan covers home appliances and has a $500 per-item coverage cap. Select’s Gold Care plan covers home systems and includes a $3,000 coverage cap for cooling and heating systems. Note that Select limits all other covered systems to $500 per system. Coverage limits remain the same with the Platinum Care plan.
Plans
We outlined Select Home Warranty’s coverage plans below.
Bronze Care ($44.42 per month): The Bronze Care plan covers major appliances, such as built-in microwaves, clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, garbage disposals, ovens, refrigerators, and stovetops.
Gold Care ($44.42 per month): The Gold Care plan covers ductwork, water heaters, cooling and heating systems, plumbing, and electrical systems.
Platinum Care ($47.75 per month): The Platinum Care plan bundles the coverage in Bronze Care and Gold Care plans.
Read more: Select Home Warranty Review
First American Home Warranty
Fast Facts:
- Number of plans: Three
- Service call fee: $75–$125
- Get a quick quote: Visit First American Home Warranty’s site
Coverage Overview
First American Home Warranty provides three home warranty plans and three service call fees. First American’s service call fees range from $75 to $125 per claim. First American offers unlimited coverage caps for home systems and high coverage caps for appliances, making it a solid provider if you have an older home.
First American’s coverage plans consist of the Starter Plan, Essential Plan, and Premium Plan. Additionally, First American bundles the First American Advantage upgrade with its Essential and Premium plans. The Advantage upgrade covers miscellaneous fees providers typically won’t cover, such as building permits and the disposal of appliances, systems, and components after service.
Plans
We outlined First American Home Warranty’s three coverage plans below.
Starter Plan ($52–$67 per month): The Starter Plan covers a mix of systems and appliances, such as built-in microwaves, dishwashers, ductwork, electrical, heating, and plumbing systems, ovens/cooktops, plumbing stoppages, and refrigerators. Note that air conditioning is only available as an add-on to the Starter Plan. First American pairs a $3,500 coverage cap per covered appliance and an unlimited cap per covered system with this plan.
Essential Plan ($62–$77 per month): The Essential Plan covers all items in the Starter Plan plus air conditioning, ceiling fans, attic fans, exhaust fans, clothes washers and dryers, the First American Advantage upgrade, garage-door openers, trash compactors, and water heaters. First American pairs the Essential Plan with the same coverage limits as in the Starter Plan.
Premium Plan ($77–$92 per month): The Premium Plan covers everything in the Essential Plan, plus central vacuum systems, full garage-door systems, instant hot water dispensers, and luxury appliance coverage. In addition, First American doubles its appliance coverage limit to $7,000 per item.
Read more: First American Home Warranty Review
America’s 1st Choice Home Club
Fast Facts:
- Number of plans: Four
- Service call fee: $75–$125
- Get a quick quote: Visit America’s 1st Choice Home Club’s site
Coverage Overview
America’s 1st Choice Home Club (AFC Home Club) is a reputable choice for Iowa residents who want lengthy repair guarantees. It provides an unlimited workmanship guarantee for completed repairs that lasts the life of your plan. Additionally, AFC Home Club offers financial perks, including free credit monitoring.
AFC Home Club provides four coverage plans: the Silver Plan, Systems Plan, Gold Plan, and Platinum Plan. With each plan, it includes a $3,000 coverage limit per covered appliance and an unlimited coverage cap for air conditioning, heating, and plumbing systems. However, AFC Home Club has lower coverage limits for other systems. We recommend reading AFC Home Club’s sample contract to understand all applicable coverage limits.
AFC Home Club allows you to select from three service call fee options. The fees range from $75 to $125 per filed claim.
Plans
We outlined AFC Home Club’s four coverage plans below.
Silver Plan ($38.00–$42.83 per month): The Silver Plan covers home appliances, including clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, garage-door openers, garbage disposals, ovens, ranges, stovetops, and refrigerators.
Systems Plan ($45.25–$50.08 per month): The Systems Plan covers home systems, such as ductwork, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, water heaters, and heating systems.
