Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
With hot summers and cool winters, keeping your home appliances and systems — particularly your HVAC — in working order is very important for homeowners in Salem. A home warranty in Salem can help lower your out-of-pocket costs by covering repairs or replacements to major home systems and appliances that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
Finding the best warranty for your home can be challenging, so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you find the top home warranty companies in Salem. Read on for our recommendations.
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 in Salem. Liberty has over 6 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. Liberty offers a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Plus, it also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders with various system and appliance coverage options.
Liberty Home Guard has 3 plans that provide a mix of appliance and system coverage. 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.
To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. For more information on this provider, read our comprehensive 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 in Salem. Choice has over 15 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. Choice offers very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Plus, it also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. The home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders with various system and appliance coverage options.
Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a mix of appliance and system coverage. 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.
To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. For more information on this provider, read our comprehensive 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 in Salem. Select has over 11 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. Select offers a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Plus, it also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders with various system and appliance coverage options.
Select Home Warranty has 3 plans that provide a mix of appliance and system coverage. 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.
To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. For more information on this provider, read our comprehensive 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 in Salem. AHS has over 26 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. AHS offers the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Plus, it also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders with various system and appliance coverage options.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that provide a mix of appliance and system coverage. 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.
To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. For more information on this provider, read our comprehensive review of American Home Shield.
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 offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in Salem. Cinch has over 44 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. Cinch offers a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Plus, it also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders with various system and appliance coverage options.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that provide a mix of appliance and system coverage. 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.
To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. For more information on this provider, read our comprehensive 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 in Salem. HSC has over 15 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. HSC offers quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Plus, it 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 company offers 2 plans to policyholders with various system and appliance coverage options.
The Home Service Club has 2 plans that provide a mix of appliance and system coverage. 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.
To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. For more information on this provider, read our comprehensive 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 | $6,766 |
| Heating | $4,511 |
| Electrical | $677 |
| Toilets | $564 |
| Washer/Dryer | $902 |
| Plumbing | $677 |
| Oven | $1,804 |
| Fridge | $677 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps reduce the high costs for Salem homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide coverage to repair or swap out appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
Homeowners file 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 gives homeowners reassurance, as it helps avoid expensive emergency repairs. The coverage is especially helpful for owners of older houses or houses with fixtures near the end of their life span. However, homeowners with newer homes and working appliances might not need a home warranty.
Home warranties safeguard your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered under a home warranty include washers, dishwashers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, microwaves, dryers, and more. Covered systems include air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, and heating. Many home warranty plans offer additional add-on coverage options for septic systems, central vacuums, locksmiths, and even roof leaks. Salem should understand that most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. The majority of policies also only cover repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or misuse of a system or appliance. Be diligent about completing preventative maintenance to help guarantee your next repair or replacement is covered.
Home warranty contracts use several terms that you'll want to know before signing, such as:
There are several important considerations when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans provide coverage for AC, electrical, heating, plumbing, and appliances. More comprehensive options may also provide protection for extra things such as well pumps, spas, pools, and roof leaks. Look for providers with a range of coverage choices, such as upgraded plans. Flexibility helps you tailor your protection for your needs.
You'll pay a repair fee, normally ranging from $60–100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. This fee is charged per request and can quickly add up, so you may seek out companies advertising more affordable fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain providers may waive deductibles after a customer goes a period of time with no claims filed.
A home warranty provider's reputation provides insights into factors such as repair speed, claim approval rates, contractor expertise, and customer satisfaction. Check review sites like TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to learn more about providers. Positive reviews and ratings suggest a company known for delivering quality service.
Home warranty providers have networks of contractors that they use to tackle covered repairs. Bigger networks increase the chance of getting qualified contractors to your home swiftly. Contact possible providers to find out how many technicians they have in Salem to understand how long repairs may take in an urgent situation.
Some home warranty companies may include perks such as reduced maintenance fees, smart home device coverage, and energy efficiency upgrades. These extras can offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Added bonuses allow you to enhance your home and get the most from your warranty policy.
Temperatures in Salem can drop to the negatives in the winter, which means your heating system is most likely going to get a good bit of use. As a homeowner in Salem, 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.
A home warranty also can also save you time and energy. Instead of spending hours finding and choosing a repair person to fix your appliance or system, home warranty providers do the hard work for you and send a trusted professional to your door whenever you need them. Plus, having a home warranty can help make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers if you ever decide to sell in the future. Many home warranty companies will allow you to transfer your policy to a new owner and give them the protection you’ve been benefiting from.
One of the major drawbacks of a home warranty is not every home system and appliance may be covered. It’s important to compare the different plans and get one that covers all the appliances, systems, and add-ons you need.
Another downside is that home warranties may exclude some repairs, like those due to natural disasters. For example, if your HVAC system is damaged from an animal infestation, the affected systems and appliances most likely won’t be covered by the home warranty.
A home warranty in Salem can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. The higher-priced plans typically have a lower service fee, broader coverage, and higher coverage limits. This cost is often lower if you pay annually instead of monthly. Some companies 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. A homeowners insurance plan protects your entire home in case of a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. With a homeowners insurance plan, you will not be able to file a claim if you need a new washing machine or dishwasher, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Salem.
Homebuyers, home sellers, landlords, homeowners, and real estate agents can all get home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your home more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different types of home warranties in Salem include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan covers almost all your home systems and appliances, including your washing machine, drier, and plumbing. An appliance or system plan will cover only the items listed in the contract.
Generally, a home warranty lasts for a year and can be renewed annually. Some providers may offer month-to-month plans.
Usually the one who owns the home pays for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the home seller may purchase a home warranty plan and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then need to pay the service fees when using the policy. Considering that the average home value in Salem is $559,166, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.
