Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
With a variety of seasons in Ann Arbor, your home systems can go through quite a bit of wear and tear. There’s nothing worse than having your heater go out in the middle of winter. A home warranty plan can help protect homeowners by lowering the costs of major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important systems and appliances.
The home warranty market is filled with a variety of providers — all with different offerings — so our team at Today's Homeowner has done the research to help you find the best home warranty companies in Ann Arbor.
Very highly rated among customer service reviews
Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
Extensive list of 20+ add-on coverages
Easy claims process
Won’t cover known or unknown pre-existing conditions
Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty for Ann Arbor residents. Liberty has been operating for more than 6 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. Liberty offers a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Plus, it also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options.
The plans that Liberty offers to homeowners are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $75.
To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or give them a call at 866-451-2281. For a more detailed breakdown, read our comprehensive review of Liberty Home Guard.
Appliance Guard
Systems Guard
Total Home Guard
Over 10 years of experience
24/7 customer service team
Home inspections aren’t required
90-day repair guarantee
Plans aren’t customizable
Customers can’t choose their own contractor
Not available in washington
Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty for Ann Arbor residents. Choice has been operating for more than 15 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. Choice offers very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Plus, it also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. The home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options.
The plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $85.
To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 929-400-6164. For a more detailed breakdown, read our comprehensive review of Choice Home Warranty.
Basic Plan
Total Plan
Low service fees compared to other home warranty providers
Two months of free coverage
Has an appliance-only, systems-only, and combo plan option
90-day repair guarantee
Has a $75 cancellation fee
Low coverage caps
Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty for Ann Arbor residents. Select has been operating for more than 11 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. Select offers a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Plus, it also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options.
The plans that Select offers to homeowners are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-370-3953. For a more detailed breakdown, read our comprehensive review of Select Home Warranty.
Bronze Care Plan
Gold Care Plan
Platinum Care Plan
The oldest and most trusted company in the industry
Allows customers to build their own plans
Ability to choose the service fee you want to pay
Broad coverage on up to 33 appliances and systems
Doesn’t let customers choose their own technician
Doesn’t provide coverage in alaska
American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty for Ann Arbor residents. AHS has been operating for more than 26 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. AHS offers the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Plus, it also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options.
The plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-365-2839. For a more detailed breakdown, read our comprehensive review of American Home Shield.
ShieldSilver
ShieldGold
ShieldPlatinum
Established company with a bbb accreditation
Doesn’t have a coverage cap on heating, cooling, or ductwork
24/7 service calls available
Offers replacement of some covered items that are too damaged to repair
Doesn’t let customers choose their own contractor
According to some customer reviews, the technical jargon in contracts is confusing
First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage for Ann Arbor residents. First American has been operating for more than 39 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. First American offers very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. Plus, it also has a unique add-on alongside common ones called the First Class Upgrade, which covers fees associated with the use of lifting equipment, up to $250 per local building permits, haul away services, and appliances and systems that have been insufficiently installed or modified. The home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options.
The plans that First American offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 833-204-7164. For a more detailed breakdown, read our comprehensive review of First American Home Warranty.
Basic Plan
Premier Plan
Offers home insurance deductible of $500
Extra long 180-day workmanship guarantee
Offers free cancellation in the first 30 days
Charges high service fees of $75-$150
Doesn’t allow customers to choose their own technician
Isn’t available in hawaii or alaska
Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee for Ann Arbor residents. Cinch has been operating for more than 44 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. Cinch offers a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Plus, it also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options.
The plans that Cinch offers to homeowners are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or give them a call at 877-589-0505. For a more detailed breakdown, read our comprehensive review of Cinch Home Services.
Appliances Plan
Built-in Systems Plan
Complete Home Plan
Policy starts in ten days
24/7 customer service support
Generous coverage caps on important systems and appliances
30-labor guarantee and 90-day parts guarantee
Offers utility and home service outside line coverage
Higher service fee of $95
Not accredited by the better business bureau (bbb)
Only 2 plan options
The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service for Ann Arbor residents. HSC has been operating for more than 15 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. HSC offers quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Plus, it also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee. The home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options.
