Best Home Warranty Companies in New York (2024)
Our team researched all of the major home warranty companies and selected the best choices for New York homes. We like American Home Shield (AHS) best for its comprehensive home protection and generous home system caps. Our second choice is Liberty Home Guard (LHG), thanks to its extended add-on catalog and specialized plan options.
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 American Home Shield and Liberty Home Guard, based on our extensive research of 13 home warranty providers.
- A home warranty costs $819 annually on average, or $35–$109 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. Liberty Home Guard is our most popular provider, with 55% of buyers choosing to cover their homes with an LHG plan.
What Are Top Home Warranty Companies in New York?
American Home Shield offers comprehensive appliance and system protections, plus generous plumbing coverage. Liberty Home Guard offers protection for multiple AC units and specialized coverage plans. We’ve listed our complete list of New York home warranty companies below:
- Best for Comprehensive Coverage: American Home Shield
- Best Customer Support: Liberty Home Guard
- Best Plan Flexibility: AFC Home Warranty
- Best Budget Plan: Select Home Warranty
Compare Home Warranty Companies
Our table below compares key factors of the top home warranty companies in NY.
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#1 out of 15 companies | #2 out of 15 companies | #3 out of 15 companies | #4 out of 15 companies | #5 out of 15 companies | |
NR | B | B- | B | B | |
Monthly Cost |
$49–$59 | $49–$109 | $44–$47 | $47–$87 | $34–$92 |
Service Fees |
$65–$125 | $100–$125 | $60–$75 | $75–$125 | $75–$125 |
Customer Support Options |
Email, Phone, Online Chat, Online Portal | Phone, Online Portal | Email, Phone, Online Portal | Phone, Online Portal | Phone, Online Portal |
Response Time |
Up to 48 hours | Up to 48 hours | 48-84 hours | 4–48 hours | 24-48 hours |
Pros |
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Cons |
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Summary |
We recommend Liberty Home Guard for homeowners who need coverage for multiple HVAC systems and extensive add-on customizations. |
We recommend American Home Shield for homeowners who need comprehensive coverage for older homes. |
We recommend Select Home Warranty for homeowners who need affordable HVAC-only coverage. |
We recommend First American Home Warranty for homeowners who need robust plan options for HVAC and high-end appliances. |
We recommend AFC Home Warranty for homeowners who want extensive HVAC coverage and protections for new systems. |
Promotions |
$200 Off + 2 Months Free + Roof Leak Protection | $150 off any plan | Cyber Monday: 40% Off Home Warranty Plans | $100 Off with Code “PROTECT” | Fall Sale: $250 Off + Free Roof Leak Coverage |
Rating Categories |
Liberty Home Guard | American Home Shield | Select Home Warranty | First American Home Warranty | AFC Home Warranty |
Coverage |
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Value |
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Trustworthiness |
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Plan Transparency |
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Customer Support |
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Flexibility |
BBB ratings are accurate as of April 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 home’s size and type, your location, and your plan and add-on selections.
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in New York?
A New York home warranty costs $68 per month on average, or $546-$1,308 annually. Several factors affect home warranty coverage costs, such as home size, location, and plan options.
We’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 we’ve pulled from dozens of home warranty companies, we’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, you’ll typically pay more for a plan than someone living upstate. We’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.
Is a Home Warranty Worth It 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 25°F 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, you’re left to deal with these extreme weather conditions with no protection.
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 plan’s layout and details helps determine your best choice. Premium plans usually carry the most inclusion and less exclusions than lower-end plans.
Common Inclusions
- Air conditioning
- Clothes dryers
- Clothes washers
- Dishwashers
- Ductwork
- Heating
- Plumbing
- Refrigerators
- Water Heater
Common Exclusions
- 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
Common Add-ons
- Lawn sprinkler system
- Lighting fixtures
- Roof leak
- Septic system
- Sump pump
- Water softener
- Plumbing fixtures
- Swamp cooler
- Trash compactor
Our Home Warranty Research Process
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 six categories: coverage, cost, trustworthiness, plan transparency, customer support, and flexibility. 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, we’ll take a closer look at each of our top home warranty providers in New York:
Which Home Warranty Companies Didn’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 aren’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 Cinch’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 didn’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 you’re considering. Compare the contract terms of each company and select the one that offers the best coverage.
- Verify company reputation: Thoroughly research a company’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 York’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.
Other Resources for Residents in New York
- What to Know About Furnace Replacement
- Best Solar Companies in New York
- Best Moving Companies 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.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.