Expert Advice On Improving Your Home

4 Best Home Warranty Companies in Madison, WI

Written By David Cusick

Last Updated February 2024

The cost of maintaining a home in Madison can be expensive, particularly as your home ages and your appliances and systems have to be repaired or replaced. A home warranty is a way to protect your savings from unexpected 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.

The home warranty market is saturated with a lot of providers — all with different coverage — so the Today's Homeowner team has compiled this guide to help you choose the best home warranty companies in Madison.

Our Recommended Providers

Best for Customization
4.5/5
  • Holds high ratings among customer service reviews
  • Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
  • Offers an extensive list of 30+ add-on coverages
Best For First Time Homeowners
4.2/5
  • 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
Best Claims Acceptance
4.1/5
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Decent coverage caps
  • No exclusions for older homes

The 4 Best Home Warranty Companies in Madison

Choice Home Warranty

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 for Madison residents. Choice is a home warranty provider with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. The 2 policies that Choice offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. 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.

Choice Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Madison homeowners. The Basic Plan and Total Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also typically about $3,000.

To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 929-400-6164. Read our review of Choice Home Warranty to learn more.

Basic Plan

Total Plan

Service fee: $85.00 Monthly cost: $45.00
Items covered: Ceiling fan , Cooktop exhaust , Dishwasher , Disposal , Ductwork , Electrical , Garage door opener , Heating system , Oven , Microwave , Plumbing system , Toilet , Water heater Add-on items: Pool , Spa , Septic , Well pump , Roof leaking , Septic tank , Sump pump , Vacuum , Stand-alone freezer
Service fee: $85.00 Monthly cost: $53.33
Items covered: Ceiling fan , Cooktop exhaust , Dishwasher , Disposal , Ductwork , Electrical , Garage door opener , Heating system , Oven , Microwave , Plumbing system , Toilet , Water heater , AC , Washer , Dryer , Refrigerator Add-on items: Pool , Spa , Septic , Well pump , Roof leaking , Septic tank , Sump pump , Vacuum , Stand-alone freezer

American Home Shield

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 for Madison residents. AHS is a home warranty provider with 26 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. The 3 policies that AHS offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. 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.

American Home Shield offers 3 plans for Madison homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also typically about $2,500.

To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-365-2839. Read our review of American Home Shield to learn more.

ShieldSilver

ShieldGold

ShieldPlatinum

Service fee: $75.00 - $125.00 Monthly cost: $29.27 - $44.27
Items covered: Air Conditioner , Alarm , Attic fans , Bath exhaust fans , Ceiling fans , Cooktop exhaust , Disposal , Doorbell , Ductwork , Electrical , Garage door , Heating system , Locksmith , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Toilet , Water dispenser , Water heater , Whole house fan Add-on items: Pool , Spa , PC , TV , Septic , Well pump
Service fee: $75.00 - $125.00 Monthly cost: $39.27 - $54.27
Items covered: Air conditioner , Alarm , Attic fans , Bath exhaust fans , Ceiling fans , Cooktop exhaust , Dishwasher , Doorbell , Dryer , Ductwork , Electrical , Garage door , Heating system , Microwave , Oven , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Refrigerator , Toilet , Trash compactor , Washer , Water heater , Whole house fan Add-on items: Pool , Spa , PC , TV , Septic , Well pump
Service fee: $75.00 - $125.00 Monthly cost: $59.27 - $74.27
Items covered: Air conditioner , Alarm , Attic fans , Bath exhaust fans , Ceiling fans , Cooktop exhaust , Dishwasher , Disposal , Doorbell , Dryer , Ductwork , Electrical , Garage door , Heating system , Locksmith , Microwave , Oven , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Refrigerator , Roof leaks , Toilet , Trash compactor , Washer , Water dispenser , Water heater , Whole house fan Add-on items: Pool , Spa , PC , TV , Septic , Well pump

Cinch Home Services

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 for Madison residents. Cinch is a home warranty provider with 44 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. The 3 policies that Cinch offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. 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.

Cinch Home Services offers 3 plans for Madison 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. Service fees from Cinch are customizable and range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also typically about $1,000-$2,000.

To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or give them a call at 877-589-0505. Read our review of Cinch Home Services to learn more.

