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Old Republic Home Warranty Review


ConsumersAdvocate.org Rating: 2.2 / 5 (Average)
156 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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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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156 Customer Comments & Reviews

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Cheri W
8/4/2023
Old Republic Home Warrantee allegedly engages in chronic fraud and conspiracy against warrantee holders w/ their vendors. Terms of contract is I pay their vendors $75 service fee upon completion of job. Then Old Rep changed the terms of their contract during the warrantee period where they bill my credit card $75 service fee in advance at the time I call in a claim, then their vendors come out, and Old Rep denies the claim! They have refused my last several claims yet bill me for each service chg. in what I see as a ploy to discourage me from filing any claims. Since they changed the terms of their policy, no one gets back to you to let you know the status of your claim (which is denied)... Read More


Kim M
7/14/2023
The first time making a claim and it’s going to cost me the warranty holder a crazy amount of money for my repair!


kirkoleary
6/15/2023
You will NEVER get a call back from this company....Been dealing with nothing but lies from the start. They always go back to "We need more information from the installer" or "Your part is on backorder". This is quite possibly the WORST company I have ever dealt with. The "my service request" page is worthless. It isn't even close to being accurate. We have been without AC for a month and a half now and my house is at 90 degrees inside. You ask to speak to a supervisor and they put you on hold for 20 minutes only to come back and tell you they will call you back as no one is avaialbe. Don't use this company!


dmgonzalez661
5/14/2023
Long story short, requested service on a packaged AC unit, Sent out a provider that said the package unit needs to be replaced. With "Ultimate Protection" Old Republic" refused to cover items included in Ultimate coverage. The reason I called for service (AC) versus why the unit needed to be replaced (Heat) on a combined package unit were not covered costs because even though its one unit, the heating side needed to be replaced so AC coverages were not covered. 20+ years of loyalty and that means nothing to Old Republic. It took them over a month to order the replacement unit because in their words on more than one occasion "someone didnt get the memo". Sure they read the comments and... Read More


johnharrisonscott0
7/29/2022
I contacted Old Republic for simple leak in toilet. Contractor was sent out, he said he needed a part, requested $75.00 and said he would return when the part was in. After 1 week I tried to contact his company Everything Plumbing and no one answers and I could not leave a msg. I contacted OR and they said I would need to work directly with the plumbing Co. I called again and again, and ended up hiring an outside plumber not connected with OR to complete the job. So I was out the $75.00 5 Months later, I had a separate shower issue of valve not turning. Called OR, different Company is sent out APC plumbing he said he would need a part and would return. I said I would not pay until he... Read More


K
Kimberly H
5/26/2022
This is one of the worst home warranty companies. They will try to find ways to avoid paying for covered repairs. When my hot water heater failed, I had to replace the appliance. Old Republic refused to cover the repair/replacement because I chose a smaller sized tank to replace the huge tank that was in the home when I purchased it. Their response stated that the original tank was "over sized" and so they would not pay for the replacement. Since that time, I also had problems with them with other repairs that were covered in the policy but they identified an obscure reason for not covering the repair/replacement. If you are looking for a home warranty company, DO NOT select this one!


C
C. W
5/9/2022
Old Republic sent a contractor to our home that damaged our cooktop. Old Republic's contractor was not reputable and doesn't have insurance. Old Republic informed us (Old Republic's paying customer) that we would have to sue the uninsured contractor to have the cooktop replaced. Old Republic has refused to make this situation right. Beware of selecting Old Republic as a home warranty company as their practices border on fraud.


liuchen7978
1/16/2022
These two days I have been so frustrated dealing with them. Short story. Our water heater is leaking, and we required a service. The plumber came and said we need a new one. Two days later no updates and then I called them. They told me there are modifications not covered by our plan and we need to pay over $800 out of our pocket. Those modifications include T&P, connect electricity and replace the ball valve water line. Yes, we bought a standard plan which covers water heater. Why we buy home warranty, we want to save money. But with this company, it turns out we have to pay more and spent more time dealing with them on phone (very long waiting time) and get very frustrated. And the... Read More


mmerc2004
10/14/2021
Current holder of a ORHW policy on a condo. Had troubles with our dishwasher which was covered. 3 months and 3 different repairman/companies later, and they still have not fixed the dishwasher. I know - you only have so many parts to replace. The last repairguy actually replaced EVERYTHING that could be replaced including pump, hoses, connections - literally everything that could be done. Still not working. ORHW's response - send another repairman. According to repairman #2, he already charged more than $600 in parts. A brand new dishwasher from Home Depot would cost about that much, forget labor, travel, and time lost with the unit. So now we're on the 3rd company. The name of that... Read More


B
BECKY L
10/4/2021
Do not waste your money on this company. They leave you on hold for over 30 minutes; and then disconnect you. Very rude people to deal with on the phone. We have been trying for over 2 months to get reimbursement for our air conditioner. Horrible customer service.



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