5 Best Home Warranty Companies in Iowa (2024)

Written by Dana Getz + 1 other Reviewed by Jacquelyn Kfoury Updated 06/24/2024

Dana Getz

Dana Getz is an experienced content manager with more than a decade of publishing experience across various industries. She has spent the last several years covering home services, specializing in home warranty recommendations and helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions.

Expertise an…

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Jacquelyn Kfoury

Jacquelyn Kfoury has more than 20 years of experience in the home services industry. She has expertise in consumer and commercial warranties, service contracts, claims processing, and repair fleet services. She began her career in telecom warranty management at Motorola before transitioning to S…

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Dealing with a broken HVAC system during Iowa’s humid summers or freezing winters can be a nightmare. Having a home warranty when an appliance or system breakdown occurs can help lower emergency repair costs and connect you with a reliable repair technician to make the experience hassle-free.

We reviewed 13 leading home warranty providers to find the best options for Iowa homeowners. Then, using a detailed scorecard and methodology, we narrowed our list to the top five providers. American Home Shield took the No.1 spot thanks to its comprehensive coverage with higher coverage limits. Liberty Home Guard came in at No. 2 for its specialized coverage plans and extensive add-on catalog.

Keep reading to learn more about the best home warranty companies for protecting your Iowa home.

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What Are Top Home Warranty Companies in Iowa?

We reviewed dozens of nationwide home warranty providers and selected the following companies as Iowa’s top home warranty companies.

• Best for Comprehensive Coverage: American Home Shield
• Best for Customized Coverage: Elite Home Warranty
• Best for High-End Items: First American Home Warranty
• Best Customer Support: Liberty Home Guard
• Best Budget Plan: Select Home Warranty

Compare Home Warranty Companies in Iowa

We ranked companies on more than 30 factors, such as pricing, response times, and service fees, to compare Iowa home warranty providers. The table below shows how our top picks compare across some of these key factors. 

