6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Hinsdale, IL

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection plan that helps Hinsdale homeowners cut the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide coverage to repair or replace appliances and systems that malfunction due to normal wear and tear. When something breaks down, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then arranges a contractor to handle the fix or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty plan gives homeowners a sense of security because it can help avoid expensive emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for people purchasing older homes or homes with systems near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with appliances and fixtures in good condition may not require a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties protect your home's systems and appliances. Common covered appliances are dishwashers, dryers, garbage disposals, washers, refrigerators, microwaves, and others. Protected systems include electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, and heating. Many home warranty plans offer add-on coverage for central vacuums, roof leaks, septic systems, and even locksmiths. It's important for Hinsdale homeowners to understand most home warranty plans have a waiting period of 30 days before repair claims will be approved. Most 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 ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

Before agreeing to a home warranty contract, you should understand key terms like:

• Endorsements: Optional add-on coverage for systems such as well pumps, pools, septic and more. Endorsements typically come with an additional fee.
• Coverage limits: Dollar limits that cap how much the warranty will pay for certain repairs or replacements. Check limits on air conditioning units, appliances, roof leaks, and similar repairs.
• Deductible: The amount you're responsible for before your warranty covers the remainder of the cost. Deductibles apply to covered repairs and may be on a per-claim or yearly basis.
• Trade call fee: An additional fee that some companies charge for appliance-related claims.
• Contract rate: A pre-negotiated rate that your home warranty provider has worked out with contractors. This rate is typically less than what you would pay retail.
• Service fee: The amount you pay our of pocket per claim for access to a contractor and repair coverage.
• Claim approval: The process a provider uses to validate that a requested repair or replacement is covered under your plan.

If you remember these terms and key factors, it’ll help you understand costs and select a home warranty tailored to protecting your most vital home systems. Make sure to talk to providers about coverage specifics when getting a quote, so you can avoid unexpected 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 widely in the items that are included. Most plans provide coverage for electrical, plumbing, AC, heating, and appliances. More inclusive options also include protection for other items such as roof leaks, pools, spas, and well pumps. Look for companies with a range of coverage choices, such as upgraded plans. Flexibility helps you tailor your protection for your 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 providers also offer disappearing deductibles when a homeowner goes a defined period without any repair requests.

Reputation

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

Contractor Network

Home warranty companies keep networks of technicians to handle covered repairs. Wider networks increase the likelihood of getting qualified technicians to swiftly service your home. Ask potential providers how many contractors they have in Hinsdale to get a sense of how soon your repairs could be handled in an emergency.

Added Benefits

Some home warranty providers offer bonuses such as energy efficiency upgrades, smart home device protection, and maintenance discounts. These can add value beyond repair coverage. Extra bonuses help maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Hinsdale?

---

Benefits of a Home Warranty

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

Additionally, having a home warranty can save you time by removing the need to research contractors — most providers will send a trusted professional right to your door to do the necessary repair or replacement. Another added benefit of having a home warranty policy is that it can raise your home’s property value. If you ever decide to sell your house, you may be able to transfer your home warranty plan to the new homebuyer depending on the provider you have your home warranty with.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

One main drawback of a home warranty is not every home system and appliance may be covered. It’s important to weigh the different plans and opt for one that covers all the appliances, systems, and add-ons you need.

Also, 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.