Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Homeownership in Winnetka has many benefits, but it also comes with its difficulties. Your home’s appliances and systems will inevitably need repairs, and this could mean a burdensome expense. 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 significantly lower and allow you to live in your home with more peace of mind.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be difficult, since there are dozens of companies to choose from. That’s why our team at Today's Homeowner did the research and made a list of the top home warranty companies in Winnetka for you.
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
Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty for Winnetka residents. The 3 home warranty plans that Liberty offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. When you buy a plan from Liberty, you will get a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Liberty Home Guard also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
The 3 plans from Liberty Home Guard are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. The coverage limits from Liberty are around $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $75, which is cheaper than other providers in the Winnetka area.
To read more, visit our Liberty Home Guard Review. To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, you can fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281.
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
Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty for Winnetka residents. The 2 home warranty plans that Choice offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. When you buy a plan 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.
The 2 plans from Choice Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Total Plan. The coverage limits from Choice are around $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $85, which is cheaper than other providers in the Winnetka area.
To read more, visit our Choice Home Warranty Review. To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 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 offers the most cost-effective home warranty for Winnetka residents. The 3 home warranty plans that Select offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. When you buy a plan 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.
The 3 plans from Select Home Warranty are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. The coverage limits from Select are around $2,000. The service fees are a reasonable $60, which is cheaper than other providers in the Winnetka area.
To read more, visit our Select Home Warranty Review. To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 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 offers the most customizable home warranty for Winnetka residents. The 3 home warranty plans that AHS offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. When you buy a plan 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.
The 3 plans from American Home Shield are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. The coverage limits from AHS are around $2,500. The service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, which is cheaper than other providers in the Winnetka area.
To read more, visit our American Home Shield Review. To get a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839.
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
Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee for Winnetka residents. The 3 home warranty plans that Cinch offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. When you buy a plan 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.
The 3 plans from Cinch Home Services are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. The coverage limits from Cinch are around $1,000-$2,000. The service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, which is cheaper than other providers in the Winnetka area.
To read more, visit our Cinch Home Services Review. To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can fill out this online form or call 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 offers the best home warranty with the quickest service for Winnetka residents. The 2 home warranty plans that HSC offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. When you buy a plan 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.
The 2 plans from The Home Service Club are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. The coverage limits from HSC are around $2,000. The service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, which is cheaper than other providers in the Winnetka area.
To read more, visit our The Home Service Club Review. To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can fill out this online form or call 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 | $7,364 |
Heating | $4,910 |
Electrical | $736 |
Toilets | $614 |
Washer/Dryer | $982 |
Plumbing | $736 |
Oven | $1,964 |
Fridge | $736 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Winnetka homeowners reduce the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide coverage to fix or replace appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to handle the repair or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty policy gives homeowners peace of mind since it can help avoid costly emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for people purchasing older homes or homes with systems near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with modern appliances and fixtures may not require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your household systems and appliances. Covered appliances typically include garbage disposals, dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, microwaves, dryers, and others. Covered systems include electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning. Many home warranty companies also provide additional coverage for central vacuums, septic systems, roof leaks, and locksmiths. Winnetka 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 help pay for repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, or misusing a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
There are several home warranty terms to learn before signing an agreement, including:
There are several important considerations when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans cover AC, heating, plumbing, electrical, and appliances. More extensive plans may also cover additional items such as well pumps, spas, pools, and roof leaks. Focus on companies with wide-ranging coverage selections including upgraded plans. Flexibility like this will help you customize your plan to meet your needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee that can range from $60 to $100, which is paid per service call made. These per-claim charges can add up. You may decide to look for companies with lower service fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles if a homeowner doesn't submit claims for repairs for a specified period of time.
A home warranty company's track record provides insight into things such as claim approval rates, timeliness of repairs, contractor quality, and overall customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to research companies. Positive ratings and reviews indicate a provider known for stellar service.
Home warranty providers have networks of technicians that they use to tackle covered repairs. More extensive networks improve the chance of getting qualified contractors to your home promptly. Contact possible providers to learn how many repair professionals they have in Winnetka to understand how long repairs might take in an urgent situation.
Certain home warranty companies include extras such as energy-efficient upgrades, protection for smart home devices, and discounts on maintenance. These bonuses offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Added perks help improve your home and maximize your home warranty.
Temperatures in Winnetka can vary greatly throughout the year, which means your air conditioner and heating systems are likely to get a good bit of use. As a homeowner in Winnetka, one of the benefits of having a home warranty is that these home systems and major appliances can be covered if they need to be repaired or replaced.
As well as saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can provide you peace of mind and save you the pain of trying to find a qualified contractor to visit your home. Home warranties usually have a network of pre-vetted technicians who can handle any repair problems you may experience. Plus, having a home warranty can help make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers if you ever decide to sell later. Many home warranty providers will allow you to transfer your policy to a new owner and give them the protection you’ve been getting.
One main drawback of a home warranty is not everything you care about may be covered. It’s important to research the different plans and choose one that covers all the appliances, systems, and add-ons you need.
Another downside is that home warranties may exclude some repairs, such as those needed because of natural disasters. For example, if a tree falls onto your house and damages the roof, the impacted systems and appliances probably won’t be covered by the home warranty.
A home warranty policy costs, on average, around $300 to $600 a year in Winnetka. Our top-rated home warranty providers' 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. In addition, it's typically cheaper to pay annually rather than monthly.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what sorts of damage they cover. Home warranty policies cover problems related to 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 insurance that protects the entire home from natural disasters, which can be a concern in Winnetka. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system damage.
Homebuyers, home sellers, homeowners, landlords, and real estate agents can all get home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your home more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
A home warranty can cover your systems, appliances, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you'd like more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be useful if you're concerned about one more than the other.
Home warranty plans usually provide 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 home seller may buy a home warranty and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then be responsible for the service fees when using the policy. Considering that the average home value in Winnetka is $1,450,451, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.