Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Buying a home is a big step for many, but the cost of maintaining it can be expensive over time, especially if your home in Branford is on the older side. A home warranty in Branford can help lower your out-of-pocket costs by covering repairs or replacements to major home systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be time-consuming, as there are so many companies to decide between. That’s why the Today's Homeowner team did the research and made a list of the top home warranty companies in Branford for you.
Very highly rated among customer service reviews
Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
Extensive list of 20+ add-on coverages
Easy claims process
Won’t cover known or unknown pre-existing conditions
Liberty Home Guard is the most trustworthy home warranty in Branford. Liberty has over 6 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 3 policies that Liberty offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you buy a policy from Liberty, you will get a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Liberty Home Guard also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
The plans that Liberty offers to homeowners are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $75.
Read our review of Liberty Home Guard to learn more. To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281.
Appliance Guard
Systems Guard
Total Home Guard
Over 10 years of experience
24/7 customer service team
Home inspections aren’t required
90-day repair guarantee
Plans aren’t customizable
Customers can’t choose their own contractor
Not available in washington
Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty in Branford. Choice has over 15 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 2 policies that Choice offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you buy a policy from Choice, you will get very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Choice Home Warranty also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
The plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $85.
Read our review of Choice Home Warranty to learn more. To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164.
Basic Plan
Total Plan
Low service fees compared to other home warranty providers
Two months of free coverage
Has an appliance-only, systems-only, and combo plan option
90-day repair guarantee
Has a $75 cancellation fee
Low coverage caps
Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty in Branford. Select has over 11 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 3 policies that Select offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you buy a policy from Select, you will get a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Select Home Warranty also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
The plans that Select offers to homeowners are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
Read our review of Select Home Warranty to learn more. To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953.
Bronze Care Plan
Gold Care Plan
Platinum Care Plan
The oldest and most trusted company in the industry
Allows customers to build their own plans
Ability to choose the service fee you want to pay
Broad coverage on up to 33 appliances and systems
Doesn’t let customers choose their own technician
Doesn’t provide coverage in alaska
American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty in Branford. AHS has over 26 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 3 policies that AHS offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you buy a policy from AHS, you will get the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. American Home Shield also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
The plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
Read our review of American Home Shield to learn more. To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839.
ShieldSilver
ShieldGold
ShieldPlatinum
Offers home insurance deductible of $500
Extra long 180-day workmanship guarantee
Offers free cancellation in the first 30 days
Charges high service fees of $75-$150
Doesn’t allow customers to choose their own technician
Isn’t available in hawaii or alaska
Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in Branford. Cinch has over 44 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 3 policies that Cinch offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you buy a policy from Cinch, you will get a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Cinch Home Services also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
The plans that Cinch offers to homeowners are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
Read our review of Cinch Home Services to learn more. To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505.
Appliances Plan
Built-in Systems Plan
Complete Home Plan
Policy starts in ten days
24/7 customer service support
Generous coverage caps on important systems and appliances
30-labor guarantee and 90-day parts guarantee
Offers utility and home service outside line coverage
Higher service fee of $95
Not accredited by the better business bureau (bbb)
Only 2 plan options
The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service in Branford. HSC has over 15 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 2 policies that HSC offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you buy a policy from HSC, you will get quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. The Home Service Club also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee.
The plans that HSC offers to homeowners are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
Read our review of The Home Service Club to learn more. To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443.
Standard Coverage Plan
Comprehensive Coverage Plan
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on home warranty companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
| Home Appliance | Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Air Conditioner | $6,914 |
| Heating | $4,609 |
| Electrical | $691 |
| Toilets | $576 |
| Washer/Dryer | $922 |
| Plumbing | $691 |
| Oven | $1,844 |
| Fridge | $691 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps lower expenses for Branford homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide coverage to fix or swap out appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider then arranges a contractor to make the repair or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the cost of the repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty policy gives homeowners a sense of security because it can help avoid expensive emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for buyers of older homes or homes with systems near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with appliances and fixtures in good condition may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties safeguard both your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered under a home warranty include microwaves, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, garbage disposals, and others. Covered systems include heating, plumbing, air conditioning, and electrical. Many home warranties offer additional add-on coverage options for locksmiths, septic systems, central vacuums, and even roof leaks. Branford should understand that most home warranty plans have a waiting period of 30 days before repair claims will be approved. The majority of policies also only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or misusing a system or appliance. Stay current with preventative maintenance to ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
There are several home warranty terms to understand before signing an agreement, including:
There are several important factors to consider when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage can have major differences in what's included. Most plans provide coverage for plumbing, electrical, AC, heating, and appliances. More robust coverage options also include protection for other items such as well pumps, pools, spas, and roof leaks. Look for providers with an array of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. Flexibility helps you tailor your protection for your needs.
Homeowners should anticipate paying a $60–100 service fee when filing home warranty claims. These per-repair charges can potentially accumulate over time, so some homeowners prefer using providers with lower service fees to maximize savings. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles after periods where a customer files no claims.
A home warranty company's track record provides insight into things such as timeliness of repairs, contractor quality, claim approval rates, and overall customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as Google Reviews, TrustPilot, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research companies. Favorable ratings and reviews indicate a provider known for stellar service.
Home warranty providers use networks of local repair technicians to manage repairs in a given area. Contact potential businesses to ask how many repair technicians they have in Branford and get an idea of how fast your repairs could be handled in an emergency. More extensive networks raise the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Certain home warranty companies include perks such as energy-efficient upgrades, discounts on maintenance, and protection for smart home devices. These can offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra perks can enhance your home and help maximize your home warranty.
Since temperatures in Branford can be quite cold in the winter, the weather can put a lot of strain on your HVAC system. Buying a home warranty policy can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances stops working suddenly.
Additionally, having a home warranty can save you time by eliminating the need to research service technicians — most companies will send a trusted professional right to your door to do the necessary repair or replacement. Another benefit of having a home warranty is when you’re selling your home, some providers let you transfer your home warranty policy to the new owners. It can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and may help your house sell faster.
There are also some downsides to getting a home warranty policy, like the coverage exclusions. For instance, home warranties may not cover home systems or appliances that are already covered by a manufacturer's warranty.
Additionally, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they need repairs due to a natural disaster or animal infestation — anything other than normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.
A home warranty in Branford can cost between $30 and $60 a month. The higher-priced plans usually have broader coverage, higher coverage limits, and a lower service fee. Home warranties are often cheaper when you pay annually instead of monthly. Some providers will also reduce your up-front costs when you agree to a higher service fee.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty plan covers normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. Homeowners insurance protects a home in case of a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. Under homeowners insurance, you will not be able to file a claim if you need a new dryer or air conditioner, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Branford.
A home warranty policy can help homeowners, homebuyers, investors, home sellers, and real estate agents. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved in homeownership.
The different types of home warranties in Branford include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan will cover almost all your home systems and appliances, including your dishwasher, washing machine, and heating and cooling systems. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the items listed in the contract.
Generally, a home warranty lasts for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some providers may offer month-to-month plans.
Typically, the homeowner is the one who pays the premium and service fees. However, if you have just bought a new home, sometimes the seller is the one who paid for the policy. This can then be transferred to the new homeowner, who will pay the service fees. In Branford, where the median home value is $402,179, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
