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Warranty

7 Best Home Warranty Companies in Illinois for 2023

By Jhicel Kadusale MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE

If you’re an Illinois homeowner, you can benefit from being aware of the best home warranties in your area. A home warranty helps cover costly repairs and replacements if something goes wrong with your appliances or systems.

While some newer homes come with a builder’s warranty, these only last for a limited time — usually one year — and only cover certain items. A home warranty can help fill in the gaps by covering items that may break down due to normal wear and tear after your builder’s warranty has expired.

Illinois residents have many options when it comes to choosing a home warranty company. To help you make an informed decision, we researched dozens of companies and compiled a list of the best home warranty companies in Illinois for 2023 based on factors like coverage options, pricing, customer satisfaction ratings and more.

Our Top Picks for the Best Home Warranty Companies in Illinois

The 7 Best Home Warranty Companies in Illinois Reviews

Why we chose it: American Home Shield (AHS) topped our list as the best home warranty company overall. It’s one of the leading home warranty companies in the U.S., offering a range of coverage plans for homeowners.

AHS provides coverage for up to 23 appliances and systems, including air conditioning, heating, plumbing and electrical systems. The company also offers flexible and customizable coverage plans:

  • ShieldSilver: AHS’ most basic plan, starting at $49 per month, covers the repair and replacement of parts and components in 14 essential home systems
  • ShieldGold: This plan covers everything in ShieldSilver plus laundry and kitchen appliances such as washers, dryers and refrigerators for $59 per month.
  • ShieldPlatinum: This plan offers comprehensive coverage for all systems and appliances in ShieldSilver and ShieldGold as well as HVAC tune-ups, roof leak repairs and more. You can purchase this plan starting at $74 per month.

AHS offers a variety of add-ons, including septic pumps, well pumps, pools and spas, that can be added to any of the three plans. Policyholders typically pay monthly, and the total monthly cost will vary depending on which plan and service call fee you select. Service fees, which you pay each time a claim is made, range from $75 to $125.

AHS’ customer support is available 24/7 and customers get access to a nationwide network of qualified service providers.

The company offers multiple discounts and promotions for its services. Some of these include appliance discounts, air filter discounts and $50 off for multiple properties. New members can also get discounts and promos by signing up for the company’s email list.

Why we chose it: First Premier Home Warranty impressed us with both its coverage and pricing. Even though it’s a relatively new company, it offers a good level of coverage compared to its competition.

First Premier plans are highly customizable, and the company also offers coverage for machinery and items that require expensive repairs. The Premier plan covers basic home equipment including cooktops, plumbing, ductwork, sump pumps, water heaters and more. The Platinum plan covers more expensive and complicated systems such as heating and air conditioning systems.

  • Premier plan: starts at $35 per month, or $420 a year
  • Platinum plan: starts at $42 per month, or $504 a year
  • Optional add-ons: between $25 and $150 per item

Customers can choose to pay premiums monthly or yearly, and prices may vary by the deductible the customers select. Paying premiums annually will save you about $30 to $40 versus paying monthly. The company charges a standard service fee at $75 when a contractor visits your home for a repair. First Premier responds to claims in 20 minutes, which is significantly faster than most companies.

Why we chose it: Select Home Warranty is one of the top home warranty providers with affordable solutions. The company offers three comprehensive plans — Bronze Care, Gold Care and Platinum Care — that cover major systems, appliances or both. Customers can also choose from an extensive list of add-on coverage items such as pools and second refrigerators.

  • Bronze Care: Covers your stove/oven, cooktop, microwave oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, clothes washer and dryer and garbage disposal. Coverage for this plan starts at $42 per month.
  • Gold Care: Covers major home systems including cooling and heating, plumbing, and electrical system. This plan starts at $42 per month.
  • Platinum Care: Covers all systems and appliances in the Bronze and Gold Care, plus a few additional items including fans and garage door openers. This plan starts at $46 per month.

