The 5 Best Home Warranty Companies in Missouri of 2023

A home warranty covers the repair or replacement of major home appliances and systems in the event of a breakdown due to age or normal wear and tear. From first-time buyers to experienced homeowners, home warranties can be a valuable investment, allowing homeowners in St. Louis, Kansas City, the Ozarks, and other parts of Missouri to keep their systems and appliances in good working condition while protecting them from expensive out-of-pocket costs.

But the best home warranty companies in Missouri offer a variety of plans at a number of price points, so prospective customers will need to consider their options carefully to choose the plan and provider that is best suited for their unique home warranty needs.

1. BEST OVERALL: AFC Home Club
2. RUNNER-UP: Liberty Home Guard
3. BEST COVERAGE LIMITS: American Home Shield
4. BEST FOR LOW RATES: Choice Home Warranty
5. ALSO CONSIDER: Select Home Warranty

What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Missouri

From costs to coverage, home warranty services can vary significantly from one provider to another. Choosing a home warranty will require homeowners to think critically about their options, paying close attention to how each company’s offerings relate to their specific needs. To compare home warranty companies, homeowners will want to consider a variety of factors, ranging from coverage options and costs to claims processes and workmanship guarantees.

Policies and Plans

When broken down, a home warranty consists of two primary components: home system protection and home appliance protection. Home warranty companies typically offer multiple plans and policy tiers, with some leaning more toward systems, some focused more on appliances, and others providing a balance of system and appliance coverage. In some cases, policies may exclusively cover either one or the other, which may appeal to Missouri homeowners looking for more narrow coverage. For instance, a homeowner who wants to protect their refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, and washer and dryer—but not their HVAC, electrical, or plumbing systems—may seek out a home appliance warranty.

Because coverage options can vary dramatically between providers, homeowners will need to consider how the coverage offered by each company relates to the specific systems and appliances they’re looking to protect. For example, home warranty roof coverage may only be available with certain providers, so if this is high on their list of priorities, homeowners will want to pay close attention to which companies offer it and whether it will require them to pay an additional cost to obtain. Those who absolutely need this protection may want to consider getting a policy with one of the best home warranties for roof coverage.

Maximum Coverage Limit

The maximum coverage limit on a home warranty refers to the highest amount the home warranty company is willing to pay to repair or replace covered items. Depending on the company, coverage limits may be applied per item or per term, and some companies may have different coverage caps in place for different types of systems and appliances. Coverage limits may also vary depending on what policy tier a customer chooses, as some home warranty providers may set higher coverage caps with more expensive policies.

Coverage limits are an important factor to consider because they can directly impact a homeowner’s out-of-pocket costs and the overall value a home warranty can offer. If a covered item requires repairs that exceed the maximum coverage limit, homeowners may be on the hook to pay the difference in cost, so prospective policyholders will want to make note of each company’s coverage cap.

Average Monthly Rate

When it comes to home warranty costs, there are two main factors to consider: average rates and service fees. Average rates represent the up-front cost of a home warranty, and though customers can choose to make annual payments on their policy, it’s common to pay for a home warranty on a monthly basis.

As such, average monthly rates can help homeowners assess the affordability of each home warranty provider. However, it’s important to note that the specific price a customer pays for their coverage will depend on several factors, including the size and location of their home as well as any add-on coverage options they select, so homeowners may want to request home warranty quotes from several providers to get a better estimate of their anticipated costs.

Discounts

Many home warranty companies offer discounts homeowners may be able to use to lower the total cost of their home warranty coverage. From discounted rates to attract new customers to extra months of coverage to reward loyal customers, these discount opportunities can lead to significant savings.

However, the specific discounts available to customers will depend on the provider. Some companies only run seasonal promotions, while others will offer discount opportunities all year round. This means deal-seeking homeowners will need to keep their eyes open for any potential discounts that may be available to them with each company on their list.

Service Fee

A service fee is the flat rate a homeowner pays to schedule repairs on a covered system or appliance. Service fees typically fall between $60 and $150, though these fees can vary depending on the home warranty provider.

