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8 Best Home Warranties Companies in Massachusetts of 2023
By Victor Rosario MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
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- Members Can Save Up to 50% at Nike, Costco, Home Depot & 1000’s more
- Online Business Bureau Accredited with A+ Rating
- Covers Major Home Systems, HVAC & Appliances
- Free Roof Coverage, No Inspection Needed
24/7 support whenever your appliances fail
- Large network of independent prescreened contractors and qualified technicians
- In business for over 30 years
- Good coverage on home systems
- Does not cover pre-existing issues
- They will replace items that fail if they can't be fixed regardless of age, make or model
Get $50 OFF Any Plan
- Industry leader since 1971
- More than $2 Billion in claims paid in last 5 years
- More than 2 Million customers served
- No inspection or maintenance records required
- 30-day workmanship guarantee
If you’re a homeowner in Massachusetts, a home warranty can provide peace of mind by protecting your home’s major systems and appliances from unexpected breakdowns. In this article, we’ll review the 8 best home warranties companies in Massachusetts for 2023, based on factors such as coverage options, pricing, and customer reviews.
Home warranty coverage provides the repair or replacement of major systems and appliances in your home, including your HVAC system, water heater, plumbing system, and more. While a home warranty is not a replacement for homeowners insurance, it can provide additional protection against unexpected breakdowns and repairs.
In this guide, we’ll cover the main things you need to know before buying a home warranty, what a home warranty company plan covers, how much a home warranty costs, who regulates home warranty companies in Massachusetts, the differences between a home warranty vs home insurance and how a home warranty works. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about home warranties in Massachusetts.
Our top picks for the best home warranty companies in Massachusetts
- Best overall: Liberty Home Guard
- Best for no-inspection coverage: Choice Home Warranty
- Best for unlimited coverage for systems repairs: American Home Shield
- Best low-cost combo plan: Select Home Warranty
- Best reputation: Old Republic Home Protection
Table of Contents
- Best home warranty companies reviews
- Other companies we considered
- Home Warranties Companies Guide
- Home Warranty FAQs
- How we chose the best home warranty companies
Best home warranty companies in Massachusetts reviews
Best Overall: Liberty Home Guard
- Customize your plan with a very wide range of add-on coverages
- Offers systems-only, appliances-only and combination protection plans
- Some customers have reported slow response times for service requests
- More than 500 complaints made to the Better Business Bureau
At Liberty Home Guard, customers have the option to choose from three home warranty plans: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard, each with straightforward titles. This is a refreshing change from other companies that tend to use obscure names for their plans, often incorporating precious metals.
For $49.99 per month, the Appliance Guard Plan provides coverage for nine commonly used kitchen and laundry room appliances, such as garbage disposals, ceiling and exhaust fans, and garage door openers.
The Systems Guard plan, available for $54.99 per month, covers heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical systems, and hot water heaters. The company also includes ductwork in its HVAC coverage.
The Total Home Guard plan is priced at $59.99 per month and offers coverage for all the items in the two lower-priced plans. A service call fee of $125 applies to all plans, but customers can choose a lower fee option, starting at $65.
What sets Liberty Home Guard apart is their wide range of optional coverages, with approximately thirty options to choose from. Popular add-ons like second refrigerators, well pumps, and septic pumping are available, as well as less common items. Customers can even purchase coverage for pro-series appliances that are often excluded from home warranties, and some maintenance services, including carpet cleaning and exterior power washing. Electronic devices can also be covered.
Best for No-Inspection Coverage: Choice Home Warranty
- First month free when you select an annual plan
- Two combination systems-and-appliances plans to choose from
- Publishes an informative homeowner's blog
- Refrigerators not covered in its lowest-cost plan
- Only covers properly maintained systems and appliances
- No sample contract provided on website
At Choice Home Warranty, customers can take advantage of two plans that can be easily customized to suit their unique property requirements. These plans are affordably priced and provide extensive coverage, making them a great value for customers.
Unlike some other companies, Choice Home Warranty does not mandate a home inspection before issuing a policy. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the company maintains the discretion to reject coverage for any pre-existing condition, whether known or unknown. This is an essential point to keep in mind for homeowners who may be unsure of what they are getting into when purchasing an existing home.
