Best Home Warranty Companies in South Dakota

If you’re buying a house in South Dakota or want to give your home a little extra protection, consider investing in a great home warranty. Since the home warranty industry is slightly saturated, our team at House Method wanted to make it easier for you to find the right plan for your home, so we took it upon ourselves to research the companies, read the fine print of every sample contract we came across, and rate each provider on a 100-point scale.

Keep reading to learn about the best home warranty companies in the state and how to buy a home warranty.

South Dakota’s best home warranty companies

Also known as The Mount Rushmore State, South Dakota is located in the midwestern region of the United States and is bordered by North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wyoming, and Montana. South Dakota’s state bird is the Ring-Necked Pheasant, the state tree is the White Spruce, the largest city is Sioux Falls, and the oldest city is Fort Pierre. In the midwest, South Dakota—more specifically Sioux Falls—is considered to be the fastest growing city in the region.

Top home maintenance problems in South Dakota

Property maintenance is often overlooked, but it’s an essential part of homeownership in South Dakota. Here are some common problems that a modern South Dakota homeowner might face: 

• Frozen pipes—The cold winters in South Dakota can cause pipes to freeze, which can damage your entire plumbing system. Winterize your pipes and wrap them with insulation to prevent them from freezing.
• Lead paint—Go to the county health department or your local hardware store to get test strips to see if your house was painted with lead paint. Lead-based paint is a severe health hazard and can cause abdominal pain, respiratory issues, and hearing loss. It’s especially important to check for lead paint in older homes or structures that were built before the 1970s.
• Cracks in walls and doors—A colder climate and invading pests can cause holes to form in your foundation and walls. If you find any gaps, seal them with caulk as soon as possible and invest in weatherstripping to prevent your HVAC system from overworking.
• Rotting wood—Check for rotting wood and paint peeling on the exterior of your home. Rotting wood should be replaced or it should be filled with a wood filler if the damage is minor. This will prevent leaks and water damage. You can touch up the peeling paint with a fresh coat of paint from your local hardware store.
• Blocked gutters—Leaves and other debris can clog up your gutters and cause them to not drain properly. Clear out your gutters in the spring and in the fall to allow for optimal water flow.

Who is eligible for a home warranty in South Dakota?

Anyone in South Dakota who owns a home is able to purchase a home warranty, however, there are some important factors to consider before doing so. Think about the current condition of your home—do any repairs need to be made in the near future? Some warranties cover repairs and replacements right away, while other companies may take into consideration the current condition of all appliances.

Additionally, most home warranty providers offer several different coverage plans, so what works for one homeowner may not be the best option for you.

What is covered under a South Dakota home warranty?

South Dakota home warranty coverage will depend on the type of warranty you choose and the company you decide to sign with. Typically, home warranty companies will provide you with a few options: an appliances plan that covers only appliances, a systems plan that covers only systems, or a combo plan that covers both systems and appliances.

Here are the covered items that are usually protected under a home warranty:

• Oven/Stove/Range
• Dishwasher
• Refrigerator
• Clothes washer
• Clothes dryer
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Air conditioning
• Heating
• Ductwork
• Garage door opener
• Garbage disposal

Add-on coverage will generally include a pool, water heater, hot tub, spa, sump pump, septic tank, guest house, and ceiling fans.

How much does a home warranty cost in South Dakota?

The average cost of a home warranty can range between $350 and $600 per year. If you need to add additional features to your plan, such as a pool or hot tub, you can expect to pay anywhere from an additional $100 to $500 per year.

Note: Service fees, also referred to as your deductible, will range between $75–$125 each time a claim is approved. Most warranty companies make this fee non-negotiable and non-refundable. Read your contract to determine how much your service fee costs and if you’ll be charged for repeat visits for the same problem.

How does a home warranty work in South Dakota?

When a covered item breaks, here’s how your home warranty would work:

1. Let’s say your air conditioning goes out in the dead of summer. You would call your home warranty company to file a claim or submit a claim online.
2. After submitting a claim, your home warranty company will contact a trusted technician in their network and have them contact you to set up an appointment. Some home warranty companies may let you choose your own contractor to work with.
3. Once the contractor arrives for the scheduled appointment, they will diagnose the issue and determine if a repair or replacement is needed. You will pay the service fee at this time.
4. If your air conditioner needs to be repaired, the contractor may be able to fix the problem that same day as long as they have the necessary parts to repair the system.
5. If your air conditioner needs to be replaced, the contractor will schedule a follow-up appointment with you to install the new system. You may have to work with your home warranty company to determine exactly which appliance or system will be installed.

Why is a home warranty in South Dakota necessary?

Brand new appliances will eventually break down due to normal wear and tear. It’s good to have a security plan in place to avoid paying expensive repair or replacement costs. For example, let’s consider the instance when your refrigerator breaks down.

Did you know that the average refrigerator repair bill can range from $150 to $1,300 to completely replace the model? Comparing the annual price of a home warranty to a single repair bill, you can see the value that a home warranty brings.

Additionally, your family will want the peace of mind that in the event of an emergency, you’ll be covered by trusted specialists that are trained, knowledgeable, and ready to fix your home’s appliances within a 24–72-hour time span.

How to buy a home warranty in South Dakota

Before you buy a home warranty, ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my budget?
• What items in my house do I want covered?
• Do I want the ability to customize my coverage?
• Are there items, like a pool or guest house, that I want to include in my coverage?
• Are there pre-existing conditions on my systems and appliances?
• Are there items that are already covered by a manufacturer’s warranty?
• What does the claims process look like with the company I’m interested in?
• How is the customer service?
• Will I be able to choose my own technician?

Once you have answered these questions, you’ll want to consider other factors, like how much the company charges for service fees, how many service calls you can make each year, or what the coverage caps are on your systems and appliances.

South Dakota home warranty reviews

Below are a few reviews from South Dakota homeowners who have a home warranty:

“I have had CHW for over two years and have filed two claims with no problems…can get through to them fast and get prompt attention… I would highly recommend them to save you lots of money.” — John

“Just started with Choice. I chose them because of their professionalism and pleasantness. They have a wonderful product at the price I can afford.” — Mary

“I found the agent efficient and knowledgeable. His name was Tom P. He was very convincing and I bought a 42-month policy. I believe I made a good choice.” — Joanne

“The experience of signing up for warranty coverage went extremely smooth. Hopefully I don’t need to use it anytime soon but will know better how the entire process works once we have a problem.” — Thomas

“Excellent service—A/C was out. They fixed it and technician was very nice, friendly, and explained circumstances!” — Lynnette

Our conclusion

Keeping your home appliances and systems in good condition directly impacts your quality of life as a South Dakota homeowner. A home warranty plan will give you the security you need in the event that one of these important items breaks down. American Home Shield and Choice Home Warranty meet the gold standard for South Dakota homeowners. They offer quick coverage and you’ll receive the best customer service in the shortest amount of time. Call them today to discuss your home warranty options.