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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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T
tn1929ky
10/27/2016
We have lived here 1 year. In that time we had a Partial reimbursement for a HVAC motor that burned out but when our stove quit, our disposal and later our dishwasher leaked all over and then a garage door spring broke (over the period of a year) There was always some detail why the claim could not/would not be paid. Each of these was an unplanned emergency but ORHW wanted $60+ each time to "send someone out" to determine if ORHW would cover it. In each case it was a week or two before "someone" could come out. With water all over and/or our car stuck in the garage I would have expected better service. Basically, you have to call them BEFORE any emergency. None of these claims were... Read More


T
Terry S
9/24/2016
I am giving them a ZERO rating. Worst home warranty company out there. For over 3 months we have tried to get them to send a contractor to diagnose and fix our HVAC unit. After three months all they did was replace our thermostat with a cheap one. And guess what, the unit does not work!!!!!! STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY.


J
Joy J
9/16/2016
Old Republic covers a house we purchased within the last year. On Labor Day our pressure assist pump died leaving us with barely enough pressure to minimally function. We got ahold of a plumber who actually did come and replace the pump. Old Republic seems to think we were supposed to get "prior authorization" when you have no water pressure on a holiday. It seems far more "scam" than insurance to me. I know the people we purchased our home from paid something like $350 for this "policy" which, when you get into the details, is pretty much worthless.


R
Ryan F
9/13/2016
We purchased a home warranty from Old Republic Home Protection in 2013. When we got estimates for the policy we asked them about whether a building on our property would be covered since it was not in the details of the coverage in 2013. Their representative stated that since the total sq. footage of the house and building was under 5000 sq ft, the extra building would be covered. Last week our A/C went out in that building and needed major repair. ORHP declined to cover the repair claiming that the building was not covered since we did not have a policy for it. We have explained to them repeatedly that they consented to coverage of that building when we signed up in 2013 but unfortunately... Read More


N
NyKeisha J
9/9/2016
They will find a reason to deny service such as its preexisting condition.


A
Andrew M
8/16/2016
The negative reviews are totally correct. This company is full of unprofessional lying thieves. They deny your claims for unfounded reasons, cannot prove anything they tell you, and call you illiterate when you dispute their unfounded reasons for denying your claim. They also charge you that wonderful $60.00 non-refundable call fee for this horrific service. Do not purchase a plan from these people. Save your money and hire good qualified experts and professionals. You will be very happy to take this terrible company out of the mix. If you need more confirmation, look them up on Consumer Affairs, Better Business Bureau, and Yelp. Those websites are full of similar stories of other... Read More


S
Shamim A
7/14/2016
This company is made up of a bunch of CROOKS, their intent is to take the money and provide no services. They have a half a dozen class action lawsuits against them. With 1,051 BBB complaints. Here's my story: We purchased a home warranty from ORHP when we purchased our home in Oct. 2015. On Sunday July 10th our toilets started to back up and would not flush, our shower drains were backing up as well. We called ORHP for service, they sent a referral for a plumbing company, we called the company and they said they could not help us on Sunday and that we had to wait until Monday. We told them that it was not acceptable, we called ORHP back the customer service person told us if we... Read More


R
RebeRebecca D
7/12/2016
The worst! Beware and take your business elsewhere! Each time I called in service I was given the run around. Each time I was given a replacement (dishwasher and faucet) I was given a bottom of the line replacement when I had mid grade appliances. I am so discouraged by the lack of integrity of this company. Terrible doesn't seem to cover it.


P
Paul
6/28/2016
4 calls in 2 years and 3 times I had to call them back verify their NON dispatching then find a service provider and work all the details before being able to see them. No sense of urgency from them or the service providers. Lost one AC each year and had to wait three days before seeing anyone while outside temp around 100F. Had HSA before when leaving up North and nothing as such ever happened


M
Matt T
5/31/2016
We got a home warranty at the suggestion of our Real estate agent who is equally as appalled as we are. They told us this covers all appliances in your house in case anything breaks. We are set for renewal in June. Earlier this year the handle to our Microwave broke off and the opening mechanism not repairable by me. We have to use a screw driver to pry the door open. The loop hole in the contract is that every part of the microwave is covered EXcept the handle. I should have know then that is insurance company is as sleazy as the rest of them. So early May our garbage disposal completely stops working and water is dripping from the electrical reset button. They guy on the phone... Read More



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