Liberty Home Guard Visit Site
American Home Shield Visit Site
Select Home Warranty Visit Site
Elite Home Warranty Visit Site
First American Home Warranty Visit Site
Overall Score We use extensive first-party research, secret shopping, and firsthand testing to evaluate companies on key factors. We then develop a numeric score for each brand to determine an overall score.	4.4 / 5 #1 out of 16 companies	4.8 / 5 #2 out of 16 companies	3.7 / 5 #3 out of 16 companies	4.6 / 5 #4 out of 16 companies	4.6 / 5 #5 out of 16 companies
BBB Rating The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is an organization that sets and maintains high ethical standards for businesses throughout the U.S. and Canada. A company’s BBB rating reflects its general treatment of customers and compliance with the organization.	NR	B	B-	B+	B
Monthly Cost	$49–$59	$49–$109	$44–$47	$44–$59	$47–$87
Service Fees A service call fee is the amount the homeowner pays every time a technician comes to their home to complete a service. The fees are a set amount and typically range from $65 to $125.	$65–$125	$100–$125	$60–$75	$70	$75–$125
Customer Support Options	Email, Phone, Online Chat, Online Portal	Phone, Online Portal	Email, Phone, Online Portal	Email, Phone, Online Portal	Phone, Online Portal
Response Time After a homeowner files a claim, home warranty response times typically range from 24 to 48 hours or more. Some companies guarantee a response time of fewer than 24 hours.	Up to 48 hours	Up to 48 hours	48-84 hours	Up to 48 hours	4–48 hours
Pros Company or plan features that are generally beneficial to most consumers	Extensive add-on catalog 60-day workmanship guarantee Accessible customer support	High coverage caps Preexisting coverage included Bonus discounts on maintenance services	Low-cost plan options High HVAC coverage Free roof leak protection	Higher coverage for high-end appliances 90-day workmanship guarantee Service call fee rolled into annual premium	Unlimited system coverage Solid add-on catalog Optional upgrade for preexisting condition coverage
Cons Elements of the company or its plans that some buyers may consider disadvantages	Reviews mention low claim payouts Low coverage caps for electrical and plumbing	Higher costs for comprehensive coverage Smallest add-on catalog	Low coverage caps for other items No service call fee flexibility	Higher service fee for high-end appliance repairs No workmanship guarantee on repairs by out-of-network technicians	No AC coverage in the lowest plan Excludes essential appliances from its lowest plan
Summary This is a brief overview of our thoughts on each company.	We recommend Liberty Home Guard for homeowners who need coverage for multiple HVAC systems and extensive add-on customizations.	We recommend American Home Shield for homeowners who need comprehensive coverage for older homes.	We recommend Select Home Warranty for homeowners who need affordable HVAC-only coverage.	We recommend Elite Home Warranty for homeowners who want fully customizable plans and extensive add-on coverage options.	We recommend First American Home Warranty for homeowners who need robust plan options for HVAC and high-end appliances.
Promotions Some home warranty companies offer special discounts to make protecting your home systems and appliances more affordable. We’ve listed current promotional offers for each of our reviewed providers. These are national-level promotions; branch offices may offer varying deals.	$200 Off + 2 Months Free + Roof Leak Protection	Black Friday Savings: 50% OFF Select Plans	40% Off Home Warranty Plans	Get 50% Off Any Plan Plus Your First Month Free!	$100 Off with Code “PROTECT”
Rating Categories We researched and scored 13 home warranty providers against our 100-point rating system. We divided each company’s score by 20 to determine our 5-star ratings. Our ranking factors cover the criteria homeowners find most important when shopping for a home warranty: coverage, value, trustworthiness, plan transparency, customer support, and flexibility.	Liberty Home Guard	American Home Shield	Select Home Warranty	Elite Home Warranty	First American Home Warranty
Coverage Comprehensive coverage allows homeowners to save more on repair and replacement costs. We awarded providers points for offering generous coverage caps, unique coverage options, and no annual cap limits. We deducted points for coverage waiting periods of more than 30 days.	2.9 / 5	4.8 / 5	2.1 / 5	3.4 / 5	4.9 / 5
Value To determine the value of a home warranty, we considered each provider’s average monthly costs, service call fees, and billing options. Points were deducted for charging extra fees for certain services and repairs.	4.8 / 5	3.3 / 5	4.8 / 5	4.3 / 5	3.3 / 5
Trustworthiness Trustworthiness ratings were calculated based on average customer review scores, length of workmanship guarantees, and membership in trusted trade organizations. We deducted points for any brands with ongoing lawsuits. These factors help us separate legitimate home warranty providers from scammers.	4.3 / 5	3.7 / 5	3.7 / 5	4.7 / 5	4 / 5
Plan Transparency Transparent home warranty providers offer detailed disclosures on coverage, service call fees, and exclusions on their websites. We also awarded points to companies that provide sample contracts with thorough information on plan policies.	2.5 / 5	5 / 5	2.5 / 5	3 / 5	2.5 / 5
Customer Support We awarded points to home warranty providers that make it easy for homeowners to get in touch via multiple customer contact methods. Companies also earned points for quick claims response times and widespread state availability.	4.5 / 5	4 / 5	3 / 5	3.5 / 5	2.8 / 5
Flexibility Providers earned points for flexibility by offering more plans and add-ons. This helps homeowners customize their home warranty plans to meet their needs. We also awarded points to companies that allow customers to choose their own technician, pick a service call fee, and cancel after 30 days.	3.5 / 5	2.5 / 5	2.5 / 5	4.5 / 5	3 / 5

Note: We based the pricing information in this table and throughout the article on sample quotes we obtained for a 1,929-square-foot, single-family home in Des Moines, Iowa. Your pricing may vary depending on your home’s location, size, type, and plan selections.

How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in Iowa?

Expect to pay an average of $60 per month for an Iowa home warranty. If you prefer to pay annually, expect to pay roughly $546-$948. These numbers are based on the pricing information we pulled from our top Iowa providers.

