Not to be confused with your homeowner’s insurance policy, home warranty offerings protect your home’s systems and appliances against damage caused by normal wear and tear. In contrast, your homeowner’s insurance policy will only cover damage due to catastrophic events such as hurricanes, fires, etc.
Luckily, companies like America’s Preferred Home Warranty (APHW) offer coverage for everyday damages, potentially saving you hundreds to thousands in out-of-pocket repair or replacement costs. Below we’ll break down their costs, items covered and other benefits to help you decide if purchasing home warranty coverage with APHW is right for you.
Pros
- Deductible and monthly premium flexibility
- Low-cost upgrades to cover additional systems and appliances
- Offers the freedom to research and pick your own service contractors
Cons
- Only one basic plan offering
- No access to an easy online chat tool to talk to representatives
- Limitations in coverage contracts
Table of Contents
America’s Preferred Home Warranty at a Glance
Key Takeaways
- America’s Preferred Home Warranty offers a single base plan with optional add-ons, giving homeowners a flexible approach to home warranty coverage.
- APHW stands out by allowing policyholders to choose their own contractors, adding a layer of control uncommon in the home warranty industry.
- The company provides a choice between a $50 or $100 deductible, enabling customers to adjust monthly costs based on their budget needs.
APHW offers one protection plan with the option to add-on additional items to the coverage. Where the plans differ is in their pricing and deductible costs. Choosing a lower deductible will increase your monthly premiums. Conversely, choosing a higher deductible will lower your monthly premiums. We’ll dive into what is covered and the numbers below.
Available Plans
Below is the Basic Plan that America’s Preferred Home Warranty offers along with their optional add-on items:
| ITEM COVERED | BASIC COVERAGE | OPTIONAL ADD-ONS |
|---|---|---|
| Central air conditioning | Included | — |
| Heating system | Included | — |
| Water heater | Included | — |
| Built-in dishwasher | Included | — |
| Built-in oven | Included | — |
| Refrigerator | Included | — |
| Washer/dryer | Included | — |
| Garbage disposal | Included | — |
| Built-in microwave | Included | — |
| Septic system | Included | — |
| Attic and exhaust fan | Included | — |
| Electrical system | Included | — |
| Plumbing | Included | — |
| Stoppages | Included | — |
| Exterior water and sewer lines | Included | — |
| Sump pump | Included | — |
| Roof leak repairs | Included | — |
| Ductwork | Included | — |
| Humidifier | Included | — |
| Additional refrigerators | — | Optional upgrade |
| Gas fireplace | — | Optional upgrade |
| Inground pool/ spa | — | Optional upgrade |
| Premium saltwater pool/ spa | — | Optional upgrade |
| Sprinkler system | — | Optional upgrade |
| Termite control | — | Optional upgrade |
| Water softener | — | Optional upgrade |
Other Benefits
Besides the main plan, America’s Preferred Home Warranty offers add-on coverages for an additional monthly cost:
- Additional refrigerators: $4.58
- Gas fireplace: $4.58
- Inground pool/ spa: $18.33
- Premium saltwater pool/ spa: $33.25
- Sprinkler system: $4.58
- Termite control: $4.58
- Water softener: $7.92
Featured Partners
1
Select Home Warranty
Plans Available
3
Response Time
Great
Number of States
46 + District of Columbia
2
Choice Home Warranty
Plans Available
2
Response Time
Excellent
Number of States
49 + District of Columbia
3
American Home Shield
Plans Available
3
Response Time
Excellent
Number of States
48 + District of Columbia
4
AFC Home Warranty
Plans Available
4
Response Time
Excellent
Number Of States
47 excl. WA, HI and CA
America’s Preferred Home Warranty State Availability
America’s Preferred Home Warranty is available in 49 states, including Washington D.C. The only state not serviced is California.
Fine Print
The most important fine print item to pay attention to is the limitations in coverage for each item in your contract. Just because your refrigerator is covered under your policy doesn’t mean APHW will necessarily cover every part that could malfunction on your fridge. Before you sign, it’s important to thoroughly read your contract to see what voids in coverage might be in place.
Plan Pricing
| AMERICA'S PREFERRED HOME WARRANTY PLAN | COST PER MONTH |
|---|---|
| Basic Plan at $50 deductible | $59.00 |
| Basic Plan at $100 deductible | $54.92 |
In addition, America’s Preferred Home Warranty offers optional add-ons that range between $4.58 and $33.25 depending on the particular items you’re adding to the plan.
