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6 best home warranty companies in Salem, Massachusetts

HOMEFRONT

Updated Jun 22, 2024

Get a quote from our top provider, Liberty Home Guard

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Consider a home warranty to financially protect your home's essential items. These policies cover the replacement or repair of common household systems and appliances, like air conditioners and refrigerators, for a monthly fee.

Did you know that the typical life span of an HVAC system is seven to 25 years? Other major systems, such as water heaters, only last an average of six to 12 years. Most appliances last just 20 years or fewer, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.

If your Salem house contains any aging dishwashers, furnaces or other appliances, you'll likely face an unexpected breakdown. These top home warranty providers offer robust coverage at reasonable prices.

Salem gets its fair share of winter storms, which can put strain on both your roof and HVAC system. Breakdowns could lead to sizable bills, but with a home warranty, you'll have a strong financial shield and access to a few additional perks.

Our Top Pick
Provider logo
4.5
Our Rating
  • Extends 60-day workmanship guarantee
  • Holds high customer ratings
  • Offers customization with 38 add-ons
Explore Plans
Provider logo
4.4
Our Rating
  • Covers rust and corrosion damage
  • Offers comprehensive coverage limits
  • Provides flexible service fees
$150 Off Any Plan
Explore Plans
Provider logo
3.8
Our Rating
  • Charges low premiums
  • Includes roof-leak coverage
  • Offers solid HVAC coverage
Explore Plans

Find the best home warranty for you in Salem

Here's our list of the best home warranty companies in Salem:

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

4.5/5

Average monthly costs: $22.00 - $80.00

2-10 offers flexible service fees and perks like an appliance color-match program. Through its "Even If" guarantee, it also refunds service fees if repairing or replacing a covered item isn't possible.

What we like

  • Offers a $25,000 annual coverage cap
  • Pairs plans with a plan-length workmanship guarantee
  • Offers unique perks such as color matching appliance replacements

What we don't like

  • Charges a monthly processing fee if you choose monthly premiums
  • Excludes washer and dryer coverage from most plans
Liberty Home Guard

Liberty Home Guard

4.6/5

Average monthly costs: $49.99 - $59.99

Liberty Home Guard offers plans with a 60-day workmanship guarantee on completed repairs. Compared to other providers in this piece, it also provides the largest number of coverage add-ons – 38 in total.

What we like

  • Holds high ratings among customer service reviews
  • Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
  • Offers an extensive list of 40+ add-on coverages
  • Provides an easy claims process

What we don't like

  • Lacks transparency on service call fee pricing
  • Excludes coverage for known or unknown pre-existing conditions
Elite Home Warranty

Elite Home Warranty

4.4/5

Average monthly costs: $48.98 - $59.99

Elite Home Warranty offers fully customizable plans with 90-day workmanship guarantees. Customers can build a unique coverage solution that meets their needs.

What we like

  • Allows you to choose your technician
  • Extends a 90-day workmanship guarantee
  • Offers more than 25 add-ons

What we don't like

  • Charges higher service fees for high-end appliances
  • Doesn't provide an online quote
  • Limits repair and replacement coverage caps for older items
American Home Shield

American Home Shield

4.4/5

Average monthly costs: $29.99 - $89.99

An industry veteran, American Home Shield has been in business since 1971. It provides three coverage plans and six optional add-ons.

What we like

  • Offers generous coverage caps
  • Allows customers to build their own plans
  • Provides the option to choose the service fee you want to pay

What we don't like

  • Doesn’t let customers choose their own technician
  • Offers limited add-on options
Cinch Home Services

Cinch Home Services

4.3/5

Average monthly costs: $38.99 - $66.99

Cinch Home Services provides coverage perks other companies don’t, such as a homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement. Like most home warranty companies, Cinch offers flexible service fees that raise or lower your plan premium.

What we like

  • Offers home insurance deductible of $500
  • Extends a long 180-day workmanship guarantee
  • Provides generous $10,000 aggregate coverage limit

What we don't like

  • Charges high service fees of $100-$150
  • Doesn’t allow customers to choose their own technician
  • Isn’t available in Hawaii or Alaska
Select Home Warranty

Select Home Warranty

3.9/5

Average monthly costs: $44.42 - $47.75

Select Home Warranty plans have low premiums, and each one includes coverage for roof leaks.

What we like

  • Provides low service fees compared to other home warranty providers
  • Includes two extra months of coverage in annual signup
  • Has an appliance-only, systems-only, and combo plan option

What we don't like

  • Has a $75 cancellation fee
  • Low coverage caps

Cost of a home warranty in Salem

The cost of a home warranty is around the same as the national average, and it heavily relies on how frequently you want to make payments. The national average is around $40.91 to $77.05 per month, or $563.62 to $927.43 per year. We calculated the average by requesting hundreds of quotes using 2,000-square-foot, single-family homes across each state the providers service.

