5 Best Home Warranty Companies in Minnesota (2024)
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We researched 13 top home warranty companies and chose American Home Shield as the best home warranty company for Minnesota residents. The company offers comprehensive coverage and generous coverage caps. Liberty Home Guard is another top choice due to its extensive add-on coverage options and excellent HVAC protections.
We examined Minnesota’s home warranty market to determine the best providers for homeowners. We analyzed homeowner needs specific to the state’s climate and common repair issues. We gained insights from industry experts and customer service experiences. We then developed a scoring system with 31 factors and rated each company to find the best Minnesota home warranty providers. Keep reading to discover our list of top home warranty providers for Minnesota homes.
Key Takeaways
- The best home warranty companies in Minnesota are American Home Shield and Liberty Home Guard, based on our extensive research of 13 home warranty providers.
- A home warranty in Minnesota costs $706 annually on average, or $46-$79 per month, depending on your provider and coverage.
The listings that appear are from companies from which this website receives compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. This listing does not include all companies or all available offers and products.
Did You Know?
- In the last 30 days, more than 2,500 people bought home warranties from the above providers. Liberty Home Guard is our most popular provider, with 55% of buyers choosing to cover their homes with an LHG plan.
What Are Top Home Warranty Companies in Minnesota?
We selected the following five companies for Minnesota homes after reviewing 13 home warranty providers against our detailed scorecard:
- Best for Comprehensive Coverage: American Home Shield
- Best Customer Support: Liberty Home Guard
- Best for Customization: AFC Home Warranty
- Best for Customized Coverage: Elite Home Warranty
- Best Budget Plan: Select Home Warranty
Compare Minnesota Home Warranty Companies
The table below highlights some of our scorecard’s 31 key comparison factors, including monthly costs, service fees, and response time.
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| #1 out of 16 companies | #2 out of 16 companies | #3 out of 16 companies | #4 out of 16 companies | #5 out of 16 companies | |
| NR | B | B- | B+ | B | |
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Monthly Cost |
$49–$59 | $49–$109 | $44–$47 | $44–$59 | $34–$92 |
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Service Fees |
$65–$125 | $100–$125 | $60–$75 | $70 | $75–$125 |
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Customer Support Options |
Email, Phone, Online Chat, Online Portal | Phone, Online Portal | Email, Phone, Online Portal | Email, Phone, Online Portal | Phone, Online Portal |
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Response Time |
Up to 48 hours | Up to 48 hours | 48-84 hours | Up to 48 hours | 24-48 hours |
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Cons |
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Summary |
We recommend Liberty Home Guard for homeowners who need coverage for multiple HVAC systems and extensive add-on customizations. |
We recommend American Home Shield for homeowners who need comprehensive coverage for older homes. |
We recommend Select Home Warranty for homeowners who need affordable HVAC-only coverage. |
We recommend Elite Home Warranty for homeowners who want fully customizable plans and extensive add-on coverage options. |
We recommend AFC Home Warranty for homeowners who want extensive HVAC coverage and protections for new systems. |
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Promotions |
$200 Off + 2 Months Free + Roof Leak Protection | Black Friday Savings: 50% OFF Select Plans | Use code HOUSE25 for $150 off + 2 months free | Get 50% Off Any Plan Plus Your First Month Free! | Fall Sale: $250 Off + Free Roof Leak Coverage |
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Rating Categories |
Liberty Home Guard | American Home Shield | Select Home Warranty | Elite Home Warranty | AFC Home Warranty |
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Coverage |
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Value |
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Trustworthiness |
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Plan Transparency |
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Flexibility |
Note: We based the pricing information in this table and throughout the article on sample quotes we obtained for a 2,428-square-foot, single-family home in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Your pricing may vary depending on your home’s location, size, type, and plan selections.
Do I Need a Home Warranty in Minnesota?
