Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Although homeownership in Evanston has a lot of perks — such as the convenience of city life — there are also downsides. One major hassle many homeowners have to deal with eventually is replacing or repairing their home systems and appliances. A home warranty can bring you the peace of mind you need and safeguard your savings account from large expenses by covering your home’s major appliances and systems.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be overwhelming, as there are lots of companies to choose from. That’s why the Today's Homeowner team did the research and made a list of the best home warranty companies in Evanston for you.
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 Evanston, Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty. If you’re looking for a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit, this is the provider for you. Plus, it has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry. The 3 home warranty plans that Liberty offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
Liberty Home Guard has 3 plans that offer a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Liberty are an affordable $75. The coverage caps are also generally about $3,000.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our 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
In Evanston, Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty. If you’re looking for very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts, this is the provider for you. Plus, it has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. The 2 home warranty plans that Choice offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that offer a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also generally about $3,000.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our 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
In Evanston, Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty. If you’re looking for a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan, this is the provider for you. Plus, it has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. The 3 home warranty plans that Select offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
Select Home Warranty has 3 plans that offer a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also generally about $2,000.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our 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
In Evanston, American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty. If you’re looking for the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home, this is the provider for you. Plus, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. The 3 home warranty plans that AHS offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that offer a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also generally about $2,500.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our 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
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 Evanston, Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. If you’re looking for a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done, this is the provider for you. Plus, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. The 3 home warranty plans that Cinch offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that offer a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Cinch are customizable and range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also generally about $1,000-$2,000.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our 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
In Evanston, The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service. If you’re looking for quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days, this is the provider for you. Plus, it has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee. The 2 home warranty plans that HSC offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
The Home Service Club has 2 plans that offer a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also generally about $2,000.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our 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 | $6,783 |
| Heating | $4,522 |
| Electrical | $678 |
| Toilets | $565 |
| Washer/Dryer | $904 |
| Plumbing | $678 |
| Oven | $1,809 |
| Fridge | $678 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Evanston homeowners in lowering the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide coverage to swap out or repair appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.
When something stops working, you file 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 cost of the repair or replacement exceeds 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, people with newer homes and modern appliances may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties protect your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances are dishwashers, garbage disposals, washers, dryers, microwaves, refrigerators, and more. Included systems are typically electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning. Many home warranty providers offer add-on coverage for septic systems, central vacuums, locksmiths, and roof leaks. Evanston should understand that most home warranty plans have a waiting period of 30 days before repairs are covered. The majority of policies also only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, natural disasters, or improperly using a system or appliance. Be diligent about completing preventative maintenance to help guarantee your next repair or replacement is covered.
Before agreeing to a home warranty contract, you should learn key terms like:
When selecting a home warranty provider, there are several important factors to consider:
Home warranty plans differ significantly in terms of coverage. Most plans provide protection for AC, electrical, heating, plumbing, and appliances. More robust plans also offer protection for other items such as roof leaks, spas, pools, and well pumps. Look for companies with an assortment of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. Flexibility helps you tailor your protection for your needs.
You'll pay a repair fee, normally ranging from $60–100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These fees to accumulate quickly with each claim, so you may seek out companies advertising more affordable fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain providers may waive deductibles if homeowners don't submit any claims within a set period of time.
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, TrustPilot, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research companies. Positive ratings and reviews indicate that a company is known for top-tier service.
Home warranty providers use networks of local repair contractors to manage repairs in a given area. Contact potential companies to learn the number of repair technicians they have in Evanston and get an idea of how fast your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Wider networks raise the chance of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Certain home warranty companies provide extras such as discounts on maintenance, energy-efficient upgrades, and protection for smart home devices. These bonuses can provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Added perks can enhance your home and maximize your home warranty.
Since temperatures in Evanston can be quite cold in the winter, the weather can put a lot of strain on your HVAC system. Getting a home warranty policy can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances stops working unexpectedly.
On top of saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can offer you peace of mind and save you the hassle of trying to find a qualified contractor to visit your home. Home warranties usually come with a network of pre-vetted technicians who can handle any repair problems you may have. Plus, having a home warranty can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers should you ever decide to sell in the future. Many home warranty providers will allow you to transfer your policy to a new owner and give them the protection you’ve been receiving.
Home warranties also have some downsides. While it can give you less to worry about since the home warranty sends out a service technician who handles the repair for you, some people may not like this, and they would rather select a contractor themselves. If that’s the case for you, some home warranty companies allow you to choose a contractor.
Plus, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they need repairs due to a natural disaster or animal infestation — anything besides normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.
A home warranty policy costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Evanston. Our high-rated home warranty companies' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can get a lower monthly payment with some companies by opting for a higher service fee. In addition, it's typically less expensive to pay annually rather than monthly.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty helps protect against normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. 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 should you need a new dryer or stove, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which can be a threat in Evanston.
A home warranty can help homeowners, real estate agents, home sellers, investors, and homebuyers. It can provide peace of mind and savings to anyone involved in homeownership.
The different home warranties in Evanston include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan will cover your home systems and appliances, such as your refrigerator, washing machine, and HVAC. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the items listed in the contract.
Home warranty plans usually offer coverage for a year. Many companies let you renew your plan each year, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Usually the one who owns the home is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the one selling the home may buy a home warranty and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then be responsible for the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in Evanston is $410,916, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.
