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5 Best Home Warranty Companies in New York (2024)

Author Icon Written by Dana Getz + 1 other Reviewer Icon Reviewed by Michael Mansueto Updated 03/13/2024

Our team researched every major home warranty company and selected the best choices for New York homes. We like Liberty Home Guard (LHG) best for its extended add-on catalog and specialized plan options. Our second choice is American Home Shield (AHS), which offers comprehensive home protection and generous home system caps.

Home warranty companies reduce the surprise costs that can come with homeownership. These service contracts help pay for emergency repairs and replacements when your home systems and appliances fail. They offer assurance that your home will remain comfortable through every season. Learn more about our list of the best home warranty companies for New Yorkers.

Key Takeaways

The best home warranty companies in New York are Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield, based on our extensive research of 57 home warranty providers.
A home warranty costs $30โ€“$90 per month in New York, depending on your provider and coverage.
Did You Know?

In the last 30 days, more than 2,500 people bought home warranties from the above providers.


What Are Top Home Warranty Companies in New York?

Liberty Home Guard offers protection for multiple AC units and specialized coverage plans. American Home Shield offers comprehensive appliance and system protections, plus generous plumbing coverage. Weโ€™ve listed our complete list of New York home warranty companies below:

Liberty Home Guard: Best Customer Ratings
American Home Shield: Best for Comprehensive Coverage
First American Home Warranty: Best Appliance Coverage

Compare Home Warranty Companies

Our table below compares key factors of the top home warranty companies in NY.

Best For Monthly Cost in NY Service Fee Response Time BBB Rating Link
Liberty Home Guard Liberty Home Guard Best Customer Ratings $49โ€“$59 $65โ€“$125 Up to 48 hours NR VISIT SITE
American Home Shield American Home Shield Best for Comprehensive Coverage $79โ€“$139 $100โ€“$125 Up to 48 hours B VISIT SITE
Select Home Warranty Select Home Warranty Best Value $44โ€“$47 $60โ€“$75 48-84 hours B- VISIT SITE
AFC Home Warranty AFC Home Warranty Best for Customization $35โ€“$94 $75โ€“$125 24-48 hours B VISIT SITE
Liberty Home Guard
Logo Liberty Home Guard
Best For Best Customer Ratings
Monthly Cost in NY $49โ€“$59
Service Fee $65โ€“$125
Response Time Up to 48 hours
BBB Rating NR
VISIT SITE
American Home Shield
Logo American Home Shield
Best For Best for Comprehensive Coverage
Monthly Cost in NY $79โ€“$139
Service Fee $100โ€“$125
Response Time Up to 48 hours
BBB Rating B
VISIT SITE
Select Home Warranty
Logo Select Home Warranty
Best For Best Value
Monthly Cost in NY $44โ€“$47
Service Fee $60โ€“$75
Response Time 48-84 hours
BBB Rating B-
VISIT SITE
AFC Home Warranty
Logo AFC Home Warranty
Best For Best for Customization
Monthly Cost in NY $35โ€“$94
Service Fee $75โ€“$125
Response Time 24-48 hours
BBB Rating B
VISIT SITE
Company BBB Rating Monthly Cost in NY Service Fee Visit Site
NR $49โ€“$59 $65โ€“$125 VISIT SITE
B $79โ€“$139 $100โ€“$125 VISIT SITE
B- $44โ€“$47 $60โ€“$75 VISIT SITE
B $35โ€“$94 $75โ€“$125 VISIT SITE
No results were found.

BBB ratings are accurate as of March 2024.

Note: We based the pricing information in this table and throughout the article on sample quotes we obtained for a 2,134-square-foot, single-family home in Amherst, New York. Your monthly premium may differ based on your homeโ€™s size and type, your location, and your plan and add-on selections.


Do I Need a Home Warranty in New York?

