Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Buying a home is a big step in many people’s lives, but the cost of maintaining it can get expensive over time, especially if your home in Waterford is on the older side. A home warranty can give you the peace of mind you need and protect your savings account from large expenses by covering your home’s major systems and appliances.
Finding the right warranty for your home can be difficult, so our team at Today's Homeowner has done the research to help you find the best home warranty companies in Waterford. Read on for our home warranty 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 Waterford. Liberty has been in business for about 6 years, making it a respected company in the industry. If you’re looking for a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry. The 3 home warranty plans that Liberty offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
Liberty Home Guard has 3 plans that offer a combination of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Liberty’s plans are around 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, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. Read more by visiting our Liberty Home Guard Review.
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 Waterford. Choice has been in business for about 15 years, making it a respected company in the industry. If you’re looking for very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. The 2 home warranty plans that Choice offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that offer a combination of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Choice’s plans are around 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, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. Read more by visiting our Choice Home Warranty Review.
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 Waterford. Select has been in business for about 11 years, making it a respected company in the industry. If you’re looking for a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. The 3 home warranty plans that Select offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
Select Home Warranty has 3 plans that offer a combination of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Select’s plans are around 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, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. Read more by visiting our Select Home Warranty Review.
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 Waterford. AHS has been in business for about 26 years, making it a respected company in the industry. If you’re looking for the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. The 3 home warranty plans that AHS offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that offer a combination of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with AHS’s plans are around 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, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. Read more by visiting our American Home Shield Review.
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 Waterford. Cinch has been in business for about 44 years, making it a respected company in the industry. If you’re looking for a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. The 3 home warranty plans that Cinch offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that offer a combination of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Cinch’s plans are around 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, fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. Read more by visiting our Cinch Home Services Review.
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 Waterford. HSC has been in business for about 15 years, making it a respected company in the industry. If you’re looking for quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee. The 2 home warranty plans that HSC offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
The Home Service Club has 2 plans that offer a combination of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with HSC’s plans are around 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, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. Read more by visiting our The Home Service Club Review.
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 | $5,999 |
| Heating | $4,000 |
| Electrical | $600 |
| Toilets | $500 |
| Washer/Dryer | $800 |
| Plumbing | $600 |
| Oven | $1,600 |
| Fridge | $600 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Waterford homeowners reduce the high costs of household repairs. These plans offer financial coverage to repair or swap out appliances and systems that break down from normal wear and tear.
Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty company then finds 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 goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives peace of mind to homeowners because it helps prevent expensive emergency repairs. Home warranties are the most useful for owners of older homes or homes with aging systems. New homes with modern appliances might not require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many home systems and appliances. Warranties usually cover appliances such as dryers, microwaves, garbage disposals, refrigerators, washers, dishwashers, and more. Covered systems include heating, electrical, air conditioning, and plumbing. Many home warranty companies also offer additional coverage for roof leaks, locksmiths, central vacuums, and septic systems. It's important for Waterford homeowners to understand most home warranty plans have a waiting period of 30 days before repair claims will be approved. Most policies also only cover repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or improperly using a system or appliance. Stay current with preventative maintenance to help guarantee your next repair or replacement is covered.
Here are some key home warranty words to learn before signing a contract:
When you're deciding on a home warranty provider, there are several important things to take into account:
Home warranty policies vary widely in what they include. Most plans cover plumbing, electrical, AC, heating, and appliances. More inclusive options also include coverage for other items such as pools, roof leaks, spas, 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.
You'll pay a standard service fee of around $60 to $100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These fees to accumulate quickly with each claim, so you may seek out providers advertising more affordable fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain companies may eliminate deductibles when a homeowner submits no claims in a defined period.
A home warranty provider's reputation can provide insight into things such as contractor quality, repair timeliness, approval rates, and customer satisfaction. Use 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 great service.
Home warranty providers have networks of professionals that they use to tackle covered repairs. Larger networks increase the chance of getting qualified contractors to your home quickly. Reach out to possible providers to find out how many repair professionals they have in Waterford to understand how long repairs might take in an urgent situation.
Home warranty providers often include bonuses such as energy efficiency upgrades, maintenance discounts, and coverage for smart home devices. These extras add value beyond repair coverage. Added perks help maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Waterford’s frigid winters can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty is designed to 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 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 contractors 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. Additionally, having a home warranty can help make your house more appealing to potential homebuyers should you ever decide to sell later. 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.
Home warranties also have some downsides. Though it can give you less to worry about since the home warranty sends out a repair technician who takes care of the repair for you, some may not like this, and they would prefer to select a contractor themselves. If that’s important to you, some home warranty companies allow you to select a contractor.
Also, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they need repairs due to a natural disaster or animal infestation — anything besides normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.
A home warranty in Waterford can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. Higher-priced plans tend to have broader coverage, a lower service fee, and higher coverage limits. You can often lower this cost by paying annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also reduce 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. A homeowners insurance plan protects your home in case of a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim if you need a new washing machine or oven, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Waterford.
A home warranty can help investors, real estate agents, home sellers, homeowners, and homebuyers. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved in homeownership.
The different kinds of home warranties in Waterford include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan will cover your systems and appliances, such as your refrigerator, washing machine, and HVAC. An appliance or system plan will cover only the items mentioned in the policy.
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 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 will pay the service fees. In Waterford, where the median value of a home is $306,087, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