Best for Unlimited Coverage for Systems Repairs: American Home Shield
- Over 50 years in business
- Unlimited coverage for covered system repairs
- Covers items with no maintenance records
- Covers breakdowns of appliances that haven't been properly maintained
- Free removal of items that need replacement
- More expensive than other plans
American Home Shield’s policies stand out from others in the home warranty industry due to their fewer exclusions and no system coverage limitations. Even appliances that have been poorly maintained are eligible for breakdown coverage. With no limits on system coverage, an American Home Shield warranty can provide significant cost savings should a major system, such as heating, require replacement.
American Home Shield offers three plan options. The ShieldSilver plan includes coverage for four critical home systems: heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing. The ShieldGold plan expands coverage to kitchen and laundry appliances. The ShieldPlatinum plan includes all coverage from the first two plans and adds limited roof leak protection, complimentary HVAC tune-ups, and unrestricted refilling of A/C refrigerant. It also covers repairs required due to code violations, which are typically not included in most home warranty plans.
Best Low-Cost Combo Plan: Select Home Warrantty
- Offers individual plans for systems or appliances
- Low-cost combo plan
- Discounts for multiple-year plans
- Limited roof leak coverage available
- Fewer add-on coverage options than competitive plans
- Low coverage limits for appliances, electrical systems, and plumbing systems ($500)
- More exclusions than other plans
Select Home Warranty provides homeowners with a selection of three plans: an appliance plan, a systems plan, or a plan that includes both. The Bronze Care plan is solely for appliances, and it covers refrigerators, washers and dryers, stoves, built-in microwaves, and garbage disposals. The Gold Care plan is dedicated to systems, including HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems, water heaters, and ductwork.
The Platinum Care plan is one of the most affordable combined plans we’ve encountered in our review process, and it includes limited roof leak coverage. However, Select Home Warranty’s low costs may be balanced by its low coverage limits on some systems and appliances. For instance, the coverage limit on appliances is $500, which might be inadequate in today’s inflationary environment, where it can be tough to find a decent refrigerator for under $1,000.
Best Reputation: Old Republic Home Protection
- Offers coverage for a variety of systems and appliances
- Accredited by the Better Business Bureau, with an A+ rating
- Does not offer online quotes
- Components coverage may vary by state
Old Republic Home Protection has over 45 years of experience in providing home warranty services and is currently available in 32 states, including Hawaii. While the coverage of systems and appliances may vary depending on the state, the company offers coverage for electronics and smart home equipment in some cases, as well as pest control treatments in selected areas. Old Republic Home Protection has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
It’s important to note that the company does not offer online quote requests or application submissions for their home warranty services. This could be a disadvantage for those who prefer to handle these tasks digitally, but customer service is always available to provide more information. Overall, Old Republic Home Protection’s vast experience and comprehensive plans make it a good option for those in need of a home warranty.
Best for Long Workmanship Guarantee: Cinch Home Services
- Exceptional 180-day workmanship guarantee
- Three competitively priced plans to choose from
- Choice of service fees
- Service fees are on the high side
Cinch Home Services offers homeowners three plan options, covering systems, appliances, or a combination of both, with competitive pricing. One standout feature of Cinch’s home warranty is its generous workmanship guarantee, which is 180 days, significantly longer than the industry standard of 30 days.
However, it should be noted that Cinch’s service fees are higher, starting at $100. Nevertheless, clients have the flexibility to adjust their deductible. Although additional coverage options are limited, Cinch offers to reimburse up to $500 of the insurance deductible for home system damage claims made through the homeowner’s insurance policy.
Other companies we considered
AFC Home Club
AFC Home Club provides home warranty coverage for both appliances and systems, with coverage limits ranging from $1,500 to $2,000 per item. Their policies start at $395 per year, and include a 30-day refund policy with pro-rated options after the initial period. Customers have the option to choose their own contractors or select from AFC Home Club’s network. There is a 30-day waiting period, and claims filed before that time have a limited payout of $150.
AFC Home Club’s service fees are competitive, ranging from $75 to $125, and HVAC tune-ups are exempt from coverage caps. The company is a member of the NHSCA and has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 2009, with a B rating. The company’s website provides a free quote calculator, sample contract, and comprehensive coverage plan information for each item.