Home warranties offer New York homeowners more protection against unexpected breakdowns and repairs throughout the year. During winter, New York temperatures drop as low as 25ยฐF and cover the state in rain, sleet, and several inches of snow. These frigid conditions can take their toll on heating systems and pipes. Home warranties reduce those unexpected costs and get your home running again in less time.

Summer months bring high temperatures and humid conditions, causing around 88% of the population to rely on an air conditioning system. If either of these systems breaks down, youโ€™re left to deal with these extreme weather conditions with no protection.

How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in New York?

On average, expect to pay $72 monthly for a home warranty plan in New York. For those who prefer paying annually, it costs around $864. Several factors affect home warranty coverage costs, such as home size, location, and plan options. Weโ€™ve highlighted a few factors that can impact your final costs:

  • Coverage options: The coverage extent is the biggest contributor to plan cost. Based on the hundreds of quotes weโ€™ve pulled from dozens of home warranty companies, weโ€™ve found that providers offering more comprehensive coverage have higher premiums than specialized plans. We recommend assessing your coverage needs to select the best option for your home. Avoid buying coverage beyond your immediate needs. 
  • Home age: Older homes, appliances, and systems experience more breakdowns and may have preexisting conditions and damage. Look for home warranty companies offering generous coverage limits for essential items and preexisting conditions. Choosing a company with low coverage limits will incur more out-of-pocket repair and replacement costs. 
  • Location: If you live in a metropolitan area, such as New York City, youโ€™ll typically pay more for a plan than someone living upstate. Weโ€™ve found that contractors charge more for services in metropolitan areas. Home warranty companies offset these higher costs by charging higher premiums. Get sample quotes from multiple home warranty providers and compare their premium costs and service fees.

What Does a New York Home Warranty Cover?

We recommend reading sample contacts from each provider before making a final decision. These contracts on each company’s site include information on plan structures, exclusions, inclusion, and add-on options. Exclusions are systems, appliances, or specific parts not covered within plans. Understanding each planโ€™s layout and details helps determine your best choice. Premium plans usually carry the most inclusion and less exclusions than lower-end plans.

  • Air conditioning 
  • Clothes dryers 
  • Clothes washers 
  • Dishwashers
  • Ductwork
  • Heating
  • Plumbing
  • Refrigerators
  • Water Heater
  • Acts of nature 
  • Commercial grade equipment 
  • Cosmetic damage
  • Damage caused by misuse, abuse, or improper installation
  • Electronic devices
  • Flues, vents, chimneys, and other exhaust lines
  • Gas, smoke, or leak detection system (radon, carbon monoxide, etc.)
  • General maintenance and upkeep
  • Inaccessible Items
  • Known or unknown preexisting conditions
  • Luxury items
  • Smart home systems
  • Lawn sprinkler system
  • Lighting fixtures
  • Roof leak
  • Septic system
  • Sump pump
  • Water softener
  • Plumbing fixtures
  • Swamp cooler
  • Trash compactor

Our Home Warranty Research Process

Why Trust Us? Our review and rating process for the best home warranty companies
57
Companies Considered We carefully considered 57 companies to find the best home warranty providers available.
2000
Home Owners Surveyed We surveyed 2,000 home owners to see what they care about most when in comes to home protection.
57000
Reviews Analyzed We went through 57,000 customer reviews of home warranty companies to see what people had to say about each provider.
31
Coverages Compared We compared 31 policies to find the best home warranty offerings on the market.

We contacted local home builders, repair technicians, and real estate agents to find the top New York home warranty providers. These professionals helped determine homeowner needs and learn about the common repairs and replacements faced by New York residents. We then researched home warranty companies and spoke with representatives, reviewed sample contracts, requested sample quotes, and read through service policies. 

Next, we scored each provider against our review standards in four categories: coverage, value, trust and transparency, and availability and service. We evaluated coverage options to ensure plumbing and roof leak coverage appeared in the standard or add-on coverage. We compared premiums against the value of coverage offered. We weighed premium costs against coverage value. We checked brand reputation and third-party review sites to understand the customer experience. Finally, we assessed availability and service based on claims response times, customer support availability, and the claims process.