Although service fees are paid less frequently than monthly rates, this is still an important cost factor to consider, as service fees can add up over time, especially if customers need to submit multiple claims during a 12-month term. Homeowners will also want to be aware that many home warranty companies allow them to choose from a list of service fees. In this scenario, choosing a lower service fee typically results in paying a higher monthly rate, so homeowners will need to weigh the pros and cons of each option.

Waiting Period

Most home warranty companies have a waiting period in place before coverage begins. This means homeowners will need to wait for a period of time, typically 30 days, to be able to put their home warranty coverage to use. Although waiting periods are common and relatively short, this can still present a potential gap in coverage that homeowners may be eager to avoid.

Some home warranty companies offer options for new customers to bypass the waiting period. For instance, companies may be willing to waive the waiting period for customers switching from another provider, while others may be willing to waive it for homeowners who agree to an inspection of their systems and appliances. But like many of the other factors on this list, opportunities to skip the waiting period will depend on the provider, so homeowners will want to pay close attention to this detail if they want coverage to start right away.

Claims Process

When a critical home system or appliance breaks down, homeowners who are eager to schedule repairs won’t want to waste time navigating a slow or confusing claims process. For this reason, prospective customers will need to examine the claims process with each provider before signing on the dotted line.

To understand each company’s commitment to customer service, prospective customers will want to make note of several factors, including the available methods for submitting claims, the average time it takes to process claims, and whether they will have the option to select their own technician for repairs. With these items in mind, homeowners will be able to choose a provider with a claims process they will be prepared to navigate when urgent repairs are needed.

Workmanship Guarantee

Last but not least, homeowners will want to consider each company’s workmanship guarantee. A workmanship guarantee is a promise from the home warranty company to protect completed repairs for a certain period of time. This means that should initial repairs fail to resolve the underlying issue with a system or appliance, homeowners with a workmanship guarantee in place will be able to schedule follow-up repairs without having to pay another service fee.

However, workmanship guarantees can vary significantly in length, with some companies protecting repairs for as little as 30 days and others protecting them for up to several years. Because this factor can directly impact out-of-pocket costs, homeowners may choose to closely examine workmanship guarantees before committing to a policy.

Our Top Picks

To identify the best home warranty companies in Missouri, homeowners may want to seek out companies offering reliable standard coverage as well as add-on coverage options for customers to purchase in order to customize the scope of their policy. It’s also important to weigh cost and experience factors to better understand the overall value offered by each home warranty provider. These companies offer a variety of benefits and perks that may appeal to Missouri homeowners.

Best Overall

AFC Home Club

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Why It Made the Cut:

AFC Home Club’s stand-out offerings include locked-in rates, a lengthy workmanship guarantee, and flexible options for homeowners to skip the waiting period and choose their own technician for repairs.

Though most home warranty policies begin with a standard 30-day waiting period, homeowners may be able to avoid this potential coverage gap by going with AFC Home Club, as the company will waive its waiting period for any customers who agree to an in-home inspection of their systems and appliances. New customers can also have their monthly rate locked in for up to 5 years, allowing them to continue paying their original rate even if the company’s prices increase during that time. This ultimately reduces the homeowner’s long-term coverage costs, making a home warranty more affordable.

Potential customers will want to note that before any HVAC repairs can be scheduled, AFC Home Club will require them to submit a satisfactory annual maintenance record from a licensed technician, proving that the system was in good working condition within the past 12 months. While this step may present an extra cost, annual maintenance is encouraged to keep systems running smoothly, so fulfilling this requirement could prevent more costly issues from occurring down the road.

AFC Home Club also gives customers flexible options for selecting technicians, allowing homeowners to hire their own contractor for repairs or choose from the company’s list of preferred vendors. This flexibility is fairly uncommon and might appeal to homeowners with a trusted, local handyman in mind. But regardless of the option they choose, AFC Home Club’s lengthy workmanship guarantee will protect the repair work for the entire length of the homeowner’s warranty term. With policies lasting either 1 or 3 years, this is an impressively long workmanship guarantee, which may help homeowners save on out-of-pocket expenses.

