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Best Home Warranties in Wisconsin for 2023
By Susan Doktor MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
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- Covers Major Home Systems, HVAC & Appliances
- Free Roof Coverage, No Inspection Needed
24/7 support whenever your appliances fail
- Large network of independent prescreened contractors and qualified technicians
- In business for over 30 years
- Good coverage on home systems
- Does not cover pre-existing issues
- They will replace items that fail if they can't be fixed regardless of age, make or model
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- Industry leader since 1971
- More than $2 Billion in claims paid in last 5 years
- More than 2 Million customers served
- No inspection or maintenance records required
- 30-day workmanship guarantee
When it comes to protecting your home, you want to make sure that you have the best possible coverage. A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of various appliances and home systems if they break down due to normal wear and tear. In Wisconsin, there are several companies that offer home warranty plans, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks.
In this article, we will be reviewing the best home warranty companies in Wisconsin and discussing what sets them apart from the rest. We will also be answering some common questions about home warranties and providing a guide to help you choose the best plan for your needs.
Our Top Picks for Best Home Warranties in Wisconsin
- Choice Home Warranty
- American Home Shield
- Cinch Home Services
- First Premier Home Warranty
- Home Warranty of America
- America’s First Choice Home Club
- America’s Preferred Home Warranty
Table of Contents
- Best Home Warranty Company Reviews
- Best Home Warranties in Wisconsin Guide
- Best Home Warranties in Wisconsin FAQs
- How We Chose the Best Home Warranties in Wisconsin
- Summary of Our Guide to the Best Home Warranties in Wisconsin
Best Home Warranty Company Reviews
Best for Combination Plans: Choice Home Warranty
- First month is free
- Two plans to suit your protection needs and budget
- Both plans covers a wide range of system and appliance breakdowns
- No option to limit coverage to either systems or appliances
- Fewer opportunities to customize your plan with optional add-ons
Choice Home Warranty offers two coverage options: a Basic plan and a Total plan. Both are combo plans that cover appliances and systems. If you want to limit coverage to either systems or appliances, you won’t have that option.
That being said, Choice Home Warranty plans offer broad coverage at a moderate cost.
Pricing Information
- Basic plan: $46.83
- Total plan: $54.75
Best for No-Cap Coverage: American Home Shield
- Choose your own deductible
- No cap on coverage for covered system repairs
- No maintenance records required
- Will haul away items that need replacing
- No exclusion for items that haven't had proper maintenance
- Workmanship guarantee is just 30 days
American Home Shield offers one outstanding advantage. It places no dollar cap on coverage for systems covered under your plan. Imagine you need to replace your entire heating system. At today’s prices, American Home Shield’s coverage could represent more than $10,000 in savings. We also noted that American Home Shield plans have fewer exclusions than other plans, covering items that have been poorly maintained, for example.
The ShieldSilver plan covers four major systems in your home: heating, cooling, electrical and plumbing. The ShieldGold plan adds in coverage for kitchen and laundry room appliances. The ShieldPlatinum plan includes everything covered in the less expensive plans and adds in limited roof leak coverage, free HVAC tune-ups and unlimited refilling of A/C refrigerant. It also includes coverage for repairs made necessary by code violations, which are normally excluded by home warranty plans.
Pricing Information
- ShieldSilver: $29.99
- ShieldGold: $49.99
- ShieldPlatinum: $79.99
Best for Appliance Parts and Components: Cinch Home Services
- Select your own deductible
- 180-day workmanship guarantee
- Many appliance parts and components covered
- Limited add-on options
- No low deductible choices
- No sample contract provided
Cinch Home Services offers customers a choice of three plans. You can limit coverage to either systems coverage or appliance coverage or choose comprehensive coverage. Whether you’re an existing or new home buyer, you can choose precisely the coverage that you need.
Cinch stands out for covering many of the appliance parts and components excluded by some home warranty companies. These include handles, buttons and knobs, which are sometimes a pain to get from an original manufacturer. Customers with older appliances will appreciate this feature of Cinch’s coverage: the company will source such items for you.
One thing that frustrates consumers about home warranties is having a home repair done only to have the serviced item break down just a few weeks later. That results in multiple service calls and having to pay call fees over and over again. Cinch Home Services stands out for having a 180-day workmanship guarantee — not the longest in the industry, but still noteworthy.
