Best Home Warranty Companies in Missouri

After purchasing a home, homeowners often forget to protect their investment with a home warranty. A home warranty, also known as a home protection plan, can protect Missouri residents in the event that a major system or appliance breaks down.

If you’re looking for a home warranty in Kansas City, Missouri, or another city in the state, and don’t know where to begin, keep reading to learn which top home warranty companies we recommend and how to secure the best plan for you and your home.

Missouri’s best home warranty companies

Missouri is located in the Midwestern region of the U.S. and is considered the 18th most populous state, with over six million residents. The capital is Jefferson City and the largest city is Kansas City; St. Louis comes in at a close second. Missouri is bordered by eight states: Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska. The state has two main rivers including the Missouri River (for which the state is named) and the Mississippi River.

The state once played a big part in American expansion into western territories—this is signified by the Gateway Arch. Additionally, the Pony Express, Oregon Trail, Santa Fe Trail, and California Trail all began in Missouri.

Although none of the following are official, Missouri’s nicknames include Mother of the West, Cave State, The Lead State, The Bullion State, The Ozark State, The Iron Mountain State, Pennsylvania of the West, and the most famous “Show Me State.”

Missouri is home to rolling hills that were formed by ancient glaciers and large river bluffs along the Mississippi, Missouri, and Meramec Rivers. Southern Missouri hosts the Ozark Mountains and the state is known for having a high limestone content with many sinkholes and caves.

Missouri has hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperatures can be extreme, with a record high of 118 degrees Fahrenheit and a record low of -40 degrees Fahrenheit. Missouri is also a haven for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.

Top home maintenance problems in Missouri

Missouri’s weather is not the only issue that homeowners face in the state. Below are a few other problems that residents should be aware of:

Hard water

Almost 85% of homes in the United States have hard water, meaning that running water in most households contains calcium, magnesium, and other metals. When the water evaporates, it can leave behind rust stains or crusty residue, which can affect the efficiency of home systems and appliances and their overall longevity.

Power grid reliability (PGR)

Losing power can take a toll on your home systems and appliances that rely on electricity. Missouri is ranked 38th out of 50 for PGR. However, most home warranty companies don’t cover repairs or replacements of appliances that quit operating due to a power surge or outage. It’s best to install a surge protector to help dissipate any electrical shorts.

Mold

Due to Missouri’s climate and proximity to the Mississippi River, residents can experience mold inside their homes. Mold growth happens when excess water accumulates and doesn’t evaporate. It can cause airborne illnesses and damage to your home’s wood structure, drywall, carpeting, and other porous surfaces.

Broken utility and service lines

Broken utility and service lines are a common problem in Missouri. This is typically offered as an add-on under most home warranty plans, and it’s definitely worth the extra fee since this repair can be extremely costly without a home warranty.

MORE: Sewer line warranty options

Who is eligible for a home warranty in Missouri?

Home buyers

If you’re purchasing a home in Missouri, it’s recommended that you buy a home warranty to avoid any unexpected breakdowns once you move in. A home warranty can give you peace of mind and help pay for repairs and replacements, which is especially helpful when you have to focus on paying a new mortgage.

Home sellers

When a seller includes a home warranty in the purchase, the home tends to sell faster. Additionally, having a home warranty when your home is on the market can protect major systems and appliances in the event of an unexpected breakdown—this coverage can ensure your home is ready for showings and give buyers assurance that your home is turn-key and ready for move-in.

Homeowners

If you’re already a homeowner and don’t have a home warranty, know that this type of service contract can help protect your systems and appliances as they age. Most appliances break down after 10 years, so it’s a good idea to have a home warranty in place to protect items that are in jeopardy of needing a replacement.

What is covered under a Missouri home warranty?

All of the home warranty companies listed above offer warranties that cover major home systems and appliances. While some of the plans will cover different items, each company generally covers the same standard systems and appliances. Note: there’s usually a charge for add-ons, such as a swimming pool, hot tub, or second refrigerator.

Here is what’s covered under the best home warranty companies in Missouri:

Total Home Protection

Total Home Protection is accredited by Consumer Affairs and has plans that start at just $1 per day.

Choice Home Warranty

Choice Home Warranty ranks high in customer satisfaction. The company provides home warranty service contracts for single-family homes, multiple units, condos, and even mobile and manufactured homes. CHW offers coverage for properly maintained home systems and appliances, regardless of age, make, or model. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.

American Home Shield

AHS allows for customizable home warranty plans, which is beneficial for those who want to cover only certain appliances and systems within their home.

