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Fidelity Home Warranty
Fidelity National Home Warranty is a regional home warranty company founded in 1974. Home protection from Fidelity National is competitively priced, starting at $265 per year, but the company has many complaints and poor customer reviews regarding service and claims processing.
Based on our review of over a dozen home warranty companies, Fidelity National Home Warranty was not one of the best companies we found. To see other options that may be better, visit our list of the best home warranty companies.
- Pros and Cons
- Key Takeaways
- Company Overview
Coverage starting at $265 per year
Four plans available
All service providers are insured
Standard $75 service charge
Only available in 17 states
Many complaints of poor response times
Number of service providers isn’t disclosed
Warranties must be purchased at close of escrow
- Company was founded in 1974
- Coverage is competitively priced and starts at just $265 per year
- Plans are available in 17 states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington
- Company is owned by Fidelity National Financial—the nation’s largest title insurance company
- Plans last for 12 months and have no waiting period
Fidelity National Home Warranty was founded in 1974 and is headquartered in Concord, California. In 1996, the company was bought by Fidelity National Financial, the nation’s largest title insurance company. Since then, the company has also acquired BGP Holdings and HISCO Home Warranty. It is reportedly one of the fastest-growing home warranty companies in the United States. While the company advertises a preferred service provider network, no information is available on the size or distribution of their providers.
- Year founded 1974
- Coverage 17 states
- Number of plans Four
- Coverage limit Varies by system (most are $500 to $1,500)
- Contract length One year
- Payment options Total cost due at close of escrow
- Cost $265 to $420
- Contractor network Not disclosed
- Customer service Can file a claim online 24/7
- Waiting period None
- Service recall period 30 days for labor, 90 days for parts
- Official website https://www.homewarranty.com/FNHW
Fidelity Home Warranty
Fidelity National’s home warranty programs cover many things that aren’t typically covered by homeowners’ insurance, including appliances and household systems like air conditioners and ductwork. The company offers up to four different home warranty plans in 17 states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington.
We reviewed Fidelity National’s plans, coverages, exclusions, prices, and availability so you can decide whether they’re right for you.
Available Plans
Homeowners who want to purchase a home warranty from Fidelity National can choose from up to four plans, though the availability of individual plans varies by state. While home warranties from Fidelity National can only be purchased when you’re buying a home, each plan lasts for one year with no waiting period. Homeowners may also have the option of renewing coverage after the first year.
In addition to its standard plans, Fidelity National also offers numerous optional coverages that can be purchased for an additional cost. Homeowners can customize their coverage according to home type; Fidelity National’s default pricing is for single-family houses, but coverage is also available for condos, townhouses, and mobile homes.
| Standard Plan | Comprehensive Plan | Enhanced Plan | Enhanced Plus Plan | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbing System | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plumbing Stoppages | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Toilets | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sump Pump | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Built-in Whirlpool Bathtub | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Recirculating Hot Water Pump | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pressure Regulator | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Garbage Disposal | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instant Hot Water Dispenser | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Water Heater | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Central Heating System | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ductwork | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electrical System | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Telephone Wiring | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Central Vacuum System | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Garage Door Opener | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ceiling Fans | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Attic Fans | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kitchen Exhaust Fan | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Whole House Fan | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Doorbell | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pest Control | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Re-Key | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dishwasher | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Range/Oven/Cooktop | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Built-in Microwave | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Trash Compactor | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Air Conditioner | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Comprehensive Option | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Washer/Dryer/Refrigerator | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Mods & More | ✓ |
Real Estate Plans
Fidelity National makes marketing materials available to real estate professionals that provide additional details about the company’s plans. However, the company does not appear to offer plans specific to real estate agents.
Plan Pricing
The prices of Fidelity National’s individual plans vary by state and specific coverages. Each state offers different prices for detached single-family homes, condos, townhouses, and mobile homes. Plan pricing starts at $265 per year, while comprehensive plans for single-family homes in most states cost about $420 per year. Homeowners who request service are also responsible for a $75 service fee.
Many customers report encountering hidden costs when they file a claim.
| Standard Plan | Comprehensive Plan | Enhanced Plan | Enhanced Plus Plan | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family | $300 | $430 | $520 | $630 |
| Condo/Townhouse/Mobile | $265 | $385 | $465 | $575 |
| Duplex | $425 | $555 | N/A | N/A |
| Triplex | $640 | $830 | N/A | N/A |
| Fourplex | $850 | $1,110 | N/A | N/A |
| New Construction | $465 | $605 | N/A | N/A |
Plan pricing for Fidelity National is generally fair relative to other home warranty companies we’ve reviewed. However, many customers have reported to the BBB that, when they filed claims, they were charged for repairs costs that were excluded from their plans. These hidden costs make it important for customers to carefully review their coverages and exclusions prior to purchasing a plan.
Plan Exclusions
There are a number of items excluded from Fidelity National home warranties. First, plans only cover the appliances and systems specifically named in plan documents. Additionally, within each system may be items that aren’t covered.