Pricing Information
- Appliances plan: $59.99 (with $150 deductible)
- Built-in Systems plan: $64.99 (with $150 deductible)
- Complete Home plan: $74.99 (with $150 deductible)
Best for Homes with Dual Source Heating and Cooling: First Premier Home Warranty
- Two combination systems/appliances plans to choose from
- Wide range of add-ons to customize coverage
- Promotional pricing offered
- Combo plans only
- Common appliances and systems excluded from its lowest-cost plan
- Doesn't publish sample contract
Nowadays, many homeowners heat and cool their homes using more than one source. You may have a furnace that heats the lower floors of your home and electric baseboards in your basement family room. Or you may have a mini-split system you use for ancillary heating and cooling seasonally. First Premier’s Platinum plan is ideally suited for homes with dual heating and cooling systems because it includes coverage for two systems.
The company’s prices are considerably lower than many of the companies we’ve reviewed. However, both of its plan options are combo plans that cover specific systems and appliances. You can’t purchase protection for just one or the other. In addition, its lower-priced Premier plan doesn’t include coverage for some common appliances like refrigerators and washers. Nor does it cover heating and air conditioning systems. For that, you’ll need to step up to the company’s Platinum plan.
Pricing Information
- Premier plan: $34.99
- Platinum plan: $41.66
Best for Budget-Friendly Whole Home Protection: Home Warranty of America
- Whole home coverage for a relatively low price
- Service fees as low as $75
- Fewer add-on coverage options
- Can't purchase systems-only or appliances-only coverage
- No sample contract provided
While you can’t purchase systems-only or appliances-only coverage from Home Warranty of America, the company offers good value in its combo plans.
With its lowest-priced Select plan, which costs a modest $44.17 a month, all major home systems are covered, with the exception of air conditioning. Most major appliances are covered under that same plan, except for clothes washers, dryers and refrigerators. The Select Plus plan does not have those exclusions. When it comes to optional coverage, Home Warranty of America doesn’t offer as many choices as some competitors do. Stand-alone freezers, ice dispensers and lawn sprinklers, for example, are not options under its plans. But you can buy coverage for your pool or spa, your septic system and your well pump if your home is so equipped.
Pricing Information
- Select plan: $44.17
- Select Plus plan: $56.67
Best for Long Workmanship Guarantee: America’s First Choice Home Club
- Longest work guarantee: up to three years with a three-year plan
- Option to choose either systems-only or appliances-only coverage
- Offers two combination systems-and-appliances plans
- Choose your own service tech
- Choice of deductibles: $75, $100, $125
- $75 cancellation fee
America’s First Choice Home Club offers the longest workmanship guarantee that we’ve come across. The work you have performed when you file a claim is guaranteed for the full term of the plan you purchase. With a one-year plan, it’s guaranteed for a full year. With a three-year plan, it’s guaranteed for three years. The only caveat is that you must still be enrolled in a plan for the workmanship guarantee to remain in place. Still, this guarantee may represent significant savings over the term of your plan.
America’s First Choice Home Club also offers one of the smartest variety of plans on the market. Homeowners can elect to have either systems coverage only or appliance coverage only. Or they can choose from one of two combination plans. That allows homeowners to choose the plan that best suits their needs and their finances. The company’s prices are more reasonable than many competitive plans we’ve reviewed, as well.
Pricing Information
- Silver Systems: $44.17
- Silver Appliances: $37.17
- Gold Plan: $51.25
- Platinum Plan: $56.00
Best for Low Deductibles: America’s Preferred Home Warranty
- Choose your own deductible: $50 or $100
- One plan that offers very comprehensive coverage
- Only one plan offered
- Only covers central air conditioning, not mini-split systems
- No sample contract available on website
America’s Preferred Home Warranty only offers one plan: a combination systems-and appliances plan that includes coverage for all major systems and common appliances in your home, including exterior sewer lines. That coverage is relatively rare in the industry. Some items covered in America’s Preferred Home Warranty’s plan, such as septic systems, limited roof leak repairs and humidifiers are only available as add-ons in other plans.
