Best Home Warranty Companies in Minnesota

If you own a property in Minnesota and want peace of mind on major systems and appliances, consider investing in a home warranty. Keep reading to learn about the different home warranty companies in the state, common home maintenance issues faced by Minnesota residents, and tips to help you find the best home warranty plan for your home.

Minnesota’s best home warranty companies

Minnesota gets its name from two Sioux words, “minni” and “sotah.” Minni means “water” and sotah translates roughly to “cloudy.” The state is nicknamed, “The Land of 10,000 Lakes,” but in reality, there are nearly 12,000 lakes in the state of Minnesota. All of the lakes and rivers contribute to the over 90,000 miles of shoreline—this is more than Hawaii, Florida, and California combined. Minnesota shares borders with North and South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin, as well as two Canadian provinces: Ontario and Manitoba. 

Minneapolis and Saint Paul are colloquially known as the Twin Cities, and their enviable location near the Mississippi, Minnesota, and St. Croix rivers offer stunning views and abundant outdoor activities.

The Twin Cities are home to a few professional sports teams, including the Minnesota Twins, the Minnesota Wild, the Minnesota Vikings, and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Mississippi River separates the Twin Cities and, combined, these two cities are home to more than 3.5 million people. Unlike other cities in the Rust Belt, the Twin Cities have a relatively strong economy.

Outside of the Twin Cities lies Duluth, a city once home to more millionaires per capita than any other city in the world. Today, Duluth is consistently rated as one of the top small cities to live in. Duluth’s terrain and topography severely limits new homebuilding, as the best spots are already built on, resulting in older homes going on the market for sale. Affordability, high quality of life factors, and a thriving downtown are just some of the reasons that Duluth continues to draw people from around the country.

Rochester, another popular Minnesota city, is most known for being home to the Mayo Clinic that welcomes people from across the globe into their state-of-the-art medical facility. Often noted as one of the best places to live in the U.S., Rochester has a vibrant downtown, strong job market, and a beautiful location that contributes to its growing real estate market. Rochester was recently designated as a “City of Compassion,” where people of all cultures and ages are encouraged and supported, and all people are treated with “absolute justice, equity, and respect.”

According to the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, Minnesota is still a seller’s market, meaning more buyers are interested and sellers benefit from the competition. In this type of market, buyers are paying more than asking price to get the home they wanted. However, real estate forecasters are expecting a bit of a slowdown in some parts of the state. The strong demand for housing in the larger cities is driven by migration to hot job markets and active communities.

Top home maintenance problems in Minnesota

The climate of Minnesota is quite unique. Summers are hot and winters are cold, except in the Arrowhead region, where Lake Superior helps to keep the temperatures milder throughout the year. Some areas of the state can see over 170 inches of snow in the winter, and other regions can see scorching temperatures above 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The dramatic weather shifts and overall climate contribute to the top home maintenance problems in the state. Here are a few that Minnesota homeowners commonly experience. 

Roof leaks

The buildup of snow and ice on roofs and in gutters can cause roof damage that results in leaks. During the winter months, ice dams are often responsible for moisture seeping into the attic, causing water damage below.

Broken sewage lines

Rivers, lakes, and streams contribute to the high water table throughout the state. In areas with trees, excessive water can cause trees to grow aggressively, sometimes into main sewer lines. When tree roots penetrate pipes, it can cause sewage to back up into the home resulting in significant damage.

Broken pipes

The climate in Minnesota can be unpredictable. Arctic storms can arrive in the blink of an eye, causing pipes to burst during freezing temperatures. When a pipe freezes, it expands; when it thaws, the water runs out of the crack and into walls, ceilings, and floors. 

Dirty air filters

Most homeowners in Minnesota benefit from both heating and air conditioning systems. During extreme periods of hot or cold temperatures, the heating and air conditioning systems may work harder, causing air filters to be replaced more often than recommended by the manufacturer.

Who is eligible for a home warranty in Minnesota?

Owners of second homes, mobile homes, investment properties, and primary residences are all eligible to purchase one of the best home warranties in Minnesota. Home warranty companies offer similar services and plans to residents of Minnesota, but it’s still important to read all plans thoroughly to understand which plan offers the best coverage for your property. 

What is covered under a home warranty?

The best home warranty companies in Minnesota offer a variety of programs to fit your specific needs. Depending on the age of your home and appliances, you may elect to pick a basic plan that covers appliance repair or replacement costs, a plan that covers major systems including heating, plumbing, and electrical, or a combination plan. If you have advanced household systems, security systems, whole-home water filtration systems, pools, septic systems, or wells, read policies carefully to determine if you need to add coverage.

 America’s 1st Choice Home Club

Living in Minnesota, where air conditioners and heating systems take a beating, AFC Home Club may the best home warranty company for you. Unlike other home warranty companies, America’s 1st Choice Home Club doesn’t cap what they cover on HVAC units. Additionally, this home warranty company offers four distinct plans allowing property owners to select the plan that best fits their needs and budget. 

Choice Home Warranty

If you want the most comprehensive coverage for your home systems and appliances, Choice Home Warranty may be the best company for you. It offers two plans—Basic and Total—in addition to providing optional add-ons for your spa and pool, well pump, and second refrigerator. Here are how the plans are structured.

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

Because of the high-water table in Minnesota, some properties can experience foundation and structural problems. If your home or investment property has a sump pump to keep water from building around your foundation walls, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty may be the best home warranty company in Minnesota for you. Other home warranties typically don’t cover foundation and structural defects, but 2-10 HBW offers a 10-year structural warranty for new homes. Here’s how their plans break down. 

How much does a home warranty cost?

