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7 best home warranty companies in Southgate, Michigan

HOMEFRONT

Updated Jun 22, 2024

Get a quote from our top provider, Liberty Home Guard

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A home warranty provides financial protection if a major home system or appliance 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 use.

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 Southgate home has a furnace, dishwasher 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.

The relentlessly snowy Southgate winters can influence your roof and HVAC system's health, so we recommend a home warranty to protect you from unforeseen repair bills. Each of the companies below has solid coverage for appliance and systems.

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
$150 Off Any Plan
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 Southgate

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

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

4.5/5

Average monthly costs: $22.00 - $80.00

2-10 has three coverage plans with flexible service call fees and perks like appliance color matching. The company also has an "Even If" guarantee that refunds your service call fees 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 lets you fully customize a plan for your exact coverage needs. It also provides an exceptionally long 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

An industry veteran, American Home Shield has been in business since 1971. It provides three coverage plans and six optional 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 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

Cinch Home Services

4.3/5

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

Select Home Warranty

3.9/5

Average monthly costs: $44.42 - $47.75

Select Home Warranty pairs all plans with roof-leak repair coverage. It also charges low plan premiums.

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 Southgate

The average cost of a home warranty in Southgate is around the same as the national average, ranging from $40.91 to $77.05 per month. If you prefer to pay an annual premium, expect to pay between $563.62 and $927.43 per year. To calculate national averages, we requested 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 additional coverage for home appliances and major systems. However, it's not a substitute for homeowners insurance, and there are some exclusions to coverage. Below, we'll discuss what's generally covered and what's not.

What are the typical items covered under a home warranty?

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

Major appliances form the first group of items that a home warranty protects. This includes the following items: When you purchase a home warranty, you're also getting coverage for major home systems. While different plans have different coverage scopes for this category, the following systems can be included:

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

What items are typically not covered under a home warranty?

As with many other service contracts, home warranties won't cover certain appliances or components. These are called exclusions. One thing that home warranties exclude is damage outside normal wear and tear. For example, the warranty company could deny a claim for an AC breakdown if a dirty air filter is the cause. This is because replacing the air filter is a part of routine maintenance. Home warranties also don't cover acts of nature, preexisting conditions, improper system or appliance installation, rust or corrosion damage, cosmetic damage and hazardous waste.

Questions to ask home warranty providers in Southgate

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

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 lawn sprinkler systems or wells. Consider purchasing add-ons if you need protection for specific items.

How long is my home warranty good for?

A typical home warranty plan is effective 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?

Knowledge of your warranty company's claim process makes all the difference between an approval and a denial. If you're facing a covered issue, you can usually file a claim over the phone or through the web. While most claims should have a one to two-day turnaround, there might be delays if you file outside standard business hours. 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 book an appointment with you to examine the appliance and diagnose the problem. Once the company grants final approval, the contractor can proceed with repairs.

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

Most home warranty companies allow you to transfer your policy to a new homeowner if you need to move. Sometimes, transfers will be free, and other times, the company will charge a transfer fee for the service. Sellers can also purchase special home warranty plans that are readily transferable to prospective buyers. This is a straightforward way to make your home more attractive to your home in a competitive real estate market and give the buyer added confidence.

Home warranty contract fine print

Before buying 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 stand up for your rights if you need to file a claim. Look for these key stipulations and clauses:

  • Exclusions: Be sure to familiarize yourself with component-specific exclusions in the home warranty company's sample contracts. Some parts of an appliance may not be included even if the appliance itself is usually covered under the policy.
  • Workmanship guarantee: Workmanship guarantees temporarily protect you from additional service call fees if an in-network technician unsuccessfully tried to fix a covered issue. Most guarantees are 30 days long, though some companies offer longer periods.
  • Cancellation: Companies commonly detail 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 range from $75–$125 per claim.

Facts about Southgate

Average High in July
83°F
Southgate
83°F
National Average
Average Low in January
18°F
Southgate
17°F
National Average
Average Daily Sunlight
60%
Southgate
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
$150 Off Any Plan
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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