A Minnesota home warranty protects against unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. North Star State homeowners face the constant strain of keeping their homes warm because of its harsh winters, which bring subzero temperatures and over 30 inches of snow from November to April.
Heating systems running overtime during this period might break down and need repairs or replacement. A home warranty cushions homeowners against these unpredictable and costly repair bills throughout Minnesota’s extreme winters.
Costly home repairs can ruin any Minnesota homeowner’s budget. Here are five of the most common repairs residents face:
Air Conditioning
In recent years, Minnesotans have experienced extremely hot summers, with temperatures reaching triple digits. A functioning air conditioner is essential to keeping your home comfortable and your family safe. The last thing you want is to be caught off guard and have to pay for emergency repairs. Air conditioner repairs could cost between $100 and $650, while a full AC replacement could result in a $2,500–$15,000 bill.
Electrical Issues
Dealing with electrical issues can leave you without functioning appliances or even in the dark. In addition to a lack of power, faulty electrical wiring could create dangerous fires, shocks, or damage to your home. Unreliable wiring could also drive up your utility bills. Hiring an electrician for basic repairs could cost $150–$600. However, if unrepaired electrical issues escalate, you could face significant damage, leading to replacement bills of $9,000–$15,000.
Gas Furnaces
Faulty gas furnaces pose more concerns than just discomfort from heating loss. Gas leaks from damaged units fill indoor air with carbon dioxide, degrading air quality and posing major health risks to homeowners. Basic repairs run $30–$150, but replacing a gas furnace can cost $5,000–$13,000.
Plumbing Leaks
Small plumbing leaks can quickly escalate into major issues. Leaking pipes and water damage can spur mold growth creating health hazards. Leaks can severely damage ceilings, floors, cabinets, and other structures. Minor plumbing leak repair ranges from $150–$450, but major replacements often exceed $5,000 in unexpected costs.
Roof Leaks
A roof leak begins as a small inconvenience but could cause substantial damage to your home. An unrepaired leak can cause excess water to pool, leading to mold and mildew growth. Water damage could spread to your ceiling and walls, causing structural damage. If a roof repair is required, the price will generally be between $150 and $2,000. However, a partial or complete replacement would cost significantly more, from $3,800–$10,000.
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in Minnesota?
Our research showed that a Minnesota home warranty costs between $546 and $948 per year, or $46–$79 per month.
Pricing for your home warranty largely depends on the coverage plan and add-ons you select.
For example, a basic plan that covers six major systems will cost less than a comprehensive plan that covers more than 20 items. Add-ons can also raise your monthly cost because they cover items outside the standard plans. In addition, you’ll pay a service call fee every time you file a claim, which typically costs between $75 and $125.
We recommend pulling several quotes from various providers to get an idea of the cost of a home warranty.
What Does a Minnesota Home Warranty Cover?
Minnesota home warranties typically cover major home appliances and systems such as HVAC, refrigerators, clothes washers and dryers, and plumbing lines. Some companies offer add-ons that expand your coverage for other items and services. This can include coverage for pools, luxury appliances, and pest control.
Your home warranty coverage doesn’t begin right away. Chuck Vander Stelt, a real estate agent with Quadwalls, explains that there is usually an initial waiting period of 30–90 days where claims can’t be made on a policy. In addition, home warranties usually don’t cover preexisting conditions. Any problems before the warranty took effect are generally excluded from coverage.
We’ve created the guide below detailing common inclusions, exclusions, and add-ons to help you choose the right coverage for your home.
