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Audited & Verified: Nov 6, 2024, 11:30am
Reviewed By
| Staff EditorNestled in the Midwest, Ohio is a tapestry of suburban charm and urban vitality, with its diverse climates and architectural styles presenting unique home maintenance challenges. From the lake-effect snows in Cleveland to the humid summers in Dayton, Ohio homes face a range of weather-related wear and tear, underscoring the value of a reliable home warranty.
In response, the Forbes Home team conducted rigorous research on 50 home warranty companies, evaluating them across 30 critical factors to ensure our recommendations offer the best coverage, service, and value for Ohioans. This endeavor aimed to arm homeowners with the confidence to protect their investments effectively.
Our approach was enriched by insights from a survey of 1,000 homeowners nationwide, including a substantial cohort from Ohio, to pinpoint their priorities in a home warranty service. This feedback was pivotal, highlighting Ohioans’ emphasis on comprehensive coverage, clear terms, and responsive support, guiding our tailored advice for selecting the best home warranty provider in the Buckeye State.
The Forbes Home team is committed to bringing you independent, unbiased ratings and information. We use data and expert advice to inform all of our content. Plus, our advisory board of licensed professionals fact-checks and reviews our content for accuracy and relevancy. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the home warranty companies methodology for the ratings below.
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
Key Takeaways
Navigating the diverse range of home warranty companies in Ohio can be a daunting task for homeowners looking to protect their homes from unforeseen repair costs. To assist in this decision-making process, we’ve meticulously evaluated and ranked the top home warranty providers based on their service offerings, customer satisfaction and unique value propositions. Whether you’re looking for comprehensive coverage, specific perks or extended guarantees, our curated list aims to cater to the varied needs of Ohio residents.
The home warranty providers AFC Home Warranty, Liberty Hoe Guard and American Home Shield are our top choice for the best home warranty in Ohio. We especially liked AFC Home Warranty for its contract-long workmanship guarantee, multiple contract lengths and the homeowner’s choice of technicians.
We compared the ratings and costs of our top home warranty companies after completing our research and analysis across criteria including service fees, plans and coverage, add-ons covered, years in business and customer reviews and experiences.
| COMPANY | FORBES HOME RATING | BEST FOR | MONTHLY SERVICE FEE | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 4.7    | Best Overall | $36.83 – $152.20 | On AFC's Website | |
| 4.7 | Best for Additional Perks | $49.99 - $59.99 | On Liberty Home Guard's Website | |
| 4.5 | Best for Comprehensive Coverage | $29.99 – $89.99 | On American Home Shield's Website | |
| 4.5 | Best for Extended Repair Guarantee | $38.99 – $66.99 | On Cinch's Website | |
| 4.3 | Best for Electronics Coverage | $45.99 - $84.99 | Read Forbes' Review |
Best Overall
Best Overall
AFC Home Warranty
Our top choice for the best home warranty in Ohio is AFC Home Warranty. Through our thorough research, it earned a 4.7-star rating for its wide range of plans and coverages, starting at $36.83 monthly. The company also has over 30 years of home warranty experience.
We’re also big fans of customers being able to choose their own technicians. Also, don’t overlook the fact that repairs are guaranteed for the contract’s life—up to 3 years.
We trust AFC Home Warranty to deliver on its contracts. It has over 30 years of experience in the home warranty industry and has a track record of great customer service. We also liked that it provides 4 tiers of coverage in one- or three-year contract lengths, and the workmanship guarantee covers plans for the length of the contract.
Why We Like It
AFC Home Warranty’s four tiers of coverage were a big hit with us. Unlike other companies that switch coverage options between their tiers, AFC Home Warranty’s coverage options compound, with each tier offering more protection than the last. We also liked that customers can tweak their monthly fees slightly by choosing higher or lower service fees.
What We Don’t Like
While there is a lot of flexibility and plenty of coverage, it’s worth noting that AFC Home Warranty’s rates are fairly expensive compared to the competition. Also, the $75 cancellation fee isn’t ideal, and we do wish it was offered in all 50 states (California, Washington and Hawaii residents are out of luck).
Who It’s Best For
We think that AFC Home Warranty is a great choice for any homeowners in Ohio looking for complete, full-service coverage for their home systems, appliances, and add-ons. AFC offers a comprehensive set of contract tiers, making it an excellent option for most homeowners.
