Thoughts on Home Warranty Companies

I was surprised to read this story in the news today--while I was not surprised at the issues presented, I WAS surprised to read about companies that were previously unknown to me. My wife used American Home Shield for years at her prior home (a lovely 1970's "cottage") and was able to keep her ancient 1970's HVAC system running. It's funny-they did the typical 'band-aid' style warranty work versus spending more to actually FIX something for good. They fixed bits and pieces of her HVAC but her original compressor remained outside as well as some other internal bits. To contrast that, I pass signs on I-75 noting they can replace an entire system for $1599--so AHS spent more than that to fix the "single" problems piecemeal. Oh well, I'm sure they have some CPA figure all that out... We now have Old Republic Home Warranty and to date we've had no issues with them at our new home (fridge repairs, HVAC fuse, and oven element repair). I bought a warranty for my old house (rented through March, so make me an offer : ) with HSA--they were not so helpful. All I will say is make sure to read the fine print with any/all warranty company. As an example, I think HSA was the only one of the 'biggies' used in metro-ATL (ORHW, AHS, First American, HSA) that did not cover the ductwork with an HVAC repair, so to compare apples to apples, repairs using that warranty would cost me more out of pocket (then there is the issue of customer "service" from them). Suffice it to say that I will offer a different home warranty when I market it this Spring!