Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
The cost of maintaining a home in Bay City can be expensive, particularly as your home ages and your appliances and systems have to be repaired or replaced. A home warranty in Bay City can help bring down your out-of-pocket costs by covering repairs or replacements to major home systems and appliances that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
Choosing the best home warranty on the market can be quite a challenge because of the numerous options available. If you're frustrated with trying to compare them all, keep reading for our guide on the top home warranty companies in Bay City.
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 is the most trustworthy home warranty for Bay City residents. Liberty is a home warranty provider with 6 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. The 3 plans from Liberty are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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 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 with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $75.
To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. Read our comprehensive review of Liberty Home Guard to learn more.
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 is the best overall home warranty for Bay City residents. Choice is a home warranty provider with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. The 2 plans from Choice are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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 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 with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $85.
To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. Read our comprehensive review of Choice Home Warranty to learn more.
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 is the most cost-effective home warranty for Bay City residents. Select is a home warranty provider with 11 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. The 3 plans from Select are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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 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 with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. Read our comprehensive review of Select Home Warranty to learn more.
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 is the most customizable home warranty for Bay City residents. AHS is a home warranty provider with 26 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. The 3 plans from AHS are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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 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 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.
To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. Read our comprehensive review of American Home Shield to learn more.
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 is the best home warranty for appliance coverage for Bay City residents. First American is a home warranty provider with 39 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. The 2 plans from First American are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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 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 with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. Read our comprehensive review of First American Home Warranty to learn more.
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 is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee for Bay City residents. Cinch is a home warranty provider with 44 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. The 3 plans from Cinch are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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 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 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.
To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. Read our comprehensive review of Cinch Home Services to learn more.
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 is the best home warranty with the quickest service for Bay City residents. HSC is a home warranty provider with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. The 2 plans from HSC are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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 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 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.
To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. Read our comprehensive review of The Home Service Club to learn more.
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 | $5,936 |
| Heating | $3,957 |
| Electrical | $594 |
| Toilets | $495 |
| Washer/Dryer | $791 |
| Plumbing | $594 |
| Oven | $1,583 |
| Fridge | $594 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps Bay City homeowners in lowering the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer coverage to swap out or repair appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
When something stops working, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to handle the replacement or repair. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement costs exceed the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives reassurance to homeowners because it helps prevent costly emergency repairs. Home warranties are particularly useful for owners of older homes or homes with aging systems. New homes with up-to-date appliances might not need a home warranty.
Home warranties safeguard your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered under a home warranty include dishwashers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, washers, microwaves, dryers, and more. Covered systems include electrical, heating, plumbing, and air conditioning. Many home warranties also offer add-on coverage options for septic systems, locksmiths, central vacuums, and even roof leaks. Bay City homeowners should know that most home warranty plans impose a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. Additionally, most policies only address repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, cosmetic issues, or misusing a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to help make sure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Here are some essential home warranty terms to know before signing a contract:
When selecting a home warranty provider, there are several important factors to consider:
Home warranty policies can have major differences in covered items. Most plans provide protection for heating, plumbing, AC, electrical, and appliances. More inclusive options also offer protection for other items such as well pumps, spas, pools, and roof leaks. Look for companies with flexible coverage choices, including upgraded plans. This helps you customize your plan to your home's needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee, usually falling in the $60 to $100 range, which is paid per claim you submit. These per-claim charges can add up. You may decide to look for providers with lower service fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some firms also offer disappearing deductibles for customers who don't file any claims over a certain timespan.
A home warranty provider's reputation provides insight into things such as repair timeliness, contractor quality, approval rates, and customer satisfaction. Browse review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to research companies. Positive ratings and feedback indicate a provider known for great service.
Home warranty companies keep networks of technicians to handle covered repairs. Wider networks increase the probability of getting qualified technicians to quickly service your home. Ask potential providers how many contractors they have in Bay City to get a sense of how soon your repairs could be handled in an emergency.
Some home warranty companies include perks such as reduced maintenance fees, smart home device coverage, and energy efficiency upgrades. These extras can provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra bonuses help you enhance your home and get the most from your home warranty.
Temperatures in Bay City can get quite high in the summer, which means your air conditioner is most likely going to get a decent amount of use. As a homeowner in Bay City, one benefit of having a home warranty is knowing that these home systems and major appliances can be covered if they have to be repaired or replaced.
A home warranty also saves you time and energy. Instead of spending hours researching and selecting a contractor to fix your appliance or system, home warranty providers do the hard work for you and send a trusted professional to your door whenever you need them. Another added benefit of having home warranty coverage is that it can increase your home’s property value. If you ever decide to sell your house, you may be able to transfer your home warranty plan to the new homebuyer depending on the provider you have your home warranty with.
As for the negatives of home warranties, system and appliance coverage varies by company, so it’s important to read what each policy covers and doesn’t include in the contract.
Another thing to bear in mind is that some companies don’t cover pre-existing conditions and may require an inspection before coverage begins. Ask the home warranty company for clarification about these things if you need more information or if this is a problem for you.
A home warranty in Bay City can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. Higher-priced plans typically have higher coverage limits, broader coverage, and a lower service fee. You can often lower this cost by paying annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also decrease your up-front costs when you opt for a higher service fee.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what kinds of damage they cover. Home warranty policies cover problems with home systems and appliances that need to be repaired or replaced due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different insurance that protects the entire home from natural disasters, which can sometimes be a concern in Bay City. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system breakage.
A home warranty policy can help home sellers, homebuyers, real estate agents, investors, and homeowners. It can provide peace of mind and savings to anyone involved in homeownership.
The different kinds of home warranties in Bay City include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan covers many of your systems and appliances, including your dishwasher, washing machine, and HVAC. An appliance or system plan will cover only the items mentioned in the policy.
Generally, a home warranty lasts for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some providers may offer month-to-month options.
Usually the one who owns the home is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the home seller may buy a home warranty and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then need to pay the service fees when using the policy. Considering that the average home value in Bay City is $189,464, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.
