Best Home Warranty Companies in Wisconsin

A Wisconsin home warranty can protect you in the event that a major home system or appliance, like your refrigerator or electrical system, abruptly stops working. To help you find the best home warranty, our team at House Method did the research for you, spending hours on the phone with multiple home warranty companies, reading the fine print of each and every sample contract, and rating providers based on pricing, plans, customer reviews, and other factors.

Keep reading to learn about the best home warranty companies in the state, common home maintenance issues faced by Wisconsin homeowners and a how a home warranty can fix them, and important home warranty buying tips.

Wisconsin’s best home warranties

The territory that would eventually become Wisconsin changed ownership multiple times. Initially settled by Native American tribes, it got seized by the French in 1672. France turned the region over to Great Britain by way of the Treaty of Paris in 1763. The United States eventually gained ownership of the future state 20 years later.

Wisconsin borders part of Michigan to the north, with Lake Michigan sitting between the two states, making up much of Wisconsin’s eastern border. Illinois borders Wisconsin to the south and Iowa shares a small portion of Wisconsin’s southwestern border. Minnesota borders Wisconsin to the west.

Wisconsin became the 30th state in 1848. Although its capital is Madison, the state’s largest city is Milwaukee. Its name comes from the Algonquian word Millioke, which means “beautiful” or “pleasant land.” Milwaukee has a population of about 595,025 people.

No matter where you live in Wisconsin, you’ll want to have peace of mind when it comes to your appliances and home systems. Whether it’s weather-related concerns or aging systems, there are multiple reasons to consider a home warranty.

Top home maintenance problems in Wisconsin

Here are some of the most common issues Wisconsin residents can expect to deal with.

Roof damage due to harsh winter conditions

Heavy snows can wear down a roof, especially an aging one. In fact, it’s not unusual to see roofs in desperate need of repair after a particularly bad winter in the state. Home warranty roof coverage isn’t as common as with indoor appliances and home systems. However, some companies do offer roofing repairs as an add-on or as part of a special deal.

A flooded basement

The spring thaw can bring some unique challenges, such as water damage and flooding in basements. It might be possible to head off these issues with the right home warranty plan. If not available as part of one of the available agreements, you might be able to pay for coverage separately as an add-on.

Neglected and clogged gutters

It can be very easy to forget about your home’s gutters if you don’t make it a point to practice routine maintenance. Cleaning your gutters can help avoid costly water damage issues later on, including problems that might lead to expensive roof repairs. Some home warranty companies not only cover your gutters, they also provide some options for roof-related repairs.

An aging furnace or HVAC system

If you’re not sure your furnace or HVAC system can make it through another tough winter, consider getting home warranty coverage as soon as possible. Getting coverage before the weather turns bad can give you the time necessary to get your system repaired or replaced. With a home warranty, you can pay a small deductible and avoid paying out-of-pocket for the majority of repair work.

A leaking water heater

Water heaters are essential for enjoying a nice, hot bath, and you often don’t think of them until they stop working. Routine inspection is vital so that you don’t get blindsided by issues like a leaking heater or corrosion. Proactively seeking coverage for your system before an issue occurs is the best approach.

Dirty refrigerator coils

Cleaning your refrigerators might not be fun, but it’s an essential part of extending the life of this crucial appliance. Neglecting your fridge can cause it to function poorly or break down.

Top home maintenance problems in West Virginia

These are some of the most common home repair issues facing West Virginia homeowners today.

Frozen household pipes

Winters in West Virginia can get rough and homeowners frequently have to worry about temperatures dropping so low that it causes the pipes to crack or freeze. Though there are ways to prevent this, you might have to schedule emergency repairs if you can’t.

Neglected septic tank systems

Sanitary sewers aren’t available to all West Virginians. Because of this, it’s quite common for some residents to use a private septic system. If you have your own septic system, it’s essential to make sure your septic tank system is routinely inspected, clean, and kept in working order. Neglecting the septic tank and its related functions might cause the system to fail.

Fortunately, quite a few home warranty companies include septic tank coverage or make it available as an optional add-on.

HVAC issues

Temperatures in West Virginia can fluctuate drastically, with residents experiencing hot summers and frigid, snowy winters. For this reason, it can be especially troublesome when your HVAC system breaks down. If you don’t have the money to cover the repair or replacement for this system, consider investing in a home warranty. By submitting a claim and scheduling home warranty service, you can avoid paying hundreds or thousands of dollars out-of-pocket. 

Water heater corrosion

Due to the presence of water, oxygen, and metal, a hot water heater can start to corrode. You don’t want to be standing in the shower when you find out there’s no hot water due to a problem with your heater. And because it’s difficult for pre-existing conditions to be covered by a home warranty, this is a situation you want to be on top of before it becomes a bigger issue. Getting your water heater covered before it succumbs to a problem like corrosion means that you can save money on the cost to replace your water heater.

