Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Raytown gives homeowners some great housing options and the opportunity to enjoy all four seasons. However, temperatures can do a number on your home’s systems, such as your HVAC. A home warranty is a way to protect your budget 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.
Finding the right warranty for your home can be challenging, so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you find the best home warranty companies in Raytown. Keep reading for our recommendations.
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 Raytown. 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. Liberty has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy.
The 3 plans from Liberty Home Guard are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. 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.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of Liberty Home Guard. To receive 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 Raytown. 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. Choice has 2 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy.
The 2 plans from Choice Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Total Plan. 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.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of Choice Home Warranty. To receive 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 Raytown. 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. Select has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy.
The 3 plans from Select Home Warranty are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. 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.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of Select Home Warranty. To receive 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 Raytown. 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. AHS has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy.
The 3 plans from American Home Shield are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. 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.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of American Home Shield. To receive 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 Raytown. 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. First American has 2 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy.
The 2 plans from First American Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. 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.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of First American Home Warranty. To receive 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 Raytown. 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. Cinch has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy.
The 3 plans from Cinch Home Services are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. 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.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of Cinch Home Services. To receive 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 Raytown. 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. HSC has 2 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy.
The 2 plans from The Home Service Club are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. 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.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of The Home Service Club. To receive 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 | $6,031 |
| Heating | $4,021 |
| Electrical | $603 |
| Toilets | $503 |
| Washer/Dryer | $804 |
| Plumbing | $603 |
| Oven | $1,608 |
| Fridge | $603 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps Raytown homeowners in lowering the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide financial 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 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 gives peace of mind to homeowners, as it helps prevent costly emergency repairs. Home warranties are especially useful for older construction homes with aging systems. New homes with modern appliances might not require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances are dishwashers, dryers, refrigerators, washers, garbage disposals, microwaves, and more. Covered systems are normally heating, plumbing, electrical, and air conditioning. Many home warranty providers offer add-on coverage for septic systems, roof leaks, locksmiths, and central vacuums. It's important for Raytown homeowners to understand most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repair claims will be approved. Most 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 misusing a system or appliance. Stay current with preventative maintenance to ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Before agreeing to a home warranty contract, you should learn key terms like:
When selecting a home warranty provider, there are several key factors to consider:
Home warranty plans differ significantly in terms of coverage. Most plans cover electrical, heating, plumbing, AC, and appliances. More inclusive options also include coverage for other items such as well pumps, spas, roof leaks, and pools. Look for providers with flexible coverage choices, including upgraded plans. This allows you to 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. These per-claim charges can quickly add up, so you may seek out companies advertising more affordable fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain providers may eliminate deductibles after a customer goes a period of time with no claims filed.
A home warranty company's reputation provides insights into factors such as repair speed, contractor expertise, claim approval rates, and customer satisfaction. Check review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to learn more about providers. Good feedback and ratings suggest a company known for quality service.
Home warranty providers maintain networks of local contractors to handle repairs in your area. Contact potential providers to ask how many repair professionals they have in Raytown and get an idea for how fast your repairs might happen in an emergency situation. Wider networks increase the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Home warranty providers often offer perks such as maintenance discounts, energy efficiency upgrades, and coverage for smart home devices. These extras add value beyond basic repair coverage. Added perks maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Raytown’s relatively mild winters and hot summers can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty can cover your home’s appliances and systems in the event they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner fails in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the needed repairs, saving you from spending unexpected money out of pocket.
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 repair person to visit your home. Home warranties usually have a network of pre-vetted contractors who can handle any repair problems you may come across. A home warranty can also provide value in other ways. For instance, some plans can be transferred between owners during a home sale.
Home warranties also have some drawbacks. Although it can give you less to worry about since the home warranty sends out a service technician who takes care of the repair for you, some people may not like this, and they would prefer to select their own contractor. If that’s important to you, some home warranty plans let you choose a contractor.
Another thing to bear in mind is that some companies don’t cover pre-existing problems and may require an inspection before your coverage can start. Ask the home warranty provider for clarification about this if you aren’t sure or if this is an issue for you.
A home warranty costs, on average, around $300 to $600 a year in Raytown. Our high-rated home warranty providers' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can lower your monthly bill with some companies by opting for a higher service fee. In addition, it's usually cheaper to pay annually rather than monthly.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what types of damage each covers. A home warranty plan protects against normal wear and tear to home systems and appliances. A homeowners insurance plan protects your entire home in case of a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. Under homeowners insurance, you won't be able to file a claim should you need a new dryer or oven, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which can be a threat in Raytown.
First-time homebuyers, homeowners, real estate agents, landlords, and home sellers are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your property more attractive to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
A home warranty policy will cover your systems, appliances, or both. Combination plans are beneficial 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 offers coverage for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some providers may offer month-to-month options.
Usually, the homeowner is the one who is responsible for paying the premium and service fees. However, when buying a new home, sometimes the seller will pay for the policy. This can then be transferred to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees when using the policy. In Raytown, where the median value of a home is $195,289, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.
