Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
The cost of maintaining a home in Lake Station can be costly, especially as your home ages and your appliances and systems have to be repaired or replaced. A home warranty can bring you the peace of mind you need and protect your savings account from large expenses by covering your home’s major systems and appliances.
Finding the right protection for your home can be difficult, so our team at Today's Homeowner has done the research to help you find the best home warranty companies in Lake Station. Keep reading 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 Lake Station, Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty. Liberty has been in business for about 6 years, making it a well-regarded company 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 offers a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Plus, it also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
Liberty Home Guard offers 3 plans for Lake Station homeowners. The Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Liberty’s plans are around the $3,000 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $75.
Read more by visiting 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 Lake Station, Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty. Choice has been in business for about 15 years, making it a well-regarded company in the industry. The 2 home warranty plans that Choice offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. Choice offers very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Plus, it also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
Choice Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Lake Station homeowners. The Basic Plan and Total Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Choice’s plans are around the $3,000 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $85.
Read more by visiting 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 Lake Station, Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty. Select has been in business for about 11 years, making it a well-regarded company in the industry. The 3 home warranty plans that Select offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. Select offers a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Plus, it also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
Select Home Warranty offers 3 plans for Lake Station homeowners. The Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Select’s plans are around the $2,000 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $60.
Read more by visiting 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 Lake Station, American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty. AHS has been in business for about 26 years, making it a well-regarded company in the industry. The 3 home warranty plans that AHS offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. AHS offers the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Plus, it also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
American Home Shield offers 3 plans for Lake Station homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with AHS’s plans are around the $2,500 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
Read more by visiting 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
Established company with a bbb accreditation
Doesn’t have a coverage cap on heating, cooling, or ductwork
24/7 service calls available
Offers replacement of some covered items that are too damaged to repair
Doesn’t let customers choose their own contractor
According to some customer reviews, the technical jargon in contracts is confusing
In Lake Station, First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage. First American has been in business for about 39 years, making it a well-regarded company in the industry. The 2 home warranty plans that First American offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. First American offers very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. Plus, it also has a unique add-on alongside common ones called the First Class Upgrade, which covers fees associated with the use of lifting equipment, up to $250 per local building permits, haul away services, and appliances and systems that have been insufficiently installed or modified.
First American Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Lake Station homeowners. The Basic Plan and Premier Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with First American’s plans are around the $1,500 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $85.
Read more by visiting our review of First American Home Warranty. To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164.
Basic Plan
Premier Plan
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 Lake Station, Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. Cinch has been in business for about 44 years, making it a well-regarded company in the industry. The 3 home warranty plans that Cinch offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. Cinch offers a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Plus, it also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
Cinch Home Services offers 3 plans for Lake Station homeowners. The Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Cinch’s plans are around the $1,000-$2,000 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
Read more by visiting 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 Lake Station, The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC has been in business for about 15 years, making it a well-regarded company in the industry. The 2 home warranty plans that HSC offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. HSC offers quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Plus, it 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 offers 2 plans for Lake Station homeowners. The Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with HSC’s plans are around the $2,000 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
Read more by visiting 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 | $6,076 |
| Heating | $4,051 |
| Electrical | $608 |
| Toilets | $506 |
| Washer/Dryer | $810 |
| Plumbing | $608 |
| Oven | $1,620 |
| Fridge | $608 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Lake Station homeowners reduce the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer coverage to fix or swap out appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then arranges a contractor to handle the repair or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty policy gives homeowners a sense of security since it can help avoid expensive emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for buyers of 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.
Home warranties protect many household systems and appliances. Common covered appliances are microwaves, garbage disposals, washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, and others. Protected systems include plumbing, heating, electrical, and air conditioning. Various home warranty plans offer add-on coverage for central vacuums, roof leaks, septic systems, and even locksmiths. Lake Station homeowners should know that most home warranty plans impose a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. Additionally, most policies only address repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or misusing a system or appliance. You must keep up with preventative maintenance to help make sure your next repair or replacement is covered.
There are multiple home warranty terms to understand before signing an agreement, including:
When you're deciding on a home warranty provider, there are several important things to take into account:
Home warranty plans can have major differences in covered items. Most plans cover electrical, heating, plumbing, AC, and appliances. More inclusive options also extend protection to other items such as pools, roof leaks, well pumps, and spas. Focus on providers with an expansive array of coverage choices including upgraded plans. Flexibility like this will help you customize protection for your needs.
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 providers with more affordable per-claim fees to maximize savings. Some companies also offer disappearing deductibles when a homeowner goes a defined period without any repair requests.
A home warranty provider's reputation provides insights into factors such as contractor expertise, claim approval rates, repair speed, and customer satisfaction. Check review sites like TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to learn more about companies. Good feedback and ratings suggest a company known for providing quality service.
Home warranty companies use networks of local repair technicians to manage repairs in a given area. Contact potential providers to ask how many repair technicians they have in Lake Station and get an idea of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency. More extensive networks raise the probability of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.
Certain home warranty companies offer perks such as discounts on maintenance, energy-efficient upgrades, and protection for smart home devices. These offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra perks enhance your home and maximize your home warranty.
Home warranties are a great way to protect your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in Lake Station hitting an average high of 58℃F, you may find that certain appliances, such as your air conditioning unit, get a lot of use. A home warranty can remarkably bring down out-of-pocket expenses should your HVAC system break down.
In addition, having a home warranty can save you some time by getting rid of the need to research contractors — most companies will send a trusted professional right to your door to do the repair or replacement. A home warranty can also provide value in other ways. For example, some policies can be transferred to another owner when you sell your home.
Home warranties also have some downsides. Although it can save you time when the home warranty sends out a repair person who takes care of the repair for you, some may not like this, and they would rather choose a contractor themselves. If that’s the case for you, some home warranty companies allow you to choose a contractor.
Another consideration is that home warranties usually only cover repairs needed due to normal wear and tear. They often won’t cover home systems or appliances that have stopped working due to animal infestations, natural disasters, improper maintenance, etc.
A home warranty costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Lake Station. Our top-rated home warranty companies' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can decrease your monthly bill with some companies by choosing a higher service fee. In addition, it's often less expensive to pay annually rather than monthly.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what kinds of damage they cover. Home warranty plans cover issues related to home systems and appliances that need to be repaired or replaced due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a larger plan that protects an entire home from natural disasters, which might not be too much of a concern in Lake Station. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system damage.
A home warranty plan can help homebuyers, investors, homeowners, home sellers, and real estate agents. It can provide peace of mind to anyone involved in homeownership.
A home warranty policy will cover your systems, appliances, or both. Combination plans are great if you need more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be useful if you're concerned about one more than the other.
Home warranty plans generally offer coverage for a year. Many providers let you renew your plan each year, and some offer month-to-month plans as well.
Typically, the homeowner is responsible for paying the premium and service fees. However, if you have just bought 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 Lake Station, where the median value of a home is $140,910, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