Blocked gutters

Twice a year, check and clean out your gutters and drainage system. Water damage and debris can cause costly issues if not addressed. If you’re really concerned about your roof, gutters, and drainage system, find a home warranty company that will pay for the cost of roofing repairs. Select Home Warranty, for example, provides free coverage for roof repairs.

Who is eligible for a home warranty in West Virginia?

Home warranties are an excellent idea for West Virginian homeowners, whether you’re new to the area or have owned your home for years. Home warranty companies often make contacts within the community, allowing you to familiarize yourself with top technicians nearby.

The types of homes typically covered under a home warranty include single-family homes, multi-family homes or duplexes, condominiums, and townhouses. It might be a little tougher to get coverage for mobile homes or even manufactured homes, but it’s possible. American Home Shield (AHS) offers coverage for all types of homes listed, including triplexes and fourplexes.

MORE: Mobile Home Warranty Coverage

Here are a few other people who should consider getting a home warranty:

Landlords

When you sign a rental agreement with your tenants, it often means that they rely on you to cover the cost of repairing or replacing their appliances. Even if it’s a one-time agreement per machine, that still represents a lot of money. Not to mention, the cost of taking care of air conditioning, heating, electrical, or plumbing problems can add up. Getting a home warranty on a rental property can help save you a lot of money over time.

Former renters

Just as a home warranty can be a great idea for rental property owners, those used to renting might want familiar protection. If you’re still adjusting to life as a new homeowner, a home warranty might help make the transition slightly easier. It will give you time to become fully responsible for your home maintenance and help you save for any repair service or costs you may have to pay after reaching your coverage limit.

Home sellers

Are you preparing to sell your home? Throwing in home warranty coverage could be the sweetener that helps secure your sale. A home warranty is especially ideal if you’re selling a home that’s more than several years old.

Since most home buyers probably don’t want to be thinking about the cost of repairs within their first couple of years, this type of coverage can help get them used to their home and give them time to budget for future maintenance or repair needs.

Who is eligible for a home warranty in Wisconsin?

Although home warranties often cover single-family homes, there’s also coverage available for those who live in a duplex or multi-family home. If you’re a landlord with multiple units, some home warranty companies will even offer you a special coverage plan. Mobile homeowners tend to have it hardest at getting a home warranty, but there are still some home warranty companies that provide mobile home coverage.

Here are other groups that may benefit from home warranties:

• Homeowners—If you own your home, a home warranty is a great investment. It can help save hundreds of dollars or more, help you take better care of your home, and even extend the life of your appliances and systems.
• Real estate agents—There are a variety of home warranty companies that provide plans for real estate professionals. Providing a home warranty at no cost to potential homeowners could be the deal that makes the house you’re selling a more attractive option.
• Rental property owners—Tenants might look to others to repair their broken appliances, but who do rental property owners turn to? A home warranty will give rental property owners the ability to reduce the need to spend on pesky, frequent repair needs.

What is covered under a Wisconsin home warranty?

What a home warranty company covers will vary based on the type of plan a customer chooses. Below is what you can expect to be covered under some of the state’s top home warranty businesses.

American Home Shield

AHS is one of the best-known home warranty companies in the nation. Because of this, it’s no surprise that they their coverage options are among the best. 

Their Systems plan strictly covers home systems. It provides coverage for air conditioning, heating, electrical, and plumbing systems. Instead of forcing customers to pay extra to cover the whole system, their basic coverage includes ductwork and plumbing stoppages at no additional charge. 

The Appliance plan takes care of the most common appliances such as refrigerators, clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, and trash compactors. There’s also a Combo plan that gives you comprehensive coverage of both your home systems and appliances. If you only want to cover certain items, AHS has a “Build Your Own” plan that lets you pick and choose what your home warranty will cover.

MORE: Compare AHS coverage

Choice Home Warranty

Like AHS, CHW offers a customizable plan for anyone who doesn’t want to overpay by covering items they don’t need. You won’t find yourself overpaying with the Basic plan as it covers most items you’d expect a home warranty plan to cover. The Total plan adds on air conditioning, a refrigerator, and your clothes washer and dryer.

CHW has add-ons as well, letting you buy coverage for your swimming pool, septic system, and second refrigerator.

MORE: Compare CHW coverage

The Home Service Club

There are two primary home warranty options for Home Service Club customers. Under the Standard plan, coverage is available for the most common household systems, such as air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical, as well as your toilet, refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, range, cooktop, and water heater.

The Comprehensive plan lets you extend coverage to things like ductwork, plumbing stoppages, and your hot water pump. These plans are among the most comprehensive of home warranties while also being the least complex.

MORE: Compare The Home Service Club coverage

How much does a home warranty cost in Wisconsin?