Home warranty coverage

Home warranties cover a variety of major systems and home appliances. We'll lay out a general overview of the two main coverage categories.

What are the typical items covered under a home warranty?

  • Clothes dryers
  • Dishwashers
  • Built-in microwaves
  • Washing machines
  • Cooktops
  • Refrigerators

Major appliances form the first category of items that home warranties provide coverage for. This includes the following items: The second coverage category is major systems, which often include the following:

  • HVAC
  • Central vacuum
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical
  • Water heater

What items are typically not covered under a home warranty?

As with many other service contracts, home warranties won't cover certain appliances or components. These are called exclusions. Generally, home warranties won't cover item breakdowns caused by damage outside of normal wear and tear. For example, if your air conditioner malfunctions due to a dirty air filter, home warranty companies probably won't cover the repairs since air filter replacement falls under routine maintenance. Home warranties also don't cover cosmetic damage, preexisting conditions, acts of nature, hazardous waste, rust or corrosion damage and improper system or appliance installation.

Questions to ask home warranty providers in Salem

We recommend asking each home warranty provider you're considering the following questions about their plans, terms and policies.

What items would my policy cover?

Determine what appliances and systems you need covered before getting home warranty quotes. This way, you can seek out a company that includes them. Some providers separate appliance and system coverage. Many companies also sell optional add-ons, covering things like spas and lawn sprinkler systems. Consider whether any add-ons fit your situation.

How long is my home warranty good for?

Generally, home warranty contracts are active for one year after the coverage effective date, which is 30 days after the initial sign-up date. Companies have this 30-day waiting period to prevent customers from filing claims for preexisting conditions. You may extend the 12-month policy term by purchasing a multiyear plan.

What contractors do you work with?

Ask potential home warranty companies about their network of local service contractors. A contractor must have the proper local and state licensing to access the company's network. If there are no in-network contractors near you, the warranty company may let you choose your own. You can verify a contractor's license by searching the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure database.

How does your claims approval process work?

Knowing more about the home warranty company's claims process boosts your chances of getting an approval. Most companies accept claims online or via a 24/7 phone line. Once you file, the company will try to respond within one to two days. Filing outside normal business hours may lead to a slower process. If the home warranty company initially approves your claim, they'll connect you to a service contractor from their network. The contractor will schedule a consultation with you to inspect and diagnose the problem. Once they get final approval from the warranty company, they'll do the repair work and manage billing on your behalf.

Can I transfer my policy to the next owner of my home?

Most home warranty companies will let you transfer your policy to a new homeowner if you need to move. Sometimes, transfers are free, and other times, the company will levy a transfer fee for the service. Sellers can also purchase special home warranty plans that are readily transferable to prospective buyers. This is an easy way to add appeal to your home to your home in a competitive real estate market and offer the buyer added confidence.

Home warranty contract fine print

Before buying a home warranty, examine the company's sample contracts and policies. Understanding a provider's terms and conditions can help you determine if they're a suitable choice for you. It'll also help you advocate for yourself if you need to file a claim. Look for these key stipulations and clauses:

  • Coverage limit: Each home warranty has a coverage limit that limits the total dollar amount that the company will pay per claim. There might also be an annual coverage limit or other stipulations.
  • Exclusions: Home warranties have both general exclusions and component-specific ones. Even if a device or system is generally covered, your warranty might not cover some specific parts if they become damaged. Read your sample contract carefully to understand the exclusions.
  • Workmanship guarantee: Home warranties generally have workmanship guarantees of at least 30 days. If an in-network technician recently serviced your appliance or system, and you continue to experience issues with it, the company won't charge an additional service call fee for new repairs.
  • Cancellation: A home warranty contract should include information on how to cancel your policy and get a refund. If you cancel within the first 30 days of signup, many companies will offer a complete refund of your annual premium.
  • Service call fee: Each time you file a claim, the warranty company or repair provider will levy a service call fee between $75 and $125.

Facts about Salem

Average High in July
76°F
Salem
83°F
National Average
Average Low in January
22°F
Salem
17°F
National Average
Average Daily Sunlight
64%
Salem
69%
National Average
Our Top Pick
Provider logo
4.5
Our Rating
  • Extends 60-day workmanship guarantee
  • Holds high customer ratings
  • Offers customization with 38 add-ons
Explore Plans
Provider logo
4.4
Our Rating
  • Covers rust and corrosion damage
  • Offers comprehensive coverage limits
  • Provides flexible service fees
$150 Off Any Plan
Explore Plans
Provider logo
3.8
Our Rating
  • Charges low premiums
  • Includes roof-leak coverage
  • Offers solid HVAC coverage
Explore Plans

Our methodology for selecting home warranty providers

We review national home warranty providers against our full home warranty methodology. We score warranty providers based on coverage options and limits, price, brand reputation, customer service, extra features and availability.

Contact us at feedback@homefront.usatoday.com if you have questions or feedback on this article

Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top

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