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 Aug 16, 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 platforms and a coverage footprint of about 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 under the refreshed plans that launched December 1, 2025 (with Utah added January 5, 2026), 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, plus the industry-wide coverage reductions and A2L refrigerant transition that are reshaping the home warranty market this year.

Key Pinch Points

  • Old Republic holds an A+ BBB rating for 25+ years
  • Three retail plans in 2026: Basic, Deluxe, and Elite
  • Elite plan offers up to $7,000 per appliance and unlimited A/C refrigerant
  • Coverage limited to about 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, with a refreshed lineup that rolled out December 1, 2025 in all states except Utah (Utah joined January 5, 2026). Some states also offer 13-month CRES real estate transaction plans branded as Silver, Gold, and Platinum (with a Platinum with Total Care upgrade), which are sold primarily through real estate agents. Coverage is available in about 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.) $48–$55 $55–$77 $70–$92
Annual Cost (Est.) $576–$660 $660–$924 $840–$1,104
Heating System ✅ ($6,500 cap) ✅ ($6,500 cap) ✅ ($6,500 cap)
Air Conditioning ❌ (add-on) ✅ Included ✅ Included
A/C Refrigerant Recharging $20/lb $20/lb No limit
Plumbing & Electrical ✅ No dollar cap ✅ No dollar cap ✅ No dollar cap
Kitchen Appliances ✅ Higher limits
Washer & Dryer Optional ✅ Included ✅ Included
Appliance Cap $3,500/item $3,500/item $7,000/item
Code Violations / Haul Away / Permits N/A $500 $1,000
HVAC Tune-Up Add-on Add-on ✅ Included
Rekey Service ✅ (1x per term)
Service Fee (Trade Call Fee) $100 or $125 $100 or $125 $100 or $125

All plans include a 30-day workmanship guarantee on completed repairs and a one-time rekeying service (up to 6 keyholes, 4 copies), which is a nice perk for homebuyers. ORHP has also expanded the Gold and Platinum tiers on the CRES real estate side to include Manufacturer's Warranty Labor and a Garage Door Opener Tune-Up for homebuyers. Pricing can be significantly higher in some states, with sample quotes in MarketWatch's 2026 review reaching as high as $98–$157 per month depending on state and service fee selection.

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 and washer/dryer protection included (instead of paying add-on fees), plus expanded appliance and system protection without paying for the Elite plan's higher appliance cap and unlimited refrigerant coverage 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 or $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 or 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 or $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 weeks for AC replacement during triple-digit heat, with repeated delays and inconsistent communication. 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 25+ years)
Trustpilot 4.1 / 5.0
BBB Customer Reviews 3.72 / 5.0 (~1,076 reviews as of mid-2026)
ConsumerAffairs 3.8 / 5.0 (2,351 reviews)

Old Republic holds a well-maintained A+ BBB rating, a credential they've earned for more than 25 years. On Trustpilot, the company performs solidly at 4.1 stars. However, BBB's own customer review section paints a more nuanced picture, with an average of 3.72 out of 5 stars across about 1,076 reviews in mid-2026. BBB also shows 761 total complaints in the last 3 years and 202 complaints closed in the last 12 months, and the BBB completed a formal review of complaints in March 2026 that flagged issues related to claims processing and reimbursements.

What Customers Praise

  • Long-term reliability: Reviewers with multiple years of coverage frequently report positive experiences on 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
  • Long HVAC wait times: Some 2026 customers reported going weeks without working air conditioning during peak summer, including during 100-plus degree heat advisories
  • Customer service hold times: BBB and Trustpilot complaints frequently cite long holds, poor follow-up, and reps who don't call back
  • Reimbursement delays: Multiple 2025–2026 complaints mention 30- to 60-day waits for reimbursements or refunds
  • Short 30-day repair guarantee: Competitors like Choice Home Warranty offer guarantees ranging from 60 to 90 days

Pros

  • A+ BBB rating maintained for 25+ years
  • High appliance coverage limits (up to $7,000 on Elite)
  • No caps on general plumbing or electrical repairs
  • Unlimited A/C refrigerant on Elite plan