The Home Service Club

The Home Service Club offers two coverage plans: Standard Coverage and Comprehensive Coverage. The company also has a list of optional add-ons that you can include with your home warranty plan. With only a 10-day waiting period, The Home Service Club is great for those who are anxious to protect their home.

Select Home Warranty

Select Home Warranty offers nationwide coverage and covers rental properties, mobile homes, manufactured homes, single-family homes, and condos. In addition to their free roof leak coverage, they also provide optional septic system coverage.

How much does a home warranty cost in Missouri?

The cost of a home warranty in Missouri will depend on the coverage you choose, where you live, the company you sign up with, and a few other factors. On average, the cost of a home warranty will be between $300 and $500.

How does a home warranty work?

If a system or appliance in your home starts to break down, here’s how a home warranty would kick in:

1. Make a claim—Call your warranty’s customer service line or submit online service requests that detail the item in question.
2. Schedule an appointment—Your home warranty company’s customer service representative will match you with a qualified technician. The technician will call you to schedule an appointment during normal business hours.
3. A technician will diagnose the issue—The qualified technician chosen by you or your warranty company will assess your home system or appliance and determine if a repair or replacement is needed. If the repair or replacement is covered under your warranty, the company will take care of the rest.
4. Pay the service call fee—Once you receive a diagnosis, you’ll need to pay the technician the agreed-upon service fee.

Why is a home warranty in Missouri necessary?

Investing in a home warranty can be beneficial for many reasons. For one, it will save you from having to pay expensive, out-of-pocket costs for repairs and replacements. It can also make it much easier to find a service technician to come out and complete the necessary repair or replacement for you.

Here are a couple more reasons why a home warranty in Missouri is not a bad idea:

1. Weather

Missouri is part of the Midwest which experiences hot, humid summers and chilly winters. The roller coaster of high temperatures and icy temps can put extra strain on appliances and home systems that keep you comfortable.

Not to mention, Missouri has an average of 33 tornadoes every year. While your homeowners insurance will cover some damage, systems and appliances won’t be covered, making it a good idea to have a home warranty.

2. Protection in rural areas

If you live in rural Missouri, you may have a well pump, sump pump, or septic system. These are all covered as add-ons through a home warranty contract.

How to buy a home warranty in Missouri

When you’re ready to buy a home warranty, here are a few helpful tips to help you choose the right plan for you and your home:

• Review your policy—Home warranty contracts are similar to insurance companies, in that they may have gray areas of coverage. Before signing that dotted line, be sure you understand the terms and conditions and get a customer service representative to answer any questions you may have.
• Find the exclusion list—Most home warranty companies will have a list of items they don’t cover, such as pre-existing defects like improper installation or dead appliances.
• Check manufacturer warranties—If your home systems or appliances are still under manufacturer warranty, you’ll need to contact the manufacturer directly as the home warranty company is considered secondary insurance. You’ll also need to contact the manufacturer if the repair or replacement is due to a recall or factory defect.
• Keep an updated credit card on file—Your home warranty payments must be kept up to date to file a claim and receive payment for a repair or replacement.
• Get your questions answered—Not sure how long it will take to get a repair completed or what happens if the repair doesn’t work? Ask customer service any questions you have before signing up for a policy. If they aren’t transparent with their answers, choose a different company that you trust.
• Compare plans and pricing—Review different home warranty plans and search around for a warranty that fits your budget.

Missouri home warranty reviews

The best home warranty companies in Missouri will provide you with full disclosure of coverage, pricing, and exclusions. They’ll also provide you with quick claims processing so you can get your repair or replacement with little disruption.

Look for home warranties that offer the best customer service via phone, email, chat, and social media. The response should be quick and fully answer your inquiry.

Missouri residents preferred home warranties for their ease of online claim tracking and bill pay. This prevents customers from having to wait on the phone when they need quick answers. Residents also liked that top home warranty companies provided personalized plans so they could pick which home system and appliances to cover (paying less than traditional comprehensive plans).

Susan B. from Chesterfield, MO, had this to say about American Home Shield:

“The locks on our recently purchased home needed to be re-keyed, one of the home warranty services provided by AHS. I submitted the request online and was contacted almost immediately by the AHS-selected locksmith. We scheduled an appointment convenient for me, and the service provided was excellent—friendly, professional, and fast. AHS handled the bill with no involvement from me. A seamless process!”

Complaints regarding Missouri home warranties include high service call fees and longer wait times for repairs.

Our conclusion

If you own an older home in Missouri, chances are you could benefit from a home warranty. A home warranty will save you money on costly repairs and replacements. While each company listed above has its pros and cons, you should choose a company that offers the best price for your intended coverage, can answer all of your questions, and provide the quickest service.