On average, a home warranty in Wisconsin will cost between $350 and $600. Some policies go as low as about $250, but many customers can expect to pay around $400. In the end, the exact cost will be the result of factors such as what plan you choose, what items you cover, and if you select any add-ons. 

Additionally, service fees and deductibles for Wisconsin customers can cost between $50 and $60. Sometimes there are deductible options that cost more, but these are usually part of agreements that reduce your monthly fee.

How does a home warranty work?

When you buy a home warranty, you’re paying for coverage that will take the pressure off of you when appliances or home systems succumb to aging or normal wear and tear.

Note: It’s a good idea to get an inspection before signing up with a home warranty company even if it’s not required. This will give you a clear understanding before you sign up as to which covered items are in good working order and if there are any pre-existing conditions that might deny you coverage.

In general, here’s how a home warranty would work:

1. If a covered appliance or system breaks down, you would immediately file a claim and make a service call to the home warranty company. They might get someone out that same business day, but it’s more common to hear a response within 48–72 hours.
2. The professional might be able to fix the item or they might determine it must be replaced.
3. Once this happens, the home warranty company steps in to cover the bill. You pay a deductible which is comparatively cheap to the overall cost of repairs.
4. If there’s a coverage cap, the company might only be responsible for so much of the cost, up to a few thousand dollars. It’s a good idea to know exactly what the coverage limit is, as some companies have higher caps than others.

Why is a home warranty in Wisconsin necessary?

If you lost power during a winter storm or had your water heater break down, you could find it challenging to pay for the unexpected repair or replacement—especially in the dead of winter. Because Wisconsin residents face constant challenges due to the unique climate of the region, a home warranty becomes a very sensible investment.

Rather than worry about whether you’ll have the money should something go wrong, a home warranty can give you peace of mind and a chance to avoid paying out excess money for repairs or replacement of household appliances.

Buying a home warranty in Wisconsin

Some important factors to consider when weighing home warranty plans include:

• The cost of deductibles—While it’s common to aim for the cheapest deductibles, opting to pay more for a deductible can reduce your monthly bill. This could represent strong savings in the long term.
• The need for an inspection—If you find that certain companies make it hard to get a claim accepted, do yourself a favor by providing the results of a full-on inspection. Having an indisputable baseline prior to coverage will boost the chances of getting your claims covered.
• Customer service—When an appliance or systems breaks down unexpectedly, you’ll want a dedicated service team to help you with your claim. Look for companies that have customer service available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Reading the entire contract and knowing the details—Don’t assume certain household appliances or home systems are covered, even if it’s common for home warranties to cover them. What’s available in a basic plan with one home warranty company might be an add-on with another. Read the contract, ask questions, and make sure you understand how your coverage works. Otherwise, you might find yourself frustrated when trying to make a non-qualifying claim.

Wisconsin home warranty reviews

Below you’ll find some feedback on the top home warranty companies in Wisconsin. 

American Home Shield

AHS is one of the largest and best-known home warranty businesses in the country. It’s taken the time to develop a series of coverage plans that will meet the needs of its customers. Because of this, AHS is frequently among the better reviewed home warranty companies.

It also enjoys a B rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and is a BBB-accredited business. American Home Shield frequently gets high marks for repairs, with customers praising the professionalism of the technicians that it works with.

Read More: American Home Shield reviews

Choice Home Warranty

One of the most popular home warranty companies alongside AHS is Choice Home Warranty. This company has a solid, long-term history in the industry and receives top marks from reviewers for its coverage options and affordable cost. Although not accredited with the BBB, CHW received a B- rating due to its willingness to please dissatisfied customers. In fact, the company closed 5,000 cases within three years. 

Addressing customer complaints is a sign that CHW takes customer satisfaction seriously and values its reputation among potential customers. Overall, customer experiences are good with Choice and the company’s willingness to work with unsatisfied customers is assuring.

Read More: Choice Home Warranty reviews

The Home Service Club

Although The Home Service Club isn’t as big in Wisconsin as other home warranty businesses, it still enjoys a good reputation among reviewers. It’s known for responding to and fixing claims very quickly.

A reviewer named Jackson gushed,

“My fridge stopped working, and a technician was on my door less [than 24 hours] after I made my claim. The problem was solved within two hours and everything was up and running!”

This home warranty company frequently gets praise for the work of its network of professionals. It’s also well-known for having great customer service.

Read More: The Home Service Club reviews

Our conclusion

A home warranty can give you peace of mind in the event that a major home system or appliance breaks down. Wisconsin residents will find themselves better served by finding and buying a reliable home warranty through one of the best companies in the state.

Our research found American Home Shield, Choice Home Warranty, and The Home Service Club to be among the best-reviewed and most frequently recommended. Whichever home warranty company you decide on, do your research prior to signing and aim to get the best possible plan for your needs.