Common Inclusions
Most home warranties protect major appliances and systems. These items can include the following:
- Air conditioning
- Built-in food centers
- Built-in microwaves
- Clothes dryers
- Cooktops
- Dishwashers
- Ductwork
- Electrical systems
- Garage door openers
- Garbage disposals
- Heating systems
- Ovens
- Plumbing systems
- Ranges
- Refrigerators
- Stoves
- Trash compactors
- Water heaters
- Washing machines
Common Exclusions
Home warranty providers have different specific exclusions, but certain items and situations are typically not covered. Typical exclusions include the following:
- Appliance or system misuse (for purposes other than residential use)
- Cosmetic issues
- Corrosion, rust, and sediment damage
- Damage caused by improper installation or maintenance
- Improper, unsafe, or unsanitary living conditions
- Infestations
- Preexisting conditions that occurred before your coverage begins
Common Add-ons
Many home warranty providers offer additional coverage for appliances, home services, and items located outside of your home. Add-ons may include the following:
- Carpet cleaning
- Central vacuum
- Guest units
- Electronics protection
- Exterior sewer and water lines
- HVAC maintenance
- Pest control services
- Professional and high-end appliances
- Rekey service
- Roof leaks
- Secondary appliances
- Septic pumping
- Septic tanks
- Stand-alone freezers
- Sump pumps
- Swimming pool and spa equipment
- Water softeners
- Well pumps
Our Home Warranty Research Process
We researched essential systems and appliances for residents to determine Minnesota's top home warranty companies. We spoke with home warranty experts to understand the industry and identify common homeowner pain points. We contacted company representatives, gathered sample quotes, reviewed contracts, and conducted secret shopping to find the best options for Minnesota.
We scored each provider using our detailed methodology, which includes six comparison categories: coverage, cost, trustworthiness, plan transparency, customer support, and flexibility. We ensured each company offered solid system, appliance, and roof-leak coverage through standard plans or add-on options. We weighed premium costs to the coverage value and included affordable alternatives. We verified brand reputation and reviewed customer reviews on third-party sites. We also reviewed the claims process and customer support options, plus tested some claims processing firsthand. We then awarded points for each category and converted scores to a final 5-star rating scale.
Our Home Warranty Experts
We also consulted the following two experts for insights on this article:
- Gary Parker: Parker owns Gary Buys Houses, a cash homebuying real estate company.
- Chuck Vander Stelt: Stelt is a real estate agent with Quadwalls.
Minnesota Home Warranty Reviews
Below, you’ll find detailed reviews of our top Minnesota home warranty companies.
American Home Shield
Best for Comprehensive Coverage
Liberty Home Guard
Best Customer Support
AFC Home Warranty
Best Technician Flexibility
Elite Home Warranty
Best for Customized Coverage
Select Home Warranty
Best Budget Plan
Which Home Warranty Companies Didn’t Make the List?
We ultimately excluded some providers due to limited plan options and coverage limitations. These companies didn't rank among our top picks but remain viable options worth considering.
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty (2-10 HBW) offers three plan options but provides better appliance coverage than system protections. Its coverage caps vary between items, ranging from $500–$2,000. Additional features include an unlimited workmanship guarantee and 24/7 emergency services. 2-10 HBW could be a great option for Minnesota homeowners needing cheap appliance-focused coverage.
HomeServe
HomeServe could be an alternative for Minnesota homeowners who want coverage for one or two specific systems. The company offers 17 system-specific plans with no options for add-on appliance protection. Available plans and exclusions vary depending on location, and each plan has distinct coverage limits per system. A key advantage is that HomeServe doesn’t charge service fees for most plans and provides a 12-month workmanship guarantee on repairs.
How To Choose a Home Warranty in Minnesota
Buying a home warranty in Minnesota is an important investment that requires careful consideration. You could end up purchasing a plan that lacks coverage for your essential appliances or systems. Conversely, you could overpay for coverage you don’t need. Consider the following key points to help you choose the right home warranty.
- Determine your coverage needs: Take note of all the home systems and appliances you use most during your normal routine. Also, consider their age. A home warranty could provide a financial safety net if your appliances and systems are over 10 years old and end up needing repairs.
- Research each company: Verify the company's reputation by checking the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and reading customer reviews on third-party sites. Parker recommends verifying that the company holds a valid license and is affiliated with professional organizations or associations that maintain ethical principles.
