Elite Home Warranty Review (2024)
Elite Home Warranty is a newcomer in the home warranty industry. Since it opened its doors in 2020, it’s made an impact with its customer-centric approach to home protection plans. In addition to offering comprehensive coverage and fully customizable plans, the company holds accreditation and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Our team reviewed Elite Home Warranty’s plans, add-on selections, and additional perks, plus tested its claims process to help you decide it’s right for you.
Our Take on Elite Home Warranty
Its stellar customer reviews, generous appliance and system coverage caps, and extensive list of add-ons make it one of the best home warranty companies we’ve reviewed. In addition, it offers a $70 service call fee, which is lower than the industry average of $75.
However, Elite Home Warranty doesn’t service all states—it excludes California, Texas, and Wisconsin. When our team pulled a quote on the company’s website, we found that you must call a dedicated phone number and speak with a sales representative to obtain pricing. Most top home warranty companies generate online quotes.
How We Rated Elite Home Warranty
We rated Elite Home Warranty against our detailed review standards based on the most important criteria to homeowners. Elite received points in four categories, with the total points determining its final 4.6 out of 5-star rating. Below is the breakdown of these categories and Elite’s performance in each one:
- Coverage: Elite scored higher for its specialized plan options and extensive add-on catalog.
- Value: Elite lost points for its higher service call fee for high-end appliances and after-hour calls.
- Trustworthiness and transparency: We awarded more points for its high Better Business Bureau rating and third-party customer review scores.
- Availability and service: Elite lost points for not providing an online quote tool and requiring over-the-phone quotes.
Pros and Cons of Elite Home Warranty
We like Elite Home Warranty’s comprehensive home warranty coverage and its affordable service call fee. However, unlike leading home warranty companies for HVAC systems, the company provides reduced coverage limits on air conditioners or HVAC systems older than 10 years. Check out our pros and cons for Elite Home Warranty:
Elite Home Warranty Plans and Coverage
Elite Home Warranty offers three standard coverage options:
- Elite Appliances: The Elite Appliances plan covers 10 home appliances, such as built-in microwaves and washing machines.
- Elite Systems: The Elite Systems plan covers eight home systems, including electrical systems and water heaters.
- Elite Complete: The Elite Complete plan bundles appliance and systems coverage together, totaling 18 covered items.
After reviewing the company’s sample contract, we found that it provides an annual limit of $7,000 for appliances and $8,000 for systems, for a total aggregate limit of $15,000 annually. These caps are generous relative to other providers. Upon further review, we found that the company pairs individual items with set coverage caps per claim. For example, it covers dishwashers up to $1,500 per claim. On the other hand, it caps plumbing systems at $2,000 per claim.
While Elite Home Warranty offers comprehensive coverage, it has certain exclusions and limitations. For instance, the company won’t extend its 90-day workmanship guarantee on repairs done by a service provider you chose yourself. However, the local provider you choose will likely offer a workmanship guarantee on the completed repairs. We suggest reading the company’s sample contract to understand complete coverage terms.
In addition, our research shows that the company’s sample contract varies from state to state. States have different regulations that may require certain conditions to be called out within the terms and conditions. You can check out Elite Home Warranty’s service contract directory for more information on limitations in your specific state.