Several factors affect the cost of a home warranty. The premium and service call fee are the main contributors to your coverage plan’s price. Most companies base premiums on the extent of their plans’ coverage. Our research shows companies that cover more items price their plans higher. Additionally, some companies allow you to customize your coverage cost via flexible service call fees. We recommend pulling quotes from three providers to compare coverage and plan costs.

Is a Home Warranty Worth It in Iowa?

Yes, an Iowa home warranty can offer financial assistance when major systems and appliances break down. Home warranties cover repair or replacement costs when these systems and appliances fail from regular use. They also connect you with repair technicians to make the experience more stress-free.

For example, HVAC systems are integral in most Iowan homes due to varying seasonal conditions. Over time, regular use can cause your HVAC system to break down. According to an InterNACHI report, the average life expectancy of an HVAC system ranges from seven to 25 years. If your heating or cooling system is within that age range, it’s likely to experience a breakdown sooner rather than later. 

A home warranty can provide financial protection for an unexpected HVAC malfunction. It won’t cover all HVAC breakdowns, but it does cover the components necessary for the system to function. 

We’ve listed some of the most common breakdowns Iowans may face to help you better understand how a home warranty can protect your home.

Air Conditioning

About 97% of Iowa residents rely on air conditioning equipment to keep their homes cool, according to a report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. However, an unexpected system breakdown can leave you scrambling for a last-minute repair. A broken AC can make your home unbearable, but a malfunctioning unit could drive up energy costs. Minor air conditioning repairs range between $100–$650. If you need a full replacement, expect to pay $2,500–$15,000 for a new air conditioner.

Gas Furnace

Natural gas furnaces provide a more cost-effective and energy-efficient way to heat your home. Iowa temperatures can reach as low as 20℉–30℉, making a reliable heating system necessary. Most furnaces last up to 30 years, but after the 15-year mark, you might experience more failures. A failing gas furnace leaves your home in the cold and potentially leaks toxic fumes into the air. Repair costs could range from $30–$150 for simple fixes to $13,000 for a furnace replacement. 

Plumbing Leaks

Plumbing leaks often begin as a minor inconvenience, but they can cause major damage if left untreated. Leaking water could pool under the leak and eventually seep into surrounding walls, cabinets, and flooring. These wet surfaces eventually grow mold and mildew that could cause significant health issues for you and your family. You could pay for plumbing repairs and additional replacement costs for damaged walls and cabinets. Simple leak repairs could cost $150–$450. However, severe damage could require higher plumbing costs, ranging from $200–$5,000.

Roof Leaks

Your roof undergoes a lot of strain when packed with thick layers of snow or exposed to high temperatures. Over time, it gradually wears down and can become plagued with leaks. Like plumbing leaks, untreated roof leaks cause major structural damage and health hazards. If you don’t have a home warranty, you can face a typical range of roof repair costs between $150–$2,000 for minor damage. Partial or complete roof replacement will cost significantly more, upwards of $3,800–$10,000.

Sump Pumps

Sump pumps help keep your basements or crawl spaces protected from excessive flooding and water damage. However, if you notice your sump pump starts to make strange noises or won’t turn on, it’s a sure sign it’s beginning to fail. Broken sump pumps fail to remove excess water, leading to basement flooding, mold and mildew growth, and major property damage. You could spend $350–$1,000 on minor sump pump repairs. Costs could soar as high as $4,000 or more for a new sump pump installation.

What Does an Iowa Home Warranty Cover?

An Iowa home warranty protects essential home appliances and systems from wear and tear over time. These plans provide repairs or replacements for covered items. Matching your coverage to your needs is key to maximizing the benefits of your home warranty plan. According to our 2024 survey involving 1,000 home warranty customers, nearly half (44%) cited plan coverage as the most crucial factor in their decision-making process

We’ve created the below guide on typical coverage, exclusions, and add-on options to help you find the right coverage for your home.

