Nothing can deplete a homeowners’ savings quite like an unexpected repair or replacement. For a relatively low monthly or annual fee, home warranties safeguard against a big bill by providing access to professionally licensed service contractors and technicians, who commit to diagnose, repair and replace covered home appliances and mechanical systems at little or no cost to the policy owner.
Home Guard Home Warranty (HGHW) Home Protection Plan is a service contract that protects homeowners from unforeseen repairs and expenses of replacing home appliances and mechanical systems. It covers three states Arizona, Nevada and California
Pros
- BBB accreditation and A+ rating
- Highly transparent pricing
- Fair claims compensation with a customizable service call fee
- Add-ons include coverage for uncommon items like pest control and code upgrades
Cons
- Reportedly low contractor ability
- Only available in three states
- No online chat
- Low customer reviews on BBB
Table of Contents
- Home Guard Home Warranty at a Glance
- Home Guard Home Warranty Exclusion and Coverage Limits
- Other Add-on benefit options include
- Home Guard Home Warranty State Availability
- Fine Print
- Home Guard Home Warranty Cost
- Payout Limitations
- Home Guard Home Warranty Reviews
- What We Like About Home Guard Home Warranty
- What We Didn’t Like About Home Guard Home Warranty
- How Home Guard Home Warranty Stacks Up
- Is Home Guard Home Warranty Right For You?
- Methodology
Home Guard Home Warranty at a Glance
Home Guard Home Warranty Inc. is a California-based company that has been operating for over a decade. Established in 2005, it offers a broad range of plans and prices, as well a wide selection of optional coverage, to both homeowners and real estate professionals.
Home Guard Home Warranty Inc. has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since January 1, 2008. Despite its 2.68 out of 5 stars in customer reviews, it has an A+ BBB rating as of publication. The company can be contacted by phone or through its official website.
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
Available Plans
Since housing laws differ between the three states that Home Guard services, each state has slightly different coverage plans. Also, homeowners can buy packages for their own properties, but property managers and real estate professionals can also purchase coverage for rentals in their portfolio. In those cases, renters may benefit from the service even if they’re not funding it.
HGHW offers appliance, roof, HVAC and home systems protection, which the website says “covers household systems and appliances regardless of age, make or model.” Whenever something breaks down, homeowners can call a toll-free request line. For a service call fee that will vary by state, but ranges from $85 to $90, a pre-vetted technician will take care of the problem, regardless of the actual cost to repair or replace the damaged item. Home Guard’s plans generally include coverage for:
- Attic fans
- Ceiling fans
- Central vacuum system
- Cook-top
- Dishwasher
- Door bell
- Electrical system
- Exhaust fans
- Food center
- Garage door opener
- Garbage disposal
- Heating system
- Instant water dispenser
- Kitchen appliances
- Microwave oven
- Pest control
- Plumbing system
- Range oven
- Smoke detectors
- Telephone wiring
- Trash compactor
- Water heater
Home Guard Home Warranty Exclusion and Coverage Limits
Home Guard Home Warranty provides coverage for a variety of home systems and appliances but, like many home warranty companies, has specific exclusions and limits on coverage. Let’s highlight a few notable restrictions and coverage caps from its California sample contract, to give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
Coverage limits:
- Central air conditioning: Limited to $1,500 during seller’s coverage.
- Heating system repairs: Capped at $500 during seller’s coverage.
- Kitchen appliances: Coverage up to $5,000 per appliance.
- Code violations and permits: Covered up to $250 to $1,000.
- Ductwork repairs: Limited to $1,000.
Optional coverage caps:
- Outdoor kitchens: Coverage up to $1,000.
- Well pump or booster pump: Limited to $1,500.
- Additional refrigerators (up to 4 units): Capped at $1,500.
- Saltwater pool circuit board and cell, heater: Limited to $1,500.
General exclusions:
- No coverage for damages due to environmental events (fire, floods, smoke).
- Mold, mildew, fungi or bacteria and their remediation are not covered.
