Old Republic Home Warranty Reviews: Is It Worth It in 2026?

A deep dive into Old Republic's plans, pricing, real customer complaints, and how it stacks up against the competition.

Updated Jul 6, 2026 Fact checked

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Old Republic Home Protection has been a trusted name in home warranties since 1974, but with mixed customer reviews across major review platforms and a coverage footprint that only includes 25 states plus Washington, D.C., the question remains: is it still worth it in 2026? This guide breaks down the three retail plan tiers (Basic, Deluxe, and Elite), what's actually covered, how the claims process works, and what real customers are saying, so you can make a confident, informed decision before you sign up.

Whether you're a homebuyer, a seller looking to sweeten your listing, or a realtor evaluating warranty partners, this review covers everything you need to know. That includes how Old Republic stacks up against American Home Shield and Choice Home Warranty on price, coverage limits, and customer satisfaction in mid-2026.

Key Pinch Points

  • Old Republic holds an A+ BBB rating since 1996
  • Three retail plans: Basic, Deluxe, and Elite in 2026
  • Elite plan offers up to $7,000 per appliance in coverage
  • Coverage limited to 25 states plus Washington, D.C.
  • Best suited for realtors, sellers, and real estate transactions
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Plans, Pricing and What's Covered

Old Republic Home Protection (ORHP) has been in the home warranty business since 1974, giving it more than 50 years of experience. In 2026, the company offers three core retail plan tiers: Basic, Deluxe, and Elite. Some states also offer 13-month CRES real estate transaction plans branded as Essential, Standard, Ultimate, and Platinum, which are sold primarily through real estate agents and priced differently from the retail plans. Coverage is available in 25 states plus Washington, D.C., so availability should be your first check before comparing plans.

Plan Breakdown

Feature Basic Deluxe Elite
Monthly Cost (Est.) $45–$55 $55–$70 $70–$90
Annual Cost (Est.) $540–$660 $660–$840 $840–$1,080
Heating System ✅ ($6,500 cap) ✅ ($6,500 cap) ✅ ($6,500 cap)
Air Conditioning ❌ ($8/mo add-on) ✅ Included ✅ Included
Plumbing & Electrical ✅ No dollar cap ✅ No dollar cap ✅ No dollar cap
Kitchen Appliances ✅ (6 appliances) ✅ Higher limits
Washer & Dryer Optional Optional Optional
Appliance Cap $3,500/item $3,500/item $7,000/item
Pre-Season HVAC Tune-Up $2/mo add-on $2/mo add-on ✅ Included
Rekey Service ✅ (1x per term)
Service Fee (Trade Call Fee) $100–$125 $100–$125 $100–$125

All plans offer a 30-day workmanship guarantee on completed repairs and include a one-time rekeying service (up to 6 keyholes, 4 copies), which is a nice perk for homebuyers. ORHP also states there is no overall dollar limit per plan term, though individual item caps still apply.

Optional Add-Ons

ORHP lets you customize your plan with several add-ons (pricing varies by state):

  • Pool or Spa Equipment: ~$25/month
  • Well Pump: ~$7/month
  • Septic System and Pumping: ~$7/month
  • Limited Roof Leak Repair: ~$9/month
  • Additional Refrigerator or Freezer: ~$5/month
  • Water Softener or Reverse Osmosis: ~$7/month
  • Enhanced Slab and External Leak: ~$9/month

Pincher's Pro Tip

Start with the Deluxe plan if your home has a working A/C system. You get air conditioning coverage included (instead of an $8/month add-on), plus broader appliance and system protection without paying for the Elite plan's higher appliance cap that you may never use.

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How the Claims Process Works

Filing a claim with Old Republic is relatively straightforward, but the experience after submission is where customer opinions tend to diverge.

Step-by-Step Claim Process

  1. Submit a request online via your Homeowner Central account (24/7) or call 800.972.5985
  2. ORHP dispatches a contractor from their independent service provider network within about 48 hours
  3. The contractor contacts you to schedule a diagnosis appointment
  4. You pay the Trade Call Fee (TCF) of $100 to $125 at the time of the visit, regardless of whether your claim is approved
  5. ORHP reviews coverage and either approves the repair, offers a cash-in-lieu payout, or denies the claim
  6. Repairs are completed with a 30-day workmanship guarantee, or reimbursement is issued after invoice receipt

For emergencies (defined as no electricity, gas, water, toilet facilities, or a condition endangering health/safety), ORHP targets a 24-hour response window.