Specs

• Maximum coverage limit: $3,000
• Average monthly rate: $64
• Service fee: $75 to $125
• Claims process: Online, phone
• Workmanship guarantee: 1 or 3 years

Pros

• Customer-selected technician option
• Extremely long 1- or 3-year workmanship guarantee
• 5-year guarantee on monthly rate
• Waiting period waived with home inspection

Cons

• Annual HVAC maintenance required

Runner-Up

Liberty Home Guard

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Why It Made the Cut:

With low service fees, flexible payment options, and dozens of service add-ons available, Liberty Home Guard is an option well worth considering for Missouri homeowners.

Among its many notable attributes, perhaps what stands out most about Liberty Home Guard is its impressive catalog of more than 40 coverage add-ons, which customers can purchase to expand the scope of their home warranty. In Missouri, the most popular add-ons include coverage on stand-alone freezers, limited roof-leak repairs, sump pumps, well pumps, and septic system pumping services. Prospective policyholders will want to note that Liberty Home Guard caps home repairs at $2,000, which may seem like a relatively low coverage limit at first glance. However, this limit is applied per item, not per term, so customers will be able to file claims for multiple items as long as the individual repair costs do not exceed this amount.

With multiple service fees to choose from, Liberty Home Guard customers have the unique opportunity to control the costs associated with scheduling repairs, with service fee options available as low as $60. This flexibility may allow homeowners to cut down on sudden out-of-pocket costs, though choosing a lower service fee typically means paying more up front. But Liberty Home Guard customers also have the opportunity to choose how they would like to pay for these up-front costs. While monthly payments are common, homeowners also have the option to pay in full for an annual or multiyear policy. Homeowners who do so will be rewarded with 2 additional months of coverage at no extra charge, allowing them to receive 14 months of protection for the price of 12. Customers who are interested in a multiyear policy, but who cannot afford to pay up front, can instead take advantage of the company’s interest-free payment plans, which may make it easier for homeowners to budget for this added expense.

Specs

• Maximum coverage limit: $2,000 (per item)
• Average monthly rate: $55
• Service fee: $60 to $125
• Claims process: Online, phone
• Workmanship guarantee: 60 days

Pros

• Wide variety of service add-ons
• Low $60 minimum service fee
• Flexible payment plans
• 2 months of free coverage with annual payment

Cons

• Relatively low $2,000 coverage limit per item

Best Coverage Limits

American Home Shield

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Why It Made the Cut:

With high coverage limits and some unique standard coverage inclusions, including coverage on pre-existing conditions, American Home Shield sets itself apart from the competition.

With American Home Shield, homeowners can unlock an impressively high $5,000 coverage limit on HVAC systems. This is a significant amount of coverage, which may make it easier for homeowners to keep this critical home system in good working condition. Even more notable is the fact that this limit is included across all American Home Shield policies, so homeowners with even the most basic plan will be able to take advantage of it.

Potential customers will want to be aware that American Home Shield’s workmanship guarantee is relatively short at 30 days, and prices may be somewhat high in the Missouri market. But these higher costs could be due to the scope of coverage included in an American Home Shield policy. The company’s home warranty policies come with coverage on unknown pre-existing conditions, which includes issues that cannot be identified by a visual inspection or simple mechanical test, as well as malfunctions due to rust, corrosion, and sediment damage. These types of issues are not commonly covered by a home warranty policy, so this additional coverage could give homeowners more opportunities to put their home warranty to use.

Specs

• Maximum coverage limit: $5,000 (for HVAC repairs)
• Average monthly rate: $103
• Service fee: $100 or $125
• Claims process: Online, phone
• Workmanship guarantee: 30 days

Pros

• Relatively high $5,000 coverage limit on HVAC repairs
• Coverage for unknown pre-existing conditions included
• Rust, corrosion, and sediment coverage included

Cons

• High $103 average monthly rate
• Relatively short 30-day workmanship guarantee

Best for Low Rates

Choice Home Warranty

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Why It Made the Cut:

From low rates to quick repairs and flexible options for customers to bypass the waiting period, homeowners won’t want to overlook Choice Home Warranty.

Budget-sensitive customers may lean toward Choice Home Warranty, with the company offering relatively affordables rates in the Missouri market. Choice Home Warranty’s average monthly rate of $51 may make it easier for homeowners to fit a home warranty into their budget. New customers can avoid the company’s standard waiting period by showing proof of their previous home warranty company, which may allow homeowners who are looking to switch providers to do so without risk of a coverage gap.

