Fidelity Home Warranty: What It Covers, What It Costs, and Whether It’s Worth It
A home warranty won’t replace your homeowner’s insurance, but it can protect you from a surprise furnace failure or a burst pipe repair bill. Fidelity National Home Warranty (FNHW) is one of the longer-running providers in the space. It’s a smaller regional company rather than a national brand, so knowing what you’re buying matters more than usual.
This guide covers what a Fidelity home warranty includes, how service requests work, what to expect on cost, where the company operates, and how to decide if it fits your home.
What Is Fidelity National Home Warranty?
Fidelity National Home Warranty sells service contracts that cover repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances when they break from normal wear and tear. The company markets to both homeowners and real estate professionals.
Don’t confuse it with the financial services firm Fidelity Investments. They are unrelated. The warranty company operates at homewarranty.com.
Fidelity says its plans are built for first-time buyers, sellers, and current homeowners. Plans are customized, so what you get depends on your state and the contract you choose.
What Does Fidelity Home Warranty Cover?
Fidelity lists a broad set of standard coverage items, plus optional coverage you can add.
Standard coverage
- Plumbing: the plumbing system, plumbing stoppages, and toilets
- Heating: heating system and ductwork
- Electrical: the electrical system, ceiling fans, attic and exhaust fans, smoke detectors, and doorbells
- Kitchen appliances: dishwasher, range, oven, cooktops, built-in microwave, trash compactor, and instant hot water dispenser
- Water-related: water heater, permanently installed sump pump, bathroom whirlpool motor pump, and recirculating hot water pump
- Other systems: telephone system, central vacuum system, and garage door opener
Optional coverage
- Kitchen refrigerator
- Washer and dryer
- Air conditioning
- Pool and spa equipment
- Limited septic leak coverage
- Roof leak repair
Some third-party reviews report that AC is included in all plans in certain states, while Fidelity’s own page lists it as optional. Because this is a point of confusion, check your state’s contract before assuming your air conditioner is covered. Add-ons and their availability also vary by region.
Some third-party reviewers note that Fidelity’s standard coverage includes items that competitors like American Home Shield treat as add-ons, such as the sump pump, bathroom whirlpool motor, and recirculating hot water pump.
What home warranties typically don’t cover
Like all home warranties, Fidelity contracts have exclusions and per-item coverage limits. Common limits include:
- Dollar caps on certain repairs or replacements
- Exclusions for pre-existing conditions or improper installation
- Problems caused by lack of maintenance or code violations
Read the contract’s limits and exclusions section before you buy. Some limits can be raised by purchasing extra coverage.
Fidelity Home Warranty Plans
Fidelity offers two main contract types:
- 12-month Fidelity National Home Warranty plan: the standard annual contract for homeowners, buyers, and sellers.
- 13-month CRES Advantage Home Warranty: a plan available through real estate agents and brokers insured with CRES Insurance for errors and omissions coverage.
The CRES Advantage plan gives the buyer 13 months of coverage and includes $50,000 of seller E&O coverage through the Sellers Protection Plan, plus an E&O deductible reduction of up to $5,000 for the brokerage. It’s issued and administered by Fidelity National Home Warranty and ordered through a local sales rep or homewarranty.com. Qualifications and restrictions apply.
Some comparison sites describe tiered plan names (for example Standard, Comprehensive, Enhanced, and Enhanced Plus), though Fidelity’s own homeowner page describes a base plan with optional add-ons. Plan structure may differ by state, so confirm what’s offered in yours.
How Much Does Fidelity Home Warranty Cost?
Pricing depends on your state, plan, and add-ons, and published figures vary by source and date. As a rough guide from third-party reviews:
- Monthly plan cost: reviewers report starting prices ranging from the low $20s to the low $40s per month.
- Service fee (trade call fee): reported figures range from about $65 to $95 per claim depending on the source and region.
Treat these as ballparks. Get a quote for your address, since rates and fees vary by state and contract. Fidelity’s phone line for ordering or renewing is 1-800-862-6837.
The service fee matters. It’s what you pay each time a technician comes out, so a plan with a low monthly price can still add up if you file several claims.
How to File a Claim With Fidelity National Home Warranty
Fidelity describes a four-step process:
- Request service. Sign in online or call FNHW. You can also skip the login and submit a QuickClaim.
- Get scheduled. A Preferred Service Provider contacts you to set an appointment.
- Get approval. Once the repair or replacement is approved, the work proceeds.
- Pay your service fee when the technician arrives.
Phone numbers:
- Order or renew a contract: 1-800-862-6837
- Customer service: 1-800-308-1420
Fidelity notes it verifies your phone number and ZIP code each time you call for service, which is a security step.
Tips for a smoother claim:
- Keep your contract and any maintenance records handy.
- Report problems as soon as they happen. Waiting can lead to damage that’s excluded.
- Document the issue with photos or video.
- Ask whether the repair or replacement is covered, and up to what dollar limit, before work begins.
- Keep a record of every call and reference number.
Where Is Fidelity Available?