Common Inclusions

Most home warranties cover major appliances and systems found in a home. Common items include the following:

Common Exclusions

Home warranty plans are designed to provide peace of mind, but it's essential to understand the common exclusions that may apply. Coverage can vary between providers, but the following items and conditions are typically excluded from coverage:

• Cosmetic issues 
• Preexisting conditions 
• Issued caused by improper installation
• Problems due to poor maintenance
• Physical damage

An additional exclusion includes any issues that arise after signing up for a coverage plan. Most home warranties don’t offer immediate protection. Ryan Hawker, co-founder of H3 Homebuyers, says, “Your coverage begins typically after 30 days of signing a contract.” This means you don’t have home warranty coverage during that time. If an item breaks down, you typically can’t file a claim for coverage.

Common Add-ons

Iowa home warranty providers also provide add-on coverage options for additional monthly costs. These can include the following:

Our Home Warranty Research Process

We conducted thorough research on common homeowner problems to find the top Iowa home warranty companies and spoke to home warranty experts to gain insight into the industry and crucial details about the purchasing process. Then, we contacted company representatives, got sample quotes, and reviewed contract terms. Our team also tested the claims process for several home warranty companies firsthand and conducted secret shopping to learn more about the customer experience.

We then scored each provider against our detailed methodology in four categories: coverage, value, trust and transparency, and availability and service. During our scoring, we considered key systems and appliances for Iowa homes, including HVAC, plumbing, and roof leak coverage. We also checked third-party customer reviews and claims processing times. Finally, we awarded points for each category and converted scores to a final 5-star rating scale.

Iowa Home Warranty Reviews

We’ve provided detailed reviews of our top Iowa home warranty providers below.

American Home Shield

Best for Comprehensive Coverage

4.8 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

We recommend American Home Shield (AHS) for Iowa residents who need comprehensive coverage for their older homes. It’s one of the few companies that offers coverage for preexisting conditions and damaged items.

Monthly cost: $49–$109

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes roof-leak protection with its highest plan Offers some of the highest coverage caps in this review Provides two flexible service fee options Cons Charges more for its combined coverage plans than other reviewed providers Doesn’t provide an appliance-only plan option Offers one of the smallest add-on catalogs

Plans and Pricing

AHS offers three plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. We reviewed the AHS sample contract to ensure the company offered the right coverage options for Iowa homes. We learned the company offers a $5,000 cap for cooling, heating, and plumbing. You receive unlimited coverage for electrical and ductwork. Appliances receive a $2,000 limit for the SheildSilver and ShieldGold plans. This coverage doubles to $4,000 on the ShieldPlatinum plan. This plan also includes roof-leak protection with its standard plan, which is rare. You can add roof-leak protection to the ShieldSilver or ShieldGold. AHS offers a standard 30-day workmanship guarantee. 

Here’s a look at AHS’s plans:

• ShieldSilver: The lowest plan offers system-only coverage, including cooling, heating, and plumbing. 
• ShieldGold: This offers comprehensive coverage for systems and appliances, such as cooktops, dishwashers, and refrigerators.
• ShieldPlatinum: The highest plan offers ShieldGold coverage plus additional benefits, including roof-leak coverage, one free HVAC tune-up, and unlimited AC refrigerant.

AHS offers two flexible service call fee options: $100 or $125. Choosing a higher service call fee lowered the premiums in our sample quote. Unlike other home warranty providers, AHS offers only monthly premium plans and not annual plans. Our sample quote included a bonus of $250 if we choose the ShieldGold or ShieldSilver plans. 

Our table below outlines AHS pricing and coverage limits:

Plan	Monthly Cost	Service Fee	Coverage Cap
ShieldSilver	$49.99–$59.99	$100–$125	$5,000
ShieldGold	$69.99–$79.99	$100–$125	Systems: $5,000 Appliances: $2,000
ShieldPlatinum	$99.99–$109.99	$100–$125	Systems: $5,000 Appliances: $4,000

AHS offers a limited catalog of only six add-on options. Our other reviewed companies offer an average of 10 or more. Pricing ranged from $5–$24 per item. Roof-leak coverage adds $10 per month to the ShieldSilver and ShieldGold plans. 

