2-10 Home Buyers Warranty Review (2024)
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty (2-10) is one of the leading home warranty providers due to its unique appliance perks and plan-length workmanship guarantee. The company offers up to $2,000 for some items with coverage cap upgrades that reach $5,000 for key systems and appliances. 2-10 provides an extensive add-on catalog with 23 options for more customized coverage.
The company falls short on certain coverage details, including laundry appliance exclusions and a limited technician network. However, 2-10’s workmanship protection and appliance-focused benefits make it a solid choice for homeowners who need reliable home warranty coverage.
Editor’s Note: This review was updated on March 15, 2024, with updated competitor details, cost comparisons, and added insights from industry experts.
Our Take on 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty has been in the industry for decades, making it one of the oldest home warranty companies. It covers over 6 million homes nationwide but only offers services in 42 states. The company stands out for its unique appliance plan perks, extensive add-on catalog, and unlimited workmanship guarantee. 2-10 also offers special upgrades to extend your plan’s coverage, making it easier to match your specific needs.
The company falls short on some of its coverage limits and plan inclusions. Some limits fall below the $2,000 industry standard and 2-10 excludes washers and dryers from two of its plans. The company also imposes a processing fee on monthly premiums, an inconvenience we haven’t seen with other home warranty providers.
In online reviews, homeowners praised the 2-10’s helpful customer support and plan upgrades but disliked long call wait times and limited in-network technician options. In addition, customers experienced delayed repairs and replacements due to needing multiple technicians to complete their claims.
Pros and Cons of 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty offers some unique benefits that are rarely found with other home warranty companies. For instance, it provides an unlimited workmanship warranty and distinct appliance replacement perks, including color-matching policies. However, its lesser plans don’t cover washers and dryers.
How We Rated 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
We evaluated 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty using our comprehensive review standards, focusing on the factors valued most by homeowners. We awarded the company points across multiple categories, with the cumulative total resulting in a final rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Here’s a breakdown of the categories we evaluated and how 2-10 performed in each one:
- Coverage: This category evaluates coverage for essential and unique items and looks for coverage caps exceeding the $2,000 industry standard. 2-10 lost points for its coverage limits between $500 and $2,000. It excludes laundry appliance coverage from its lowest plan, which is commonly included by other providers.
- Value: Companies earn points in this category by providing competitive pricing through low monthly premiums, reasonable service fees, additional annual discounts, and flexible payment options. 2-10 earned a perfect score due to its low premiums and varied service call fees.
- Trustworthiness and transparency: This category evaluates companies on brand reputation, accessibility of sample contracts, and workmanship guarantee length. 2-10 gains points for its plan-length workmanship guarantee and solid brand reputation.
- Availability and service: Companies are scored favorably if they provide multiple submission options, efficient claim processing timelines, and flexibility in choosing service technicians. 2-10 lost points for its processing fee for monthly premiums and its limited technician network.
Our Home Warranty Experts
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty Coverage Plans
2-10 offers three coverage plans: Simply Kitchen, Complete Home, and Pinnacle Home. After reviewing 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty sample contracts, we found that clothes washers and dryers are excluded from its two lowest plans. Other home warranty companies usually cover these essential home appliances. You must pay extra for the add-on coverage or more for the Pinnacle Home plan to get coverage.
2-10 offers several unique plan benefits not found with other providers. The 2-10 Appliance Discount Program offers up to 65% off of General Electric and Whirlpool appliances. The company also offers appliance color-matching for its replacements.
Additionally, 2-10 includes an Appliance Replacement Offer. With this option, you’ll skip the service call fee and receive up to $100 reimbursement for new appliances. All repairs and replacements come with a workmanship guarantee for the plan’s entire length, far exceeding the industry standard of 30 days.
We learned that 2-10’s coverage limits vary per item. The company’s coverage limits range from $500 to $2,000, with the lower limits falling below the industry standard. We also discovered that the company imposes a $25,000 aggregate limit on claims per coverage period.
