Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
With a variety of seasons in Essex, your home systems can go through quite a bit of wear and tear. There’s nothing worse than having your air conditioning go out in the middle of summer. 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 considerably lower and give you some peace of mind.
The home warranty market is saturated with a lot of providers — all with different offerings — so the Today's Homeowner team has compiled this guide to help you find the best home warranty companies in Essex.
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 offers the most trustworthy home warranty for Essex residents. 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 home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various system and appliance coverage options.
Liberty Home Guard offers 3 plans for Essex homeowners. The Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Liberty’s service fees are an affordable $75, and the coverage caps come out to about $3,000 per covered appliance or system.
To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or give them a call at 866-451-2281. Read more by visiting 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 offers the best overall home warranty for Essex residents. 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 home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various system and appliance coverage options.
Choice Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Essex homeowners. The Basic Plan and Total Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Choice’s service fees are an affordable $85, and the coverage caps come out to about $3,000 per covered appliance or system.
To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 929-400-6164. Read more by visiting 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 offers the most cost-effective home warranty for Essex residents. 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 home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various system and appliance coverage options.
Select Home Warranty offers 3 plans for Essex homeowners. The Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Select’s service fees are a reasonable $60, and the coverage caps come out to about $2,000 per covered appliance or system.
To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-370-3953. Read more by visiting 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 offers the most customizable home warranty for Essex residents. 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 home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various system and appliance coverage options.
American Home Shield offers 3 plans for Essex homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. AHS’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, and the coverage caps come out to about $2,500 per covered appliance or system.
To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-365-2839. Read more by visiting 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 offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage for Essex residents. When you buy a policy 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 home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various system and appliance coverage options.
First American Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Essex homeowners. The Basic Plan and Premier Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. First American’s service fees are a reasonable $85, and the coverage caps come out to about $1,500 per covered appliance or system.
To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 833-204-7164. Read more by visiting 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 offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee for Essex residents. 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 home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various system and appliance coverage options.
Cinch Home Services offers 3 plans for Essex homeowners. The Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Cinch’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, and the coverage caps come out to about $1,000-$2,000 per covered appliance or system.
To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or give them a call at 877-589-0505. Read more by visiting 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 offers the best home warranty with the quickest service for Essex residents. 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 home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various system and appliance coverage options.
The Home Service Club offers 2 plans for Essex homeowners. The Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. HSC’s service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, and the coverage caps come out to about $2,000 per covered appliance or system.
To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 800-750-9443. Read more by visiting 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 | $6,120 |
| Heating | $4,080 |
| Electrical | $612 |
| Toilets | $510 |
| Washer/Dryer | $816 |
| Plumbing | $612 |
| Oven | $1,632 |
| Fridge | $612 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps Essex homeowners reduce the high costs of household repairs. These plans offer financial protection to repair or swap out appliances and systems that stop working from normal wear and tear.
Homeowners file a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to make the fix or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the repair or replacement costs go over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners peace of mind, as it helps avoid expensive emergency repairs. The coverage is particularly helpful for buyers of older houses or houses with fixtures near the end of their life span. However, people with newer homes and functioning appliances may not require a home warranty.
Home warranties protect your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered include dishwashers, washers, refrigerators, microwaves, dryers, garbage disposals, and more. Covered systems are normally electrical, heating, air conditioning, and plumbing. Many home warranty companies offer add-on coverage for septic systems, roof leaks, central vacuums, and locksmiths. Essex 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 resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, or misuse of a system or appliance. You must keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
There are several home warranty terms to understand before signing an agreement, including:
When you're deciding on a home warranty provider, there are several important things to take into account:
Home warranties vary widely in terms of included coverage. Basic plans typically provide protection for electrical, AC, heating, plumbing, and appliances, while more comprehensive plans may also cover pools, spas, roof leaks, and well pumps. Look for companies with an array of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. Flexibility helps you tailor your protection for your home’s needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee that can range from $60 to $100, which gets paid per service call made. The costs from multiple fees can add up. You may decide to look for companies with lower service fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some companies also offer disappearing deductibles when customers go a period with no claims filed.
A home warranty company's reputation provides insight into things such as approval rates, contractor quality, repair timeliness, and customer service. Use review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to research companies. Positive ratings and feedback indicate a company known for great service.
Home warranty providers have networks of local contractors to handle repairs in your area. Reach out to potential providers to ask how many repair contractors they have in Essex and get an idea for how quickly your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. Wider networks increase the probability of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.
Some home warranty providers include perks such as reduced maintenance fees, smart home device coverage, and energy efficiency upgrades. These can provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Added bonuses help you enhance your home and get the most from your home warranty.
Since temperatures in Essex can be quite hot in the summer, the weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioning unit and HVAC system. Getting a home warranty plan can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances stops working all of a sudden.
Not only can a home warranty provide some savings, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks, the last thing you want to do is find a contractor and schedule a repair. A home warranty handles this process by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. Plus, though it varies by company, some providers will let you transfer your warranty if you sell your home. This can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers and maybe even help your home sell faster.
As for the negatives of home warranties, home system and appliance coverage varies by provider, so it’s important to read what each policy covers and doesn’t include in the contract.
Another pain point of home warranties is that they don’t cover systems or appliances that have been improperly maintained. This can lead to your repair requests being rejected, so it’s important to be sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance of your home systems and appliances.
A home warranty policy costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Essex. Our top-rated home warranty companies' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can lower your monthly bill with some companies by choosing a higher service fee. In addition, it's often 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. Homeowners insurance protects a home in case of something such as a natural disaster or fire. With a homeowners insurance plan, you will not be able to file a claim should you need a new refrigerator or air conditioner, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Essex.
A home warranty plan can help homeowners, homebuyers, investors, real estate agents, and home sellers. It can provide peace of mind and savings to anyone involved in homeownership.
A home warranty policy will cover your home’s systems, appliances, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you need more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be useful if you want to save some money.
Generally, a home warranty policy lasts for a year and can be renewed annually. Some companies may offer month-to-month options.
In general, the homeowner is the one who pays the premium and service fees. However, if you have just bought a new home, sometimes the seller will pay for the policy. This can then be transferred to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees when using the policy. In Essex, where the median value of a home is $269,069, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
