Editorial note: Homefront (defined in the Disclosure below) may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations.

hero image

7 best home warranty companies in St. Clair Shores, Michigan

HOMEFRONT

Updated Jun 22, 2024

Get a quote from our top provider, Liberty Home Guard

0
Companies Selected

Home warranties give you a financial buffer to fix or replace appliances that suddenly fail. For a monthly fee, these policies insure items such as refrigerators and AC units when they malfunction from regular wear and tear.

Many essential home components won't last over 10–15 years before needing service, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. HVAC systems typically operate for seven to 25 years. Water heaters tend to last just six to 12 years on average, and most major appliances go kaput in under 20 years.

If your St. Clair Shores home contains aging dishwashers, furnaces or other appliances, you'll probably encounter an unexpected failure. These highly rated home warranty firms provide robust coverage at fair prices.

Homeowners insurance doesn't cover appliance breakdowns due to normal wear and tear, so having a home warranty can give you an extra safeguard against the unexpected. We've done the research to determine what home warranty firms have the best major appliance and system coverage.

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 St. Clair Shores

Here's our list of the best home warranty companies in St. Clair Shores:

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

4.5/5

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

Liberty Home Guard

4.6/5

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

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 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

Select Home Warranty plans have low premiums, and each one includes coverage for roof leaks.

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 St. Clair Shores

The cost of a home warranty is on par with the national average, and it heavily relies on how often 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

Home warranties protect various home appliances and major systems, but they're not a substitute for homeowners insurance. Below, we'll summarize what's generally covered in a home warranty and what isn't.

What are the typical items covered under a home warranty?

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

Major appliances form the first category of items that home warranties cover. 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:

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

What items are typically not covered under a home warranty?

Home warranties, like most service contracts, don't cover everything. A common exclusion is breakdowns caused by damage outside 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 part of routine maintenance.

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

Questions to ask home warranty providers in St. Clair Shores

Before you purchase a home warranty plan, discuss these crucial questions with each provider you're considering.

What items are covered by my policy?

First, figure out 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. Companies might also offer additional coverage, like spa and additional refrigeration protection, as add-ons. Consider what supplements you might need and how much they'll add to the cost.

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 serves as a way to prevent customers from filing claims for preexisting conditions. Purchasing a multiyear plan extends protection beyond the standard 12-month term.

What contractors do you work with?

Be sure to ask about the warranty provider's network of licensed service contractors. Companies will usually have strict licensing requirements and other standards for a contractor to get repair approval. If there are no partner contractors near where you live, the company might 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?

Each company's claims process is slightly different from the others. If a covered issue strikes, you could file a claim via their website or over the phone. Most companies try to address claims within 24 to 48 hours, though there might be processing delays if you filed outside normal working hours. Once the provider receives your claim, someone will review it and connect you with an in-network service provider. 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 need to move, most home warranty contracts contain a clause allowing you to transfer the policy to the new homeowner. Some companies handle the transfer for free, though others levy a transfer fee. Sellers can also purchase special home warranty plans that are readily transferable to prospective buyers. This is an easy way to make your home more attractive to your home in a competitive real estate market and offer the buyer additional peace of mind.

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 determine if they're a suitable choice for you. It'll also help you stand up for your rights if you need to file a claim. Pay attention to these key stipulations and clauses:

  • Workmanship guarantee: Home warranties usually include workmanship guarantees of at least 30 days. If an in-network technician recently serviced your appliance or system, and you keep experiencing issues with it, the company won't assess an additional service call fee for new repairs.
  • Service call fee: Whenever you file a claim, the home warranty or repair company will charge a service call fee. These fees usually run from $75 to $125.
  • Cancellation: A home warranty contract should include information on how to cancel your policy and get a refund. If you cancel within the initial waiting period before coverage takes effect, many companies will fully refund your annual premium.
  • Exclusions: Be sure to familiarize yourself with component-specific exclusions in the home warranty company's sample contracts. Some parts of equipment may be excluded even if the appliance itself is generally covered under the policy.
  • Coverage limit: Your home warranty's coverage limit is the cap on how much the company will pay per claim. A warranty contract could also have other stipulations, like annual coverage limits.

Facts about St. Clair Shores

Average High in July
82°F
St. Clair Shores
83°F
National Average
Average Low in January
17°F
St. Clair Shores
17°F
National Average
Average Daily Sunlight
60%
St. Clair Shores
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.

More on this topic...

8 Best Home Warranty Companies 2024
The best home warranty companies of May 2024

foundationMay 22

Do You Need a Home Warranty for New Construction?
Do you need a home warranty for new construction?

home warrantyApr. 25

How Much Do Home Warranties Cost? 2024 Update
How much do home warranties cost? 2024 update

home warrantyMay 20

How Does a Home Warranty Work? 2024 Guide
How does a home warranty work? 2024 guide

home warrantyApr. 22

How To Buy a Home Warranty
Need extra protection for your systems and appliances? Here’s how to buy a home warranty

home warrantyApr. 30