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A home warranty is one of several tools homeowners can leverage to protect their home, offering financial support in the event that one of the home’s major systems or appliances experiences issues or breaks down entirely. This form of protection is often confused with homeowners insurance, though these two types of coverage have completely different purposes. Unlike a home warranty, homeowners insurance covers the home and its contents against certain perils, such as fire, snow, vandalism, and theft.
When homeowners in the Sooner State are trying to determine how to prioritize a home warranty alongside the many other costs associated with homeownership, there is one question they may find themselves asking: Is a home warranty worth it? Understanding home warranties versus home insurance, and the benefits of each, can help homeowners in answering this question—but the larger question of which home warranty to choose can be even more complicated. To aid in their search, this guide covers everything homeowners need to know about finding and choosing the best home warranty in Oklahoma.
- BEST OVERALL: AFC Home Club
- RUNNER-UP: American Home Shield
- BEST ADD-ON COVERAGE: Liberty Home Guard
- BEST APPLIANCE COVERAGE: First American Home Warranty
- ALSO CONSIDER: Select Home Warranty
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, home warranty licenses are required for companies to provide this type of coverage, but homeowners won’t want to make the mistake of believing all companies are created equal. Costs and coverage options vary significantly among home warranty companies, so in order to choose the right provider, homeowners will need to pay close attention to the following factors.
Policies and Plans
At first glance, it may seem as if all home warranty companies are the same, but peel back a layer and homeowners will find that there are often more differences than there are similarities among these providers. Each home warranty company has its own definition of standard coverage and its own list of add-on coverage options, so comparing policies and plans among providers is important.
These offerings will directly impact what is and is not covered within the home, so homeowners will want to understand the coverage provided by each company before signing on the dotted line. When combing through each company’s offerings, homeowners will want to pay close attention to any coverage options they know they need and whether those options are included or available at an extra cost.
Maximum Coverage Limit
In addition to seeking to understand their coverage options, homeowners will want to understand the limits associated with their coverage. Home warranty companies set coverage limits that represent the amount of money they are willing to spend on repairs. These limits may apply to individual repairs or the total amount the company will pay throughout the policy term.
Coverage limits are important because they play a role in determining the amount of money homeowners will be expected to dish out for repairs. Low coverage limits increase the likelihood that expensive repairs will exceed what the company is willing to pay, putting homeowners in the position to pay the difference in cost. Because coverage limits can vary dramatically among providers, homeowners will need to pay attention to this detail.
Average Monthly Rate
The average rate on a home warranty is the price the policyholder pays for their coverage. Although the exact rates a homeowner can expect to pay will depend on their home’s age, condition, and location, among other factors, a company’s average monthly rates can be an indication of what a policy through that company might cost.
Cost considerations are a top priority for many homeowners, so average rates will likely be one of the first factors on their list of things to look out for, keeping in mind how this monthly cost would potentially factor into their household budget. However, it’s important for homeowners to note that average rates make up only one part of the cost equation. Service fees and discount opportunities will also play a role in determining the total cost of a home warranty.
Discounts
From promotional discounts created to attract new customers to discounts offered as a reward for customers purchasing multiyear policies, it’s common for home warranty companies to provide homeowners with opportunities to save on the cost of their coverage. Though the specific discount opportunities offered will depend on the provider, discounts in general can significantly impact out-of-pocket costs, so this is not something homeowners will want to overlook.
Service Fee
Behind average rates, service fees are the second most impactful factor when it comes to understanding home warranty costs. While average rates are paid regularly on either a monthly or annual schedule, service fees are paid sporadically. Homeowners pay service fees when they schedule repairs on their covered systems and appliances, so depending on how often repair work is needed, the impact of these fees could be minimal or substantial.
Some home warranty providers offer customers a list of service fee options. When deciding which service fee to select, homeowners will want to be aware of how these fees interplay with their average rates. In general, paying lower service fees typically means paying higher average rates, while being willing to pay higher service fees can allow homeowners to secure lower rates. This means homeowners will need to decide where they prefer to spend their money: up front in the form of a predictable monthly rate or at the time of service in the form of a potentially high service fee.
