Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Being a homeowner in Crystal Lake is an excellent option for those who enjoy up-and-coming areas. However, as great as Crystal Lake is, homeownership always comes with its fair share of headaches, such as trying to pay for your appliance and system repairs yourself. A home warranty in Crystal Lake can help lower your out-of-pocket costs by covering repairs or replacements to major home systems and appliances that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
Finding the right warranty for your home can be difficult, so our team at Today's Homeowner has done the research to help you find the best home warranty companies in Crystal Lake. Read on for our top provider recommendations.
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
In Crystal Lake, Liberty Home Guard is the most trustworthy home warranty. Liberty is a home warranty company with 6 years of experience in the industry, and it has become one of the best providers in the business. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various system and appliance coverage options. 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 system and appliance coverage. The coverage limits from Liberty are around $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $75, which is lower than other providers in the Crystal Lake area.
To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or give them a call at 866-451-2281. To read more, visit our comprehensive review of Liberty Home Guard.
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
In Crystal Lake, Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty. Choice is a home warranty company with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has become one of the best providers in the business. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various system and appliance coverage options. 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 system and appliance coverage. The coverage limits from Choice are around $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $85, which is lower than other providers in the Crystal Lake area.
To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 929-400-6164. To read more, visit our comprehensive review of Choice Home Warranty.
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
In Crystal Lake, Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty. Select is a home warranty company with 11 years of experience in the industry, and it has become one of the best providers in the business. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various system and appliance coverage options. 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 system and appliance coverage. The coverage limits from Select are around $2,000. The service fees are a reasonable $60, which is lower than other providers in the Crystal Lake area.
To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-370-3953. To read more, visit our comprehensive review of Select Home Warranty.
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
In Crystal Lake, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty. AHS is a home warranty company with 26 years of experience in the industry, and it has become one of the best providers in the business. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various system and appliance coverage options. 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 system and appliance coverage. The coverage limits from AHS are around $2,500. The service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, which is lower than other providers in the Crystal Lake area.
To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-365-2839. To read more, visit our comprehensive review of American Home Shield.
ShieldSilver
ShieldGold
ShieldPlatinum
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
In Crystal Lake, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. Cinch is a home warranty company with 44 years of experience in the industry, and it has become one of the best providers in the business. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various system and appliance coverage options. 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 system and appliance coverage. The coverage limits from Cinch are around $1,000-$2,000. The service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, which is lower than other providers in the Crystal Lake area.
To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or give them a call at 877-589-0505. To read more, visit our comprehensive review of Cinch Home Services.
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
In Crystal Lake, The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC is a home warranty company with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has become one of the best providers in the business. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various system and appliance coverage options. 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 system and appliance coverage. The coverage limits from HSC are around $2,000. The service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, which is lower than other providers in the Crystal Lake area.
To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 800-750-9443. To read more, visit our comprehensive review of The Home Service Club.
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 | $6,372 |
| Heating | $4,248 |
| Electrical | $637 |
| Toilets | $531 |
| Washer/Dryer | $850 |
| Plumbing | $637 |
| Oven | $1,699 |
| Fridge | $637 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Crystal Lake homeowners in lowering the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide financial coverage to swap out or fix appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.
When something stops working, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then arranges a contractor to handle the replacement or fix. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement costs exceed the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives reassurance to homeowners because it helps prevent costly emergency repairs. Home warranties are especially useful for owners of older homes or homes with aging systems. New homes with up-to-date appliances may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered include dryers, microwaves, washers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, dishwashers, and more. Covered systems are normally plumbing, air conditioning, heating, and electrical. Many home warranty companies provide add-on coverage for septic systems, central vacuums, roof leaks, and locksmiths. It's important for Crystal Lake 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, pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, or misuse of a system or appliance. Stay current with preventative maintenance to help guarantee your next repair or replacement is covered.
Before agreeing to a home warranty contract, you should understand key terms like:
There are several key considerations when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage differs significantly when it comes to what's covered. Most plans include protection for plumbing, heating, AC, electrical, and appliances. More inclusive options also include protection for other items such as spas, pools, roof leaks, and well pumps. Look for companies with flexible coverage choices, including upgraded plans. This allows you to customize your plan to your home's needs.
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 providers with more affordable per-claim fees to maximize savings. Some companies also offer disappearing deductibles after periods where a customer files no claims.
A home warranty company's reputation provides insights into factors such as contractor expertise, claim approval rates, repair speed, and customer satisfaction. Look at review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to learn more about providers. Good feedback and ratings suggest a company known for providing quality service.
Home warranty providers keep networks of technicians to handle covered repairs. Wider networks increase the probability of getting qualified technicians to quickly service your home. Ask potential providers how many contractors they have in Crystal Lake to get a sense of how soon your repairs could happen in an emergency.
Home warranty companies sometimes include extras such as maintenance discounts, coverage for smart home devices, and energy efficiency upgrades. These add value beyond repair coverage. Added perks can maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Since temperatures in Crystal Lake can be quite cold in the winter, the weather can put a lot of strain on your HVAC system. Having a home warranty plan can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances breaks down suddenly.
Additionally, having a home warranty can save you time by getting rid of the need to research repair people — most providers will send a trusted professional right to your door to complete the repair or replacement. Additionally, though home warranty companies vary, some providers will let you transfer your warranty if you sell your home. This can make your property more attractive to potential homebuyers and maybe even help your home sell faster.
Home warranties also have some downsides. Although it can save you time when the home warranty sends out a repair person who takes care of the repair for you, some homeowners may not like this, and they would rather select their own contractor. If that’s the case for you, some home warranty providers allow you to select a contractor.
Another consideration is that home warranties usually only cover damage from normal wear and tear. They most likely won’t cover systems or appliances that need repairs or replacements due to improper maintenance, animal infestations, natural disasters, etc.
A home warranty in Crystal Lake can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. The higher-priced plans usually have higher coverage limits, broader coverage, and a lower service fee. This cost is often lower if you pay annually instead of monthly. Some providers will also reduce 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 kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty plan covers normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. Homeowners insurance protects your entire home in case of a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. Under homeowners insurance, you won't be able to file a claim should you need a new washing machine or oven, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Crystal Lake.
A home warranty policy can help real estate agents, homeowners, investors, home sellers, and homebuyers. It can offer peace of mind to anyone involved with homeownership.
A home warranty plan will cover your home’s appliances, systems, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you need more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be helpful if you're concerned about one more than the other.
Home warranty plans typically offer coverage for a year. Many providers let you renew your plan each year, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
In general, 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 given to the new homeowner, who will pay the service fees when using the policy. In Crystal Lake, where the median value of a home is $327,451, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