The plans that HSC offers to homeowners are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 800-750-9443. For a more detailed breakdown, read our comprehensive review of The Home Service Club.
Standard Coverage Plan
Comprehensive Coverage Plan
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on home warranty companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Home Appliance | Repair Cost |
---|---|
Air Conditioner | $6,499 |
Heating | $4,333 |
Electrical | $650 |
Toilets | $542 |
Washer/Dryer | $867 |
Plumbing | $650 |
Oven | $1,733 |
Fridge | $650 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Ann Arbor homeowners reduce the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide financial coverage to fix or swap out appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to handle the repair or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty plan gives homeowners peace of mind since it can help avoid costly emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for buyers of older homes or homes with systems near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with modern appliances and fixtures may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Warranties usually cover appliances such as microwaves, garbage disposals, refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and others. Covered systems include air conditioning, plumbing, heating, and electrical. Many home warranty providers also offer additional coverage for roof leaks, locksmiths, septic systems, and central vacuums. Ann Arbor homeowners should know that most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. What's more, most policies only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or improperly using a system or appliance. You must keep up with preventative maintenance to help make sure your next repair or replacement is covered.
There are a number of home warranty terms to learn before signing an agreement, including:
There are several key factors to consider when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty plans can have major differences in covered items. Most plans provide protection for heating, AC, electrical, plumbing, and appliances. More robust plans also include coverage for other items such as pools, roof leaks, well pumps, and spas. Focus on providers with broad coverage options including upgraded plans. This flexibility enables you to customize your plan to meet your needs.
Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. With these per-request costs adding up over time as you file claims, some homeowners prefer to choose a company with lower service fees to maximize savings. Some companies also remove deductibles for homeowners who don't file claims in a certain period.
A home warranty company's reputation provides insights into factors such as claim approval rates, contractor expertise, repair speed, and customer satisfaction. Check review sites like Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to learn more about companies. Favorable reviews and ratings suggest a company known for delivering quality service.
Home warranty businesses have networks of local contractors to handle repairs in your area. Contact potential providers to find out how many repair contractors they have in Ann Arbor and get an idea for how fast your repairs might happen in an emergency situation. Larger networks improve the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.
Home warranty companies often include bonuses such as energy efficiency upgrades, maintenance discounts, and coverage for smart home devices. These extras can add value beyond basic repair coverage. Added perks can maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Since temperatures in Ann Arbor can be quite cold in the winter, the weather can put a lot of strain on your HVAC system. Getting a home warranty plan can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances stops working unexpectedly.
Along with saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can provide you peace of mind and save you the pain of trying to find a qualified contractor to visit your home. Home warranties usually have a network of pre-vetted contractors who can handle any repair problems you may have. In addition, though home warranty companies vary, some providers will allow you to transfer your warranty in the event that you sell your home. This can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and help your home sell faster.
As for the negatives of home warranties, system and appliance coverage varies by provider, so it’s important to read what each plan covers and doesn’t include in the contract.
Another drawback is that home warranties may exclude some repairs, like those needed because of natural disasters. For example, if a tree falls onto your house and damages the roof, the affected systems and appliances most likely won’t be covered by the home warranty.
A home warranty in Ann Arbor can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. The higher-priced plans tend to have broader coverage, a lower service fee, and higher coverage limits. Home warranties are often cheaper when you pay annually instead of monthly. Some providers will also reduce your up-front costs when you opt for a higher service fee.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what types of damage each covers. A home warranty covers normal wear and tear to home systems and appliances. Homeowners insurance protects your home in case of a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim should you need a new dryer or stove, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Ann Arbor.
Homebuyers, landlords, home sellers, homeowners, and real estate agents can all get home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your property more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different kinds of home warranties in Ann Arbor include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan covers almost all your home systems and appliances, such as your refrigerator, washing machine, and plumbing. An appliance or system plan will cover only the items mentioned in the contract.
Generally, a home warranty lasts for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some companies may offer month-to-month plans.
In general, the homeowner is the one who pays the premium and service fees. However, if you have just bought a new home, sometimes the seller will pay for the policy. This can then be transferred to the new homeowner, who will pay the service fees when using the policy. In Ann Arbor, where the median value of a home is $489,157, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.