Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Homeownership in Windsor can be gratifying for many, but it also comes with its fair share of headaches. Repairing your home’s systems and appliances can be an unexpected financial burden for many homeowners. A home warranty is a way to protect your savings from unexpected home repairs and expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be considerably lower and give you some peace of mind.
Finding the best warranty for your home can be challenging, so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you find the top home warranty companies in Windsor. Keep reading for our recommendations.
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 Windsor, Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage. If you’re looking for very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
The plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan. Choice’s service fees are an affordable $85, and the coverage limits come out to around $3,000 per covered system or appliance.
To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. To read more, visit 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
In Windsor, Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage. If you’re looking for a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
The plans that Select offers to homeowners are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Select’s service fees are a reasonable $60, and the coverage limits come out to around $2,000 per covered system or appliance.
To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. To read more, visit 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
In Windsor, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage. If you’re looking for the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
The plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. AHS’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, and the coverage limits come out to around $2,500 per covered system or appliance.
To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. To read more, visit 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
In Windsor, First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage. If you’re looking for very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, 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 plans that First American offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American’s service fees are a reasonable $85, and the coverage limits come out to around $1,500 per covered system or appliance.
To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. To read more, visit 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
In Windsor, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage. If you’re looking for a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
The plans that Cinch offers to homeowners are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Cinch’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, and the coverage limits come out to around $1,000-$2,000 per covered system or appliance.
To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. To read more, visit 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
In Windsor, The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage. If you’re looking for quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee.
The plans that HSC offers to homeowners are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. HSC’s service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, and the coverage limits come out to around $2,000 per covered system or appliance.
To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. To read more, visit 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 | $7,210 |
| Heating | $4,807 |
| Electrical | $721 |
| Toilets | $601 |
| Washer/Dryer | $961 |
| Plumbing | $721 |
| Oven | $1,923 |
| Fridge | $721 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps Windsor homeowners cut the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide financial coverage to repair or replace 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 arranges a contractor to handle the fix or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives reassurance to homeowners because it helps prevent expensive emergency repairs. Home warranties are the most useful for older construction homes with aging systems. New homes with up-to-date appliances may not require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many household systems and appliances. Common covered appliances are dishwashers, garbage disposals, dryers, microwaves, refrigerators, washers, and others. Covered systems include electrical, air conditioning, plumbing, and heating. Many home warranty plans offer additional coverage for septic systems, central vacuums, roof leaks, and even locksmiths. Windsor homeowners should know that most home warranty plans begin with a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. What's more, most policies only address repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, cosmetic issues, or misusing a system or appliance. Remember to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Home warranty contracts use several terms that you'll want to know before signing, such as:
There are several important factors to consider when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans include protection for heating, plumbing, AC, electrical, and appliances. More comprehensive options may also cover extra things such as pools, spas, well pumps, and roof leaks. Look for providers with varied coverage options, including upgraded plans. This allows you to tailor protection to your needs.
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 when a homeowner goes a defined period without any repair requests.
A home warranty company's reputation gives you insight into things such as claim approval rates, contractor quality, timeliness of repairs, and overall customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to research providers. Complimentary ratings and reviews indicate a company known for stellar service.
Home warranty providers use networks of local repair professionals to manage repairs in a given area. Reach out to potential providers to ask how many repair technicians they have in Windsor and get an idea of how fast your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Bigger networks improve the probability of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Some home warranty companies include perks such as energy efficiency upgrades, smart home device coverage, and reduced maintenance fees. These can provide extra value beyond just repair coverage. Extra bonuses allow you to enhance your home and get the most from your home warranty.
Temperatures in Windsor can vary greatly throughout the year, which means your air conditioner and heating systems are most likely going to get a lot of use. As a homeowner in Windsor, one benefit of having a home warranty is that these home systems and major appliances can be covered if they have to be repaired or replaced.
A home warranty also can also save you time and energy. Instead of spending hours finding and choosing a technician to fix your appliance or system, home warranty companies do the hard work for you and send a trusted professional to your door whenever you need them. Another added benefit of having a home warranty plan is that it can raise your home’s property value. If you ever decide to sell your home, you may be able to transfer your home warranty plan to the new homebuyer depending on the company you have your home warranty with.
One of the main drawbacks of home warranties is not everything may be covered. It’s important to weigh the different policies and opt for one that covers all the appliances, systems, and add-ons you need.
Another possible 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 claims being rejected, 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 Windsor. Our high-rated home warranty companies' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can decrease your monthly bill with some companies by opting for a higher service fee. In addition, it's typically cheaper to pay annually rather than monthly.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what types of damage each covers. A home warranty plan covers normal wear and tear to home systems and appliances. Homeowners insurance protects the entire home in case of a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. With homeowners insurance, you will not be able to file a claim should you need a new refrigerator or oven, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Windsor.
Homebuyers, landlords, real estate agents, home sellers, and homeowners can all get home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your house more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different kinds of home warranties in Windsor include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan covers almost all your systems and appliances, including your refrigerator, washing machine, and heating and cooling systems. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the specific items mentioned in the policy.
Generally, a home warranty plan lasts for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some companies may offer month-to-month plans.
Usually, the homeowner is responsible for paying 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 has to pay the service fees when using the policy. In Windsor, where the median home value is $792,484, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.
