Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Although homeownership in Merrillville has many perks — such as the convenience of city life — there are also not so glamorous sides. One major hassle many homeowners have to deal with at some point is updating or repairing their home appliances and systems. A home warranty policy can help protect homeowners by cutting the costs of major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important appliances and systems.
Finding the right protection for your home can be time-consuming, so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you find the top home warranty companies in Merrillville. Keep reading for our recommendations.
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 Merrillville, Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty. Liberty has established itself as a company with a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. It also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry. The 3 plans from Liberty are easy to understand and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Liberty Home Guard: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Service fees from Liberty are an affordable $75. The coverage caps are also generally about $3,000.
Read our Liberty Home Guard Review to learn more. To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, 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
In Merrillville, Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty. 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 2 plans from Choice are easy to understand and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
There are 2 home warranty plans from Choice Home Warranty: Basic Plan and Total Plan. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also generally about $3,000.
Read our Choice Home Warranty Review to learn more. To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, 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
In Merrillville, Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty. 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 3 plans from Select are easy to understand and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Select Home Warranty: Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also generally about $2,000.
Read our Select Home Warranty Review to learn more. To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, 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
In Merrillville, American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty. 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 3 plans from AHS are easy to understand and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
There are 3 home warranty plans from American Home Shield: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also generally about $2,500.
Read our American Home Shield Review to learn more. To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 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
In Merrillville, First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage. 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 2 plans from First American are easy to understand and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
There are 2 home warranty plans from First American Home Warranty: Basic Plan and Premier Plan. Service fees from First American are a reasonable $85. The coverage caps are also generally about $1,500.
Read our First American Home Warranty Review to learn more. To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 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
In Merrillville, Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. 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 3 plans from Cinch are easy to understand and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Cinch Home Services: 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 generally about $1,000-$2,000.
Read our Cinch Home Services Review to learn more. To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, 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
In Merrillville, The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service. 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 2 plans from HSC are easy to understand and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
There are 2 home warranty plans from The Home Service Club: Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also generally about $2,000.
Read our The Home Service Club Review to learn more. To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, 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 | $6,208 |
Heating | $4,139 |
Electrical | $621 |
Toilets | $517 |
Washer/Dryer | $828 |
Plumbing | $621 |
Oven | $1,656 |
Fridge | $621 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Merrillville homeowners in reducing the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide coverage to replace or fix 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 replacement or repair. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of the repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty policy gives homeowners peace of mind because it can help avoid expensive 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 appliances and fixtures in good condition may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties protect your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered include dishwashers, dryers, refrigerators, washers, microwaves, garbage disposals, and more. Included systems are usually plumbing, electrical, heating, and air conditioning. Many home warranty companies provide add-on coverage for septic systems, roof leaks, locksmiths, and central vacuums. Merrillville homeowners should know that most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. Additionally, most policies only help pay for repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or misuse of a system or appliance. You must keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Here are some key home warranty terms to understand before signing a contract:
There are several key considerations when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans provide coverage for heating, plumbing, AC, electrical, and appliances. More comprehensive options may also cover extra things such as roof leaks, spas, pools, and well pumps. Look for companies with flexible coverage choices, including upgraded plans. This allows you to customize your plan to your needs.
Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. With these per-request costs adding up over time as you file claims, some homeowners prefer to choose a provider with more affordable fees to maximize savings. Some providers also eliminate deductibles when customers have a claim-free period.
A home warranty company's reputation gives you insight into things such as timeliness of repairs, contractor quality, claim approval rates, and overall customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to research providers. Complimentary ratings and reviews indicate a provider known for stellar service.
Home warranty companies have networks of contractors that they use to tackle covered repairs. More extensive networks increase the likelihood of getting skilled contractors to your home promptly. Reach out to possible providers to find out how many contractors they have in Merrillville. This helps you understand how long repairs might take in an urgent situation.
Certain home warranty providers offer perks such as energy-efficient upgrades, protection for smart home devices, and discounts on maintenance. These bonuses can provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra perks can enhance your home and maximize your home warranty.
Merrillville’s cold winters can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty can help cover your home’s appliances and systems in the event they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner fails in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the necessary repairs, preventing you from spending unexpected money out of pocket.
As well as saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can offer you peace of mind and save you the hassle of trying to find a qualified repair person to visit your home. Home warranties usually come with a network of pre-vetted contractors who can handle any repair problems you may experience. Plus, having a home warranty can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers should you ever decide to sell in the future. Many home warranty companies will allow you to transfer your policy to a new owner and give them the same protection you’ve been benefiting from.
One of the main drawbacks of home warranties is not everything may be covered. It’s important to compare the different plans and choose one that covers all the appliances, systems, and add-ons you need.
Another thing to consider is that some providers don’t cover pre-existing damage and may require an inspection before coverage begins. Ask the home warranty company for clarification about these things if you aren’t sure or if this is an issue for you.
A home warranty in Merrillville can cost between $30 and $60 a month. The higher-priced plans tend to have higher coverage limits, broader coverage, and a lower service fee. This cost is often lower if you pay annually instead of monthly. Some providers will also decrease your up-front costs when you agree to a higher service fee.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what types of damage they cover. Home warranty policies cover problems with home systems and appliances that need to be repaired or replaced due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different plan that protects an entire home from natural disasters, which might not be too much of a concern in Merrillville. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system breakage.
A home warranty policy can help homebuyers, real estate agents, investors, home sellers, and homeowners. It can offer peace of mind to anyone involved with homeownership.
The different types of home warranties in Merrillville include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan covers almost all your home systems and appliances, such as your washing machine, drier, and heating and cooling systems. An appliance or system plan will cover only the specific items listed in the policy.
Home warranty plans generally offer coverage for a year. Many companies let you renew your plan each year, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
In general, 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 given to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees. In Merrillville, where the median value of a home is $223,768, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.