Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Homeownership in McHenry has lots of benefits, but it also comes with its challenges. Your home’s appliances and systems will inevitably need repairs, and this could mean a burdensome expense. A home warranty is a way to protect your savings from unexpected expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be significantly lower and allow you to live in your home with more peace of mind.
Finding the best protection for your home can be difficult, so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you find the best home warranty companies in McHenry. Read on for our 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 McHenry, Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty. The 3 home warranty plans that Liberty offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. With a home warranty from Liberty, you can benefit from a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Not to mention, it has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
Liberty Home Guard has 3 plans that offer a mix of system and appliance coverage. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $75.
Read our Liberty Home Guard full review to learn more. 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 McHenry, Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty. The 2 home warranty plans that Choice offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. With a home warranty from Choice, you can benefit from very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Not to mention, it has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that offer a mix of system and appliance coverage. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $85.
Read our Choice Home Warranty full review to learn more. 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 McHenry, Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty. The 3 home warranty plans that Select offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. With a home warranty from Select, you can benefit from a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Not to mention, it 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 offer a mix of system and appliance coverage. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
Read our Select Home Warranty full review to learn more. 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 McHenry, American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty. The 3 home warranty plans that AHS offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. With a home warranty from AHS, you can benefit from the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Not to mention, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that offer a mix of system and appliance coverage. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
Read our American Home Shield full review to learn more. 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 McHenry, Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. The 3 home warranty plans that Cinch offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. With a home warranty from Cinch, you can benefit from a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Not to mention, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that offer a mix of system and appliance coverage. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
Read our Cinch Home Services full review to learn more. 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 McHenry, The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service. The 2 home warranty plans that HSC offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. With a home warranty from HSC, you can benefit from quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Not to mention, it 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 offer a mix of system and appliance coverage. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
Read our The Home Service Club full review to learn more. 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 | $6,258 |
| Heating | $4,172 |
| Electrical | $626 |
| Toilets | $521 |
| Washer/Dryer | $834 |
| Plumbing | $626 |
| Oven | $1,669 |
| Fridge | $626 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps McHenry homeowners lower the high costs of household repairs. These plans offer financial protection to fix or replace appliances and systems that break down from normal wear and tear.
Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty company then arranges 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 reassurance to homeowners, as it helps prevent expensive 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 help protect both your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances include microwaves, dishwashers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, washers, dryers, and others. Covered systems include electrical, heating, plumbing, and air conditioning. Many home warranty plans also offer add-on coverage options for septic systems, central vacuums, locksmiths, and even roof leaks. McHenry 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.
Here are some essential home warranty words to understand before signing a contract:
There are several important factors to consider when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage differs significantly when it comes to what's covered. Most plans provide coverage for electrical, AC, heating, plumbing, and appliances. More inclusive options also cover other items such as well pumps, roof leaks, spas, and pools. Look for companies with flexible coverage choices, including upgraded plans. This helps you customize your plan to your needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee that can range from $60 to $100, which gets paid per repair request filed. The per-request costs can add up. You may decide to look for providers with lower service fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles when customers go a period with no claims filed.
A home warranty company's reputation provides insights into factors such as repair speed, claim approval rates, contractor expertise, and customer satisfaction. Look at review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to learn more about companies. Positive ratings and feedback suggest a company known for providing quality service.
Home warranty providers use networks of local repair professionals to manage repairs in a given area. Reach out to potential businesses to learn the number of repair professionals they have in McHenry and get an idea of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Wider networks raise the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Certain home warranty companies include perks such as energy-efficient upgrades, protection for smart home devices, and discounts on maintenance. These offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra perks can enhance your home and maximize your home warranty.
Home warranty policies are a great way to guard your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in McHenry hitting an average high of 56℃F, you may find that some appliances, such as your air conditioning unit, get a lot of use. A home warranty can significantly lower out-of-pocket expenses should your HVAC system stop working.
Not only can a home warranty save you money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time too. Instead of needing to vet service technicians yourself, home warranty companies do the work for you and send pre-screened technicians right to your door when you need them. Additionally, though it varies by company, some providers will let you transfer your warranty if you sell your home. This can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and help your home sell faster.
One of the major drawbacks of home warranties is not everything may be covered. It’s important to research the different policies and purchase one that covers all the appliances, systems, and add-ons you need.
Another thing to consider is that some providers don’t cover pre-existing issues and may require an inspection before coverage begins. Ask the home warranty provider for clarification about it if you need more information or if this is a problem for you.
A home warranty costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in McHenry. 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 usually cheaper 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 protects against normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. A homeowners insurance plan protects your home in case of something such as a fire or natural disaster. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you will not be able to file a claim should you need a new washing machine or stove, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which isn't that common in McHenry.
Homebuyers, real estate agents, landlords, home sellers, and homeowners can all get home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your house more attractive to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
A home warranty policy 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 useful if you want to save some money.
Home warranty plans typically offer coverage for a year. Many companies let you renew your plan annually, and some offer month-to-month plans as well.
Usually the homeowner is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the one selling the home may purchase a home warranty plan and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then be responsible for the service fees when using the policy. Considering that the average home value in McHenry is $266,813, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.