Another benefit that makes Select Home Warranty an attractive choice is the amount of discounts and promo options. New customers can get sign-up bonuses such as a $150 discount and two extra months free. Additionally, this company is the only one with free roof coverage (valued at $99) on our list.

Service fees range from $70 to $100, and the company guarantees covered repairs for 90 days. Customers can file a claim through the online chat or on their online portal to reduce the wait for customer support.

Why we chose it: ServicePlus Home Warranty customers can easily file a claim by contacting the claims hotline via phone or online through the customer portal. The customer service team is available 24/7 to help with any questions or concerns. The online portal is easy to use and allows customers to track the progress of their claims.

ServicePlus, previously called Total Home Protection, offers two home warranty plans: Gold and Platinum. Both plans provide coverage for appliances and major home systems. However, only the Platinum plan includes coverage for HVAC systems, refrigerators, washing machines and dryers. The Gold plan starts at $46 per month, and the Platinum plan starts at $42 per month. Service fees are $75 per claim.

This home warranty company offers a wide range of optional add-ons, and plan holders can cancel their plan for free within 30 days. This allows customers to choose the features they need without being locked into a contract. ServicePlus provides cash reimbursements for approved claims that the company cannot successfully service.

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Why we chose it: Home Warranty of America easily made it to our list for a number of reasons. The company’s most notable feature is its fast claims process. Multiple online reviews show high customer satisfaction with fast service and timely appointments. Homeowners can also sign up for coverage without having to go through an inspection process.

The company offers two levels of coverage: Premier and Premier Plus. The Premier plan starts at $43 per month and provides basic coverage for most major systems and some appliances. The Premier Plus plan, starting at $53 per month, offers premium coverage for everything included in the Premier plan as well as coverage for air conditioning systems and 30 additional items. Home Warranty of America allows customers to choose between two service call fee options for its plans: $75 for a higher monthly premium or $100 for a lower monthly premium.

The GreenPlus add-on is an attractive feature that ensures old appliances that qualify will be replaced with ENERGY STAR-certified appliances. Appliances that qualify include refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers and more.

Why we chose it: Cinch Home Services offers a warranty benefit that most of the companies on our list don’t: all covered repairs are backed by a 180-day workmanship guarantee. Other home warranty companies in the market don’t provide as wide of a time frame, with some offering guarantees as short as 30 days.

Cinch offers three main warranty plans:

  • Appliances Plan: Covers major appliances such as refrigerators, built-in food centers, microwaves, cooktops, dishwashers, ranges and range exhaust hoods, trash compactors, air conditioners and clothes washers and dryers. Customers can also redeem a $50 Green Reward with this plan.
  • Built-In Systems Plan: Home systems such as heating,  plumbing, electrical, are covered in this plan, as well as garage door openers and more.
  • Complete Home Plan: This plan covers all items in the Appliance and Built-In Systems plans, as well as a few exclusive benefits. Homeowners who have this plan may be able to receive a $500 homeowner deductible reimbursement.

Here’s a look at the coverage costs for a single-family home with a $100 service fee:

  • Appliances Plan: $45 per month
  • Built-In Systems Plan: $52 per month
  • Complete Home Plan: $62 per month

You can also choose from several add-ons available, including coverage for pools, spas, well pumps and septic tanks. Cinch also provides rust and corrosion coverage, as well as protection for pre-existing conditions. Customers can expect high-quality service from pre-screened and verified technicians.

Why we chose it: We chose Home Service Club (HSC) as the best home warranty company in Illinois for fast service because of its easy claims process and quick repairs. Customers can easily file a claim online 24/7, and a service appointment will be scheduled within 12 hours during regular business hours and within 48 hours on weekends.

Out of all the reviews of home warranty companies we’ve put together, HSC is the company that offers the quickest service and shortest waiting period. It also offers one of the shortest waiting periods in the industry — only 10 days from the date of purchase.

The two levels of coverage, Standard and Comprehensive, provide protection for 47 systems and appliances. The Standard Plan covers 18 major systems and appliances in your home, while the Comprehensive Plan provides coverage for up to 33 household items.