New York Home Warranty Reviews

Below, weโ€™ll take a closer look at each of our top home warranty providers in New York: 

Liberty Home Guard

Best Customer Ratings
4.5 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

We recommend Liberty Home Guard (LHG) for New York homes that need coverage for multiple AC units and limited plumbing protection. The company provides 38 add-on options, such as roof leak protection, professional-grade appliances, and sump pumps.ย 

Monthly cost: $49โ€“$59

How We Scored Liberty Home Guard

We gave Liberty Home Guard 4.5 out of 5 stars in our review standards. It scored high points for its extensive add-on catalog and extended workmanship guarantee. We deducted points for its restrictive service technician policy and industry experience. Hereโ€™s how LHG rated it in key categories:

  • Coverage (4.7 out of 5): LHG scored high points for its multiple AC unit coverage and extensive add-on catalog.ย 
  • Value (4.25 out of 5): We deducted points for its unclear service call fee policy.ย 
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.8 out of 5): LHG scored higher points for its excellent Better Business Bureau (BBB) score and third-party review sites scores.ย 
  • Availability and Service (4.3 out of 5): LHG lost points for its limited service technician policy.

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes coverage for two air conditioning units Offers a 60-day workmanship guarantee Provides HVAC and plumbing coverage under two plans Cons Doesnโ€™t allow plan price or service call fee customization Lacks transparency about service call fees during the quote process Offers roof-leak coverage as an add-on only

Plans and Cost

When our team read through the Liberty Home Guard sample contract, we learned that most items receive a $2,000 cap, but plumbing and electrical systems have a $500 limit. The company does offer roof-leak coverage. However, it requires an add-on feature. When we spoke to an LHG representative about its service call fee policy, she explained that fees vary based on your plan choice, add-ons, and location. Most home warranty companies offer one or more standard call fees.ย 

Below are the details ofย  LHGโ€™s coverage plans:

  • Appliance Guard: This appliance-only plan includes nine major appliances, such as clothes washers and dryers. Each item receives a $2,000 coverage limit.ย 
  • Systems Guard: The next plan protects six built-in systems, such as air conditioning, heating, and ductwork. Most systems receive a $2,000 limit, but plumbing and electrical receive a $500 cap.ย 
  • Total Home Guard: This plan combines the two basic plan coverages into one comprehensive plan.

LHG offers monthly and annual premium options. Expect to pay between $499 and $599 annually. Per our research, LHG offers two additional coverage months if you sign up for an annual plan.

Weโ€™ve outlined LHG monthly pricing below:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Appliance Guard

$49.99

$65–$125

$2,000

Systems Guard

$54.99

$65–$125

$2,000 (Plumbing & electrical: $500)

Total Home Guard

$59.99

$65–$125

Coverage caps remain the same

Plans include up to 38 options, such as pest control, rekey service, gutter cleaning, floor cleaning, and generator coverage. Pricing ranges from $3.00โ€“$35.99 per month. Roof-leak coverage will cost $11.99 per month. When we used the online quote tool, Liberty Home Guard included add-on recommendations based on other area-wide homeowners. Below are the most popular options for New York:

  • Additional spa
  • Limited roof-leak coverage
  • Pool and spa
  • Septic system pumping
  • Sump pump

Our Experience With Liberty Home Guard

We tried each of Liberty Home Guardโ€™s customer support methods to determine the most efficient options. Weโ€™ve summarized our results below:

  • Calls to the LHG support line connect in under 60 seconds. Agents offered detailed explanations about plans and policies.
  • The live chat uses automated bot messages and live agents to answer general questions.
  • LHG offers three claims processing methods: online portal, customer support line, and mobile app.