- No payout for consequential or secondary damages, food spoilage, loss of income or utility bills.
- Shared systems and appliances in properties larger than a fourplex are not covered.
Other Add-on benefit options include
- Central air conditioning and AC and heating pre-season tune-up
- Supplemental blanket coverage
- Swimming pool/spa equipment/saltwater circuit board and cell
- Solar hot water system/water softener/reverse osmosis filtration system/ ornamental fountain
- Clothes washer and dryer
- Kitchen refrigerator
- Additional refrigerators
- Freestanding freezer
- Well pump
- Booster pump
- Septic tank pump
- Sewage ejector pump
- Additional pipe coverage
- Red tag option
- Limited roof leak coverage
- Outdoor kitchen
- Smart home features
Home Guard Home Warranty State Availability
Services are only available in Arizona, Nevada and California.
Fine Print
- The coverage is effective after 30 days.
- You can cancel the home warranty and get a refund within the first 30 days. Thereafter, a cancellation fee of $35 will apply.
- Unless there is a cancellation request, the company renews policies automatically.
- The repair time frame is two business days or two days for weekends and holidays.
- Emergency services are available through 24/7 hour customer support.
- In case of repeated failures, the company provides free re-service within 90 days for parts and 30 days for labor.
Home Guard Home Warranty Cost
When shopping for a Home Guard Home Warranty plan, it’s all about finding the right balance between cost and coverage for your home’s unique needs. Home Guard’s pricing depends on factors like your location, property size and the level of coverage you choose, with various options available in Arizona, Nevada and California.
Each plan has its own pricing tiers to fit everything from single-family homes to multi-unit dwellings, and there’s flexibility with service call fees based on your preferred plan. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the different pricing options to help you find the best fit for your home and budget.
Arizona Plan Pricing
| HOME | 3-STAR PLAN | 4-STAR PLAN | 5-STAR PLAN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-family home | $450 | $520 | $635 |
| Condo/townhome/mobile home | $405 | $460 | $590 |
| New construction (years 2-6) | $700 | $875 | $1,075 |
| Duplex | $725 | $995 | $1,195 |
| Triplex | $995 | $1,310 | $1,510 |
| Fourplex | $1,270 | $1,570 | $1,770 |
The service call fee for the Arizona plans is $90. However, for an extra $85 fee per year, the fee can be lowered to $55.
California Plan Pricing
| HOME | STANDARD PLAN | ADVANTAGE PLAN | TOTAL PROTECTION PLAN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-family home | $415 | $565 | $735 |
| Condo/townhome/mobile home | $350 | $515 | $670 |
| New construction (years 2-6) | $605 | $980 | -- |
| Duplex | $585 | $945 | $1,345 |
| Triplex | $875 | $1,220 | $1,620 |
| Fourplex | $1,085 | $1,560 | $1,960 |
The service call fee is $90. For an additional annual fee, you can pay a reduced service fee.
Home Guard’s premiums in California vary based on the home’s size and age.
Nevada Plan Pricing
| HOME | 3-STAR PLAN | 4-STAR PLAN | 5-STAR PLAN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-family home | $430 | $520 | $655 |
| Condo/townhome/mobile home | $370 | $460 | $605 |
| New construction (years 2-6) | $680 | $750 | – |
| Duplex | $615 | $770 | $970 |
| Triplex | $920 | $1,145 | $1,345 |
| Fourplex | $1,120 | $1,445 | $1,645 |
The service call fee for the Nevada plans is $85. However, for an extra $80 fee per year, the fee can be lowered to $50.
Payout Limitations
Customer review sites report that Home Guard Home Warranty offers lenient terms of service that include claims for appliances or systems that have pre-existing defects due to improper installation or poor maintenance. This safeguards a homeowner or renter from being left with a hefty bill after already paying for a faulty appliance swap or installation.
