If your furnace dies the week before the holidays or your dishwasher floods the garage, you know how fast home repair bills can spiral. Old Republic Home Protection positions itself as a safety net for exactly those moments — and with a BBB A+ rating held for over 25 years, the company has earned a reputation worth examining. Here’s what real coverage, real costs, and real customers actually look like.
Founded: 1974 · Repair Guarantee: 30 days · Coverage Focus: Home systems and appliances · Plans Offered: Comprehensive home warranty plans · Primary Website: orhp.com
Quick snapshot
- Founded in 1974; BBB A+ rating (Old Republic Home Protection)
- 30-day repair guarantee (NerdWallet)
- Three plans: Basic, Deluxe, Elite (NerdWallet)
- Exact plan costs without requesting a quote
- Complete list of the 25 covered states
- Long-term claim approval rates from independent audits
- Monthly fees start at $45 per month (NerdWallet, December 2025 quotes)
- Service fees range $100–$125 per claim (NerdWallet)
- Policy comparison shows Old Republic’s HVAC limits ($6,500 each) outpace many competitors
- Elite plan doubles appliance caps to $7,000 per item vs. $3,500 on Basic/Deluxe
This overview table summarizes the essential facts about Old Republic Home Protection as a home warranty provider.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Old Republic Home Protection |
| Established | 1974 |
| Main Coverage | Home systems and appliances |
| Repair Guarantee | 30 days |
| Official Site | www.orhp.com |
How do I use my Old Republic home warranty?
Using your Old Republic home warranty starts with understanding the claims process — and a key rule many homeowners miss: always contact Old Republic before calling your own contractor. Going directly to a contractor without authorization can result in claim denial, even for covered items.
How to file a claim
- Contact Old Republic Home Protection directly through your online account or customer service line before scheduling any repair work
- Provide your contract number, describe the issue, and request authorization for the repair
- Once approved, Old Republic will assign a contracted service provider or — in some cases — allow you to choose your own contractor
- If a covered item is too old or parts are unavailable, Old Republic may offer a cash payout in lieu of repair
The repair guarantee runs for 30 days after the work is completed, meaning if the same issue reoccurs within that window, the follow-up visit is covered under the original claim at no additional service fee.
Service fee process
Every time a covered item needs repair, you pay a service fee — ranging from $100 to $125 per claim. This fee is due directly to the contractor when they arrive. After the fee is paid, Old Republic covers the labor and parts for the repair, subject to your plan’s coverage limits.
Filing before you call a contractor isn’t bureaucratic paperwork — it’s your coverage lifeline. Homeowners who skip this step have reported denied claims even for items clearly listed in their contracts.
What is normally covered under a home warranty?
Home warranties cover major systems and appliances that fail due to normal wear and tear — not accidents, improper installation, or pre-existing problems. The distinction matters: Old Republic covers what breaks down from age and use, not what was already broken when you signed up.
Covered systems
Four major systems form the backbone of Old Republic’s coverage:
- Heating and cooling: HVAC systems are covered with a $6,500 limit for heating and a separate $6,500 limit for air conditioning — among the higher caps in the industry
- Plumbing: No coverage limit for general repairs; $1,500 for slab or polybutylene leaks; $600 per toilet
- Electrical: No coverage limit — repairs fall under the standard service fee with no per-item cap
- Garage door openers: No coverage limit, covered under all three plans
Covered appliances
Coverage varies by plan tier. The Basic plan covers kitchen appliances (oven, range, cooktop, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal) and most major systems, but excludes washer/dryer and air conditioning. The Deluxe and Elite plans add washer/dryer and air conditioning coverage — making them the better fit for buyers who need those appliances included.
- Basic/Deluxe: $3,500 per appliance limit
- Elite: $7,000 per appliance limit — double the Basic and Deluxe cap
Higher limits sound good, but an appliance costing $10,000 to replace still leaves a gap on any plan. Evaluate your high-value items against these caps before assuming full protection.
What is not covered in warranty?
Understanding exclusions is where most homeowner surprises originate. Old Republic’s contract clearly excludes several categories — and reading the fine print before signing is the difference between a smooth claim and a denied one.
