Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Buying a home is a big step in many people’s lives, but the cost of maintaining it can be expensive over time, especially if your home in Buffalo is on the older side. A home warranty in Buffalo can help bring down 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 home warranty on the market can be overwhelming, since there are so many companies to choose from. That’s why the Today's Homeowner team did the research and put together a list of the best home warranty companies in Buffalo 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
In Buffalo, Liberty Home Guard is the most trustworthy home warranty. Liberty has more than 6 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 3 policies that Liberty offers include options for appliance and system coverage. 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 plans that Liberty offers to homeowners are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. The coverage caps associated with Liberty’s plans are close to the $3,000 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $75.
To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, you can fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. For a more detailed breakdown, read 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
In Buffalo, Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty. Choice has more than 15 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 2 policies that Choice offers include options for appliance and system coverage. 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 plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan. The coverage caps associated with Choice’s plans are close to the $3,000 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $85.
To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. For a more detailed breakdown, read 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
In Buffalo, Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty. Select has more than 11 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 3 policies that Select offers include options for appliance and system coverage. 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 plans that Select offers to homeowners are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. The coverage caps associated with Select’s plans are close to the $2,000 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $60.
To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. For a more detailed breakdown, read 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
In Buffalo, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty. AHS has more than 26 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 3 policies that AHS offers include options for appliance and system coverage. 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 plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. The coverage caps associated with AHS’s plans are close to the $2,500 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. For a more detailed breakdown, read our 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
In Buffalo, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. Cinch has more than 44 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 3 policies that Cinch offers include options for appliance and system coverage. 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 plans that Cinch offers to homeowners are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. The coverage caps associated with Cinch’s plans are close to the $1,000-$2,000 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. For a more detailed breakdown, read 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
In Buffalo, The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC has more than 15 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 2 policies that HSC offers include options for appliance and system coverage. 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 plans that HSC offers to homeowners are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. The coverage caps associated with HSC’s plans are close to the $2,000 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. For a more detailed breakdown, read 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 | $5,909 |
Heating | $3,939 |
Electrical | $591 |
Toilets | $492 |
Washer/Dryer | $788 |
Plumbing | $591 |
Oven | $1,576 |
Fridge | $591 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps cut costs for Buffalo homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide coverage to fix or replace 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 company 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 exceed the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives peace of mind for homeowners by helping them prevent expensive emergency fixes. They're particularly valuable for those who own older homes or ones with outdated systems. More modern homes with modern appliances probably don’t need a home warranty.
Home warranties help protect both your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered under a home warranty include washers, garbage disposals, dishwashers, dryers, microwaves, refrigerators, and more. Covered systems include air conditioning, heating, plumbing, and electrical. Many home warranty plans offer additional add-on coverage options for septic systems, locksmiths, central vacuums, and even roof leaks. Most home warranty plans require Buffalo homeowners to refrain from making claims for 30 days before the plan will cover repairs. Additionally, policies typically only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or misuse of a system or appliance. To make sure your next repair or replacement is covered, keep up with preventative maintenance.
Here are some essential home warranty words to know before signing a contract:
When you're deciding on a home warranty provider, there are several key things to take into account:
Home warranty plans can have major differences in covered items. Most plans cover plumbing, AC, heating, electrical, and appliances. More robust plans also extend protection to other items such as pools, well pumps, spas, and roof leaks. Look for providers 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 companies with more affordable per-claim fees to maximize savings. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles if a customer doesn't submit any claims in a set timeframe.
A home warranty provider's rating gives you insight into things such as claim approval rates, timeliness of repairs, contractor quality, and overall customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to research providers. Positive reviews and ratings indicate a company known for stellar service.
Home warranty providers use networks of local repair professionals to manage repairs in a given area. Contact potential companies to learn the number of repair specialists they have in Buffalo and get an idea of how fast your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Larger networks raise the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.
Home warranty companies often offer extras such as energy efficiency upgrades, coverage for smart home devices, and maintenance discounts. These extras add value beyond basic repair coverage. Additional perks help maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Buffalo’s frigid winters 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 breaks down in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the needed repairs, preventing you from spending unexpected money out of pocket.
A home warranty also can also save you time and energy. Instead of spending hours finding and selecting a contractor to fix your appliance or system, home warranty companies do the hard work for you and send a trusted professional to your door whenever you need them. A home warranty can also provide value in other ways. For example, some plans can be transferred to another owner when you sell your home.
One downside of signing up for a home warranty is that there are usually exclusions. For instance, if one of your appliances already has a manufacturer's warranty, it may not be covered under the home warranty, so it’s important to read through any contracts you’re considering carefully to get a sense of what is included and what isn’t.
Another drawback is that home warranties may exclude some repairs, like those due to natural disasters. For example, if a tree falls onto your house and damages the roof, the affected systems and appliances most likely won’t be covered by the home warranty.
A home warranty in Buffalo can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. Higher-priced plans typically have a lower service fee, higher coverage limits, and broader coverage. This cost is often lower if you pay annually instead of monthly. Some providers will also reduce your up-front costs when you opt for a higher service fee.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what sorts of damage they cover. Home warranty plans cover issues with systems and appliances that need repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different insurance that protects the entire home from natural disasters, which can sometimes be a concern in Buffalo. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system damage.
First-time homebuyers, landlords, homeowners, real estate agents, and home sellers are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your property more attractive to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different types of home warranties in Buffalo include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan will cover many of your systems and appliances, including your refrigerator, washing machine, and plumbing. An appliance or system plan will cover only the items listed in the contract.
Home warranty plans typically last a year. Many companies let you renew your plan annually, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Usually, the homeowner is the one who 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 Buffalo, where the median home value is $218,361, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.