Home Guard Home Warranty Reviews
Customer feedback for Home Guard Home Warranty seems to be a mix of both positive and negative experiences, primarily focusing on the company’s responsiveness and customer service quality. A recurring highlight is the helpfulness of certain representatives, who many customers praised for their professionalism and efficiency in addressing service requests. Quick responses and effective communication stood out as strong points for these representatives, helping customers feel supported when dealing with home issues.
However, there are also less favorable reviews pointing to some areas of frustration. Several customers mentioned delays in the claims process, difficulty in finding the right technicians and inconsistencies in claim approvals. The handling of appliance and HVAC claims appeared to be particularly troublesome for some, with reports of long wait times, multiple inspections and struggles with coverage limits. While some customers found the service thorough and efficient, others felt they had to jump through hoops to get issues resolved, indicating a range of experiences with the company’s warranty process.
What We Like About Home Guard Home Warranty
Home Guard Home Warranty stands out for its customizable plan options and wide range of coverage, making it easy for homeowners to find a plan that fits their needs and budget. The company offers coverage for a variety of home systems and appliances, allowing customers to bundle essential repairs and replacements into one plan. Another highlight is the transparency in its coverage limits—being upfront about payout caps and service fees helps homeowners make informed decisions and reduces potential surprises down the road.
Additionally, Home Guard has earned some praise for its responsive customer service representatives, who, in many cases, have helped make the claims process feel smoother and more manageable. This level of support can be particularly reassuring when facing stressful home repairs or emergencies, especially when swift action is needed to address critical issues.
What We Didn’t Like About Home Guard Home Warranty
On the flip side, some aspects of Home Guard’s services may give potential customers pause. A common concern is around claim processing and the sometimes lengthy wait times for both approval and repair, which can be frustrating—especially when dealing with urgent issues like HVAC failures in extreme weather. Moreover, limitations on coverage and exclusions for certain repairs may not be immediately apparent, so it’s crucial to carefully read through the contract details to avoid any unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
The reliance on specific contractors, as noted by some customers, may also limit flexibility in choosing service providers, potentially leading to mixed experiences based on contractor performance. While Home Guard does work to connect homeowners with the necessary technicians, this “one-size-fits-all” approach could feel restrictive if homeowners prefer a different professional or experience issues with the assigned contractor.
How Home Guard Home Warranty Stacks Up
Is Home Guard Home Warranty Right For You?
Home Guard is geographically limited, so only three states are covered. This hyperlocal focus could be premised on using experts who know region-specific needs and infrastructure.
While the coverage and premiums are comparable with other service providers in the industry, Home Guard’s plans don’t appear to cover some essential appliances, like washers, dryers and refrigerators. However, they are on the comprehensive list of paid add-ons that homeowners may select.
Despite its A+ rating from the BBB as of October 2024, the company receives complaints from clients. The average of 88 customer reviews yielded only a 2.68 out of 5 star rating as of publication. According to the company’s BBB site, BBB closed 73 complaints over the last three years and 18 complaints in the last 12 months.
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)
Who owns Home Guard home warranty?
Home Guard Home Warranty, Inc. is co-owned by James W. Hessling and James H. Steffenson, Jr.
Is a home warranty a waste of money?
No, home warranties provide peace of mind. Since you can’t predict when home appliances or mechanical systems will fail, home warranties ensure that you always have an easy and cost-efficient solution—day or night. For a fraction of the true cost, a trusted contractor will review the issue and resolve unexpected repairs at a deeply discounted rate.
Home warranties may seem redundant if your home is completely new, but freak accidents and wear and tear can hit any home. Older homes and those with aging features, however, tend to see the most value from a home warranty.
Last, many home buyers are requesting a home warranty as part of the purchase of a new home. These policies can be paid for by the seller to ensure that the new buyer won’t be saddled with budget-busting expenses within the first few years of purchasing the home. In many cases, the few hundred dollars paid for a home warranty can be highly valued for the seller and buyer.
What does a home warranty cover?
A home warranty covers most home appliances and mechanical systems for service, repair or replacement when they break down or malfunction.
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