Expert Advice On Improving Your Home

6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Island Lake, IL

Written By David Cusick

Last Updated April 2024

Homeownership in Island Lake can be gratifying for many people, but it also comes with its fair share of difficulties. Home repairs can be an unanticipated financial burden for many homeowners. A home warranty can help protect homeowners by covering major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important systems and appliances.

Choosing the best home warranty on the market can be quite a challenge because of the sheer number of options out there. If you're frustrated with trying to compare them all, keep reading for our guide on the best home warranty companies in Island Lake.

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 Island Lake

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 offers the most trustworthy home warranty for Island Lake residents. Liberty is a home warranty company with 6 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. Liberty has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. When you purchase a policy 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 provide a mix of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from Liberty are an affordable $75. The coverage caps are also generally about $3,000.

To read more, visit 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 offers the best overall home warranty for Island Lake residents. Choice is a home warranty company with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. Choice has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. When you purchase a policy 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 provide a mix of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also generally about $3,000.

To read more, visit 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 offers the most cost-effective home warranty for Island Lake residents. Select is a home warranty company with 11 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. Select has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. When you purchase a policy 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 provide a mix of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also generally about $2,000.

To read more, visit 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 offers the most customizable home warranty for Island Lake residents. AHS is a home warranty company with 26 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. AHS has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. When you purchase a policy 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 provide a mix of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also generally about $2,500.

To read more, visit 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 offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee for Island Lake residents. Cinch is a home warranty company with 44 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. Cinch has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. When you purchase a policy 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 provide a mix of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from Cinch are customizable and range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also generally about $1,000-$2,000.

To read more, visit 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 offers the best home warranty with the quickest service for Island Lake residents. HSC is a home warranty company with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. HSC has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. When you purchase a policy 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 provide a mix of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also generally about $2,000.

To read more, visit 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 Island Lake

Home ApplianceRepair Cost
Air Conditioner$6,457
Heating$4,304
Electrical$646
Toilets$538
Washer/Dryer$861
Plumbing$646
Oven$1,722
Fridge$646

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection plan that helps Island Lake homeowners in reducing the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer financial coverage to swap out or repair appliances and systems that stop working 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 repair. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only 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 prevent expensive emergency fixes. They're particularly valuable for those who own older homes or ones with aging systems. More modern builds with functional appliances probably don’t need a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties protect many home systems and appliances. Typical covered appliances are washers, dryers, refrigerators, garbage disposals, dishwashers, microwaves, and others. Protected systems include electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, and heating. Various home warranty plans offer additional coverage for roof leaks, septic systems, central vacuums, and even locksmiths. Island Lake should understand that most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repair claims will be approved. Most 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 misuse of a system or appliance. Stay current with preventative maintenance to help guarantee your next repair or replacement is covered.

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

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

  • Coverage limits: How much money your warranty provider will pay for specific repairs or replacements. Check limits on repairs for things like appliances, roof leaks, and air conditioning units.
  • Endorsements: Optional add-ons that expand coverage for additional systems like well pumps, septic, pools, and more. Endorsements typically cost an additional fee.
  • Deductible: How much you pay for a covered repair before your warranty covers the rest. Deductibles can be per-claim or yearly.
  • Claim approval: The process by which your provider determines whether a requested repair or replacement is covered under your warranty.
  • Trade call fee: An added fee that you'll sometimes need to pay for appliance-related claims.
  • Service fee: The out-of-pocket cost per claim that you pay for contractor access and repair coverage.
  • 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.
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. Make sure to discuss coverage details with potential providers 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 key things to take into account:

Coverage Options

Home warranties have significant variation in what they include. Basic policies typically cover plumbing, AC, heating, electrical, and appliances, while more comprehensive options may also cover roof leaks, pools, well pumps, and spas. Look for providers with a diverse range of coverage options, including upgraded plans. This allows you to tailor protection to your home's needs.

Service Fees

Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. With these per-request costs adding up over time as you file claims, you may want to choose a company with lower service fees to maximize savings. Some companies also do away with deductibles when customers have a claim-free period.

Reputation

A home warranty company's reputation can offer insight into things such as speed of repairs, approval rates for claims, contractor quality, and customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as TrustPilot, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research companies. Good ratings and reviews indicate that a provider is known for top-tier service.

Contractor Network

Home warranty companies maintain networks of contractors to handle covered repairs. Wider networks increase the probability of getting qualified technicians to promptly service your home. Reach out to potential providers and ask how many contractors they have in Island Lake to get a sense of how quickly your repairs could happen in an emergency.

Added Benefits

Some home warranty companies include perks such as reduced maintenance fees, energy efficiency upgrades, and smart home device coverage. These extras can provide extra value beyond just repair coverage. Added bonuses let you enhance your home and get the most from your warranty policy.

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Island Lake?


Benefits of a Home Warranty

Since temperatures in Island Lake can be quite cold in the winter, the weather can put a lot of strain on your HVAC system. Having a home warranty policy can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances stops working all of a sudden.

Additionally, having a home warranty can save you some time by getting rid of the need to research contractors — most providers will send a trusted professional right to your door to do the necessary repair or replacement. Additionally, having a home warranty can help make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers should you ever decide to sell in the future. Many home warranty companies will allow you to transfer your plan to a new owner and give them the protection you’ve been getting.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

One drawback of getting a home warranty is that there are often exclusions. For instance, if you already have a manufacturer's warranty on one of your appliances, it may be excluded from the home warranty, so it’s important to read through the contracts you’re considering carefully to understand what is included and what isn’t.

Plus, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they were damaged due to a natural disaster or animal infestation — anything other than normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.

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 Island Lake, IL

A home warranty costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Island Lake. 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. Additionally, it's often less expensive to pay annually rather than monthly.

The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what types of damage each covers. A home warranty plan covers normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. Homeowners insurance protects a home in case of a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. With a homeowners insurance plan, you will not be able to file a claim if you need a new dryer or stove, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Island Lake.

A home warranty plan can help homebuyers, home sellers, investors, real estate agents, and homeowners. It can offer peace of mind to anyone involved with homeownership.

A home warranty plan will cover your home’s systems, appliances, or both. Combination plans are great if you'd like 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.

Generally, a home warranty policy lasts for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some companies may offer month-to-month options.

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 given to the new homeowner, who will pay the service fees when using the policy. In Island Lake, where the median home value is $256,013, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.

Other Island Lake, IL Home Services