Plan Details
The table below highlights the coverage options Elite Home Warranty features in each plan:
Coverage | Elite Appliances | Elite Systems | Elite Complete |
---|---|---|---|
Air conditioning system |
– |
✓ |
✓ |
Built-in microwave |
✓ |
– |
✓ |
Ceiling fans |
✓ |
– |
✓ |
Clothes dryer |
✓ |
– |
✓ |
Clothes washer |
✓ |
– |
✓ |
Cooktop |
✓ |
– |
✓ |
Dishwasher |
✓ |
– |
✓ |
Electrical system |
– |
✓ |
✓ |
Garage door opener |
– |
✓ |
✓ |
Garbage disposal |
✓ |
– |
✓ |
Heating system |
– |
✓ |
✓ |
Oven |
✓ |
– |
✓ |
Plumbing stoppages |
– |
✓ |
✓ |
Plumbing fixtures |
– |
✓ |
✓ |
Plumbing system |
– |
✓ |
✓ |
Range |
✓ |
– |
✓ |
Refrigerator, ice maker, and water dispenser |
✓ |
– |
✓ |
Water heater |
– |
✓ |
✓ |
Optional Add-Ons
Elite Home Warranty provides up to 27 additional coverage options. Based on the hundreds of quotes we’ve pulled from dozens of home warranty companies, we’ve found that most providers offer 10 to 15 add-ons on average. Elite is one of the few home warranty companies with comprehensive coverage limits and an extensive add-ons list. Here is the complete list of optional add-ons Elite Home Warranty offers:
- Central vacuum
- Drainage, sewer, and water service lines
- Effluent pump
- Ejector pump
- Generator
- Geothermal heating and cooling systems
- Grinder pump
- Lawn sprinkler system
- Lift pump
- Limited roof-leak repair
- Septic system
- Sump pump
- Water softeners
- Well pump
- Freestanding freezer
- Freestanding ice makers
- Premium appliances
- Wine coolers
- Annual maintenance
- Freestanding spa equipment
- Guest house
- Jetted and hot tubs
- Pool and spa equipment
- Pool equipment
- Premium benefits
- Premium systems
- Premium systems plus
Elite Home Warranty Pricing
Based on the quote we pulled for a 1,800-square-foot, single-family home in Columbus, Ohio, Elite Home Warranty coverage costs $44–$59 per month. Its monthly premiums fall within the national average we calculated of $53–$62. Pricing depends on several factors, such as the location of your home and its square footage. In addition, opting for a plan that covers both systems and appliances tends to cost more overall.
Elite Home Warranty pairs all plans with a $70 service call fee. The representative we spoke with gave us pricing information that included the service call fee. You can also opt to pay a higher monthly premium (between $57 and $73 per month) to bundle your service fee with your monthly premium.
Our team requested a quote online and received an email from Elite Home Warranty. The email didn’t include coverage or pricing information. It did include a dedicated phone number connecting us to a sales representative. Once we called the representative, we obtained our quote. While not a dealbreaker, other home warranty companies have provided a more streamlined quote process than Elite.
The table below displays the pricing information for each Elite Home Warranty plan. Your pricing may vary depending on your home’s size and type, your location, and your plan selections.
Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Coverage Caps |
---|---|---|---|
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 |
Annual Home Warranty Cost Calculator
Our team created a calculator to break down the estimated annual cost of owning a home warranty. Enter your monthly premium, service call fee, and estimated number of claims to see your projected annual cost. It’s best to request a quote directly from one of our recommended providers, as annual costs and service fees vary between them.
Appliance | Average Repair Cost | Average Replacement Cost |
---|---|---|
Dehumidifier |
$50–$200 |
$1,300–$2,800 |
Microwave |
$50–$400 |
$60–$2,000 |
Dishwasher |
$50–$500 |
$400–$3,000 |
Exhaust Fans |
$16–$300 |
$250–$950 |
Electric Range |
$100–$500 |
$230–$3,000 |
Gas Range |
$100–$500 |
$230–$3,000 |
Dryer |
$100–$400 |
$450–$2,300 |
Oven |
$100–$430 |
$400–$3,000 |
Washer |
$50–$450 |
$400–$2,300 |
Freezer |
$90–$500 |
$160–$2,900 |
Refrigerator |
$40–$350 |
$200–$5,000 |
Note: The annual cost figure generated by our home warranty calculator is not an indication of a company’s actual plan cost, as annual costs and service fees vary based on your plan selections and your home’s size, type, and location.
How To Use Your Elite Home Warranty Plan
Once you purchase an Elite Home Warranty, there is a 30-day waiting period before you can file a claim. Our team contacted Elite, and the company allowed us to test its home warranty service. Our testing process involved filing a claim for a team member’s premium appliance to evaluate the company’s high-end appliance protection. We filed a claim online by filling out a form explaining our issue. Within 30 minutes, we received a call from an Elite representative. We scheduled an appointment for the following business day.