Watch Out for the Trade Call Fee

You owe the Trade Call Fee even if your claim is denied. Multiple 2026 reviews confirm the fee is charged when a technician is dispatched, not when a claim is approved. Always review your contract's exclusions before scheduling a service visit to avoid paying $100 to $125 out-of-pocket for a non-covered repair.

Response Time and Contractor Network

ORHP uses an independent contractor network, meaning the quality of your experience can vary depending on who's available in your area. The company allows online status tracking, but customer reviews frequently mention long waits for complex repairs, particularly HVAC in summer months. Some 2026 reviewers reported waiting days for callbacks or scheduling during heat waves. For straightforward jobs like a dishwasher fix or plumbing repair, turnaround tends to be much faster. If you're curious how this compares to competitors, the American Home Shield reviews cover their dispatch track record in detail.

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BBB Rating, Customer Reviews and Common Complaints

Ratings at a Glance (Mid-2026)

Platform Rating
BBB (Better Business Bureau) A+ (Accredited since 1996)
Trustpilot 4.1 / 5.0 (15,000+ reviews)
BBB Customer Reviews 3.73 / 5.0 (1,031 reviews as of mid-2026)
Google Reviews ~4.0 / 5.0

Old Republic holds a well-maintained A+ BBB rating, a credential they've earned since their BBB accreditation began in 1996. On Trustpilot, the company performs solidly at 4.1 stars across more than 15,000 reviews. However, BBB's own customer review section paints a more nuanced picture, with an average of 3.73 out of 5 stars across 1,031 reviews as of mid-2026.

What Customers Praise

  • Long-term reliability: Many reviewers with multiple years of coverage report positive experiences with big-ticket repairs like full HVAC replacements
  • Ease of filing: Claims can be submitted 24/7 through Homeowner Central or by phone, with most claims initiated within 48 hours
  • Good value on straightforward claims: Dishwasher, water heater, and plumbing repairs are frequently cited as smooth and cost-saving
  • Realtor endorsements: Real estate professionals consistently rank ORHP highly compared to other warranty companies they've worked with

Most Common Complaints (2025–2026)

  • Claim denials on covered items: Refrigerators, HVAC coils, and ranges denied even when listed as covered, often citing pre-existing conditions or improper installation
  • Low cash-in-lieu payouts: When ORHP opts to pay you instead of replacing an item, the amount reflects what it would have paid a contractor at wholesale, not full retail replacement cost
  • Contractor inconsistency: Technician quality ranges from excellent to inadequate depending on region
  • Long HVAC wait times: Some customers reported going days without working air conditioning during peak summer, including during triple-digit heat advisories
  • Customer service hold times: BBB and Trustpilot complaints frequently cite unhelpful reps and long hold times
  • Short 30-day repair guarantee: Competitors like Choice Home Warranty and others offer guarantees ranging from 60 to 90 days

Pros

  • A+ BBB rating maintained since 1996
  • High appliance coverage limits (up to $7,000 on Elite)
  • No caps on general plumbing or electrical repairs
  • Strong reputation with real estate professionals

Cons

  • Only available in 25 states + D.C.
  • 30-day workmanship guarantee (shorter than 60 to 90 days at rivals)
  • Higher service fees ($100 to $125) than some rivals
  • Frequent complaints about claim denials and cash-in-lieu payouts

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Old Republic vs. The Competition

Head-to-Head Comparison

Old Republic (ORHP)

  • A+ BBB Rating
  • Up to $7,000 appliance cap (Elite)
  • No caps on general plumbing/electrical
  • Only 25 states + D.C.
  • No pre-existing condition coverage
  • 30-day workmanship guarantee

American Home Shield (AHS)

  • Nationwide (49 states, no Alaska)
  • Up to $10,000 HVAC coverage
  • Covers rust, corrosion, and sediment
  • Choice of $75/$100/$125 service fee
  • Haul-away of replaced equipment included
  • Lower per-appliance cap ($2,000 to $4,000)

Pricing Comparison Table

Company Monthly Range Service Fee Nationwide? Workmanship Guarantee
Old Republic $45–$90 $100–$125 ❌ 25 states + D.C. 30 days
American Home Shield $29.99–$119.99 $75/$100/$125 ✅ 49 states 30 days
Choice Home Warranty $49–$65 $100+ ✅ Most states 60 to 90 days
First American $35–$85 $75–$125 ✅ Most states 30 days

For a full breakdown of First American's plans, check out the First American Home Warranty review. If you want a broader industry view, our best home warranty companies of 2026 roundup compares 8+ providers side by side.