AFC Home Warranty’s diverse plans are tailored to meet homeowners’ specific needs, ensuring coverage for essential systems and appliances.
| PLAN NAME | MONTHLY PREMIUM | SERVICE FEE |
|---|---|---|
Silver | $36.83 - $41.83 | $75 - $125 |
Gold | $51.92 - $57.00 | $75 - $125 |
Platinum | $57 - $62 | $75 - $125 |
Diamond | $91.58 - $96.58 | $75 - $125 |
Like most home warranty companies, AFC Home Warranty has mostly mixed reviews from customers on review sites. Positive reviews tend to mention quick response times from technicians and the company’s adherence to its service terms. Overall, the company carries a 4.1-star rating with Consumer Affairs, a 3.1-star rating with Trustpilot, and B rating with the Better Business Bureau.
However, in negative reviews, customers mention some issues with coverage, including the company offering lower coverage when replacement may be needed. It’s worth noting, though, that the company replies to all claims on the BBB.
Best for Additional Perks
Best for Additional Perks
Liberty Home Guard
Liberty Home Guard emerges as a standout option for additional perks for Ohio homeowners, offering comprehensive and flexible home warranty plans ranging from $49.99 to $59.99 monthly. It’s especially appealing for those seeking extensive add-on coverage and top-tier customer service—the company has stellar positive consumer ratings and earned a 4.7-star rating through our thorough testing. It’s especially worth noting the user-friendly mobile app and live chat support.
When it comes to additional coverages, Liberty Home Guard reigns supreme. This home warranty provider allows customers to choose specific individual coverage items off an a la carte menu. The plans are also relatively affordable, allowing customers to create the perfect home warranty plan for their needs.
Why We Like It
We found the list of individual items that customers can add to their plans to be a big boost, earning signficant points in our testing. We also liked that the plans and coverage were relatively affordable. The 60-day workmanship guarantee was also a plus, as was the large network of service technicians. There are also innovative tech features like apps and live chat support.
What We Don’t Like
Unforunately, pre-existing conditions aren’t covered, and while customers can choose their own technicians, there are some hoops to jump through that might deter some homeowners.
Who It’s Best For
We feel Liberty Home Guard is a great fit for anyone who wants total control over their coverage options. Homeowners can choose the base package and then add individual items, or choose a higher-end package for complete coverage.
Liberty Home Guard designs three distinct plans to protect Ohio homes, covering both appliances and systems.
| PLAN NAME | MONTHLY PREMIUM | SERVICE FEE |
|---|---|---|
Appliance Guard | $49.99 | $65 - $125 |
Systems Guard | $54.99 | $65 - $125 |
Total Home Guard | $59.99 | $65 - $125 |
Liberty Home Guard boasts generally positive reviews on many sites, ranging from three to five stars on average. Positive reviews tend to mention satisfaction with the company’s customer service and the technicians it works with. These reviews are so prevalent that Liberty holds an A rating with the BBB, a 3.7 with Consumer Affairs and a 4.7-star rating with Trustpilot.
However, when it does get negative reviews, these tend to touch on items not being covered for repair as customers expect and slow response times.
Best for Comprehensive Coverage
Best for Comprehensive Coverage
American Home Shield
American Home Shield won a spot on our list of the best home warranties in Ohio for its comprehensive coverage plans. These plans, priced between $29.99 and $89.99 each month, include everything from the home’s systems and appliances to pools and electronics coverage items. And, the company consistently delivers high customer satisfaction ratings and a strong reputation in the industry, earning a 4.5-star rating through our testing criteria.
The majority of our attention went to the entry-level package offered by AHS, as it’s very affordable while still protecting against expensive breakdowns. The 52-year track record didn’t hurt the scores either, as we like a company we know has been established in the industry for multiple decades.
Why We Like It
We like AHS’s proven track record, with over 5 decades of experience in home warranty industry. We also liked that it carried a reassuring B rating with the BBB, and there aren’t any home inspections to deal with. Let’s not forget the base plan’s affordability or the homeowner’s option to choose their own technicians, either.
What We Don’t Like
Truth be told, some consumer trust sites hold lower ratings for American Home Shield than others, so there’s a bit of a mixed bag of reviews out there. Also, while the entry-level package is cheap, the high-end package is not, with a $50 price disparity between the two.
Who It’s Best For
Budgeting homeowners, American Home Shield is for you. The low, entry-level plan fits the needs of thrifty folks, saving them money each month while also providing quite a bit of protection.
