1. Home
  2. Home Warranties

Find the Best Home Warranty Companies in Boston, MA

Homeowners in Boston purchase home warranties to help them afford unexpected home repairs. Boston.com has partnered with ConsumerAffairs to create this guide by comparing the costs, services, availability and reviews of 24 companies and choosing the top eight home warranty companies in Boston for you.

This content was created by a Boston.com partner. The editorial department of Boston.com had no role in writing, production, or display. Boston.com may be compensated for publishing this content and/or receive a commission on purchases of products or services described within the post.

Take a Home Warranty Quiz

Get matched with an Authorized Partner

Compare Home Warranty Companies in Boston

How to get a home warranty in Boston

boston skyline

When selecting a Boston home warranty company, there are several considerations. Along with monthly or yearly costs, you’ll have to research what is covered by a specific plan, add-on coverage you need and the service call fee amount.

Most home warranty companies are transparent with their pricing. To get a quote, you’ll need to know what types of appliances and household items you want covered. Most companies offer multiple plans at different coverage levels to accommodate your budget and needs. You’ll also want to check out the add-on coverage options for things like roofs, swimming pools, sump pumps, septic systems and central vacuums.

Pricing isn’t the only factor in choosing a home warranty company. Reputation and customer support can make or break your experience.

“Not all home warranty companies are created equal,” says Jennifer Spinelli, founder and CEO of Watson Buys. “Unfortunately, there are some unscrupulous companies out there that try to take advantage of homeowners by offering bogus home warranty services.”

Spinelli says you can protect yourself by researching any home warranty company you are considering. You can read reviews online or speak to a company representative directly. And always read the fine print before signing any contract.

How much does a home warranty cost in Boston?

In Boston, you can expect to pay an average range of $47.99 to $99.99 for mid-level home warranty coverage. This doesn’t include any specialty add-on coverage options. These could include pools, spas, central vacuums, septic systems and second appliances. You are also responsible for a service fee when a repair technician services your home. In Boston, these range from $60 to $150 per service call. It’s important to note that most home warranty companies have a 30-day waiting period before you can file a claim.

Expected home warranty rates

Company Plan Monthly rate* Service fee* Number of items covered
American Home Shield ShieldGold $94.99 $75 to $125 23
Choice Home Warranty Total Plan $55 $85 18
Select Home Warranty Gold Care $60.42 $75 to $100 6
ARW Home Platinum Premier $64.99 Undisclosed 16
Cinch Home Services Complete Home Plan $84.99 $100 to $125 5
America’s 1st Choice HomeClub Gold $60.42 $75 to $125 15
Liberty Home Guard Total Home Guard $59.99 $80 to $125 15
First Premier Home Warranty Platinum $47.99 $60 to $75 20
*Pricing information was accurate at the time of publication. Quotes based on a single-family home smaller than 5,000 square feet in Boston.

There are several factors that affect home warranty cost. These include:

  • Location
  • Plan selected
  • Add-ons
  • Service fee amount

Boston has several historic districts. Living in one, or an older home in general, could make a home warranty more expensive, but it also could mean appliances and systems are more likely to malfunction.

In addition to cost, it’s important to consider the risks and benefits of a home warranty. One of the biggest benefits is that if something breaks, and the warranty covers it, you’re not out any additional money to have it fixed. However, Ryan Fitzgerald, owner of UpHomes, says the fine print can trip up homeowners.

“The downside to a home warranty is that not everything is covered so you will want to make sure you read the fine print to see what isn’t included,” he says. “This often leads to disputes between homeowners and warranty companies. Another obvious downside is that you will pay the premiums even if all of your systems and appliances work fine that year.”

Boston home warranty FAQ

What is a home warranty?
A home warranty is coverage for major home systems and appliances if something needs repair or replacement. Home warranty protection offers discounted repairs or replacement, and many will offer a cash settlement if the appliance or system can’t be repaired. Warranties and homeowners insurance are not the same.
Are home warranties worth it?
With any warranty decision, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons. If you aren’t very handy or feel confident the investment is worth the chance you’ll need a repair, home warranties may be right for you.
Does a home warranty cover water damage?
Most home warranties will not cover water damage. This type of incident would typically fall under homeowners coverage. As always, read the fine print of your warranty contract to see exactly what is and isn’t covered.
Who pays for a home warranty, the buyer or seller?
If you are buying or selling a home, a home warranty can be a good negotiating tool. In typical real estate transactions, the seller would pay for the home warranty if the warranty is written into the sales contract. Otherwise, the buyer would be responsible for paying for the warranty if desired.
How does a home warranty work?
Most home warranty companies have a 30-day waiting period before you can file claims. Once you’ve filed a claim, a technician will come to your home, and you will typically pay a service fee. Repair or replacement will be made, and if it can’t be repaired or replaced, some companies will offer a cash settlement.