Gold Plan ($52.60–$57.33 per month): The Gold Plan bundles all Silver Plan and Systems Plan items.
Platinum Plan ($57.33–$62.17 per month): The Platinum Plan includes everything in the Gold Plan, plus built-in microwaves, faucets, ice makers, and plumbing stoppages.
Read more: America’s 1st Choice Home Club Review
Home Warranty Regulations in Iowa
The Iowa Insurance Division (IID) oversees home warranty companies in Iowa. To protect consumers, Iowa requires providers to file a surety letter demonstrating the financial capability to fulfill their contractual obligations. The IID also requires providers to submit an annual report on their financial well-being.
If you have a home warranty and believe your provider breached your contract, you can file a complaint with the IID.
Industry associations also self-regulate home warranty companies. For example, the National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) is a nonprofit industry trade organization consisting of member companies that follow set rules regarding ethical business practices.
Understanding Home Warranty Fine Print
It’s important to read your provider’s fine print to understand its specific exclusions and limitations. Several common sections to read through are the following:
- Covered items and parts
- Limitations and exclusions
- Claims process
- Cancellation
Before purchasing a home warranty plan, review the sections explaining the exact coverage terms. Generally, providers cover the core components of covered items. For example, if an essential part, such as your washing machine’s water inlet valve, breaks, it will likely be covered. However, a cracked dial that still is functional on your washer likely wouldn’t be covered.
In addition, many providers will outline time-bound exclusions. For instance, you’ll likely have a waiting period from when you purchase the contract to when coverage begins. Similarly, most providers will not cover a system or appliance that has broken down before you purchased coverage. Before you purchase a plan, read the contract carefully for any exclusions regarding preexisting conditions and waiting periods.
Our Recommendation
Home warranties cover costly system and appliance breakdowns caused by normal wear and tear. When an item breaks down, your provider will connect you with a trained professional to repair or replace your item. A home warranty takes the guesswork out of finding a technician and minimizes downtime.
We recommend Liberty Home Guard for its wide range of add-on coverage options and 60-day workmanship guarantee. American Home Shield is a solid choice for those needing rust or corrosion protection. Finally, we recommend First American Home Warranty to those who want comprehensive protection at a competitive price.
We suggest gathering quotes from three or more providers before deciding on a plan. Read your contract carefully to identify any exclusions or waiting periods.
Iowa Home Warranty Companies FAQ
Do home warranties cover furnaces?
Yes, most reputable home warranty companies cover furnaces. Some providers, such as American Home Shield, include furnace coverage in their base-level plans. Other providers offer furnace coverage in more expensive plans.
What’s the difference between a home warranty and a homeowners insurance policy?
A homeowners insurance policy covers items in your home damaged by named perils such as theft, fire, or storms. A home warranty policy covers items in your home that fail due to normal wear and tear. Both policies could save you a significant amount in repairs because they provide complementary coverage.
What is considered normal wear and tear?
Normal wear and tear is a phrase commonly used in the home warranty industry to describe deterioration due to regular use over time. It applies to appliance and system breakdowns that occur due to normal use without tampering from the homeowner or improper installation and maintenance.
What are the most common add-ons offered by home warranties?
Generally, each provider offers its own list of add-on options. However, the most common add-on coverages consist of the following: additional refrigeration, pool and spa, roof-leak, septic systems, sump pumps, and well pumps.
How We Chose the Top Home Warranty Providers
Our team reviewed and researched dozens of home warranty providers, thoroughly analyzed sample agreements, and identified customer pain points based on our analysis of customer reviews and interviews with industry experts. Our in-depth methodology outlines our review process to provide transparent information about the companies we review.
We determined that the following factors are the most important when comparing home warranty companies: available plans, plan coverage, price range, industry reputation, customer support, and additional features. Our research supported that plan coverage, customer service, and industry reputation should carry the most weight. While important, the other factors should not have as much influence when choosing a home warranty provider.
