Investing in a New Jersey home warranty can offer you peace of mind and ensure that your systems or appliances are covered if they fail or break down from regular use. A home warranty can also save you the hassle of finding a trusted technician to complete necessary repairs. Our team reviewed the best home warranty companies in the nation and selected the top New Jersey providers to make your search easier.
New Jersey’s Top 4 Home Warranty Companies
The highest-rated home warranty companies in New Jersey include the following:
- American Home Shield: Best Coverage Caps
- Liberty Home Guard: Best Customer Ratings
- Select Home Warranty: Best Value
- AFC Home Club: Best for Customization
Summary of the Best Home Warranty Companies in New Jersey
We meticulously researched each provider’s coverage plans, customer service, sample contracts, and transparency to determine the top New Jersey home warranties. The table below compares these companies based on several factors:
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in New Jersey?
Based on the pricing information we pulled from each provider, New Jersey homeowners can expect to pay an average of $60 per month for a home warranty. Costs may vary depending on factors such as your home’s size and type, your location, and your plan and add-on choices. Our team compiled a list of tips to help you save money on your home warranty plan:
- Compare quotes: Plan costs vary significantly between providers. We suggest requesting quotes from three providers to compare prices.
- Ask about promotions: If you are a new customer signing up for a home warranty, ask a provider about their new sign-up promotions. Many companies attempt to earn your business by offering discounted rates or additional months of coverage for free.
- Negotiate: If you’re buying a new home, you can ask the home seller if they can include a home warranty as part of the purchase. You can also negotiate directly with home warranty companies by mentioning you’re shopping around.
Who Pays for a Home Warranty?
The homeowner who purchased the home warranty pays for a home warranty, usually via a monthly or annual premium. The homeowner also pays a service call fee for each filed claim. Remember that home warranty plans have coverage caps in the contract’s fine print indicating how much the provider is willing to cover for a given repair. If the repair costs more than the coverage cap, the homeowner must pay the remaining amount.
How To Choose a Home Warranty in New Jersey
New Jersey experiences all seasons, from cold, snowy winters to hot, humid summers. Choosing a home warranty can be complicated due to the high number of available companies. Below are some tips on selecting the right provider for your needs.
- Check the fine print: Carefully review a provider’s service contract to understand its coverage terms, exclusions, and limitations. You can avoid a denied claim by being familiar with the coverage you’re purchasing.
- Choose optional add-ons wisely: Some home warranties allow you to customize your coverage with add-ons. A basic coverage plan paired with a necessary add-on can work well if you own unique appliances or systems, such as water softeners.
- Research company reputation: Avoid signing up with the first home warranty company you find. Look up the provider’s name on your to ensure it’s properly licensed.
How Are New Jersey Home Warranties Regulated?
Our research shows New Jersey regulates home warranties through its Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA). According to Statute § 56:12-87–95, companies that sell service contracts must follow transparency protocols outlined by the state. Since the DCA doesn’t consider service contracts insurance, providers can’t sell coverage plans or market them as “insurance.” In addition, the statute outlines good faith practices that home warranty companies must adhere to. Otherwise, the DCA will revoke the company’s license to sell service contracts.
According to Timothy Meenan, the managing shareholder at Meenan Regulatory and Legislative Attorneys Law Firm, state regulatory bodies ensure companies write sample contracts clearly to protect consumers.
Several industry associations also oversee home warranty regulation. For example, the Service Contract Industry Council (SCIC) works closely with state legislators to develop laws favoring both consumers and home warranty companies.
How Do I Find the Best New Jersey Home Warranty Company?
Many home warranty companies are available in New Jersey that offer similar home protection. You must take several steps to find the right home warranty company in New Jersey. They consist of the following:
- Analyze your coverage needs: Due to the freezing winters in New Jersey, having a functional HVAC system ensures you and your family remain safe and comfortable in your home. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, the average life span of your home’s HVAC system is seven to 25 years. The older your system gets, the more likely it is that it will break down. If you know your furnace is near the end of its life expectancy, a home warranty can help reduce the cost of repairing or replacing your HVAC.
- Do your research: Find out which home warranty companies offer coverage in your area. Also, contact the provider and ask how it sources its service technicians. Ask if you can use your own technician. Asking these questions ahead of time can save you from a disappointing experience.
- Factor in all costs: Request quotes from several providers and compare their plan costs and service call fees. Factor in the estimated number of claims you’ll file that year and multiply that number by your service call fee to obtain the estimated cost of using your home warranty. You must still pay a monthly premium to keep your plan active, plus additional fees if your claim requires special handling.
Expert Takes on Home Warranties
Our team reached out to industry experts to answer common questions homeowners have about home warranties. Their answers supplement the in-depth research we’ve done on the home warranty industry. Here is what they had to say:
- Is there anything I should know before buying a New Jersey home warranty? Danny Margagliano, a World Impact Real Estate Realtor, says, “Depending on the age of your home appliances, the cheapest plan may be good.” Margagliano adds, “A more expensive plan that covers more parts of the home may be a better choice for someone else.”
- How do I know if I can trust a New Jersey home warranty? Gary Parker, a licensed Realtor and owner of Gary Buys Houses, suggests the following: “Check if the company is licensed and belongs to professional organizations or associations that uphold ethical standards.”
- When does my home warranty coverage begin? Home warranties begin coverage after an initial waiting period ends. Ryan Hawker, co-founder of H3 Homebuyers, an Ohio-based home-selling company, states, “Your coverage begins typically after 30 days of signing a contract.”
Our Conclusion
Whether you’re a New Jersey homeowner, real estate agent, home seller, or first-time home buyer, you can find peace of mind with a home warranty protection from any of the companies listed in this review. We recommend getting quotes from at least three home warranty companies listed so you can compare prices and benefits before purchasing a plan.
Other Resources for Residents in New Jersey
- Best Homeowners Insurance in New Jersey
- Best Solar Companies in New Jersey
- Best Moving Companies in New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Find the Best Home Warranty Company in My Area?
Find in-depth reviews on the best home warranty companies for each state and major US city below.
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our home warranty ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each provider. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts from each company, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys. We then score each provider against our review standards for coverage, value, trustworthiness and transparency, availability, and customer service to arrive at a final score out of 100.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
New Jersey Residents: The products being offered by the featured brands are service contracts and are separate and distinct from any product or service warranty which may be provided by the home builder or manufacturer.