Other add-on options include the following:

• Electronics protection plan
• Septic pump
• Well pump

Our Experience With American Home Shield

Our team member tested the AHS claims process using his own plan. He submitted an online claim for a leaky bathroom pipe and received immediate email and text confirmations upon submission. A service technician reached out within an hour to schedule a next-day appointment. Repairs took two hours to complete, and he only paid the service call fee. 

We read through online reviews for AHS and learned that customers appreciate the simple claims process and quick response time. Some reviewers called the company out for its disappointing payouts and underskilled service technicians.

Elite Home Warranty

Best for Customized Coverage

4.6 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

We recommend Elite Home Warranty for Iowa homeowners who want more flexible standard coverage. The company provides its customers with three different coverage plans, a customized option, and 27 add-ons for additional flexibility.

Monthly cost: $44–$58

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes a 90-day workmanship guarantee Offers up to $4,000 limit for HVAC systems Provides 27 add-on options, the second highest catalog in this review Cons Charges a higher service call fee for high-end appliances Excludes out-of-network contractors from its workmanship guarantee Imposes an annual aggregate limit of $15,000

Plans and Cost

Elite offers three plan options: Elite Appliances, Elite Systems, and Elite Complete. We checked Elite’s sample contract for details on coverage limits. We discovered the company includes a $15,000 aggregate annual limit for its plans. This means your total claims for the contract period cannot exceed this limit. This breaks down to a $7,000 total cap for appliances and $8,000 for systems. However, Elite includes varying caps for systems and appliances. We recommend reviewing the Elite contract to ensure you have ample coverage for your needs. 

Here’s a quick overview of Elite’s plans:

• Elite Appliances: This offers protection for eight appliances, including dishwashers and refrigerators. 
• Elite Systems: This system-only plan covers eight key systems, including cooling, heating, and plumbing.
• Elite Complete: The highest plan offers comprehensive protection, combining the Elite Appliances and Elite Systems plans.

We learned that monthly premiums range from $44–$58. Unlike other companies that offer flexible service fees, the company charges a standard $70 service call fee for its standard plans. In addition, Elite charges $150 for high-end appliance repairs and service calls on weekends or after hours.

Here’s a breakdown of Elite’s pricing and caps:

Plan	Monthly Cost	Service Fee	Coverage Cap
Elite Appliances	$44.49	$70	$500–$3,000
Elite Systems	$49.99	$70	$750–$4,000
Elite Complete	$58.99	$70	Coverage caps remain the same

*Coverage caps vary by item

Elite offers 27 add-ons, which is the second-largest add-on catalog in this review. The company also imposes a $5,000 aggregate limit for add-on claims. The coverage limits for each item vary, just like the standard coverage. The company offers $1,000 for roof-leak coverage, which is midrange compared to other providers.

Here are some of Elite’s add-on options:

• Annual maintenance
• Septic system
• Sump pump

Our Experience with Elite Home Warranty

One of our team members used his Elite plan to repair a faulty high-end dishwasher. After submitting an online claim, an Elite claims specialist contacted him within 30 minutes to schedule a next-day repair appointment. When the technician arrived, he realized he needed to order a part that was out of stock. The technician returned to complete the repair a few days after the required parts arrived. The repair was completed within 30 minutes.

We learned that Elite relies on its in-network technicians for its repairs. However, you can use your own technician. Unfortunately, the company doesn’t include its 90-day workmanship guarantee for out-of-network technician repairs.

First American Home Warranty

Best for High-End Items

4.6 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

We recommend First American Home Warranty for Iowa residents who own high-end appliances. The company provides up to $7,000 appliance coverage on its highest plan and unlimited coverage for key systems.