Fidelity is not a nationwide provider. Sources currently report a service area of roughly 10 to 17 states, and the number has changed over time. If you live outside its footprint, you’ll need another provider. Check availability for your ZIP code on the Fidelity site or by phone before comparing plans.
Fidelity for Real Estate Agents and Sellers
Fidelity markets heavily to real estate professionals. The company says a home warranty can help a listing sell faster and closer to asking price, and that it reduces after-sale hassles because buyers call the warranty company instead of the agent. Agents can download state-specific brochures and use free marketing tools.
If you’re a seller, offering a warranty can be a useful sweetener for buyers. If you’re a buyer who received one, review the contract and renewal terms, because the free first-year coverage doesn’t automatically continue on the same terms.
Fidelity Reviews: What Customers Say
Customer feedback is mixed to negative on major review sites, and you should weigh that honestly.
Common praise:
- Online service requests and the QuickClaim option
- Relatively affordable starting prices
- Broad standard coverage with no age limits on covered items, according to some reviewers
- Backing from a large parent company, Fidelity National Financial
Common complaints:
- Claims denied or only partially paid
- Delays, especially when parts are unavailable or a technician can’t complete the job
- Frustration with replacement decisions and coverage limits
- A limited service area and fewer total reviews than larger competitors
This pattern isn’t unique to Fidelity. Home warranty complaints often center on claim denials and wait times across the industry. Still, read recent reviews for your region and contact the company with specific questions before buying.
Is Fidelity Home Warranty Worth It?
It may be a good fit if you:
- Live in a state Fidelity serves
- Are buying or selling and receive a warranty as part of the transaction
- Want standard coverage that includes items like a sump pump or recirculating pump
- Have older appliances or systems and want to cap your repair risk
You may want to look elsewhere if you:
- Live outside Fidelity’s service area
- Want a large national network and extensive review history
- Have newer appliances still under manufacturer warranty
- Are unwilling to deal with coverage caps and claim approval steps
A smart way to decide: estimate what you’d realistically pay for repairs to your covered systems over a year, then compare that to the annual plan cost plus likely service fees.
Fidelity Home Warranty vs. Other Providers
Compared with larger names like American Home Shield, Fidelity is smaller and regional. Reviewers often say Fidelity wins on price and on some included items, while AHS has wider availability and a far larger customer base. Whichever you consider, compare these side by side:
- Monthly cost and service fee
- Per-item coverage limits
- What’s included versus add-on (especially AC and refrigerator)
- Waiting periods
- Claim process and renewal terms
Before You Sign: A Quick Checklist
- Confirm Fidelity serves your ZIP code
- Get the full contract in writing, including limits and exclusions
- Confirm whether AC, refrigerator, and washer/dryer are included or add-ons
- Ask about the service fee and any waiting period
- Ask how replacement decisions and cash-out are handled
- Check renewal terms and cancellation policy
Fidelity Home Warranty FAQ
Is Fidelity National Home Warranty legit?
Yes. It’s an established home warranty company that has operated for decades and is backed by Fidelity National Financial. Customer satisfaction on review sites is mixed, so read the contract carefully.
What is the Fidelity home warranty phone number?
To order or renew, call 1-800-862-6837. For customer service, call 1-800-308-1420.
Does Fidelity home warranty cover HVAC?
Heating and ductwork are listed under standard coverage. Air conditioning is listed as optional coverage on Fidelity’s site, though some third-party reviews say it’s included in some states. Check your contract.
How much is the Fidelity home warranty service fee?
It varies by state and contract. Third-party sources report figures between roughly $65 and $95 per claim. Confirm yours before you buy.
How do I renew my Fidelity home warranty?
Call the order and renewal line at 1-800-862-6837 or visit homewarranty.com. Fidelity lists renewal as a common FAQ, so ask about any rate changes at renewal.
What is the CRES Advantage plan?
It’s a 13-month plan available through real estate professionals insured with CRES Insurance. It includes 13 months of buyer coverage and seller E&O protection, and Fidelity administers and underwrites it.
Is Fidelity National Home Warranty the same as Fidelity Investments?
No. They’re separate companies. The warranty company is part of the Fidelity National Financial family.
Does a home warranty replace homeowner’s insurance?
No. Home warranties cover mechanical, plumbing, and appliance breakdowns from normal wear. Homeowner’s insurance covers events like fire, theft, and storm damage.
Final Thoughts
Fidelity National Home Warranty offers wide standard coverage, an easy online request process, and options for buyers, sellers, and agents. The tradeoffs are a limited service area, coverage caps, and mixed customer reviews. Get a quote for your address, read the contract line by line, and compare it with at least one other provider before committing.
Comparing providers? Our Sears home warranty guide and our breakdown of home warranty cost show what competing plans cover and what they charge.
Related Warranty Guides
Check the Latest Official Manufacturer Warranty Before You File
Warranty coverage periods, required proof-of-purchase documents, eligible defect categories, and claim handling times vary by region, model, and authorized seller. Always check the official manufacturer’s latest support portal before filing a claim to confirm your product's eligibility.