Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Homeownership in Estero has many positives, but it also comes with its difficulties. Your home’s appliances and systems will inevitably need repairs, and this could mean a burdensome expense. A home warranty policy can help protect homebuyers and current homeowners by lowering the costs of major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important appliances and systems.
The home warranty market is filled with a variety of providers — all with different price points — so our team at Today's Homeowner has done the research to help you find the best home warranty companies in Estero.
Very highly rated among customer service reviews
Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
Extensive list of 20+ add-on coverages
Easy claims process
Won’t cover known or unknown pre-existing conditions
Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty for Estero residents. Liberty has been in the home warranty industry for around 6 years. Liberty has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. Liberty offers a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Plus, it also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
Liberty Home Guard has 3 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from Liberty are an affordable $75. The coverage caps are also generally around $3,000.
To read more, visit our detailed review of Liberty Home Guard. To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281.
Appliance Guard
Systems Guard
Total Home Guard
Over 10 years of experience
24/7 customer service team
Home inspections aren’t required
90-day repair guarantee
Plans aren’t customizable
Customers can’t choose their own contractor
Not available in washington
Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty for Estero residents. Choice has been in the home warranty industry for around 15 years. Choice has 2 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. Choice offers very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Plus, it also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also generally around $3,000.
To read more, visit our detailed review of Choice Home Warranty. To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164.
Basic Plan
Total Plan
Low service fees compared to other home warranty providers
Two months of free coverage
Has an appliance-only, systems-only, and combo plan option
90-day repair guarantee
Has a $75 cancellation fee
Low coverage caps
Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty for Estero residents. Select has been in the home warranty industry for around 11 years. Select has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. Select offers a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Plus, it also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
Select Home Warranty has 3 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also generally around $2,000.
To read more, visit our detailed review of Select Home Warranty. To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953.
Bronze Care Plan
Gold Care Plan
Platinum Care Plan
The oldest and most trusted company in the industry
Allows customers to build their own plans
Ability to choose the service fee you want to pay
Broad coverage on up to 33 appliances and systems
Doesn’t let customers choose their own technician
Doesn’t provide coverage in alaska
American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty for Estero residents. AHS has been in the home warranty industry for around 26 years. AHS has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. AHS offers the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Plus, it also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also generally around $2,500.
To read more, visit our detailed review of American Home Shield. To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839.
ShieldSilver
ShieldGold
ShieldPlatinum
Established company with a bbb accreditation
Doesn’t have a coverage cap on heating, cooling, or ductwork
24/7 service calls available
Offers replacement of some covered items that are too damaged to repair
Doesn’t let customers choose their own contractor
According to some customer reviews, the technical jargon in contracts is confusing
First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage for Estero residents. First American has been in the home warranty industry for around 39 years. First American has 2 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. First American offers very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. Plus, it also has a unique add-on alongside common ones called the First Class Upgrade, which covers fees associated with the use of lifting equipment, up to $250 per local building permits, haul away services, and appliances and systems that have been insufficiently installed or modified.
First American Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from First American are a reasonable $85. The coverage caps are also generally around $1,500.
To read more, visit our detailed review of First American Home Warranty. To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164.
Basic Plan
Premier Plan
Offers home insurance deductible of $500
Extra long 180-day workmanship guarantee
Offers free cancellation in the first 30 days
Charges high service fees of $75-$150
Doesn’t allow customers to choose their own technician
Isn’t available in hawaii or alaska
Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee for Estero residents. Cinch has been in the home warranty industry for around 44 years. Cinch has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. Cinch offers a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Plus, it also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from Cinch are customizable and range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also generally around $1,000-$2,000.
To read more, visit our detailed review of Cinch Home Services. To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505.
Appliances Plan
Built-in Systems Plan
Complete Home Plan
Policy starts in ten days
24/7 customer service support
Generous coverage caps on important systems and appliances
30-labor guarantee and 90-day parts guarantee
Offers utility and home service outside line coverage
Higher service fee of $95
Not accredited by the better business bureau (bbb)
Only 2 plan options
The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service for Estero residents. HSC has been in the home warranty industry for around 15 years. HSC has 2 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. HSC offers quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Plus, it also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee.
