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In the winter season, Michigan homeowners face bitterly low temperatures and heavy snowfall, and while space heaters, heated blankets, and similar products can help in a pinch, there’s no question that Michiganders rely on their central heating systems for survival during the coldest months of the year. Keeping HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, as well as major appliances, running properly is just as important during the summer months. A well-maintained air conditioning system can keep Michigan residents cool even during the most sweltering and dangerous heat waves.
If these systems unexpectedly break down, homeowners protected by a home warranty might have an easier time scheduling urgent repairs, but with the variety of plans, policies, and providers to consider, prospective customers will need to weigh several factors to find the best option for their unique home warranty needs. The best home warranty companies in Michigan all have plenty of benefits to mull over, and with a little research, Michiganders can find the right plan for them.
- BEST OVERALL: Cinch Home Services
- RUNNER-UP: AFC Home Club
- BEST COVERAGE LIMITS: American Home Shield
- BEST SERVICE ADD-ONS: Liberty Home Guard
- ALSO CONSIDER: Select Home Warranty
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Michigan
Choosing a home warranty plan and provider will require homeowners to consider their home from multiple perspectives, identifying the home systems and appliances that need coverage and the price they’re willing to pay for a policy. However, home warranties can vary significantly between companies, so prospective customers will need to weigh multiple factors to find the right policy, including policy options, cost factors, and claim processes.
Policies and Plans
When customers compare home warranty options, they tend to focus on two main factors: costs and coverage. Many companies split their home warranty coverage into multiple plans and policy tiers, ranging from basic to comprehensive, allowing homeowners to choose the plan that best aligns with their needs.
But home warranty plans can vary significantly between providers, meaning what is considered standard coverage with one company might only be available as a service add-on at an additional cost with another. Because of this, homeowners will need to pay close attention to the systems and appliances covered by each provider, keeping in mind any specific items they are looking to protect.
Maximum Coverage Limit
Home warranty companies set coverage limits on their policies, which dictate the maximum amount the company is willing to pay for repairs on covered systems and appliances. But while setting these caps is standard practice, the cap itself can vary depending on the provider—and while some providers apply coverage limits per term, others apply them per item. Even within the same home warranty plan, coverage limits can vary from one item to another. For instance, home warranties may cover HVAC repairs for a higher amount than they will to patch a roof leak.
When comparing providers, homeowners will want to consider coverage limits for several reasons. Most notably, these limits can directly impact out-of-pocket costs, as homeowners in need of expensive repairs or replacements that exceed the maximum coverage limit may be on the hook to pay the difference in cost. As such, homeowners will want to consider this factor before choosing a home warranty company.
Average Monthly Rate
Monthly rates represent the up-front cost of a home warranty. Homeowners pay monthly rates in return for the protection of their critical home systems and appliances. However, the exact price they pay for this coverage will depend on several factors, including the company and coverage options they select.
To determine how this type of coverage might fit into their monthly budget, homeowners can consider average monthly rates, though they will want to be aware that their costs could differ somewhat from the average depending on their home’s size and location as well as any optional service add-ons they choose to purchase. Still, average monthly rates can provide homeowners with an easy way to compare price points between providers.
Discounts
Homeowners have a long list of monthly expenses to consider, and many home warranty providers offer discount opportunities customers can use to save on the total cost of their home warranty coverage. However, the specific discounts available will vary from one provider to another.
For example, some companies may offer promotional discounts to attract new customers, while others may reward loyal customers with additional months of coverage at no extra cost. Some discounts are available all year round, while others are only offered during seasonal promotions. To get the best deal on their coverage, homeowners will need to keep their eyes open for any potential discount opportunities throughout their home warranty search.
Service Fee
While monthly rates are consistent and predictable, homeowners pay service fees when scheduling repairs on covered systems and appliances. This means homeowners will want to be prepared for home warranty service fees to pop up at any time, as issues can often arise unexpectedly.
Service fees can vary dramatically between home warranty companies, and although some companies may allow homeowners to choose from several service fee options, others may standardize one fee across all policies. To understand the total cost of coverage with each provider, homeowners will therefore want to pay close attention to service fees.
Waiting Period
Home warranties commonly begin with a waiting period—a brief window of time, typically lasting around 30 days, during which homeowners will be unable to submit any repair requests. Although home warranty waiting periods are common, some homeowners may be wary of the potential coverage gap they could cause.
To avoid such coverage gaps, some home warranty companies offer ways for customers to bypass the standard waiting period, but these opportunities will depend on the provider. While some may waive the waiting period for customers switching their service from another provider, others may agree to waive it for customers who agree to an in-home inspection. Other companies may not remove the waiting period under any circumstances, so homeowners interested in having coverage start right away may want to inquire about waiting period policies with each company on their list.
