5 Best Home Warranty Companies in Minnesota (2024)

Written by Dana Getz + 1 other Reviewed by Jacquelyn Kfoury Updated 12/11/2024

Dana Getz

Dana Getz is an experienced content manager with more than a decade of publishing experience across various industries. She has spent the last several years covering home services, specializing in home warranty recommendations and helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions.

Expertise an…

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Jacquelyn Kfoury

Jacquelyn Kfoury has more than 20 years of experience in the home services industry. She has expertise in consumer and commercial warranties, service contracts, claims processing, and repair fleet services. She began her career in telecom warranty management at Motorola before transitioning to S…

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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.

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Best Customer Support

4.4

$200 Off + 2 Months Free + Roof Leak Protection

Best Comprehensive Coverage

4.8

$150 off any plan

Best Basic Plan Coverage

4.7

CYBER SALE: $75 OFF + 1MONTH FREE!

Best for Flexible Coverage

4.6

$150 Off + 1 Month Free. 30-Day Free Trial

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.

Liberty Home Guard Visit Site
American Home Shield Visit Site
Select Home Warranty Visit Site
Elite Home Warranty Visit Site
AFC Home Warranty Visit Site
Overall Score We use extensive first-party research, secret shopping, and firsthand testing to evaluate companies on key factors. We then develop a numeric score for each brand to determine an overall score.	4.4 / 5 #1 out of 15 companies	4.8 / 5 #2 out of 15 companies	3.7 / 5 #3 out of 15 companies	4.6 / 5 #4 out of 15 companies	4.6 / 5 #5 out of 15 companies
BBB Rating The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is an organization that sets and maintains high ethical standards for businesses throughout the U.S. and Canada. A company’s BBB rating reflects its general treatment of customers and compliance with the organization.	NR	B	B-	B+	B
Monthly Cost	$49–$59	$49–$109	$44–$47	$44–$59	$34–$92
Service Fees A service call fee is the amount the homeowner pays every time a technician comes to their home to complete a service. The fees are a set amount and typically range from $65 to $125.	$65–$125	$100–$125	$60–$75	$70	$75–$125
Customer Support Options	Email, Phone, Online Chat, Online Portal	Phone, Online Portal	Email, Phone, Online Portal	Email, Phone, Online Portal	Phone, Online Portal
Response Time After a homeowner files a claim, home warranty response times typically range from 24 to 48 hours or more. Some companies guarantee a response time of fewer than 24 hours.	Up to 48 hours	Up to 48 hours	48-84 hours	Up to 48 hours	24-48 hours
Pros Company or plan features that are generally beneficial to most consumers	Extensive add-on catalog 60-day workmanship guarantee Accessible customer support	High coverage caps Preexisting coverage included Bonus discounts on maintenance services	Low-cost plan options High HVAC coverage Free roof leak protection	Higher coverage for high-end appliances 90-day workmanship guarantee Service call fee rolled into annual premium	Excellent plan flexibility Technician flexibility Unlimited HVAC coverage
Cons Elements of the company or its plans that some buyers may consider disadvantages	Reviews mention low claim payouts Low coverage caps for electrical and plumbing	Higher costs for comprehensive coverage Smallest add-on catalog	Low coverage caps for other items No service call fee flexibility	Higher service fee for high-end appliance repairs No workmanship guarantee on repairs by out-of-network technicians	Depreciation policy for older items Immediate claim submission required
Summary This is a brief overview of our thoughts on each company.	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.
Promotions Some home warranty companies offer special discounts to make protecting your home systems and appliances more affordable. We’ve listed current promotional offers for each of our reviewed providers. These are national-level promotions; branch offices may offer varying deals.	$200 Off + 2 Months Free + Roof Leak Protection	$150 off any plan	Cyber Monday: 40% Off Home Warranty Plans	$150 Off + 1 Month Free. 30-Day Free Trial	Fall Sale: $250 Off + Free Roof Leak Coverage
Rating Categories We researched and scored 13 home warranty providers against our 100-point rating system. We divided each company’s score by 20 to determine our 5-star ratings. Our ranking factors cover the criteria homeowners find most important when shopping for a home warranty: coverage, value, trustworthiness, plan transparency, customer support, and flexibility.	Liberty Home Guard	American Home Shield	Select Home Warranty	Elite Home Warranty	AFC Home Warranty
Coverage Comprehensive coverage allows homeowners to save more on repair and replacement costs. We awarded providers points for offering generous coverage caps, unique coverage options, and no annual cap limits. We deducted points for coverage waiting periods of more than 30 days.	2.9 / 5	4.8 / 5	2.1 / 5	3.4 / 5	3.9 / 5
Value To determine the value of a home warranty, we considered each provider’s average monthly costs, service call fees, and billing options. Points were deducted for charging extra fees for certain services and repairs.	4.8 / 5	3.3 / 5	4.8 / 5	4.3 / 5	3.8 / 5
Trustworthiness Trustworthiness ratings were calculated based on average customer review scores, length of workmanship guarantees, and membership in trusted trade organizations. We deducted points for any brands with ongoing lawsuits. These factors help us separate legitimate home warranty providers from scammers.	4.3 / 5	3.7 / 5	3.7 / 5	4.7 / 5	4.3 / 5
Plan Transparency Transparent home warranty providers offer detailed disclosures on coverage, service call fees, and exclusions on their websites. We also awarded points to companies that provide sample contracts with thorough information on plan policies.	2.5 / 5	5 / 5	2.5 / 5	3 / 5	3.5 / 5
Customer Support We awarded points to home warranty providers that make it easy for homeowners to get in touch via multiple customer contact methods. Companies also earned points for quick claims response times and widespread state availability.	4.5 / 5	4 / 5	3 / 5	3.5 / 5	3 / 5
Flexibility Providers earned points for flexibility by offering more plans and add-ons. This helps homeowners customize their home warranty plans to meet their needs. We also awarded points to companies that allow customers to choose their own technician, pick a service call fee, and cancel after 30 days.	3.5 / 5	2.5 / 5	2.5 / 5	4.5 / 5	4 / 5