Boston home warranty company information

American Home Shield

American Home Shield offers three home warranty plans. The top-tier plan offers coverage in six major categories for about 23 items. This includes HVAC tune-ups, roof leak repairs, unlimited A/C refrigerant and coverage for code violations, permits and modifications. Service fees range from $75 to $125 per visit. The contract length is one year. American Home Shield offers added member perks. These include coverage for older items, undetectable, pre-existing conditions, breakdowns caused by lack of maintenance, removal of defective items and improper installations.

American Home Shield Learn More (844) 475-0310

Choice Home Warranty

Choice Home Warranty offers two plans: basic and total coverage. The Total Plan offers coverage for up to around 18 items. Service fees are $85 per visit. Choice Home Warranty works with a network of more than 25,000 contractors nationwide. It must approve the use of any subcontractor or independent contractor before repairs are made. In addition to its two plans, Choice Home Warranty offers add-on coverage for pools, spas, central vacuum systems, well pumps, roof leaks, sump pumps, septic systems and second refrigerators or stand-alone freezers.

Choice Home Warranty Learn More (732) 907-4868

Liberty Home Guard

Liberty Home Guard has three warranty plans: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard and Total Home Guard. The Total Home Guard plan covers around 15 systems and items. Prices range from $69.99 to $79.99 per month and they offer discounted yearly pricing. Claims can be submitted 24/7 online or by phone. After a claim is processed, Liberty Home Guard typically has a technician on site within 24-48 business hours. Service fees run from $85 to $125. All contractors are vetted and must maintain an LHG certification to work with Liberty Home Guard. Other benefits are a referral program, appliance discounts and property discounts.

Liberty Home Guard Learn More (646) 453-6807

Cinch Home Services

Cinch Home Services has three home warranty plans available. The Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan and Complete Home Plan start at $65.99 per month and service fees vary based on the service fee amount you choose. This ranges from $100 to $150 per service call. Cinch Home Services has a maximum plan limit of $10,000 for all claims per agreement term. It offers a 180-day workmanship guarantee on repairs and provides some specialty coverage for unknown pre-existing conditions and rust and corrosion damage.

Cinch Home Services Learn More

America's 1st Choice Home Club

America’s 1st Choice Home Club offers four warranty plans: Systems, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Each provides coverage for varying items, with the Platinum covering up to around 20 items and systems. Coverage terms are one year or three years. Service fees range from $75 to $125. You can pay monthly or get a discount if the full year is paid upfront. Service call requests can be made online or by phone 24/7. America’s 1st Choice Home Club accepts repairs from any licensed and insured technician. For non-emergencies, it works to schedule service within 24-48 hours. If an issue isn’t fixed, a technician can return, or if the repair cost is higher than the item value, America’s 1st Choice Home Club will pay market value toward a new item.

America's 1st Choice Home Club Learn More (855) 923-3576

ARW Home

ARW Home (formerly American Residential Warranty) has three plans: Kitchen Plus, Platinum Premier and 4-in-1 Bundle. The bundle provides coverage for up to 20 systems and items. Prices range from $39.99 to $129.99 per month in Boston. If you need service, ARW Home works to dispatch a professional within no more than 48 hours for non-emergencies and 24 hours for emergencies. If a covered system or appliance can’t be repaired, ARW Home will give a cash allowance or you can purchase a discounted replacement through its partnerships. There are no lmulti-year contracts; customers can choose month-to-month, quarterly or annual payment plans.

ARW Home (561) 363-0798

First Premier Home Warranty

Orkin has over 120 years of experience with pest control nationwide. Its Boston services are backed by award-winning training and advanced technology to ensure all pests are taken care of during each visit. If they aren’t, its team will make an off-schedule visit or you can take advantage of the company’s 30-day money-back guarantee. Quotes are free, but most inspections are not free because each plan is tailored to the customer’s home. Each service comes with a detailed report and DIY pest control recommendations. Orkin’s Boston-area office is located at 60 Sharp St., Ste. 1, Hingham, MA 02043.

First Premier Home Warranty (917) 994-0955

Select Home Warranty

Select Home Warranty offers three plans: Bronze, Gold and Platinum. The Platinum plan covers appliances and systems in 17 categories. Contracts are one year but you can pay for multiple years to receive a discount. In the event of a claim, you can file 24/7 and Select Home Warranty will assign a local professional to evaluate your need. Then it repairs the covered item, and you pay a service fee, ranging from $75 to $100. Select Home Warranty does not require a home inspection to purchase a warranty nor does it limit the number of covered repairs you receive.

Select Home Warranty