When reviewing their coverage options, prospective customers will notice that Choice Home Warranty only offers two policy tiers alongside a fairly limited number of service add-ons. With this in mind, customers won’t have many opportunities to customize their coverage to fit their specific needs. However, homeowners seeking basic coverage may appreciate the simplicity of these options. Also simple are the company’s service fees, which are standardized at $85 across all policies. While this means customers will not have the opportunity to choose from a list of service fee options, $85 is a relatively reasonable price for this type of fee, so this is not an exorbitant cost.

When repairs are needed, Choice Home Warranty’s membership benefits continue with an impressively speedy claims-response time. The company’s user agreement states that representatives will begin contacting service providers within 4 hours of receiving a service request. This quick turnaround time may be one of Choice Home Warranty’s most notable features, allowing homeowners to schedule urgent repairs without delay.

Specs

• Maximum coverage limit: $3,000
• Average monthly rate: $51
• Service fee: $85
• Claims process: Online, phone
• Workmanship guarantee: 60 days labor, 90 days parts

Pros

• Relatively low $51 average monthly rate
• Quick claim response within 4 hours of service request
• Waiting period waived for customers with an existing home warranty

Cons

• Limited policy options
• No service fee flexibility

Also Consider

Select Home Warranty

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Why It Made the Cut:

Budget-minded homeowners may be drawn to Select Home Warranty, where frequent promotional discounts can help them to save on the total cost of their coverage.

With Select Home Warranty, every policy comes with limited roof-leak coverage, which may assist homeowners with simple roof-leak patching. This coverage is typically only available as an extra add-on at an additional cost with many home warranty providers, so the fact that it is included in the company’s standard coverage is worth noting. This inclusion can add more value to a Select Home Warranty policy, giving customers more opportunities to put their policy to use.

Before choosing Select Home Warranty, potential customers will want to note that the company only accepts claims online or via email, which may be inconvenient for homeowners who prefer to speak directly with a representative when requesting repairs. That being said, some homeowners may appreciate the convenience of these digital channels. Once a claim has been submitted, Select customers may need to be prepared to wait up to 4 days for a technician to be assigned, depending on when they send in a repair request. Though this is a long time to wait when urgent repairs are needed, it’s important to note that this claims-response time specifically refers to repair requests submitted on weekends or holidays, so claims submitted during regular business hours are likely to be processed much more quickly.

Homeowners looking to save on home warranty costs may be able to achieve their goal by taking advantage of Select Home Warranty’s frequent promotional discounts, which are often available on the company’s website. Although the specific terms of these promotions may vary, the discounts are often generous and can help reduce the total cost of a home warranty plan. In the long term, customers can also save on home warranty costs by choosing to pay up front for their annual policy, as the company will reward them with 2 additional months of coverage at no extra cost.

Specs

• Maximum coverage limit: $3,000
• Average monthly rate: $62
• Service fee: $75 to $100
• Claims process: Online, email
• Workmanship guarantee: 60 days

Pros

• Free limited roof-leak coverage with every policy
• 2 months of free coverage with annual payment
• Frequent promotional discounts

Cons

• Relatively slow claim response of up to 96 hours after receiving service request
• No phone option for submitting claims

Our Verdict

We gave the award for Best Overall to AFC Home Club because of the company’s lengthy workmanship guarantee and 5-year lock on monthly rates, among other factors. The Runner-Up award goes to Liberty Home Guard due to its long list of service add-ons, low service fees, and flexible payment options.

How We Chose the Best Home Warranty Companies in Missouri

To determine the best home warranty companies in Missouri, we considered each company from multiple angles, weighing coverage, cost, and customer service factors to understand the overall value with each provider. Beginning with coverage, we considered each company’s base plans and policies, as well as any add-on coverage options, paying close attention to any specific offerings that may appeal to Missouri residents.

To approximate the cost of this coverage, we took note of average monthly rates, service fees, and any potential discount opportunities that may apply. Finally, to understand the potential customer experience with each provider, we weighed average claims-response times, options for selecting repair technicians, and workmanship guarantees, among other factors, considering how these elements might impact customers down the road.