Here’s a summary of each 2-10 warranty plan:
- Simply Kitchen: This appliance-only plan covers kitchen appliances including built-in microwaves, ovens, and refrigerators.
- Complete Home: This plan includes Simply Kitchen items plus key home systems such as air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing.
- Pinnacle Home: This includes Complete Home protection plus the Supreme coverage upgrade.
The Supreme upgrade expands coverage to include nonessential and cosmetic items:
- Appliances: Baskets, clocks, dials, glass or ceramic cooktops, handles, haul-away and disposal fees, hinges, interior lining, knobs, latch assemblies, racks, rollers, rotisseries, self-cleaning mechanisms, shelves, springs, and turntable platforms
- Cooling: Crane costs, electrical cutoff switches, filters, haul-away and disposal fees, and refrigerant recovery and recharge
- Electrical: Attic and bathroom exhaust fans, burglar alarm systems, concrete encased or concealed wiring, fire alarm systems, and haul-away and disposal fees
- Heating: Crane costs, filters, and haul-away a✔nd disposal fees
- Plumbing: Vent piping leaks or breaks in the plumbing system, exterior and interior hose bibbs, faucets, faucet handles, shower heads, arms, tub spouts, haulaway and disposal fees, and concrete-encased, polybutylene, or PEX manifold plumbing systems
We’ve detailed each 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty plan below:
Item | Simply Kitchen | Complete Home | Pinnacle Home |
---|---|---|---|
Even-If Service Fee Guarantee | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Appliance Discount Program | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Appliance Color Match | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Appliance Replacement Offer | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Built-in Microwave | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Dishwasher | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Range/Oven/Cooktop | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Refrigerator (w/ Ice Maker/Crusher) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Air Conditioning and Heat Pump | – | ✔ | ✔ |
Heating System | – | ✔ | ✔ |
Thermostats (All Types) | – | ✔ | ✔ |
Drain Line Stoppages | – | ✔ | ✔ |
Pipe Leaks or Breaks | – | ✔ | ✔ |
Pressure Regulators | – | ✔ | ✔ |
Sump Pump | – | ✔ | ✔ |
Toilets | – | ✔ | ✔ |
Valves | – | ✔ | ✔ |
Water Heater | – | ✔ | ✔ |
Doorbell | – | ✔ | ✔ |
Electrical Wiring | – | ✔ | ✔ |
Outlets | – | ✔ | ✔ |
Panels | – | ✔ | ✔ |
Switches | – | ✔ | ✔ |
Washer & Dryer | – | – | ✔ |
Supreme | – | – | ✔ |
2-10 has a limited service area, covering only 42 states. The company excludes the following states from coverage:
Alaska | New Hampshire | South Dakota |
Hawaii | North Dakota | Wyoming |
Montana | Oklahoma |
Optional Add-Ons
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty offers 23 plan add-ons that range from $4 to $30 per month. It’s one of the largest catalogs offered given that most providers offer eight to 10 upgrade options. One affordable choice is the $8 monthly fee for $1,000 in roof-leak coverage. Some unique options include secondary appliances, saltwater and freshwater pools, and preseason HVAC tuneups. The company offers the Supreme upgrade as an add-on for the Simply Kitchen and Complete Home plans. Add-ons also vary in coverage limits from $500 up to $2,000.
Our sample contract also included the Luxury add-on for $6 per month. This feature increases the coverage limit for the following systems and appliances to $5,000:
- Air conditioning and heat pump
- Built-in microwave
- Dishwasher
- Electrical
- Heating
- Plumbing
- Range, oven, and cooktop
- Refrigerator
Full List of 2-10 Add-Ons
- Additional built-in wine cooler
- Additional free-standing freezer
- Additional refrigerator
- Additional wet bar refrigerator
- Second additional wet bar refrigerator
- Second additional built-in wine cooler
- Second additional free-standing freezer
- Second additional refrigerator
- Washer and dryer
- Plumbing and electrical
- Freshwater pool
- Extended pipe leak
- Water softener
- Well pump
- Septic system
- Saltwater pool
- Additional pool
- Garage door opener
- Roof leak
- HVAC surplus
- Luxury package
- Preseason HVAC tuneup
- Supreme upgrade
Why Would 2-10 Deny My Claim?