Where Old Republic Wins

ORHP's $7,000 appliance cap on the Elite plan is one of the most generous in the industry, and NerdWallet's 2026 analysis notes there are no specific dollar caps on general electrical or plumbing repairs. Their pricing is competitive at the entry level (starting around $45/month), and their 50+ year track record in real estate transactions gives them credibility that newer providers can't match. For homes with aging but well-maintained systems, ORHP can deliver serious value. Learn more about home warranty payout limits to see how ORHP stacks up against per-item caps at other providers.

Where It Falls Short

AHS covers pre-existing conditions and issues caused by rust, corrosion, sediment, and even lack of maintenance or improper installation, meaning an older home is significantly better protected under AHS. If your home has any known issues or deferred maintenance, American Home Shield is the safer bet. Budget shoppers should also weigh Choice Home Warranty's lower monthly premiums against its 2026 legal history: Choice reached an $11.8 million settlement with the Arizona Attorney General in early 2026 over allegedly misleading customers about coverage. That's a meaningful risk factor worth reviewing in the Choice Home Warranty review before signing up.

Pincher's Pro Tip

Realtors and sellers: Ask your ORHP account executive about the 13-month CRES Preferred Plan, which includes up to $50,000 in Seller's E&O coverage post-sale through CRES Insurance for up to 180 days after closing. It's a significant risk management perk that goes beyond what a typical home warranty provides (requires CRES E&O membership).

Old Republic is also worth considering alongside 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty if you're looking at builder warranties or new construction coverage. If your home is older with aging systems, our guide on home warranties for old homes can help you identify the right level of protection. Landlords should also review our home warranty for rental property guide, since ORHP is one of the top-rated providers for multi-unit coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Old Republic Home Warranty worth it in 2026?

Old Republic Home Warranty is worth it for homeowners in its 25-state coverage area who want high appliance coverage limits and a trusted brand with 50+ years of history. It's particularly well-suited for real estate transactions where a warranty is included in the listing. However, if you have an older home with pre-existing issues, American Home Shield may offer better protection because it covers issues from lack of maintenance and improper installation. Always read your state-specific contract before purchasing, since coverage varies significantly by state.

What is Old Republic Home Warranty's BBB rating?

Old Republic Home Protection holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and has been a BBB-accredited business since November 1996. As of mid-2026, customer review scores on BBB's platform average 3.73 out of 5 stars across 1,031 reviews, reflecting mixed real-world experiences. The gap between the accreditation grade and customer reviews is something potential buyers should factor into their decision.

What does Old Republic Home Warranty not cover?

Like most home warranties, ORHP excludes pre-existing conditions, cosmetic damage that doesn't affect function, missing components or parts, items with known defects at inspection, and secondary or consequential damages. Improper installation, under-capacity systems, and manufacturer-recalled items are also commonly excluded. Pool, spa, roof leak, well pump, septic, and air conditioning (on the Basic plan) coverage are optional add-ons that must be purchased separately.

How does Old Republic compare to American Home Shield?

American Home Shield covers more states (49 vs. 25), covers pre-existing conditions along with rust, corrosion, and sediment buildup, and offers HVAC coverage up to $10,000 per system, making it stronger for older or more complex homes. Old Republic competes on appliance caps (up to $7,000 on Elite vs. AHS's $4,000 on ShieldPlatinum) and is favored in real estate transactions. AHS also lets you choose your service fee ($75, $100, or $125), while ORHP fixes fees at $100 to $125.

Who benefits most from Old Republic Home Warranty?

Old Republic is especially beneficial for real estate agents and home sellers who want to offer listing coverage and reduce post-sale liability, particularly through the CRES Preferred plan's $50,000 Seller's Protection Plan. Homebuyers in ORHP-covered states also benefit from the rekeying service and strong HVAC limits. Long-term homeowners with well-maintained systems tend to see the best claim outcomes. Those with older homes or known system issues may find better coverage elsewhere, such as with Select Home Warranty or American Home Shield.

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