First American Home Warranty
First American Home Warranty stands out from other home warranty providers due to its generous coverage limits, particularly for kitchen refrigerators, which can be covered up to $3,000. The company also offers affordable service call fees ranging from $75 to $100 and has an extensive network of prescreened contractors and technicians ready to handle service requests.
Another strength of First American Home Warranty is their straightforward and concise contract agreements, making it easy for clients to understand their coverage options. However, it’s important to keep in mind that cancellation policies may vary depending on location, so it’s crucial to carefully review the warranty agreements before enrolling.
Home Warranties Companies in Massachusetts Guide
Main things to know before purchasing a home warranty in Massachusetts
Before purchasing a home warranty in Massachusetts, there are a few important things to consider. First, it’s important to understand what a home warranty covers and what it doesn’t. Home warranties typically cover the repair or replacement of major systems and appliances due to normal wear and tear, but they do not cover pre-existing conditions or damage caused by neglect or misuse.
It’s also important to understand the coverage options and limits offered by different home warranty providers. Some companies offer more comprehensive coverage than others, and it’s important to choose a plan that covers the systems and appliances that are most important to you.
Finally, it’s important to consider the cost of the home warranty, including the monthly cost, service call fee, and any additional coverage options. Be sure to get a quote from several different home warranty providers to compare costs and coverage options.
What does a home warranty company cover in Massachusetts?
Home warranty coverage varies depending on the provider and plan you choose. Generally, home warranty companies in Massachusetts cover major systems and appliances such as your HVAC system, water heater, plumbing system, and electrical system. Some plans also cover appliances such as your refrigerator, washer, dryer, and oven.
It’s important to carefully review the coverage options and limits of each plan to ensure that it covers the systems and appliances that are most important to you. Some plans may have exclusions for certain types of systems or appliances, so be sure to read the fine print before purchasing a plan.
Covered items may include major appliances and built-in systems such as:
- Cooktops
- Heating systems
- Ceiling fans
- Ice makers
- Sump pumps
- Air conditioners
- Clothes dryers
- Clothes washers
- Doorbells
- Stand-alone freezers
- Water dispensers
- Plumbing fixtures, including plumbing stoppages
How much does a home warranty cost in Massachusetts?
The cost of a home warranty in Massachusetts varies depending on several factors, including the provider, plan, and additional coverage options. Generally, you can expect to pay a monthly cost of between $30 and $60 for a basic plan, with additional coverage options available for an additional cost.
In addition to the monthly cost, you may also be required to pay a service call fee each time you request service. This fee typically ranges from $50 to $100, depending on the provider and plan you choose.
Who regulates home warranty companies in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, home warranty companies are regulated by the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. This office is responsible for ensuring that home warranty companies comply with state laws and regulations and provide fair and honest service to consumers.
How does a home warranty work?
When you purchase a home warranty, you’ll typically be required to pay a monthly or annual fee. If one of your covered systems or appliances breaks down due to normal wear and tear, you can contact your home warranty provider to request service.
Home Warranty FAQs
Is a home warranty necessary if I have homeowner's insurance?
What are the exclusions for home warranties in Massachusetts?
How often is home warranty renewal required?
Do I need a home inspection for a Massachusetts home warranty?
How we chose the Best Home Warranty Companies in Massachusetts
To determine the best home warranty companies in Massachusetts, we evaluated each provider based on several factors, including coverage options, pricing, customer reviews, and service quality. We also considered each provider’s reputation, years of experience, and workmanship guarantee.
Here are some of the factors we used to select the best home warranty companies in Massachusetts:
Coverage options: We looked at each provider’s coverage options to determine which plans were the most comprehensive and customizable. We also evaluated each provider’s add-on options to see if they offered additional coverage for appliances and systems not covered in the basic plan.
Pricing: We compared the monthly cost and service call fee of each provider to see if their plans were competitively priced. We also looked for providers that offered discounts for annual payments and new home buyers.
Customer reviews: We evaluated customer reviews from independent sources, such as the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot, to see how satisfied customers were with each provider’s service.
Service quality: We looked for providers that offered fast and reliable service, with 24/7 customer support and quick claims processing.
Reputation and experience: We evaluated each provider’s reputation and years of experience in the home warranty industry. We also looked for providers that offered a workmanship guarantee to ensure that their repairs and replacements were of high quality.
