Home Warranty

7 best home warranty companies in Royal Oak, Michigan

HOMEFRONT

Updated Jun 22, 2024

Get a quote from our top provider, Liberty Home Guard

Our Methodology

We've ranked the top 7 home warranty companies that operate within 50 miles of Royal Oak. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.

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A home warranty gives you financial protection if an appliance or major home system suddenly breaks down. For a monthly fee, the warranty company covers repair and replacement costs for items such as refrigerators and HVAC units when they break down from normal wear and tear.

Many crucial home components start having issues before hitting the 10 to 15-year mark, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. HVAC systems typically operate for just seven to 25 years. Water heaters normally last six to 12 years, and most appliances today go kaput after about 20 years.

If your Royal Oak home has a dishwasher, furnace or any other everyday appliance within that age range, you will likely experience an unexpected breakdown. The top home warranty companies listed below offer generous coverage at affordable rates.

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

Our Top Pick

4.5

Our Rating

Extends 60-day workmanship guarantee
Holds high customer ratings
Offers customization with 38 add-ons

Explore Plans

4.4

Our Rating

Covers rust and corrosion damage
Offers comprehensive coverage limits
Provides flexible service fees

$150 Off Any Plan

Explore Plans

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 Royal Oak

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

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

4.5/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $22.00 - $80.00

2-10 offers flexible service fees and perks like an appliance color-match program. Through its "Even If" guarantee, it also refunds service fees if repairing or replacing a covered item isn't possible.

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

4.6/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $49.99 - $59.99

Liberty Home Guard offers the largest number of optional add-ons compared to any provider in this article — 38 in total. It also has plans featuring a 60-day workmanship guarantee on completed repairs.

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

4.4/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $48.98 - $59.99

Elite Home Warranty offers fully customizable plans with 90-day workmanship guarantees. Customers can build a unique coverage solution that meets their needs.

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

4.4/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $29.99 - $89.99

American Home Shield was one of the first home warranty companies, having been in business since 1971. It provides three base plans and six 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

4.2/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $47.00 - $87.00

First American is known for its comprehensive appliance coverage caps. With an Essential or Premium plan that has the First American Advantage upgrade, you could also get coverage for miscellaneous components, including 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

4.3/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $38.99 - $66.99

Cinch has some unique home warranty offerings and coverage perks, including homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement. Just like many other companies, it also offers flexible service fees that give you a greater say in your premium.

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

3.9/5

EXPLORE PLANS

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 Royal Oak

The cost of a home warranty is around the same as the national average, and it largely depends on how frequently you choose to make payments. The national average is about $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

With a home warranty, you'll have extra coverage for major systems and home appliances. However, it's not a substitute for homeowners insurance, and there are some exclusions to coverage. Below, we'll talk about what's generally covered and what's not.

What are the typical items covered under a home warranty?

Refrigerators
Washing machines
Cooktops
Built-in microwaves
Dishwashers
Clothes dryers

Major appliances make up the first group of items that a home warranty covers. This includes the following items: The second coverage category is major systems, which often consist of the following:

Electrical
Water heater
HVAC
Plumbing
Central vacuum

What items are typically not covered under a home warranty?

As with many other service contracts, home warranties won't cover certain components or appliances. These are called exclusions. Generally, home warranties won't cover item breakdowns caused by damage outside of normal wear and tear. For example, if your air conditioner malfunctions due to a dirty air filter, home warranty companies probably won't cover the repairs since air filter replacement falls under routine maintenance.

Rust or corrosion damage
Improper system or appliance installation
Preexisting conditions
Acts of nature
Hazardous waste
Cosmetic damage

Questions to ask home warranty providers in Royal Oak

We recommend asking each home warranty provider you're considering the following questions about their plans, terms and policies.

What items will my policy cover?

Before asking a home warranty company for a quote, write down the specific systems and appliances that you need covered. Then, confirm the company has plans meeting your needs. Some companies separate appliance and system coverage into different plans. Most home warranty companies also sell optional add-ons for things like roof leaks and lawn sprinkler systems. Evaluate what add-ons you might need and how much they'll add to the home warranty cost.

How long is my home warranty good for?

A typical home warranty plan is good for one year from the coverage effective date, which is 30 days after the initial sign-up date. The 30-day waiting period acts as a way 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?

Ask potential home warranty companies about their network of local service contractors. A contractor must have the proper local and state licensing to access the company's network. If your area has no in-network contractors nearby, the warranty company may let you choose your own. 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 boosts 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 try to respond within 24 to 48 hours. Filing outside normal business hours may lead to a slower process. After you file your claim, a staff member will examine your claim and connect you with an in-network repair contractor. The contractor's team will schedule a meeting with you to examine the appliance and diagnose the problem. Once the company grants final approval, the contractor can begin the repair work.

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

Most home warranty companies permit you to transfer your policy to a new homeowner if you need to move. Sometimes, transfers are free, and other times, the company will levy a transfer fee for the service. Home warranty companies may also sell separate, special coverage plans that you can easily transfer to prospective homebuyers. Sellers can purchase these plans to enhance their home's appeal in a competitive market.

Home warranty contract fine print

Before purchasing a home warranty, examine the company's sample contracts and policies. Understanding a provider's terms and conditions can help you decide whether they're a suitable choice for you. It'll also help you advocate for yourself if you need to file a claim. Pay attention to these key stipulations and clauses:

Cancellation: You'll typically find the warranty company's cancellation policy inside their fine print. Depending on the company, if you cancel within the first 30 days of enrollment, you might receive a full refund of the entire premium.
Coverage limit: The coverage limit sets a dollar limit to how much the home warranty company will pay per repair. There may be further stipulations, such as an annual coverage limit.
Service call fee: The service call fee is the amount you'll pay the home warranty company or service provider each time you file a claim. Fees typically vary between $75 and $125 per claim.
Exclusions: Pay extra attention to the exclusions a provider lists in its fine print. For example, most home warranty sample contracts specify component exclusions for each covered item.
Workmanship guarantee: Most workmanship guarantees last for 30 days from a warranty repair, but some companies offer longer guarantee periods. If you have more issues with an appliance that an in-network technician recently attempted to repair for you, the home warranty company won't charge an extra service call fee for a new claim.

Facts about Royal Oak

Average High in July

80°F

Royal Oak

83°F

National Average

Average Low in January

16°F

Royal Oak

17°F

National Average

Average Daily Sunlight

59%

Royal Oak

69%

National Average

Our Top Pick

4.5

Our Rating

Extends 60-day workmanship guarantee
Holds high customer ratings
Offers customization with 38 add-ons

Explore Plans

4.4

Our Rating

Covers rust and corrosion damage
Offers comprehensive coverage limits
Provides flexible service fees

$150 Off Any Plan

Explore Plans

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.

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.

7 best home warranty companies in Royal Oak, Michigan

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