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6 Best Home Warranty Companies in New Jersey for 2023
By Victor Rosario MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
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- 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
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- 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
A home warranty plan can offer peace of mind by providing coverage for repairs or replacements of covered items. In New Jersey, there are many home warranty companies to choose from, each with its own coverage options and pricing. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve researched and compiled a list of the six best home warranty companies in New Jersey for 2023.
Our Top Picks for Best Home Warranties in New Jersey
- Liberty Home Guard – Best overall
- Select Home Warranty – Best low-cost combo plan
- American Home Shield – Best for unlimited coverage for systems repairs
- America’s First Choice – Best for HVACs
Best home warranties in New Jersey 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 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 can choose from three easy-to-understand options: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard and Total Home Guard. For $49.99 per month, the Appliance Guard Plan covers nine commonly used kitchen and laundry appliances, such as garbage disposals, ceiling and exhaust fans, and garage door openers. At $54.99 per month, the Systems Guard Plan offers coverage for heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical systems, and hot water heaters, including ductwork. The Total Home Guard Plan, priced at $59.99 per month, includes everything in the lower-priced plans and offers the choice of a lower service call fee starting at $65.
What sets Liberty Home Guard apart from other companies is their vast selection of optional coverage, which offers about thirty different choices. These add-ons range from coverage for second refrigerators, well pumps, and septic pumping to more unusual items. Additionally, customers can purchase coverage for pro-series appliances, which are typically excluded from home warranties, as well as maintenance services such as carpet cleaning and exterior power washing. Electronic devices are also covered under their plans. All in all, Liberty Home Guard’s focus on clarity and simplicity is commendable.
Best Low-Cost Combo Plan: Select Home Warranty
- 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 offers homeowners and home buyers a choice of three plans: an appliance plan, a systems plan or a plan that covers both. The Bronze Care plan provides coverage for washers and dryers, refrigerators, stoves, built-in microwaves and garbage disposals. The Gold Care plan covers HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems, water heaters and ductwork.
The company’s Platinum Care plan is one of the most competitively priced combo plans available, and it even includes limited coverage for roof leaks. However, it’s worth noting that Select Home Warranty’s low costs may be balanced by low coverage limits on certain appliances and systems. For example, the coverage limit for appliances is only $500, which may not be sufficient in today’s inflationary environment, as finding a decent refrigerator for less than $1,000 can be challenging.
Best for Unlimited Coverage for Systems Repairs: American Home Shield
- 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
What sets American Home Shield apart from other home warranty companies is its inclusive coverage and lack of limitations on covered systems. The company even covers neglected appliances, making it an ideal choice for homeowners seeking breakdown coverage. Additionally, if a system replacement is necessary, such as for your heating system, an American Home Shield warranty can potentially save you thousands of dollars.
American Home Shield offers three plans to choose from: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold and ShieldPlatinum. The ShieldSilver plan covers four major systems in your home, including heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing. The ShieldGold plan provides coverage for kitchen and laundry room appliances in addition to the four major systems. The ShieldPlatinum plan includes everything covered in the two less expensive plans, plus limited roof leak coverage, free HVAC tune-ups, unlimited refilling of A/C refrigerant and coverage for repairs due to code violations that are typically excluded by other home warranty plans.
Best for HVACs: America's First Choice
- HVAC tune-ups exempt from coverage caps
- 30-day refund policy
- Member of the NHSCA
- 30-day waiting period
- $1,500 to $2,000 cap per item
AFC Home Club provides hybrid policies that cover a wide range of systems and appliances with a generous service cap of $1,500 to $2,000 per item. Notably, HVAC systems are exempt from coverage caps, which is why we chose AFC as the best home warranty for HVACs. The company explicitly lists exclusions on its website and only covers issues that arise after the start of service. Their basic plan starts at an annual premium of $395 and includes a 30-day refund policy and a pro-rated refund policy after that.
AFC Home Club stands out in the industry by offering competitive service fees ranging from $75 to $125 and by allowing customers to work with out-of-network contractors, provided that they are licensed, bonded and insured. However, a 30-day waiting period applies, and if a claim is filed during this period, the maximum payout is limited to $150.
The company is a member of the NHSCA and has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 2009, with a B rating. Its website is user-friendly and features a personalized free quote calculator, a sample contract, and a detailed explanation of coverage for each item.
Other companies we considered
Cinch Home Services
Cinch, headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, is a home warranty company operating in 48 states, except Alaska and Hawaii. They offer three warranty protection plans for home appliances and systems, each with a workmanship guarantee. The Appliance Plan covers household appliances starting at $27.99 per month. The Home Systems Plan covers built-in home systems, such as plumbing or HVAC, starting at $32.99 per month.
Their Complete Home Plan covers all components from the Appliance and Home Systems plans and additional benefits, including a $500 reimbursement for your home insurance policy deductible and sump pump coverage, starting at $39.99 per month. Cinch has been accredited by ConsumerAffairs and the Better Business Bureau and has won 41 Stevie awards for customer service and sales excellence.