The Home Service Club has 2 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also generally around $2,000.
To read more, visit our detailed review of The Home Service Club. To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443.
Standard Coverage Plan
Comprehensive Coverage Plan
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on home warranty companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
| Home Appliance | Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Air Conditioner | $6,556 |
| Heating | $4,371 |
| Electrical | $656 |
| Toilets | $546 |
| Washer/Dryer | $874 |
| Plumbing | $656 |
| Oven | $1,748 |
| Fridge | $656 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Estero homeowners in lowering the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer coverage to swap out or fix appliances and systems that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then arranges a contractor to handle the replacement or repair. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of the repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty delivers security for homeowners by helping them avoid expensive emergency repairs. They're particularly valuable for those who own older homes or ones with aging systems. More modern homes with functional appliances probably don’t need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many household systems and appliances. Warranties usually cover appliances such as microwaves, dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, dryers, garbage disposals, and others. Covered systems include air conditioning, electrical, heating, and plumbing. Many home warranty providers also offer add-on coverage for septic systems, locksmiths, roof leaks, and central vacuums. Estero homeowners should know that most home warranty plans begin with a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. Additionally, most policies only address repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or misusing a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Home warranties use several terms that you'll want to learn before signing a contract, such as:
There are several important considerations when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranties vary widely in terms of included coverage. Basic policies typically cover heating, electrical, plumbing, AC, and appliances, while more comprehensive options may also cover pools, roof leaks, well pumps, and spas. Focus on companies with an expansive array of coverage choices including upgraded plans. This flexibility enables you to customize your plan to meet your home's needs.
You'll pay a standard service fee of around $60 to $100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These per-claim charges can quickly add up, so you may seek out companies advertising lower service fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain providers may waive deductibles when a homeowner submits no claims in a defined period.
A home warranty company's reputation provides insight into things such as timeliness of repairs, contractor quality, claim approval rates, and overall customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as Google Reviews, TrustPilot, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research providers. Complimentary reviews and ratings indicate a provider known for stellar service.
Home warranty businesses keep networks of local professionals to handle repairs in your area. Contact potential providers to ask how many repair technicians they have in Estero and get an idea for how fast your repairs might happen in an emergency situation. Larger networks increase the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.
Home warranty companies often include extras such as energy efficiency upgrades, coverage for smart home devices, and maintenance discounts. These extras can add value beyond repair coverage. Additional perks help maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Estero’s hot summers can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty can cover your home’s appliances and systems if they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner stops working in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the needed repairs, saving you from spending unexpected money out of pocket.
Not only can a home warranty save you some money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time as well. Instead of needing to vet contractors yourself, home warranty companies do the work for you and send pre-screened technicians right to your door when you need them. Another benefit of having a home warranty is when you’re selling your home, some providers let you transfer your home warranty plan to the new owners. This can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers and help your home sell faster.
There are also some negatives to getting a home warranty policy, like the coverage exclusions. For instance, home warranties may not cover home systems or appliances that already have a manufacturer's warranty.
Another stipulation is that home warranties usually only cover malfunctions due to normal wear and tear. They often won’t cover systems or appliances that need repairs or replacements due to improper maintenance, animal infestations, natural disasters, etc.
A home warranty costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Estero. Our top-rated home warranty providers' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can get a lower monthly payment with some companies by choosing a higher service fee. In addition, it's typically less expensive to pay annually rather than monthly.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what kinds of damage they cover. Home warranty policies cover problems related to systems and appliances that need repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different kind of plan that protects an entire home from natural disasters, which can be a concern in Estero. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system repairs.
First-time homebuyers, landlords, real estate agents, home sellers, and homeowners can all get home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your home more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
A home warranty plan can cover your home’s systems, appliances, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you need more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be a good idea if you want to save some money.
Home warranty plans generally last a year. Many companies let you renew your plan annually, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Typically, the one who owns the home is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the person who is selling the home may purchase a home warranty and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then have to pay the service fees when using the policy. Considering that the average home value in Estero is $510,891, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.