On the appointment date, an in-network technician arrived and realized our issue required out-of-stock parts. The service provider returned with the ordered parts the following Monday after an initial visit on Tuesday. We noted the prompt and professional service the in-network technician provided us.
We didn’t pay a service call fee since we merely tested Elite’s claims process. However, the Elite representative we spoke with clarified that it will charge you a service call fee when you file a claim.
Elite Home Warranty State Availability
Elite Home Warranty covers a total of 47 states. It doesn’t cover California, Texas, or Wisconsin. Note that these three states have more regulations on extended warranties that require more stringent filing rules.
Elite Home Warranty Reviews
Elite Home Warranty holds stellar customer reviews across multiple third-party review sites such as the BBB, Best Company, and Google Reviews. We found the company holds customer ratings of more than 4.5 out of 5 stars on each review site we checked.
Customers applaud Elite’s customer-first approach to sales, with several reviewers noting how detailed and friendly Elite’s sales representatives are. Other customers appreciate the quick claims process and professional in-network service technicians. Through our testing, we experienced the quick service and thorough repair work that other customers reported. However, we did experience a slight delay due to parts that needed ordering.
While few and far between, we did find some customer complaints. One complaint centered on Elite’s alleged mishandling of a claim. However, we noticed Elite promptly responded to the customer complaint to correct the issue. Overall, Elite Home Warranty customers believe the company offers satisfactory service.
Positive Reviews
“This was my first experience using Elite. I am extremely impressed by the level of concern and follow-through that the company made from start to finish. My local technician was very impressed working with Elite as it was his first experience, and he would gladly work with them in the future. Very professional on all fronts!” — John P., Aug. 23, 2023, on BBB
“I was skeptical about signing up with Elite Home Warranty because I had another home warranty company years ago. I was very unhappy with them. I own a multi-family home, and it is not always convenient for me to oversee repairs since I also have a very demanding full-time job. I have a couple of friends who subscribe to Elite, and based on their satisfaction, I decided to try Elite. It was the best decision ever! Their representatives are fantastic. They listened to my problem and understood that I had tenants involved when scheduling the repair. She personally contacted my tenant and set up the date, time, etc., to fit their time schedules. She reported back to me as to the progress of the repair. She went over the company’s policy to me so that everything was clear about what I was responsible for. She even gave me her direct phone number so I could reach her at my convenience. The repair was completed in record time. She is definitely someone who understands the true meaning of the customer service concept! Needless to say, I am extremely happy with Elite and their service.” — George P., Jun. 29, 2023, on Best Company
“I am new to this company, and I just have to say they are totally amazing. I called them with an issue on my refrigerator that they said they don’t cover. It was the plastic cold-cut draw guide under the shelf that broke. They still ordered the part and sent it to me! I would recommend them to anyone!” — Anthony A., Aug. 16, 2023, on BBB
“I’ve been an EHW customer for about six months now and just initiated my first claim. Initially, there were some issues, but one of the managers quickly jumped in and resolved them.” — Mack D., Aug. 22, 2023, on Google Reviews
Negative Reviews
“Most rude people I have ever encountered, on how they treated the technician they sent out to repair my issue. I cancelled Elite immediately.” — Byron B., Feb. 9, 2023, on Trustpilot
“Don’t buy this warranty from this company. They will come up with any excuse to avoid making any payments. To debate with their customer support, you will need to be an HVAC specialist because they use a lot of terminologies that you are unable to understand.” — Jen P., Jun. 25, 2023, on Google Reviews
“These guys have a real problem contacting prospective customers and not responding to requests. I asked them to stop calling and emailing me, and I got over 10 phone calls in one morning, in addition to at least 10 emails from two different people. Other than responses to my specific email, all of these give me a bad taste for this company and do not make me want to do business with them. Why are they so desperate for customers and unable to just provide the coverage documentation?” — Heather A., Mar. 21, 2023, on BBB
“I wanted to sign up for their services. I got multiple emails and phone calls once they accessed my email ID/phone number. The customer service rep has told me over email that I can only sign up through the phone. The company only takes payment by phone with no online option to sign up or pay securely online.” — Amirish K., Mar. 31, 2023, on Google Reviews
Elite Home Warranty vs. Competitors
Our team created the table below to highlight each home warranty company’s metrics at a glance. We listed their monthly costs, service call fees, and BBB ratings. Note that monthly costs are based on national averages we calculated through data obtained from each provider.
