Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Merriam offers homeowners some great housing options. However, unanticipated repair and replacement costs on your home’s systems and appliances can get quite expensive. A home warranty is a way to protect your savings from unexpected expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be significantly lower and allow you to live in your home with more peace of mind.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be overwhelming, as there are so many companies to choose from. That’s why the Today's Homeowner team did the research and put together a list of the top home warranty companies in Merriam for you.
Very highly rated among customer service reviews
Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
Extensive list of 20+ add-on coverages
Easy claims process
Won’t cover known or unknown pre-existing conditions
Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty in Merriam. Liberty is a home warranty provider with 6 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage. When you buy a policy from Liberty, you will get a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Liberty Home Guard also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
The plans that Liberty offers to homeowners are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Service fees from Liberty are an affordable $75. The coverage caps are also generally about $3,000.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of Liberty Home Guard. To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281.
Appliance Guard
Systems Guard
Total Home Guard
Over 10 years of experience
24/7 customer service team
Home inspections aren’t required
90-day repair guarantee
Plans aren’t customizable
Customers can’t choose their own contractor
Not available in washington
Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty in Merriam. Choice is a home warranty provider with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage. When you buy a policy from Choice, you will get very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Choice Home Warranty also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
The plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also generally about $3,000.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of Choice Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164.
Basic Plan
Total Plan
Low service fees compared to other home warranty providers
Two months of free coverage
Has an appliance-only, systems-only, and combo plan option
90-day repair guarantee
Has a $75 cancellation fee
Low coverage caps
Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty in Merriam. Select is a home warranty provider with 11 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage. When you buy a policy from Select, you will get a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Select Home Warranty also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
The plans that Select offers to homeowners are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also generally about $2,000.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of Select Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953.
Bronze Care Plan
Gold Care Plan
Platinum Care Plan
The oldest and most trusted company in the industry
Allows customers to build their own plans
Ability to choose the service fee you want to pay
Broad coverage on up to 33 appliances and systems
Doesn’t let customers choose their own technician
Doesn’t provide coverage in alaska
American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty in Merriam. AHS is a home warranty provider with 26 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage. When you buy a policy from AHS, you will get the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. American Home Shield also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
The plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also generally about $2,500.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of American Home Shield. To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839.
ShieldSilver
ShieldGold
ShieldPlatinum
Established company with a bbb accreditation
Doesn’t have a coverage cap on heating, cooling, or ductwork
24/7 service calls available
Offers replacement of some covered items that are too damaged to repair
Doesn’t let customers choose their own contractor
According to some customer reviews, the technical jargon in contracts is confusing
First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage in Merriam. First American is a home warranty provider with 39 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage. When you buy a policy from First American, you will get very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. First American Home Warranty also has a unique add-on alongside common ones called the First Class Upgrade, which covers fees associated with the use of lifting equipment, up to $250 per local building permits, haul away services, and appliances and systems that have been insufficiently installed or modified.
The plans that First American offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. Service fees from First American are a reasonable $85. The coverage caps are also generally about $1,500.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of First American Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164.
Basic Plan
Premier Plan
Offers home insurance deductible of $500
Extra long 180-day workmanship guarantee
Offers free cancellation in the first 30 days
Charges high service fees of $75-$150
Doesn’t allow customers to choose their own technician
Isn’t available in hawaii or alaska
Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in Merriam. Cinch is a home warranty provider with 44 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage. When you buy a policy from Cinch, you will get a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Cinch Home Services also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
The plans that Cinch offers to homeowners are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Service fees from Cinch are customizable and range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also generally about $1,000-$2,000.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of Cinch Home Services. To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505.
Appliances Plan
Built-in Systems Plan
Complete Home Plan
Policy starts in ten days
24/7 customer service support
Generous coverage caps on important systems and appliances
30-labor guarantee and 90-day parts guarantee
Offers utility and home service outside line coverage
Higher service fee of $95
Not accredited by the better business bureau (bbb)
Only 2 plan options
The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service in Merriam. HSC is a home warranty provider with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage. When you buy a policy from HSC, you will get quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. The Home Service Club also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee.
The plans that HSC offers to homeowners are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also generally about $2,000.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of The Home Service Club. To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443.