Appliances Plan

Built-in Systems Plan

Complete Home Plan

Service fee: $75.00 - $150.00 Monthly cost: $34.99 - $50.99
Items covered: Cooktop exhaust fan , Dishwasher , Dryer , Food center , Free-standing ice maker , Microwave , Oven , Refrigerator , Refrigerator ice maker , Trash compactor , Washer Add-on items: Pool , Septic , Well pump
Service fee: $75.00 - $150.00 Monthly cost: $39.99 - $57.99
Items covered: Air conditioner , Smoke alarm , Attic fans , Bath exhaust fans , Ceiling fans , Disposal , Doorbell , Ductwork , Electrical , Garage door , Heating system , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Septic tank pumping , Spa , Sump pump , Toilet , Vacuum , Water dispenser , Water heater , Whole house fan Add-on items: Pool , Septic , Well pump
Service fee: $75.00 - $150.00 Monthly cost: $49.99 - $67.99
Items covered: Air conditioner , Alarm , Attic fans , Bath exhaust fans , Ceiling fans , Cooktop exhaust , Dishwasher , Disposal , Doorbell , Dryer , Ductwork , Electrical , Food center , Free-standing ice maker , Garage door , Heating system , Microwave , Oven , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Refrigerator , Refrigerator ice maker , Septic tank pumping , Spa , Sump pump , Toilet , Trash compactor , Vacuum , Washer , Water dispenser , Water heater , Whole house fan Add-on items: Pool , Septic , Well pump

The Home Service Club

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 for Madison residents. HSC is a home warranty provider with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. The 2 policies that HSC offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. 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 Home Service Club offers 2 plans for Madison homeowners. The Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also typically about $2,000.

To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 800-750-9443. Read our review of The Home Service Club to learn more.

Standard Coverage Plan

Comprehensive Coverage Plan

Service fee: $60.00 - $95.00 Monthly cost: $50.40
Items covered: Air conditioner , Ceiling fan , Dishwasher , Garbage disposal , Dryer , Electrical system , Food center , Free-standing ice maker , Garage door opener , Heating system , Microwave , Oven , Plumbing , Refrigerator , Trash compactor , Central vacuum , Washer , Water heater Add-on items: Utilities and home service line coverage (outside gas line, outside water line, outside sewer line, sprinkler system , Pool , Spa , Water softener , Roof leaks , Well pump , Pump , Stand-alone freezer
Service fee: $60.00 - $95.00 Monthly cost: $62.90
Items covered: Air conditioner , Alarm wiring , Attic fans , Ceiling fan , Dishwasher , Garbage disposal , Doorbell , Dryer , Ductwork , Electrical system , Food center , Free-standing ice maker , Garage door opener , Heating system , Microwave , Oven , Pest control , Phone , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Refrigerator , Sump pump , Toilet , Trash compactor , Central vacuum , Washer , Water dispenser , Water heater , Whole house fan Add-on items: Utilities and home service line coverage (outside gas line, outside water line, outside sewer line, sprinkler system , Pool , Spa , Water softener , Roof leaks , Well pump , Pump , Stand-alone freezer
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

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:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

Cost of Common Home Repairs in Madison

Home Appliance Repair Cost
Air Conditioner $6,391
Heating $4,261
Electrical $639
Toilets $533
Washer/Dryer $852
Plumbing $639
Oven $1,704
Fridge $639

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection plan that helps lower expenses for Madison homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide coverage to repair or swap out appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.

Homeowners file a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to make the fix or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the cost of the repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives peace of mind to homeowners because it helps prevent expensive emergency repairs. Home warranties are the most useful for owners of older homes or homes with aging systems. New homes with up-to-date appliances might not require a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties cover your household systems and appliances. Warranties usually cover appliances such as washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, microwaves, dryers, garbage disposals, and others. Covered systems include electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning. Many home warranty companies also provide additional coverage for roof leaks, central vacuums, locksmiths, and septic systems. 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 resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, or improperly using a system or appliance. Be diligent about completing preventative maintenance to ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

Here are some essential home warranty terms to learn before signing a contract:

