Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Amherst offers homeowners some great housing options. However, unanticipated repair and replacement costs on your home’s appliances and systems can get quite expensive. A home warranty in Amherst can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs by covering repairs or replacements to major home systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear.
Choosing the best home warranty on the market can be difficult because of the numerous options out there. If you're overwhelmed by trying to compare them all, keep reading for our guide on the best 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
Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty in Amherst. 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 3 home warranty plans that Liberty offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Liberty Home Guard: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. 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. To read more, visit 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 in Amherst. 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 2 home warranty plans that Choice offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
There are 2 home warranty plans from Choice Home Warranty: Basic Plan and Total Plan. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. 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. To read more, visit 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 in Amherst. 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 3 home warranty plans that Select offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Select Home Warranty: Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. 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. To read more, visit 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 in Amherst. 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 3 home warranty plans that AHS offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
There are 3 home warranty plans from American Home Shield: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. 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. To read more, visit 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 in Amherst. First American offers very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. Plus, it 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 2 home warranty plans that First American offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
There are 2 home warranty plans from First American Home Warranty: Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. To read more, visit 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 in Amherst. 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 3 home warranty plans that Cinch offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Cinch Home Services: Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. 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 be sure to check with the provider. 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. To read more, visit 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 in Amherst. 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 2 home warranty plans that HSC offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
There are 2 home warranty plans from The Home Service Club: Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. 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. To read more, visit 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 | $5,720 |
| Heating | $3,813 |
| Electrical | $572 |
| Toilets | $477 |
| Washer/Dryer | $763 |
| Plumbing | $572 |
| Oven | $1,525 |
| Fridge | $572 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Amherst homeowners in reducing the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide coverage to replace or fix appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to handle the replacement or repair. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of the repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty plan gives homeowners a sense of security since it can help avoid expensive emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for buyers of older homes or homes with systems near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with appliances and fixtures in good condition may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties safeguard your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered under a home warranty include garbage disposals, washers, microwaves, dishwashers, dryers, refrigerators, and others. Covered systems include electrical, air conditioning, plumbing, and heating. Many home warranties offer additional add-on coverage options for locksmiths, septic systems, central vacuums, and even roof leaks. Amherst 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 the cost of repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, 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 multiple home warranty terms to learn 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 include plumbing, heating, electrical, AC, and appliances, while more comprehensive plans may also cover pools, spas, well pumps, and roof leaks. Look for providers with an array of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. You'll want to tailor your protection for your needs.
Homeowners should anticipate paying a $60–100 service fee when filing home warranty claims. These per-repair charges can potentially accumulate over time, so some homeowners prefer using companies with lower service fees to maximize savings. Some companies also offer disappearing deductibles after periods where a customer files no claims.
A home warranty provider's reputation provides insight into things such as repair timeliness, contractor quality, approval rates, and customer service. Check review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to research providers. Positive ratings and feedback indicate a provider known for great service.
Home warranty providers have networks of contractors that they use to tackle covered repairs. More extensive networks raise the probability of getting qualified contractors to your home swiftly. Reach out to possible providers to learn how many technicians they have in Amherst. This helps you understand how long repairs may take in an urgent situation.
Certain home warranty companies offer perks such as energy-efficient upgrades, discounts on maintenance, and protection for smart home devices. These offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra perks enhance your home and maximize your home warranty.
Temperatures in Amherst can vary greatly throughout the year, which means your air conditioner and heating systems are likely to get a lot of use. As a homeowner in Amherst, one benefit of having a home warranty is that these home systems and major appliances can be covered in the event they have to be repaired or replaced.
A home warranty also can also save you time and energy. Instead of spending hours researching and choosing 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. Additionally, having a home warranty can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers should you ever decide to sell in the future. Many home warranty providers will allow you to transfer your plan to a new owner and give them the same protection you’ve been receiving.
One main drawback of home warranties is not every home system and appliance you care about may be covered. It’s important to research the different policies and opt for one that covers all the appliances, systems, and add-ons you need.
Another drawback is that home warranties may exclude some repairs, such as those needed because of natural disasters. For example, if your house floods, the impacted systems and appliances probably won’t be covered by the home warranty.
A home warranty in Amherst can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. Higher-priced plans typically have a lower service fee, higher coverage limits, and broader coverage. Home warranties are often cheaper when you pay annually instead of monthly. Some providers will also decrease 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 types of damage each covers. A home warranty covers normal wear and tear to home systems and appliances. Homeowners insurance protects the entire home in case of something such as a natural disaster or fire. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you will not be able to file a claim if you need a new refrigerator or air conditioner, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Amherst.
Homebuyers, home sellers, homeowners, landlords, and real estate agents 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.
The different types of home warranties in Amherst include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan will cover almost all your home systems and appliances, such as your refrigerator, washing machine, and HVAC. An appliance or system plan will cover only the specific items mentioned in the contract.
Home warranty plans usually provide coverage for a year. Many providers let you renew your plan annually, and some offer month-to-month plans as well.
In general, the homeowner is responsible for paying 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 given to the new homeowner, who will pay the service fees. In Amherst, where the median value of a home is $245,659, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.
