Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
With hot summers and cool winters, working home systems and appliances, specifically HVAC, are extremely important for homeowners in Wauconda. A home warranty can help protect homeowners by lowering the costs of major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important appliances and systems.
The home warranty market is filled with a lot of providers — all with different price points — so our team at Today's Homeowner has done the research to help you choose the best home warranty companies in Wauconda.
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 in Wauconda. Liberty has been in the home warranty industry for over 6 years. Liberty has established itself as a company with a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. It also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry. The 3 plans that Liberty offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
The 3 plans from Liberty Home Guard are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $75.
For more information, read our review of Liberty Home Guard. To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, you can 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
Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty in Wauconda. Choice has been in the home warranty industry for over 15 years. Choice has established itself as a company with very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. It also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. The 2 plans that Choice offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
The 2 plans from Choice Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Total Plan. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $85.
For more information, read our review of Choice Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can 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
Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty in Wauconda. Select has been in the home warranty industry for over 11 years. Select has established itself as a company with a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. It also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. The 3 plans that Select offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
The 3 plans from Select Home Warranty are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
For more information, read our review of Select Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can 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
American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty in Wauconda. AHS has been in the home warranty industry for over 26 years. AHS has established itself as a company with the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. It also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. The 3 plans that AHS offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
The 3 plans from American Home Shield are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
For more information, read our review of American Home Shield. To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, you can 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
Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in Wauconda. Cinch has been in the home warranty industry for over 44 years. Cinch has established itself as a company with a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. It also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. The 3 plans that Cinch offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
The 3 plans from Cinch Home Services are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
For more information, read our review of Cinch Home Services. To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can 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
The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service in Wauconda. HSC has been in the home warranty industry for over 15 years. HSC has established itself as a company with quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. It also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee. The 2 plans that HSC offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
The 2 plans from The Home Service Club are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
For more information, read our review of The Home Service Club. To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can 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 | $6,605 |
| Heating | $4,403 |
| Electrical | $660 |
| Toilets | $550 |
| Washer/Dryer | $881 |
| Plumbing | $660 |
| Oven | $1,761 |
| Fridge | $660 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Wauconda homeowners in lowering the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer coverage to swap out or fix appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
When something stops working, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to handle the replacement or repair. 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 policy gives homeowners a sense of security and can help avoid costly emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for buyers of older homes or homes with appliances near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with modern appliances and fixtures may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties help protect both your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances include refrigerators, washers, dishwashers, dryers, microwaves, garbage disposals, and more. Covered systems include electrical, heating, plumbing, and air conditioning. Many home warranties offer additional add-on coverage options for septic systems, locksmiths, central vacuums, and even roof leaks. It's important for Wauconda homeowners to know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day period you must wait before they will cover the cost of any repairs. Additionally, most policies only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover things like pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, cosmetic issues, or damage caused by improperly using a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to ensure that your next repair or replacement is covered by the policy.
Here are some key home warranty words to learn before signing a contract:
There are several important factors to consider when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage differs significantly when it comes to what's covered. Most plans cover plumbing, heating, electrical, AC, and appliances. More robust coverage options also offer coverage on other items such as roof leaks, pools, spas, and well pumps. Look for companies with an array of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. You'll want to tailor your protection for your home’s needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a repair fee that typically ranges between $60 and $100, which is paid per claim you submit. These per-claim charges can add up. You may decide to look for companies with lower service fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some companies also offer disappearing deductibles when customers go a period with no claims filed.
A home warranty provider's rating provides insight into things such as timeliness of repairs, contractor quality, claim approval rates, and overall customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to research providers. Complimentary ratings and reviews indicate a company known for stellar service.
Home warranty companies have networks of technicians to handle covered repairs. Wider networks raise the probability of getting qualified technicians to swiftly service your home. Contact potential providers to find out how many contractors they have in Wauconda to get a sense of how soon your repairs could be handled in an emergency.
Certain home warranty providers offer perks such as protection for smart home devices, discounts on maintenance, and energy-efficient upgrades. These bonuses can offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Added perks can enhance your home and help maximize your home warranty.
Wauconda’s cold winters can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty is designed to cover your home’s appliances and systems if they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner breaks down in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the necessary repairs, saving you from spending a lot of money out of pocket.
As well as 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 technician to visit your home. Home warranties usually have a network of pre-vetted technicians who can handle any repair problems you may experience. Plus, having a home warranty can make your house more appealing to potential homebuyers if you ever decide to sell later. Many home warranty providers will allow you to transfer your policy to a new owner and give them the protection you’ve been receiving.
As for the downsides of home warranties, system and appliance coverage varies by provider, so it’s important to read what each policy covers and excludes in the contract.
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 besides normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.
A home warranty in Wauconda can cost between $30 and $60 a month. The higher-priced plans usually have higher coverage limits, broader coverage, and a lower service fee. You can often lower this cost by paying annually instead of monthly. Some providers will also lower your up-front costs when you opt for a higher service fee.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what types of damage they cover. Home warranty policies cover issues related to home systems and appliances that need repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a larger plan that protects the entire home from natural disasters, which might not be too much of a concern in Wauconda. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system damage.
A home warranty policy can help homebuyers, homeowners, investors, home sellers, and real estate agents. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved with homeownership.
A home warranty can cover your systems, appliances, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you'd like more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be useful if you want to save some money.
Generally, a home warranty policy offers coverage for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some companies may offer month-to-month plans.
Typically, the homeowner is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the person who is selling the home may buy a home warranty and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then have to pay the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in Wauconda is $293,193, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.
