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7 best home warranty companies in Detroit, Michigan

HOMEFRONT

Updated Jun 22, 2024

Get a quote from our top provider, Liberty Home Guard

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Consider a home warranty to financially protect your home's essential items. These policies cover the replacement or repair of typical household systems and appliances, such as air conditioners and refrigerators, for a monthly fee.

Did you know that the typical life span of an HVAC system is seven to 25 years? Other major systems, such as water heaters, only last an average of six to 12 years. Most appliances last just 20 years or fewer, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.

If your Detroit house contains any aging dishwashers, furnaces or other appliances, you'll likely face an untimely breakdown. These top home warranty providers offer robust coverage at reasonable prices.

A standard homeowners insurance policy doesn't cover normal appliance wear and tear. With supplementary coverage from one of these home warranty companies, you'll have additional reassurance in case of an unexpected malfunction.

Our Top Pick
Provider logo
4.5
Our Rating
  • Extends 60-day workmanship guarantee
  • Holds high customer ratings
  • Offers customization with 38 add-ons
Explore Plans
Provider logo
4.4
Our Rating
  • Covers rust and corrosion damage
  • Offers comprehensive coverage limits
  • Provides flexible service fees
Limited Time Offer: 50% Off
Explore Plans
Provider logo
3.8
Our Rating
  • Charges low premiums
  • Includes roof-leak coverage
  • Offers solid HVAC coverage
Explore Plans

Find the best home warranty for you in Detroit

Here's our list of the best home warranty companies in Detroit:

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

4.5/5

Average monthly costs: $22.00 - $80.00

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty pairs its three coverage plans with flexible service call fees. It also offers coverage perks, including an appliance color-match program and an "Even If" service fee guarantee. With this guarantee, 2-10 will refund your service call fee if your covered item can’t be fixed or replaced.

What we like

  • Offers a $25,000 annual coverage cap
  • Pairs plans with a plan-length workmanship guarantee
  • Offers unique perks such as color matching appliance replacements

What we don't like

  • Charges a monthly processing fee if you choose monthly premiums
  • Excludes washer and dryer coverage from most plans
Liberty Home Guard

Liberty Home Guard

4.6/5

Average monthly costs: $49.99 - $59.99

Liberty Home Guard offers plans with a 60-day workmanship guarantee on completed repairs. Compared to other providers in this piece, it also provides the largest number of coverage add-ons – 38 in total.

What we like

  • Holds high ratings among customer service reviews
  • Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
  • Offers an extensive list of 40+ add-on coverages
  • Provides an easy claims process

What we don't like

  • Lacks transparency on service call fee pricing
  • Excludes coverage for known or unknown pre-existing conditions
Elite Home Warranty

Elite Home Warranty

4.4/5

Average monthly costs: $48.98 - $59.99

Elite Home Warranty has a fully customizable coverage plan you can design based on your coverage needs. It also includes a lengthy 90-day workmanship guarantee.

What we like

  • Allows you to choose your technician
  • Extends a 90-day workmanship guarantee
  • Offers more than 25 add-ons

What we don't like

  • Charges higher service fees for high-end appliances
  • Doesn't provide an online quote
  • Limits repair and replacement coverage caps for older items
American Home Shield

American Home Shield

4.4/5

Average monthly costs: $29.99 - $89.99

Founded in 1971, American Home Shield was one of the country's first home warranty companies. Today, it offers three coverage plans and six supplementary add-ons.

What we like

  • Offers generous coverage caps
  • Allows customers to build their own plans
  • Provides the option to choose the service fee you want to pay

What we don't like

  • Doesn’t let customers choose their own technician
  • Offers limited add-on options
First American Home Warranty

First American Home Warranty

4.2/5

Average monthly costs: $47.00 - $87.00

First American Home Warranty has comprehensive coverage caps for appliances in each plan. Additionally, First American includes its First American Advantage upgrade in its Essential and Premium plans. This upgrade provides coverage for miscellaneous items, such as appliance knobs and dials.

What we like

  • Allows you to choose your service call fee
  • Doesn’t have a coverage cap on heating, cooling, or ductwork
  • Accepts 24/7 service calls
  • Offers replacement of some covered items that are too damaged to repair

What we don't like

  • Doesn’t let customers choose their own contractor
  • Charges higher for coverage compared to other providers
Cinch Home Services

Cinch Home Services

4.3/5

Average monthly costs: $38.99 - $66.99

Cinch is known for offering unique perks such as homeowners insurance deductible reumbursement and adjustable service fees and premiums.

What we like

  • Offers home insurance deductible of $500
  • Extends a long 180-day workmanship guarantee
  • Provides generous $10,000 aggregate coverage limit

What we don't like

  • Charges high service fees of $100-$150
  • Doesn’t allow customers to choose their own technician
  • Isn’t available in Hawaii or Alaska
Select Home Warranty

Select Home Warranty

3.9/5

Average monthly costs: $44.42 - $47.75

Roof leak repair coverage is a rare perk that Select offers to its customers. It's also a good company to keep on your shortlist if affordable premiums are your top priority.

What we like

  • Provides low service fees compared to other home warranty providers
  • Includes two extra months of coverage in annual signup
  • Has an appliance-only, systems-only, and combo plan option

What we don't like

  • Has a $75 cancellation fee
  • Low coverage caps

Cost of a home warranty in Detroit

The cost of a home warranty is on par with the national average, and it heavily relies on how frequently you choose to make payments. The national average is roughly $40.91 to $77.05 per month, or $563.62 to $927.43 per year. We calculated the average by requesting hundreds of quotes using 2,000-square-foot, single-family homes across each state the providers service.