Waiting Period
Home warranty policies typically kick off with a waiting period—a chunk of time between when the policy begins and when the policyholder can first file a claim. Waiting periods can range in length from company to company, with some providers asking homeowners to wait as long as 60 days before requesting repairs, though the average waiting period lasts 30 days. When homeowners are evaluating a home warranty company, waiting periods are an important factor to consider because they can potentially lead to gaps in coverage.
Homeowners buying a newly constructed home may be given an Oklahoma home builder warranty, as builders in the state are often required to provide 1-year protection on their new developments. This could potentially present a path for avoiding gaps in coverage, but this type of coverage is only provided in certain circumstances, so it is not likely to serve as a solution for the majority of homeowners. For this reason, homeowners will want to make note of each home warranty company’s waiting periods, including any steps that can be taken to waive them, such as switching from a competitor or agreeing to an in-home inspection.
Claims Process
When the time comes to use their coverage, homeowners want to feel confident in their home warranty company. This is why it’s important to consider customer experience factors—most notably the claims process—before committing to a policy.
When considering the claims process, homeowners will want to pay attention to each company’s methods for submitting claims, average claims response time, and process for selecting contractors for repairs. Understanding each of these elements will allow homeowners to navigate the claims process with ease, hopefully allowing them to avoid delays in the process when urgent repairs are needed.
Workmanship Guarantee
When a claim is accepted and repair work completed, home warranty companies typically provide the customer with a workmanship guarantee. Workmanship guarantees protect the homeowner if the initial repairs fail to resolve the underlying issue by allowing them to schedule additional repairs at no extra cost. Without a workmanship guarantee, homeowners in this situation would be facing multiple service fees, which can quickly add up.
However, workmanship guarantees only last for a limited time, and the length of the guarantee can vary from as little as 30 days to up to several years depending on the plan and provider. Because of this, homeowners will want to pay close attention to the workmanship guarantee offered by each company—otherwise they could end up paying more than they anticipated to get their systems and appliances back up and running.
Our Top Picks
To find the best home warranties in Oklahoma, we searched for companies offering reliable standard coverage, a variety of service add-ons, and a smooth claims process, all at an affordable price.
Best Overall
AFC Home Club
Specs
- Maximum coverage limit: $3,000
- Average monthly rate: $44
- Service fee: $75 to $125
- Claims process: Online, phone
- Workmanship guarantee: 1 or 3 years
Pros
- Customer-selected technician option
- Relatively low $44 average monthly rate
- 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
Why It Made the Cut: Perks of a policy through AFC Home Club include a remarkably long workmanship guarantee and affordable average rates that can be locked in for a period of 5 years. AFC Home Club offers competitive monthly rates on its home warranty plans, so although final costs will depend on the size, condition, and location of the home on top of the specific home warranty coverage options selected, the company’s quotes imply that whether they’re looking for a multiyear or 1-year home warranty in Oklahoma, homeowners may be able to get a good deal through AFC. And even better, this deal will stand the test of time, with the company promising to lock in new-customer rates for a period of 5 years. This means homeowners with policies through AFC can rest easy knowing even if the company’s rates increase, they are protected at their original price point, saving them money on their coverage over time. Homeowners looking for a new home warranty in Oklahoma may be happy to hear that they can avoid the standard 30-day waiting period by going with AFC, as the company will waive this period for new customers who agree to an in-home inspection of their systems and appliances, helping homeowners avoid gaps in their coverage. Prospective customers will want to note that AFC requires HVAC systems to receive annual maintenance in order to be eligible for coverage. Although this is an extra step to tackle, and an additional cost for the homeowner, routine maintenance on HVAC systems is recommended to keep the systems running smoothly, which means annual maintenance can help homeowners avoid more costly issues down the road. Unlike many providers, AFC Home Club also offers its customers the flexible option to choose their own technician for repairs. This may appeal to homeowners who have already established trust with a local handyman they would prefer to use over the home warranty company’s preferred network of contractors. Either way, the work will be covered by AFC’s workmanship guarantee, which runs the entire length of the home warranty term and protects the homeowner from the risk of having to pay an extra service fee if and when additional repair work is needed for the same issue.