There are many factors that contribute to the cost of a home warranty in Minnesota. The best home warranty companies will consider the size of the home, how old the house is, the plan you decide on, and any optional coverage you may need. Home warranty service plans can be basic or comprehensive—the choice is up to you. Here are the price ranges for home warranties in Minnesota. 

• Basic/Appliance plans: $29–$59 per month
• System plans: $29–$59 per month
• Total plans: $39–$79 per month
• Add-ons: $6–$15 per month, per option

How does a home warranty work in Minnesota?

Once you select a home warranty company, sign the contract, and pay for your service, coverage typically begins after 30 days. If a covered item or system fails after the 30-day waiting period, you can submit a claim and receive service. Here’s what the process would look like:

1. Contact the home warranty company to file a claim. Some companies have online portals that allow you to file a claim in just a few steps. However, if you prefer to speak to a representative to file your claim, most companies offer 24/7 customer service teams.
2. Once your claim is filed, the home warranty company will contact a service technician in your area to diagnose the problem and begin repairs. If the appliance or home system needs replacing instead of repair, the technician will contact the home warranty company for approval.
3. After the replacement is approved, you will be contacted to choose a replacement product, and then it will be ordered, delivered, and installed.

Home warranty regulations and restrictions in Minnesota

According to the Office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minnesota law mandates new homes and specific home improvement projects must include statutory warranties against defects. Here are Minnesota homeowner rights under the law for new construction homes:

For home improvement projects, work not explicitly covered above is covered for one year.

 In addition to home warranty laws dictated by the state regarding new construction and remodeling projects, service contract companies must be registered with the Department of Commerce in Minnesota and provide a surety bond. For more information about Minnesota’s regulation of home warranty service companies, contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

Why is a home warranty necessary?

With the harsh terrain and climate of Minnesota, buildings can age before their time. Proper maintenance is required to keep homes looking their best—and systems operating optimally. High-end appliances, septic systems, wells, heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, hot water heaters, and plumbing systems are expensive to repair or replace. Not to mention, it can be difficult to find trustworthy repair technicians that can fit you into their schedule in a timely manner. 

 If you have a comprehensive plan from one of the best home warranty companies in Minnesota, filing for a claim is easy—and most companies vet the service technicians to ensure that the repairs are done right and quickly. If you live on a fixed income, are a busy single parent, or a senior who can’t keep up with home repairs, a home warranty can protect you and give you the coverage you need at an affordable price. 

Buying a home warranty in Minnesota

Here are the 15 most essential questions to ask before signing a home warranty contract in Minnesota:

1.     What appliances are excluded from your basic plan?
2.     Are there exclusions on certain appliances?
3.     Do you offer coverage for duplicate appliances in the home?
4.     What’s the fee for service calls?
5.     Is there an annual deductible that must be met?
6.     Is there an annual limit on service claims?
7.     Do you have a plan that protects major household systems, including air conditioning?
8.     Is there a cap on repairs for HVAC systems, plumbing, or electrical?
9.     Do you cover well pumps, septic systems, and sump pumps?
10.     Will you cover my swimming pool, spa, whirlpool bathtub, water filtration system, and solar panels?
11.     How quickly do technicians respond to claims?
12.     Can I choose a licensed technician if you don’t have one available?
13.     How long have you been in business?
14.     Are you registered in the state of Minnesota?
15.     Can you provide a full contract for my review before signing up?

Minnesota home warranty reviews

Below are a few reviews from Minnesota home warranty customers:

America’s 1st Choice Home Club

According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), AFC Home Club was accredited in 2015 and currently has a B rating. While the company does have a number of complaints across the country, most seem to center around poor communication, slow response, and from customers that didn’t understand exclusions and limitations.

Here’s what Jason G. had to say:

“The service technician called me the day they were scheduled to arrive and canceled. They said they would be at my house to do the repairs the next day. I took off work and couldn’t take off again. I called my rep Luke with AFC, and I told him the issue. He called me back within 15 minutes and told me AFC would replace my over-the-range microwave for the inconvenience. Luke and Alexis are very professional and respectful! I will stay a life-long customer if they keep professional and respectful employees. I am very happy with AFC. They went above and beyond.”

Choice Home Warranty

Choice Home Warranty is headquartered in New Jersey and has been in business since 2008. Choice Home Warranty is not a BBB-accredited business and has a B- rating. After a review of complaints and comments, it appears most customers are pleased with the home warranty.

Here’s what Myrna C. had to say:

“The young man I worked with was courteous and respectful. He explained the program options and answered all my questions and concerns. I feel confident with my choice and the company.”

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

2-10 HBW is headquartered in Aurora, Colorado. The business is accredited with the BBB and has an A rating. While the company does have complaints, it appears they respond quickly to customers and resolve complaints.

Here’s what Robert N. had to say:

“I had an issue with 2-10 Home Warranty. I was going to file a complaint but called them first. They made everything right and resolved all my issues. Thank you.”

Rex and Susan P. express similar sentiments:

“If you asked me two months ago to write a review of 2-10 Home Warranty, it would have been negative. But I have to say that they really ended up going above and beyond to resolve my complicated complaint about my refrigerator. I’m renewing my plan because of their excellent customer service. Even my personal contractor complimented the customer service provided and felt like they were one of the better home warranty companies that he’s dealt with. Thank you for working hard to resolve my complaint.”

Our conclusion

The best home warranty companies in Minnesota based on our research and customer reviews include:

• America’s 1st Choice Home Club
• Choice Home Warranty
• 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

 In Minnesota, a comprehensive home warranty plan can save you significant time, frustration, and, most importantly, money when a household system or appliance fails. It can protect expensive appliances and essential household systems, including your heating and cooling systems, plumbing, electrical, and more. For best results, choose the company and plan that fits the needs of your property, and when a system or appliance needs repairs, file a claim, and the home warranty company will take care of the rest.