Best Home Warranty in Detroit, MI

Why do I need a home warranty in Detroit?

Home warranties are ideal for new homeowners, especially first-time buyers without much home maintenance experience, and for owners of rental properties.

Although commonly purchased at closing, home warranties can be acquired at any time regardless of how long you’ve lived in your home.

Given the age of Detroit’s housing stock—more than 50 percent of homes in the city were built before 1950—and the likelihood of interior systems reaching the end of their life expectancy, home warranties in Detroit are comparatively affordable.

Home warranties are not the same as homeowners insurance. Insurance covers damages to the home’s structure and your belongings in instances of fire, robbery, natural disaster and accidents. Home warranties cover service to home systems and major appliances as the result of normal wear and tear.

Home warranty coverage in Detroit

• Air conditioning
• Dishwashers
• Doorbells
• Heating systems
• Electrical systems
• Water heater
• Indoor plumbing
• Oven/stove
• Ductwork
• Ceiling fans
• Garbage disposal
• Telephone wiring

Refrigerators, roofs, washers and dryers are not covered by all warranties, but can be found in some and included as an add-on to others.

How much do home warranties cost in Detroit?

A standard one-year home warranty usually ranges between $300 and $700, with a deductible of $50 to $100. Most home warranties have maximum payouts per item and per year. A standard agreement could have a maximum payout per item of $2,000 and a yearly maximum of $10,000.

The upside is that instead of paying $1,500 to seal your ductwork, you pay the $75 deductible and the home warranty covers the rest. The downside is that you must cover any costs above the per item maximum specified in your contact.

Another thing to keep in mind is that most home warranties specify a service professional in their network to do the work.

How to avoid home warranty scams

Remember that there are dishonest players in every industry and home warranty is no different. To protect yourself, read reviews, research the company and comb through the terms of the warranty before you commit. For more on what to look for in a warranty, see tips from the Federal Trade Commission.

The National Home Service Contract Association, a non-profit trade organization that requires member companies to adhere to a strict code of ethics, maintains a list of its Michigan members.

Home warranties in Detroit aren’t for everyone, but for those who lack the expertise or desire to work on home systems and repair appliances, home warranties provide peace of mind, convenience and the potential to save thousands of dollars.