Runner-Up
American Home Shield
Why It Made the Cut:
American Home Shield customers will receive the benefit of high coverage limits; coverage on rust, corrosion, and sediment; and free or discounted maintenance services.
American Home Shield offers multiple tiers of home warranty plans for customers to choose from, each with its own unique perks and coverage options. Depending on the policy they choose, AHS customers will receive the benefit of either free or discounted HVAC tune-ups—with the highest tier, ShieldPlatinum, allowing customers to schedule one free HVAC tune-up per year and all other plans offering tune-ups at a discounted rate. Policyholders with ShieldPlatinum can also receive unlimited AC refrigerant refills, while other customers can refill their refrigerant at a discounted price. These types of perks add a lot of value to a home warranty, keeping homeowners comfortable and keeping their home systems in good condition, potentially preventing more serious issues from developing. The company’s workmanship guarantee is relatively short at only 30 days, which could lead to customers needing to pay an additional service fee if there are issues with covered repairs after that time is up. With this in mind, the option for free or discounted HVAC maintenance may be even more impactful.
All AHS policies set a high coverage limit of $5,000 on HVAC repairs, a considerably high amount for this type of repair work, which may help customers schedule expensive system repairs without paying hefty out-of-pocket costs. Every home warranty policy through AHS also includes coverage on damage related to rust, corrosion, and sediment—protection that is typically only available as an add-on at an additional cost with other providers. This adds even more value to a policy through American Home Shield. Based on average quotes, the company’s rates may be somewhat high in the Oklahoma market. However, exact costs will depend on a number of factors, so this won’t always be the case, and some homeowners may be comfortable paying a higher rate if it means securing the high coverage limits and other perks provided by the company.
Specs
- Maximum coverage limit: $5,000 (for HVAC repairs)
- Average monthly rate: $73
- Service fee: $100 to $125
- Claims process: Online, phone
- Workmanship guarantee: 30 days
Pros
- Relatively high $5,000 coverage limit on HVAC repairs
- Rust, corrosion, and sediment coverage included
- Free or discounted HVAC tune-ups
- Unlimited or discounted AC refrigerant refills
Cons
- Relatively high $73 average monthly rate
- Relatively short 30-day workmanship guarantee
Best Add-On Coverage
Liberty Home Guard
Why It Made the Cut:
With low service fees, flexible payment plans, and a wide variety of service add-ons, Liberty Home Guard is an option worth considering for Oklahoma homeowners.
Liberty Home Guard offers a wide range of service add-ons—42 in total—that customers can use to expand and customize the scope of their home warranty coverage. The most popular add-ons among Oklahoma residents include pool and spa, well pump, septic system, stand-alone freezer, and roof-leak coverage.
In addition to its long list of add-on options, the company also gives customers multiple options to pay for their coverage. Though monthly payment schedules are common, homeowners who can afford to pay up front for an annual or multi year policy, available in increments of 1 to 5 years, can receive a significant discount on their coverage, with the size of the discount increasing with the length of the policy. This approach puts the power in the homeowner’s hands, allowing them to select the payment arrangement that best aligns with their financial needs. Liberty’s financial flexibility also extends to its service fees, with options as low as $60 available. By choosing this option, customers can reduce their out-of-pocket costs when submitting a service request.
Liberty Home Guard sets a limit of $2,000 on repairs per covered item, which could be considered low for a home warranty. If expected repair costs exceed $2,000, this cap could lead to situations where customers are required to pay for repairs out of pocket. However, it’s important to remember that this limit is applied per covered item, not in aggregate, so customers stacking multiple inexpensive repairs throughout their policy term may not be impacted.
