Best Home Warranty Companies in Montana

A Montana home warranty can help you save on expensive repair and replacement costs for major systems and appliances and offer extra protection if a manufacturer’s warranty runs out early. If you’re in the market for a home warranty but don’t know where to begin, keep reading for our recommendations for the best home warranty companies in the state and important home warranty buying tips.

Montana’s best home warranty companies

Montana is located in the Northwestern region of the United States and is the 8th least populous state. Montana has a diverse topography with 77 mountain ranges that are a part of the Rocky Mountains, along with a vast prairie terrain and badlands.

Montana’s unique topography also plays a role in producing various temperatures. The state generally has hot, humid summers and chilly winters. The average rainfall is between 13–18 inches per year, while the average snowfall is between 30–50 inches; in the mountains, snow levels can reach up to 300 inches.

The state is bordered by Canadian provinces in the north, North Dakota and South Dakota to the east, Wyoming to the south, and Idaho to the west. The economy features agriculture, ranching, farming, oil, gas, coal mining, and lumber manufacturing.

Additionally, the state brings in nearly 13 million tourists every year. Tourists flock to Glacier and Yellowstone National Park, Flathead Lake, Big Sky Resort, Beartooth Highway, and more.

Top home maintenance problems in Montana

Montana residents face an onslaught of issues, from extreme weather temperatures to regional maintenance issues. Here are some of the top problems that Montana homeowners deal with:

Heat and humidity

The weather in Montana can be unpredictable due to the state’s topography. There are hot summer days that can reach temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity is also a concern and can damage outdoor systems and appliances.

Flooding

Montana receives a large amount of rain in the spring, which can cause flooding when combined with melting snow. Severe storms can also bring hail and torrential downpours, leading to standing water in yards.

Septic system failure

If you live in rural Montana, chances are you have a septic system. Over time, this system can start to break down from old age or normal wear and tear. Most home warranties have an add-on option that will protect your well pump, sump pump, and septic system.

Who is eligible for a home warranty in Montana?

Homeowners across the state are eligible for a home warranty. In particular, here are a few situations when a home warranty makes sense:

You’re an existing homeowner

If you’re a homeowner in the state of Montana, you’ve likely already paid for some home repairs and system replacements. A home warranty can save you time and money by sending an experienced contractor to fix your broken systems and appliances at an affordable price.

You’re buying a home

Maintaining your home in Montana should be as easy as purchasing it. Invest in a home warranty to avoid paying unexpected costs when older home systems and appliances break down. A home warranty will also give you the peace of mind you need in your first year of homeownership when you’re trying to pay for a mortgage, home insurance, and real estate taxes.

You’re selling a home

Homes on the market sell faster with a home warranty. Purchase a 12-month home warranty to get buyers into a bidding war over your property.

MORE: 7 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Listing to Sell

What is covered under a Montana home warranty?

A home warranty covers a home system or appliance when they break down from general wear and tear. Home systems can include electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, while appliance coverage generally includes items like your refrigerator, microwave, washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher.

Our recommended home warranty companies are similar in what they cover, but they offer unique add-on options that may pertain to your property. Once you find a company that will cover all of the home systems and appliances you desire, ensure the home warranty fits within your budget and has a good reputation.

Here are the best home warranty companies in Montana and what they cover:

Choice Home Warranty

Choice Home Warranty offers two plans that provide comprehensive coverage for your home systems and appliances. The company also offers optional add-ons for septic tank pumping, second refrigerators, and swimming pools. Here’s an overview of what’s covered under their Total Plan.

American Home Shield

American Home Shield offers four plans and gives you the option to customize your own plan. This is especially helpful for those who want to pick and choose certain systems and appliances to be covered. Below is a list of items covered under the AHS Combo Plan.

The Home Service Club

The Home Service Club offers Standard Coverage and Comprehensive Coverage. Though the plans are similar, the comprehensive plan covers a few more items, such as gas leaks and smoke detectors.

Select Home Warranty

Select Home Warranty offers three main plans: Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care. Bronze Care covers home appliances, Gold Care covers home systems, and Platinum Care covers a combination of both. Select also provides coverage for add-ons such as roof leaks, sprinkler systems, and pools.

Total Home Protection

Total Home Protection offers two plans: Gold and Platinum. The Gold Plan covers 13 systems and appliances while the Platinum Plan covers 17 systems and appliances.

How much does a home warranty cost in Montana?

The average home warranty in Montana ranges from $400 to $800, depending on the amount of coverage needed. Add-ons to main plans could incur an additional $50 (for dryers, trash compactors, etc.) to $350 (for AC, high-end appliances, etc.) a year.

Home warranty companies will often work with you on pricing. If you have a budget in mind, don’t be afraid to share that with the customer service representative. They might have a promotion or discount that they can apply to meet or get close to your target price.

How does a home warranty work?

If your broken item is covered by your home warranty, it only takes one phone call or an online service request to start your repair or replacement. You don’t have to scour the Internet for quotes or try finding a reputable technician on your own—the home warranty company does that for you.

• Once a service call is initiated, you’ll be required to pay a service fee. This fee is listed in your initial contract and will be determined by your home warranty plan and the company you choose.
• The technician will then call you to set up an appointment time that is convenient for you.
• Once the technician comes to your house, they’ll diagnose your repair and call the home warranty company to confirm you have coverage. If the repair is covered, the technician will complete the job. If it isn’t covered, you’ll be responsible for the cost of the repair.