First Premier Home Warranty
Based in New York, First Premier Home Warranty offers customizable home warranty services to homeowners nationwide. Founded in 2020, the company provides two main plans: the Premier Plan and the Premier Platinum plan. Customers can also add specialized coverage options to make their plan more comprehensive.
However, it’s important to note that the Premier Plan does not include coverage for some basic appliances such as refrigerators, washers and dryers. Customers must opt for the Premier Platinum plan or add specialty coverage to get coverage for these items. Specialty options include coverage for pools, spas, sump pumps and duplicate appliances.
The cost of First Premier Home Warranty is slightly higher than the industry average, and adding specialized coverage for non-custom plan items can significantly increase policy costs. Customers can purchase the warranty on a monthly or annual basis.
First Premier Home Warranty has an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau, and customer reviews on the site show an average 5-star rating. The company has also received a 4-star rating on Trustpilot.
Best Home Warranties Companies in New Jersey Guide
Main things to know before purchasing a home warranty in New Jersey
Coverage options: A home warranty covers a range of items, including home systems such as HVAC and electrical, as well as major appliances like the washer and water heater. Be sure to review the home warranty coverage options carefully to ensure they meet your specific needs.
Pricing: Home warranty costs can vary widely depending on the provider and plan selected. Some companies offer a monthly or annual payment option, while others may require payment at the time of service. Make sure to compare pricing and choose a plan that fits within your budget.
Exclusions: Most home warranty plans have exclusions such as pre-existing conditions, workmanship guarantees, and coverage limits. It’s important to review the terms and conditions of each plan carefully to understand what is and is not covered.
Service providers: Home warranty companies typically have a network of service providers they work with to perform repairs or replacements. Some, however, let you choose a contractor of your choice, even if they’re not in the company’s network.
What does a home warranty company cover in New Jersey?
Home warranty coverage can vary depending on the company and plan selected. Typically, home warranty plans cover appliances and home systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing), major appliances (washer, dryer, refrigerator), and add-on coverage for items like well pumps and pool equipment. Some companies may also offer coverage for roof leak repairs and ductwork. It’s important to review the specific plan options of each plan before purchasing.
Some appliances and systems that may be covered by your comprehensive coverage home protection plan or additional coverage include:
- Air conditioners
- Ceiling fans
- Clothes washers and clothes dryers
- Doorbells
- Kitchen appliances such as ice makers or cooktops
- Water dispensers
- Septic tanks and septic systems
- Stand-alone freezers
- Smoke detectors
- Trash compactors
- Central vacuums
- Plumbing systems, including plumbing stoppages
How much does a home warranty cost in New Jersey?
Home warranty costs in New Jersey can range from $350 to $600 per year, depending on the company and plan selected. Some companies may also charge a service call fee, which is typically around $75-$125 per visit. It’s important to review the pricing and coverage options of each plan carefully to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
Who regulates home warranty companies in New Jersey?
Home warranty companies in New Jersey are regulated by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance. This department oversees the licensing and regulation of all insurance companies, including home warranty providers. Consumers can file complaints with the department if they have issues with a home warranty company.
How does a home warranty work?
When a covered item in your home breaks down, you can file a home warranty claim. The company will then send a service provider to your home to diagnose and repair the problem. If the item cannot be repaired, the home warranty company will replace it. Homeowners are typically responsible for paying a service call fee and any deductible associated with the claim.
FAQs
Does a home warranty company cover pre-existing conditions?
Typically, home warranty companies do not cover pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is any problem that existed before the coverage period of your home warranty began.
Is a home inspection needed before purchasing a home warranty?
No, a home inspection is not required before purchasing a home warranty. However, it's a good idea to have a thorough home inspection before purchasing a home to identify any existing problems that may not be covered by a home warranty.
Is a deductible required for a home warranty in New Jersey?
Yes, home warranties typically have a service call fee or deductible that you'll need to pay each time you submit a claim. The amount of the deductible varies depending on the home warranty provider and the plan you choose.
How to file a claim against a home warranty company in New Jersey
To file a claim against a home warranty company in New Jersey, you'll need to contact the provider directly. You can typically file a claim online or by phone. Once you've submitted your claim, the provider will send a service provider to your home to diagnose the problem and make any necessary repairs or replacements.
How We Chose the Best Home Warranty Companies in New Jersey
To determine the best home warranty companies in New Jersey, we researched and analyzed the top providers based on the following factors:
- Coverage Options: We evaluated each provider’s coverage options to ensure they offer plans that meet the needs of New Jersey homeowners, including coverage for home systems and appliances, as well as add-on coverage options.
- Pricing: We compared each provider’s pricing to ensure their plans are competitively priced and provide good value for the coverage provided.
- Customer Service: We evaluated each provider’s customer service, including their reputation for responsiveness and the quality of their service providers.
- Exclusions and Limitations: We reviewed each provider’s terms and conditions to identify any exclusions or limitations that could impact the quality and value of their coverage.
- Workmanship Guarantee: We evaluated each provider’s workmanship guarantee to ensure they stand behind their work and provide reliable and long-lasting repairs and replacements.