Before You Choose One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Missouri

To choose from one of the best home warranty companies in their area, homeowners must first understand their top priorities when it comes to cost, coverage, and other factors. For example, some homeowners may be looking for basic coverage for home systems such as HVAC and electrical systems, while others may be seeking more comprehensive protection for systems and appliances, as well as additional home services. While new homeowners may be searching for the best home warranties for home buyers, those looking to part with their home may be drawn to one of the best home warranties for sellers.

To analyze home warranty providers, homeowners will need to consider the items they need covered as well as any other priorities—such as keeping costs low or finding the provider with the smoothest claims process—to determine the main criteria they will use for home warranty comparisons. Determining these priorities ahead of time will make it easier for homeowners to decide where their money is best spent. Once they’ve narrowed down their options, Missouri residents may want to do head-to-head comparisons—Liberty Home Guard vs. American Home Shield, for instance—to see which company best meets their needs.

Cost of Opting for One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Missouri

Across the country, home warranty costs typically fall between $264 and $1,425 annually, with the national average cost of a home warranty coming to $600 per year. However, home warranty rates in Missouri may run higher than the national average, based on the quotes gathered as part of our research. It’s also important to note that the specific price a homeowner pays for their home warranty coverage will depend on several factors, from the size, condition, and location of their home to the specific coverage options they select.

But much like coverage options, home warranty prices can also vary significantly between providers, with average rates, service fees, and discount opportunities each playing a role in determining the total cost of coverage. To get the best possible estimate, and to see how a home warranty might fit into their budget, prospective policyholders will therefore want to request home warranty quotes to understand the specific costs of coverage they might face with each company on their list.

While the up-front cost of a home warranty can be a hurdle for some Missouri residents, it’s also important to remember that service plans may help homeowners save on maintenance and repair expenses over the long run.

Jessica Fields, vice president and chief sales officer at American Home Shield, offers some helpful food for thought in this regard. “Maintenance and repairs are an inevitable part of homeownership and yet, according to a recent survey, one in four homeowners do not have a budget set aside for this purpose,” she says. “One of the best ways to avoid a situation where you have to choose between repairs is to plan ahead with a home service plan that covers your home systems and appliances when breakdowns or damage occurs due to normal wear and tear.”

The Advantages of Opting for One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Missouri

From mortgage payments to property taxes and home insurance fees, homeowners have no shortage of costs to consider, so it’s no surprise that some may question whether a home warranty is worth it for them. But despite the fact that this type of coverage can present an additional monthly expense, home warranties can serve as a powerful tool for the homeowners who opt for them, allowing them to reap the rewards of several benefits, including:

• The peace of mind that comes with knowing their major home systems and appliances are protected in the event of malfunctions or breakdowns—including issues related to pre-existing conditions, rust, corrosion, and sediment, in some cases;
• Various service fee options, discount opportunities, and payment plans to help customers budget for home warranty coverage; and
• Access to a network of best-in-class contractors and technicians—and possibly the option for customers to select their own local handyman or contractor—to handle repairs quickly and skillfully.

FAQs

From coverage options to coverage limits, monthly rates to service fees, and waiting periods to workmanship guarantees, the list of factors customers must consider to choose a home warranty is long. With so much to weigh, it’s understandable that homeowners might have some lingering questions about what a home warranty is and the coverage it provides. To ease their uncertainty, homeowners can review the following frequently asked questions and their answers.

Q. Is a home warranty required in Missouri?

Though home warranties are not required in Missouri, homeowners in the Show-Me State can benefit from the protection this coverage can provide on their major systems and appliances. In particular, residents with aging homes and appliances and systems that may be nearing their end of life may decide that they need a home warranty to cover the costs of repairs or replacements.

Q. What is the difference between a home warranty and homeowners insurance?

While homeowners can protect their systems and appliances through a home warranty, insurance protects from structural damage from covered perils such as hail, wind, lightning, fire, and vandalism, so both home warranties and homeowners insurance can be worthwhile.

Q. Are home warranties transferable?

Though policies may differ from one provider to another, home warranties are typically transferable agreements, and it is not uncommon for sellers to include a home warranty in the sale of their home.