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Old Republic Home Warranty Review


ConsumersAdvocate.org Rating: 2.2 / 5 (Average)
157 Customer Comments & Reviews - see all comments
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Old Republic Home Protection, formerly called Dependable Home Warranty, was founded in 1974 and became a subsidiary of Old Republic International in 1982. The California-based company has since undergone management changes that have contributed to its growth and expansion beyond California. It is currently considered the third largest home warranty company in the United States.

How is Old Republic rated?

Breakdown

0.0/5
Transparency
3.5/5
Claims Processing
3.5/5
Coverage Options
0.0/5
Additional Benefits
4.0/5
Customer Experience

Overall Rating: 2.2 / 5 (Average)

For 40 years, Old Republic Home Protection has remained among the three largest home warranty companies in the industry, providing comprehensive coverages for homeowners, home buyers, and real estate agents alike. Although their plans offer full protection for most systems and appliances, they can be rather pricey depending on the area of coverage and size of the home. Overall, Old Republic is a reliable option for anyone looking for enhanced protection and round-the-clock claims processing.

Coverage

Key Facts

Plan Types
Combo Plan
Build Your Own
Benefit Limit Type
Per Item
Typical Appliance Benefit Limit
$250
Typical Systems Benefit Limit
$1,000

Coverage Options - 3.5 / 5

Old Republic Home Protection offers three home warranty plans, the Standard Platinum, and Ultimate. The Standard coverage protects all main systems and most appliances, and clients can build on that coverage to customize their plans. The company also offers optional coverage for certain less usual items such as salt water equipment and ornamental fountains. On the downside, Old Republic's typical appliance benefit limit is $250, and their systems limit is $1,000, which is less than what other home warranty providers are currently offering.

What does Old Republic cover?

Covered Built-In Systems

  • Air Conditioning
  • Heating
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • Water Heater
  • Instant Hot/Cold Water Dispenser
  • Central Vacuums
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Ductwork
  • Sump Pump

Covered Appliances

  • Refrigerators
  • Dishwashers
  • Clothes Dryers
  • Clothes Washers
  • Ranges/Ovens/Cooktops
  • Built-in Microwaves
  • Freestanding Ice Makers
  • Built-In Trash Compactors
  • Garage Door Openers
  • Garbage Disposal
  • Stand Alone Freezer
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1 More

Exclusions

For a full list of Old Republic exclusions, check out this page.

Specialty Items

  • Pool/Spa
  • Well Pump
  • Septic
  • Roof Leaks

Contract & Price

Contract Details

Annual Premium
Starting at $295
Minimum Contract Length
13 month(s)
Online Quote/Application

Contract & Price - 4 / 5

Old Republic plans are on the higher end in terms of price, with annual premiums ranging from $260-$500 depending on the state, size, and condition of the home. Contracts with this company may be cancelled upon mutual agreement, in which case the customer would be entitled to a pro-rata refund of the paid plan fee minus a $50 processing fee and service costs.

Sample Contract

Old Republic provides a sample contract for potential customers on its website: Old Republic Sample Contract

Cancellation Policy

This Plan is non-cancellable, except for 1) nonpayment of fees; 2) fraud or misrepresentation of facts material to the Plan or a request for service thereunder; 3) upon mutual agreement between you and ORHP; or 4) if you harm or threaten the safety or well-being of ORHP, any employee of ORHP, a Service Provider, or any property of ORHP or of the Service Provider. If Plan is cancelled, you shall be entitled to a pro-rata refund of the paid Plan fee for the unexpired term less service cost incurred and a $50 processing fee. If a refund calculation results in you owing us for services rendered, we will bill you the net amount due or the unpaid Plan Contract fee, whichever is less.

Claims & Service

Claims

Maintenance Records Required for Service?
No
24/7 Claims Department?
Waiting Period
30 days

Contractors & Service

Contractor Selection
In-Network Only
Service Recall Period
30 days

Claims Processing - 3.5 / 5

Old Republic charges a different trade call fee, ranging from $55 to $100, depending on the state, size, and condition of the home. They have the standard 30-day waiting period before coverage can begin, a 30-day recall period on labor, and mostly restrict customers to their network of contractors, unless they have been previously authorized by the company. Nevertheless, Old Republic does have a 24/7 claims department, which many customers find convenient and isn't offered by all home warranty companies.

Old Republic Reputation

Company Details

Year Founded
1974
NHSCA Membership
Number of Employees
550
BBB Rating
A+
BBB Positive Reviews
11
BBB Neutral Reviews
3
BBB Negative Reviews
113

Reputation - 5 / 5

Old Republic Home Protection is NHSCA-certified and accredited by the Better Business Bureau. The company holds an A+ rating with the BBB and a composite score of 3.81 out of 5 stars based on 140 reviews. There have been a substantial number of complaints filed against the company, yet they have resolved each issue and seem committed to providing a good customer experience.

