Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Homeownership in Salem can be exciting for many people, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Home repairs can be an unexpected financial burden for many homeowners. A home warranty in Salem can help bring down 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.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be overwhelming, as there are lots of companies to choose from. That’s why our team at Today's Homeowner did the research and put together a list of the best home warranty companies in Salem 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
Liberty Home Guard is the most trustworthy home warranty for Salem residents. Liberty has more than 6 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 3 home warranty plans that Liberty offers include options for appliance and system coverage. If you’re looking for a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit, this is the home warranty for you. Plus, it has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
Liberty Home Guard offers 3 plans for Salem homeowners. The Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. 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 get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. For more information, read our full 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 is the best overall home warranty for Salem residents. Choice has more than 15 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 2 home warranty plans that Choice offers include options for appliance and system coverage. If you’re looking for very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts, this is the home warranty for you. Plus, it has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
Choice Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Salem homeowners. The Basic Plan and Total Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. 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 get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. For more information, read our full 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 is the most cost-effective home warranty for Salem residents. Select has more than 11 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 3 home warranty plans that Select offers include options for appliance and system coverage. If you’re looking for a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan, this is the home warranty for you. Plus, it has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
Select Home Warranty offers 3 plans for Salem homeowners. The Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. 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 get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. For more information, read our full 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 is the most customizable home warranty for Salem residents. AHS has more than 26 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 3 home warranty plans that AHS offers include options for appliance and system coverage. If you’re looking for the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home, this is the home warranty for you. Plus, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
American Home Shield offers 3 plans for Salem homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. 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 get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. For more information, read our full 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 is the best home warranty for appliance coverage for Salem residents. First American has more than 39 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 2 home warranty plans that First American offers include options for appliance and system coverage. If you’re looking for very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage, this is the home warranty for you. Plus, it 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.
First American Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Salem homeowners. The Basic Plan and Premier Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with First American’s plans are close to the $1,500 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $85.
To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. For more information, read our full 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 is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee for Salem residents. Cinch has more than 44 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 3 home warranty plans that Cinch offers include options for appliance and system coverage. If you’re looking for a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done, this is the home warranty for you. Plus, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
Cinch Home Services offers 3 plans for Salem homeowners. The Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. 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 get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. For more information, read our full 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 is the best home warranty with the quickest service for Salem residents. HSC has more than 15 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 2 home warranty plans that HSC offers include options for appliance and system coverage. 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, this is the home warranty for you. Plus, it has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee.
The Home Service Club offers 2 plans for Salem homeowners. The Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. 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 get a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. For more information, read our full 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 | $5,573 |
| Heating | $3,715 |
| Electrical | $557 |
| Toilets | $464 |
| Washer/Dryer | $743 |
| Plumbing | $557 |
| Oven | $1,486 |
| Fridge | $557 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Salem homeowners reduce the high costs of household repairs. These plans offer financial coverage to fix or replace 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 arranges a contractor to make the fix 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 reassurance to homeowners because it helps prevent costly emergency repairs. Home warranties are particularly useful for older houses or those with aging systems. New homes with up-to-date appliances might not require a home warranty.
Home warranties protect your household systems and appliances. Typical covered appliances include dishwashers, washers, microwaves, dryers, refrigerators, garbage disposals, and more. Protected systems include electrical, air conditioning, heating, and plumbing. Various home warranty plans offer extra coverage for central vacuums, roof leaks, septic systems, and even locksmiths. Salem should understand that most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. 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. Be diligent about completing preventative maintenance to help guarantee your next repair or replacement is covered.
Before signing a home warranty contract, you should know key terms like:
There are several key considerations when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranties vary widely in terms of included coverage. Basic policies typically cover electrical, heating, plumbing, AC, and appliances, while more comprehensive options may also cover well pumps, roof leaks, pools, and spas. Focus on companies with broad coverage options including upgraded plans. Flexibility like this will help you customize your plan to meet your needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee, usually falling in the $60 to $100 range, which gets paid per repair request filed. The costs from multiple fees can add up. You may decide to look for providers with more affordable fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles for customers who don't file any claims over a certain timespan.
A home warranty provider's rating provides insight into things such as claim approval rates, contractor quality, timeliness of repairs, and overall customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as Google Reviews, TrustPilot, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research companies. Complimentary ratings and reviews indicate a company known for stellar service.
Home warranty providers have networks of professionals to handle covered repairs. Wider networks increase the likelihood of getting qualified technicians to service your home ASAP. Reach out to potential providers and ask how many contractors they have in Salem to get a sense of how soon your repairs could happen in an emergency.
Some home warranty providers offer bonuses such as energy efficiency upgrades, maintenance discounts, and smart home device protection. These can add value beyond just repair coverage. Extra bonuses maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Home warranty policies are an affordable way to guard your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in Salem reaching an average high of 58℃F, you may find that some appliances, like your air conditioning unit, get a lot of use. A home warranty can significantly decrease out-of-pocket costs should your HVAC system stop working.
A home warranty also saves you time and energy. Instead of spending hours researching and choosing a contractor 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. A home warranty can also give value in other ways. For instance, some policies can be transferred between owners during a home sale.
Home warranties also have some downsides. While it can give you less to worry about since the home warranty sends out a repair person who handles the repair for you, some homeowners may not like this, and they may want to select a contractor themselves. If that’s important to you, some home warranty companies let you choose a contractor.
Another drawback is that home warranties may exclude some repairs, like those needed because of 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 costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Salem. Our top-rated home warranty providers' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can get a lower monthly payment with some companies by opting for a higher service fee. In addition, it's usually cheaper to pay annually rather than monthly.
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 systems and appliances in a home. Homeowners insurance protects your 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 dryer or air conditioner, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Salem.
A home warranty plan can help homebuyers, homeowners, home sellers, investors, and real estate agents. It can provide peace of mind and savings to anyone involved in homeownership.
A home warranty will cover your home’s appliances, systems, or both. Combination plans are great if you'd like more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be a good idea if you want to save some money.
Generally, a home warranty offers coverage for a year and can be renewed annually. Some companies may offer month-to-month plans.
Typically, the person who owns the home pays for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the home seller may purchase a home warranty policy 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 $166,260, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.