Claims Process
To understand the potential customer experience without having to take a deep dive into customer reviews and consumer reports, home warranty customers can instead turn to the claims process, examining factors ranging from the available methods for submitting claims to the average claims response time.
These factors can have a significant impact on the homeowner’s experience. For example, customers who find themselves in need of urgent repairs might be disappointed to discover that their claim will not be processed for several days. As such, homeowners will need to closely examine the claims process with each home warranty company before committing to a plan, choosing a provider with a process they will be prepared to navigate if and when they need to put in a service request.
Workmanship Guarantee
When a covered system or appliance breaks down, homeowners with a home warranty policy submit a claim, pay a service fee, and wait for the necessary repairs to begin. But what happens when these initial repairs fail to resolve the underlying issue? Home warranty repairs are typically covered under the company’s workmanship guarantee, which protects the homeowner if additional repairs are needed, allowing them to schedule follow-up work without requiring them to pay an additional service fee.
However, workmanship guarantees can differ greatly between providers, with some offering guarantees lasting as little as 30 days and others boasting guarantees that last for multiple years. For this reason, it’s a good idea for homeowners to be diligent when comparing workmanship guarantees—otherwise, they could be on the hook to pay multiple service fees to get their systems back up and running.
Our Top Picks
When determining the best home warranty companies in Michigan for their needs, homeowners may want to weigh cost, coverage, and customer service factors, among other criteria. By doing so, they can identify the providers offering the best overall value for homeowners in the Great Lakes State.
Best Overall
Cinch Home Services
Why It Made the Cut:
With low monthly rates, a quick claims response time, and some unique standard coverage inclusions, Cinch Home Services earns its reputation as one of the top home warranty providers.
With an average monthly rate of $41, Cinch Home Services offers relatively affordable prices in the Michigan market, which may make it easier for homeowners to budget for this type of home protection. Despite its competitive rates, the company’s coverage extends beyond the industry norm, with standard coverage inclusions for pre-existing conditions as well as issues caused by rust and corrosion. Coverage on these types of issues may not always be available with other providers, which means homeowners may be able to get more use out of a home warranty policy by going with Cinch Home Services.
Customers considering Cinch Home Services will want to be aware that the company’s service fees range in cost from $100 to $150, which is somewhat high for this type of coverage. However, some homeowners may be willing to pay this higher price in return for the company’s speed of service; it promises to begin contacting independent contractors within 2 hours of receiving a repair request when claims are submitted during regular business hours. This is an impressively quick claims response time, which may be particularly valuable when homeowners find themselves in need of urgent repairs.
Specs
- Maximum coverage limit: $3,000
- Average monthly rate: $41
- Service fee: $100 to $150
- Claims process: Online, phone
- Workmanship guarantee: 180 days
Pros
- Coverage for unknown pre-existing conditions included
- Rust and corrosion coverage included
- Relatively low $41 average monthly rate
- Quick response within 2 hours of service request possible
Cons
- Relatively high $100 to $150 service fee
Runner-Up
AFC Home Club
Why It Made the Cut:
With AFC Home Club, homeowners can lock in their monthly rates for 5 years, select their own contractor for repairs, and reap the rewards of a lengthy workmanship guarantee.
With AFC Home Club, new customers can take advantage of several benefits, including the option to lock in their rates for a period of up to 5 years. This option can help homeowners save on the long-term costs of a home warranty, allowing them to retain their original rate even if the company raises its prices during that time. New customers are also allowed to bypass the standard 30-day waiting period by agreeing to an in-home inspection of their covered appliances and home systems. This option may be particularly appealing to homeowners who are looking to avoid gaps in their home warranty coverage.
Prospective policyholders will want to note that before AFC Home Club accepts any HVAC repair requests, customers will be required to submit a maintenance record from the previous 12 months to prove that their HVAC system was in good working condition when it was last inspected. This means homeowners who want the option to use their HVAC coverage will need to proactively keep up with routine maintenance on this critical system. That being said, scheduling annual HVAC tune-ups may be a sound decision regardless of whether a homeowner purchases a home warranty or not, as doing so will help extend the life of the home’s heating and cooling systems.
When the time comes to use their home warranty coverage, homeowners with policies through AFC Home Club will have the flexibility to choose their own technician or select from the company’s list of preferred vendors. Whichever option they choose, the work will be protected under AFC Home Club’s workmanship guarantee, which runs the entire length of the customer’s policy. With policies lasting 1 or 3 years, this is an impressively long guarantee, and may make it easier for homeowners to keep their systems and appliances running while also keeping out-of-pocket costs low.
