Best Home Warranty Companies in Idaho

If you live in Idaho, your major home systems and appliances are prone to break down over the years and and will need repairs or replacements. Fortunately, a home warranty plan can help.

Since searching for a home warranty can be overwhelming—especially if you’ve never done it before—our team at House Method did the research for you and picked five of the best home warranty companies in the state. Keep reading to learn which companies we recommend and how to purchase a plan that’s right for you and your home.

Idaho’s best home warranty companies

Idaho is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and shares borders with Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, and Utah; in the north, Idaho also shares a border with British Columbia, a Canadian province. 

This state has multiple nicknames, including the Gem State, Gem of the Mountains, Land of Famous Potatoes, the Spud State, and the Panhandle State. The first one, the Gem State, is its official nickname, as Idaho produces around 72 types of precious and semi-precious stones, some which are exclusive to the state.

The state bird is the mountain bluebird and the state tree is the western white pine, also called the California mountain pine or the silver pine. Idaho is the 11th largest state in the country landwise, but it’s the 12th least populated. There are eight cities with a population of around 50,000 or more, including the capital of Boise. Here’s a quick overview of some of the most populated cities in the state:

• Boise—This city’s nickname is “The City of Trees.” The state of Idaho has nearly five million acres of wilderness, which is more land than that found in Rhode Island, Delaware, and Connecticut combined.
• Meridian—Since 1994, this Idaho city has seen the fastest population growth in the state. Between 1980 and 2000, population tripled, and between 2000 and 2007, it doubled again.
• Nampa—Around the dawn of the 20th century, this Idaho town became a stop on four different railroads, a key indicator of a town’s growth in that era. 
• Idaho Falls—As you walk along the Snake River, you can glimpse the beautiful falls that gave this place its name. 
• Pocatello—This town was dubbed the Gateway to the Northwest during the Oregon Trail era.
• Caldwell—As with other Idaho cities, a combination of the railroad’s arrival and the discovery of gold in the state’s mountains caused people to settle here. 
• Coeur d’Alene—After the British established fur trading posts in the area, French traders began to call the Schitsu’umsh tribe the “Cœur d’Alene;” these words literally mean “heart” and “awl.”
• Twin Falls—This city has twin waterfalls on the Snake River; in the past, when water levels were especially high, a third waterfall would come into existence.

Regarding housing in the state, most homes in Idaho (44.2%) were built before 1980. In general, older homes need more repairs or replacements of systems and appliances than brand new ones, which makes a home warranty a great option for homeowners in Idaho.

Top home maintenance problems in Idaho

It’s important to keep home systems and appliances running well to prevent breakdowns and complete system failures. Regular maintenance is key, as well as making small repairs on home systems before larger issues arise. Here are a few of the top home maintenance problems in the state and how home warranty plans can help with these issues:

• Breakdown of heating system—Idaho winters can get pretty chilly, with temperatures averaging 30 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to keep your heating system in peak condition, maintaining and repairing it as needed, and replacing an old system when the time comes (typically, an HVAC system lasts 15 to 20 years). Most home warranty plans will cover heating system issues.
• Malfunctioning air conditioning system—Because Idaho summers can be comfortably warm, you may or may not have an air conditioning system in your home. If you do, your home warranty can cover maintenance and repairs or provide a replacement should an issue arise.
• Broken water heater—Having a reliable source of hot water is crucial for showering, washing clothes, and doing the dishes or laundry. This means that water heater maintenance is critical. Home warranty plans will typically provide coverage on this item, though some companies might have water heater coverage as an add-on.
• Aging home appliances—Home appliances such as washers and dryers, stoves, and refrigerators are used frequently, which can lead to significant wear and tear. There are home warranty plans that provide coverage when one or more of these appliances need to be repaired or replaced. Below are the average lifespans of the most important home appliances: 
  • Dishwasher—8 years
  • Dryer—13 years
  • Freezer—10–20 years
  • Gas oven—10–18 years
  • Electric range—13–15 years
  • Gas range—15–17 years
  • Refrigerator—9–13 years
  • Washing machine—5–15 years
• Faulty electrical systems—From flipping on lights to turning on appliances, we rely on our electrical systems each and every day. Because of this, it’s important to keep them in good shape, both for usage purposes and because electrical problems could potentially start a home fire.
• Leaky plumbing systems—Nobody wants a toilet that isn’t functioning well, and leaky pipes can cause extensive damage is not addressed quickly. Home warranty plans can provide coverage for your plumbing system and plumbing stoppages. 
• Roof leaks and gutter repairs—If you don’t clear your gutters of debris, they can become backed up and cause roof leaks, which can cause significant damage. Some home warranty companies, like Select Home Warranty, will cover roof leaks.

Who is eligible for a home warranty in Idaho?

You can buy a home warranty in Idaho if you own a single-family home, mobile home, multi-unit home, condo, townhouse, and so forth. You can also purchase a home warranty if you’re a landlord and own different rental properties. If you’re buying a home, ask your real estate agent if the seller is including a home warranty in the purchase—this will give you a free year of coverage on major systems and appliances.

What is covered under an Idaho home warranty?

To get the best home warranty in Idaho, it’s important to choose the plan that coincides with your needs. Here are five options to consider. 

American Home Shield

American Home Shield gives you plenty of options to choose from, including four main plans—Appliance Plan, Systems Plan, Combo Plan, and a Build Your Own Plan—as well as add-ons. The Appliance Plan covers just appliances, the Systems Plan covers home systems, and the Combo Plan covers a variety of both. Some add-ons include a pool, spa, or guest home on your property.

Similar to other home warranty companies, American Home Shield covers the cost to repair or replace your home appliances. However, the company also provides appliance removal and disposal under their plan.