For example, coverage for garage doors doesn’t include door springs, cables, rollers, guides, or transmitters. Items not covered by standard home plumbing system benefits include showerheads, fixtures, faucets, bathtubs, sinks, shower enclosures, septic tanks, saunas, bidets, whirlpool bath jet plumbing, and indoor or outdoor sprinkler systems.
Fidelity National home warranties also don’t cover mold removal or remediation.
Payout Caps and Limitations
Each plan that Fidelity National offers includes individual caps and limits that vary by system or appliance. For example, coverage for ductwork is capped at $1,000, while coverage for water heaters is limited to $1,500. These limits are detailed along with exclusions in plan documents and should be reviewed carefully, as customers will be responsible for repair or replacement charges that exceed plan limits or include items excluded from coverage. These individual limits are generally in line with coverage offered by other home warranty companies.
| System | Coverage limit |
|---|---|
| Concrete-encased or inaccessible plumbing lines | $1,000 |
| Water heater/heating combination unit | $1,500 |
| Ductwork | $1,000 |
| Saltwater pool/spa equipment | $1,500 |
| Kitchen refrigerator | $5,000 |
| Additional refrigerator coverage option | $1,000 |
| Well pump option | $1,500 |
| Septic tank system/plumbing option | $500 |
| Sewage ejector pump option | $500 |
| Limited roof leak repair option | $1,000 |
Repair Time
When homeowners file a claim using their home warranty from Fidelity National, they are not able to choose their own repair person; instead, the company will contact a service person from their network within 48 hours. However, Fidelity National does not make clear how long the service provider has to contact a homeowner. Many customers report that service usually takes several days to get a response to a service request. While Fidelity National claims that it will attempt to expedite emergency service requests, no specific guidelines are provided.
All contractors that Fidelity uses are fully licensed and carry both general liability insurance and workers’ comp.
All service providers registered with Fidelity National Home Warranty are required to be licensed contractors for the trades they service, carry $1 million in general liability insurance, and provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance or a waiver.
Customer Service and Claims
Customers who need to file a claim can do so over the phone or online 24 hours a day. However, while Fidelity advertises quick customer service, BBB reviews indicate that same-day service is extremely rare. A few customer reviews from the BBB report that same-day service was available in major cities, but far more complaints report trouble getting service within several days of filing a claim. Fidelity National’s service agreement claims that the company will attempt to expedite emergency service requests, but it does not define emergency service or offer guidance on what customers should expect for emergency requests, which most other companies provide.
Complaints and Third-Party Assessments
Fidelity National Home Warranty has an A+ rating from the BBB but has also received over 600 complaints, though the company makes an effort to respond to each complaint. In addition to complaints, Fidelity National has also received over 250 customer reviews through the BBB, almost all of them negative. Most complaints are for poor customer service and unresponsive service requests. Some also claim that after filing claims they were unexpectedly billed for numerous things that weren’t covered by their warranties.
Competition: Fidelity National vs. Choice Home Warranty
Choice Home Warranty is one of the largest and most established home warranty companies in the country. The company offers two different plans (the same number that Fidelity National offers in most states) and also offers similar optional coverages for homeowners who want additional protection. However, while Choice Home is available in about 47 states, compared to 17 for Fidelity National, Choice also has far more complaints and bad reviews through the BBB, as well as a lower B- rating from the BBB.
If coverage from Fidelity National isn’t available in your state, Choice Home Warranty may be a good option. Even if you live in a state where Fidelity National offers coverage, Choice Home may provide faster service in your area. Lastly, if you already own your home and are looking to purchase a home warranty, Fidelity National may not be an option, as we couldn’t find any way to purchase coverage except when you're in the process of buying a home. Choice Home Warranty has protection plans for buyers, sellers, and homeowners.
| Choice Home Warranty | Fidelity National | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $470 to $600 per year | $265 to $420 per year |
| Number of Plans Available | Two | Four |
| Support | File a claim online or call 888-373-7924 | File a claim online or call 800-862-6837 |
| Trade Service Fee | Up to $85 | $75 |
| National Availability | 47 | 17 |
If you’re buying a home warranty to protect appliances and systems that aren’t usually covered by homeowners’ insurance, Fidelity National may be a good choice for you. However, customers should be sure to read the fine print for limits and exclusions and also consider other home warranty companies that may offer faster service in your area. Fidelity only offers coverage in 17 states and has received many complaints from customers who are unsatisfied with repair times. You want to make sure you have a home warranty that works for you when you need it, and there are many other companies that offer services that customers find much more reliable.
Methodology
In evaluating warranty plans, we use our methodology for reviewing home warranties, which includes a quantified scoring system that evaluates plan pricing, exclusions, payout caps, repair times, and terms, comparing them to other carriers across the industry. Third-party ratings and customer satisfaction scores are factored in to help assess an insurer's overall quality and value.