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6 best home warranty companies in Stoneham, Massachusetts

HOMEFRONT

Updated Jun 22, 2024

Get a quote from our top provider, Liberty Home Guard

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A home warranty gives you financial protection if a major home system or appliance suddenly breaks down. For a monthly fee, the warranty company covers repair and replacement costs for items such as refrigerators and HVAC units when they break down from normal wear and tear.

Many essential home components won't last over 10–15 years before needing service, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. HVAC systems typically operate for seven to 25 years. Water heaters tend to last just six to 12 years on average, and most major appliances go kaput in under 20 years.

If your Stoneham home contains aging furnaces, dishwashers or the like, you'll likely encounter an untimely breakdown. These top home warranty firms offer robust coverage at fair prices.

Stoneham gets its fair share of winter storms, which can put strain on both your roof and heating system. Breakdowns could lead to sizable bills, but with a home warranty, you'll have a robust 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 Stoneham

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

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

4.5/5

Average monthly costs: $22.00 - $80.00

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty pairs its three coverage plans with flexible service call fees. It also offers coverage perks, including an appliance color-match program and an "Even If" service fee guarantee. With this guarantee, 2-10 will refund your service call fee if your covered item can’t be fixed or replaced.

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 lets you fully customize a plan for your exact coverage needs. It also provides an exceptionally long 90-day workmanship guarantee.

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 has some unique home warranty offerings and coverage perks, including homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement. Just like many other companies, it also offers flexible service fees that give you a greater say in your 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 pairs all plans with roof-leak repair coverage. It also charges low plan premiums.

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 Stoneham

You'll generally pay $41-$70 per month for a home warranty in Stoneham, in line with the national average. Opting for annual payments means paying anywhere between $563.62-$927.48 for the year. To find the average home warranty plan cost, we requested hundreds of quotes using 2,000-square-foot, single-family homes across each state the providers service.

Home warranty coverage

With a home warranty, you'll have additional coverage for major systems and home appliances. However, it's not a substitute for homeowners insurance, and there are some exclusions to coverage. Below, we'll talk about what's generally covered and what's not.

What are the typical items covered under a home warranty?

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

Major appliances form the first category of items that home warranties cover. This includes the following items: The second coverage category is major systems, which typically consist of the following:

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

What items are typically not covered under a home warranty?

Just like other service contracts, home warranties will not provide coverage for certain items or events. Your contract calls these exclusions. A common exclusion is breakdowns caused by damage outside of normal wear and tear. For example, home warranties will probably not cover an air conditioner breakdown caused by a dirty air filter. This is because replacing the filter is part of routine maintenance. Home warranties also don't cover acts of nature, improper system or appliance installation, preexisting conditions, cosmetic damage, hazardous waste and rust or corrosion damage.

Questions to ask home warranty providers in Stoneham

Ask each home warranty provider these questions before you purchase a plan.

What items will my policy cover?

Before asking a home warranty company for a quote, write down the specific systems and appliances that you need covered. Then, confirm the company has plans meeting your needs. Some providers separate appliance and system coverage into different plans. Also, many home warranty companies offer optional coverage, such as for swimming pools or central vacuum. Consider purchasing add-ons if you need protection for specific items.

How long is my home warranty good for?

Standard home warranty contracts last for 12 months from the coverage effective date, which is usually 30 days after the initial sign-up date. Companies have this 30-day waiting period to prevent customers from filing claims for preexisting conditions. Purchasing a multiyear plan extends protection beyond the standard 12-month term.

What contractors do you work with?

Be sure to ask about the warranty provider's network of licensed service contractors. Companies will usually have strict licensing requirements and other standards for a contractor to get repair approval. If there are no partner contractors near where you live, the company might 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 can improve your chances of getting a claim approved. Most companies accept claims online or via a 24/7 phone line. Once you file, the company will aim to reply 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 arrange a meeting with you to inspect and diagnose the problem. Once they get final approval from the warranty company, they'll proceed to make repairs and manage billing on your behalf.

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

Most home warranty companies permit you to transfer your policy to a new homeowner if you need to move. Sometimes, transfers are free, and other times, the company will charge a transfer fee for the service. Sellers can also purchase special home warranty plans that are readily transferable to prospective buyers. This is a simple way to make your home more attractive to your home in a competitive real estate market and give the buyer added confidence.

Home warranty contract fine print

Before purchasing a home warranty, research the company's sample contracts and policies. Understanding a provider's terms and conditions can help you decide whether they're a good fit for you. It'll also help you be a better 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.
  • Cancellation: A home warranty contract should include information on how to cancel your policy and get a refund. If you cancel within the initial waiting period before coverage takes effect, many companies will offer a complete refund of your annual premium.
  • Exclusions: Home warranties have both general exclusions and ones specific to components. Even if an appliance or system is generally covered, your warranty could still exclude some specific parts if they become damaged. Read your sample contract carefully to know what's excluded.
  • Service call fee: Just like copays at the doctor or pharmacy, you'll have to pay a service call fee each time you file a home warranty claim. Most companies charge from $75 to $125 per claim.
  • Workmanship guarantee: Home warranties typically offer workmanship guarantees that are at least 30 days long. If an in-network technician attempted to fix 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.

Facts about Stoneham

Average High in July
79°F
Stoneham
83°F
National Average
Average Low in January
20°F
Stoneham
17°F
National Average
Average Daily Sunlight
61%
Stoneham
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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