An AHS home warranty plan provides other benefits, including:

• A Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation
• Follow-ups on service calls
• Generous coverage caps

MORE: Detailed American Home Shield Review

Choice Home Warranty

Choice Home Warranty offers a Basic Plan and a Total Plan, as well as optional add-ons, which include a second refrigerator or a well pump. Choice Home Warranty also offers coverage for freon: an item that isn’t usually covered by other home warranty service plans.

CHW won’t deny coverage based on the age of your home or the appliances being covered, as long as they’ve been maintained. Other benefits of this plan include:

• A 90-day repair guarantee
• After-hours customer service

MORE: Choice Home Warranty Review

The Home Service Club

When you get coverage from The Home Service Club, you can select from two plans: Standard or Comprehensive. This company also offers optional coverage add-ons, such as protection for outside power units, sewer lines, and irrigation lines.

Homeowners who appreciate fast and convenient service should take a look at The Home Service Club. Other benefits of this company include:

• Fast turnaround of claims and responsive customer service
• 10-day waiting period (less than many other home warranty companies)
• Lower premiums

Although people often purchase home warranty plans with a one-year contract, you can choose a five-year plan with The Home Service Club and qualify for up to five months of free coverage.

MORE: The Home Service Club Review

America’s 1st Choice Home Club

This home warranty company offers four plans: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and System. You can also request additional coverage for your sump pump, septic system, hot water dispenser, pool and spa, stand alone freezer and tankless water heater.

If you want to choose your own repair technician, this could be a good company for you. Here are some other reasons why America’s 1st Choice Home Club may be a good option:

• They’ve earned accreditation from the BBB, Consumers Advocate, and Consumer Affairs
• You can benefit from 30- to 60- day work guarantees
• Extras include participation in an emergency alert network, credit monitoring services, and more

MORE: America’s 1st Choice Home Club Review

Total Home Protection

This company is new to the industry, and it offers a choice between a Gold plan and a Platinum one, along with add-on services. In addition to offering coverage for major home systems and appliances, Total Home Protection also provides coverage for septic systems.

MORE: Total Home Protection Review

Average cost of a home warranty in Idaho

On average, a home warranty in Idaho costs a homeowner a little more than $300 per year. That said, costs can range based on the company, the plan chosen, and the add-on services selected. In general, plans can start at $300 on the low end and go above $600 on the high end. Deductible costs can be as low as $45 or more than $100.

How does a home warranty work?

First, you purchase a plan and typically pay either a monthly or annual fee. When you need a home system or appliance serviced, and that specific item is covered by your plan, you contact your home warranty company with your service request. The company will likely have a list of contractors in their network that they have already vetted and can send to your home to address your issue.

You’ll typically need to pay a service fee when the technician arrives to fix your appliance or system. This process can save you time and money and be much more convenient than if you were without a home warranty.

For example, let’s say that your heating system breaks down in the dead of winter and you don’t have a home warranty. You would need to call around to find information about pricing and make sure the company you’re hiring is trusted and well-respected before making your decision. If you had a home warranty, all you would need to do would be to call the company and wait 24–72 hours for a service technician to be assigned to your case.

Why is a home warranty necessary?

Nobody likes surprises when they involve unexpected expenses for home repairs or replacements. When you have a home warranty plan, you can eliminate this stress because you have the security of knowing that you can financially deal with the costs. You simply make a call, schedule an appointment with the technician who contacts you, and pay a service fee for the covered issue.

Buyer’s guide to purchasing a home warranty in Idaho

There are several things you’ll want to consider when choosing a home warranty in Idaho. You’ll want to be clear about what’s covered in your plan and how much it will cost, along with:

• How you’ll make your payments (this could be through automatic deduction from a checking account or a monthly charge on your credit card)
• How often you’ll make payments (monthly or annually)
• The specific process that your home warranty company wants you to follow when an issue arises
• What your coverage caps will be
• The various ways that you can customize your plan
• The length of your contract and whether or not discounts are available if you commit to coverage for a longer period
• How long the waiting period is before service kicks in (this is typically 30 days, though some companies will start coverage after 10 days)
• What your friends and family say about the company

When looking to purchase a home warranty, remember to:

• Choose a quality company that offers plans in your state, like the ones listed in this article
• Provide your home warranty company with exactly what you’re looking for so they can provide you with the right plan

Idaho home warranty reviews

Here are a few reviews from Idaho homeowners who have a home warranty:

Rebecca Richter, an American Home Shield customer from Meridian, ID, says,

“My washing machine stopped working, and one of the ‘burners’ on my induction stovetop wasn’t working properly. I was pleased to find that when I reported this, I only had to pay for one service call…I felt sure I would have to pay for two calls since there were two appliances to be serviced. What a pleasant surprise! Both appliances were repaired in a timely fashion.”

Marco Daviesi, a Home Service Club customer from Boise, ID, says,

“I was so upset when my trash compactor broke down over Thanksgiving. But I have to say I’m pretty impressed with The Home Service Club for sending out a technician right away to fix it over the weekend.”

Evelyn Stowers, a Choice Home Warranty customer from Idaho Falls, ID, says,

“I did feel a little pressure in renewing right then to get my current rate and lock it in for life. I really wasn’t prepared financially but went ahead and renewed. I had been searching for a new policy, but after talking with your agent, I knew that your company was my best option. We have had a great experience with your company and look forward to using you for the rest of our lives.”

Our conclusion

Having a home warranty can give you significant peace of mind. If unexpected repairs are needed on covered systems or appliances, you can rest assured that you won’t be paying exorbitant out-of-pocket costs. Review the top five home warranty companies in the state at the top of this review or compare more home warranties, like Landmark Home Warranty or Home Warranty of America.