American Home Shield provides varied home warranty plans for Ohio residents, ensuring a range of protections from essential to all-inclusive, alongside special maintenance benefits.
| PLAN NAME | MONTHLY PREMIUM | SERVICE FEE |
|---|---|---|
ShieldSilver | $29.99 - $39.99 | $100 - $125 |
ShieldGold | $49.99 - $59.99 | $100 - $125 |
ShieldPlatinum | $79.99 - $89.99 | $100 - $125 |
American Home Shield tends to garner mixed customer reviews. Positive reviews tend to focus on quick response times from the company and the technicians it works with. Customers also tend to praise AHS for easy-to-schedule services. Overall, ratings include a B with the BBB and a 4.3-star rating with Consumer Affairs.
In more critical reviews, however, customers criticize the company for sometimes having long wait times for repairs and gaps in customer service responses.
Best for Extended Repair Guarantee
Best for Extended Repair Guarantee
Cinch Home Services
Regarding Ohio home warranties, Cinch Home Services ranks near the top thanks to its extended repair guarantee (among other benefits), scoring 4.5 stars out of 5. Its plans start at $30.99 (though we found them to be more likely in the $38.99 to $48.99 range for basic packages). All repairs come with a 180-day guarantee, providing peace of mind for a relatively modest monthly payment.
Two things really caught our eyes about Cinch Home Services. For one, the generous appliance coverage was a major factor. Also, the affordable monthly rates, even for the highest packages, were a huge plus.
Why We Like It
Cinch’s appliance coverage is second to none. Even the least expensive coverage options will cover most homes’ major appliances, such as washers, dryers, stoves, ranges, dishwashers and others. The monthly fees are also affordable regardless of the tier chosen. The above-average reviews on consumer trust sites also tell a positive story for us.
Cinch also includes a complimentary water filter and appliance discounts.
What We Don’t Like
Yes, monthly rates are affordable, but the service fees are much higher than most of the competition. Customers can’t choose their own technicians, however, which could be a dealbreaker for some folks.
Who It’s Best For
Customers with high-end or aging appliances will find Cinch to be a great fit. The affordable plans offer plenty of protection should items break, saving homeowners on the cost of repairing or replacing their expensive items.
Limited technician choice: The set contractor network might limit repair service personalization.
Cancellation fee: The $50 fee for early termination might deter those hesitant about a long-term commitment.
Cinch Home Services offers Ohio homeowners two comprehensive plans, reflecting over 40 years of industry experience, to ensure wide-ranging protection for appliances and systems.
| PLAN NAME | MONTHLY PREMIUM | SERVICE FEE |
|---|---|---|
Built-In Systems Plan | $35.99 - $55.99 | $100 - $150 |
Complete Home Plan | $44.99 - $66.99 | $100 - $150 |
Cinch Home Services is another company with generally mixed reviews from home warranty customers. Positive reviews mainly mention competitive pricing and good work from the company’s customer service reps. The company holds a B rating with the Better Business Bureau, 3.9 stars with Consumer Affairs and 3.7 stars with Trustpilot.
However, in more critical reviews, customers mentioned delays in services and refusal of some claims that customers expected to be accepted.
Best for Electronics Coverage
Best for Electronics Coverage
ARW Home
Tech savvy Ohio homeowners with a lot of gear will appreciate American Residential Warranty’s coverage options. Not only can ARW customers choose their own repair technicians, but they can also take advantage of plans that cover home electronics. ARW is also one of the most affordable options on the list, further increasing its stock in our book (through which it scored a 4.3-star rating).
American Residential Warranty excels when it comes to peace of mind. It holds above-average ratings with the major consumer trust sites, indicating that most customers are happy with their warranty plans. Also, the electronics coverage allows customers to relax about their expensive tech.
Why We Like It
There were several things about ARW that we really liked. For one, we liked the positive customer feedback, but also the ability to choose our own technicians. Also, the electronics coverage is extensive, which is quite rare in the home warranty world, making it a great fit for modern folks with plenty of tech.
What We Don’t Like
Affordability can be an issue with ARW. The lower tier plans are okay, but the high-end plan is on an entirely different rate level. Service fees are also a little difficult to discern—not great when the monthly fees are already extensive. Finally, the fact that customers have to send written notice of cancellation seems a little strange to us.
Who It’s Best For
In our opinion, American Residential Warranty is an excellent fit for tech-savvy homeowners with a lot of electronics. Sure, the plans cover systems and appliances as well, but we think that ARW is one of the best ways for customers to protect their expensive tech devices.
