Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
The cost of maintaining a home in Waterloo can be expensive, particularly as your home ages and your appliances and systems have to be updated or repaired. A home warranty is a way to protect your bank account from unexpected home repairs and expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be significantly lower and give you some peace of mind.
The home warranty market has many providers — all with different price points — so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you choose the best home warranty companies in Waterloo.
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 Waterloo residents. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. 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 plans that Liberty offers to homeowners are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. The coverage limits from Liberty are about $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $75, which is less than other providers in the Waterloo area.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our Liberty Home Guard Review. To receive 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
Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty for Waterloo residents. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. 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 plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan. The coverage limits from Choice are about $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $85, which is less than other providers in the Waterloo area.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our Choice Home Warranty Review. To receive 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
Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty for Waterloo residents. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. 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 plans that Select offers to homeowners are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. The coverage limits from Select are about $2,000. The service fees are a reasonable $60, which is less than other providers in the Waterloo area.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our Select Home Warranty Review. To receive 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
American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty for Waterloo residents. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. 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 plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. The coverage limits from AHS are about $2,500. The service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, which is less than other providers in the Waterloo area.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our American Home Shield Review. To receive 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
First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage for Waterloo residents. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. First American has established itself as a company with very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. 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 plans that First American offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. The coverage limits from First American are about $1,500. The service fees are a reasonable $85, which is less than other providers in the Waterloo area.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our First American Home Warranty Review. To receive 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
Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee for Waterloo residents. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. 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 plans that Cinch offers to homeowners are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. The coverage limits from Cinch are about $1,000-$2,000. The service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, which is less than other providers in the Waterloo area.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our Cinch Home Services Review. To receive 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
The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service for Waterloo residents. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. 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 plans that HSC offers to homeowners are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. The coverage limits from HSC are about $2,000. The service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, which is less than other providers in the Waterloo area.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our The Home Service Club Review. To receive 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 | $5,846 |
Heating | $3,897 |
Electrical | $585 |
Toilets | $487 |
Washer/Dryer | $779 |
Plumbing | $585 |
Oven | $1,559 |
Fridge | $585 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Waterloo homeowners in reducing the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer coverage to swap out or repair appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then arranges a contractor to handle the replacement or fix. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of the repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty plan gives homeowners a sense of security and can help avoid expensive emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for people purchasing older homes or homes with appliances near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with modern appliances and fixtures may not require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home's systems and appliances. Common covered appliances are dishwashers, microwaves, refrigerators, garbage disposals, dryers, washers, and more. Protected systems include plumbing, electrical, heating, and air conditioning. Many home warranty plans offer extra coverage for roof leaks, septic systems, central vacuums, and even locksmiths. Most home warranty plans require Waterloo homeowners to refrain from making claims for 30 days before they can use the policy to pay for repairs. Additionally, policies typically only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, cosmetic issues, or misuse of a system or appliance. To make sure your next repair or replacement is covered, keep up with preventative maintenance.
There are a number of home warranty terms to know before signing an agreement, including:
There are several key considerations when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans include protection for plumbing, heating, electrical, AC, and appliances. More comprehensive options may also include extra things such as spas, well pumps, pools, and roof leaks. Look for a provider that offers comprehensive coverage choices, including upgraded plans. Flexibility is important when trying to fit a home warranty to your home's specific systems and needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee, usually falling in the $60 to $100 range, which gets paid per service call made. 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 reputation provides insights into factors such as repair speed, contractor expertise, claim approval rates, and customer satisfaction. Look at review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to learn more about providers. Favorable ratings and feedback suggest a company known for delivering quality service.
Home warranty providers use networks of local repair professionals to manage repairs in a given area. Reach out to potential companies to learn the number of repair specialists they have in Waterloo 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 swiftly service your home.
Certain home warranty providers offer extras such as energy-efficient upgrades, protection for smart home devices, and discounts on maintenance. These can provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra perks enhance your home and help maximize your home warranty.
Temperatures in Waterloo can vary greatly throughout the year, which means your air conditioner and heating systems are likely to get a lot of use. As a homeowner in Waterloo, one benefit of having a home warranty is knowing that these home systems and major appliances can be covered if they have to be repaired or replaced.
Not only can a home warranty save you money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time too. Instead of having to vet contractors on your own, home warranty providers do the work for you and send a contractor from their network right to your door when you need them. A home warranty can also yield value in other ways. For instance, some policies can be transferred between owners when you sell your home.
As for the drawbacks of home warranties, home system and appliance coverage varies by company, so it’s important to review what each plan covers and doesn’t include in the contract.
Another thing to keep in mind is that some companies don’t cover pre-existing problems and may require an inspection before your coverage can begin. Ask the home warranty company for clarification about it if you aren’t sure or if this is an issue for you.
A home warranty costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Waterloo. 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 choosing a higher service fee. Additionally, it's typically less expensive to pay annually rather than monthly.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what types of damage they cover. Home warranty plans cover issues with systems and appliances that need repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different insurance that protects the entire home from natural disasters, which might not be too much of a concern in Waterloo. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system repairs.
A home warranty plan can help investors, homeowners, home sellers, homebuyers, and real estate agents. It can provide peace of mind and savings to anyone involved in homeownership.
A home warranty plan can cover your home’s 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're concerned about one more than the other.
Home warranty plans generally offer coverage for a year. Many companies let you renew your plan yearly, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Typically, the person who owns the home pays for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the home seller 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. Considering that the average home value in Waterloo is $136,590, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.