Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Although homeownership in Missoula has many benefits — such as the convenience of city life — there are also not so glamorous sides. One major issue many homeowners have to deal with inevitably is replacing or repairing their home appliances and systems. A home warranty can offer you the peace of mind you need and protect your savings account from unexpected expenses by covering your home’s major appliances and systems.
Choosing the best home warranty on the market can be difficult because of the numerous options out there. If you're tired of trying to compare them all, keep reading for our guide on the top home warranty providers in Missoula.
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 Missoula, Liberty Home Guard is the most trustworthy home warranty. With a home warranty from Liberty, you can enjoy a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Not to mention, it has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry. The 3 plans from Liberty are easy to comprehend and offer both system and appliance coverage.
Liberty Home Guard has 3 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $75.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our Liberty Home Guard full review. To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Missoula, Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty. With a home warranty from Choice, you can enjoy very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Not to mention, it has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. The 2 plans from Choice are easy to comprehend and offer both system and appliance coverage.
Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $85.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our Choice Home Warranty full review. To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Missoula, Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty. With a home warranty from Select, you can enjoy a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Not to mention, it has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. The 3 plans from Select are easy to comprehend and offer both system and appliance coverage.
Select Home Warranty has 3 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our Select Home Warranty full review. To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Missoula, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty. With a home warranty from AHS, you can enjoy the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Not to mention, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. The 3 plans from AHS are easy to comprehend and offer both system and appliance coverage.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our American Home Shield full review. To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Missoula, First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage. With a home warranty from First American, you can enjoy very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. Not to mention, it 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 2 plans from First American are easy to comprehend and offer both system and appliance coverage.
First American Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our First American Home Warranty full review. To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Missoula, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. With a home warranty from Cinch, you can enjoy a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Not to mention, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. The 3 plans from Cinch are easy to comprehend and offer both system and appliance coverage.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our Cinch Home Services full review. To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Missoula, The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service. With a home warranty from HSC, you can enjoy quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Not to mention, it has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee. The 2 plans from HSC are easy to comprehend and offer both system and appliance coverage.
The Home Service Club has 2 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our The Home Service Club full review. To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 | $5,982 |
| Heating | $3,988 |
| Electrical | $598 |
| Toilets | $499 |
| Washer/Dryer | $798 |
| Plumbing | $598 |
| Oven | $1,595 |
| Fridge | $598 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Missoula homeowners reduce the high costs of household repairs. These plans provide financial protection to fix or replace appliances and systems that break down from normal wear and tear.
Homeowners file a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider then arranges 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 a sense of security because it can help avoid costly emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for people purchasing older homes or homes with appliances near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with modern appliances and fixtures may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties help protect both your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered under a home warranty include dishwashers, refrigerators, dryers, washers, microwaves, garbage disposals, and others. Covered systems include plumbing, electrical, air conditioning, and heating. Many home warranty plans offer additional add-on coverage options for septic systems, locksmiths, central vacuums, and even roof leaks. Missoula homeowners should know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day period you must wait before they will cover the cost of any repairs. Additionally, most policies only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover things like cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or damage caused by improperly using a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure that your next repair or replacement will be covered by your policy.
Here are some key home warranty words to know before signing a contract:
When choosing a home warranty provider, there are several key factors to consider:
Home warranty coverage can have major differences in what's included. Most plans cover AC, electrical, heating, plumbing, and appliances. More comprehensive plans also cover other items such as well pumps, spas, pools, and roof leaks. Look for companies with a diverse range of coverage options, including upgraded plans. This allows you to tailor protection to 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. This fee is charged per request and can quickly add up, so you may look for providers advertising more affordable fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain companies may eliminate deductibles after a customer goes a period of time with no claims filed.
A home warranty provider's reputation can provide insight into things such as contractor quality, repair timeliness, approval rates, and customer service. Check review platforms such as Google Reviews, TrustPilot, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research providers. Positive ratings and feedback indicate a company known for exceptional service.
Home warranty companies have networks of professionals that they use to tackle covered repairs. Wider networks raise the chance of getting skilled contractors to your home promptly. Reach out to possible providers to learn how many repair professionals they have in Missoula to understand how long repairs could take in an urgent situation.
Some home warranty companies may include perks such as energy efficiency upgrades, smart home device coverage, and reduced maintenance fees. These can provide extra value beyond just repair coverage. Extra bonuses help you enhance your home and get the most from your home warranty.
Since temperatures in Missoula can hit the negatives in the winter, the extreme weather can put a lot of strain on your heating system. Buying a home warranty can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances stops working unexpectedly.
Not to mention, having a home warranty can save you time by eliminating the need to research service technicians — most providers will send a trusted professional right to your door to carry out the necessary repair or replacement. A home warranty can also provide value in other ways. For instance, some policies can be transferred to another owner during a home sale.
As for the drawbacks of home warranties, coverage varies by company, so it’s important to read what each policy covers and doesn’t include in the contract.
Also, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they need repairs due to a natural disaster or animal infestation — anything other than normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.
A home warranty in Missoula can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. Higher-priced plans tend to have a lower service fee, higher coverage limits, and broader coverage. This cost is often lower if you pay annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also reduce your up-front costs when you agree to a higher service fee.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty plan protects against normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. Homeowners insurance protects your home in case of something such as a fire or natural disaster. With homeowners insurance, you won't be able to file a claim should you need a new refrigerator or oven, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Missoula.
First-time homebuyers, homeowners, real estate agents, landlords, and home sellers are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your property more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
A home warranty policy can cover your systems, appliances, or both. Combination plans are great if you'd like more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be helpful if you're concerned about one more than the other.
Generally, a home warranty plan offers coverage for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some companies may offer month-to-month plans.
Usually the one who owns the home is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the person who is selling the home may buy a home warranty policy and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then need to pay the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in Missoula is $547,623, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.
