Why USA TODAY recommends HomeSafe as a home warranty provider

• HomeSafe offers home warranty plans with high coverage caps and stable monthly rates that do not increase annually.
• Plans are slightly more expensive than average, but feature a low service fee of $65 per claim.
• The company uses a third-party administrator for claims, and homeowners are responsible for scheduling their own service appointments.

HomeSafe combines high coverage caps with stable monthly rates, which makes it a solid choice for homeowners who want peace of mind without surprise cost increases.

USA TODAY's HomeSafe review takes a deeper look to see how well this home warranty provider protects home systems and appliances. Learn more about cost, coverage and exclusions below.

Bottom line: HomeSafe's low service fee and high coverage cap make it a good home warranty

If you want great home warranty coverage with high coverage caps and a lower fee to pay when you make a claim, HomeSafe is a solid option. Their plans may be a bit more expensive than the industry average, but their coverage makes up for it.

However, their use of a third-party for claims processing can complicate matters. And instead of the company sending someone to your home and handling logistics, you are responsible for scheduling the service technician. Other providers, like American Home Shield, handle claims in-house, making the process smoother.

About HomeSafe

HomeSafe is a nationwide home warranty provider offering three comprehensive plans designed to protect homeowners from unexpected repair costs. With coverage for major home systems, appliances and select optional add-ons like pools, spas and even wine cellars, HomeSafe provides generous coverage caps and a low service fee.

While HomeSafe’s monthly pricing is slightly above average, the value comes from its high coverage limits and stable rates, which do not increase annually. Their plans include up to $10,000 in annual coverage, with individual caps ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 per item — a coverage limit higher than many competitors.

What we like about HomeSafe

What sets HomeSafe apart from other home warranty providers is its short 20-day waiting period. Unlike its competitors that require a minimum of 30 days before you can submit a claim, HomeSafe will accept claims 10 days sooner.

We also like the high coverage caps for individual systems and appliances, meaning you don't have to worry about maxing out a single coverage cap that applies to all claims. Plus, HomeSafe doesn't draw you in with a lower first-year plan cost. The price you are initially quoted is what you can expect if you renew.

HomeSafe pros and cons

Pros:

• 20-day waiting period
• High individual coverage caps
• No annual plan cost increases

Cons:

• Homeowner is responsible for setting up diagnosis appointment
• No instant online quote
• Uses a third-party provider to process claims

HomeSafe availability

HomeSafe offers home warranty plans in all U.S. states. To see what is available in your area, go to HomeSafe's official website or enter your ZIP code into the map below:

Alternatives to HomeSafe

HomeSafe's three plans cover everything a homeowner needs for peace of mind, with high coverage caps and a low service fee. For many, this provider is a great option for home warranty coverage.

A major downside of HomeSafe is that it uses a third-party provider to process claims. For many homeowners, this will not hinder the claims process, but we prefer home warranty companies that handle this in-house to prevent delays caused by a middleman.

If you want a provider that handles everything in-house and has competitive coverage, consider Liberty Home Guard or American Home Shield.

HomeSafe plans and pricing

HomeSafe plans are more expensive than the average home warranty cost, but they make up for this extra cost with high coverage caps and low service fees.

The annual coverage limit for HomeSafe is $10,000, but individual coverage caps are between $2,000 and $5,000 per item. This level of coverage is generous and higher than the limits we see with competitors.

HomeSafe has a low service fee of $65 per visit, which makes their warranty plans well worth it if you end up making multiple claims.

• Essential Protection ($69/month): A/C, heating, electrical, plumbing, water heater, hot/cold water dispensers, garbage disposal, central vacuums, smoke detectors, ceiling fans, doorbell; Coverage cap up to $3,000 per system ($5,000 for 5-ton HVAC units).
• Extended Essentials ($69/month): Refrigerators, ice makers/freezers, washers, dryers, dishwashers, trash compactors, range/oven/stove,/cooktop, built-in microwave, built-in food center, garage door openers; Coverage cap up to $2,000 per appliance.
• Best Home ($79/month): All items and coverage limits included in Essential Protection and Extended Essentials

HomeSafe discounts

No specific discounts are offered by HomeSafe, but you can count on your quoted rate being the same price as long as you keep your plan. Some providers do have annual increases, so a stable cost is a benefit.

HomeSafe add-on coverage

HomeSafe offers add-on coverage for seven areas, including some we rarely see, like in-law suites and wine cellars. The monthly cost of these add-ons is highly customized, so you'll have to contact HomeSafe for a quote.