Monthly cost: $52–$92

Pros and Cons

Pros Covers up to $7,000 for appliances, the highest appliance limit in this review Offers an upgrade that includes coverage for preexisting conditions Provides three service call fees for better plan flexibility Cons Charges slightly higher monthly premiums than other reviewed providers Excludes laundry appliances from its lowest plan Requires an add-on for air conditioning coverage on its lowest plan

Plans and Cost

First American offers three plan options: the Starter Plan, the Essential Plan, and the Premium Plan. We read through First American’s sample contract to verify coverage for every plan. We discovered that the company excludes several major items from its Starter Plan. 

It doesn’t cover air conditioning, clothes dryers, and washing machines. There is an add-on option for air conditioning coverage for this plan. If you want laundry appliance coverage, you must select the Essential Plan or the Premium Plan. The company offers unlimited coverage for most systems, with water heaters only receiving a $1,000 cap. 

Here’s a look at First American’s plans:

• Starter Plan: This offers coverage for some essential systems and appliances, such as electrical and refrigerators. 
• Essential Plan: This plan includes the Starter Plan coverage, plus coverage for air conditioning, clothes washers, and water heaters. 
• Premium Plan: This includes the Essential Plan coverage and adds luxury appliances and window air conditioning units. 

 

First American offers annual and monthly premium options for its plans. Unlike other companies, First American didn’t provide any added benefits for opting for an annual plan. The company offers three service call fees: $75, $100, or $125. In our sample quote, the premium pricing decreased when we chose the highest service fee.  

First American’s premium rates are listed below:

Plan	Monthly Cost	Service Fee	Coverage Cap
Starter Plan	$52–$62	$75–$125	Systems: Unlimited Appliances: $3,500
Essential Plan	$57–$72	$75–$125	Systems: Unlimited (Water heaters: $1,000) Appliances: $3,500
Premium Plan	$72–$92	$75–$125	Systems: Remain the same Appliances: $7,000

First American offers 12 plan add-on options ranging from $2.08–$20.83. Roof-leak protection costs $8.33 per month. You’ll pay $8.33 per month to add central air conditioning to the Starter Plan. You can add the First American Advantage upgrade to the Essential and Premium plans at no extra charge. This add-on offers added coverage for improper maintenance, installation, or modification.

Other add-on options include the following items:

• Additional refrigeration
• HVAC tune-ups
• Water softeners

Our Experience With First American Home Warranty

A member of our team submitted a claim to First American online for a broken garage door opener. Within 30 minutes of submitting the claim, he received a confirmation text with the technician’s information. The technician contacted our team member an hour later to schedule the service appointment. The repairs were completed in less than 30 minutes, and our team member only paid the service call fee for the visit.

Liberty Home Guard

Best Customer Support

4.4 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

We recommend Liberty Home Guard (LHG) for Iowa homeowners who want more options for extended home protection. The company offers specialty plans for systems and appliances, plus 42 add-on options for better coverage customization.  

Monthly cost: $49–$59

Pros and Cons

Pros Covers most items with a $2,000 coverage limit Offers the largest add-on catalog in this review Provides a 60-day workmanship guarantee, double the industry standard Cons Doesn’t provide clear details on its service call fee policy May take up to 48 hours to respond to a claim Offers only $500 for electrical and plumbing system

Plans and Cost

LHG offers three plan options: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. We read through the LHG sample contract and discovered that Iowa homeowners receive a 60-day workmanship guarantee with their repairs. Essential items, including HVAC systems, receive a $2,000 cap. However, the company only offers $500 for plumbing and electrical, falling below other reviewed providers. Homeowners can add roof-leak coverage as an add-on, which is typical with most home warranty providers. 

Here’s a look at LHG’s plans:

• Appliance Guard: This plan offers appliance-only coverage for major appliances, such as clothes washers, ovens, and refrigerators.
• Systems Guard: The next plan protects key built-in systems, including cooling, heating, and electrical. 
• Total Home Guard: This combines the protection of the Appliance Guard and Systems Guard plans for a more comprehensive option. 

