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New York experiences hot, humid summers and freezing winters. That means your home’s HVAC system works year-round to protect you from the elements, which can cause it to break down from regular use over time. If you want the convenience of someone else finding a technician or you don’t have adequate funds saved for unexpected repairs, you may benefit from a home warranty. Home warranties cover major system and appliance breakdowns that result from normal wear and tear.
Our team reviewed the best home warranty companies in the United States. We chose the top providers in New York based on coverage limits, customer service, costs, and additional perks.
Top 5 Companies
Below are our recommended New York home warranty companies:
- American Home Shield : Best for Comprehensive Coverage
- Liberty Home Guard : Best Add-on Variety
- Select Home Warranty : Best for Cost-Effective Plans
- America’s 1st Choice Home Club : Best Membership Perks
- Cinch Home Services : Best Coverage Variety
All pricing information in this article is based on a single-family home (smaller than 5,000 square feet) in Scarsdale, New York. Your pricing may vary depending on your home’s size and type, your location, and your chosen plan and add-on coverages.
Compare New York’s Top Home Warranty Companies
| Star Rating | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | BBB Rating | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Home Shield |  | $65–$76 | $100–$125 | B | VISIT SITE | |
| Liberty Home Guard |  | $49-$60 | $65–$125 | A+ | VISIT SITE | |
| Select Home Warranty |  | $44–$48 | $65–$75 | B- | VISIT SITE | |
| First American Home Warranty |  | $59–$77 | $75–$125 | B | VISIT SITE |
| American Home Shield | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $65–$76 |
| Service Fee | $100–$125 |
| BBB Rating | B |
| Liberty Home Guard | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $49-$60 |
| Service Fee | $65–$125 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Select Home Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $44–$48 |
| Service Fee | $65–$75 |
| BBB Rating | B- |
| First American Home Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $59–$77 |
| Service Fee | $75–$125 |
| BBB Rating | B |
American Home Shield
Fast Facts:
- Number of plans: Three
- Service call fee: $100–$125
- Get a quick quote: Visit American Home Shield’s site
Coverage Overview
American Home Shield (AHS) offers generous home protection via three protection plans. Each plan has two service call fee options, which can raise or lower your monthly premium. For those who own older homes, AHS covers rust, corrosion, and sediment damage, plus items with undetected preexisting conditions.
American Home Shield pairs the ShieldSilver and ShieldGold plans with a $5,000 systems cap and a $2,000 appliance cap per covered item. The ShieldPlatinum plan doubles its appliance coverage cap to $4,000 per covered item. AHS’s service call fees are $100 or $125 per filed claim.
Plans
We highlighted American Home Shield’s three coverage plans below.
ShieldSilver ($119.99–$129.99 per month): ShieldSilver covers home systems, including doorbells and chimes, garage-door openers, ceiling fans, ductwork, attic and built-in exhaust fans, faucets, toilets, whirlpool tub motor components, water heaters, heating units plus interior electrical lines, main breaker and fuse panel boxes, electrical systems, plumbing, air conditioning, heating systems, plumbing stoppages, and interior plumbing lines.
ShieldGold ($139.99–$149.99 per month): The ShieldGold plan covers the same items as ShieldSilver plus major appliances, including built-in microwaves, clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, garbage disposals, instant cold and hot water dispensers, ovens, cooktops, ranges, and refrigerators.
ShieldPlatinum ($169.99–$179.99 per month): The ShieldPlatinum plan covers all the same items as the ShieldGold plan, plus plumbing system modifications, refrigerant recapture, and roof-leak repair.
Read more: American Home Shield Review
Liberty Home Guard
Fast Facts:
- Number of plans: Three
- Service call fee: $65–$125
- Get a quick quote: Visit Liberty Home Guard’s site
Coverage Overview
Liberty Home Guard (LHG) is our top home warranty provider for New York homeowners. It offers customizable coverage with more than 30 unique add-ons, including coverage options such as pest control and septic systems. It has a $2,000 coverage cap per covered system and home appliance.
LHG also extends a 60-day workmanship guarantee, which is double the industry standard of 30 days. Additionally, LHG includes coverage for second heating systems and air conditioners in its basic plans. Most providers only offer second-unit coverage as an add-on.