Standard Coverage Plan
Comprehensive Coverage Plan
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on home warranty companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Home Appliance | Repair Cost |
---|---|
Air Conditioner | $6,102 |
Heating | $4,068 |
Electrical | $610 |
Toilets | $508 |
Washer/Dryer | $814 |
Plumbing | $610 |
Oven | $1,627 |
Fridge | $610 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Merriam homeowners in lowering the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide coverage to swap out or repair appliances and systems that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
When something stops working, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to handle the replacement or repair. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement costs exceed the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives security for homeowners by helping them avoid expensive emergency repairs. They're particularly useful for those who own older homes or ones with outdated systems. More modern builds with working fixtures probably don’t need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many home systems and appliances. Typical covered appliances include dryers, washers, dishwashers, microwaves, refrigerators, garbage disposals, and others. Covered systems include air conditioning, heating, plumbing, and electrical. Many home warranty plans offer add-on coverage for central vacuums, roof leaks, septic systems, and even locksmiths. Merriam should understand that most home warranty plans have a waiting period of 30 days before repair claims will be approved. The majority of policies also only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, or misuse of a system or appliance. Stay current with preventative maintenance to help guarantee your next repair or replacement is covered.
There are several home warranty terms to know before signing an agreement, including:
When selecting a home warranty provider, there are several important factors to consider:
Home warranty policies differ significantly in terms of coverage. Most plans provide protection for plumbing, electrical, heating, AC, and appliances. More comprehensive options also include coverage for other items such as pools, well pumps, spas, and roof leaks. Look for companies with a range of coverage choices, such as upgraded plans. You'll want to tailor your protection for your home’s needs.
Homeowners should anticipate paying a $60–100 service fee when filing home warranty claims. These per-repair charges can potentially accumulate over time, so some homeowners prefer using companies with more affordable per-claim fees to maximize savings. Some companies also offer disappearing deductibles after periods where a customer files no claims.
A home warranty company's reputation can offer insight into things such as contractor quality, approval rates for claims, speed of repairs, and customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to research companies. Good ratings and reviews indicate that a company is known for quality service.
Home warranty providers have networks of professionals that they use to tackle covered repairs. Wider networks improve the probability of getting qualified contractors to your home swiftly. Reach out to possible providers to learn how many contractors they have in Merriam. This helps you understand how long repairs may take in an urgent situation.
Home warranty companies might offer extras such as coverage for smart home devices, maintenance discounts, and energy efficiency upgrades. These can add value beyond repair coverage. Additional perks can maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Since temperatures in Merriam can be quite hot in the summer, the weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioning unit and HVAC system. Purchasing a home warranty can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances stops working all of a sudden.
A home warranty also saves you time and energy. Instead of spending hours finding and choosing a contractor to fix your appliance or system, home warranty companies do the hard work for you and send a trusted professional to your door whenever you need them. Another added benefit of having a home warranty plan is that it can increase your home’s real estate value. If you ever decide to sell your home, you may be able to transfer your home warranty plan to the new homebuyer depending on the provider you purchased your home warranty through.
One downside of purchasing a home warranty is that there are often exclusions. For example, if you already have a manufacturer's warranty on one of your appliances, it may be excluded from the home warranty, so it’s important to read through the contracts you’re considering carefully to understand what is included and what isn’t.
Another drawback is that home warranties may exclude some repairs, like those needed because of natural disasters. For example, if your house floods, the affected systems and appliances most likely won’t be covered by the home warranty.
A home warranty in Merriam can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. The higher-priced plans tend to have a lower service fee, broader coverage, and higher coverage limits. This cost is often lower if you pay annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also decrease your up-front costs when you opt for a higher service fee.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what types of damage each covers. A home warranty plan covers normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. A homeowners insurance plan protects your entire home in case of a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. With a homeowners insurance plan, you will not be able to file a claim if you need a new washing machine or dishwasher, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Merriam.
A home warranty policy can help homebuyers, real estate agents, investors, homeowners, and home sellers. It can provide peace of mind to anyone involved in homeownership.
The different kinds of home warranties in Merriam include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan will cover your home systems and appliances, including your dishwasher, washing machine, and plumbing. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the specific items listed in the policy.
Home warranty plans generally offer coverage for a year. Many providers let you renew your plan yearly, and some offer month-to-month plans as well.
In general, the homeowner is the one who is responsible for paying the premium and service fees. However, if you have just bought a new home, sometimes the seller is the one who paid for the policy. This can then be given to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees. In Merriam, where the median value of a home is $294,592, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.