Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Homeownership in Wheeling has lots of benefits, but it also comes with its difficulties. Your home’s appliances and systems will eventually need repairs, and this could mean a huge expense. A home warranty can help protect homeowners by reducing the costs of major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important appliances and systems.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be difficult, as there are lots of companies to decide between. That’s why the Today's Homeowner team did the research and put together a list of the top home warranty companies in Wheeling for you.
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 Wheeling, Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty. The 3 plans from Liberty are easily comprehensible and offer a mix of both system and appliance 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 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 be sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $75.
To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. For more information on this provider, read our review of Liberty Home Guard.
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 Wheeling, Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty. The 2 plans from Choice are easily comprehensible and offer a mix of both system and appliance 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 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 be sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $85.
To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. For more information on this provider, read our review of Choice Home Warranty.
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 Wheeling, Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty. The 3 plans from Select are easily comprehensible and offer a mix of both system and appliance 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 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 be sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. For more information on this provider, read our review of Select Home Warranty.
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 Wheeling, American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty. The 3 plans from AHS are easily comprehensible and offer a mix of both system and appliance 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 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 be sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. For more information on this provider, read our review of American Home Shield.
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 Wheeling, First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage. The 2 plans from First American are easily comprehensible and offer a mix of both system and appliance 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 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 be sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. For more information on this provider, read our review of First American Home Warranty.
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 Wheeling, Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. The 3 plans from Cinch are easily comprehensible and offer a mix of both system and appliance 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 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 be sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. For more information on this provider, read our review of Cinch Home Services.
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 Wheeling, The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service. The 2 plans from HSC are easily comprehensible and offer a mix of both system and appliance 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 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 be sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. For more information on this provider, read our review of The Home Service Club.
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 | $5,739 |
| Heating | $3,826 |
| Electrical | $574 |
| Toilets | $478 |
| Washer/Dryer | $765 |
| Plumbing | $574 |
| Oven | $1,530 |
| Fridge | $574 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps cut costs for Wheeling homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide coverage to repair or replace appliances and systems that break due to normal wear and tear.
Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to make the repair or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the cost of the repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives reassurance to homeowners because it helps prevent expensive emergency repairs. Home warranties are especially useful for owners of older homes or homes with aging systems. New homes with up-to-date appliances might not need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances are garbage disposals, dryers, dishwashers, microwaves, washers, refrigerators, and more. Covered systems are usually heating, electrical, plumbing, and air conditioning. Many home warranty companies offer add-on coverage for septic systems, locksmiths, central vacuums, and roof leaks. Most home warranty plans require Wheeling homeowners to refrain from making claims for 30 days before they can use the policy to pay for repairs. Additionally, policies normally only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or misuse of a system or appliance. To make sure your next repair or replacement is covered, keep up with preventative maintenance.
Home warranties use several terms that you'll want to learn before signing a contract, such as:
There are several key factors to consider when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage can have major differences in what's included. Most plans cover plumbing, AC, electrical, heating, and appliances. More inclusive options also include protection for other items such as spas, pools, well pumps, and roof leaks. Focus on companies with broad coverage options including upgraded plans. This flexibility enables you to customize your plan to meet your needs.
Homeowners should anticipate paying a $60–100 service fee when filing home warranty claims. These per-repair charges can potentially accumulate over time, so some homeowners prefer using companies with more affordable per-claim fees to maximize savings. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles after periods where a customer files no claims.
A home warranty company's reputation can provide insight into things such as repair timeliness, contractor quality, approval rates, and customer service. Use review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to research providers. Good ratings and feedback indicate a company known for exceptional service.
Home warranty companies have networks of professionals that they use to tackle covered repairs. Larger networks improve the chance of getting skilled contractors to your home promptly. Contact possible providers to find out how many technicians they have in Wheeling. This helps you understand how long repairs may take in an urgent situation.
Certain home warranty companies offer extras such as discounts on maintenance, energy-efficient upgrades, and protection for smart home devices. These can offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra perks help improve your home and maximize your home warranty.
Since temperatures in Wheeling can be quite hot in the summer, the weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioning unit and HVAC system. Purchasing a home warranty can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances breaks all of a sudden.
Plus, having a home warranty can save you time by getting rid of the need to research technicians — most companies will send a trusted professional right to your door to carry out the repair or replacement. Another added benefit of having a home warranty policy is that it can raise your home’s real estate value. If you ever decide to sell your house, you may be able to transfer your home warranty plan to the new homebuyer depending on the company you purchased your home warranty through.
Home warranties also have some downsides. Although it can save you time when the home warranty sends out a repair person who carries out the repair for you, some may not like this, and they would rather select their own contractor. If that’s the case for you, some home warranty providers allow you to select a contractor.
Another thing to take into consideration is that some providers don’t cover pre-existing issues and may require an inspection before coverage begins. Ask the home warranty company for clarification about these things if you need more information or if this is an issue for you.
A home warranty in Wheeling can cost anywhere from $30 to $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 companies will also lower 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 covers normal wear and tear to home systems and appliances. Homeowners insurance protects a home in case of something such as a fire or natural disaster. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim should you need a new washing machine or air conditioner, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Wheeling.
A home warranty plan can help homebuyers, home sellers, investors, real estate agents, and homeowners. It can provide peace of mind to anyone involved with homeownership.
The different types of home warranties in Wheeling include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan covers almost all your home systems and appliances, such as your refrigerator, washing machine, and plumbing. An appliance or system plan will cover only the items listed in the plan.
Generally, a home warranty policy lasts for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some companies may offer month-to-month plans.
Usually the homeowner pays for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the home seller may buy a home warranty and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then need to pay the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in Wheeling is $135,897, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.