2-10 offers many standard exclusions the are common among home warranty providers. The company doesn’t cover items with preexisting conditions or issues caused by improper installation or modification. Additional exclusions include items without routine maintenance. Conlin recommended performing regular upkeep on your home’s systems and appliances to maximize their longevity and reduce the chance of breakdowns. Keep detailed records tracking the maintenance done on each system or appliance as proof of upkeep.
The company’s sample contract also comes with exclusions per covered item. For example, standard appliance coverage excludes appliances not in the primary kitchen. It also leaves out duplicate appliances, cosmetic issues that don’t affect an appliance’s primary function, and portable appliances. We encourage you to review the sample contract for exclusion details.
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty Costs
Based on our sample quote for a home in Wichita, Kansas, 2-10 costs from $27–$70 per month. Home warranty pricing depends on where you live, your protection plan, and how many add-ons you select. Simply Kitchen offers the lowest pricing, with plans ranging from $27 to $36 monthly. For the Complete Home plan, expect to pay $47–$56, which is fairly typical. 2-10’s highest plan, Pinnacle Home, is priced between $61 and $70 per month without add-ons.
The company offers separate monthly and annual premium rates. Our sample quote revealed that 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty tacks on a 9.4% processing fee to monthly payments. This hefty fee is waived if you instead opt for an annual payment plan.
We’ve detailed 2-10 costs and coverage caps below:
Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Coverage Cap |
---|---|---|---|
Simply Kitchen | $27–$36 | $65–$100 | $500–$2,000 |
Complete Home | $47–$56 | $65–$100 | Coverage caps remain the same |
Pinnacle Home | $61–$70 | $65–$100 | Coverage caps remain the same |
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty Service Call Fee
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty lets you select a $65, $85, or $100 service call fee with your plan. We tested the various service fees in our quote process. Choosing the highest service call fee reduced our premiums by $3 per month. 2-10’s online quote tool offers full disclosure with service call fees and automatically adjusts the total to reflect your choice.
The company includes its Even If Service Fee Guarantee, a unique value proposition that other home warranty companies lack. With this guarantee, you’ll get a service fee refund if you request help and 2-10 sends a technician to your home who finds that the item isn’t covered. You’ll also only have to pay a service fee for a specific issue once instead of paying every time that same appliance or system breaks down.
How Do I File a Claim?
2-10 offers multiple claim submission methods and allows you to track your claim’s status. Here’s a breakdown of the company’s claim filing process:
- Start your service request: Call the 24/7 claims hotline or use the online homeowners portal to begin a claim. You can sign in and select “Service Requests” from the menu to use the portal.
- Choose your appliance or system: Next, select whichever appliance or system needs repair from the online list. 2-10 limits service claims to one item per claim. If you need to submit multiple items, complete claims for each one separately.
- Provide item and issue details: Enter additional information about the item including the brand, model, installation time, and symptoms experienced. The portal also recommends checking your service contract to ensure that the issue is covered.
- Review your request and submit: Verify the details you provided for the claim. Your service call fee will be due whenever the technician arrives for the appointment. Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation number and the contractor’s name and details. According to 2-10, it attempts to process claims within four hours of receipt.
- Check the service action center: After submitting a claim, you can use the service action center to check status updates from the contractor. If you use an out-of-network technician, upload service documents for reimbursement. You’ll be able to escalate claims too if you haven’t received any updates after seven days.
According to our sample quote, 2-10 lets you choose your own contractor in areas lacking an approved technician. However, you must get 2-10’s approval before starting any repairs. If you use your own contractor, you’re responsible for covering any costs exceeding what 2-10 would’ve paid one of its contracted providers.
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty Reviews
To evaluate the customer experience with 2-10, we scrutinized third-party review sources such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Reddit, Trustpilot, and BestCompany. Users praised its helpful customer support team and simplified claims process. Negative reviews called out long wait times and limited in-network technician options.