LHG offers monthly and annual premium rates, which is common for many providers. We received two free months of coverage when we chose an annual plan for our sample quote. However, unlike other providers that let you choose your service call fees, LHG assigns its fees. Our sample quote didn’t contain details for our fees either. Most providers offer upfront disclosures for their fees and provide options to switch between the various options. We discovered that LHG assigns its fees based on your location, plan, and chosen add-ons.

Here’s a breakdown of LHG’s fees and coverage caps:

Plan	Monthly Cost	Service Fee	Coverage Cap
Appliance Guard	$49.99	$65–$125	$2,000
Systems Guard	$54.99	$65–$125	$2,000 (Plumbing and electrical: $500)
Total Home Guard	$59.99	$65–$125	Coverage caps remain the same

LHG offers an extensive catalog of 42 add-on options. Pricing ranges from $3.99–$35.99, which is midrange compared to other companies. Additional coverage includes pro-series appliances, electronics, and home services such as gutter cleaning and pest control. 

You can add roof-leak coverage for $11.99 per month. LHG is the only company that offers suggested add-ons based on other homeowners in your area. Below are additional add-ons included in our quote:

• Plumbing fixtures
• Septic system pumping
• Stand-alone freezer
• Sump pump

Our Experience With Liberty Home Guard

We reviewed hundreds of LHG reviews and found many customers praised the company’s friendly and knowledgeable staff. Many also mentioned that the technicians were highly trained and efficient. Negative reviews noted that the company offers claim payouts much lower than expected. Other reviews pointed out a “hidden” book value disclaimer, which reduces payouts based on the item’s age. 

We recommend reviewing home warranty sample contracts and familiarizing yourself with company policies, coverage caps, and exclusion disclosures.  

Select Home Warranty

Best Budget Plan

3.7 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

We recommend Select Home Warranty for Iowa residents looking for cheap coverage and baseline protection. The company offers premiums under $50 and includes free roof-leak coverage with every plan. 

Monthly cost: $44–$47

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes free roof-leak coverage, a rare perk Offers $3,000 caps for HVAC systems, exceeding the industry standard Provides some of the cheapest plans of our reviewed providers Cons Assigns its service call fees, limiting cost flexibility Doesn’t cover unknown preexisting conditions Offers below-average coverage caps for most items

Plans and Cost

Select provides three plan options: Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care. We reviewed the Select sample contract and discovered that most of the company’s coverage caps fall below the industry average. Most items receive $500 limits, placing them lower than other providers. Only HVAC systems receive a higher cap of $3,000. Select could be a good fit for Iowa homeowners who mainly need low-cost coverage for their HVAC systems.

Here’s an overview of Select’s plan options:

• Bronze Care: This offers appliance-only coverage for major appliances, including ovens and refrigerators. 
• Gold Care: This system-only plan includes essential systems, such as air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing. 
• Platinum Care: This combines the Bronze and Gold Care coverage and adds coverage for plumbing stoppages and garage door openers. 

Select offers annual and monthly premiums for its plans. We received two free months of coverage and a $150 discount when we chose an annual option. Unlike most providers, Select doesn’t offer a flexible service fee option. You’re assigned a fee from $60–$75 that varies based on your plan, location, and add-ons.  

We’ve detailed Select’s prices and caps below:

Plan	Monthly Cost	Service Fee	Coverage Cap
Bronze Care	$44.42	$60–$75	$500
Gold Care	$44.42	$60–$75	$500 (HVAC: $3,000)
Platinum Care	$47.75	$60–$75	Coverage caps remain the same

Select provides nine add-on options, which is average for most companies. Its add-on pricing is less than many providers, ranging from $3.33–$8.33. However, Select’s coverage caps are lower than the industry standard, providing $400 or less worth of coverage. 

