Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
With cold winters in Baker City, your home systems can go through quite a bit of wear and tear. There’s nothing worse than having your heater go out in the middle of winter. A home warranty is a way to protect your savings account 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 best warranty for your home can be time-consuming, so our team at Today's Homeowner has done the research to help you find the best home warranty companies in Baker City. Read on for our top provider 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 offers the most trustworthy home warranty for Baker City residents. Liberty is a home warranty company with 6 years of experience in the industry, and it has become one of the best providers in the business. With a home warranty from Liberty, you can enjoy a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Not to mention, it has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry. The 3 plans from Liberty are comprehensive and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
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 with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $75.
To read more, visit our Liberty Home Guard Review. To receive 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
Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty for Baker City residents. Choice is a home warranty company with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has become one of the best providers in the business. With a home warranty from Choice, you can enjoy very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Not to mention, it has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. The 2 plans from Choice are comprehensive and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
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 with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $85.
To read more, visit our Choice Home Warranty Review. To receive 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
Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty for Baker City residents. Select is a home warranty company with 11 years of experience in the industry, and it has become one of the best providers in the business. With a home warranty from Select, you can enjoy a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Not to mention, it has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. The 3 plans from Select are comprehensive and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
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 with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
To read more, visit our Select Home Warranty Review. To receive 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
American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty for Baker City residents. AHS is a home warranty company with 26 years of experience in the industry, and it has become one of the best providers in the business. With a home warranty from AHS, you can enjoy the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Not to mention, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. The 3 plans from AHS are comprehensive and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
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 with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To read more, visit our American Home Shield Review. To receive 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
First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage for Baker City residents. First American is a home warranty company with 39 years of experience in the industry, and it has become one of the best providers in the business. With a home warranty from First American, you can enjoy very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. Not to mention, 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. The 2 plans from First American are comprehensive and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
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 with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
To read more, visit our First American Home Warranty Review. To receive 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
Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee for Baker City residents. Cinch is a home warranty company with 44 years of experience in the industry, and it has become one of the best providers in the business. With a home warranty from Cinch, you can enjoy a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Not to mention, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. The 3 plans from Cinch are comprehensive and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
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 with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To read more, visit our Cinch Home Services Review. To receive 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
The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service for Baker City residents. HSC is a home warranty company with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has become one of the best providers in the business. With a home warranty from HSC, you can enjoy quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Not to mention, it 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 comprehensive and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
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 with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To read more, visit our The Home Service Club Review. To receive 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 | $5,702 |
| Heating | $3,801 |
| Electrical | $570 |
| Toilets | $475 |
| Washer/Dryer | $760 |
| Plumbing | $570 |
| Oven | $1,521 |
| Fridge | $570 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Baker City homeowners in reducing the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide coverage to replace or fix appliances and systems that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to handle the replacement or repair. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of the repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty plan gives homeowners a sense of security since it can help avoid expensive emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for people purchasing older homes or homes with systems near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with modern appliances and fixtures may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home's systems and appliances. Typical covered appliances are garbage disposals, microwaves, dryers, refrigerators, washers, dishwashers, and others. Protected systems include air conditioning, heating, electrical, and plumbing. Various home warranty plans offer add-on coverage for roof leaks, central vacuums, septic systems, and even locksmiths. Baker City homeowners should know that most home warranty plans impose a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. Additionally, most policies only help pay for repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, natural disasters, or misusing a system or appliance. Remember to keep up with preventative maintenance to help make sure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Before signing a home warranty contract, you should know key terms like:
When you're deciding on a home warranty provider, there are several key things to take into account:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans provide coverage for plumbing, electrical, heating, AC, and appliances. More inclusive plans may also cover extra things such as spas, roof leaks, pools, and well pumps. Look for providers with varied coverage options, including upgraded plans. This helps you customize your plan to your home's needs.
Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. As this charge applies to every separate claim, some homeowners prefer to choose a provider with more affordable fees to maximize savings on every claim. Some companies also remove deductibles when customers have a claim-free period.
A home warranty company's reputation provides insight into things such as approval rates, repair timeliness, contractor quality, and customer satisfaction. Check review platforms such as TrustPilot, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research companies. Positive ratings and feedback indicate a company known for great service.
Home warranty providers use networks of local repair contractors to manage repairs in a given area. Contact potential companies to learn the number of repair specialists they have in Baker City and get an idea of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Larger networks raise the chance of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Some home warranty providers provide bonuses such as energy efficiency upgrades, maintenance discounts, and smart home device protection. These add value beyond repair coverage. Extra bonuses help maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Baker City’s frigid winters can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty will 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 repairs, preventing you from spending a lot of money out of pocket.
Along with saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can give you peace of mind and save you the headache of trying to find a qualified technician to visit your home. Home warranties usually come with a network of pre-vetted contractors who can handle any repair problems you may come across. Another good thing about having a home warranty is if you want to sell your home, you can most likely transfer your home warranty plan to the new owners. This can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers and help your home sell faster.
Home warranties also have some drawbacks. Although it can be convenient that the home warranty sends out a repair technician who takes care of the repair for you, some people may not like this, and they may want to select a contractor themselves. If that’s important to you, some home warranty plans allow you to select a contractor.
Another potential pain point of home warranties is that they don’t cover systems or appliances that haven’t been properly maintained. This can lead to your repair requests being denied, so it’s important to carefully follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance of your home systems and appliances.
A home warranty policy costs, on average, around $300 to $600 a year in Baker City. Our top-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 opting for a higher service fee. Additionally, it's usually cheaper to pay annually rather than monthly.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty helps protect against normal wear and tear to home systems and appliances. Homeowners insurance protects your home in case of 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 dryer or dishwasher, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Baker City.
First-time homebuyers, homeowners, real estate agents, home sellers, and landlords 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.
The different kinds of home warranties in Baker City include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan covers almost all your systems and appliances, including your washing machine, drier, and plumbing. An appliance or system plan will cover only the specific items mentioned in the contract.
Generally, a home warranty policy offers coverage for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some companies may offer month-to-month plans.
In general, 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 is the one who paid for the policy. This can then be given to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees when using the policy. In Baker City, where the median home value is $335,588, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
