Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
As much as you may enjoy owning a home in Albany, there's always that fear about whether your appliances and systems are going to need to be replaced in the next few years. A home warranty can offer you the peace of mind you need and guard your savings account from large expenses by covering your home’s major appliances and systems.
The home warranty market has many providers — all with different coverage — so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you find the best home warranty companies in Albany.
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
In Albany, Liberty Home Guard is the most trustworthy home warranty. Liberty has been on the market for around 6 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. Liberty has established itself as a company with a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. It also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry. The 3 plans from Liberty are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage.
Liberty Home Guard has 3 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $75.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of Liberty Home Guard. To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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
In Albany, Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty. Choice has been on the market for around 15 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. Choice has established itself as a company with very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. It also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. The 2 plans from Choice are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage.
Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $85.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of Choice Home Warranty. To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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
In Albany, Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty. Select has been on the market for around 11 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. Select has established itself as a company with a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. It also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. The 3 plans from Select are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage.
Select Home Warranty has 3 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of Select Home Warranty. To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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
In Albany, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty. AHS has been on the market for around 26 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. AHS has established itself as a company with the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. It also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. The 3 plans from AHS are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of American Home Shield. To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-365-2839.
ShieldSilver
ShieldGold
ShieldPlatinum
Established company with a bbb accreditation
Doesn’t have a coverage cap on heating, cooling, or ductwork
24/7 service calls available
Offers replacement of some covered items that are too damaged to repair
Doesn’t let customers choose their own contractor
According to some customer reviews, the technical jargon in contracts is confusing
In Albany, First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage. First American has been on the market for around 39 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. First American has established itself as a company with very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. It also has a unique add-on alongside common ones called the First Class Upgrade, which covers fees associated with the use of lifting equipment, up to $250 per local building permits, haul away services, and appliances and systems that have been insufficiently installed or modified. The 2 plans from First American are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage.
First American Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of First American Home Warranty. To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 833-204-7164.
Basic Plan
Premier Plan
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
In Albany, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. Cinch has been on the market for around 44 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. Cinch has established itself as a company with a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. It also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. The 3 plans from Cinch are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of Cinch Home Services. To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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
In Albany, The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC has been on the market for around 15 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. HSC has established itself as a company with quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. It also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee. The 2 plans from HSC are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage.
The Home Service Club has 2 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of The Home Service Club. To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 | $5,825 |
Heating | $3,883 |
Electrical | $583 |
Toilets | $485 |
Washer/Dryer | $777 |
Plumbing | $583 |
Oven | $1,553 |
Fridge | $583 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps cut costs for Albany homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide coverage to fix or replace appliances and systems that break due to normal wear and tear.
Homeowners file a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to make the fix or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the cost of the repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty plan gives homeowners a sense of security since it can help avoid costly emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for people purchasing older homes or homes with appliances near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with appliances and fixtures in good condition may not require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Warranties usually cover appliances such as washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, microwaves, garbage disposals, and others. Covered systems include electrical, heating, air conditioning, and plumbing. Many home warranty companies also provide additional coverage for locksmiths, central vacuums, septic systems, and roof leaks. Albany homeowners should know that most home warranty plans begin with a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. What's more, most policies only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or improperly using a system or appliance. You must keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Home warranties use several terms that you'll want to understand before signing a contract, such as:
There are several key factors to consider when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage can have major differences in what's included. Most plans include protection for plumbing, AC, electrical, heating, and appliances. More comprehensive plans also cover other items such as well pumps, roof leaks, pools, and spas. Look for a provider that offers an extensive selection of coverage options, including upgraded plans. You want the flexibility to customize coverage to fit your home's specific systems and needs.
Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. With these per-request costs adding up over time as you file claims, some homeowners prefer to choose a provider with more affordable fees to maximize savings. Some providers also do away with deductibles if a customer goes a period of time without filing any claims.
A home warranty provider's reputation can give you insight into things such as approval rates, repair timeliness, contractor quality, and customer satisfaction. Use review platforms such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to research providers. Positive ratings and feedback indicate a provider known for exceptional service.
Home warranty companies have networks of contractors to handle covered repairs. Bigger networks improve the likelihood of getting qualified technicians to service your home ASAP. Ask potential providers how many contractors they have in Albany to get a sense of how soon your repairs could happen in an emergency.
Home warranty providers often include bonuses such as energy efficiency upgrades, coverage for smart home devices, and maintenance discounts. These add value beyond basic repair coverage. Additional perks help maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Temperatures in Albany can get quite high in the summer, which means your air conditioner is likely to get a lot of use. As a homeowner in Albany, one of the benefits of having a home warranty is knowing that these home systems and major appliances can be covered if they need to be repaired or replaced.
Not only does a home warranty give you some savings, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks, the last thing you want to do is find a repair person and schedule a repair. A home warranty takes care of this process by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. In addition, though home warranty companies vary, some providers will allow you to transfer your warranty in the event that you sell your home. This can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers and maybe even help your home sell faster.
One downside of purchasing a home warranty is that there are generally exclusions. For instance, if you already have a manufacturer's warranty on one of your appliances, it may be excluded from the home warranty, so it’s important to read through any contracts you’re considering thoroughly to understand what is included and what isn’t.
Another consideration is that home warranties typically only cover damage from normal wear and tear. They commonly won’t cover home systems or appliances that have stopped working due to animal infestations, improper maintenance, natural disasters, etc.
A home warranty plan costs, on average, around $300 to $600 a year in Albany. Our high-rated home warranty companies' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can decrease your monthly bill with some companies by opting for a higher service fee. In addition, it's usually less expensive to pay annually rather than monthly.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what types of damage each covers. A home warranty helps protect against normal wear and tear to home systems and appliances. A homeowners insurance plan protects your entire home in a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim should you need a new washing machine or oven, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Albany.
A home warranty can help real estate agents, investors, homeowners, home sellers, and homebuyers. It can provide peace of mind and savings to anyone involved with homeownership.
The different types of home warranties in Albany include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan will cover almost all your home systems and appliances, including your washing machine, drier, and heating and cooling systems. An appliance or system plan will cover only the specific items listed in the policy.
Home warranty plans usually provide coverage for a year. Many providers let you renew your plan each year, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Typically, the one who owns the home is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the home seller may buy a home warranty policy and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then have to pay the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in Albany is $120,135, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.