Specs
- Maximum coverage limit: $2,000
- 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 service fee option
- Flexible payment plans
Cons
- Relatively low $2,000 coverage limit
Best Appliance Coverage
First American Home Warranty
Why It Made the Cut:
Homeowners with high-value kitchen appliances may be drawn to First American Home Warranty’s hefty appliance coverage limit and rapid claims response time.
First American Home Warranty sets reasonably high appliance coverage limits, which start at $3,500 and rise as high as $7,000 for customers who purchase the company’s Premium Plan. This limit is incredibly high and could allow homeowners to have more expensive appliance repairs covered by their home warranty company.
Prospective policyholders will want to note that First American’s base policies do not include any coverage for central air-conditioning systems—a feature that is often standard with other companies. Although customers can purchase this coverage as an add-on, this will present an additional cost. Another important factor to consider is the company’s workmanship guarantee, which only runs for 30 days. A short workmanship guarantee could lead to customers paying additional service fees, so customers considering First American will want to take this into account.
However, some homeowners may be comfortable with the idea of potentially paying these extra costs knowing that First American Home Warranty promises to begin processing their claims and dispatching service providers within 4 hours. Although this turnaround time only applies to claims received during normal business hours, and therefore claims submitted over the weekend or holidays may take longer to review, this still implies that homeowners can expect prompt repair work through First American.
Specs
- Maximum coverage limit: $7,000 (for kitchen appliance repairs)
- Average monthly rate: $57
- Service fee: $75 to $125
- Claims process: Online, phone
- Workmanship guarantee: 30 days
Pros
- High $7,000 coverage limit available for kitchen appliance repairs
- Quick claim response within 4 hours of service request
Cons
- Central air-conditioning coverage only available as add-on
- Relatively short 30-day workmanship guarantee
Also Consider
Select Home Warranty
Why It Made the Cut:
From discounts to free limited roof coverage, Select Home Warranty provides policies with added value, especially for homeowners seeking annual or multiyear plans.
Select Home Warranty customers who pay for a full year’s worth of coverage up front will receive an additional 2 months of coverage for free—locking down 14 months of home warranty coverage for the price of 12. This adds significant value for customers making annual payments, which lowers the total cost of their long-term coverage. Standard coverage through Select Home Warranty also includes some limited roof-leak coverage, which is often only available as an add-on with other providers. Oklahoma homeowners seeking this type of protection may be pleased to learn that they can get it at no additional cost by choosing to go through Select.
When the time comes to use their coverage, customers with policies through Select Home Warranty will want to be aware that service requests can only be submitted via the company’s website or by email, which may be inconvenient for homeowners who prefer to discuss their issues in real time with a representative over the phone—though customers who like the convenience of online repair requests will not find this a negative. Select’s claims process may also be considered slow by homeowners in need of urgent repairs, as the company’s user agreement states that customers could wait up to 4 days for claims to be processed. This is an important factor for homeowners to consider, as it could mean waiting longer for repairs to be scheduled and completed. However, this time frame is specific to claims submitted over the weekend or on holidays, meaning repair requests submitted during normal operating hours will likely be processed at a faster rate.
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 coverage with every policy
- 2 months of free coverage with annual payment
Cons
- No phone option for submitting claims
- Relatively slow claim response of up to 96 hours after receiving service request
Our Verdict
We gave the award for Best Overall to AFC Home Club due to the company’s low Oklahoma rates, which new customers can lock in for 5 years, in addition to its long workmanship guarantee and flexible option for homeowners to choose their own technician. The Runner-Up award goes to American Home Shield because of its high coverage limit for HVAC repairs; standard coverage for rust, corrosion, and sediment damage; and additional miscellaneous policy perks.
How We Chose the Best Home Warranty Companies in Oklahoma
To determine the best home warranty companies in Oklahoma, we considered each provider’s coverage options, including the type and amount of coverage offered, paying close attention to any add-on service options that may appeal to Oklahoma residents. Each company’s policy tiers were examined, including base coverage and any miscellaneous perks that may be included.