American Residential Warranty offers Ohio homeowners three distinct plans, from focused appliance protection to full home system and appliance coverage, ensuring tailored solutions for every home.
| PLAN NAME | MONTHLY PREMIUM | SERVICE FEE |
|---|---|---|
ApplianceMax | $45.99 | $55 |
SystemsMax | $59.99 | $55 |
TotalMax | $84.99 | $55 |
American Residential Warranty, like many other home warranty companies, tends to have mixed reviews from customers online. Many positive reviewers were so satisfied with the company’s service that they mentioned representatives by name. This level of satisfaction led to an A rating with the BBB, 4.2 stars with Consumers Affairs and 4.0 stars with Trustpilot.
However, there were also some negative reviews in our research, many of which touched on length of customer service wait times and claim denials.
On AFC's Website Have you considered AFC Home Warranty?
Whether you need repairs or a new appliance, AFC can help cover the cost of even the most expensive items like HVAC and plumbing. Here’s why we chose it:
Available plans to choose from: Silver Plan, Gold Plan, Platinum Plan, Systems Plan
Three years work guarantee of repairs
Plans include free credit monitoring, family emergency services and discounts on household items, restaurants and more
On AFC's Website 
Navigating the home warranty landscape in Ohio requires a tailored approach, reflecting the state’s diverse climate and architectural heritage. From the historic homes of Cincinnati to the modern constructions in Columbus, Ohioans face unique challenges in preserving their properties. This guide aims to equip you with the knowledge to choose a home warranty plan that resonates with the specific needs of the Buckeye State, ensuring your home systems and appliances are adequately protected against unforeseen breakdowns.
Initiate your journey by meticulously assessing the array of home warranty companies operating in Ohio. Focus on identifying providers that have a robust understanding of local housing characteristics and climate-related wear and tear. Consider companies with positive track records in handling claims efficiently in Ohio, offering coverage that matches the state’s typical home profiles. This critical step lays the foundation for securing a home warranty service that aligns with your Ohio home’s unique requirements.
Your homeowner’s insurance policy coverages, the age of your home and appliances and the overall condition of your home’s systems, will determine how much home warranty coverage would be most beneficial, and what items would be best to protect.
To decide what level of coverage you may need, take a detailed inventory of the systems and appliances in the house, noting their ages, condition and whether or not they’re still under a purchase warranty from the manufacturer. Keep in mind that many home warranty companies don’t offer protection for pre-existing conditions on some items.
Homeowners who’ve purchased maintenance plans with their utility company may find that many of their HVAC components are already protected. When choosing your warranty plan, opt to cover items that have outlived their manufacturer’s warranty, aren’t covered under another policy or are items that need regular maintenance.
Home warranty prices vary depending on what items are covered in a given plan and how much of a service fee you’re willing to part with for each claim request. Generally, the highest priced plans range from about $60 to $90 per month and have the lowest service fees.
Lower-priced plans can be purchased for well under $50 per month, but they are often accompanied by service fees of $100 or more. Depending on your risk tolerance of emergency out-of-pocket expenses, your budget may be better suited to a lower or higher monthly cost.
For many of us, choosing a plan that balances risk against monthly cost makes the most sense.
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Home warranties can protect you against unexpected expenses. Click on your state today to find out more.
Grasping the financial implications of a home warranty in Ohio is pivotal for homeowners looking to balance protection with budget. The annual expense of a home warranty in the Buckeye State can be quite varied, however, the national average hovers around $600 per year. For those seeking minimal coverage, plans can start as low as approximately $275 annually. However, homeowners desiring the utmost in comprehensive protection for their Ohio residence might find themselves investing upwards of $1,425 per year. This range underscores the importance of carefully considering the extent of coverage needed to match the specific requirements and financial comfort of Ohio homeowners.
As home warranties become increasingly favored for their role in protecting Ohio homeowners’ investments, understanding and calculating home warranty costs is crucial in determining if they are worth it. These warranties offer a safety net by covering the expenses of repairing or replacing key home components like appliances, HVAC systems and plumbing, thereby alleviating the stress of unforeseen repair costs. However, determining the value of a home warranty involves several considerations:
The decision to invest in a home warranty should be influenced by the age and current state of your home and its systems. Older homes or appliances that are past their prime may benefit significantly from a warranty, providing a buffer against high repair or replacement costs.
Factor in your financial readiness to handle unexpected repair expenses. A home warranty can serve as a financial planning tool, offering a way to spread the potential cost of repairs over time through a predictable premium.
