Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Although homeownership in Mason City has many perks — such as being surrounded by nature — there are also downsides. One major issue many homeowners have to deal with eventually is updating or repairing their home systems and appliances. A home warranty is a way to protect your savings from unexpected home repairs and 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.
Choosing the best home warranty on the market can be a challenge because of the many options out there. If you're overwhelmed by trying to compare them all, keep reading for our guide to the top home warranty providers in Mason City.
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 Mason City, Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty. If you’re looking for a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry. Liberty has 3 plans for you to choose from.
Liberty Home Guard has 3 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $75.
To read more, visit our comprehensive 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 Mason City, Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty. If you’re looking for very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. Choice has 2 plans for you to choose from.
Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $85.
To read more, visit our comprehensive 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 Mason City, Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty. If you’re looking for a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. Select has 3 plans for you to choose from.
Select Home Warranty has 3 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
To read more, visit our comprehensive 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 Mason City, American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty. If you’re looking for the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. AHS has 3 plans for you to choose from.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To read more, visit our comprehensive 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 Mason City, First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage. If you’re looking for very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it 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 has 2 plans for you to choose from.
First American Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
To read more, visit our comprehensive 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 Mason City, Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. If you’re looking for a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. Cinch has 3 plans for you to choose from.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. 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 be sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To read more, visit our comprehensive 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 Mason City, The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service. If you’re looking for quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee. HSC has 2 plans for you to choose from.
The Home Service Club has 2 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To read more, visit our comprehensive 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 | $5,850 |
| Heating | $3,900 |
| Electrical | $585 |
| Toilets | $487 |
| Washer/Dryer | $780 |
| Plumbing | $585 |
| Oven | $1,560 |
| Fridge | $585 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Mason City homeowners reduce the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer coverage to fix or replace appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to handle the repair or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty delivers security for homeowners by helping them avoid expensive emergency repairs. They're particularly useful for those who live in older homes or ones with aging systems. More modern homes with modern fixtures probably don’t require a home warranty.
Home warranties help protect both your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered under a home warranty include washers, garbage disposals, dishwashers, dryers, refrigerators, microwaves, and others. Covered systems include air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and heating. Many home warranty plans offer additional add-on coverage options for septic systems, central vacuums, locksmiths, and even roof leaks. Most home warranty plans require Mason City homeowners to refrain from making claims for 30 days before the plan will cover repairs. Moreover, policies usually only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, natural disasters, or misuse of a system or appliance. To help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered, keep up with preventative maintenance.
There are a number of home warranty terms to learn before signing an agreement, including:
When selecting a home warranty provider, there are several important factors to consider:
Home warranties differ greatly in the items covered. Basic policies typically provide protection for heating, AC, electrical, plumbing, and appliances, while more comprehensive options may also cover spas, roof leaks, well pumps, and pools. Look for providers with an assortment of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. You'll want to tailor your protection for your needs.
You'll pay a repair fee, normally ranging from $60–100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These per-claim charges can quickly add up, so you may seek out companies advertising lower service fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain companies may eliminate deductibles if homeowners don't submit any claims within a set period of time.
A home warranty company's reputation can give you insight into things such as contractor quality, approval rates, repair timeliness, and customer satisfaction. Use review platforms such as Google Reviews, TrustPilot, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research companies. Positive ratings and feedback indicate a provider known for great service.
Home warranty providers have networks of professionals to handle covered repairs. Larger networks improve the likelihood of getting qualified technicians to quickly service your home. Contact potential providers to find out how many contractors they have in Mason City to get a sense of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency.
Certain home warranty companies provide perks such as discounts on maintenance, protection for smart home devices, and energy-efficient upgrades. These provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra perks enhance your home and maximize your home warranty.
Temperatures in Mason City can vary greatly throughout the year, which means your air conditioner and heating systems are most likely going to get a lot of use. As a homeowner in Mason City, one of the benefits of having a home warranty is that these home systems and major appliances can be covered in the event they need to be repaired or replaced.
Plus, having a home warranty can save you time by eliminating the need to research repair people — most providers will send a trusted professional right to your door to complete the necessary repair or replacement. A home warranty can also yield value in other ways. For instance, some policies can be transferred to another owner during a home sale.
One of the main drawbacks of home warranties is not everything may be covered. It’s important to research the different policies and opt for one that covers all the appliances, systems, and add-ons you need.
Another thing to take into consideration is that some providers don’t cover pre-existing issues and may require an inspection before your coverage can start. Ask the home warranty provider for clarification about this if you need more information or if this is an issue for you.
A home warranty in Mason City can cost between $30 and $60 a month. The higher-priced plans usually have a lower service fee, broader coverage, and higher coverage limits. Home warranties are often cheaper when you pay annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also lower 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 types of damage each covers. A home warranty protects against normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. Homeowners insurance protects a home in a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you will not be able to file a claim should you need a new washing machine or dishwasher, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Mason City.
First-time homebuyers, homeowners, home sellers, real estate agents, and landlords are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your property more appealing 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 generally provide coverage for a year. Many providers let you renew your plan each year, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
In general, the homeowner is the one who pays the premium and service fees. However, when buying a new home, sometimes the seller will pay for the policy. This can then be given to the new homeowner, who will pay the service fees when using the policy. In Mason City, where the median value of a home is $197,894, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