Liberty Home Guard assigns a service call fee that ranges from $65 to $125, depending on your home’s type and size, your location, and your coverage and add-on selections.
Plans
We highlighted Liberty Home Guard’s three plan options below.
Appliance Guard ($49.99 per month): Appliance Guard is LHG’s appliance plan. It covers built-in microwave ovens, ceiling and exhaust fans, clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, garage-door openers, garbage disposals, ranges, ovens, cooktops, and refrigerators with built-in ice makers.
Systems Guard ($54.99 per month): Systems Guard is LHG’s systems plan. It covers six systems: water heaters, ductwork, air conditioning, plumbing, and heating and electrical systems.
Total Home Guard ($59.99 per month): Total Home Guard is LHG’s comprehensive coverage plan. It covers everything in the Appliance Guard and Systems Guard plans.
Read more: Liberty Home Guard Review
Select Home Warranty
Fast Facts:
- Number of plans: Three
- Service call fee: $60–$75
- Get a quick quote: Visit Select Home Warranty’s site
Coverage Overview
Select Home Warranty is our final recommendation for New York homeowners. Select provides three competitively priced coverage plans and solid HVAC system coverage. It conveniently pairs each plan with roof-leak repair coverage. It also offers a low $60–$75 service call fee.
Select offers variable coverage limits per covered system and appliance. For example, it pairs air conditioning and heating systems with a $3,000 coverage cap. It limits all other covered systems and appliances to $500 per covered item.
Regarding customer service, some customers noted that Select is difficult to reach over the phone when filing a claim. That said, we recommend Select if you only need HVAC systems coverage. There are better options for total home protection.
Plans
Below is a coverage overview of Select Home Warranty’s plans:
Bronze Care ($44.42 per month): The Bronze Care plan covers built-in microwaves, clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, garbage disposals, ovens, refrigerators, and stovetops.
Gold Care ($44.42 per month): The Gold Care plan protects ductwork systems, water heaters, cooling and heating systems, plumbing, and electrical systems.
Platinum Care ($47.75 per month): The Platinum Care plan covers all items listed in the Bronze Care and Gold Care plans.
Read more: Select Home Warranty Review
America’s 1st Choice Home Club
Fast Facts:
- Number of plans: Four
- Service call fee: $75–$125
- Get a quick quote: Visit America’s 1st Choice Home Club’s site
Coverage Overview
America’s 1st Choice Home Club (AFC Home Club) is another reputable provider for New York residents. AFC Home Club extends a plan-length workmanship guarantee for added peace of mind. It offers four plans and three service call fees ($75, $100, or $125) for additional flexibility. You can adjust your monthly premium by choosing a higher or lower service call fee.
AFC Home Club assigns different coverage caps to items. For example, it has a $3,000 per-item coverage limit on appliances and an unlimited coverage cap on certain systems. We recommend reading AFC Home Club’s service contract to understand all applicable coverage limits.
Plans
Below are AFC Home Club’s home warranty plans and monthly prices.
Silver Plan ($48.83–$55.17 per month): The Silver Plan protects major appliances, including clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, garage-door openers, garbage disposals, ovens, ranges, stovetops, and refrigerators.
Systems Plan ($58.33–$64.75 per month): The Systems Plan covers built-in systems, such as ductwork, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, water heaters, and heating systems.
Gold Plan ($67.92–$73.33 per month): The Gold Plan covers every system and appliance included in the Silver and Systems plans.
Platinum Plan ($73.33–$80.67 per month): The Platinum Plan is AFC Home Club’s most comprehensive plan. It covers all the same items as the Gold Plan, plus built-in microwaves, faucets, ice makers, and plumbing stoppages.
Read more: America’s 1st Choice Home Club Review
Cinch Home Services
Fast Facts:
- Number of plans: Three
- Service call fee: $100–$150
- Get a quick quote: Visit Cinch Home Services’ site
Coverage Overview
Cinch Home Services is another solid home warranty company available in New York. It provides quick service request processing by promising to send a technician to your home within two hours during standard business hours. Cinch offers comprehensive system and appliance coverage plus three service call fees for monthly premium flexibility.
