Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Homeownership in Northbrook can be exciting for many people, but it also comes with its fair share of headaches. Updating your home’s systems and appliances can be an unexpected financial burden for many homeowners. A home warranty in Northbrook can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs by covering repairs or replacements to major home systems and appliances that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
Finding the right warranty for your home can be difficult, so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you find the top home warranty companies in Northbrook. Read on for our home warranty 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
In Northbrook, Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty. The 3 plans from Liberty are easy to comprehend and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage. If you’re looking for a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit, Liberty is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
Liberty Home Guard offers 3 plans for Northbrook homeowners. The Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage limits from Liberty are about $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $75, which is cheaper than other providers in the Northbrook area.
Read our Liberty Home Guard full review to learn more. To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Northbrook, Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty. The 2 plans from Choice are easy to comprehend and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage. If you’re looking for very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts, Choice is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
Choice Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Northbrook homeowners. The Basic Plan and Total Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage limits from Choice are about $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $85, which is cheaper than other providers in the Northbrook area.
Read our Choice Home Warranty full review to learn more. To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Northbrook, Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty. The 3 plans from Select are easy to comprehend and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage. If you’re looking for a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan, Select is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
Select Home Warranty offers 3 plans for Northbrook homeowners. The Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage limits from Select are about $2,000. The service fees are a reasonable $60, which is cheaper than other providers in the Northbrook area.
Read our Select Home Warranty full review to learn more. To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Northbrook, American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty. The 3 plans from AHS are easy to comprehend and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage. If you’re looking for the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home, AHS is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
American Home Shield offers 3 plans for Northbrook homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage limits from AHS are about $2,500. The service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, which is cheaper than other providers in the Northbrook area.
Read our American Home Shield full review to learn more. To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Northbrook, First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage. The 2 plans from First American are easy to comprehend and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage. If you’re looking for very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage, First American is the perfect provider for you. 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 Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Northbrook homeowners. The Basic Plan and Premier Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage limits from First American are about $1,500. The service fees are a reasonable $85, which is cheaper than other providers in the Northbrook area.
Read our First American Home Warranty full review to learn more. To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Northbrook, Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. The 3 plans from Cinch are easy to comprehend and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage. If you’re looking for a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done, Cinch is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
Cinch Home Services offers 3 plans for Northbrook homeowners. The Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage limits from Cinch are about $1,000-$2,000. The service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, which is cheaper than other providers in the Northbrook area.
Read our Cinch Home Services full review to learn more. To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Northbrook, The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service. The 2 plans from HSC are easy to comprehend and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage. 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, HSC is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it 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 offers 2 plans for Northbrook homeowners. The Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage limits from HSC are about $2,000. The service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, which is cheaper than other providers in the Northbrook area.
Read our The Home Service Club full review to learn more. To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 | $6,014 |
Heating | $4,010 |
Electrical | $601 |
Toilets | $501 |
Washer/Dryer | $802 |
Plumbing | $601 |
Oven | $1,604 |
Fridge | $601 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Northbrook homeowners in reducing the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide financial coverage to swap out or repair appliances and systems that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to handle the replacement or repair. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement costs go over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives peace of mind to homeowners, as it helps prevent expensive emergency repairs. Home warranties are particularly useful for older construction homes with aging systems. New homes with modern appliances might not need a home warranty.
Home warranties protect your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered include microwaves, garbage disposals, refrigerators, dryers, dishwashers, washers, and more. Covered systems are normally plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical. Many home warranty companies provide add-on coverage for septic systems, roof leaks, central vacuums, and locksmiths. Northbrook should understand that most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. The majority of policies also only cover repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or misusing a system or appliance. Be diligent about completing preventative maintenance to ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
There are several home warranty terms to understand before signing an agreement, including:
There are several important considerations when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranties have significant variation in what they include. Basic plans typically include plumbing, AC, heating, electrical, and appliances, while more comprehensive plans may also cover roof leaks, well pumps, pools, and spas. Look for companies with an assortment of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. You'll want to tailor your protection for your needs.
You'll pay a standard service fee of around $60 to $100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These fees to accumulate quickly with each claim, so you may look for companies advertising lower service 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 provider's reputation provides insights into factors such as contractor expertise, repair speed, claim approval rates, and customer satisfaction. Read through review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to learn more about providers. Favorable reviews and ratings suggest a company known for providing quality service.
Home warranty providers use networks of local repair technicians to manage repairs in a given area. Contact potential companies to ask how many repair professionals they have in Northbrook and get an idea of how fast your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Larger networks raise the probability of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Some home warranty providers may include perks such as reduced maintenance fees, smart home device coverage, and energy efficiency upgrades. These extras can provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Added bonuses allow you to enhance your home and get the most from your warranty policy.
Northbrook’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 is designed to cover your home’s appliances and systems in the event they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner stops working in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the repairs, preventing you from spending unexpected money out of pocket.
As well as saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can offer you peace of mind and save you the hassle of trying to find a qualified contractor to visit your home. Home warranties usually have a network of pre-vetted technicians who can handle any repair issues you may experience. Additionally, though home warranty companies vary, some providers will allow you to transfer your warranty if you sell your home. This can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers and maybe even help your home sell faster.
As for the disadvantages of home warranties, coverage varies by company, so it’s important to review what each plan covers and doesn’t include in the contract.
Another potential pain point of home warranties is that they don’t cover systems or appliances that have been improperly maintained. This can lead to your claims being denied, so it’s important to make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance of your home systems and appliances.
A home warranty plan costs, on average, around $300 to $600 a year in Northbrook. Our top-rated home warranty companies' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can decrease 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. Homeowners insurance protects a home in a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. With homeowners insurance, you won't be able to file a claim should you need a new refrigerator or air conditioner, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which can be a threat in Northbrook.
A home warranty plan can help investors, homebuyers, home sellers, real estate agents, and homeowners. It can offer peace of mind to anyone involved in homeownership.
A home warranty policy can cover your appliances, systems, or both. Combination plans are great 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 lasts 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, when buying a new home, sometimes the seller is the one who paid for the policy. This can then be transferred to the new homeowner, who will pay the service fees. In Northbrook, where the median value of a home is $216,098, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.