Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
Being a homeowner in Albany is an excellent option for those who enjoy up-and-coming areas. However, as great as Albany is, homeownership always comes with its fair share of headaches, such as trying to pay for your appliance and system repairs yourself. A home warranty can give you the peace of mind you need and shield your bank account from unexpected expenses by covering your home’s major appliances and systems.
The home warranty market is saturated with a variety of providers — all with different price points — so our team at Today's Homeowner has done the research to help you choose the best home warranty companies in Albany.
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 Albany, Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty. Liberty is a home warranty provider with 6 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. 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 plans that Liberty offers to homeowners are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Liberty’s service fees are an affordable $75, and the coverage limits come out to around $3,000 per covered appliance or system.
To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, you can fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. To read more, visit our comprehensive 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 Albany, Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty. Choice is a home warranty provider with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. 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 plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan. Choice’s service fees are an affordable $85, and the coverage limits come out to around $3,000 per covered appliance or system.
To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. To read more, visit our comprehensive 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 Albany, Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty. Select is a home warranty provider with 11 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. 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 plans that Select offers to homeowners are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Select’s service fees are a reasonable $60, and the coverage limits come out to around $2,000 per covered appliance or system.
To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. To read more, visit our comprehensive 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 Albany, American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty. AHS is a home warranty provider with 26 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. 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 plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. AHS’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, and the coverage limits come out to around $2,500 per covered appliance or system.
To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. To read more, visit our comprehensive 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
In Albany, First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage. First American is a home warranty provider with 39 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. 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 plans that First American offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American’s service fees are a reasonable $85, and the coverage limits come out to around $1,500 per covered appliance or system.
To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. To read more, visit our comprehensive 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
In Albany, Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. Cinch is a home warranty provider with 44 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. 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 plans that Cinch offers to homeowners are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Cinch’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, and the coverage limits come out to around $1,000-$2,000 per covered appliance or system.
To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. To read more, visit our comprehensive 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 Albany, The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC is a home warranty provider with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. 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 plans that HSC offers to homeowners are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. HSC’s service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, and the coverage limits come out to around $2,000 per covered appliance or system.
To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. To read more, visit our comprehensive 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 | $6,053 |
| Heating | $4,036 |
| Electrical | $605 |
| Toilets | $504 |
| Washer/Dryer | $807 |
| Plumbing | $605 |
| Oven | $1,614 |
| Fridge | $605 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps Albany homeowners lower the high costs of household repairs. These plans provide financial protection to fix or replace appliances and systems that stop working from normal wear and tear. Homeowners file a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider 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 reassurance to homeowners, as it helps prevent expensive 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 many household systems and appliances. Common covered appliances are garbage disposals, dishwashers, refrigerators, dryers, washers, microwaves, and more. Covered systems include plumbing, electrical, heating, and air conditioning. Various home warranty plans offer add-on coverage for septic systems, roof leaks, central vacuums, and even locksmiths. Most home warranty plans require Albany homeowners to wait 30 days before the plan will cover repairs. Additionally, policies normally only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or misusing a system or appliance. To help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered, keep up with preventative maintenance.
Home warranty contracts use several terms that you'll want to learn before signing, such as:
There are several important factors to consider when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranties differ greatly in the items covered. Basic plans typically cover AC, electrical, plumbing, heating, and appliances, while more comprehensive options may also cover roof leaks, well pumps, spas, and pools. Look for providers with flexible coverage choices, including upgraded plans. This helps you customize your plan to your needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a repair fee that typically ranges between $60 and $100, which is 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 companies also offer disappearing deductibles for customers who don't file any claims over a certain timespan.
A home warranty company's reputation can provide insight into things such as contractor quality, repair timeliness, approval rates, and customer service. Check review platforms such as TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to research providers. Positive ratings and feedback indicate a company known for great service.
Home warranty providers keep networks of local contractors to handle repairs in your area. Contact potential providers to find out how many repair technicians they have in Albany and get an idea for how quickly your repairs might happen in an emergency situation. More extensive networks improve the probability of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Some home warranty providers include perks such as reduced maintenance fees, energy efficiency upgrades, and smart home device coverage. These extras can provide extra value beyond just repair coverage. Extra bonuses help you enhance your home and get the most from your home warranty.
Home warranties are an affordable way to guard your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in Albany reaching an average high of 59℃F, you may find that some appliances, like your air conditioning system, get a lot of use. A home warranty can considerably decrease out-of-pocket costs should your HVAC system break down.
Not only can a home warranty save you some money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time too. Instead of vetting contractors on your own, home warranty companies do the work for you and send pre-screened technicians right to your door when you need them. Additionally, though it varies by company, some providers will allow you to transfer your warranty in the event that you sell your home. This can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers and help your home sell faster.
One downside of a home warranty is that there are usually exclusions. For example, if you already have a manufacturer's warranty on one of your appliances, it may not be included in the home warranty, so it’s important to read over the contracts you’re considering carefully to get a sense of what is included and what isn’t.
Another pain point of home warranties is that they don’t cover systems or appliances that have been improperly maintained. This can lead to your claims being rejected, so it’s important to be sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance of your home systems and appliances.
A home warranty policy costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Albany. Our high-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 choosing a higher service fee. In addition, it's typically cheaper to pay annually rather than monthly.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what kinds 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 a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. With a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim should you need a new washing machine or dishwasher, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Albany.
Homebuyers, landlords, home sellers, homeowners, and real estate agents can all get home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your house more attractive to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
A home warranty plan can cover your home’s appliances, systems, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you'd like more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be a good idea if you're concerned about one more than the other.
Home warranty plans usually provide coverage for a year. Many companies let you renew your plan yearly, and some offer month-to-month plans as well.
Usually the homeowner pays for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the home seller may purchase a home warranty and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then be responsible for the service fees when using the policy. Considering that the average home value in Albany is $417,339, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.