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

4.8 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

We recommend American Home Shield (AHS) for Minnesota homes that need comprehensive coverage for older items. It’s one of the few companies with unknown preexisting conditions and physical damage coverage included in its standard plans.

Monthly cost: $49–$109

Pros and Cons

Pros Covers items with unknown preexisting conditions Doesn’t exclude items with rust, corrosion, and sediment damage, which is rare Offers a $5,000 coverage cap for essential systems, including plumbing Cons Charges more for its bundled plans than other reviewed providers Doesn’t offer an appliance-only plan Offers a limited add-on catalog, the smallest in this review

Plans and Cost

AHS provides three plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. Reviewing the AHS sample contract informed us that the company offers a $5,000 coverage cap per covered system. This is one of the highest system limits of this review. Under ShieldGold, you receive added appliance coverage plus a $2,000 coverage cap. ShieldPlatinum provides the most comprehensive coverage and adds more perks to the ShieldGold coverage. Additional Shield Platinum benefits include an appliance limit of $4,000 and roof-leak coverage. The other two plans require a roof-leak add-on.

Here’s an overview of AHS’s plans:

• ShieldSilver: The system-only plan includes major home systems, such as air conditioning, interior plumbing, and water heaters.
• ShieldGold: This plan includes the ShieldSilver coverage and adds appliance protections.
• ShieldPlatinum: The highest tier includes ShieldGold coverage and adds more perks, such as HVAC tune-ups and air filter discounts.

Our sample quote included a service call fee of $100 or $125. Our monthly premium pricing increased when we switched to the lower service call fee. However, it’s one of the few providers to offer only monthly premiums. Most companies offer annual and monthly pricing options. In addition, AHS charges more for its combined plans than other home warranty companies.

We’ve outlined AHS costs and coverage caps below:

Plan	Monthly Cost	Service Fee	Coverage Cap
ShieldSilver	$49.99–$59.99	$100–$125	$5,000
ShieldGold	$69.99–$79.99	$100–$125	Systems: $5,000 Appliances: $2,000
ShieldPlatinum	$99.99–$109.99	$100–$125	Systems: $5,000 Appliances: $4,000

AHS’s coverage plans are comprehensive, so it only offers six add-on options. On average, other providers offer eight to 10 options. Its pricing ranges from $4.99–$21.99, making its add-ons very affordable. Adding roof-leak coverage to the ShieldSilver and ShieldGold plans will add $10.00 to your monthly costs.