Based on a sample contract for a single-family home, here’s how the coverage costs look like for each plan:

  • Standard: $50 per month
  • Comprehensive: $60 per month

Service fees range from $65-$125 per claim.

This award-winning home warranty provider also offers a wide selection of optional add-on coverage for jetted bathtubs, sewage ejector pumps, pools, spas, well pumps, water softeners, freestanding freezers and more.

Other companies we considered

The following companies didn’t make it to the final cut but offer some great benefits that are worth considering.

Choice Home Warranty

Choice Home Warranty is a leading provider of the best home warranty plans in Illinois, and it offers a variety of plan options and optional add-ons. One of the great things we’ve learned based on our Choice Home Warranty review is that the company doesn’t require home inspections. This means that you can get coverage for your home without having to go through the extra hassle and expense.

Other key benefits that the company offers are their fast response times and 24/7 customer support. After a customer files a claim, its team will contact a service contractor within four hours. Choice Home Warranty customers can transfer plans for free, and all covered repairs are backed by a 90-day workmanship guarantee.

Liberty Home Guard

With over 40 add-on coverage options, Liberty Home Guard allows customers to build a plan that best suits their needs and budget. Plan holders can easily file a claim and manage their account through an online portal, and the claims hotline is available 24/7.

The company is relatively new in the home warranty space, but many consumers trust Liberty Home Guard for its 60-day workmanship guarantee. Customers can get free months when they purchase an annual or multi-year plan; you’ll get an additional two months free if you purchase a one-year plan and free six months with the five-year plan.

America’s Preferred Home Warranty

America’s Preferred Home Warranty (APHW) puts customers first by allowing them to choose their own qualified contractor. While most home warranty companies tend to score poor marks from customers, APHW stands out as an exception. The company generally holds positive reviews, thanks in part to its focus on customer satisfaction.

The plans offered by APHW come with a few exclusions, pretty standard for the average home warranty. More importantly, the payout cap for each policy is a generous $25,000 total. This makes APHW a good choice for homeowners looking for comprehensive protection against expensive home repairs.

Home Warranty Companies in Illinois Guide

What is a home warranty?

A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances. The most common items covered by a home warranty include HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, water heaters and major appliances such as refrigerators, stoves and dishwashers. The average cost of a home warranty is $500 per year and can be purchased from home warranty companies or through home builders and real estate agents.

In most cases, the homeowner pays a monthly payment or a large upfront cost when they purchase the warranty and a service call fee every time they need to use the warranty. Home warranties can be an important way to protect yourself from unexpected repair costs and can give you peace of mind knowing that your home is covered in the event of a breakdown.

Many consumers are also concerned about the difference between a home warranty and home insurance, and if they can do without one or the other. Home insurance protects your home from catastrophic damages caused by fires, storms, and theft. Having both a home warranty and home insurance can fully protect you from expensive repairs and replacements to your home as well as its systems and appliances.

How does a home warranty work?

Homeowners pay a monthly or annual fee and, in return, the home warranty company will send a technician to perform covered repairs or replacements. While the fees and coverage vary by company, state and area size, most home warranties cover items such as air conditioners, refrigerators, ovens and plumbing systems.

In the event of a covered breakdown, the homeowner contacts the home warranty company to request service. A customer service representative then creates a service ticket and dispatches a contractor to the home to diagnose and repair the issue. The contractor bills the home warranty company directly, and the homeowner is only responsible for paying their deductible.

How to choose the best home warranty plan in Illinois

Choosing the right home warranty plan in Illinois can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. To make the decision easier, we’ve listed some of the most important factors that will help you choose the best Illinois home warranty plan.

Consider the Illinois climate when deciding on your coverage

In Illinois, changing seasons and varying temperatures can lead to increased wear and tear on your heating and cooling systems. In addition, harsh winter storms can cause damage to roofing and siding. Consider adding coverage for these types of systems and structures in order to be fully prepared for any issues that may arise as a result of the Illinois climate.

