Local Pros

Michigan

Portage

Home Warranty

7 best home warranty companies in Portage, Michigan

Jesus Sanchez Garcia

HOMEFRONT

Updated Jun 22, 2024

Get a quote from our top provider, Liberty Home Guard

Our Methodology

We've ranked the top 7 home warranty companies that operate within 50 miles of Portage. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.

Companies Selected

A home warranty provides financial protection if an appliance or major home system suddenly breaks down. For a monthly fee, the warranty company covers repair and replacement costs for items like HVAC units and refrigerators when they break down from normal wear.

Did you know that the typical life span of an HVAC system is seven to 25 years? Other major systems, such as water heaters, only last an average of six to 12 years. Most appliances last just 20 years or fewer, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.

If your Portage home has a furnace, dishwasher or any other everyday appliance within that age range, you will likely experience an unexpected breakdown. The top home warranty companies listed below offer generous coverage at affordable rates.

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

Our Top Pick

4.5

Our Rating

Extends 60-day workmanship guarantee
Holds high customer ratings
Offers customization with 38 add-ons

Explore Plans

4.4

Our Rating

Covers rust and corrosion damage
Offers comprehensive coverage limits
Provides flexible service fees

Limited Time Offer: 50% Off

Explore Plans

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 Portage

Here's our list of the best home warranty companies in Portage:

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

4.5/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $22.00 - $80.00

2-10 has three coverage plans with flexible service call fees and perks like appliance color matching. The company also has an "Even If" guarantee that refunds your service call fees if your covered item can't be fixed or replaced.

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

4.6/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $49.99 - $59.99

Liberty Home Guard offers 38 different coverage add-ons – the most of any home warranty company we researched. Each covered repair also comes with a 60-day workmanship guarantee.

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

4.4/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $48.98 - $59.99

Elite Home Warranty has a fully customizable coverage plan you can design based on your coverage needs. It also includes a lengthy 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

4.4/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $29.99 - $89.99

Founded in 1971, American Home Shield was one of the country's first home warranty companies. Today, it offers three coverage plans and six supplementary 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

4.2/5

EXPLORE PLANS

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

4.3/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $38.99 - $66.99

Cinch Home Services provides coverage perks other companies don’t, such as a homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement. Like most home warranty companies, Cinch offers flexible service fees that raise or lower your plan premium.

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

3.9/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $44.42 - $47.75

Select Home Warranty pairs all plans with roof-leak repair coverage. It also charges low plan premiums.

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 Portage

The average cost of a home warranty in Portage is in line with the national average, ranging from $40.91 to $77.05 per month. If you prefer to pay an annual premium, expect to pay between $563.62 and $927.43 per year. To calculate national averages, we requested hundreds of quotes using 2,000-square-foot, single-family homes across each state the providers service.

Home warranty coverage

With a home warranty, you'll have extra coverage for home appliances and major systems. However, it's not a substitute for homeowners insurance, and there are some exclusions to coverage. Below, we'll talk about what's generally covered and what's not.

What are the typical items covered under a home warranty?

Clothes dryers
Dishwashers
Refrigerators
Cooktops
Washing machines
Built-in microwaves

Major appliances form the first category of items that home warranties cover. This includes the following items: Major systems form the second category of covered items. The specific definition of what a "major system" is will differ between different plans. However, most consist of the following:

Central vacuum
Water heater
HVAC
Plumbing
Electrical

What items are typically not covered under a home warranty?

Home warranties, similar to other service contracts, include certain limitations. A common exclusion is breakdowns caused by damage outside of 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 cosmetic damage, rust or corrosion damage, hazardous waste, preexisting conditions, acts of nature and improper system or appliance installation.

Questions to ask home warranty providers in Portage

Before purchasing a home warranty coverage plan, we recommend asking providers the following questions.

What items will my policy cover?

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. Also, many home warranty companies offer optional coverage, such as for wells or additional refrigeration. Consider purchasing add-ons if you need protection for specific items.

How long is my home warranty good for?

Generally, home warranty contracts last for one year after the coverage effective date, which is 30 days after the initial sign-up date. Companies have this 30-day waiting period to stop customers from filing claims for preexisting conditions. A home warranty may last longer than 12 months if you purchase a multiyear plan.

What contractors do you work with?

When researching a home warranty company, ask which service contractors it partners with in your area. Many home warranty companies allow you to choose your own local contractor if they don’t have an in-network provider near you. The contractor must be licensed and registered in Portage to obtain repair approval from the home warranty provider. You can verify a contractor's license by searching the Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs database.

How does your claims approval process work?

Knowing more about the home warranty company's claims process boosts your chances of getting a claim approved. Most companies accept claims through the web or via a 24/7 phone line. Once you file, the company will aim to reply within one to two days. Filing outside normal business hours may lead to a slower process. Once the provider receives your claim, someone will review it and connect you with a partner service contractor. The contractor will book an appointment with you, 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 permitting you to transfer the policy to the new homeowner. Some companies handle the transfer at no charge, though others will charge a transfer fee. Home warranty companies may also sell separate, special coverage plans that you can easily transfer to prospective homebuyers. Sellers can purchase these plans to enhance their home's appeal in a competitive market.

Home warranty contract fine print

Before you select a home warranty, examine its terms and conditions to ensure they're aligned with your needs. As you read through the sample contract, pay attention to these key details and clauses:

Cancellation: A home warranty contract should include information on how to cancel your policy and get a refund. If you cancel within the first 30 days of signup, many companies will offer a complete refund of your annual premium.
Coverage limit: Each home warranty has a coverage limit that sets how much a company will cover per individual claim. Warranty contracts could also have annual coverage limits.
Workmanship guarantee: Workmanship guarantees help protect you from additional service call fees if an in-network technician unsuccessfully tried to fix a covered issue. Most guarantees are 30 days long, but some companies offer longer periods.
Exclusions: Home warranties have both general exclusions and component-specific ones. Even if a device or system is generally covered, your warranty might not cover some specific parts if they suffer damage. Read your sample contract carefully to be aware of what is not covered.
Service call fee: The service call fee is how much you'll pay the home warranty company or service provider each time you file a claim. Fees typically range from $75–$125 per claim.

Facts about Portage

Average High in July

80°F

Portage

83°F

National Average

Average Low in January

16°F

Portage

17°F

National Average

Average Daily Sunlight

60%

Portage

69%

National Average

Our Top Pick

4.5

Our Rating

Extends 60-day workmanship guarantee
Holds high customer ratings
Offers customization with 38 add-ons

Explore Plans

4.4

Our Rating

Covers rust and corrosion damage
Offers comprehensive coverage limits
Provides flexible service fees

Limited Time Offer: 50% Off

Explore Plans

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.

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.

7 best home warranty companies in Portage, Michigan