Additional add-on options include the following:

• Electronics protection plan
• Guest unit coverage
• Pool & built-in spa equipment coverage
• Septic pump coverage
• Well pump coverage

Our Experience With American Home Shield

One of our team members used his AHS plan to repair a leaking bathroom pipe. He received email and text confirmations after submitting an online claim. Next, the service technician contacted him five minutes later to set a next-day appointment. We learned that AHS doesn’t let you choose your own service technicians. Instead, the company sends a technician from its preapproved network. The repairs took two hours, and he only paid the service call fee for the visit.

Liberty Home Guard

Best Customer Support

4.4 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

We recommend Liberty Home Guard (LHG) for Minnesota homeowners needing solid HVAC protection and added unique coverage. The company offers $2,000 caps for heating and cooling systems and provides 42 add-on options, the largest catalog in this review.

Monthly cost: $49–$59

Pros and Cons

Pros Backs repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee, double the industry standard Offers $2,000 caps for most systems and appliances Provides 42 add-ons, including pest control and pro-series appliances Cons Assigns service call fees based on location and plan selection Could take up to 48 hours to respond to a claim Limits electrical and plumbing coverage to $500 per term

Plans and Cost

LHG offers three service plan options: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. We read through the LHG sample contract and learned that most appliances and systems receive a $2,000 limit. Electrical and plumbing systems receive a lower $500 coverage limit, which falls below that of other reviewed providers. We also learned that the company doesn’t cover items with preexisting conditions, making it a better choice for newer homes. LHG doesn’t offer roof-leak coverage with its standard plans, but you can select it as an add-on.

Here’s a quick overview of LHG’s plans:

• Appliance Guard: This plan includes refrigerators, cooktops, ranges/ovens/stoves, and eight other appliances.
• Systems Guard: This system-only coverage includes air conditioning, heating, ductwork, plumbing, electrical, and water heaters.
• Total Home Guard: This plan tier includes everything outlined in the Appliance Guard and Systems Guard plans.

LHG offers monthly and annual premiums. We received two additional months when we chose an annual option for our sample quote. Unlike providers with flexible service call fees, LHG assigns a service call fee to your account based on your plan, add-on selections, and location. Its service fees range from $65–$125.

We’ve detailed LHG’s costs, fees, and coverage caps below:

Plan	Monthly Cost	Service Fee	Coverage Cap
Appliance Guard	$49.99	$65–$125	$2,000
Systems Guard	$54.99	$65–$125	$2,000 (Plumbing and electrical: $500)
Total Home Guard	$59.99	$65–$125	Coverage caps remain the same

LHG offers the largest add-on catalog in this review at 42 options. The company boasts a generous selection of home service options, such as pest control, rekey service, gutter cleaning, floor cleaning, and generator coverage. Pricing is midrange compared to other providers, with costs between $3.99 and $35.99. You can add roof-leak coverage to any plan for $11.99 per month. LHG recommends add-on services based on other homeowners in the area. The company recommends that Minnesota residents get coverage for the following items in addition to roof-leak coverage:

• Stand-alone freezers
• Sump pumps
• Water softeners
• Well pumps

Our Experience With Liberty Home Guard

Reading reviews for LHG told us that past customers appreciated the friendly and knowledgeable customer support team. We also tested the customer support line and live chat feature to determine the best contact options. Our call connected and reached a live representative in less than 30 seconds. The chat service uses an automated bot and requires several requests to be connected with a live representative.

AFC Home Warranty

Best Technician Flexibility

4.6 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

We recommend America’s First Choice Home Warranty (AFC Home Warranty) for Minnesota residents looking for plan variety and extended system coverage. The company offers four plans, three service fees, and unlimited system coverage caps.