Company | BBB Rating | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|
NR | $49–$59 | $65–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
B | $29–$89 | $100–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
B- | $44–$47 | $60–$75 | VISIT SITE | |
B | $42–$82 | $75–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
B | $35–$94 | $75–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
A+ | $44–$58 | $70 | VISIT SITE | |
B+ | $30–$56 | $100–$150 | VISIT SITE | |
A | $27–$70 | $65–$100 | VISIT SITE |
Our Final Take on Elite Home Warranty
Elite Home Warranty is a top home warranty company that offers extensive coverage limits and add-on options. It also provides a lengthy 90-day workmanship guarantee for added peace of mind. However, Elite Home Warranty may not be the right company for you if you prefer to choose your service provider since it doesn’t extend its workmanship guarantee on repairs completed by out-of-network technicians.
If you’re ready to purchase a home warranty plan, get a free quote by filling out Elite’s online quote form. An Elite representative will contact you shortly after you submit your request.
FAQ About Elite Home Warranty
How quickly does Elite Home Warranty respond to service requests?
Based on our experience, Elite Home Warranty typically responds within 24 hours of receiving your claim. However, responding to your claim may take up to 48 hours or more if you request service on holidays, weekends, or past normal business hours.
What is an annual coverage limit?
An annual coverage limit is the maximum amount a home warranty company will cover for an item repair or replacement for the entire year. For example, if a provider’s clothes washer annual limit is $3,000, you are responsible for any additional cost if a repair or replacement surpasses the $3,000 limit. In most cases, you can file multiple claims for a covered item if the repairs or replacements don’t exceed the annual limit. An annual coverage limit can be applied to an individual appliance or system as well as an aggregated total.
What are the advantages of getting an Elite Home Warranty?
There are several advantages to buying an Elite Home Warranty. The first is its generous system and appliance limits. Another advantage is its low service call fee. Elite Home Warranty makes sense if you are on a tight budget and need total home protection.
Does Elite Home Warranty cover broken home items?
Elite Home Warranty, and all other home warranty companies, require your home items to be in working condition before providing coverage. You can file a claim if a covered item breaks after your initial waiting period.
Why does Elite Home Warranty have a waiting period?
Elite Home Warranty has a waiting period of 30 days before coverage begins because it wants to avoid covering items with preexisting conditions. All home warranty providers have a waiting period before coverage begins. Elite only covers system or appliance breakdowns caused by normal wear and tear.
Related Resources
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our home warranty ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to score each provider objectively. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys.
We score each provider against our review standards, which include four comparison categories: coverage, value, trust and transparency, and availability and service. We rate each provider across 31 factors within these categories. Each factor is assigned a point value based on its importance to a homeowner, totaling 100 points. We then convert the final scores to a 5-star rating.
Here’s a breakdown of our weighted factors:
- Coverage (40%): We scored coverage based on included home systems and appliances, add-on options, and unique benefits. We also compared coverage caps and policy exclusions.
-
- Additional coverage items
- Annual coverage cap
- Home systems coverage
- Major appliances coverage
- Obstructed wall coverage cap
- Value (30%): We compared the coverage level received to monthly pricing to determine plan value. We considered premium pricing, service fees, and flexibility in customizing plan costs.
-
- Average monthly cost
- Cost flexibility
- Lowest service fee
- Trust and Transparency (16%): We evaluated each company’s reputation using the Better Business Bureau ratings and customer reviews on third-party review sites. We read through plan change policies, workmanship protections, and sample contract availability.
-
- Brand reputation
- Policy change flexibility
- Sample contract availability
- Workmanship guarantee length
- Availability and Service (14%): We award higher scores for faster claim processing and response times. We also considered service technician policies, including options to choose your technician.
-
- Claims process
- Guaranteed response time
- Service flexibility
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.