Empire Home Protect vs Select Home Warranty (2026)
Key Takeaways
- Empire Home Protect and Select Home Warranty both cover major home systems and appliances, but differ on plan structure, caps, and service approach.
- Empire Home Protect plans start at $49 per month with combo coverage for systems and appliances and 24/7 claim filing.
- Select Home Warranty is a budget-oriented national provider; confirm its current pricing and caps directly, as they vary by plan and home size.
- Both providers charge a per-visit service fee and apply a standard 30-day waiting period before coverage begins.
- The right choice depends on the coverage caps, add-ons, and service network that match your home’s biggest risks.
Empire Home Protect vs Select Home Warranty comes down to coverage depth, pricing structure, and service experience. Both are national home warranty providers that help cover repair or replacement of major systems and appliances when they fail from normal wear. Empire Home Protect emphasizes combo coverage and responsive service with plans from $49 per month, while Select Home Warranty positions itself as a budget option. This guide compares the two on price, coverage, caps, and claims so you can decide which fits your home. For the full field, see our best home warranty companies rankings.
Empire Home Protect vs Select Home Warranty at a Glance
Empire Home Protect and Select Home Warranty are both service contracts covering wear-and-tear failures, but they take different approaches to plan tiers and pricing. The table summarizes the key differences to help you compare quickly. Always verify current figures with each provider before buying.
| Feature | Empire Home Protect | Select Home Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $49/month | Varies by plan |
| Plan types | Appliance, systems, and combo | Appliance, systems, and combo |
| Claim filing | 24/7 online and phone | Online and phone |
| Waiting period | 30 days | 30 days (standard) |
| Service model | Independent technician network | Independent technician network |
For a side-by-side breakdown of features and current terms, see our dedicated Empire Home Protect vs Select Home Warranty comparison page.
How Do the Plans Compare on Coverage?
Coverage is where the two providers can diverge most, since caps and included items shape how much a plan actually pays when something breaks. Both offer appliance-only, systems-only, and combo tiers, but the per-item limits and optional add-ons differ. Consider these coverage dimensions:
- Systems: HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and water heaters under systems and combo plans.
- Appliances: Refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, and washer-dryer under appliance and combo plans.
- Add-ons: Optional items like pool equipment, well pumps, and second refrigerators.
- Caps: Per-item payout limits that determine your out-of-pocket exposure on big repairs.
Because coverage caps drive real-world value, compare them line by line. Our guide to home warranty plan types explains how tiers and caps interact.
How Much Do Empire Home Protect and Select Home Warranty Cost?
Home warranty pricing depends on plan tier, home size, and add-ons for both providers. Empire Home Protect plans start at $49 per month, or roughly $588 per year, plus a flat per-visit service fee. Select Home Warranty markets itself as budget-friendly, but its current premiums and service fees vary, so request a live quote. The table shows typical annual premium ranges by plan type across the home warranty industry.
| Plan Type | Typical Annual Premium | Typical Service Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Appliance-only | $360 to $500 | $75 to $125 |
| Systems-only | $420 to $600 | $75 to $125 |
| Combo | $500 to $720 | $75 to $125 |
For perspective, a typical water-heater replacement runs about $1,200 to $2,000 installed, according to repair-cost data from HomeAdvisor — often more than a year of premiums. Learn more in our home warranty cost guide.
How Do the Claims Processes Compare?
The claims process determines how fast a broken system gets fixed, and both providers use independent service technicians. With Empire Home Protect, coverage is provided and a covered repair is carried out by an independent service technician after you file. Follow these steps with either company:
- File your claim online or by phone as soon as the failure occurs.
- Pay the flat service fee for the diagnostic visit.
- An independent technician inspects and diagnoses the problem.
- The provider authorizes a covered repair or replacement up to the item cap.
- The technician completes the work; you pay only the service fee for covered claims.
Which Should You Choose?
The better provider is the one whose caps, add-ons, and service network best match your home’s risks and your budget. Empire Home Protect suits homeowners who want combo coverage, 24/7 claim filing, and predictable pricing from $49 per month. Select Home Warranty may appeal to shoppers prioritizing the lowest upfront premium, provided its caps meet your needs. Compare written quotes side by side before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Empire Home Protect better than Select Home Warranty?
Empire Home Protect stands out for combo coverage, 24/7 claim filing, and predictable pricing from $49 per month. Select Home Warranty targets budget shoppers. The better fit depends on the coverage caps, add-ons, and service response that match your home. Compare written quotes and contract terms before deciding.
How much does each provider cost?
Empire Home Protect plans start at $49 per month, plus a flat per-visit service fee. Select Home Warranty’s premiums and fees vary by plan tier and home size, so request a current quote. Industry premiums generally range from $360 to $720 per year depending on the plan type.
Do both cover HVAC and appliances?
Yes. Both Empire Home Protect and Select Home Warranty offer systems, appliance, and combo plans that can cover HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and major appliances when they fail from normal wear. The exact items and per-item caps depend on the specific plan tier you choose.
Is there a waiting period?
Both providers apply a standard 30-day waiting period from the purchase date before coverage begins. This industry-standard window helps separate covered wear-and-tear failures from pre-existing conditions that existed before the plan started.
Who actually performs the repairs?
With Empire Home Protect, coverage is provided under your plan and a covered repair is carried out by an independent service technician from the provider’s network. Select Home Warranty similarly dispatches independent contractors to diagnose and complete covered repairs.
Compare Plans and Get a Quote
Ready to see which plan fits your home? Explore Empire Home Protect plans or get a free quote in minutes and compare the coverage that matters to you.
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