Monthly cost: $35–$94

Pros and Cons

Pros Lets you choose your own service technician Offers unlimited coverage for most built-in systems Provides four coverage plans and three service fees, the best variety in this review Cons Excludes coverage for unknown preexisting conditions Reduces payouts for items five years and older Requires claim submissions at least one day after detecting an issue

Plans and Cost

AFC Home Warranty provides four plan options: the Silver Plan, the Gold Plan, the Platinum Plan, and the Diamond Plan. Reading through the AFC Home Warranty sample contract informed us that built-in systems receive unlimited coverage. The exception is thermostats, which receive an $80 limit. Appliances receive a $3,000 cap, well above the $2,000 industry standard. However, items five years or older receive a reduced payout based on their depreciated value. You can add roof-leak coverage at no cost to any plan option.

We’ve detailed AFC Home Warranty’s plans below:

• Silver Plan: This plan covers nine appliances, including cooktops, dishwashers, and refrigerators. 
• Gold Plan: The next plan offers comprehensive system and appliance protection for 15 items, such as air conditioning, electrical, and heating. 
• Platinum Plan: The next plan tier covers 20 systems and appliances, such as built-in microwaves and ice makers. 
• Diamond Plan: The highest plan includes Platinum items, electronics, external sewer, and water lines.

AFC Home Warranty offers three service fees: $75, $100, or $125. Our sample quote’s monthly premium decreased when we chose the higher service call fee. It’s one of the few companies to offer multiyear plans. One-year plans include a $100 discount, while three-year plans receive $250 off.

We’ve listed AFC Home Warranty’s premiums and limits below:

Plan	Monthly Cost	Service Fee	Coverage Cap
Silver Plan	$35.25–$40.08	$75–$125	$3,000
Gold Plan	$49.75–$54.58	$75–$125	Appliances: $3,000 Systems: Unlimited
Platinum Plan	$54.58–$59.42	$75–$125	Coverage caps remain the same
Diamond Plan	$89.17–$94.00	$75–$125	Coverage caps remain the same

AFC Home Warranty offers 13 add-on options, which is typical for a home warranty provider. We should note that the company lists its pricing based on yearly rates. However, our online quote did include the monthly breakdown. Pricing ranges from $25–$150 per year. You can add roof-leak protection at no extra cost.

Additional coverage options include the following items:

• Double ovens
• Hot water dispensers
• Septic systems
• Sump pumps

Our Experience With AFC Home Warranty

AFC Home Warranty is the only provider in this review that lets you choose your own service technician for repairs. Most companies only offer this option if they don’t have available contractors in your area. It’s also one of the few companies offering unique membership benefits, such as free credit monitoring, identity monitoring, and discounts on auto, pet, and dental insurance.

Elite Home Warranty

Best for Customized Coverage

4.6 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

We recommend Elite Home Warranty for Minnesota homeowners who want more control over their coverage plans and costs. The company offers three standard plans, a fully customizable plan, and 27 add-ons.

Monthly cost: $44–$58

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes a 90-day workmanship guarantee, three times the industry standard Offers 27 add-ons, the second largest offering in this review Provides specialized, comprehensive, and customizable plan options Cons Charges higher service call fees for high-end appliances and after-hour repairs Excludes out-of-network contractors from its workmanship guarantee Requires you to speak to a representative for a sample quote

Plans and Cost

Elite offers three standard protection plans: Elite Appliances, Elite Systems, and Elite Complete. Reviewing Elite’s sample contract told us it also provides the Customize Your Own plan. This plan alternative lets you pick and choose the exact systems and appliances for your coverage. Unlike other companies that offer standard coverage caps for every item, Elite varies its coverage. The company also imposes a $15,000 annual limit on its plans. This breaks down to $7,000 for all appliance claims and $8,000 for systems.

Here’s a look at Elite’s plans:

• Elite Appliances: This plan protects eight home appliances, including dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines.
• Elite Systems: This system-only plan covers eight home systems, including air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing.
• Elite Complete: The highest plan tier offers comprehensive coverage, combining Elite Appliances and Elite Systems protections.

Our research showed that Elite charges between $44 and $58 monthly. The company also offers a standard $70 fee, unlike other providers that provide two or three options. The company charges a higher $150 fee for high-end appliance repairs, and it charges this fee for after-hour and weekend calls.

