Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Owning a home in Munster has a lot of great benefits, but there are some downsides. The weather throughout the four seasons can cause problems in a home and lead to wear and tear on systems like your HVAC. A home warranty is a way to protect your savings from unexpected expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be considerably lower and give you some peace of mind.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be challenging because of the many options available. If you're tired of trying to compare them all, keep reading for our guide on the best home warranty providers in Munster.
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 is the most trustworthy home warranty for Munster residents. 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. The 3 home warranty plans that Liberty offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
Liberty Home Guard offers 3 plans for Munster homeowners. The Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard are the options they have, which contain 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 be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $75.
To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of Liberty Home Guard.
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 is the best overall home warranty for Munster residents. 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. The 2 home warranty plans that Choice offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
Choice Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Munster homeowners. The Basic Plan and Total Plan are the options they have, which contain 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 be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $85.
To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of Choice Home Warranty.
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 is the most cost-effective home warranty for Munster residents. 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. The 3 home warranty plans that Select offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
Select Home Warranty offers 3 plans for Munster 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. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of Select Home Warranty.
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 is the most customizable home warranty for Munster residents. 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. The 3 home warranty plans that AHS offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
American Home Shield offers 3 plans for Munster homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which contain 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 be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of American Home Shield.
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
First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage for Munster residents. 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. The 2 home warranty plans that First American offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
First American Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Munster homeowners. The Basic Plan and Premier Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of First American Home Warranty.
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
Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee for Munster residents. 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. The 3 home warranty plans that Cinch offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
Cinch Home Services offers 3 plans for Munster 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. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of Cinch Home Services.
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 is the best home warranty with the quickest service for Munster residents. 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 2 home warranty plans that HSC offers include options for appliance and system coverage.
The Home Service Club offers 2 plans for Munster homeowners. The Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan are the options they have, which contain 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 be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. For a more detailed breakdown, read our full review of The Home Service Club.
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 | $6,400 |
| Heating | $4,267 |
| Electrical | $640 |
| Toilets | $533 |
| Washer/Dryer | $853 |
| Plumbing | $640 |
| Oven | $1,707 |
| Fridge | $640 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Munster homeowners in reducing the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer coverage to replace or fix appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to handle the replacement or fix. 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 gives reassurance to homeowners, as it helps prevent expensive emergency repairs. Home warranties are the most useful for older construction homes with aging systems. New homes with up-to-date appliances may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many home systems and appliances. Covered appliances typically include microwaves, refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers, garbage disposals, and more. Covered systems include electrical, heating, plumbing, and air conditioning. Many home warranty providers also offer add-on coverage for central vacuums, locksmiths, roof leaks, and septic systems. Munster 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 cosmetic issues, natural disasters, 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.
Before agreeing to a home warranty contract, you should know key terms like:
There are several key considerations when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans provide coverage for plumbing, heating, electrical, AC, and appliances. More extensive plans may also provide protection for additional items such as pools, roof leaks, well pumps, and spas. Look for companies with flexible coverage choices, including upgraded plans. This helps you tailor protection to your needs.
You'll pay a standard service fee of around $60 to $100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. This fee is charged per request and can quickly add up, so you may look for companies advertising more affordable fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain companies may waive deductibles after a customer goes a period of time with no claims filed.
A home warranty provider's reputation can offer insight into things such as contractor quality, speed of repairs, approval rates for claims, and customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to research companies. Good ratings and reviews indicate that a provider is known for top-tier service.
Home warranty companies use networks of local repair technicians to manage repairs in a given area. Contact potential providers to learn the number of repair professionals they have in Munster and get an idea of how fast your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Larger networks increase the chance of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.
Some home warranty plans offer bonuses such as smart home device protection, maintenance discounts, and energy efficiency upgrades. These perks can add value beyond just repair coverage. Extra bonuses help maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Since temperatures in Munster can be quite cold in the winter, the weather can put a lot of strain on your HVAC system. Purchasing a home warranty plan can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances breaks down suddenly.
Additionally, having a home warranty can save you some time by removing the need to research repair people — most providers will send a trusted professional right to your door to carry out the repair or replacement. Another added benefit of having home warranty coverage is that it can raise your home’s property value. If you ever decide to sell your home, you may be able to transfer your home warranty plan to the new homebuyer depending on the provider you purchased your home warranty through.
Home warranties also have some cons. Though it can give you less to worry about since the home warranty sends out a contractor who handles the repair for you, some may not like this, and they would prefer to choose a contractor themselves. If that’s important to you, some home warranty providers allow you to choose a contractor.
Another drawback is that home warranties may not include some repairs, such as those needed because of natural disasters. For example, if your HVAC system is damaged from an animal infestation, the impacted systems and appliances probably won’t be covered by the home warranty.
A home warranty policy costs, on average, around $300 to $600 a year in Munster. Our high-rated home warranty companies' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can get a lower monthly payment with some companies by opting for 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 kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty plan covers normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. Homeowners insurance protects your home in case of something such as a natural disaster or fire. With homeowners insurance, you won't be able to file a claim if you need a new dryer or stove, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Munster.
Homebuyers, real estate agents, homeowners, landlords, and home sellers 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 can 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 a good idea if you want to save some money.
Generally, a home warranty plan lasts for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some companies may offer month-to-month plans.
Usually the homeowner pays for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the one selling the home may purchase 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 Munster is $334,425, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.