Extreme weather conditions can lead to an increased need for covered repairs to things like furnaces, AC units and plumbing. On the other hand, areas with milder climates may not experience as much equipment strain and could potentially benefit from a more basic coverage plan. It’s also worth considering natural disasters that are common in Illinois, like severe storms or tornadoes.

Check customer satisfaction ratings and reviews

When evaluating home warranty coverage options, it’s important to consider the experiences of other customers. In addition to reading reviews on external review sites, check for customer satisfaction ratings and testimonials on the company’s website and on websites of reputable organizations like the BBB.

Pay attention to how they handle complaints and resolve issues. Do they offer timely responses and resolutions? Or are there patterns in the type of problems customers have reported? The level of customer satisfaction can provide valuable insight into a company’s reliability and effectiveness in dealing with home repairs and replacements.

Be aware of excluded appliance or system parts

What does a home warranty cover? This is one of the key questions to ask as you shop for home warranty plans. Be aware that some companies exclude certain appliances or systems from their coverage. For example, some companies may not cover washers and dryers, while others may exclude swimming pools or spas.

Keep in mind that some home warranty companies have a list of preferred service providers. If you use a service provider that’s not on the list, you may have to pay more out of pocket for repairs. Be sure to read the fine print of any policy you’re considering so you know exactly what is and isn’t covered. By taking the time to understand the policy and choose a company carefully, you can ensure that you’re getting the protection you need.

Look for companies with an easy claims process

Some companies make it difficult to file a claim, while others have a streamlined process that makes it easy to get the coverage you need. The best home warranty companies make it easy to file a claim online or over the phone, and they are available 24/7 to process your claims. It’s also important to note if they have qualified repair technicians in your local area who can quickly resolve your issue.

Find out how long it takes to get a repair or replacement and what type of customer service is available if you have questions or problems. By taking the time to research your options, you can be sure you’re getting the best possible coverage for your home.

Home warranty regulations in Illinois

The Home Repair and Remodeling Act is a law that applies to contractors who work on residences in Illinois. The act includes single-family homes, multiple family homes and dwellings containing six or fewer apartments, condominiums, townhouses or dwelling units.

The act requires that contractors provide the customer with a written contract before starting home repair or remodeling work that will cost more than $1,000. The contract must clearly indicate how much the work will cost, including the price of any parts or materials. The contract must also list the name and address of the service provider. If the contract includes a clause that requires binding arbitration or waiver of a jury trial, it must be brought to the consumer’s attention so they can choose to accept or reject that provision.

How We Chose the Best Home Warranty Companies in Illinois

We understand that making purchasing decisions can be difficult, and we aim to provide comprehensive and unbiased reviews and information to help our readers make informed choices. We rated these home warranty companies based on data we’ve collected from sample contracts, quotes and home warranty reviews in Illinois, and using the four crucial factors described below.

Cost-effectiveness

We score providers based on the overall price of their plans, service fees and any discounts or promotions that are available. We also considered average payouts and deductibles as these can impact the overall home warranty cost.

Coverage

Our team scored the top home warranty companies in Illinois based on how robust their coverage options are. We focused on rating companies with comprehensive coverage for a variety of appliances and systems including major systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) and essential appliances (laundry machines, ovens). Ratings also took into account the flexibility of the coverage, such as whether or not the customer can choose their own service provider or if the company has a network of pre-approved contractors.

Customer satisfaction

Our team rates typically rate home warranty companies based on a variety of factors related to customer satisfaction. This can include the number of complaints filed with the BBB, the average response time to service requests, information on dispute resolution, previous and pending lawsuits and years in business.

Extra benefits

We considered providers who offer unique benefits not typically included in most home warranty plans. Some of the extra benefits we looked for include a 30-day free cancellation period, service fee flexibilities, transferrable policies, coverage for energy-efficient items and technician selection. While not all of these perks will be relevant to everyone, they provide additional peace of mind and value for those who want the most comprehensive home warranty coverage possible.

Summary of Best Home Warranty Companies in Illinois for 2023

Jhicel Kadusale