Home Warranty vs. Self-Insure Calculator
Enter your appliance ages and we'll calculate whether a home warranty or a personal savings plan saves you more money over time.
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Your Home Components
Adjust ages to match your home. Failure probability auto-calculates.
| Component | Replace Cost | Lifespan | Age (yrs) | Failure Risk | Expected Cost | Warranty Copay | Warranty Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC System | $10,000 | 15 yr | 30% | $3,000 | $150 | $3,000 | |
| Water Heater | $2,500 | 12 yr | ! | 75% | $1,875 | $100 | $1,500 |
| Refrigerator | $2,200 | 15 yr | 30% | $660 | $100 | $2,000 | |
| Dishwasher | $900 | 10 yr | 30% | $270 | $75 | $800 | |
| Washer | $1,100 | 12 yr | 30% | $330 | $100 | $1,000 | |
| Dryer | $1,000 | 13 yr | 30% | $300 | $100 | $1,000 | |
| Oven / Range | $1,800 | 15 yr | 30% | $540 | $100 | $1,500 | |
| Electrical Panel | $3,500 | 30 yr | 30% | $1,050 | $150 | $2,500 | |
| Plumbing System | $4,000 | 25 yr | 30% | $1,200 | $125 | $2,000 | |
| Garage Door Opener | $600 | 12 yr | 30% | $180 | $75 | $500 | |
| Garbage Disposal | $400 | 10 yr | 30% | $120 | $75 | $350 | |
| Roof (Shingles) | $15,000 | 25 yr | 30% | $4,500 | $N/A | $N/A |
Home Warranty
Cash (No Plan)
CertiMaintain Savings
With your home's component ages, a warranty may be worthwhile. But you'll still lose $2,700 in premiums even if nothing breaks.
Create My Savings Plan FreeStill Want a Warranty?
Compare top-rated plans. CertiMaintain members save $65-$85/year through our partnerships.
American Home Shield
- ✓ Covers 23 systems/appliances
- ✓ Roof leak coverage available
- ✓ Nationwide network
- ✗ $100 service fee
- ✗ Pre-existing conditions excluded
- ✗ Cap per item $3,000
Choice Home Warranty
- ✓ Lower copay ($85)
- ✓ Covers 24+ items
- ✓ 30-day workmanship guarantee
- ✗ No roof coverage
- ✗ Known for slow claims
- ✗ Coverage caps apply
First American
- ✓ Highest per-item cap ($5K)
- ✓ Low copay ($75)
- ✓ Rust/corrosion covered
- ✗ Higher annual cost
- ✗ Limited contractor network in rural areas
Common Questions
What does a home warranty actually cover?
Most plans cover major systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) and appliances (fridge, dishwasher, washer/dryer). They do NOT cover roofs, windows, structural issues, or pre-existing conditions. Each covered item typically has a per-item cap ($1,500-$5,000).
Why do self-insure advocates say to skip warranties?
Because the math usually favors saving: the average homeowner files 1-2 claims over 5 years. At $540/year, you pay $2,700 in premiums + copays for repairs that average $1,800. Saving that same $540/year in an index fund yields $3,400+ after 5 years — and you keep the money either way.
When DOES a warranty make sense?
If your home has multiple aging systems (10+ years old) that could all fail within 2-3 years, a warranty can be a reasonable hedge. Also useful for first-time buyers unfamiliar with their home systems, or investment properties where you can't afford downtime.
Can I use CertiMaintain WITH a warranty?
Absolutely. CertiMaintain tracks your appliances, maintenance, and warranty claims in one place. We'll remind you when your warranty is up for renewal and help you decide whether to renew based on your actual claim history.