Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
As much as you may love owning a home in Evanston, there's always that worry about whether your systems and appliances are going to need to be replaced in the next few years. A home warranty plan can help protect homebuyers and current homeowners by covering major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important appliances and systems.
The home warranty market is filled with a variety of providers — all with different plans — so the Today's Homeowner team has compiled this guide to help you choose the best home warranty companies in Evanston.
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 Evanston. 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 home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage.
The plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also typically about $3,000 at the maximum.
To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. For more information on this provider, read our Choice Home Warranty full review.
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 Evanston. 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 home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage.
The plans that Select offers to homeowners are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also typically about $2,000 at the maximum.
To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. For more information on this provider, read our Select Home Warranty full review.
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 Evanston. 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 home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage.
The plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also typically about $2,500 at the maximum.
To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. For more information on this provider, read our American Home Shield full review.
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 Evanston. 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 home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage.
The plans that First American offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. Service fees from First American are a reasonable $85. The coverage caps are also typically about $1,500 at the maximum.
To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. For more information on this provider, read our First American Home Warranty full review.
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 Evanston. 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 home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage.
The plans that Cinch offers to homeowners are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Service fees from Cinch are customizable and range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also typically about $1,000-$2,000 at the maximum.
To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. For more information on this provider, read our Cinch Home Services full review.
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 Evanston. 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 home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage.
The plans that HSC offers to homeowners are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also typically about $2,000 at the maximum.
To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. For more information on this provider, read our The Home Service Club full review.
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 | $5,615 |
| Heating | $3,743 |
| Electrical | $561 |
| Toilets | $468 |
| Washer/Dryer | $749 |
| Plumbing | $561 |
| Oven | $1,497 |
| Fridge | $561 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Evanston homeowners cut the high costs of household repairs. These plans provide financial coverage to repair or swap out appliances and systems that stop working from normal wear and tear.
Homeowners file a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty company then arranges a contractor to make the fix or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the repair or replacement costs exceed the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners reassurance by helping avoid high-priced emergency repairs. The coverage is particularly helpful for owners of older houses or houses with fixtures near the end of their life span. However, people with newer homes and modern appliances may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many home systems and appliances. Covered appliances normally include refrigerators, garbage disposals, dryers, dishwashers, microwaves, washers, and more. Covered systems include heating, plumbing, air conditioning, and electrical. Many home warranty companies also provide add-on coverage for septic systems, roof leaks, central vacuums, and locksmiths. Evanston homeowners should know that most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. What's more, most policies only address repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or misuse of a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to help make sure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Here are some essential home warranty terms to learn before signing a contract:
There are several important considerations when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty plans can have major differences in covered items. Most plans provide protection for electrical, AC, plumbing, heating, and appliances. More inclusive options also offer protection for other items such as well pumps, spas, pools, and roof leaks. Look for a company that offers comprehensive coverage choices, including upgraded plans. You want the flexibility to customize coverage to fit your home's specific needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee that can range from $60 to $100, which is paid per claim you submit. The per-request costs can add up. You may decide to look for providers with lower service fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles for customers who don't file any claims over a certain timespan.
A home warranty company's reputation can provide insight into things such as approval rates, repair timeliness, contractor quality, and customer service. Check review platforms such as TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to research providers. Positive ratings and feedback indicate a company known for great service.
Home warranty companies use networks of local repair professionals to manage repairs in a given area. Contact potential providers to learn the number of repair professionals they have in Evanston and get an idea of how fast your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Wider networks raise the probability of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Home warranty companies may offer perks such as coverage for smart home devices, energy efficiency upgrades, and maintenance discounts. These extras can add value beyond repair coverage. Added perks maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Home warranties are an affordable way to guard your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in Evanston reaching an average high of 51℃F, you may find that certain appliances, like your A.C., get a lot of use. A home warranty can remarkably bring down out-of-pocket costs should your HVAC system stop working.
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 have a network of pre-vetted technicians who can handle any repair issues you may experience. Another benefit of having a home warranty is when you’re selling your home, some providers let you transfer your home warranty to the new owners. This can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and help your house sell faster.
Home warranties also have some downsides. While it can save you time when the home warranty sends out a contractor who takes care of the repair for you, some homeowners may not like this, and they would rather select a contractor themselves. If that’s the case for you, some home warranty plans allow you to choose a contractor.
Another potential pain point of home warranties is that they don’t cover items that have been improperly maintained. This can lead to your repair requests being denied, so it’s important to be sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance of your home systems and appliances.
A home warranty policy costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Evanston. Our high-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 often cheaper to pay annually rather than monthly.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what kinds of damage they cover. Home warranty policies cover problems with systems and appliances that need to be repaired or replaced due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different kind of plan that protects an entire home from natural disasters, which might not be too much of a concern in Evanston. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system breakage.
A home warranty policy can help investors, homebuyers, real estate agents, home sellers, and homeowners. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved in homeownership.
The different types of home warranties in Evanston include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan covers your home systems and appliances, such as your dishwasher, washing machine, and plumbing. An appliance or system plan will cover only the specific items listed in the plan.
Home warranty plans usually provide coverage for a year. Many providers let you renew your plan yearly, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Generally, the homeowner is the one who pays 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 will pay the service fees. In Evanston, where the median home value is $283,325, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
