Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
There are a lot of advantages of owning a home, but as your Elizabeth home ages, you may have to update or repair your systems and appliances. A home warranty can help protect homeowners by covering major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important appliances and systems.
The home warranty market is saturated with many providers — all with different offerings — so the Today's Homeowner team has compiled this guide to help you find the best home warranty companies in Elizabeth.
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 for Elizabeth residents. Liberty has been in the home warranty industry for over 6 years. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage. If you’re looking for a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
Liberty Home Guard offers 3 plans for Elizabeth homeowners. The Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $75.
To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. Read more by visiting our review of Liberty Home Guard.
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 for Elizabeth residents. Choice has been in the home warranty industry for over 15 years. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage. If you’re looking for very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
Choice Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Elizabeth homeowners. The Basic Plan and Total Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $85.
To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. Read more by visiting our review of Choice Home Warranty.
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 for Elizabeth residents. Select has been in the home warranty industry for over 11 years. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage. If you’re looking for a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
Select Home Warranty offers 3 plans for Elizabeth homeowners. The Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. Read more by visiting our review of Select Home Warranty.
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 for Elizabeth residents. AHS has been in the home warranty industry for over 26 years. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage. If you’re looking for the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
American Home Shield offers 3 plans for Elizabeth homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. Read more by visiting our review of American Home Shield.
ShieldSilver
ShieldGold
ShieldPlatinum
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 for Elizabeth residents. Cinch has been in the home warranty industry for over 44 years. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage. If you’re looking for a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
Cinch Home Services offers 3 plans for Elizabeth homeowners. The Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. Read more by visiting our review of Cinch Home Services.
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 for Elizabeth residents. HSC has been in the home warranty industry for over 15 years. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage. If you’re looking for quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee.
The Home Service Club offers 2 plans for Elizabeth homeowners. The Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. Read more by visiting our review of The Home Service Club.
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 | $6,395 |
| Heating | $4,263 |
| Electrical | $639 |
| Toilets | $533 |
| Washer/Dryer | $853 |
| Plumbing | $639 |
| Oven | $1,705 |
| Fridge | $639 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Elizabeth homeowners in lowering the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide financial coverage to replace or repair appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.
When something stops working, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then arranges a contractor to handle the replacement or repair. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement costs go over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives security for homeowners by helping them avoid expensive emergency repairs. They're particularly valuable for those who own older homes or ones with outdated systems. More modern homes with functional fixtures probably don’t need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many home systems and appliances. Warranties usually cover appliances such as microwaves, washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, garbage disposals, and others. Covered systems include heating, electrical, air conditioning, and plumbing. Many home warranty companies also offer additional coverage for roof leaks, locksmiths, septic systems, and central vacuums. Elizabeth homeowners should know that most home warranty plans begin with a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. What's more, most policies only help pay for repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, natural disasters, or misusing a system or appliance. Remember to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Here are some key home warranty words to learn before signing a contract:
There are several key factors to consider when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans provide coverage for electrical, plumbing, heating, AC, and appliances. More extensive plans may also cover additional items such as spas, well pumps, pools, and roof leaks. Focus on companies with broad coverage options including upgraded plans. Flexibility like this will help you customize your plan to meet your needs.
Homeowners should anticipate paying a $60–100 service fee when filing home warranty claims. These per-claim costs can add up, so some homeowners prefer using providers with more affordable per-claim fees to maximize savings. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles when a homeowner goes a defined period without any repair requests.
A home warranty provider's reputation provides insights into factors such as claim approval rates, repair speed, contractor expertise, and customer satisfaction. Check review sites like TrustPilot, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn more about providers. Favorable ratings and feedback suggest a company known for quality service.
Home warranty companies use networks of local repair technicians to manage repairs in a given area. Reach out to potential providers to ask how many repair specialists they have in Elizabeth and get an idea of how fast your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Bigger networks raise the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Certain home warranty companies provide perks such as energy-efficient upgrades, discounts on maintenance, and protection for smart home devices. These provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra perks help improve your home and maximize your home warranty.
Elizabeth’s relatively mild winters and hot summers can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty is designed to cover your home’s appliances and systems if they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner fails in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the repairs, saving you from spending a lot of money out of pocket.
Plus, having a home warranty can save you some time by eliminating the need to research repair people — most providers will send a trusted professional right to your door to do the repair or replacement. Another benefit of having a home warranty is while selling your home, some providers let you transfer your home warranty to the new owners. This can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and may help your home sell faster.
There are also some negatives to buying a home warranty policy, such as the coverage exclusions. For instance, home warranties may not cover systems or appliances that are already covered by a manufacturer's warranty.
Also, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they need repairs due to a natural disaster or animal infestation — anything besides normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.
A home warranty in Elizabeth can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. Higher-priced plans typically have broader coverage, a lower service fee, and higher coverage limits. You can often lower this cost by paying annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also reduce your up-front costs when you agree to a higher service fee.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what kinds 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 the entire home in case of something such as a natural disaster or fire. Under homeowners insurance, you won't be able to file a claim if you need a new refrigerator or dishwasher, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Elizabeth.
Homebuyers, homeowners, landlords, real estate agents, and home sellers can all get home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your home more attractive to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
A home warranty will cover your appliances, systems, or both. Combination plans are great if you need more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be a good idea if you're concerned about one more than the other.
Generally, a home warranty policy offers coverage for a year and can be renewed annually. Some providers may offer month-to-month plans.
Generally, the homeowner is the one who pays the premium and service fees. However, if you have just bought a new home, sometimes the seller will pay for the policy. This can then be given to the new homeowner, who will pay the service fees when using the policy. In Elizabeth, where the median value of a home is $473,579, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
