Expert Advice On Improving Your Home

6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Central, IL

Written By David Cusick

Last Updated April 2024

Central gives homeowners some great housing options and the opportunity to enjoy all four seasons. However, temperatures can do a number on your home’s systems, such as your HVAC. A home warranty can help protect you by lowering the costs of major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important appliances and systems.

Finding the best protection for your home can be challenging, so our team at Today's Homeowner has done the research to help you find the best home warranty companies in Central. Keep reading for our home warranty recommendations.

Our Recommended Providers

Top Pick
4.5/5
  • Holds high ratings among customer service reviews
  • Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
  • Offers an extensive list of 30+ add-on coverages
Best For First Time Homeowners
4.2/5
  • 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
Best Claims Acceptance
4.1/5
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Decent coverage caps
  • No exclusions for older homes

The 6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Central

Liberty Home Guard

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 is the most trustworthy home warranty in Central. When you buy 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. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage.

The 3 plans from Liberty Home Guard are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Liberty’s service fees are an affordable $75, and the coverage caps come out to around $3,000 for each covered appliance or system.

For more information on this provider, read our review of Liberty Home Guard. To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281.

Appliance Guard

Systems Guard

Total Home Guard

Service fee: $75.00Monthly cost: $69.99
Items covered: Ceiling Fan , Cooktop exhaust fan , Disposal , Dishwasher , Dryer , Garage door , Microwave , Oven , Refrigerator , Refrigerator ice maker , Washer Add-on items: Pool , Saltwater pool , Spa , TV , PC , Pump , Generator , Free-standing ice maker , Septic tank pumping , Roof leaks , Pests , Water softener , Well pump , Wine refrigerator , Septic , Sprinkler , Locksmith , Trash compactor , Sump pump , Vacuum , Stand-alone freezer , Water dispenser
Service fee: $75.00Monthly cost: $74.99
Items covered: Air Conditioner , Bath exhaust fan , Ductwork , Electrical , Heating system , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Toilet , Water heater Add-on items: Pool , Saltwater pool , Spa , TV , PC , Pump , Generator , Free-standing ice maker , Septic tank pumping , Roof leaks , Pests , Water softener , Well pump , Wine refrigerator , Septic , Sprinkler , Locksmith , Trash compactor , Sump pump , Vacuum , Stand-alone freezer , Water dispenser
Service fee: $75.00Monthly cost: $79.99
Items covered: Ceiling Fan , Cooktop exhaust fan , Disposal , Dishwasher , Dryer , Garage door , Microwave , Oven , Refrigerator , Refrigerator ice maker , Washer , Air Conditioner , Bath exhaust fan , Ductwork , Electrical , Heating system , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Toilet , Water heater Add-on items: Pool , Saltwater pool , Spa , TV , PC , Pump , Generator , Free-standing ice maker , Septic tank pumping , Roof leaks , Pests , Water softener , Well pump , Wine refrigerator , Septic , Sprinkler , Locksmith , Trash compactor , Sump pump , Vacuum , Stand-alone freezer , Water dispenser

Choice Home Warranty

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 is the best overall home warranty in Central. When you buy 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. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage.

The 2 plans from Choice Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Total Plan. Choice’s service fees are an affordable $85, and the coverage caps come out to around $3,000 for each covered appliance or system.

For more information on this provider, read our review of Choice Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164.

Basic Plan

Total Plan

Service fee: $85.00Monthly cost: $45.00
Items covered: Ceiling fan , Cooktop exhaust , Dishwasher , Disposal , Ductwork , Electrical , Garage door opener , Heating system , Oven , Microwave , Plumbing system , Toilet , Water heater Add-on items: Pool , Spa , Septic , Well pump , Roof leaking , Septic tank , Sump pump , Vacuum , Stand-alone freezer
Service fee: $85.00Monthly cost: $53.33
Items covered: Ceiling fan , Cooktop exhaust , Dishwasher , Disposal , Ductwork , Electrical , Garage door opener , Heating system , Oven , Microwave , Plumbing system , Toilet , Water heater , AC , Washer , Dryer , Refrigerator Add-on items: Pool , Spa , Septic , Well pump , Roof leaking , Septic tank , Sump pump , Vacuum , Stand-alone freezer

Select Home Warranty

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 is the most cost-effective home warranty in Central. When you buy 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. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage.