Cost considerations were another important component, so we weighed cost factors from baseline price points to available discounts and service fee options, taking the time to understand the overall value provided by each home warranty policy. Finally, customer experience factors were also assessed, including the speed of the claims process and the length of the workmanship guarantee.
Before You Choose One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Oklahoma
The process of finding and selecting the best home warranty policy begins with homeowners taking the time to understand their specific home warranty needs. Much like each home warranty company is unique, each homeowner is also unique, meaning there is no singular policy that can be considered the best option for everyone.
For example, those seeking a home warranty with septic coverage may be willing to pay more for their policy than those seeking basic coverage at an affordable price. The best home warranty for mobile homes, the best home warranty for manufactured homes, and the best home warranty for single-family homes may also differ, so homeowners will want to make sure the providers they’re considering offer coverage for the type of home they have. They’ll also want to keep in mind the age and condition of their home systems and appliances before beginning their search so they have a list of priorities in mind.
Another factor worth considering is whether the homeowner is capable and willing to complete any repairs themselves. Handy homeowners who have the skills and knowledge needed to handle certain repair work may be comfortable with less extensive coverage than those lacking the time and expertise to tackle these types of projects. Alternatively, they may wonder whether they need a home warranty or if they feel comfortable paying for their home repairs out of pocket.
Cost of Opting for One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Oklahoma
Home warranty costs in Oklahoma will depend on several factors, including the age, condition, and location of the home as well as the specific coverage options selected by the homeowner, but in general, a home warranty costs an average of $600 per year.
Homeowners prioritizing an affordable home warranty may be able to cut these costs by choosing a provider with low average rates and service fees, but it’s important to remember that less expensive plans typically come with less extensive coverage. For a better value, prospective policyholders may be able to leverage discount opportunities to maximize the scope of their coverage while keeping out-of-pocket costs within their budget.
The Advantages of Opting for One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Oklahoma
Although some homeowners may benefit more from home warranties than others, the fact remains that this type of coverage can serve as a valuable tool, helping homeowners keep their crucial home systems and appliances running without breaking the bank in the event repairs are needed. But the advantages of opting for a home warranty aren’t limited to these financial factors alone. In fact, there are many benefits of choosing one of the best home warranty companies, including the following.
- Peace of mind for homeowners knowing both their home and their wallet are protected in the event that urgent repairs are needed;
- Simpler financial planning due to predictable rates and service fees, as opposed to paying unexpected and potentially expensive repair costs out of pocket; and
- Easier access to qualified, reliable service professionals for repairs through the home warranty company’s preferred network of contractors.
FAQs
With so much to consider, it can be difficult for homeowners to feel confident in their choice when it comes to finding a home warranty. To minimize their uncertainty, they will want to familiarize themselves with the answers to the following commonly asked questions.
Q. How do I choose a good home warranty?
Homeowners looking for an accredited home warranty company can start their search with the Home Warranty Association of America, which promotes reputable home-service contract providers across the country.
Q. What do home warranties cover?
Home warranties cover repairs on a home’s major systems and appliances up to a specific predetermined limit.
Q. Is an Oklahoma home warranty worth it?
An Oklahoma home warranty can help residents of the Sooner State avoid paying sudden, hefty costs by providing coverage on their home’s crucial systems and appliances.
Q. How much does a home warranty cost per year?
On average, annual home warranty costs come to around $600, although the exact costs a homeowner encounters will depend on several factors, including the home’s age, condition, and location.
Q. What are the cons of buying a home warranty?
The main downside of a home warranty is that it means an additional household expense, but for many homeowners, the pros of a home warranty outweigh the cons.
Q. What questions should I ask a home warranty company?
When collecting home warranty quotes, homeowners will want to inquire about the coverage options offered by each company as well as average rates, service fees, claims response time, and workmanship guarantee.