Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Madison gives homeowners some great living options and the opportunity to enjoy all four seasons. However, temperatures can put quite a strain on your home’s systems, such as your HVAC. A home warranty policy can help protect you by covering major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important appliances and systems.
The home warranty market is saturated with a lot of providers — all with different plans — so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you choose the best home warranty companies in Madison.
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 in Madison. Liberty has been in the home warranty business for over 6 years. When you purchase a policy from Liberty, you will get a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Liberty Home Guard also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry. The 3 plans from Liberty are easy to understand and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
Liberty Home Guard has 3 plans that offer a mix of appliance and system coverage. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $75.
For more information, read our Liberty Home Guard Review. To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, you can 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 in Madison. Choice has been in the home warranty business for over 15 years. When you purchase a policy from Choice, you will get very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Choice Home Warranty also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. The 2 plans from Choice are easy to understand and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that offer a mix of appliance and system coverage. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $85.
For more information, read our Choice Home Warranty Review. To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can 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 in Madison. Select has been in the home warranty business for over 11 years. When you purchase a policy from Select, you will get a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Select Home Warranty also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. The 3 plans from Select are easy to understand and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
Select Home Warranty has 3 plans that offer a mix of appliance and system coverage. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
For more information, read our Select Home Warranty Review. To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can 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 in Madison. AHS has been in the home warranty business for over 26 years. When you purchase a policy from AHS, you will get the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. American Home Shield also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. The 3 plans from AHS are easy to understand and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that offer a mix of appliance and system coverage. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
For more information, read our American Home Shield Review. To get a free quote from American Home Shield, you can 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 in Madison. First American has been in the home warranty business for over 39 years. When you purchase a policy from First American, you will get very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. First American Home Warranty 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 plans from First American are easy to understand and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
First American Home Warranty has 2 plans that offer a mix of appliance and system coverage. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
For more information, read our First American Home Warranty Review. To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can 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 in Madison. Cinch has been in the home warranty business for over 44 years. When you purchase a policy from Cinch, you will get a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Cinch Home Services also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. The 3 plans from Cinch are easy to understand and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that offer a mix of appliance and system 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 make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
For more information, read our Cinch Home Services Review. To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can 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 in Madison. HSC has been in the home warranty business for over 15 years. When you purchase a policy from HSC, you will get quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. The Home Service Club also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee. The 2 plans from HSC are easy to understand and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
The Home Service Club has 2 plans that offer a mix of appliance and system coverage. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
For more information, read our The Home Service Club Review. To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can 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 | $6,509 |
Heating | $4,339 |
Electrical | $651 |
Toilets | $542 |
Washer/Dryer | $868 |
Plumbing | $651 |
Oven | $1,736 |
Fridge | $651 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps Madison homeowners reduce the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide financial coverage to fix or swap out 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 arranges a contractor to handle the fix 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 gives homeowners reassurance by helping avoid high-priced emergency repairs. The coverage is particularly helpful for those living in older houses or houses with fixtures near the end of their life span. However, homeowners with newer homes and functioning appliances may not require a home warranty.
Home warranties protect your home's systems and appliances. Common covered appliances include refrigerators, garbage disposals, washers, dryers, microwaves, dishwashers, and more. Covered systems include electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning. Many home warranty plans offer additional coverage for septic systems, central vacuums, roof leaks, and even locksmiths. Madison should understand that most home warranty plans have a waiting period of 30 days before repair claims will be approved. The majority of policies also only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or misuse of a system or appliance. Be diligent about completing preventative maintenance to ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Home warranties use several terms that you'll want to learn before signing a contract, such as:
When you're deciding on a home warranty provider, there are several key things to take into account:
Home warranties vary widely in terms of included coverage. Basic plans typically include electrical, AC, heating, plumbing, and appliances, while more comprehensive plans may also cover pools, roof leaks, spas, and well pumps. Look for companies with varied coverage options, including upgraded plans. This helps you tailor protection to your needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a repair fee that typically ranges between $60 and $100, which is paid per repair request filed. The costs from multiple fees can add up. You may decide to look for providers with lower service fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some firms also offer disappearing deductibles when customers go a period with no claims filed.
A home warranty company's reputation can offer insight into things such as contractor quality, speed of repairs, approval rates for claims, and customer satisfaction. Look at 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 quality service.
Home warranty providers maintain networks of contractors to handle covered repairs. Larger networks improve the probability of getting qualified technicians to service your home ASAP. Contact potential providers to find out how many contractors they have in Madison to get a sense of how soon your repairs could be handled in an emergency.
Home warranty providers might include bonuses such as coverage for smart home devices, energy efficiency upgrades, and maintenance discounts. These extras can add value beyond basic repair coverage. Additional perks help maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Since temperatures in Madison can be quite hot in the summer, the weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioning unit and HVAC system. Buying a home warranty can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances breaks suddenly.
Along with saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can provide you peace of mind and save you the pain of trying to find a qualified technician to visit your home. Home warranties usually come with a network of pre-vetted technicians who can handle any repair issues you may come across. Another benefit of having a home warranty is while selling your home, some providers let you transfer your home warranty policy to the new owners. It can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers and may help your home sell faster.
One disadvantage of getting a home warranty is that there are often exclusions. For instance, if one of your appliances already has a manufacturer's warranty, it may not be included in the home warranty, so it’s important to read through the contracts you’re considering carefully to understand what is included and what isn’t.
Another drawback is that home warranties may exclude some repairs, such as those due to natural disasters. For example, if your HVAC system is damaged from an animal infestation, the affected systems and appliances probably won’t be covered by the home warranty.
A home warranty in Madison can cost between $30 and $60 a month. The higher-priced plans usually have a lower service fee, higher coverage limits, and broader coverage. This cost is often lower if you pay 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 types of damage each covers. A home warranty plan helps protect against normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. A homeowners insurance plan protects your home in a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. With homeowners insurance, you won't be able to file a claim if you need a new refrigerator or stove, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Madison.
First-time homebuyers, real estate agents, home sellers, landlords, and homeowners 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.
The different types of home warranties in Madison include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan will cover your home systems and appliances, such as your washing machine, drier, and heating and cooling systems. An appliance or system plan will cover only the items mentioned in the plan.
Generally, a home warranty plan offers coverage for a year and can be renewed annually. Some providers may offer month-to-month plans.
Generally, the homeowner is the one who is responsible for paying the premium and service fees. However, if you have just bought a new home, sometimes the seller will pay for the policy. This can then be transferred to the new homeowner, who will pay the service fees. In Madison, where the median home value is $82,784, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.