Contact & Additional Information

Homepage URL
Company Phone
(800) 445-6999
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 5017, San Ramon, CA, 94583
Year Founded
1974

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157 Customer Comments & Reviews

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K
Kim S
5/22/2017
I am giving orhw a zero rating. I have had this warranty and been paying premiums for 10 years and in that time have filed only two claims. One was for an old water heater that failed because it was at least 12 years old and that they denied the claim saying that the only reason it failed was because it was "improperly installed". Really? After working fine for 12 years? The second claim was because of a water leak that they said they would only cover it up to a maximum of $500. Even though it was going to cost me thousands to get it fixed. To add insult to injury they charged me a service charge and raised my renewal fee $50 each time. I estimate they have over $5000. Of my money in... Read More


B
Bethant
5/19/2017
If I could give them zero I would. They will make you call again and again to partially or not at all did the problem (has 3 different AC guys come out and finally the last guy we're "like look, the unit is not functioning and we can't keep paying ppl to come out just to cash a trade fee check we really need this fixed" funny he actually spent the time to search out the true problem.....all the others guys could care less (btw this is last and this year in the middle of the summer when I was 8 months pregnant with a toddler & no AC in Texas) so the guy tells them the problem and now some how we owe $375 for an "access fee" which is just another way to say labor charge......at this point... Read More


J
John M
5/6/2017
I have 25 years in the real estate industry as a home builder and licensed realtor. I have had two dealings with this company over the past year and they are terrible. The subcontractors that they call to address problems are incompetent and often do not return calls. When you call old Republic to complain they simply assign another contractor in hopes that the next guy may fix the problem. Poor customer service and poor follow through. Do not waste your money on this home warranty company!!


Debbie L
5/2/2017
AVOID THIS COMPANY! GO WITH SOMEONE ELSE!!! Our realtor set us up with this company at the last minute at our closing because it was a detail they had forgotten about prior to that. Initially we thought it was okay. We had a couple of minor issues that seemed to be handled fairly well. However, we had this company for a total of 3 years and as time went one, they just got worse. Their technicians didn't show up and when they did, they failed to order parts and we would wait for a month or longer for something to be fixed! Then because we actually had used them multiple times, they dropped us without even telling us! We called to put in a service request and they simply said that our plan... Read More


MA M
4/25/2017
I've had old republic for two years since I bought the house. The first year I had two service calls they came in a timely fashion and fix them. The second year they charge me $190 more for a renewal . My Air conditioner was not working and it took them three different service man to fix it over a four-month period. And my subzero icemaker was not working in June and it took them four different service men over a 7 months to send somebody out to try and fix it. Each time they came they charge me a service charge . Now without notice they tell me we are unable to renew your home warranty plan at this time. Good because The repair people were terrible and I was going to look for... Read More


Marcus M
4/16/2017
This is the WORST Home Warranty service there is. Not only do they not have any providers in the desert, we have to wait until the Provider 70 miles away can get out here. No Air Conditioning Providers out here? What? Will be researching different Home Warranty Plans tomorrow.


U
uncfes
4/14/2017
Have had these guys for years but they just got on my bad side.... dropped me with no notice. Okay, so I had some repairs this year, but I also have over 15 policies with them... well there goes those as they expire.


L
Larry S
4/11/2017
Worse warranty company. Unqualified technicians. My realtor got this for me and can't wait until it expires. Couldn't do the job and then bailed.


L
locouch
4/8/2017
Called in for my water heater. They said someone would contact me in 24 hours. 24 hours later, I called the company to see when someone would come out. He replied, tomorrow. So Thursday through Saturday, I was without hot water. He arrives Saturday and says he will need to order a part that would come in Tuesday. Tuesday evening I call him and he says the part is in and schedules my appointment for the next day 11 - 3. Take off of work to let him in. It's now 3:30 and he hasn't arrived nor has he called. When I call him, he tells me another job is running behind but he will be right over. Call back at 5...he'll be right over as soon as he finishes the other job. He arrives at... Read More


Crystal L
4/6/2017
I have had Old Republic for 3 years and was super disappointed that they sent me a plummer for an emergency situation who wasn't very good, he came to my house on Saturday and cut a hole in my wall then decided he didn't have the equipment to do the work. He said he needed to come back on Tuesday. I called Old Republic and told them I was not happy with the effort and they informed me the plummer said that someone had tried to "fix" the problem before him so I wasn't covered. I told OR I didn't agree and all I had tried to do is get the leak to stop. I was put on hold for 20 minutes then told to call back. I did, explained the situation all over again. Long story short, OR wasn't a... Read More



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