• Guest House
• Guest Unit / In-Law Suite
• Pool & Spa
• Septic System
• Water Softener
• Well Pump
• Wine Room / Wine Cellar

Across the home warranty industry, septic system and well pump coverage adds an average of $5 to $10 per month, and pools and spa coverage can range from $8 each to more than $25 per month for the pair. HomeSafe's add-on coverage likely falls within these ranges.

What does HomeSafe cover?

HomeSafe covers standard home systems and appliances, but includes other items that not every provider automatically includes, such as built-in food centers and garage door openers.

• AC / heating
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Water heater
• Hot/cold water dispensers
• Garbage disposal
• Central vacuums
• Smoke detectors
• Ceiling fans
• Doorbells
• Refrigerators
• Ice Makers/freezers
• Washers
• Dryers
• Dishwasher
• Trash compactors
• Ranges/ovens/cooktops (gas and electric)
• Built-in microwaves
• Built-in food centers
• Garage door openers

What HomeSafe doesn’t cover

Like other home warranty companies, HomeSafe does not cover these exclusions:

• Routine maintenance or homeowner upkeep
• Additional structures (garages, sheds, outbuildings) not listed in endorsements
• Flues, venting, chimneys, exhaust lines
• Radon systems, fire sprinklers, solar components, home management systems
• Cosmetic defects (scratches, dents, etc.)
• Repairs due to rust, corrosion, sediment, improper installation, or mismatched equipment
• Upgrades or changes required by building codes or regulations
• Manufacturer recalls or defect notices
• Mold, mildew, rot, fungal growth, pest damage
• Damage from misuse, abuse, accidents, fire, freezing, surges, lightning, natural disasters, soil movement, earthquakes
• Commercial-grade, rental, or leased appliances/equipment
• Known or unknown pre-existing conditions
• Access issues (e.g., buried in concrete) or costs for removing/reinstalling fixtures
• Consequential losses (spoiled food, lodging, lost income, utility bills)
• Liability for third-party workmanship or delays

How to file a claim with HomeSafe

To file a claim with HomeSafe, the warranty provider asks you to take immediate action to prevent further damage. HomeSafe uses a third-party provider to handle claims, so you will contact Armis, LLC to submit your claim:

1. Call HomeSafe's claims administrator using the customer service number on your warranty plan, or go online and submit the claims form.
2. If the appliance or system is covered, you'll pay your service fee.
3. HomeSafe will direct you to a service technician or allow you to contact our own. You must do the scheduling; HomeSafe does not facilitate.
4. The repair technician visits your home to diagnose the problem.
5. If the repairs are covered under warranty, then your service technician can complete the repairs on the spot. Or they can order parts to complete them later.
6. If your breakdown isn’t covered, you may request a second opinion from another provider within seven days.

HomeSafe has a 20-day waiting period that must be completed before you can make a claim. This is shorter than the average 30-day period. This means you can start making claims sooner than you would with another provider.

Bottom line: Is HomeSafe right for you?

If you want great home warranty coverage with high coverage caps and a lower fee to pay when you make a claim, HomeSafe is a solid option. Their plans may be a bit more expensive than the industry average, but their coverage makes up for it.

However, their use of a third-party for claims processing can complicate matters. And instead of the company sending someone to your home and handling logistics, you are responsible for scheduling the service technician. Other providers, like American Home Shield, handle claims in-house, making the process smoother.

How USA TODAY rates HomeSafe

Our editorial team at USA TODAY uses an in-house methodology to rank home warranty providers like HomeSafe. To generate our list of the top 10, we review the contracts of 20 providers. Criteria such as plan options, coverage details, pricing, service quality, customer satisfaction and reliability are used to determine the list.

About the author

Alora Bopray is an editor and writer who has covered the home services industry for nearly a decade. She is an avid DIYer who uses her own successes (and mistakes) to educate homeowners on how to take better care of their homes. 

Frequently asked questions

Is HomeSafe a legitimate company?

Yes, HomeSafe is a legitiamte home warranty company. This provider offers home warranty plans that pay all or part of the cost to repair home systems and appliances when they break down because of normal wear and tear.

How much does HomeSafe cost?

HomeSafe home warranty plans cost between $69 and $79 per month, depending on your level of coverage. If you opt for add-on coverage, you will pay more.

What does HomeSafe cover?

HomeSafe has three plans that cover your home's systems, appliances or both. They have standard warranty coverage for items like your HVAC system, electrical, plumbing, kitchen appliances and laundry appliances.