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6 best home warranty companies in Wakefield, Massachusetts

HOMEFRONT

Updated Jun 22, 2024

Get a quote from our top provider, Liberty Home Guard

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A home warranty offers 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 like refrigerators and HVAC units when they break down from normal wear and tear.

Many key home systems break down before hitting the 10 to 15-year mark. HVAC systems typically last just seven to 25 years. The normal lifespan for water heaters is only six to 12 years, and most major appliances today fail after 20 years, according to the experts at the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.

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

Wakefield gets its fair share of wintry weather, which can impact both your roof and heating system. Breakdowns could lead to hefty bills, but with a home warranty, you'll have solid 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 Wakefield

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

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 38 different coverage add-ons – the most of any home warranty company we researched. Each covered repair also comes with a 60-day workmanship guarantee.

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 has a fully customizable coverage plan you can design based on your coverage needs. It also includes a lengthy 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 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

Roof leak repair coverage is a rare perk that Select offers to its customers. It's also a good company to keep on your shortlist if affordable premiums are your top priority.

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 Wakefield

The average cost of a home warranty in Wakefield is on par with the national average, ranging from $40.91 to $77.05 per month. If you prefer to pay an annual premium, expect to pay between $563.62 and $927.43 per year. To calculate national averages, 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 extra coverage for home appliances and major systems. However, it's not a substitute for homeowners insurance, and there are some limitations to coverage. Below, we'll summarize what's generally covered and what's not.

What are the typical items covered under a home warranty?

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

The first category of items home warranties provide coverage for is kitchen appliances and household items. This category includes the following: When you purchase a home warranty, you're also getting coverage for major home systems. While different plans have unique coverage scopes for this category, the following systems can be covered:

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

What items are typically not covered under a home warranty?

Each home warranty has exclusions, which are the items and circumstances it will not cover. Your contract will outline each exclusion upfront, so read carefully before you sign. A common exclusion is breakdowns caused by damage outside of normal wear and tear. For example, home warranties will likely not cover an air conditioner breakdown caused by a dirty air filter. This is because replacing the filter is a routine maintenance task.

    Additionally, home warranties won't cover the following:
  • Improper system or appliance installation
  • Preexisting conditions
  • Hazardous waste
  • Acts of nature
  • Rust or corrosion damage
  • Cosmetic damage

Questions to ask home warranty providers in Wakefield

Before purchasing a home warranty coverage plan, we recommend asking providers the following questions.

What items are covered by my policy?

Assess your coverage requirements before requesting a quote from a home warranty provider. Once youknow what items require coverage, confirm that the provider includes them in its packages. Some companies separate systems and appliance coverage into different plans, so ensure you select the accurate one. Also, many home warranty companies offer optional coverage, such as for septic tank pumping or wells. Consider purchasing add-ons if you need protection for specific items.

How long is my home warranty good for?

A typical home warranty plan is good for one year from the coverage effective date, which is 30 days after the initial sign-up date. The 30-day waiting period is designed as a way to deter customers from filing claims for preexisting conditions. You can get coverage beyond 12 months with 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?

Understanding how a company’s claims process works often makes the difference between claim approval and denial. Home warranty providers typically accept claims via an online portal or a round-the-clock support line. Typical response times are within one to two days of filing, though there may be processing delays if you file outside normal business hours. If the home warranty company initially approves your claim, they'll match you with a service contractor from their network. The contractor will schedule a consultation with you to examine the appliance firsthand. Once they get final approval from the warranty company, they'll do the repair work and handle billing on your behalf.

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

If you need to move, most home warranty contracts include a clause allowing you to transfer the policy to the new homeowner. Some companies handle the transfer at no charge, though others levy a transfer fee. Some home warranty companies also provide special coverage plans that are easily transferred to prospective buyers. Home sellers buy these home warranty plans to boost their home's appeal.

Home warranty contract fine print

Before settling on a home warranty, we strongly recommend reviewing a sample contract. Learning more about the company's terms and conditions will help you determine the best fit. It'll also help you advocate for yourself if you need to file a claim. Keep an eye out for these key terms and clauses in your research:

  • Workmanship guarantee: The workmanship guarantee is the time during which the home warranty company won't assess additional service call fees for a repair if an in-network technician has recently serviced the item. The industry standard is 30 days, but some companies offer longer workmanship guarantees.
  • 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.
  • Service call fee: Each time you file a claim, the home warranty or repair company will charge a service call fee. These fees typically range between $75 and $125.
  • Exclusions: Be sure to familiarize yourself with component-specific exclusions in the home warranty company's sample contracts. Some parts of equipment may not be included even if the appliance itself is typically included under the policy.
  • 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.

Facts about Wakefield

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