What Homeowners Like
- Simplified online claims process: Homeowners considered the online claims process as simple to complete, with technician assignments in under 24 hours.
- Helpful customer support: Users complimented the knowledgeable and friendly customer service team.
- Comprehensive coverage upgrades: Several customers appreciated 2-10’s available extended upgrades.
What Homeowners Dislike
- Long wait times: Although customers appreciated help once it was received, they often waited for up to an hour to reach a representative over the phone.
- Limited service technician network: Many homeowners mentioned issues with finding a local technician, with some located several hours away from their town.
- Delayed repairs: Customers noted having multiple technicians assigned to their repairs, which delayed fixes for several months.
Average Customer Rating
2-10 earns mixed scores across third-party sites. The company gets 1.2 out of 5 stars on the BBB, 2.1 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, and 4.5 out of 5 stars on BestCompany. The provider has only 20 reviews on Trustpilot, so there’s limited customer representation on that site.
The BBB has over 400 reviews, mostly negative ones within the last three months. We found far more scores on BestCompany, with almost 4,000 total reviews and 70% giving it 4 or 5 stars. Many home warranty companies receive similar mixed scores for their services.
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty Customer Reviews
Here’s a sampling of positive and negative reviews for 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty:
Positive Reviews
“It’s pretty convenient … You can easily log in online to file a claim. Usually get a response within 24 hours. And the service has always been positive so far. I’ve referred two of my friends who have purchased warranties as well.” — Seanta, February 2024 on BestCompany
“The Supreme coverage plan by 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty has been a lifesaver for our family. It offers comprehensive protection and peace of mind like no other. From unforeseen repairs to superb customer service, 2-10 has us covered.” — Kelsey T.L., October 2023 on BestCompany
Negative Reviews
“It took me two months to get my AC fixed and two repairmen. I bought 3 years’ worth of the highest coverage and regret it. Please note: They succeed by doing the bare minimum and will charge you for every service visit. They’ll give the minimum diagnosis so they pay the least, which means that multiple repairmen will have to come out and fix. You have to fight just to get bare-minimum service.” — Jared B., October 2023 on BBB
“I had to use my warranty for the garbage disposal and when they replaced it, the company didn’t install it correctly and it actually affected my dishwasher. So then I had to report my dishwasher. They came and told me that the garbage disposal was not installed correctly and I had to not use my dishwasher for another couple of weeks.” David, September 2023 on BestCompany
We recommend researching a home warranty company’s in-network technicians for availability and experience. “Review the list of contractors to make sure they are licensed, bonded, and insured,” Dodson said. If a home warranty company offers limited options in your area, verify its policies for out-of-network contractors and service reimbursements.
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty vs. Competitors
Compare 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty with other top home warranty companies below.
Company | BBB Rating | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|
A | $27–$70 | $65–$100 | VISIT SITE | |
NR | $49–$59 | $65–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
B | $29–$89 | $100–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
B- | $44–$47 | $60–$75 | VISIT SITE | |
B | $42–$82 | $75–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
B | $35–$94 | $75–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
A+ | $44–$58 | $70 | VISIT SITE | |
B+ | $30–$56 | $100–$150 | VISIT SITE |
Note: BBB ratings are accurate as of March 2024. We based the pricing details in this section on a sample quote for a 2,035-square-foot, single-family home in Wichita, Kansas.
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty vs. Liberty Home Guard
Liberty Home Guard (LHG) offers an impressive 42 add-on options, which is even more than with 2-10. The company has consistent coverage limits and no aggregate limits for its options. LHG also includes washer and dryer coverage under standard coverage for two of its plans.
With the Supreme upgrade, 2-10 offers higher coverage limits for essential items than LHG. 2-10 offers better pricing customization too, with three service call fees available. LHG assigns its service call fees and varies them based on your plan, location, and add-on selections. LHG also offers unclear details through its online quote tool whereas 2-10 offers transparent policy information throughout its process. LHG’s add-on limits max out at only $500 compared to $2,000 with 2-10.