Specs
- Maximum coverage limit: $3,000
- Average monthly rate: $57
- Service fee: $75 to $125
- Claims process: Online, phone
- Workmanship guarantee: 1 or 3 years
Pros
- Customer-selected technician option
- Extremely long 1- or 3-year workmanship guarantee
- 5-year guarantee on monthly rate
- Waiting period waived with home inspection
Cons
- Annual HVAC maintenance required
Best Coverage Limits
American Home Shield
Why It Made the Cut:
American Home Shield’s stand-out offerings include high coverage limits on HVAC systems and standard coverage on issues due to rust, corrosion, sediment, and certain pre-existing conditions.
With American Home Shield, every home warranty plan includes standard coverage for issues due to rust, corrosion, and sediment—conditions that are often excluded from this type of policy. American Home Shield policies also cover pre-existing conditions, which the company defines as any covered malfunctions that are not detectable via a visual inspection or simple mechanical test. Because home warranties often list pre-existing conditions as excluded from coverage, having them included here at no extra cost adds even more value to an American Home Shield plan.
Before committing to an AHS policy, potential customers will want to be aware that the company’s workmanship guarantee is relatively short at only 30 days and the average monthly rates in Michigan are somewhat high at $73. That may be a cost worth paying given American Home Shield’s generous coverage limits. In particular, every American Home Shield policy comes with a $5,000 coverage limit on HVAC repairs, which may allow homeowners to schedule expensive repairs without increasing their out-of-pocket costs.
Specs
- Maximum coverage limit: $5,000 (for HVAC repairs)
- Average monthly rate: $73
- Service fee: $100 or $125
- Claims process: Online, phone
- Workmanship guarantee: 30 days
Pros
- Relatively high $5,000 coverage limit on HVAC repairs
- Coverage for unknown pre-existing conditions included
- Rust, corrosion, and sediment coverage included
Cons
- Relatively high $73 average monthly rate
- Relatively short 30-day workmanship guarantee
Best Service Add-Ons
Liberty Home Guard
Why It Made the Cut:
Liberty Home Guard offers an impressive portfolio of add-on coverage options alongside multiple service fees, allowing homeowners to create their ideal plan.
Homeowners who choose Liberty Home Guard for their home warranty needs will have the opportunity to expand the scope of their policy with more than 40 service add-ons to choose from. In Michigan, the most popular add-ons include coverage for stand-alone freezers, roof leaks, sump pumps, well pumps, and septic system pumping services. These added coverage options allow customers to protect a wider range of home systems and appliances. The company also gives customers multiple service fees to choose from, with options available as low as $60, allowing them to reduce the out-of-pocket costs associated with requesting repairs.
When weighing the pros and cons of a Liberty Home Guard plan, homeowners might notice that the company caps repairs at $2,000, which may seem like a low coverage limit at first glance. However, it’s important to note that this limit is applied per item, not in aggregate, which means the total cumulative cost of repairs can exceed this amount as long as the cost of the individual repairs does not. Liberty Home Guard customers who pay in full for an annual or multiyear policy will be rewarded with 2 additional months of coverage at no extra cost. This drives up the value of a Liberty Home Guard policy, essentially giving homeowners 14 months of coverage for the price of 12.
Specs
- Maximum coverage limit: $2,000 (per item)
- Average monthly rate: $55
- Service fee: $60 to $125
- Claims process: Online, phone
- Workmanship guarantee: 60 days
Pros
- Wide variety of service add-ons
- Low $60 minimum service fee
- 2 months of free coverage with annual payment
Cons
- Relatively low $2,000 coverage limit per item
Also Consider
Select Home Warranty
Why It Made the Cut:
Frequent promotional discounts make Select Home Warranty an affordable option, with those who pay up front receiving extra months of coverage free of charge.
Deal-seeking customers may want to consider Select Home Warranty, as the company regularly runs promotions offering significant discounts to new customers. Though the exact terms of these online deals can vary, the fact remains that these promotions can mean significant, long-term savings, which may make it easier for a wider range of homeowners to budget for this type of coverage.
Before capitalizing on these deals, customers will want to be confident about their choice of provider; otherwise, they could find themselves facing a somewhat high $75 cancellation fee. However, it’s worth noting that many home warranty companies assess fees to customers who cancel their policy before their term is over. Prospective customers will also want to be aware that Select Home Warranty could take as long as 4 days to process repair requests received on weekends or holidays, though claims submitted during regular business hours are likely to be processed much faster.
Another appealing perk is that Select Home Warranty customers who pay up front for a year’s worth of coverage will also receive 2 additional months for free, extending their coverage at no additional cost.
