Home Size
Home size also impacts home warranty cost. Larger homes have more systems and appliances, which means higher costs for broader coverage. Smaller homes and condos are less expensive to cover, while luxury or multi-unit properties are at the higher end.
Frequency
How you pay for your home warranty can change your total cost. Annual payments are usually less expensive than monthly installments, and some providers offer discounts for multi-year contracts. Monthly payments spread costs out, but you may pay more in the long run due to administrative fees or surcharges. Renewal prices may increase over time, so it’s wise to review terms before committing long-term.
Labor
Home warranty plans include service call fees, which you pay each time you call a local home warranty professional or technician to verify a warranty claim. These fees usually range from $75 to $125 per visit and cover labor, diagnosis, and the initial trip. The actual labor rates are negotiated by your warranty provider and built into the service call fee. Some plans cap labor costs per claim, while others allow unlimited labor for covered repairs.
Service call fees can be higher in areas with increased labor costs or limited technician availability. Emergency or after-hours service may come with an extra surcharge, so check your contract for details.
Coverage Caps
Home warranty plans have coverage limits to how much they'll pay out for a given claim or over the course of the warranty term. Higher coverage limit plans equate to higher risk for home warranty providers, so they come with higher costs than lower coverage plans.
Location
Home warranty cost varies across the country. Regional differences in labor rates, risk of natural disasters, and even the local climate can all affect pricing. For example, homes in hurricane-prone states or areas with heavy appliance use often see higher premiums.
Add-On Coverage
Many homeowners choose to add coverage for features not included in standard plans. Add-ons can cover pools, spas, well pumps, septic systems, roof leaks repairs, and more. Each add-on increases your total home warranty cost, but can be essential for certain home types. Some add-ons are optional, while others might be required if your property has unique systems.