For example, if your refrigerator has stopped cooling, a technician may suggest replacing your refrigerator evaporator fan. To receive the repair for free, refrigerator components (including the evaporator fan) must be covered under your home warranty contract.

Home warranty regulations and restrictions in Montana

As in most U.S. states, Montana considers home warranties to be a service contract. In short, this means that a homeowner must pay a fee when purchasing a home warranty to receive coverage. Coverage is based on the plan that the homeowner pays for and the homeowner is responsible for taking note of any exclusions.

In Montana, there are no filings or registration requirements that home service contract companies have to adhere to. For more information, you can reach out to the Office of the Montana State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI), and the Office of Consumer Protection.

For new-construction homes in Montana, there’s a minimum, one-year warranty that’s free and comes with the home. This is a safeguard for the home purchaser in case anything wasn’t built or finished correctly by the home construction company. Each company is allowed to list what’s covered in that warranty, how long it lasts, and if there are any exclusions. The terms should be included in your paperwork for the sale of the home, and you would agree to those when signing.

Why is a home warranty necessary?

A home warranty can support the unique needs of Montana’s climate and topography. Additionally, these plans can cover major systems and appliances that protect you from extreme heat, excessive dust, and flash flooding. It can also provide coverage in rural areas by protecting well pumps, sump pumps, and septic systems. Here’s a more detailed look at why a home warranty is necessary in Montana:

• Covers HVAC systems—Summer days in Montana can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Installing a central air system makes hot summer days more bearable. Most home warranty plans have an option to cover your HVAC system.
• Protects your roof—Spring brings severe thunderstorms, hail, and melting snow from higher elevations that can cause flash flooding. Choose a home warranty plan that covers leaks in your roof if severe weather hits your area.
• Includes add-on coverage—If you live in a rural area, you most likely have a well pump, sump pump, or septic system. The absence of a city water system means periodic maintenance of these systems to run your home’s plumbing. Dysfunction of any of these systems could be costly. An add-on to your home warranty can help you keep these systems on track.

Not to mention, the majority of homes in Montana were built between 1970 and 1979. Due to the older age of homes, a home warranty could save you from costly repairs to appliances and home systems.

How to buy a home warranty

Before purchasing a home warranty in Montana, here are a few factors to consider:

• Cost—The annual cost (or monthly cost) of a home warranty plan can vary from company to company. It can also depend on how many appliances and home systems you want covered. The average cost for a basic home warranty in Montana is $400–$800 a year. High-end appliances, AC, and spas are all add-ons that will incur an additional fee.
• Service fees—Most home warranty companies charge a service call fee that will cost you anywhere from $50 and up anytime you request a technician to diagnose your repair. If you think you may be requesting multiple visits during the same year, look for companies with the lowest service call fees.
• Coverage—There can be gray areas when purchasing a home warranty. The biggest complaint from home warranty owners is that an item that they thought was covered, like a component in one of their appliances, was not covered by their warranty. This can be frustrating since you purchase the home warranty to save money. Ask as many questions as you can about the fine print before agreeing to the home warranty terms.
• Exclusions—Pre-existing conditions are seldom covered under your home warranty. Other exclusions from a basic plan may include, but are not limited to, your preferred contractor, septic systems, hot tubs, sprinklers, roof leaks, windows, walls, doors, HVAC systems, and garage doors.
• Contractor flexibility—You need to trust the repair contractors that come into your home, diagnose your home systems and appliances, and do the final repair work. Determine whether a technician will be assigned to you or if you can choose your own personal contractor.
• Company transparency—When gathering quotes from your list of preferred companies, read third-party reviews, ask your neighbors for recommendations, and don’t be afraid to tell the company your budget for their service. Their goal is to secure you as a customer, so you should be comfortable with the coverage you receive at a price you can afford.

Montana home warranty reviews

Montana residents agree that the time it takes to get a technician to your home to fix the problem is reasonable. Technicians hired by home warranty companies are also competent. Complaints about home warranties in Montana include high service fees for repair calls and select repair denials (including but not limited to appliance components and repeat service calls).

Courtney Joel from Kalispell, MT, had this to say about Select Home Warranty:

“I removed a jammed sock in the washing machine spinner and after that the machine would not spin at proper strength. I could not figure out what was going on. My service call went well although was very small. He removed the centerpiece and found two socks deeply wedged in there. He did a good job but I am now thinking of buying a better washer in the future.”

Here’s what Jean P. from Red Lodge, MT, had to say:

“We own two homes and have both covered by American Home Shield. I chose AHS many years ago because of the complete coverage of the home and appliances we were able to get through them. We have had several occasions to use the services of AHS’ contractors and have never had a bad response or outcome. All contractors requested called within a few hours and were usually at our home within an hour after they contacted us. Each and every item has been repaired quickly with every contractor being extremely professional and thorough. I have recommended AHS to everyone I know that is either purchasing a new home. Thank you AHS!”

Our conclusion

The average repair cost for a home appliance can be nearly $200. A home warranty can cut your home repair costs, especially if you’re not handy or prefer to have a professional complete the work. Additionally, owning a home comes with a lot of responsibility. A quality home warranty plan can take some of that responsibility off of your shoulders and provide cost savings in the long run.

It’s important to choose one of the best home warranty companies in Montana that covers all of your appliances and home systems. Double-check your contract for extra fees and exclusions and call the company’s service representative if you have any additional questions.