Specs
- Maximum coverage limit: $3,000
- Average monthly rate: $62
- Service fee: $75 to $100
- Claims process: Online, email
- Workmanship guarantee: 60 days
Pros
- 2 months of free coverage with annual payment
- Frequent promotional discounts
Cons
- Relatively slow claim response of up to 96 hours after receiving service request
- Somewhat high $75 plan cancellation fee
Our Verdict
We gave the award for Best Overall to Cinch Home Services due to its low monthly rates, rapid claims response time, and standard coverage inclusions for certain pre-existing conditions. The Runner-Up award goes to AFC Home Club because of its locked-in monthly rates, lengthy workmanship guarantees, and flexible options for customers to bypass the waiting period and choose their own contractor for repairs.
How We Chose the Best Home Warranty Companies in Michigan
To identify the best home warranty companies in Michigan, we began by analyzing each company’s coverage options, including standard coverage and any service add-ons customers can purchase to expand the scope of their plan, paying attention to coverage limits to understand how far this coverage can potentially stretch.
Cost considerations were another important factor, so we weighed average monthly rates, service fees, and potential discount opportunities to approximate the total cost of coverage with each provider. Lastly, to understand the level of customer service offered by each home warranty company, we made note of waiting periods, workmanship guarantees, claims response times, and any other miscellaneous perks that may benefit homeowners in Michigan.
Before You Choose One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Michigan
Before homeowners can choose a home warranty, they must first understand how this type of coverage fits into their larger home protection plan. Many homeowners choose to invest in both a home warranty and homeowners insurance because of the differences between these two coverage types. For example, while a home warranty may be key to protecting an expensive home appliance, insurance is necessary to help protect the home’s structure.
Unlike a home warranty, insurance protects the home from structural damage and loss of personal property due to covered perils such as fire, wind, hail, theft, and vandalism, among others, so for homeowners looking to protect their whole house, insurance can be paired alongside a home warranty for added security. In addition to considering how these types of coverage might fit into their monthly budget, homeowners will also need to identify the specific systems and appliances they are looking to protect, as these items will act as a guide in their home warranty search.
Elizabeth Dodson, co-founder of HomeZada, a home finance software company, also suggests taking a close look at the terms of the home warranty before signing up for coverage. “When it comes to a home warranty company, consider the agreement,” she says. “Any analysis should take into account the annual cost of the warranty, the scope of coverage, and age of your equipment and appliances. Shop home warranties from companies in your area that can promise access to local contractors with business licenses, bonding, and insurance. If they can’t provide this information, they don’t deserve your business.”
Cost of Opting for One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Michigan
To understand the total cost of their home warranty coverage, homeowners must consider three main factors: monthly rates, service fees, and discount opportunities. Each of these factors can vary significantly between home warranty companies, with total costs ranging from as little as $264 to as much as $1,425 annually.
On average, home warranty costs come to around $600 per year, though the exact cost of a home warranty will depend on several factors, from the size and location of the home to the coverage options selected by the homeowner. As such, Michigan homeowners will want to consider their options carefully to choose a plan that fits their budget.
The Advantages of Opting for One of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Michigan
A home warranty can be a valuable tool. From protecting aging appliances to safeguarding critical systems, there are many reasons a homeowner might decide a home warranty is worth it for them. The best providers in Michigan can offer several benefits, including:
- Extensive standard and add-on coverage, including protection against rust, corrosion, and pre-existing conditions;
- Long workmanship guarantees that allow customers to schedule follow-up work on covered repairs at no additional cost; and
- Generous discounts and promotional offers that help homeowners reduce the total cost of their home warranty plan.
FAQs
Whether they’re seeking the best home warranties for mobile homes or single-family houses, homeowners have several points to consider before they commit to a policy. With so much to examine, it’s understandable that customers might harbor some lingering questions about this type of coverage and what it might mean for their home. To minimize uncertainty and dispel doubts, homeowners can begin by reviewing some of the most frequently asked questions regarding home warranties in Michigan.
Q. Do home warranties cover windows?
As home warranties cover systems and appliances, they will not cover structural issues. However, depending on the cause of the damage, these issues may be covered by homeowners insurance.
Q. What home warranties cover roof leaks?
Some home warranties may offer roof-leak coverage as a standard policy, but often roof-leak repairs are only covered if customers buy a service add-on. With that in mind, homeowners prioritizing this type of coverage will want to target one of the best home warranties for roof issues.
Q. Is a home warranty required in Michigan?
Though home warranties are not required in the state of Michigan, this type of coverage can provide many benefits to homeowners in the Mitten State. After weighing the costs and benefits of this type of policy and protection it can afford, Michigan residents may decide that they need a home warranty.