The 3 plans from Select Home Warranty are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Select’s service fees are a reasonable $60, and the coverage caps come out to around $2,000 for each covered appliance or system.

For more information on this provider, read our review of Select Home Warranty. To receive 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

Service fee: $60.00Monthly cost: $57.67
Items covered: Disposal , Dishwasher , Dryer , Microwave , Oven , Refrigerator , Washer Add-on items: Pool , Spa , Septic , Sprinkler , Stand-alone freezer , Vacuum , Well pump , Sump pump , Roof leaks
Service fee: $60.00Monthly cost: $57.67
Items covered: Air Conditioner , Ductwork , Electrical , Heating system , Plumbing , Water heater Add-on items: Pool , Spa , Septic , Sprinkler , Stand-alone freezer , Vacuum , Well pump , Sump pump , Roof leaks
Service fee: $60.00Monthly cost: $62.08
Items covered: Disposal , Dishwasher , Dryer , Microwave , Oven , Refrigerator , Washer , Air conditioner , Ductwork , Electrical , Heating system , Plumbing , Water heater , Ceiling fan , Garage door , Plumbing stoppages Add-on items: Pool , Spa , Septic , Sprinkler , Stand-alone freezer , Vacuum , Well pump , Sump pump , Roof leaks

American Home Shield

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 is the most customizable home warranty in Central. When you buy 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. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage.

The 3 plans from American Home Shield are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. AHS’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, and the coverage caps come out to around $2,500 for each covered appliance or system.

For more information on this provider, read our review of American Home Shield. To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839.

ShieldSilver

ShieldGold

ShieldPlatinum

Service fee: $75.00 - $125.00Monthly cost: $29.27 - $44.27
Items covered: Air Conditioner , Alarm , Attic fans , Bath exhaust fans , Ceiling fans , Cooktop exhaust , Disposal , Doorbell , Ductwork , Electrical , Garage door , Heating system , Locksmith , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Toilet , Water dispenser , Water heater , Whole house fan Add-on items: Pool , Spa , PC , TV , Septic , Well pump
Service fee: $75.00 - $125.00Monthly cost: $39.27 - $54.27
Items covered: Air conditioner , Alarm , Attic fans , Bath exhaust fans , Ceiling fans , Cooktop exhaust , Dishwasher , Doorbell , Dryer , Ductwork , Electrical , Garage door , Heating system , Microwave , Oven , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Refrigerator , Toilet , Trash compactor , Washer , Water heater , Whole house fan Add-on items: Pool , Spa , PC , TV , Septic , Well pump
Service fee: $75.00 - $125.00Monthly cost: $59.27 - $74.27
Items covered: Air conditioner , Alarm , Attic fans , Bath exhaust fans , Ceiling fans , Cooktop exhaust , Dishwasher , Disposal , Doorbell , Dryer , Ductwork , Electrical , Garage door , Heating system , Locksmith , Microwave , Oven , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Refrigerator , Roof leaks , Toilet , Trash compactor , Washer , Water dispenser , Water heater , Whole house fan Add-on items: Pool , Spa , PC , TV , Septic , Well pump

Cinch Home Services

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 is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in Central. When you buy 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. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage.

The 3 plans from Cinch Home Services are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Cinch’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, and the coverage caps come out to around $1,000-$2,000 for each covered appliance or system.