Home warranty coverage

Home warranties provide coverage for a variety of major systems and home appliances. We'll present a general overview of the two main coverage categories.

What are the typical items covered under a home warranty?

  • Clothes dryers
  • Dishwashers
  • Refrigerators
  • Washing machines
  • Cooktops
  • Built-in microwaves

Kitchen items and outdoor appliances form the first group of items that a home warranty provides coverage for. This includes the following items: Major systems form the second category of covered items. The specific definition of what a "major system" is will vary between different plans. However, most include the following:

  • HVAC
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • Central vacuum
  • Water heater

What items are typically not covered under a home warranty?

Each home warranty includes specific exclusions, or things it will not cover. Your contract will clearly specify each exclusion, so read carefully before you sign. A common exclusion is breakdowns caused by damage outside of normal wear and tear. For example, home warranties will likely not cover an air conditioner breakdown caused by a dirty air filter. This is because replacing the filter is a routine maintenance task.

    Home warranties also don't cover the following:
  • Improper system or appliance installation
  • Cosmetic damage
  • Rust or corrosion damage
  • Hazardous waste
  • Preexisting conditions
  • Acts of nature

Questions to ask home warranty providers in Detroit

Before purchasing a home warranty coverage plan, we recommend asking providers the following questions.

What items are covered by my policy?

First, determine what items need coverage before requesting a home warranty quote. Some providers separate appliance and system coverage, so verify that the company has plans to meet your particular needs. Also, many home warranty companies offer optional coverage, such as for wells or additional refrigeration. Consider purchasing add-ons if you need protection for specific items.

How long is my home warranty good for?

Standard home warranty contracts last for 12 months from the coverage effective date, which is usually 30 days after the initial sign-up date. Companies have this 30-day waiting period to prevent customers from filing claims for preexisting conditions. You may extend the 12-month policy term by purchasing a multiyear plan.

What contractors do you work with?

When you're researching home warranty companies, be sure to ask about which service contractors they use. Each repair team must follow specific licensing requirements and standards to get repair approval from the warranty company. If there are no partner contractors in your area, the warranty terms might allow you to select your own repair company. You can verify a contractor's license by searching the Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs database.

How does your claims approval process work?

Knowing more about your warranty company's claims process can improve your chances of getting an approval. Most companies accept claims through the web or via a 24/7 phone line. Once you file, the company will aim to reply within one to two days. Filing outside normal business hours may lead to a slower process. Once the provider receives your claim, someone will examine the details and connect you with a partner service contractor. The contractor will schedule a visit, diagnose the problem, and then request final approval from the home warranty provider before starting repairs.

Can I transfer my policy to the next owner of my home?

If you're selling your home, you may be able to transfer your policy to the new homeowner. Some companies manage the transfer without cost, while others charge a transfer fee. Some home warranty companies also provide special coverage plans that are easily transferred to prospective buyers. Home sellers purchase these home warranty plans to increase their home's appeal.

Home warranty contract fine print

To finalize your research, we recommend reading the home warranty provider’s detailed terms and sample contract before purchasing a plan. Knowing the company’s terms and conditions can help you determine whether it’s the right one for your needs. It'll also help you advocate for yourself if you need to file a claim. Below are several terms you should look for while reviewing the contract:

  • Exclusions: Home warranties have both general exclusions and component-specific ones. Even if an appliance or system is generally covered, your warranty might not cover some specific parts if they suffer damage. Read your sample contract carefully to know what's excluded.
  • Coverage limit: Each home warranty has a coverage limit that sets how much a company will cover per individual claim. Warranty contracts could also have annual coverage limits.
  • Cancellation: Companies typically outline how they process cancellations in their fine print. Many providers will refund the entire plan premium if you cancel within the first 30 days of sign-up.
  • Workmanship guarantee: The workmanship guarantee is the time during which the home warranty company won't assess an additional service call fee for a repair if an in-network technician has recently tried to fix the item. The industry standard is 30 days, but some companies offer longer workmanship guarantees.
  • Service call fee: Each time you file a claim, the warranty company or repair provider will levy a service call fee ranging from $75 to $125.

Facts about Detroit

Average High in July
83°F
Detroit
83°F
National Average
Average Low in January
18°F
Detroit
17°F
National Average
Average Daily Sunlight
60%
Detroit
69%
National Average
Our Top Pick
Provider logo
4.5
Our Rating
  • Extends 60-day workmanship guarantee
  • Holds high customer ratings
  • Offers customization with 38 add-ons
Explore Plans
Provider logo
4.4
Our Rating
  • Covers rust and corrosion damage
  • Offers comprehensive coverage limits
  • Provides flexible service fees
Limited Time Offer: 50% Off
Explore Plans
Provider logo
3.8
Our Rating
  • Charges low premiums
  • Includes roof-leak coverage
  • Offers solid HVAC coverage
Explore Plans

Our methodology for selecting home warranty providers

We review national home warranty providers against our full home warranty methodology. We score warranty providers based on coverage options and limits, price, brand reputation, customer service, extra features and availability.

Contact us at feedback@homefront.usatoday.com if you have questions or feedback on this article

Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top

Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.

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