Common exclusions
- Pre-existing conditions: Problems that existed before your coverage start date are not covered — this includes items visibly damaged or already malfunctioning when you purchase the plan
- Improper installation: If a licensed inspector can attribute the failure to improper installation, the claim will likely be denied
- Pest or pet damage: Damage caused by insects, rodents, or pets is excluded — a common issue for homeowners with known pest problems
- Cosmetic defects: Dents, scratches, or surface-level issues that don’t affect function fall outside coverage
- Natural disasters: Floods, earthquakes, and other catastrophic events are handled through homeowners insurance, not your warranty
Pre-existing conditions
If a system or appliance was already failing when your coverage began, Old Republic will not pay for its repair or replacement. The solution? Conduct a pre-coverage inspection. Many homeowners request a professional assessment before their contract anniversary to catch and document issues early — before a claim is needed.
Condo, townhome, and multiplex owners face additional restrictions: not all optional add-ons are available for these property types. Check with Old Republic directly to confirm what applies to your situation.
Can I cancel my Old Republic home warranty?
Yes — homeowners can cancel their Old Republic home warranty contract. The process typically requires contacting customer service directly. Refund options depend on the timing of the cancellation and whether you’ve filed any claims during the coverage period.
Cancellation process
- Contact Old Republic Home Protection’s customer service by phone or through your online account to request cancellation
- Have your contract number ready and be prepared to confirm your cancellation reason
- Review your contract for any cancellation fee or minimum commitment periods
- Confirm whether a prorated refund is available based on unused coverage days
Refund options
If no claims have been filed, most homeowners are eligible for a refund of unused premiums on an annual plan. If claims have been processed, the refund amount may be reduced or eliminated depending on the contract terms. Monthly subscribers who cancel mid-term typically receive a prorated credit for the remaining unused days.
Canceling after filing several claims can complicate the process. If you have an open claim or recent repairs, discuss the timeline with Old Republic before submitting your cancellation request.
Is the Old Republic home warranty any good?
The answer depends heavily on your expectations going in. Old Republic is not a magic fix for every home problem — it’s a financial tool that limits the surprise cost of normal wear and tear. For homeowners who understand the limits, the plan can deliver genuine value. For those expecting comprehensive coverage with no caps or exclusions, disappointment is almost guaranteed.
Plans and costs
Based on December 2025 quotes, monthly fees start at $45 with service fees ranging from $100 to $125 per claim. Annual plans offer savings, and payment options include monthly, yearly, or three-month installments. Optional add-ons include pool/spa coverage ($25/month, $3,000 limit) and septic coverage ($7/month) — useful for homeowners with these features.
- Basic plan: Kitchen appliances and major systems; washer/dryer and AC excluded; $3,500 per appliance cap
- Deluxe plan: Adds washer/dryer and air conditioning; $3,500 per appliance cap; includes rekeying and item disposal enhancements
- Elite plan: Maximum coverage; $7,000 per appliance cap; rekeying and disposal included
Review insights
Customer satisfaction ratings sit above 3.0 out of 5 on major review platforms, with many homeowners praising the company’s customer service and claims handling. The BBB A+ rating — maintained for over 25 years — signals consistency that newer competitors struggle to match. However, negative reviews consistently point to claim denials based on pre-existing condition determinations and scope-of-coverage disputes.
Coverage Specifications at a Glance
This detailed breakdown shows how coverage limits compare across plan tiers for each system and appliance category.