Prior to committing to a home warranty, it’s imperative to grasp its terms and conditions thoroughly. This means dissecting the coverage to avoid superfluous extras while ensuring essential items are included. Pay close attention to any exclusions or limitations to gauge your financial liability in case a covered item needs servicing.
| ITEM | AVERAGE REPAIR COST | AVERAGE REPLACE COST |
|---|---|---|
| Air conditioner | $100 - $650 | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Furnace | $300 - $1,200 | $2,800 - $6,800 |
| Electrical panel | $75 - $200 hourly to hire an electrician | $1,300 average panel replacement cost |
| Plumbing | $170 an hour to hire a plumber | $3,000 - $16,000 (depending upon home size) |
| Roofs | $150 - $1,500 | $6,700 - $11,500 |
| Dishwasher | $100 - $300 | $970 |
| Refrigerator | $200 - $400 | $800 - $12,000 |
| Oven | $125 - $425 | $2,800 |
| Stove | $125 - $425 | $2,800 |
| Washer or dryer | $100 - $475 | $1,200 - $3,700 |
All home warranty companies have limits to what they’re willing to pay out. Home warranty shoppers should become familiar with these limits to determine if the individual plans are a good fit for their needs.
Also, not all home warranty companies offer the same coverage. Some might offer roof coverage while others stay away from roofs, for example.
See the chart below of our top companies compared by coverage options and limits available in Ohio.
| LIBERTY HOME GUARD | AFC HOME WARRANTY | AMERICAN HOME SHIELD | CINCH HOME SERVICES | AMERICAN RESIDENTIAL WARRANTY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC coverage limit | $2,000 or up to book value | $3,000 | $5,000 | Total coverage capped at $10,000 | $5,000 |
| Refrigeration coverage limit | $2,000 or up to book value | $3,000 | Varieties based on plan | Total coverage capped at $10,000 | $500 |
| Pool coverage available? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Limited roof protection available? | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Septic coverage available? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
If you’re in the market for a home warranty in Ohio, you’ll need to be aware that the state does not regulate them in the same way that it does insurance companies. Home warranties are considered service contracts that provide coverage for the cost of repairs or replacements for major home systems and appliances.
Due to this lack of regulation, there are no state-mandated laws for what home warranties must cover or how much they cost. However, a few organizations, such as the National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) and the Service Contract Industry Council (SCIC), help protect consumers from unethical home warranty companies that may try to take advantage of policyholders. The Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI) also provides information on how homeowners can protect themselves when purchasing a home warranty, as well as how they can file a formal complaint against a home warranty company.
Best Home Warranty Companies By State
Unlike home insurance, home warranties are not required by the State of Ohio. Deciding whether to invest in a home warranty in Ohio often hinges on a variety of factors unique to each homeowner’s situation. While the choice is personal and varies widely, understanding potential scenarios where a home warranty might be beneficial can guide your decision-making process.
In evaluating the potential need for a home warranty in Ohio, weighing these scenarios against your personal circumstances, preferences, and financial goals can provide clarity, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle and home maintenance needs.
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To determine the home warranty companies ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 52 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.
The value of a home warranty in Ohio depends on various factors such as the age of your home, the condition of your appliances and systems and your financial ability to handle unexpected repairs. For many, the peace of mind and potential savings on costly repairs can help justify the investment.
An Ohio home warranty can provide financial protection against the high cost of home repairs and replacements, reduce the hassle of finding reliable service technicians and offer peace of mind knowing that your home’s critical systems and appliances are covered.
In Ohio, common home warranty claims often include issues related to HVAC systems due to the state’s variable climate, as well as appliances like refrigerators and water heaters that are essential for daily living but prone to wear and tear.
Yes, home warranties typically cover the cost of labor in addition to parts for covered repairs and replacements. This means that if a covered item breaks down, the warranty should cover both the service technician’s work and any necessary parts.
Home warranties generally cover major systems and appliances in your home, such as HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, refrigerators and ovens. Coverage can vary, so it’s important to review your contract for specifics on what’s included and any limitations.
If a home warranty claim is denied in Ohio, start by reviewing your contract to ensure coverage. Then, contact your provider to appeal, providing necessary documentation. Keep detailed records of all communications. If unresolved, consider filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau or seeking legal advice for further action.
Nick has seven years of experience in the home improvement industry. He started his career marketing for dozens of flooring providers and related home services across North America. Today, he is a freelance writer and regular contributor to several publications specializing in home topics. Nick’s work includes DIY guides, informational articles and financial content, all of which aim to demystify unfamiliar subjects for homeowners and build their confidence.
Kristin is a lead editor at Forbes Home and has nearly a decade of professional experience as a writer and editor. She's previously worked at sites like Talking Points Memo, Insider, Delish, Angi and HomeAdvisor. She has a passion for lifestyle topics and has extensive experience researching and reporting on topics that will help make your house a home.