  • Service fee: The out-of-pocket cost you pay per claim for access to a contractor and repair coverage.
  • Coverage limits: The maximum dollar amount that your warranty provider will pay for certain repairs or replacements. Check your contract's limits on repairs for things like appliances, roof leaks, and air conditioning units.
  • Trade call fee: An additional fee that's sometimes required to appliance-related claims.
  • Deductible: The amount you're responsible for before your warranty covers the remainder of the cost. Deductibles apply to covered repairs and may be on a per-claim or yearly basis.
  • Contract rate: The pre-negotiated rate a home warranty company has with its contractors. This rate is usually less than typical retail costs.
  • Endorsements: Optional add-ons that expand coverage for additional systems like septic, pools, well pumps, and more. Endorsements typically cost an additional fee.
  • Claim approval: The process by which your provider determines whether a requested repair or replacement is covered under your warranty.
With these terms and key factors in mind, you'll be able to better understand pricing and choose a home warranty customized to protecting your most essential home systems. When getting a quote, take care to review coverage details with potential companies to help avoid unexpected fees.

Key Factors in Choosing a Home Warranty Company

When you're deciding on a home warranty provider, there are several important things to take into account:

Coverage Options

Home warranty policies vary widely in what they include. Most plans provide protection for heating, electrical, plumbing, AC, and appliances. More robust plans also include coverage for other items such as roof leaks, spas, pools, and well pumps. Look for providers with an assortment of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. Flexibility helps you tailor your protection for your needs.

Service Fees

Homeowners should anticipate paying a $60–100 service fee when filing home warranty claims. These per-claim costs can add up, so some homeowners prefer using companies with more affordable per-claim fees to maximize savings. Some companies also offer disappearing deductibles if a customer doesn't submit any claims in a set timeframe.

Reputation

A home warranty company's reputation provides insights into factors such as contractor expertise, claim approval rates, repair speed, and customer satisfaction. Read through review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to learn more about companies. Favorable ratings and feedback suggest a company known for providing quality service.

Contractor Network

Home warranty providers have networks of contractors to handle covered repairs. Larger networks increase 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 quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency.

Added Benefits

Certain home warranty providers include extras such as protection for smart home devices, energy-efficient upgrades, and discounts on maintenance. These can offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Added perks enhance your home and maximize your home warranty.

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Madison?


Benefits of a Home Warranty

Since temperatures in Madison can be quite cold in the winter, the weather can put a lot of strain on your HVAC system. Purchasing a home warranty policy can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances breaks down all of a sudden.

Not only can a home warranty save you some money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time as well. Instead of having to vet service technicians yourself, home warranty providers do the work for you and send a contractor from their network right to your door when you need them. Plus, though it varies by company, some providers will allow you to transfer your warranty in the event that you sell your home. This can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers and help your home sell faster.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

Home warranties also have some cons. Though it can give you less to worry about since the home warranty sends out a repair technician who takes care of the repair for you, some may not like this, and they would rather choose their own contractor. If that’s important to you, some home warranty plans let you select a contractor.

Another consideration is that home warranties usually only cover damage from normal wear and tear. They commonly won’t cover systems or appliances that have been damaged due to animal infestations, improper maintenance, natural disasters, etc.

Our Recommended Providers

Best for Customization
4.5/5
  • Holds high ratings among customer service reviews
  • Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
  • Offers an extensive list of 30+ add-on coverages
Best For First Time Homeowners
4.2/5
  • 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
Best Claims Acceptance
4.1/5
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Decent coverage caps
  • No exclusions for older homes

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Warranty in Madison, WI

A home warranty in Madison can cost between $30 and $60 a month. Higher-priced plans typically have a lower service fee, higher coverage limits, and broader coverage. Home warranties are often cheaper when you pay annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also lower your up-front costs when you opt for a higher service fee.

Home warranties and home insurance differ in what sorts of damage they cover. Home warranties cover issues with home systems and appliances that need to be repaired or replaced due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a larger insurance that protects your entire home from natural disasters, which can sometimes be a concern in Madison. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system breakage.

Homebuyers, home sellers, homeowners, landlords, and real estate agents are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your house more attractive to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.

A home warranty plan will cover your appliances, systems, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you need more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be helpful if you're concerned about one more than the other.

Generally, a home warranty policy lasts for a year and can be renewed annually. Some companies may offer month-to-month plans.

Generally, the homeowner is the one who pays 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 has to pay the service fees when using the policy. In Madison, where the median home value is $374,206, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.

Other Madison, WI Home Services