Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
With hot summers, working home appliances and systems, especially HVAC, are extremely important for homeowners in Oak Park. A home warranty can help protect you by covering major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important systems and appliances.
Choosing the best home warranty on the market can be quite a challenge because of the sheer number of options out there. If you're overwhelmed by trying to compare them all, keep reading for our guide to the best home warranty companies in Oak Park.
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 Oak Park. When you purchase a home warranty from Choice, you will get very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Choice Home Warranty also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. Choice has 2 simple plans, making the selection process easy.
Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. 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.
Read more by visiting our review of Choice Home Warranty. 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 is the most cost-effective home warranty in Oak Park. When you purchase a home warranty from Select, you will get a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Select Home Warranty also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. Select has 3 simple plans, making the selection process easy.
Select Home Warranty has 3 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. 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.
Read more by visiting our review of Select Home Warranty. 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 is the most customizable home warranty in Oak Park. When you purchase a home warranty from AHS, you will get the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. American Home Shield also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. AHS has 3 simple plans, making the selection process easy.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. 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.
Read more by visiting our review of American Home Shield. 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 is the best home warranty for appliance coverage in Oak Park. When you purchase a home warranty from First American, you will get very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. First American Home Warranty 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. First American has 2 simple plans, making the selection process easy.
First American Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. 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.
Read more by visiting our review of First American Home Warranty. 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 is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in Oak Park. When you purchase a home warranty from Cinch, you will get a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Cinch Home Services also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. Cinch has 3 simple plans, making the selection process easy.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. 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.
Read more by visiting our review of Cinch Home Services. 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 is the best home warranty with the quickest service in Oak Park. When you purchase a home warranty from HSC, you will get quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. The Home Service Club also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee. HSC has 2 simple plans, making the selection process easy.
The Home Service Club has 2 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. 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.
Read more by visiting our review of The Home Service Club. 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 | $8,138 |
Heating | $5,425 |
Electrical | $814 |
Toilets | $678 |
Washer/Dryer | $1,085 |
Plumbing | $814 |
Oven | $2,170 |
Fridge | $814 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps Oak Park homeowners lower the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer financial coverage to fix or swap out 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 provider then finds a contractor to handle the repair or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives reassurance to homeowners because it helps prevent costly emergency repairs. Home warranties are especially useful for older houses or those with aging systems. New homes with up-to-date appliances might not need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many home systems and appliances. Covered appliances typically include refrigerators, dryers, washers, garbage disposals, microwaves, dishwashers, and others. Covered systems include electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, and heating. Many home warranty companies also provide add-on coverage for locksmiths, roof leaks, septic systems, and central vacuums. Oak Park homeowners should know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day waiting period before they will cover the cost of any repairs. Additionally, most policies only cover repairs and replacements needed due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover things like cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or improper use of a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure that your next repair or replacement will be covered by the policy.
There are several home warranty terms to learn before signing an agreement, including:
There are several key factors to consider when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans cover plumbing, electrical, AC, heating, and appliances. More inclusive plans may also provide protection for other things such as well pumps, spas, roof leaks, and pools. Look for a provider that offers an extensive selection of coverage options, including upgraded plans. You want the flexibility to customize coverage to fit your home's specific systems and needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee that can range from $60 to $100, which gets paid per service call made. The costs from multiple fees can add up. You may decide to look for providers with lower service fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some companies also offer disappearing deductibles for customers who don't file any claims over a certain timespan.
A home warranty provider's reputation gives insight into things such as contractor quality, approval rates, repair timeliness, and customer service. Use review platforms such as TrustPilot, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research providers. Good ratings and feedback indicate a provider known for great service.
Home warranty businesses keep networks of local professionals to handle repairs in your area. Reach out to potential providers to find out how many repair technicians they have in Oak Park and get an idea for how fast your repairs might happen in an emergency situation. Bigger networks improve the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Certain home warranty providers offer perks such as discounts on maintenance, protection for smart home devices, and energy-efficient upgrades. These bonuses offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Added perks enhance your home and help maximize your home warranty.
Temperatures in Oak Park can get quite high in the summer, which means your air conditioner is most likely going to get a good bit of use. As a homeowner in Oak Park, one of the benefits of having a home warranty is that these home systems and major appliances can be covered if they have to be repaired or replaced.
In addition, having a home warranty can save you time by removing the need to research technicians — most companies will send a trusted professional right to your door to do the repair or replacement. Another good thing about having a home warranty is when you’re selling your home, some providers let you transfer your home warranty plan to the new owners. It can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and may help your house sell faster.
One major drawback of a home warranty is not everything may be covered. It’s important to research the different policies and choose one that covers all the appliances, systems, and add-ons you need.
Another thing to bear in mind is that some companies don’t cover pre-existing damage and may require an inspection before coverage begins. Ask the home warranty provider for clarification about this if you aren’t sure or if this is an issue for you.
A home warranty in Oak Park can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. The higher-priced plans usually have broader coverage, higher coverage limits, and a lower service fee. This cost is often lower if you pay annually instead of monthly. Some providers will also lower your up-front costs when you opt for a higher service fee.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty plan covers normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. A homeowners insurance plan protects your entire home in case of a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. Under homeowners insurance, you won't be able to file a claim if you need a new washing machine or air conditioner, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Oak Park.
A home warranty plan can help real estate agents, homeowners, investors, homebuyers, and home sellers. It can provide peace of mind and savings to anyone involved in homeownership.
The different home warranties in Oak Park include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan will cover almost all your systems and appliances, such as your refrigerator, washing machine, and plumbing. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the items mentioned in the policy.
Home warranty plans typically last a year. Many companies let you renew your plan yearly, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Usually, the homeowner is the one who pays 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 transferred to the new homeowner, who will pay the service fees when using the policy. In Oak Park, where the median home value is $1,104,076, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.