For more information on this provider, read our review of Cinch Home Services. To receive 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

Service fee: $75.00 - $150.00Monthly cost: $34.99 - $50.99
Items covered: Cooktop exhaust fan , Dishwasher , Dryer , Food center , Free-standing ice maker , Microwave , Oven , Refrigerator , Refrigerator ice maker , Trash compactor , Washer Add-on items: Pool , Septic , Well pump
Service fee: $75.00 - $150.00Monthly cost: $39.99 - $57.99
Items covered: Air conditioner , Smoke alarm , Attic fans , Bath exhaust fans , Ceiling fans , Disposal , Doorbell , Ductwork , Electrical , Garage door , Heating system , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Septic tank pumping , Spa , Sump pump , Toilet , Vacuum , Water dispenser , Water heater , Whole house fan Add-on items: Pool , Septic , Well pump
Service fee: $75.00 - $150.00Monthly cost: $49.99 - $67.99
Items covered: Air conditioner , Alarm , Attic fans , Bath exhaust fans , Ceiling fans , Cooktop exhaust , Dishwasher , Disposal , Doorbell , Dryer , Ductwork , Electrical , Food center , Free-standing ice maker , Garage door , Heating system , Microwave , Oven , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Refrigerator , Refrigerator ice maker , Septic tank pumping , Spa , Sump pump , Toilet , Trash compactor , Vacuum , Washer , Water dispenser , Water heater , Whole house fan Add-on items: Pool , Septic , Well pump

The Home Service Club

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 is the best home warranty with the quickest service in Central. When you buy 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 warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage.

The 2 plans from The Home Service Club are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. HSC’s service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, and the coverage caps come out to around $2,000 for each covered appliance or system.

For more information on this provider, read our review of The Home Service Club. To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443.

Standard Coverage Plan

Comprehensive Coverage Plan

Service fee: $60.00 - $95.00Monthly cost: $50.40
Items covered: Air conditioner , Ceiling fan , Dishwasher , Garbage disposal , Dryer , Electrical system , Food center , Free-standing ice maker , Garage door opener , Heating system , Microwave , Oven , Plumbing , Refrigerator , Trash compactor , Central vacuum , Washer , Water heater Add-on items: Utilities and home service line coverage (outside gas line, outside water line, outside sewer line, sprinkler system , Pool , Spa , Water softener , Roof leaks , Well pump , Pump , Stand-alone freezer
Service fee: $60.00 - $95.00Monthly cost: $62.90
Items covered: Air conditioner , Alarm wiring , Attic fans , Ceiling fan , Dishwasher , Garbage disposal , Doorbell , Dryer , Ductwork , Electrical system , Food center , Free-standing ice maker , Garage door opener , Heating system , Microwave , Oven , Pest control , Phone , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Refrigerator , Sump pump , Toilet , Trash compactor , Central vacuum , Washer , Water dispenser , Water heater , Whole house fan Add-on items: Utilities and home service line coverage (outside gas line, outside water line, outside sewer line, sprinkler system , Pool , Spa , Water softener , Roof leaks , Well pump , Pump , Stand-alone freezer
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

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:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

Cost of Common Home Repairs in Central

Home ApplianceRepair Cost
Air Conditioner$5,558
Heating$3,705
Electrical$556
Toilets$463
Washer/Dryer$741
Plumbing$556
Oven$1,482
Fridge$556

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection policy that helps cut costs for Central homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide financial coverage to repair or swap out appliances and systems that break due to normal wear and tear.

Homeowners file a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to make the fix or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the repair or replacement costs go over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners reassurance, as it helps avoid high-priced emergency repairs. The coverage is particularly helpful for owners of older houses or houses with fixtures near the end of their life span. However, homeowners with newer homes and modern appliances might not need a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties cover many household systems and appliances. Covered appliances normally include dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, garbage disposals, microwaves, and more. Covered systems include electrical, heating, plumbing, and air conditioning. Many home warranty companies also provide add-on coverage for septic systems, roof leaks, locksmiths, and central vacuums. Central homeowners should know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day period you must wait before they can be used to cover repairs. Additionally, policies typically only cover repairs and replacements that result from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover things like natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, or damage caused by improperly using a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure that your next repair or replacement is covered by the policy.

