Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Buying a home is a big step for many people, but maintaining it can be expensive over time, especially if your home in Houghton is on the older side. A home warranty plan can help protect you by covering major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important systems and appliances.
Finding the best warranty for your home can be time-consuming, so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you find the best home warranty companies in Houghton. Keep reading for our recommendations.
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
In Houghton, Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty. The 3 plans that Liberty offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you purchase a policy from Liberty, you will get a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Liberty Home Guard also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Liberty Home Guard: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $75.
For more information on this provider, read our Liberty Home Guard full review. To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, you can fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281.
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
In Houghton, Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty. The 2 plans that Choice offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you purchase a policy from Choice, you will get very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Choice Home Warranty also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
There are 2 home warranty plans from Choice Home Warranty: Basic Plan and Total Plan. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $85.
For more information on this provider, read our Choice Home Warranty full review. To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164.
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
In Houghton, Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty. The 3 plans that Select offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you purchase a policy from Select, you will get a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Select Home Warranty also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Select Home Warranty: Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
For more information on this provider, read our Select Home Warranty full review. To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953.
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
In Houghton, American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty. The 3 plans that AHS offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you purchase a policy from AHS, you will get the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. American Home Shield also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
There are 3 home warranty plans from American Home Shield: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
For more information on this provider, read our American Home Shield full review. To get a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839.
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
In Houghton, First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage. The 2 plans that First American offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you purchase a policy from First American, you will get very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. First American Home Warranty 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.
There are 2 home warranty plans from First American Home Warranty: Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
For more information on this provider, read our First American Home Warranty full review. To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164.
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
In Houghton, Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. The 3 plans that Cinch offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you purchase a policy from Cinch, you will get a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Cinch Home Services also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Cinch Home Services: 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 with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
For more information on this provider, read our Cinch Home Services full review. To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505.
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
In Houghton, The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service. The 2 plans that HSC offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you purchase a policy from HSC, you will get quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. The Home Service Club also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee.
There are 2 home warranty plans from The Home Service Club: Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
For more information on this provider, read our The Home Service Club full review. To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443.
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 | $6,185 |
Heating | $4,124 |
Electrical | $619 |
Toilets | $515 |
Washer/Dryer | $825 |
Plumbing | $619 |
Oven | $1,649 |
Fridge | $619 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps reduce the high costs for Houghton homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide financial coverage to repair or replace appliances and systems that break due to normal wear and tear.
Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to make the repair or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the cost of the repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty plan gives homeowners peace of mind and can help avoid expensive emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for people purchasing 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 dishwashers, microwaves, washers, garbage disposals, dryers, refrigerators, and more. Covered systems include plumbing, air conditioning, electrical, and heating. Many home warranty companies also provide add-on coverage for locksmiths, roof leaks, central vacuums, and septic systems. It's important for Houghton homeowners to understand most home warranty plans have a waiting period of 30 days before repair claims will be approved. The majority of policies also only cover repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, or misuse of a system or appliance. Stay current with preventative maintenance to help guarantee your next repair or replacement is covered.
Before signing a home warranty contract, you should understand key terms like:
There are several key considerations when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage differs significantly when it comes to what's covered. Most plans cover AC, electrical, plumbing, heating, and appliances. More inclusive options also cover other items such as roof leaks, spas, pools, and well pumps. Look for providers with an array of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. Flexibility helps you tailor your protection for your home’s needs.
You'll pay a standard service fee of around $60 to $100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These per-claim charges can quickly add up, so you may seek out companies advertising more affordable fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain providers may waive deductibles if homeowners don't submit any claims within a set period of time.
A home warranty company's reputation provides insights into factors such as repair speed, claim approval rates, contractor expertise, and customer satisfaction. Look at review sites like Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to learn more about companies. Positive ratings and feedback suggest a company known for quality service.
Home warranty companies use networks of local repair professionals to manage repairs in a given area. Reach out to potential providers to ask how many repair technicians they have in Houghton and get an idea of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Larger networks increase the probability of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Certain home warranty providers offer extras such as discounts on maintenance, protection for smart home devices, and energy-efficient upgrades. These offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Added perks can enhance your home and help maximize your home warranty.
Houghton’s frigid winters can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty will cover your home’s appliances and systems in the event they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner stops working in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the needed repairs, saving you from spending unexpected money out of pocket.
Not only can a home warranty save you some money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time too. Instead of having to vet technicians on your own, home warranty companies do the work for you and send pre-screened technicians right to your door when you need them. Plus, though it varies by company, some providers will allow you to transfer your warranty in the event that you sell your home. This can make your property more attractive to potential homebuyers and maybe even help your home sell faster.
Home warranties also have some cons. Although it can be convenient that the home warranty sends out a contractor who carries out the repair for you, some people may not like this, and they would rather select their own contractor. If that’s the case for you, some home warranty plans let you select a contractor.
In addition, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they need repairs or replacements due to a natural disaster or animal infestation — anything besides normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.
A home warranty plan costs, on average, around $300 to $600 a year in Houghton. Our high-rated home warranty providers' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can reduce your monthly bill with some companies by choosing a higher service fee. Additionally, it's typically cheaper to pay annually rather than monthly.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what types of damage each covers. A home warranty plan covers normal wear and tear to home systems and appliances. A homeowners insurance plan protects your entire home in case of a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you will not be able to file a claim if you need a new refrigerator or dishwasher, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Houghton.
A home warranty can help real estate agents, investors, homebuyers, home sellers, and homeowners. It can provide peace of mind to anyone involved in homeownership.
The different types of home warranties in Houghton include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan covers your home systems and appliances, such as your washing machine, drier, and HVAC. An appliance or system plan will cover only the specific items listed in the policy.
Generally, a home warranty policy lasts for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some providers may offer month-to-month plans.
Generally, the homeowner is responsible for paying 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 given to the new homeowner, who will pay the service fees. In Houghton, where the median value of a home is $230,207, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.