American Home Shield

Best for Comprehensive Coverage
4.4 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

We recommend American Home Shield (AHS) for New York homeowners with older homes and systems. The company offers comprehensive coverage for essential systems, such as plumbing and heating, and protects items with preexisting conditions.ย ย 

Monthly Cost: $69โ€“$139

How We Scored American Home Shield

American Home Shield received 4.4 out of 5 stars in our review standards. We awarded higher points for its service fee flexibility and plumbing coverage. The company lost points for its expensive bundled plans. Hereโ€™s how we rated American Home Shield in key categories:

  • Coverage (4.7 out of 5): We awarded more points for its comprehensive plumbing coverage and protections for damaged items.ย ย 
  • Value (4 out of 5): AHS lost points for its premium rates, which are higher than other reviewed providers.ย 
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.25 out of 5): We deducted points for its low average customer review scores.ย 
  • Availability and Service (4.7 out of 5): AHS received higher points for its simple online claims process and 24/7 claims line.

Pros and Cons

Pros Covers items with preexisting conditions and physical damage Includes roof-leak coverage with its highest plan Offers heating and cooling coverage with its standard plans Cons Charges higher monthly premiums than other providers Doesnโ€™t include an annual premium option Offers less coverage flexibility than most providers, with only a few add-on options

Plans and Cost

We reviewed the American Home Shield sample contract and learned that every plan includes a $5,000 heating coverage cap. Only ShieldPlatinum includes roof-leak coverage, but you can opt for add-on coverage with the other two plans. It’s one of the few companies to cover items with preexisting conditions and physical damage, such as rust and corrosion. AHS makes an excellent choice for New Yorkers with older homes and systems. All plans include a 30-day workmanship guarantee.

Weโ€™ll explain American Home Shieldโ€™s plans below:

  • ShieldSilver: This plan includes major home systems, such as your electrical, heating, and cooling systems. Covered items receive a $5,000 coverage cap.
  • ShieldGold: The next plan tier includes ShieldSilver coverage and adds appliance protections, such as toilets and ovens. You receive a $5,000 system cap and $2,000 for appliances.ย 
  • ShieldPlatinum: The highest comprehensive coverage includes ShieldGold coverage plus added perks, such as HVAC tune-up and air filter discounts. Appliance coverage doubles to $4,000.ย 

You can choose between a service call fee of $100 or $125. When pulling sample quotes, we discovered that choosing a higher service fee results in lower monthly premiums. All plans include a 30-day workmanship guarantee. Most home warranty providers offer monthly and annual premiums, but AHS offers only monthly options.

Weโ€™ve outlined American Home Shield monthly pricing below:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

ShieldSilver

$69.99–$79.99

$100–$125

$5000

ShieldGold

$99.99–$109.99

$100–$125

Systems: $5,000
Appliances: $2,000

ShieldPlatinum

$129.99–$139.99

$100–$125

Systems: $5,000
Appliances: $4,000

American Home Shield offers only six add-on options, considerably less than other providers.ย  You can add roof-leak coverage to the ShieldSilver and ShieldGold plans for $10.00 monthly.ย 

Additional add-on options include the following items:

  • Electronics protection plan
  • Guest unitย 
  • Pool and spa
  • Septic pump
  • Well pump

Our Experience With American Home Shield

One of our team members had AHS coverage and tested the claims process to repair a leaky bathroom pipe. Hereโ€™s an overview of his experience:ย 

  • He filed an online claim and received a text and email confirmation after submission.ย 
  • A service contractor contacted him five minutes after the confirmation.
  • AHS sent a technician from its preapproved networks of contractors. He could not choose his technician.ย ย 
  • He received a next-day service appointment and resolved the repair in under two hours.ย 
  • Our team member only paid the service call fee.