Remember that cost for coverage depends on many variables, such as:
- The ductable price you opt for
- Any additional items you wish to have covered
Payout Limitations
Payout limitations for your America’s Preferred Home Warranty Plan will be twofold. You will have a total maximum payout limit for your contract of $25,000. Some other examples of payout maximums/limitations are listed below. For a full breakdown of payout limitations, you can visit the APHW website.
- Heating system: $2,250
- Air conditioning system: $2,250
- Roof leak repair: $550
- Concealed plumbing, wiring and ductwork: $500
- Pool and spa: $600
- Premium saltwater pool and spa: $1,200
- Refrigerator: $1,000
Securing a Home Warranty Plan: We Put America’s Preferred Home Warranty To The Test
Getting a quote and purchasing coverage from America’s Preferred Home Warranty is straightforward. The company’s user-friendly website is designed to help you easily explore plan options. Upon visiting APHW’s homepage, you’ll notice the company provides transparent, upfront pricing information for its base plan and add-on options, including the cost of extras like pool or spa coverage.
To start the process, select the “Get Coverage” button at the top of the homepage. From there, you’re taken to a screen that lets you choose between getting a quote, buying a home warranty or referring a friend.
We chose the option to buy a home warranty, which then directed us to a detailed breakdown of the plan’s base coverage, deductible choices and optional add-ons, allowing us to see coverage options at a glance. Here, APHW clearly presents both deductible options — $50 or $100 — and the associated pricing tiers, along with an easy way to add any optional coverage items you may want.
After entering basic personal details (like name and address), you’re taken to a page summarizing your chosen deductible, base plan and selected add-ons, with transparent pricing displayed throughout.
The final step simply involves submitting payment to activate your coverage, making the process of securing a home warranty with APHW quick and convenient.
What We Like About America’s Preferred Home Warranty
America’s Preferred Home Warranty stands out for its flexibility and customer-centric options. Unlike many competitors, APHW allows homeowners to choose their own licensed contractor, offering customers a level of autonomy rarely seen in the home warranty space. This choice lets homeowners select trusted professionals rather than relying solely on the warranty company’s network. APHW also offers a low service fee of $50, which is more affordable than the industry average, making it an appealing option for those seeking budget-friendly service costs.
Additionally, APHW’s Preferred Upgrade option allows customers to add comprehensive coverage for specific systems and appliances, such as pools, spas and water softeners, adding more versatility to the basic plan. Finally, the company’s commitment to transparency is reflected in its detailed sample contracts and clearly stated coverage limitations, helping customers make informed decisions about their home warranty needs.
What We Didn’t Like About America’s Preferred Home Warranty
Despite its strengths, APHW has limitations that potential customers should consider. The company’s single plan option may feel restrictive, especially for customers seeking customized or tiered coverage. Those looking for basic, mid-tier or premium options may find the lack of variety a drawback. APHW’s coverage caps, while industry-aligned, can also be restrictive, with specific limits for items like refrigerators ($1,000) and HVAC systems ($2,250) — amounts that may not fully cover more extensive repairs or replacements. Additionally, APHW’s emphasis on contract adherence means that any deviation, such as using an unauthorized contractor, could lead to claim denials.
Lastly, some customers report frustration with the company’s processing times and customer service response, with occasional complaints about delayed reimbursements. While these issues may not affect every customer, they underscore the importance of carefully reviewing the terms to ensure APHW aligns with your home warranty priorities.
America’s Preferred Claim Response Times
APHW offers a streamlined claims process designed for convenience, with multiple ways to start a claim: either online or by phone. To initiate, policyholders first check if the issue is covered and then submit a claim on the APHW website by clicking “Start A Claim” or by calling 1-800-648-5006. This multi-access approach, available 24/7, ensures that homeowners can reach support any time, a feature particularly beneficial for emergencies. After a claim number is assigned, homeowners have the flexibility to choose their own licensed contractor, giving them more control over the service experience.
Once the contractor diagnoses the issue, APHW requires the contractor to call with the findings before any work begins. This real-time collaboration with the contractor enables APHW to quickly confirm coverage details and approve a dollar amount for repairs, streamlining the service. Following the repair, APHW completes the process with a follow-up call to ensure customer satisfaction, reflecting the company’s commitment to customer support at every step.
Customer Support & Reviews
America’s Preferred Home Warranty provides homeowners multiple channels for support, offering claim assistance 24/7 via phone or online. While the company promotes flexibility in selecting contractors, customer experiences have been mixed, highlighting both positive service interactions and occasional challenges with claim approvals and support response. The feedback below, gathered from various review platforms, sheds light on the overall user sentiment and APHW’s approach to customer service.