| Component | Basic/Deluxe Limit | Elite Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating system | $6,500 | $6,500 | No per-incident cap; separate from AC |
| Air conditioning | $6,500 | $6,500 | Basic plan excludes AC entirely |
| Plumbing (general) | No limit | No limit | Slab/polybutylene: $1,500; toilet: $600 |
| Electrical | No limit | No limit | Covered under all plans |
| Garage door opener | No limit | No limit | Covered under all plans |
| Appliances (per item) | $3,500 | $7,000 | Oven, microwave, dishwasher, disposal, washer, dryer |
| Pool/spa (optional) | $3,000 | $3,000 | $25/month add-on |
| Septic (optional) | N/A | N/A | $7/month add-on |
Upsides
- No-cap coverage on plumbing, electrical, and garage door openers across all plans
- HVAC limits ($6,500 each) outpace many competitors
- BBB A+ rating held for over 25 years
- 30-day repair guarantee covers follow-up work at no additional fee
- Cash payout option when repair isn’t feasible
- Payment flexibility: monthly, quarterly, or annual
Downsides
- Basic plan excludes washer/dryer and air conditioning
- Per-appliance cap ($3,500–$7,000) may not cover high-value items
- Pre-existing condition exclusions are strictly enforced
- Must contact Old Republic before calling a contractor — no exceptions
- Coverage limited to 25 states and Washington, D.C.
- Exact pricing requires a custom quote; no published rate card
Steps to File a Claim with Old Republic Home Protection
The following step-by-step process helps ensure claims are filed correctly to avoid denials.
- Check your contract first: Confirm the item or system is listed as covered before calling — this prevents wasted time and clarifies your expectations
- Contact Old Republic: Call or use your online account to report the issue and request authorization — do this before scheduling any contractor visit
- Receive claim number and contractor assignment: Old Republic will issue a claim number and assign a contracted service provider, or approve use of your own licensed contractor
- Pay the service fee: When the contractor arrives, pay the $100–$125 service fee directly — this is your only out-of-pocket cost for the covered repair
- Repair is completed: Old Republic covers labor and parts up to your plan’s coverage limits; the work is guaranteed for 30 days
- Follow-up if needed: If the same issue recurs within 30 days, contact Old Republic for a no-fee follow-up repair under the original claim
“I highly recommend Old Republic Home Protection, as we have had several things come up that were covered and they honored all of them.”
— Homeowner Testimonial (Old Republic Home Protection testimonials)
“Your customer service agents are by far the best I have ever dealt with. They are understanding, calming and genuinely caring.”
— Customer Review (Old Republic customer feedback)
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Frequently asked questions
What are Old Republic home warranty plans?
Old Republic Home Protection offers three plans: Basic, Deluxe, and Elite. Basic covers major kitchen appliances and systems but excludes washer/dryer and air conditioning. Deluxe adds washer/dryer and AC coverage. Elite includes the same items as Deluxe but raises per-appliance coverage limits from $3,500 to $7,000. All plans include a 30-day repair guarantee.
How much is the service fee for Old Republic?
Service fees range from $100 to $125 per claim, payable directly to the contractor at the time of the repair visit. This is the only out-of-pocket cost per repair incident on a covered item.
Does Old Republic cover AC replacement?
Yes, but only on Deluxe and Elite plans. The Basic plan explicitly excludes air conditioning coverage. On Deluxe and Elite, AC is covered up to $6,500 per incident with no separate per-visit cap.
What is Old Republic home warranty reimbursement?
In cases where a covered item is too old to repair or parts are unavailable, Old Republic may offer a cash payout in lieu of repair. This is not a guaranteed reimbursement — it depends on the item’s condition and Old Republic’s assessment at the time of claim.
Is there an Old Republic home warranty referral program?
Old Republic offers optional add-ons for home buyers and sellers, which may function as informal referral tools through real estate transactions. Contact Old Republic directly to ask about current referral incentive programs.
What are benefits of Old Republic home warranty?
Key benefits include high HVAC coverage limits ($6,500 each), no-cap plumbing and electrical coverage on all plans, a 30-day repair guarantee on completed work, flexible payment options (monthly/quarterly/annual), and BBB A+ accreditation maintained for over 25 years.
How to login to Old Republic home warranty account?
Homeowners can access their account through the Old Republic Home Protection website at orhp.com. The portal allows you to file claims, check coverage details, request contractor assignments, and manage billing preferences.
For homeowners in the 25 states and Washington, D.C. where Old Republic operates, the company represents a mature, well-rated option for those who want predictable repair costs on aging systems and appliances. Read the contract before signing, contact Old Republic before calling a contractor, and evaluate your high-value items against the per-appliance caps — and the plan becomes a practical financial tool rather than a source of frustration.