Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Homeownership in Metuchen can be gratifying for many people, but it also comes with its fair share of difficulties. Updating your home’s systems and appliances can be an unforeseen financial burden for many homeowners. A home warranty is a way to protect your savings account 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 protection for your home can be time-consuming, so our team at Today's Homeowner has done the research to help you find the top home warranty companies in Metuchen. Keep reading for our top provider recommendations.
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 Metuchen residents. Liberty is a home warranty provider with 6 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. Liberty offers a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Plus, it also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry. The 3 policies that Liberty offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
The plans that Liberty offers to homeowners are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. 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 company. Service fees are an affordable $75.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our Liberty Home Guard Review. To get 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 for Metuchen residents. Choice is a home warranty provider with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. Choice offers very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Plus, it also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. The 2 policies that Choice offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
The plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan. 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 company. Service fees are an affordable $85.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our Choice Home Warranty Review. To get 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 for Metuchen residents. Select is a home warranty provider with 11 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. Select offers a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Plus, it also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. The 3 policies that Select offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
The plans that Select offers to homeowners are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. 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 company. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our Select Home Warranty Review. To get 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 for Metuchen residents. AHS is a home warranty provider with 26 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. AHS offers the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Plus, it also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. The 3 policies that AHS offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
The plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. 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 company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our American Home Shield Review. To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839.
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 Metuchen residents. Cinch is a home warranty provider with 44 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. Cinch offers a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Plus, it also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. The 3 policies that Cinch offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
The plans that Cinch offers to homeowners are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. 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 company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our Cinch Home Services Review. To get 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 for Metuchen residents. HSC is a home warranty provider with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. HSC offers quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Plus, it also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee. The 2 policies that HSC offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
The plans that HSC offers to homeowners are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. 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 company. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our The Home Service Club Review. To get 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 | $6,864 |
| Heating | $4,576 |
| Electrical | $686 |
| Toilets | $572 |
| Washer/Dryer | $915 |
| Plumbing | $686 |
| Oven | $1,831 |
| Fridge | $686 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps lower expenses for Metuchen homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide financial coverage to fix or swap out appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
Homeowners file a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to make the fix or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the repair or replacement costs exceed the item's coverage limit. A home warranty plan gives homeowners a sense of security because it can help avoid expensive emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for buyers of older homes or homes with systems near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with appliances and fixtures in good condition may not require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances are dryers, washers, refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, garbage disposals, and more. Included systems are typically plumbing, air conditioning, electrical, and heating. Many home warranty companies provide add-on coverage for septic systems, locksmiths, central vacuums, and roof leaks. Metuchen homeowners should know that most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. What's more, most policies only cover repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or improperly using a system or appliance. You must keep up with preventative maintenance to help make sure your next repair or replacement is covered.
There are a number of home warranty terms to know before signing an agreement, including:
There are several important factors to consider when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage varies widely in the items that are included. Most plans provide coverage for electrical, AC, heating, plumbing, and appliances. More robust coverage options also include protection for other items such as spas, well pumps, pools, and roof leaks. Look for providers with varied coverage options, including upgraded plans. This allows you to tailor protection to your needs.
You'll pay a standard service fee of around $60 to $100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These fees to accumulate quickly with each claim, so you may look for providers advertising lower service fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain companies may waive deductibles after a customer goes a period of time with no claims filed.
A home warranty company's reputation provides insights into factors such as contractor expertise, repair speed, claim approval rates, and customer satisfaction. Read through review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to learn more about companies. Positive feedback and ratings suggest a company known for providing quality service.
Home warranty businesses maintain networks of local professionals to handle repairs in your area. Reach out to potential providers to learn how many repair contractors they have in Metuchen and get an idea for how quickly your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. Wider networks improve the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Certain home warranty companies provide extras such as discounts on maintenance, protection for smart home devices, and energy-efficient upgrades. These can provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Added perks help improve your home and maximize your home warranty.
Temperatures in Metuchen can vary greatly throughout the year, which means your air conditioner and heating systems are likely to get a lot of use. As a homeowner in Metuchen, one benefit of having a home warranty is that these home systems and major appliances can be covered if they need to be repaired or replaced.
In addition to saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can offer you peace of mind and save you the pain of trying to find a qualified contractor to visit your home. Home warranties usually come with a network of pre-vetted technicians who can handle any repair issues you may come across. Another added benefit of having home warranty coverage is that it can increase your home’s property value. If you ever decide to sell your house, 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 of the major drawbacks of home warranties is not every home system and appliance may be covered. It’s important to weigh the different policies and sign up for one that covers all the appliances, systems, and add-ons you need.
Another pain point of home warranties is that they don’t cover systems or appliances that have been improperly maintained. This can lead to your repair requests being rejected, so it’s important to carefully follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance of your home systems and appliances.
A home warranty costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Metuchen. Our high-rated home warranty providers' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can get a lower monthly payment with some companies by opting for a higher service fee. In addition, it's often cheaper to pay annually rather than monthly.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty covers normal wear and tear to home systems and appliances. Homeowners insurance protects your home in case of a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. Under homeowners insurance, you won't be able to file a claim if you need a new washing machine or air conditioner, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Metuchen.
A home warranty can help real estate agents, investors, homeowners, homebuyers, and home sellers. It can offer peace of mind to anyone involved in homeownership.
A home warranty policy will cover your appliances, systems, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you'd like more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be useful if you want to save some money.
Generally, a home warranty lasts for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some providers may offer month-to-month options.
Typically, the homeowner pays for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the one selling the home may buy a home warranty and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then need to pay the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in Metuchen is $568,512, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.