Given its two low-deductible options and medium-range premiums, America’s Preferred Home Warranty represents an excellent value. The company earns an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 3.35- out of 5-star rating from consumers who review it on the BBB website. Google gives America’s Preferred Home Warranty a very good 4- out of 5-star rating, which is based on more than 4,700 reviews. Since home warranty companies in general get more than their share of complaints, these numbers speak very highly of the coverage and service America’s Preferred Home Warranty provides.
Pricing Information
- With $50 deductible: $59.08
- With $100 deductible: $54.92
Best Home Warranties in Wisconsin Guide
What is a home warranty?
A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of various appliances and home systems if they break down due to normal wear and tear. These warranties are typically purchased by homeowners to gain peace of mind and protection against unexpected expenses.
What’s the difference between a home warranty and home insurance?
Homeowner’s insurance is typically mandatory if you have a mortgage on your home. It protects you and your mortgage company from expenses due to damage to your home and personal property caused by events like fire, natural disasters, theft and other unforeseen circumstances. A home warranty, on the other hand, isn’t mandatory. It covers the repair or replacement of appliances and home systems that break down due to normal wear and tear. Homeowners buy home warranties to limit the amount they spend on home systems and appliance repairs.
What does a home warranty cover?
Home warranty coverage can vary between companies, but typically includes appliances and systems such as the HVAC system, electrical system, plumbing system, water heater and more. Some companies also offer additional coverage options such as roof leak coverage or coverage for pools and spas. Breadth of coverage is one of the first factors homeowners should consider when they set out to buy a home warranty.
Do home warranties protect brand-new systems and appliances?
In general, no. Home warranties cover an item after its manufacturer’s warranty expires.
What voids a home warranty?
A home warranty can be voided if the appliance or system in question was not properly maintained or if the issue is a result of pre-existing conditions or damage. Home warranties can also be voided if the homeowner makes modifications to the covered appliances or systems without prior approval from the warranty company.
How much does a home warranty cost?
The cost of a home warranty can vary depending on the company and the specific plan you choose. Basic plan premiums can start at around $500 per year, while more comprehensive plans can cost upwards of $800 per year. Additionally, there may be additional fees such as service call fees or deductibles.
Are home warranties worth it?
Whether or not a home warranty is worth it depends on your individual circumstances. If you’re concerned about unexpected repairs and the cost of maintaining your home’s appliances and systems, a home warranty can provide peace of mind and protection against these costs. However, it’s important to review your coverage options and compare costs before making a decision.
How to choose the best home warranty for you
When choosing a home warranty, it’s important to consider the coverage options that are most important to you, the cost of the plan and the reputation of the company. It’s also important to review the exclusions and limitations of the warranty. Many homeowners don’t take that step and wind up disappointed when their warranties don’t provide the coverage they expect.
How do I cancel my home warranty?
The process for canceling a home warranty can vary depending on the company. Some companies may require you to submit a written cancellation request, while others may allow you to cancel over the phone or online. It’s important to review the terms and conditions of your specific home warranty to understand the cancellation process.
Best Home Warranties in Wisconsin FAQs
Who regulates home warranty companies in Wisconsin?
Is a home warranty required in Wisconsin?
How much is a home warranty?
Who pays for the home warranty, the buyer or the seller?
How we chose the best home warranties in Wisconsin
We took into account a variety of factors when looking for the best home warranties in Wisconsin, including covered appliances and services, premiums and service call fees, and overall reputation. We looked at customer reviews and ratings from third-party organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about customers’ experience with each company. Our goal was to help homeowners make an informed decision when choosing a home warranty plan.
We also surveyed the add-ons offered by each company. For example, some companies may include coverage for items such as central vacuum, well pump, and garage door opener, while others may not.
We also took into account each company’s transparency and favored those that provided sample contracts and detailed deductible options.
Summary of Our Guide to the Best Home Warranties in Wisconsin
Wisconsin residents have a lot of choices in the home warranty category. We’ve provided an overview of each of our recommended companies, but reading the fine print of any plan you consider is essential. As you research plans on your own, you may want to follow these steps so you can make the most informed decision possible:
- Prioritize the coverage that’s most important to you and will best protect your home.
- Ask for a free quote online.
- Find out how much service calls cost (deductibles).
- Ask for a copy of a sample of the company’s home warranty contract.
- Examine the coverage limits for individual systems and appliances.
- Compare prices, taking into account coverage limits. The cheapest plan may not offer the best value.
- Study each policy’s exclusions carefully.
