Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Homeownership in Salem comes with quite a few perks, but it also comes with worries and concerns. Your home’s appliances and systems will eventually need repairs, and this could mean a huge expense. A home warranty is a way to protect your bank account from unexpected expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be significantly lower and allow you to live in your home with more peace of mind.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be overwhelming, since there are dozens of companies to decide between. That’s why the Today's Homeowner team did the research and compiled a list of the best home warranty companies in Salem 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 for Salem residents. Liberty has been in the home warranty industry for over 6 years. The 3 plans that Liberty offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. When you buy a home warranty 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. Service fees from Liberty are an affordable $75. The coverage caps are also generally about $3,000.
To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or give them a call at 866-451-2281. To read more, visit our review of Liberty Home Guard.
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 for Salem residents. Choice has been in the home warranty industry for over 15 years. The 2 plans that Choice offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. When you buy a home warranty 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. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also generally about $3,000.
To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 929-400-6164. To read more, visit our review of Choice Home Warranty.
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 for Salem residents. Select has been in the home warranty industry for over 11 years. The 3 plans that Select offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. When you buy a home warranty 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. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also generally about $2,000.
To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-370-3953. To read more, visit our review of Select Home Warranty.
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 for Salem residents. AHS has been in the home warranty industry for over 26 years. The 3 plans that AHS offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. When you buy a home warranty 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. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also generally about $2,500.
To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-365-2839. To read more, visit our review of American Home Shield.
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
First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage for Salem residents. First American has been in the home warranty industry for over 39 years. The 2 plans that First American offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. When you buy a home warranty from First American, you will get very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. First American Home Warranty 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 plans that First American offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. Service fees from First American are a reasonable $85. The coverage caps are also generally about $1,500.
To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 833-204-7164. To read more, visit our review of First American Home Warranty.
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
Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee for Salem residents. Cinch has been in the home warranty industry for over 44 years. The 3 plans that Cinch offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. When you buy a home warranty 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. Service fees from Cinch are customizable and range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also generally about $1,000-$2,000.
To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or give them a call at 877-589-0505. To read more, visit our review of Cinch Home Services.
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 for Salem residents. HSC has been in the home warranty industry for over 15 years. The 2 plans that HSC offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. When you buy a home warranty 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. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also generally about $2,000.
To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 800-750-9443. To read more, visit our review of The Home Service Club.
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 | $6,025 |
Heating | $4,017 |
Electrical | $603 |
Toilets | $502 |
Washer/Dryer | $803 |
Plumbing | $603 |
Oven | $1,607 |
Fridge | $603 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps Salem homeowners in lowering the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide financial coverage to replace or repair appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then arranges a contractor to handle the replacement or repair. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of the repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives peace of mind for homeowners by helping them avoid expensive emergency repairs. They're particularly valuable for those who own older homes or ones with aging systems. Newer homes with modern fixtures probably don’t require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home's systems and appliances. Common covered appliances include dryers, washers, dishwashers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, microwaves, and others. Protected systems include electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning. Various home warranty plans offer additional coverage for roof leaks, central vacuums, septic systems, and even locksmiths. Salem homeowners should know that most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. Additionally, most policies only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, natural disasters, or misuse of a system or appliance. Remember to keep up with preventative maintenance to help make sure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Home warranties use several terms that you'll want to understand before signing a contract, such as:
When choosing a home warranty provider, there are several important factors to consider:
Home warranty plans can have major differences in covered items. Most plans provide protection for heating, plumbing, AC, electrical, and appliances. More comprehensive options also include coverage for other items such as spas, roof leaks, pools, and well pumps. Look for companies with a range of coverage choices, such as upgraded plans. You'll want to tailor your protection for your home’s needs.
Homeowners should anticipate paying a $60–100 service fee when filing home warranty claims. These per-claim costs can add up, so some homeowners prefer using providers with more affordable per-claim fees to maximize savings. Some companies also offer disappearing deductibles after periods where a customer files no claims.
A home warranty company's track record gives you insight into things such as claim approval rates, contractor quality, timeliness of repairs, and overall customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to research providers. Positive ratings and reviews indicate a provider known for stellar service.
Home warranty providers have networks of contractors that they use to tackle covered repairs. Larger networks increase the chance of getting skilled contractors to your home quickly. Contact possible providers to ask how many technicians they have in Salem to understand how long repairs may take in an urgent situation.
Certain home warranty companies offer perks such as energy-efficient upgrades, discounts on maintenance, and protection for smart home devices. These provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra perks can enhance your home and help maximize your home warranty.
Salem’s hot summers can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty will cover your home’s appliances and systems in the event they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner fails in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the necessary repairs, saving you from spending a lot of money out of pocket.
Not only can a home warranty save you some money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time as well. Instead of needing to vet service technicians on your own, home warranty companies do the work for you and send a contractor from their network right to your door when you need them. Another added benefit of having a home warranty plan is that it can increase your home’s property value. If you ever decide to sell your home, you may be able to transfer your home warranty plan to the new homebuyer depending on the provider you purchased your home warranty through.
Home warranties also have some cons. While it can be convenient that the home warranty sends out a contractor who carries out the repair for you, some homeowners may not like this, and they may want to select a contractor themselves. If that’s important to you, some home warranty companies allow you to select a contractor.
Another thing to consider is that some providers don’t cover pre-existing problems and may require an inspection before coverage begins. Ask the home warranty company for clarification about this if you aren’t sure or if this is an issue for you.
A home warranty in Salem can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. Higher-priced plans typically have higher coverage limits, broader coverage, and a lower service fee. You can often lower this cost by paying annually instead of monthly. Some providers will also lower your up-front costs when you agree to a higher service fee.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what types of damage they cover. Home warranty policies cover issues related to home systems and appliances that need repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different insurance that protects an entire home from natural disasters, which can be a concern in Salem. It doesn't cover a typical appliance or system damage.
A home warranty policy can help real estate agents, homeowners, home sellers, investors, and homebuyers. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved with homeownership.
The different kinds of home warranties in Salem include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan covers your home systems and appliances, including your washing machine, drier, and plumbing. An appliance or system plan will cover only the specific items listed in the plan.
Home warranty plans typically offer coverage for a year. Many providers let you renew your plan each year, and some offer month-to-month plans as well.
Typically, the homeowner is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the one selling the home may purchase a home warranty and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then have to pay the service fees when using the policy. Considering that the average home value in Salem is $183,464, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.