BBB (Better Business Bureau)
APHW holds an A+ accreditation rating from the BBB, where it has been an accredited business since 2010, and its overall customer rating averages at 3.1 out of 5 stars based on 228 reviews (as of October 2024). Positive reviews often mention APHW’s helpful customer service representatives, who guide clients through claims with professionalism and patience. However, there have been 120 complaints closed in the past three years, with some customers expressing frustration over claim denials and limitations in coverage. Despite these concerns, APHW’s customer support team responds promptly to both praise and criticism, aiming to resolve issues and provide clarity on coverage terms.
TrustPilot
On Trustpilot, APHW has a lower rating of 1.5 out of 5 (as of October 2024), reflecting more negative customer experiences. Some users reported satisfaction with prompt claim handling and appreciation for the reimbursement structure. However, several reviews point to challenges with claim approvals, with some customers feeling that exclusions within the coverage terms were restrictive. While APHW’s team addresses these reviews by clarifying policy limitations, customers continue to voice mixed feelings about the reliability of coverage and support offered.
How America’s Preferred Home Warranty Stacks Up
America’s Preferred Home Warranty vs. AFC Home Warranty
America’s Preferred Home Warranty and AFC Home Warranty both provide strong service, with some key differences that cater to distinct homeowner needs. APHW offers a single base plan with add-ons for extra coverage, prioritizing simplicity and a lower $50 service fee option, while AFC Home Warranty provides four plan levels, allowing customers to choose from basic to extensive coverage.
AFC’s plans cover more systems and appliances under its broader Diamond and Platinum plans, while APHW emphasizes flexibility by allowing customers to select their own service contractors for repairs. However, AFC’s standout feature is its lifetime workmanship guarantee, a unique assurance not commonly found in the industry, which might appeal to those seeking long-term reliability. Both companies maintain transparent pricing, though AFC’s higher-tier plans may come with a steeper cost, making APHW an attractive option for budget-conscious customers.
Learn more: AFC Home Warranty review
America’s Preferred Home Warranty vs. ServicePlus Home Warranty
When comparing America’s Preferred Home Warranty to ServicePlus Home Warranty, differences in plan structure and coverage limitations become apparent. APHW provides a single plan with optional add-ons, offering flexibility for users to build coverage according to their needs, and also allows customers to choose their own technicians. In contrast, ServicePlus features two structured plans — Gold and Platinum — that include a mix of major systems and appliances but may limit customization flexibility.
ServicePlus’s strengths lie in its competitive pricing and a low service call fee of $75, while APHW provides a straightforward claims process and options for an even lower deductible. However, ServicePlus has lower per-item coverage caps, which could be limiting for high-cost repairs. Homeowners who prioritize contractor flexibility may lean towards APHW, whereas those seeking more structured, multi-tiered plans might find ServicePlus appealing.
Learn more: ServicePlus Home Warranty review
Is America’s Preferred Home Warranty the Right Home Warranty Company for You?
America’s Preferred Home Warranty is a great choice because its Basic Warranty Plan covers all the items that are important to the day-to-day functionality of any home. With that plan, homeowners have the flexibility to choose a deductible and monthly premium that fits within their budget. While some warranty companies only cover the bare minimum, APHW doesn’t drive up costs if customers want protection for additional items.
If you are in the market for an additional home warranty, America’s Preferred Home Warranty would be a great company to consider.
Best Home Warranty Companies By State
Methodology
To determine the home warranty companies ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 54 companies, with each company’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics and subcategories, including years of experience, signup and restrictions, plan pricing, fees and discounts, coverage features, property coverage, customer reviews and support and nationwide availability.
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates home warranty companies on our detailed methodology page.
All figures and facts were accurate at the time of first publication.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does America's Preferred Home Warranty cover mold?
No. APHW doesn’t cover any repair or replacement caused by mold.
How do you cancel the APHW plan?
To cancel your APHW policy, you can either email the company at: APHWOffice@APHW.com or call at: 1-800-648-5006.
How is America's Preferred Home Warranty rated?
According to the Better Business Bureau’s website, APHW has an A+ rating with the organization. The BBB also gives APHW a 3.22 out of five stars, averaged across 351 customer reviews.
What forms of payment are accepted at America's Preferred Home Warranty?
America’s Preferred Home Warranty currently accepts three methods of payment:
- Credit card
- Pay contractors directly and receive reimbursement by a check in the mail
- ACH Direct Deposit from a verified checking account
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