Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
As much as you may enjoy owning a home in Des Moines, there's always that fear about whether your systems and appliances are going to make it through the next few years. A home warranty in Des Moines can help bring down your out-of-pocket costs by covering repairs or replacements to major home appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.
Choosing the best home warranty on the market can be challenging because of the numerous options out there. If you're tired of trying to compare them all, keep reading for our guide to the top home warranty providers in Des Moines.
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 Des Moines, Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty. 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. The 3 plans from Liberty are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Liberty Home Guard: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $75.
To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or give them a call at 866-451-2281. Read more by visiting our comprehensive review of Liberty Home Guard.
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 Des Moines, Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty. 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. The 2 plans from Choice are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage.
There are 2 home warranty plans from Choice Home Warranty: Basic Plan and Total Plan. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $85.
To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 929-400-6164. Read more by visiting our comprehensive review of Choice Home Warranty.
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 Des Moines, Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty. 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. The 3 plans from Select are easily comprehensible and offer 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. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-370-3953. Read more by visiting our comprehensive review of Select Home Warranty.
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 Des Moines, American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty. 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. The 3 plans from AHS are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage.
There are 3 home warranty plans from American Home Shield: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-365-2839. Read more by visiting our comprehensive review of American Home Shield.
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 Des Moines, First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage. First American offers very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. Plus, 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 easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage.
There are 2 home warranty plans from First American Home Warranty: Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 833-204-7164. Read more by visiting our comprehensive review of First American Home Warranty.
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 Des Moines, Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. 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. The 3 plans from Cinch are easily comprehensible and offer 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. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or give them a call at 877-589-0505. Read more by visiting our comprehensive review of Cinch Home Services.
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 Des Moines, The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service. 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 2 plans from HSC are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage.
There are 2 home warranty plans from The Home Service Club: Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 800-750-9443. Read more by visiting our comprehensive review of The Home Service Club.
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 | $5,877 |
Heating | $3,918 |
Electrical | $588 |
Toilets | $490 |
Washer/Dryer | $784 |
Plumbing | $588 |
Oven | $1,567 |
Fridge | $588 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps reduce the high costs for Des Moines homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide coverage to fix or replace 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 finds 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 policy gives homeowners peace of mind since 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 modern appliances and fixtures may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many home systems and appliances. Warranties usually cover appliances such as dryers, refrigerators, garbage disposals, washers, microwaves, dishwashers, and more. Covered systems include heating, plumbing, electrical, and air conditioning. Many home warranty providers also offer additional coverage for central vacuums, locksmiths, septic systems, and roof leaks. Des Moines homeowners should know that most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. What's more, most policies only address repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or improperly using a system or appliance. You must keep up with preventative maintenance to help make sure your next repair or replacement is covered.
There are multiple home warranty terms to know before signing an agreement, including:
When you're deciding on a home warranty provider, there are several key things to take into account:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans cover AC, plumbing, electrical, heating, and appliances. More comprehensive options may also cover other things such as well pumps, roof leaks, pools, and spas. Focus on providers with an expansive array of coverage choices including upgraded plans. This flexibility enables you to customize protection for 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 providers with more affordable per-claim fees to maximize savings. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles after periods where a customer files no claims.
A home warranty company's reputation 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 Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to research companies. Complimentary reviews and ratings indicate a provider known for stellar service.
Home warranty providers maintain networks of local technicians to handle repairs in your area. Reach out to potential providers to learn how many repair professionals they have in Des Moines and get an idea for how quickly your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. Bigger networks raise the probability of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Certain home warranty companies include extras such as protection for smart home devices, energy-efficient upgrades, and discounts on maintenance. These can offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra perks enhance your home and help maximize your home warranty.
Home warranty plans are a great way to protect your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in Des Moines hitting an average high of 59℃F, you may find that some appliances, such as your air conditioner, get a lot of use. A home warranty can remarkably decrease out-of-pocket costs should your HVAC system stop working.
In addition to saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can provide you peace of mind and save you the headache of trying to find a qualified contractor to visit your home. Home warranties usually come with a network of pre-vetted contractors who can handle any repair issues you may experience. Another added benefit of having a home warranty plan is that it can increase your home’s property value. If you ever decide to sell your house, you may be able to transfer your home warranty plan to the new homebuyer depending on the provider you purchased your home warranty through.
Home warranties also have some drawbacks. While it can give you less to worry about since the home warranty sends out a service technician who handles the repair for you, some may not like this, and they would prefer to select a contractor themselves. If that’s the case for you, some home warranty plans let you select a contractor.
In addition, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they need repairs or replacements due to a natural disaster or animal infestation — anything besides normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.
A home warranty in Des Moines can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. Higher-priced plans tend to have higher coverage limits, a lower service fee, and broader coverage. This cost is often lower if you pay annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also lower your up-front costs when you opt for a higher service fee.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what sorts of damage they cover. Home warranty plans cover issues 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 sometimes be a concern in Des Moines. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system repairs.
First-time homebuyers, homeowners, home sellers, landlords, and real estate agents are all eligible for 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 home warranties in Des Moines include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan will cover almost all your home systems and appliances, including your refrigerator, washing machine, and heating and cooling systems. An appliance or system plan will cover only the items mentioned in the contract.
Home warranty plans typically offer coverage for a year. Many companies let you renew your plan yearly, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Usually the one who owns the home pays for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the one selling the home may purchase a home warranty policy 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 Des Moines is $195,352, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.