Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Buying a home is a big step for many people, but maintaining it can be expensive over time, especially if your home in Dubuque is on the older side. A home warranty policy can help protect homeowners by covering major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important systems and appliances.
The home warranty market has many providers — all with different plans — so the Today's Homeowner team has done the research to help you find the best home warranty companies in Dubuque.
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 Dubuque. Liberty has been on the market for about 6 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. Liberty has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. 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 has 3 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Liberty are an affordable $75. The coverage caps are also generally about $3,000 at the maximum.
To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or give them a call at 866-451-2281. Read our detailed review of Liberty Home Guard to learn more.
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 Dubuque. Choice has been on the market for about 15 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. Choice has 2 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. 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 has 2 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also generally about $3,000 at the maximum.
To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 929-400-6164. Read our detailed review of Choice Home Warranty to learn more.
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 Dubuque. Select has been on the market for about 11 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. Select has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. 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 has 3 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also generally about $2,000 at the maximum.
To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-370-3953. Read our detailed review of Select Home Warranty to learn more.
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 Dubuque. AHS has been on the market for about 26 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. AHS has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. 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 has 3 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also generally about $2,500 at the maximum.
To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-365-2839. Read our detailed review of American Home Shield to learn more.
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 offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage in Dubuque. First American has been on the market for about 39 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. First American has 2 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. 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 has 2 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from First American are a reasonable $85. The coverage caps are also generally about $1,500 at the maximum.
To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 833-204-7164. Read our detailed review of First American Home Warranty to learn more.
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 offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in Dubuque. Cinch has been on the market for about 44 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. Cinch has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. 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 has 3 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Cinch are customizable and range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also generally about $1,000-$2,000 at the maximum.
To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or give them a call at 877-589-0505. Read our detailed review of Cinch Home Services to learn more.
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 Dubuque. HSC has been on the market for about 15 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. HSC has 2 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. 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 has 2 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also generally about $2,000 at the maximum.
To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 800-750-9443. Read our detailed review of The Home Service Club to learn more.
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 | $5,878 |
Heating | $3,918 |
Electrical | $588 |
Toilets | $490 |
Washer/Dryer | $784 |
Plumbing | $588 |
Oven | $1,567 |
Fridge | $588 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Dubuque homeowners in reducing the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide coverage to replace or fix appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.
When something stops working, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then arranges a contractor to handle the replacement or repair. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement costs exceed the item's coverage limit. A home warranty provides peace of mind for homeowners by helping them prevent expensive emergency repairs. They're particularly valuable for those who live in older homes or ones with aging systems. More modern builds with modern appliances probably don’t require a home warranty.
Home warranties help protect your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered under a home warranty include dryers, dishwashers, microwaves, refrigerators, garbage disposals, washers, and others. Covered systems include plumbing, air conditioning, heating, and electrical. Many home warranty plans also offer add-on coverage options for septic systems, locksmiths, central vacuums, and even roof leaks. Dubuque homeowners should know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day waiting period before they can be used to cover repairs. Additionally, policies typically only cover repairs and replacements that result from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover things like pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, cosmetic issues, or improper use of a system or appliance. It's important to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure that your next repair or replacement will be covered by the policy.
Here are some essential home warranty words to understand before signing a contract:
There are several key factors to consider when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans include protection for electrical, plumbing, heating, AC, and appliances. More comprehensive options may also include other things such as pools, roof leaks, spas, and well pumps. Look for companies with varied coverage options, including upgraded plans. This helps you customize your plan to your home's needs.
You'll pay a repair fee, normally ranging from $60–100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These fees to accumulate quickly with each claim, so you may seek out companies advertising more affordable fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain providers may waive deductibles when a homeowner submits no claims in a defined period.
A home warranty company's reputation can give you insight into things such as repair timeliness, approval rates, contractor quality, and customer satisfaction. Use review platforms such as TrustPilot, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research companies. Positive ratings and feedback indicate a company known for exceptional service.
Home warranty companies have networks of local professionals to handle repairs in your area. Reach out to potential providers to learn how many repair technicians they have in Dubuque and get an idea for how quickly your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. Wider networks raise the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.
Certain home warranty providers offer perks such as protection for smart home devices, energy-efficient upgrades, and discounts on maintenance. These bonuses can provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra perks enhance your home and maximize your home warranty.
Since temperatures in Dubuque can be quite cold in the winter, the weather can put a lot of strain on your HVAC system. Getting a home warranty plan can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances breaks unexpectedly.
Not only can a home warranty save you money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time as well. Instead of needing to vet service technicians by yourself, home warranty companies do the work for you and send pre-screened technicians right to your door when you need them. Another added benefit of having home warranty coverage is that it can increase 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 company you have your home warranty with.
One disadvantage of signing up for a home warranty is that there are often exclusions. For example, if you already have a manufacturer's warranty on one of your appliances, it may not be covered under the home warranty, so it’s important to read through any contracts you’re considering carefully to get a sense of what is included and what isn’t.
Another consideration is that home warranties usually only cover repairs needed due to normal wear and tear. They often won’t cover systems or appliances that have stopped working due to natural disasters, animal infestations, improper maintenance, etc.
A home warranty in Dubuque can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. The higher-priced plans typically have higher coverage limits, a lower service fee, and broader coverage. You can often lower this cost by paying annually instead of monthly. Some providers will also reduce your up-front costs when you agree to a higher service fee.
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 a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. With homeowners insurance, you won't be able to file a claim should you need a new washing machine or dishwasher, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Dubuque.
First-time homebuyers, home sellers, landlords, homeowners, and real estate agents are all eligible for 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 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.
Home warranty plans generally last 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 for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the home seller may buy 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. Since the average home value in Dubuque is $219,244, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.