Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
Homeownership in Amherst can be exciting for many, but it also comes with its fair share of headaches. Updating your home’s systems and appliances can be an unexpected financial burden for many homeowners. A home warranty can bring you the peace of mind you need and protect your bank account from unexpected expenses by covering your home’s major appliances and systems.
Choosing the best home warranty on the market can be difficult because of the many options available. If you're tired of trying to compare them all, keep reading for our guide to the top home warranty providers in Amherst.
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 Amherst, Liberty Home Guard is the most trustworthy home warranty. 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 offer a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Liberty’s plans are around the $3,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $75.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of Liberty Home Guard. To receive 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 Amherst, Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty. 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 offer a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Choice’s plans are around the $3,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $85.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of Choice Home Warranty. To receive 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 Amherst, Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty. 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 offer a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Select’s plans are around the $2,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $60.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of Select Home Warranty. To receive 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 Amherst, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty. 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 offer a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with AHS’s plans are around the $2,500 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of American Home Shield. To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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
In Amherst, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. 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 offer a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Cinch’s plans are around the $1,000-$2,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of Cinch Home Services. To receive 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 Amherst, The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service. 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 offer a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with HSC’s plans are around the $2,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of The Home Service Club. To receive 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 | $6,532 |
| Heating | $4,355 |
| Electrical | $653 |
| Toilets | $544 |
| Washer/Dryer | $871 |
| Plumbing | $653 |
| Oven | $1,742 |
| Fridge | $653 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Amherst homeowners cut the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide financial coverage to fix or replace appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear. When something breaks down, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to handle the repair or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners reassurance, as it helps avoid high-priced emergency repairs. The coverage is especially helpful for buyers of older houses or houses with fixtures near the end of their life span. However, people with newer homes and modern appliances might not need a home warranty.
Home warranties help protect your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances include dryers, washers, microwaves, garbage disposals, dishwashers, refrigerators, and more. Covered systems include plumbing, air conditioning, electrical, and heating. Many home warranties also offer add-on coverage options for septic systems, central vacuums, locksmiths, and even roof leaks. Amherst homeowners should know that most home warranty plans impose a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. What's more, most policies only address repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, or misusing a system or appliance. Remember to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Here are some essential home warranty words to understand before signing a contract:
When choosing a home warranty provider, there are several key factors to consider:
Home warranties vary widely in terms of included coverage. Basic policies typically provide protection for plumbing, electrical, AC, heating, and appliances, while more comprehensive plans may also cover roof leaks, spas, pools, and well pumps. Look for companies with a diverse range of coverage options, including upgraded plans. This allows you to customize your plan to your needs.
Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. As this charge applies to every separate claim, some homeowners prefer to choose a provider with lower service fees to maximize savings on every claim. Some providers also remove deductibles if a customer goes a period of time without filing any claims.
A home warranty provider's reputation can provide insight into things such as repair timeliness, approval rates, contractor quality, and customer satisfaction. Check review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to research companies. Positive ratings and feedback indicate a company known for exceptional service.
Home warranty businesses keep networks of local technicians to handle repairs in your area. Contact potential providers to ask how many repair professionals they have in Amherst and get an idea for how fast your repairs might happen in an emergency situation. Larger networks increase the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Certain home warranty companies provide extras such as energy-efficient upgrades, discounts on maintenance, and protection for smart home devices. These bonuses offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Added perks help improve your home and help maximize your home warranty.
Home warranties are an affordable way to guard your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in Amherst reaching an average high of 54℃F, you may find that some appliances, such as your A.C., get a lot of use. A home warranty can remarkably decrease out-of-pocket expenses should your HVAC system stop working.
Plus, having a home warranty can save you time by getting rid of the need to research repair people — most companies will send a trusted professional right to your door to carry out the repair or replacement. Additionally, though it varies by company, some providers will allow you to 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.
Home warranties also have some downsides. Although it can be convenient that the home warranty sends out a service technician who takes care of the repair for you, some people may not like this, and they would rather select a contractor themselves. If that’s the case for you, some home warranty providers allow you to select a contractor.
Another pain point of home warranties is that they don’t cover items that have been improperly maintained. This can lead to your repair requests being denied, so it’s important to be sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance of your home systems and appliances.
A home warranty in Amherst can cost between $30 and $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 opt for 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 helps protect against normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. Homeowners insurance protects a home in case of something such as a fire or natural disaster. Under homeowners insurance, you won't be able to file a claim should you need a new washing machine or stove, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Amherst.
Homebuyers, homeowners, home sellers, real estate agents, and landlords are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your home more attractive to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
A home warranty policy will cover your systems, appliances, or both. Combination plans are great if you'd like more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be helpful if you want to save some money.
Generally, a home warranty plan lasts for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some companies may offer month-to-month options.
Typically, the homeowner is responsible for paying 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 given to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees. In Amherst, where the median value of a home is $594,844, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.