Select Home Warranty

Best Value
4.3 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

We recommend Select Home Warranty for budget-conscious New York homeowners who need baseline coverage. Select offers premiums under $50 per month and includes free roof-leak coverage with every plan.ย 

Monthly cost: $44โ€“$47

How We Scored Select Home Warranty

Select Home Warranty received 4.3 out of 5 stars in our review standards. Select earned higher points for its budget-friendly premiums and free roof-leak coverage. The company lost points for its coverage caps, which fall below the industry standard of $2,000. Hereโ€™s how we rated Select in key categories:

  • Coverage (3.7 out of 5): We deducted points for its lower coverage caps.ย 
  • Value (5.5 out of 5): We awarded a perfect score for its affordable premium pricing.ย ย ย 
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.5 out of 5): Select lost points for its lower customer review scores across third-party sites.ย 
  • Availability and Service (4.3 out of 5): We deducted points for its longer claim process timeline.

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes free roof leak coverage with all plan tiers Offers a 30-day workmanship guarantee Provides HVAC and plumbing system coverage under two plans Cons Charges multiple service fees even if claims occur at the same time Doesnโ€™t let you choose your service call fee Provides coverage caps of $500 or lower for most items

Plans and Pricing

After our team read through the Select Home Warranty sample contract, we discovered that the companyโ€™s coverage caps fall below other providers. Although HVAC systems receive $3,000, all other items, such as plumbing systems, max out at $500. Select includes free roof-leak coverage with every plan. This is typically offered at an additional cost. Homeowners receive a 30-day workmanship guarantee with their repairs. We recommend Select for New York homeowners who need more HVAC and roof-leak coverage than plumbing protections.ย 

Here are more details about Select Home Warrantyโ€™s plans:

  • Bronze Care: This plan covers eight home appliances, such as clothes washers and dryers, stoves, and dishwashers. All items receive a $500 cap.
  • Gold Care: You receive coverage for six major home systems, such as air conditioning, heating, and plumbing. While heating and cooling systems receive a $3,000 cap, other items receive the standard $500 limit.ย 
  • Platinum Care: The highest plan covers all the Bronze and Gold Care items, such as garage door openers and plumbing stoppages. All coverage limits remain the same.ย 

Select Home Warranty offers monthly and annual premium options. Expect to pay between $479 and $524 annually. Select offers $150 off and two additional coverage months with its annual premium option. The company charges a $60โ€“$75 service call fee for every claim filing.

Below are Select Home Warrantyโ€™s monthly costs and service fees:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Bronze Care

$44.42

$60–$75

$500

Gold Care

$44.42

$60–$75

$500 (HVAC: $3,000)

Platinum Care

$47.75

$60–$75

Coverage caps remain the same

Selectโ€™s add-on options range between $3.33 and $8.33, some of the lowest in this review. You must add the free roof-leak add-on to receive coverage.

Other add-on protection options include the following items:ย 

  • Central vacuum
  • Lawn sprinkler system
  • Pools and spas
  • Septic system
  • Standalone freezer

Our Experience With Select Home Warranty

We recommend calling Select Home Warranty when requesting quotes. During secret shopping, we received an exclusive over-the-phone deal with the lowest service call fee. In addition, the Select customer support representative advised that the company prefers processing claims and handling account issues over the phone.ย 

We also learned that Select sends preapproved service technicians to handle its requests. The company will let you choose your own technician if none are in your area, but Select must approve them first.

First American Home Warranty

Best Appliance Coverage
4.6 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

We recommend First American Home Warranty for New York homeowners with high-end appliances or frequent home system needs. The company provides unlimited caps for most systems, such as plumbing, and up to $7,000 for appliances with its highest plan.ย 

Monthly cost: $47โ€“$87

How We Scored First American Home Warranty

First American Home Warranty earned 4.6 out of 5 in our review standards. We awarded higher points for its generous appliance coverage and unlimited cap for essential home systems. First American lost points for its restrictive service technician policy. Hereโ€™s how we rated First American in key categories:ย 