- Compare multiple quotes: Request quotes from at least three home warranty providers to find the best coverage and offers. Compare coverage limits, inclusions, exclusions, and add-on options. Check for seasonal promotions or special offers on each website or through their sales team.
- Understand the contract terms: Read the fine print carefully. Understand the conditions under which a provider will approve a repair or replacement. Ensure there aren’t gaps in coverage, specifically on item components, that might leave you without coverage when needed.
- Verify the service technicians: Be aware of the time a home warranty company takes to complete a service request for repairs or replacements. Ask where the company sources its in-network technicians and if there is a vetting process before working with said technicians. Avoid home warranty companies that don’t have a vetting process or give you a vague answer.
How Are Home Warranties Regulated in Minnesota?
The Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) handles home warranty regulation in Minnesota. Under Statute 59B.05, the DLI mandates that all home warranty contracts clearly outline the scope of coverage, limitations, and exclusions. Additionally, the DLI requires that home warranty providers include cancellation policies in their contracts, allowing consumers to terminate plans if unsatisfied. Through these home warranty regulations, the DLI aims to ensure transparency and fair business practices within the home warranty industry in Minnesota.
We did additional research and discovered some third-party organizations also oversee home warranties. One such organization is the Service Contract Industry Council (SCIC). The SCIC works with lawmakers nationwide to create regulations that protect the consumer and treat service contract companies fairly.
You can file a complaint with the DLI if you believe your home warranty provider is neglecting its contractual obligations.
Annual Home Warranty Cost Calculator
We created a calculator to break down the estimated annual cost of owning a home warranty.
Use the following steps to calculate your projected annual cost:
- Enter your monthly premium.
- Enter your service call fee.
- Enter your estimated number of claims.
It’s best to request a quote directly from one of our recommended providers, as annual costs and service fees vary between them.
Use the table below to compare your calculated cost to repair and replacement costs for common appliances.
| Appliance | Average Repair Cost | Average Replacement Cost |
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| Dehumidifier | $50–$200 | $1,300–$2,800 |
| Microwave | $50–$400 | $60–$2,000 |
| Dishwasher | $50–$500 | $400–$3,000 |
| Exhaust Fans | $16–$300 | $250–$950 |
| Electric Range | $100–$500 | $230–$3,000 |
| Gas Range | $100–$500 | $230–$3,000 |
| Dryer | $100–$400 | $450–$2,300 |
| Oven | $100–$430 | $400–$3,000 |
| Washer | $50–$450 | $400–$2,300 |
| Freezer | $90–$500 | $160–$2,900 |
| Refrigerator | $40–$350 | $200–$5,000 |
Life span and repair cost data sourced from InterNACHI and The Home Depot.
Other Resources for Residents in Minnesota
FAQs About Home Warranties in Minnesota
How long are most Minnesota home warranties?
Most home warranties in Minnesota are valid for one year after purchase. However, some companies offer multiyear plans that cover up to three years. You must renew your warranty plan annually to maintain coverage after the initial policy period.
Can you use homeowners insurance and a home warranty in Minnesota at the same time?
Yes, you can use homeowners insurance and a home warranty simultaneously. Homeowners insurance protects your home against natural disasters, while a home warranty protects your systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. Using them together ensures you receive enhanced comprehensive coverage for costly home repairs.
Do Minnesota home warranty companies provide roof-leak coverage?
Many Minnesota home warranty companies offer roof-leak coverage, but some only offer it as an add-on or in higher plan tiers. We recommend checking each sample quote to verify roof-leak inclusions.
Do Minnesota home warranties cover radon detection?
Unfortunately, radon detection isn’t covered by standard home warranty plans in Minnesota. Radon exposure is a serious concern in the state, so we recommend hiring a professional radon mitigation company to test your home's air quality.
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our home warranty ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each provider. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts from each company, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys. We then score each provider against our review standards for coverage, cost, trustworthiness, plan transparency, customer support, and flexibility to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