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

There are several home warranty terms to learn before signing an agreement, including:

  • Contract rate: The rate that your home warranty provider has pre-negotiated with its contractors. Normally, this rate is lower than what you'd pay retail.
  • Trade call fee: An added fee that you'll sometimes need to pay for appliance-related claims.
  • Deductible: The amount you pay toward a covered repair before the warranty covers the rest. Some plans have per-claim or yearly deductibles.
  • Claim approval: The process providers use to determine whether a requested repair or replacement is covered under a home warranty plan.
  • Coverage limits: How much money your warranty provider will pay for specific repairs or replacements. Check limits on repairs for things like roof leaks, appliances, and air conditioning units.
  • Endorsements: Optional add-on coverage for systems such as well pumps, septic, pools and more. Endorsements typically come with an additional fee.
  • Service fee: The amount you pay our of pocket per claim for access to a contractor and repair coverage.
Keeping these terms and key points in mind will help you understand pricing and pick a home warranty designed to protect your most important home systems. Discuss coverage details with potential companies when getting a quote, so you can avoid surprise fees.

Key Factors in Choosing a Home Warranty Company

When you're deciding on a home warranty provider, there are several important things to take into account:

Coverage Options

Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans cover plumbing, heating, electrical, AC, and appliances. More comprehensive options may also provide protection for extra things such as roof leaks, spas, pools, and well pumps. Focus on companies with wide-ranging coverage selections including upgraded plans. Flexibility like this will help you customize protection for your home's needs.

Service Fees

Homeowners should anticipate paying a $60–100 service fee when filing home warranty claims. These per-repair charges can potentially accumulate over time, so some homeowners prefer using companies with lower service fees to maximize savings. Some companies also offer disappearing deductibles if a customer doesn't submit any claims in a set timeframe.

Reputation

A home warranty provider's rating gives you insight into things such as contractor quality, claim approval rates, timeliness of repairs, and overall customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to research providers. Complimentary reviews and ratings indicate a company known for stellar service.

Contractor Network

Home warranty companies have networks of professionals that they use to tackle covered repairs. More extensive networks increase the probability of getting qualified contractors to your home swiftly. Reach out to possible providers to find out how many repair professionals they have in Central. This helps you understand how long repairs might take in an urgent situation.

Added Benefits

Home warranty providers might offer bonuses such as coverage for smart home devices, energy efficiency upgrades, and maintenance discounts. These extras can add value beyond repair coverage. Additional perks help maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Central?


Benefits of a Home Warranty

Temperatures in Central can vary greatly throughout the year, which means your air conditioner and heating systems are most likely going to get a good bit of use. As a homeowner in Central, one benefit of having a home warranty is that these home systems and major appliances can be covered if they need to be repaired or replaced.

Not only does a home warranty provide some savings, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks, the last thing you want to do is find a repair person and schedule a repair. A home warranty handles the research by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. A home warranty can also have value in other ways. For instance, some plans can be transferred to another owner when you sell your home.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

Home warranties also have some downsides. While it can give you less to worry about since the home warranty sends out a repair technician who carries out the repair for you, some people may not like this, and they would prefer to select their own contractor. If that’s the case for you, some home warranty plans let you choose a contractor.

Another thing to bear in mind is that some companies don’t cover pre-existing issues and may require an inspection before coverage begins. Ask the home warranty company for clarification about these things if you aren’t sure or if this is a problem for you.

Our Recommended Providers

Top Pick
4.5/5
  • Holds high ratings among customer service reviews
  • Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
  • Offers an extensive list of 30+ add-on coverages
Best For First Time Homeowners
4.2/5
  • 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
Best Claims Acceptance
4.1/5
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Decent coverage caps
  • No exclusions for older homes

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Warranty in Central, IL

A home warranty costs, on average, around $300 to $600 a year in Central. 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 cheaper to pay annually rather than monthly.

Home warranties and home insurance differ in what kinds of damage they cover. Home warranty plans cover issues related to home systems and appliances that need to be repaired or replaced due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different insurance that protects your entire home from natural disasters, which might not be too much of a concern in Central. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system repairs.

First-time homebuyers, home sellers, homeowners, landlords, and real estate agents are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your house more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.

A home warranty plan will cover your 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 provide coverage for a year. Many companies let you renew your plan annually, and some offer month-to-month options as well.

In general, the homeowner is the one who is responsible for paying the premium and service fees. However, when buying a new home, sometimes the seller will pay for the policy. This can then be transferred to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees. In Central, where the median value of a home is $124,759, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.

Other Central, IL Home Services