Here are the details of Elite’s pricing and coverage limits:

Plan	Monthly Cost	Service Fee	Coverage Cap
Elite Appliances	$44.49	$70	$500–$3,000
Elite Systems	$49.99	$70	$750–$4,000
Elite Complete	$58.99	$70	Coverage caps remain the same

Elite offers 27 add-on coverage options, the second-largest catalog behind LHG. Similar to other providers, Elite’s add-on coverage limits vary depending on the item. The company also limits claims to $5,000 per contract term.

Here’s a sample of what items you can get add-on coverage for from Elite:

• Annual maintenance plans
• Drainage, sewer, and water service lines
• Geothermal heating and cooling systems
• Septic systems

Our Experience with Elite Home Warranty

Our team member tested the Elite Home Warranty claim process when his high-end dishwasher broke. He submitted the claim online and received an Elite claims specialist call within 30 minutes. The claims specialist scheduled a service appointment for the next day. When the technician arrived, he realized the repair would require some out-of-stock parts. The technician placed the order for the parts and returned a few days later to complete the repair, finishing the job within an hour.

Elite utilizes its own network of authorized technicians to perform covered repairs and provides a 90-day workmanship guarantee on labor. Homeowners can use their own technician; however, opting out of using an Elite-authorized tech will void the 90-day workmanship guarantee. You’ll likely receive a workmanship guarantee from the tech who did the repair. 

Select Home Warranty

Best Budget Plan

3.7 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.

We recommend Select Home Warranty for Minnesota homeowners who are budget-conscious and concerned about possible future roof leaks. All of Select’s plans have monthly fees under $50 and include free roof-leak coverage.

Monthly cost: $44–$47

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes free roof-leak coverage with every plan Offers cheap plans priced under $50 per month Providers a generous $3,000 HVAC system coverage cap Cons Assigns its service call fees, limiting pricing customization Doesn’t offer coverage for unknown preexisting conditions Offers lower coverage caps than many competitors

Plans and Cost

Select offers three plan options: Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care. Reviewing the Select sample contract showed us that it includes a $3,000 cap for HVAC systems but limits other covered systems to a $500 coverage cap. The two basic plans are available at the same price point but exclusive to systems or appliance coverage. The comprehensive plan covers both for a slightly higher price. However, the company doesn’t cover preexisting conditions. We recommend Select if you have newer items that don’t need much coverage or want extensive HVAC coverage for a lower price.

Here are more details about Select’s plans:

• Bronze Care: This plan covers eight appliances, such as cooktops, stoves/ovens, and garbage disposals.
• Gold Care: This plan tier includes air conditioning, ductwork, electrical systems, heating, plumbing systems, and water heaters.
• Platinum Care: The highest plan includes all items covered by the two basic plans and additional perks, including luxury appliance coverage.

Select provides monthly and annual options with added perks. New customers signing up for an annual premium receive $150 off and two free months of service. You benefit from lower service fees, but you can’t choose your preferred rate. The company charges a $60–$75 service call fee per claim, which is lower than other providers. However, it assigns your service call fee, limiting your pricing customization. During secret shopping, we learned that Select offers its lower service call fee through an exclusive over-the-phone deal.

Here’s a breakdown of Select costs and coverage limits:

Plan	Monthly Cost	Service Fee	Coverage Cap
Bronze Care	$44.42	$60–$75	$500
Gold Care	$44.42	$60–$75	$500 (HVAC: $3,000)
Platinum Care	$47.75	$60–$75	Coverage caps remain the same

Select offers nine add-on coverage options to complement its basic home warranty plans. This number of add-ons is typical for most home warranty providers. Select doesn’t have options to cover secondary appliances or HVAC systems, but it does provide very affordable add-on pricing compared to competitors. The most expensive Select add-on is pool coverage at $8.33 per month. However, coverage caps are lower than other providers offering only $400 caps.

Other add-on options include the following items:

• Central vacuums
• Lawn sprinkler systems
• Septic systems
• Sump pumps

Our Experience With Select Home Warranty

We learned that Select prefers to resolve account issues and process claims over the phone. We also discovered that Select chooses a service technician from its network of contractors. The company will let you pick your own if none of its technicians are in your area. However, Select must approve the choice before the repair process begins.

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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. 
4. 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.
5. 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.

Other Resources for Residents in Minnesota

• Best Solar Companies in Minnesota
• Best Moving Companies in Minnesota

FAQs About Home Warranties in Minnesota

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.