Here are some of Select’s add-on options: 

• Lawn sprinkler system
• Second refrigerator
• Sump pump

Our Experience With Select Home Warranty

We learned that many customers appreciate the low-cost premiums and helpful customer support team after analyzing reviews. Unfortunately, some homeowners noted they had a high number of denied claims with the company. They also stated that the coverage limits weren’t enough to cover their repairs. Given the higher cost for many essential item repairs, you should ensure you have the right level of coverage to match your needs. 

Which Home Warranty Companies Didn’t Make the List?

Some companies, such as AFC Home Warranty and Choice Home Warranty, didn't make our list of top home warranty companies in Iowa. However, they may still be viable options depending on your needs. Below is an overview of both.

AFC Home Warranty

AFC Home Warranty offers unlimited coverage caps for most systems, including HVAC and plumbing, plus a workmanship guarantee. Unfortunately, it falls short because of its depreciation policy for items over five years old. It may only suit Iowa homeowners looking for extended workmanship protection and unlimited system caps for new systems and appliances.

Choice Home Warranty 

Choice Home Warranty offers two affordable, comprehensive coverage plans that include a $3,000 cap for HVAC systems. The company also offers a 90-day workmanship guarantee on parts and a 60-day guarantee on labor. However, its lowest plan excludes many key items, including air conditioning, laundry appliances, and refrigerators. It also has an ongoing 2019 lawsuit with the Arizona Attorney General. Choice could be a solid option for Iowa homeowners looking for cheap, comprehensive coverage and extended workmanship protection. Check out our complete review of Choice Home Warranty to learn more.

How To Choose a Home Warranty in Iowa

Keep the following steps in mind to find the right coverage plan when buying a home warranty in Iowa:

1. Determine your coverage needs: First, consider which appliances and systems need coverage. Avoid investing in more coverage than you need. Grayson suggests confirming the type of coverage a provider offers. “When shopping for a home warranty, consider the coverage that each company offers and make sure it fits your needs,” he says. Many providers offer comprehensive and specialized plans, so choose the type that best suits your situation. 
2. Get multiple quotes: We recommend getting quotes from at least three providers. Compare premium costs, service call fees, coverage, and exclusions. Check for any promotion discounts and free months of service for extra savings. 
3. Research each provider: Gauge brand reputation by checking the BBB and third-party customer reviews. Check for any recurring complaints about poor customer support, denied claims, underskilled technicians, and low payouts. 
4. Read through sample contacts: Most home warranty providers offer sample contracts on their website. They should offer full details on the company’s policies and procedures. Read through each contract and check for any missing disclosures about their policies. Contact customer support to get clarification for any unclear terms and conditions.  
5. Verify technician availability: Check each company’s claims process and verify technician availability in your areas. Some companies have limited coverage throughout the state. If technician coverage is limited, ensure the provider will let you choose your own provider.

How Are Home Warranties Regulated in Iowa?

Iowa’s Insurance Division (IID) regulates home warranties. The IID follows the legislature outlined in Iowa’s Chapter 523C insurance code to ensure home warranty companies adhere to the established regulations. For example, section 523C.5 highlights the financial requirements home warranty companies must follow to obtain a license to sell service contracts, such as maintaining a reserve fund. 
If you believe your home warranty company is ignoring its contractual obligations, you can file a complaint with the IID.

Home Warranty Cost Calculator

We created a calculator to break down the estimated annual cost of owning a home warranty. 

Use the following steps to calculate your projected annual cost:

1. Enter your monthly premium
2. Enter your service call fee
3. Enter your estimated number of claims 

It’s best to request a quote directly from one of our recommended providers, as annual costs and service fees vary between them.

Use the table below to compare your calculated cost to repair and replacement costs for common appliances.

Life span and repair cost data sourced from InterNACHI and Home Depot

Other Resources for Residents in Iowa

• Best Solar Companies in Iowa
• Best Moving Companies in Iowa

FAQ About Home Warranties in Iowa

Our Methodology

We back up our home warranty ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each provider. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts from each company, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys. We then score each provider against our review standards for coverage, cost, trustworthiness, plan transparency, customer support, and flexibility to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale. 

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at [email protected].