Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
The cost of maintaining a home in Woodstock can be costly, particularly as your home ages and your appliances and systems need to be updated or repaired. A home warranty can help protect homebuyers and current homeowners by cutting the costs of major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important appliances and systems.
The home warranty market is filled with many providers — all with different coverage — so the Today's Homeowner team has compiled this guide to help you find the best home warranty companies in Woodstock.
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 Woodstock residents. Liberty has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. When you purchase a plan from Liberty, you will get a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Liberty Home Guard also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
Liberty Home Guard has 3 plans that offer a mix of system and appliance coverage. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $75.
For more information, read our Liberty Home Guard full review. To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, you can 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 Woodstock residents. Choice has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. When you purchase a plan from Choice, you will get very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Choice Home Warranty 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 offer a mix of system and appliance coverage. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $85.
For more information, read our Choice Home Warranty full review. To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can 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 Woodstock residents. Select has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. When you purchase a plan from Select, you will get a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Select Home Warranty 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 offer a mix of system and appliance coverage. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
For more information, read our Select Home Warranty full review. To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can 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 Woodstock residents. AHS has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. When you purchase a plan from AHS, you will get the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. American Home Shield also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that offer a mix of system and appliance coverage. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
For more information, read our American Home Shield full review. To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, you can 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 Woodstock residents. First American has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. When you purchase a plan from First American, you will get very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. First American Home Warranty 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 offer a mix of system and appliance coverage. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
For more information, read our First American Home Warranty full review. To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can 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 Woodstock residents. Cinch has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. When you purchase a plan from Cinch, you will get a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Cinch Home Services also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that offer a mix of system and appliance coverage. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
For more information, read our Cinch Home Services full review. To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can 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 Woodstock residents. HSC has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. When you purchase a plan from HSC, you will get quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. The Home Service Club 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 offer a mix of system and appliance coverage. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
For more information, read our The Home Service Club full review. To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can 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 | $6,565 |
| Heating | $4,377 |
| Electrical | $657 |
| Toilets | $547 |
| Washer/Dryer | $875 |
| Plumbing | $657 |
| Oven | $1,751 |
| Fridge | $657 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps lower expenses for Woodstock homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide financial coverage to repair or swap out appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider then arranges a contractor to make the fix or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the cost of the repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty provides peace of mind for homeowners by helping them avoid expensive emergency fixes. They're particularly valuable for those who own older homes or ones with aging systems. Newer homes with working fixtures probably don’t require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your household systems and appliances. Covered appliances normally include dishwashers, garbage disposals, microwaves, dryers, washers, refrigerators, and more. Covered systems include air conditioning, heating, plumbing, and electrical. Many home warranty providers also offer add-on coverage for septic systems, central vacuums, roof leaks, and locksmiths. It's important for Woodstock homeowners to understand most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. The majority of policies also only cover repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or misuse of a system or appliance. Be diligent about completing preventative maintenance to ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Here are some essential home warranty words to learn before signing a contract:
When choosing a home warranty provider, there are several important factors to consider:
Home warranties have significant variation in what they include. Basic policies typically provide protection for AC, electrical, heating, plumbing, and appliances, while more comprehensive plans may also cover spas, well pumps, pools, and roof leaks. Look for companies with an array of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. You'll want to tailor your protection for your needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee, usually falling in the $60 to $100 range, which gets paid per service call made. The per-request costs can add up. You may decide to look for companies with more affordable fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some companies also offer disappearing deductibles when customers go a period with no claims filed.
A home warranty company's reputation can offer insight into things such as approval rates for claims, contractor quality, speed of repairs, and customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to research providers. Good ratings and reviews indicate that a provider is known for top-tier service.
Home warranty companies use networks of local repair technicians to manage repairs in a given area. Reach out to potential businesses to ask how many repair specialists they have in Woodstock and get an idea of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency. More extensive networks raise the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Some home warranty companies include extras such as energy efficiency upgrades, maintenance discounts, and smart home device protection. These perks add value beyond repair coverage. Added bonuses maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Home warranties are an inexpensive way to protect your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in Woodstock reaching an average high of 69℃F, you may find that some appliances, such as your air conditioner, get a lot of use. A home warranty can considerably bring down out-of-pocket expenses should your HVAC system break down.
Not to mention, having a home warranty can save you some time by getting rid of the need to research technicians — most companies will send a trusted professional right to your door to do the repair or replacement. A home warranty can also have value in other ways. For example, some policies can be transferred between owners during a home sale.
One disadvantage of getting a home warranty is that there are usually exclusions. For instance, if you already have a manufacturer's warranty on one of your appliances, it may not be included in the home warranty, so it’s important to read over the contracts you’re considering thoroughly to understand what is included and what isn’t.
Another consideration is that home warranties typically only cover repairs needed due to normal wear and tear. They commonly won’t cover home systems or appliances that have stopped working due to animal infestations, natural disasters, improper maintenance, etc.
A home warranty in Woodstock can cost between $30 and $60 a month. The higher-priced plans typically have a lower service fee, broader coverage, and higher coverage limits. You can often lower this cost by paying annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also lower your up-front costs when you agree to a higher service fee.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what types of damage each covers. A home warranty plan protects against normal wear and tear to home systems and appliances. A homeowners insurance plan protects a home in case of a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. Under homeowners insurance, you will not be able to file a claim if you need a new dryer or oven, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Woodstock.
First-time homebuyers, landlords, real estate agents, home sellers, and homeowners are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your home more attractive to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different home warranties in Woodstock include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan covers many of your home systems and appliances, including your refrigerator, washing machine, and HVAC. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the specific items mentioned in the policy.
Home warranty plans generally last a year. Many providers let you renew your plan each year, and some offer month-to-month plans as well.
Typically, the homeowner is the one who pays the premium and service fees. However, when buying a new home, sometimes the seller is the one who paid for the policy. This can then be transferred to the new homeowner, who will pay the service fees. In Woodstock, where the median home value is $434,013, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
