Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Buying a home is a big step for many, but maintaining it can be costly over time, especially if your home in Downers Grove is on the older side. A home warranty can offer you the peace of mind you need and protect your savings account from large expenses by covering your home’s major systems and appliances.
The home warranty market is saturated with a variety of providers — all with different coverage — so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you choose the best home warranty companies in Downers Grove.
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 Downers Grove, Liberty Home Guard is the most trustworthy home warranty. Liberty has been in business for more than 6 years, making it a well-regarded company in the industry. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. Liberty offers a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Plus, it also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
Liberty Home Guard offers 3 plans for Downers Grove homeowners. The Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Liberty’s plans are around the $3,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $75.
To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, you can fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. To read more, visit our Liberty Home Guard Review.
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 Downers Grove, Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty. Choice has been in business for more than 15 years, making it a well-regarded company in the industry. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. Choice offers very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Plus, it also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
Choice Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Downers Grove homeowners. The Basic Plan and Total Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Choice’s plans are around the $3,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $85.
To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. To read more, visit our Choice Home Warranty 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 Downers Grove, Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty. Select has been in business for more than 11 years, making it a well-regarded company in the industry. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. Select offers a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Plus, it also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
Select Home Warranty offers 3 plans for Downers Grove homeowners. The Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Select’s plans are around the $2,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $60.
To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. To read more, visit our Select Home Warranty 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 Downers Grove, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty. AHS has been in business for more than 26 years, making it a well-regarded company in the industry. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. AHS offers the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Plus, it also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
American Home Shield offers 3 plans for Downers Grove homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with AHS’s plans are around the $2,500 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To get a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. To read more, visit our American Home Shield Review.
ShieldSilver
ShieldGold
ShieldPlatinum
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 Downers Grove, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. Cinch has been in business for more than 44 years, making it a well-regarded company in the industry. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. Cinch offers a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Plus, it also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
Cinch Home Services offers 3 plans for Downers Grove homeowners. The Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Cinch’s plans are around the $1,000-$2,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. To read more, visit our Cinch Home Services 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 Downers Grove, The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC has been in business for more than 15 years, making it a well-regarded company in the industry. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. HSC offers quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Plus, 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 Service Club offers 2 plans for Downers Grove homeowners. The Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with HSC’s plans are around the $2,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. To read more, visit our The Home Service Club 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 | $6,454 |
| Heating | $4,302 |
| Electrical | $645 |
| Toilets | $538 |
| Washer/Dryer | $860 |
| Plumbing | $645 |
| Oven | $1,721 |
| Fridge | $645 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps cut costs for Downers Grove homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide coverage to fix 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 arranges 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 peace of mind to homeowners because it helps prevent costly emergency repairs. Home warranties are particularly useful for owners of older homes or homes with aging systems. New homes with modern appliances may not require a home warranty.
Home warranties protect your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered include dishwashers, refrigerators, microwaves, dryers, garbage disposals, washers, and more. Included systems are typically plumbing, electrical, heating, and air conditioning. Many home warranty providers offer add-on coverage for septic systems, locksmiths, central vacuums, and roof leaks. It's important for Downers Grove homeowners to understand most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. Most policies also only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or misusing a system or appliance. Stay current with preventative maintenance to ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
There are a number of home warranty terms to understand before signing an agreement, including:
There are several key considerations when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage can have major differences in what's included. Most plans include protection for plumbing, electrical, AC, heating, and appliances. More comprehensive plans also cover other items such as roof leaks, well pumps, spas, and pools. Look for companies with a range of coverage choices, such as upgraded plans. You'll want to tailor your protection for your needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee, usually falling in the $60 to $100 range, which is paid per claim you submit. The costs from multiple fees can add up. You may decide to look for providers with more affordable 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 track record gives insight into things such as contractor quality, claim approval rates, timeliness of repairs, and overall customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to research providers. Complimentary ratings and reviews indicate a company known for stellar service.
Home warranty companies maintain networks of technicians to handle covered repairs. More extensive networks raise the probability of getting qualified technicians to service your home ASAP. Reach out to potential providers and ask how many contractors they have in Downers Grove to get a sense of how soon your repairs could happen in an emergency.
Some home warranty plans offer extras such as maintenance discounts, smart home device protection, and energy efficiency upgrades. These perks add value beyond just repair coverage. Extra bonuses help maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Since temperatures in Downers Grove can be quite cold in the winter, the weather can put a lot of strain on your HVAC system. Getting a home warranty plan can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances stops working unexpectedly.
Not only can a home warranty save you money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time too. Instead of vetting contractors by 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, having a home warranty can make your house more appealing to potential homebuyers should you ever decide to sell in the future. Many home warranty providers will allow you to transfer your plan to a new owner and give them the protection you’ve been benefiting from.
There are also some downsides to buying a home warranty plan, such as the coverage exclusions. For instance, home warranties may not cover home systems or appliances that already have a manufacturer's warranty.
Another thing to consider is that some providers don’t cover pre-existing problems and may require an inspection before coverage begins. Ask the home warranty company for clarification about it if you aren’t sure or if this is a problem for you.
A home warranty plan costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Downers Grove. Our top-rated home warranty providers' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can lower your monthly bill with some companies by opting for a higher service fee. Additionally, it's often 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 protects against normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. A homeowners insurance plan protects the entire home in case of a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. With a homeowners insurance plan, you will not be able to file a claim should you need a new dryer or dishwasher, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Downers Grove.
First-time homebuyers, real estate agents, homeowners, landlords, and home sellers 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 can 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 useful if you want to save some money.
Home warranty plans typically offer coverage for a year. Many providers let you renew your plan annually, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Usually the homeowner is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the person who is selling the home may purchase a home warranty plan and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then be responsible for the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in Downers Grove is $428,168, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.