  • Coverage (4.7 out of 5): First American received higher scores for its unlimited system caps for plumbing and HVAC.ย 
  • Value (4 out of 5): First American lost points for higher service call fees.ย 
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.8 out of 5): First American received high marks for its excellent third-party review scores.ย 
  • Availability and Service (4.3 out of 5): First American lost points for its unreliable claim processing timeline.ย 

Pros and Cons

Pros Gives customers access to appliance discounts Offers up to $7,000 appliance limit on its highest plan Provides unlimited coverage caps on heating, cooling, and ductwork Cons Covers air conditioning only as an add-on for the lowest plan Excludes roof-leak coverage from the two lowest plans Omits some home system coverage from its basic plan

Plans and Cost

After reading the First Americanโ€™s sample contract, We discovered that most home systems receive an unlimited coverage cap. Water heaters received a $1,000 limit. Roof-leak coverage comes with its highest plan, the Premium Plan, but not the two lower plans. Those plans require an additional add-on. In addition, the Starter Plan only covers heating and requires a central AC add-on for coverage. You can add the First American upgrade to the Essential and Premium plan for added coverage for preexisting conditions and improper installations and modifications.

Weโ€™ve outlined First Americanโ€™s plan coverage below:

  • Starter Plan: The lowest includes bundled coverage for some home systems and appliances, such as heating, plumbing, and refrigerators. Coverage includes a $3,500 appliance cap and unlimited coverage for home systems.
  • Essential Plan: You receive everything in the Starter Plan, plus coverage for air conditioning, trash compactors, and water heaters. This plan offers the same coverage limits for items. However, water heaters receive a $1,000 limit.ย ย 
  • Premium Plan: The highest plan tier includes all items in the Essential Plan plus coverage for full garage door systems, instant hot water dispensers, luxury appliances, shower heads and arms, and window air conditioning units. Appliance coverage increases to $7,000.ย 

First American Home Warranty offers annual and monthly premiums. Annual fees cost between $540 and $1,040 for its plans. First American doesnโ€™t offer bonus months of coverage or discounts for choosing an annual premium. You can choose from a $75, $100, or $125 service call fee. The higher the service fee, the lower your premium costs.ย 

Hereโ€™s an overview of First American monthly rates and fees:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Starter Plan

$47–$62

$75–$125

Systems: Unlimited

Appliances: $3,500

Essential Plan

$57–$72

$75–$125

Systems: Unlimited (Water heaters: $1,000)

Appliances: $3,500

Premium Plan

$72–$87

$75–$125

Systems: Remain the same Appliances: $7,000

First American offers 12 add-on options for better coverage customization. HVAC options include central AC for $8.33 and HVAC tuneups for $2.08. Expect to pay $8.33 per month for roof-leak coverage for the Starter Plan and Essential Plan.

Additional add-on protection includes the following items:

  • Additional refrigeration
  • Septic tank pumping/systemsย 
  • Water softeners
  • Well pumps

Our Experience With First American Home Warranty

A member of our team filed an online claim with First American to fix a faulty garage door opener. Hereโ€™s a summary of his experience:ย 

  • He received a text with his technician’s details just 30 minutes after submitting his online claim.
  • The technician called to book an appointment 30 minutes later.
  • The technician explained the problem and finished the repair in 30 minutes.
  • He only had to pay his standard service fee for the call.

We learned that First American sends in-network service contractors to fix your issues. However, you can use your own technician if an in-network provider isnโ€™t available near you.

AFC Home Warranty

Best for Customization
4.6 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

We recommend Americaโ€™s First Choice Home Warranty (AFC Home Warranty) for New York homeowners that need unrestricted system coverage and plan-length guarantees. The company offers unlimited HVAC and plumbing protection, multiple plans, and fees for easy customization.ย ย 

Monthly cost: $35โ€“$59

How We Scored AFC Home Warranty

We gave AFC Home Warranty 4.6 out of 5 in our review standards. We awarded high points for its multiple plans, service fees, and add-on options. AFC Home Warranty lost points for its depreciation policy for older items. Hereโ€™s how AFC Home Warranty scored in key categories.