Cinch has three home protection plans that include a $10,000 annual coverage cap per covered system, appliance, and add-on. Cinch doesn’t offer roof-leak coverage, however. That said, Cinch covers rust and corrosion damage and extends a 180-day workmanship guarantee.
Plans
Below are Cinch Home Services’ home warranty coverage plans:
Appliances Plan ($65.99–$75.99 per month): The Appliances Plan covers built-in food centers, microwaves, trash compactors, clothes washers, dryers, cooktops, dishwashers, freestanding ice makers, ranges and range exhaust hoods, refrigerators, and wall ovens. All plans include a $25 air conditioner or water filter credit.
Built-In Systems Plan ($69.99–$81.99 per month): The Built-In Systems Plan covers air conditioning and heating systems, including ductwork, attic and ceiling fans, central vacuums, doorbells, electrical and plumbing systems, garage-door openers, garbage disposals, instant hot and cold water dispensers, smoke detectors, sump pumps, toilets, water heaters, and whirlpool and jetted tubs.
Complete Home Care Plan ($84.99–$96.99 per month): The Complete Care Home Plan covers all items listed in the Appliances and Built-In Systems plans. It also includes reimbursement for your homeowners insurance deductible of up to $500 annually.
Read more: Cinch Home Services Review
New York Regulations
The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) regulates home warranty companies in the state. The state protects consumer interests in various ways, and Chapter 28, Article 79 in particular addresses service contracts. Among other regulations, the DFS requires home warranty providers maintain reserve funds for claims payouts.
If you have a home warranty in New York and believe your provider has not honored your contract, you can file a complaint with the DFS.
Along with government oversight, home warranties self-regulate via industry associations. For example, the National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) is a nonprofit industry organization consisting of member companies that follow a code of ethics for fair business practices.
Our Recommendation
Whether you live in a condo in New York City or a single-family home in Buffalo, it’s important to protect your home’s essential systems and appliances. A home warranty takes the guesswork out of finding a reputable service provider when a system or appliance breaks down.
We recommend Liberty Home Guard for its generous HVAC system coverage and additional coverage options. For those who want comprehensive coverage, we recommend American Home Shield. Another top choice is AFC Home Club due to its plan-length workmanship guarantee. Before signing up for a plan, we suggest pulling quotes from three providers to compare coverage options, exclusions, and costs for your home.
FAQ
What is considered normal wear and tear?
“Normal wear and tear” is a phrase used in the home warranty industry to describe deterioration due to regular use over time. This applies to appliance and system breakdowns that occur from normal use. It does not apply to breakdowns that result from tampering by the homeowner or improper installation and maintenance.
Is a home warranty required in New York?
A home warranty is not required in New York.
Do home warranties cover other types of home items?
Yes, home warranties cover many home items besides common systems and appliances. For example, home warranties can cover pools and spas, septic systems, sump pumps, stand-alone freezers, and more. Generally, providers cover these items as add-ons. Check your provider’s sample contract to see what add-on options are available.
How often do I have to pay my service call fee?
Typically, you are required to pay your provider’s service call fee each time you file a new claim. However, reputable providers won’t charge an extra service call fee if your completed repair has issues again within 30 days. Some providers extend their repair guarantee past the industry standard of 30 days.
Why is there a waiting period before my home warranty coverage begins?
Most home warranty companies have a waiting period of 30 days before coverage begins to ensure your system or appliance breakdown is from normal wear and tear and not a preexisting condition. Home warranty providers won’t cover an already-broken item.
How We Chose the Top Home Warranty Providers
Our team reviewed and researched dozens of home warranty providers, thoroughly analyzed sample agreements, and identified customer pain points based on our analysis of customer reviews and interviews with industry experts. Our in-depth methodology outlines our review process to provide transparent information about the companies we review.
We determined that the following factors are the most important when comparing home warranty companies: available plans, plan coverage, price range, industry reputation, customer support, and additional features. Our research supported that plan coverage, customer service, and industry reputation should carry the most weight. While important, the other factors should not have as much influence when choosing a home warranty provider.