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty vs. American Home Shield
American Home Shield (AHS) has more consistent and higher coverage caps than 2-10. Systems receive a $5,000 cap, while appliances receive up to $4,000 on the highest plan. AHS also includes coverage for preexisting and damaged items, protections that 2-10 doesn’t offer.
Due to its comprehensive coverage, AHS falls short regarding pricing and add-on options. AHS has a price range that’s considerably higher than 2-10’s, with its costliest plan charging $99 per month. The company also offers a limited add-on catalog of six items compared to 2-10’s 23. AHS makes an excellent option for those with older homes who need higher coverage limits.
How To Choose a Home Warranty
When shopping for a home warranty, follow these key steps:
- Consider your coverage needs: Begin by identifying which appliances and home systems require coverage. Consider factors like age, current condition, and necessary add-ons. Match home warranty coverage to your immediate needs.
- Set your budget: Based on your coverage requirements, establish a reasonable budget that accounts for plan costs, add-on fees, and service call fees.
- Request multiple quotes: Get quotes from at least three different home warranty providers to compare plan options and pricing.
- Review sample contracts: Carefully read through sample contracts, paying close attention to coverage limits, exclusions, and depreciation policies. Check the company’s website for technician qualifications or contact customer support to learn about its contractor vetting process.
- Check customer reviews: Weigh each company by reading reviews on the BBB and other third-party sites to gauge their brand reputations and customer satisfaction levels.
Home Warranty Cost Calculator
We created a calculator to break down the estimated annual cost of owning a home warranty.
To calculate your projected annual cost, follow these steps:
- Enter your monthly premium
- Enter your service call fee
- Enter your estimated number of claims
It’s best to request a quote directly from one of our recommended providers, as annual costs and service fees vary between them.
Use the table below to compare your calculated cost to repair with the replacement costs for common appliances.
Appliance | Average Repair Cost | Average Replacement Cost |
---|---|---|
Dehumidifier |
$50–$200 |
$1,300–$2,800 |
Microwave |
$50–$400 |
$60–$2,000 |
Dishwasher |
$50–$500 |
$400–$3,000 |
Exhaust Fans |
$16–$300 |
$250–$950 |
Electric Range |
$100–$500 |
$230–$3,000 |
Gas Range |
$100–$500 |
$230–$3,000 |
Dryer |
$100–$400 |
$450–$2,300 |
Oven |
$100–$430 |
$400–$3,000 |
Washer |
$50–$450 |
$400–$2,300 |
Freezer |
$90–$500 |
$160–$2,900 |
Refrigerator |
$40–$350 |
$200–$5,000 |
Life span and repair cost data sourced from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) and Home Depot
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty: Final Verdict
We recommend 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty for homeowners who need affordable appliance coverage with extended workmanship protections. The company offers unique replacement options and perks plus a solid catalog of add-ons. You can also extend coverage limits and protections with the Luxury and Supreme add-ons.
While 2-10 offers reliable customer support, its extended phone call holds and limited technician network could make the claims process challenging. Since its coverage limits vary, we recommend reviewing the sample contract to make sure that you get the right coverage.
FAQ About 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
Can I transfer my 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty coverage?
Yes, you can transfer your home warranty to new owners if you’re selling the house. Simply notify 2-10 of the transfer and the company will get it switched over with no fee. The new homeowners will be protected for the remainder of the original term and can renew it.
How long has 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty been in business?
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty has been in business since 1980, making it one of the industry’s oldest home warranty companies. According to its website, 2-10 has covered over 6 million homes since its inception.
How long does a 2-10 Home warranty last?
2-10 home warranties have different coverage lengths depending on the plan. System and appliance home warranties will last for one year while the structural warranty provides a year of coverage for workmanship, two years of coverage for distribution systems, and 10 years for qualifying structural defects on newly constructed homes.
When does a 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty begin?
2-10 warranty coverage becomes effective 30 days after your purchase. Customers who want to cancel can do so within 30 days of signing up and get a full refund.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.