Cons

  • Only available in about 25 states + D.C.
  • 30-day workmanship guarantee (shorter than 60-90 days at rivals)
  • Service fees ($100 or $125) higher than some rivals
  • Frequent complaints about claim denials and reimbursement delays

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Old Republic vs. The Competition

Head-to-Head Comparison

Old Republic (ORHP)

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

American Home Shield (AHS)

  • Nationwide (48 states + D.C.)
  • $5,000 HVAC coverage across all plans
  • Covers rust, corrosion, and undetectable pre-existing conditions
  • Choice of $100 or $125 service fee
  • $50,000 aggregate annual cap on Platinum
  • Lower per-appliance cap ($2,000 to $4,000)

Pricing Comparison Table

Company Monthly Range Service Fee Nationwide? Workmanship Guarantee
Old Republic $48–$92 $100 or $125 ❌ ~25 states + D.C. 30 days
American Home Shield $29.99–$119.99 $100 or $125 ✅ 48 states + D.C. 30 days
Choice Home Warranty $49–$60 $85 ✅ Most states 60 to 90 days
First American $37–$142 $100 or $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 there are no specific dollar caps on general electrical or plumbing repairs. The Elite plan's unlimited A/C refrigerant coverage is a standout as the industry transitions to more expensive A2L refrigerants, which are driving HVAC replacement costs up 15 to 25% across the market in 2026. Pricing is competitive at the entry level (starting around $48/month), and the 50-plus-year track record in real estate transactions gives ORHP 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 plans compared to see how ORHP stacks up against per-item caps at other providers.

Where It Falls Short

AHS covers issues caused by rust, corrosion, sediment, and even undetectable pre-existing conditions, 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's $11.8 million Arizona Attorney General consent judgment was entered January 23, 2026 (announced February 10, 2026) over allegedly misleading customers about coverage, with an August 1, 2026 restitution claim deadline for eligible Arizona customers. That's a meaningful risk factor worth reviewing in the Choice Home Warranty review and in our home warranty companies to avoid guide before signing up.

Industry-wide, several 2026 sources are also warning about broader coverage reductions, with some providers cutting mid-tier plumbing and electrical caps from $2,000 down to $1,000 or even $500 to offset rising labor and parts costs. ORHP is one of the few providers that has kept no dollar caps on general plumbing and electrical repairs, which is a meaningful advantage this year.

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 through CRES Insurance for up to 180 days after closing. The updated Platinum with Total Care upgrade also adds enhanced slab leak and external plumbing coverage, exclusive modification coverage, and zone controls (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. First-time buyers can also read our what is a home warranty guide for a broader look at whether coverage makes sense in year one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Old Republic Home Warranty worth it in 2026?

Old Republic Home Warranty is worth it for homeowners in its roughly 25-state coverage area who want high appliance coverage limits, unlimited A/C refrigerant on the Elite plan, and a trusted brand with 50-plus 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 undetectable pre-existing conditions. Always read your state-specific contract before purchasing, since coverage and pricing vary 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 for more than 25 years. As of mid-2026, BBB customer review scores average about 3.72 out of 5 stars across roughly 1,076 reviews, with 761 total complaints filed in the last three years. The gap between the accreditation grade and customer reviews is something potential buyers should factor into their decision, especially given the BBB's March 2026 complaint review flagged claims processing and reimbursement issues.

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 (48 plus D.C. vs. about 25), covers undetectable pre-existing conditions along with rust, corrosion, and sediment buildup, and offers a $50,000 aggregate annual cap on ShieldPlatinum, 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 unlimited A/C refrigerant on Elite, and is favored in real estate transactions. Both companies now offer a choice between $100 and $125 service fees.

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, new manufacturer's warranty labor coverage on Gold and Platinum CRES plans, and strong HVAC limits. Long-term homeowners with well-maintained systems tend to see the best claim outcomes, while those with older homes or known system issues may find better coverage with Select Home Warranty or American Home Shield.

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