  • Coverage (4.3 out of 5): We deducted points for the companyโ€™s depreciated value policy.ย 
  • Value (4.5 out of 5): AFC Home Warranty scored well for its four plans, three service fees, and 13 add-on options.ย 
  • Trustworthiness and Transparency (4.8 out of 5): We awarded higher points for its unlimited workmanship guarantee.
  • Availability and Service (5 out of 5): AFC Home Warranty received a perfect score for its flexible service technician policy.ย 

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes an unlimited workmanship guarantee with every repair Offers free roof-leak protection Provides unlimited caps for HVAC and plumbing systems Cons Excludes coverage for unknown preexisting conditions Includes a depreciated value policy for items five years or older Requires immediate claims submissions after noticing a system or appliance problem

Plans and Pricing

After reviewing the AFC Home Warranty sample contract, we learned that HVAC and plumbing systems have an unlimited coverage cap. We also discovered that AFC Home Warranty covers up to $3,000 for appliances but includes depreciation value in its payouts. The company pays based on the itemโ€™s depreciated value if itโ€™s five years or older. All repairs and replacements include a plan-length workmanship guarantee. AFC Home Warranty plans work best for New York homes with new systems and appliances.ย 

Hereโ€™s an overview of each plan offered by AFC Home Warranty:

  • Silver Plan: This coverage plan includes nine standard home appliances, such as cooktops and kitchen refrigerators. You receive a $3,000 cap for covered appliances.ย 
  • Systems Plan: You receive coverage for five major home systems, including air conditioning and plumbing systems. You receive an unlimited coverage cap for home systems.ย 
  • Gold Plan: This option bundles the Systems and Silver plans and includes ductwork coverage. All coverage caps remain the same.ย 
  • Platinum Plan: The highest plan tier includes the previous plans and adds coverage for plumbing stoppages, faucets, built-in microwaves, ice makers, and fan work.

AFC Home Warranty includes annual and monthly premiums. Expect to pay between $398 and $630 annually for AFC Home Warranty coverage. You receive a $100 annual discount if you choose a yearly payment plan and $250 for a three-year option.

Hereโ€™s a breakdown of AFC Home Warrantyโ€™s pricing:

Plan

Monthly Cost

Service Fee

Coverage Cap

Silver Plan

$35.25–$40.08

$75–$125

$3,000

Systems Plan

$42.50–$47.33

$75–$125

Appliances: $3,000

Systems: Unlimited

Gold Plan

$49.75–$54.58

$75–$125

Coverage caps remain the same

Platinum Plan

$54.58–$59.42

$75–$125

Coverage caps remain the same

AFC Home Warranty provides 13 different add-on options, with pricing starting at $25 per year.ย  You can add roof leak protection to any plan at no additional cost.

Some additional add-on options include the following items:

  • Double ovens
  • Hot water dispensers
  • In-ground pools and spas
  • Septic systems
  • Sump pumps

Our Experience With AFC Home Warranty

AFC Home Warranty is one of the few providers that lets you choose your service technicians. Most home warranty providers only use their own in-network technicians. During secret shopping, we also discovered that AFC Home Warranty offers unique membership benefits to its customers. These perks include dental, vision, and pet insurance, free credit and identity monitoring, and more.ย 


Which Home Warranty Companies Didnโ€™t Make the List?

We looked at most home warranty companies in New York for this review. Unfortunately, some companies didn’t measure up to those on this list and were excluded. We left some companies out due to dishonest business practices and poor performance, such as American Home Guard.

However, most companies were excluded because they had higher premiums, less robust coverage, or lower coverage caps. While these companies arenโ€™t the best overall choice, they can be helpful for homeowners in specific situations. Here are some companies that almost made this list: 

Cinch Home Services

Cinch Home Services is a decent company but came up short compared to every other option on this list. The biggest deciding factor was Cinchโ€™s lack of roof leak coverage. Roof-leak coverage is especially important in rainy states such as New Jersey.  Most home warranty companies offer roof-leak coverage, even if it’s relegated to an add-on option. It does provide coverage for rust and corrosion and is a decent option for homeowners with metal roofs, steel gutters, or other metal exterior fixtures. 

ARW Home Warranty

ARW Home Warranty was excluded due to its limited coverage across all plans. Its two basic plans cover eight and seven items, respectively. Its premium plan includes the contents of the other two but offers less than the industry standard. ARW also offers fewer add-ons than most other companies. We recommend ARW for homeowners with older items or systems since it doesn’t impose item age limits across plans.  

Elite Home Warranty

Elite Home Warranty didnโ€™t make the list because it has several not-user-friendly policies that become customer pain points. The first and most significant is its exclusions of workmanship guarantees on repairs done with an out-of-network technician. Furthermore, it requires customers to call to file a quote and has more expensive service fees for high-end items. It does offer 90-day workmanship guarantees for in-network repairs and has impressive coverage caps for high-end items. These qualities make it a decent choice for homeowners with expensive appliances with nearby repair companies that fall within the Elite Home Warranty Network.


How To Choose a Home Warranty in New York

Consider the following factors before buying a home warranty for your New York home:

  • Check coverage caps: Find out how much a provider will pay for an appliance or system repair. Avoid companies that only cover the repair value of covered items, as many companies cover both the repair and replacement value.
  • Read the fine print: Read the sample contract of each home warranty company youโ€™re considering. Compare the contract terms of each company and select the one that offers the best coverage.
  • Verify company reputation: Thoroughly research a companyโ€™s reputation. Read online customer reviews for insight into how it handles customer service requests. Also, confirm the company holds the necessary licenses to operate in New York.

How Are Home Warranties Regulated in New York?

New Yorkโ€™s Department of Financial Services (DFS) regulates home warranty companies and service contracts. Unlike some states, New York classifies home warranties as insurance. According to Insurance Chapter 28, home warranty companies must provide annual financial reports to the DFS to ensure their financial well-being. 

If you are involved in a contractual dispute with your home warranty company, you can fill out a complaint form with the DFS.

In addition to government oversight, industry associations regulate home warranties. For example, the Service Contract Industry Council (SCIC) creates regulatory legislation alongside state lawmakers. These regulations center on consumer protection.


Home Warranty Cost Calculator

We created a calculator to break down the estimated annual cost of owning a home warranty. 

To calculate your projected annual cost, use the following steps:

  1. Enter your monthly premium
  2. Enter your service call fee
  3. Enter your estimated number of claims 

Itโ€™s best to request a quote directly from one of our recommended providers, as annual costs and service fees vary between them.

Use the table below to compare your calculated cost to repair and replacement costs for common appliances.

ItemAverage Cost to RepairAverage Cost to Replace

Gas furnace

$30โ€“$150

$3,800โ€“$10,000

Air conditioning

$100โ€“$650

$2,500 and $15,000

Plumbing leaks

$150โ€“$450

$200โ€“$5,000

Roof leaks

$150โ€“$2,000

$5,000โ€“$13,000

Sump pump

$350โ€“$1,000

$500โ€“$4,000

Life span and repair cost data sourced from InterNACHI and Home Depot


Other Resources for Residents in New York


FAQ About Home Warranties in New York

What is the best home warranty company in New York?

We consider Liberty Home Guard as the best home warranty company in New York.

Is a home warranty required in New York?

No, while a home warranty helps save homeowners money on repairs and upkeep, they are not required in New York.

How much is a home warranty in New York?

The average price for a home warranty in New York is $72 per month or $864 annually.

Can I purchase a home warranty for an older home in New York?

Yes, you can purchase a home warranty for a home at any point. However, older homes, systems, and appliances can have higher premiums and service fees and may be excluded under certain plans.


How Do I Find the Best Home Warranty Company in My Area?

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.