Home Warranty Plans for Rental Properties

[Paul Salmela]

I own several rental properties and have had them under a repair plan through Xcel Energy (our local utility company).  I had been paying $14/month and they will cover most repairs on my furnace and three appliances for this cost.  I live in MN and I primararly get this plan so that my tenants can call in an issue with their furnace and have a tech out there in a matter of hours (this is needed when the temps drop below 0).   I just got a notice that they are increasing their cost to $20/month and I'm considering dropping this or changing to another plan. 

I just got off the phone with American Home Shield and it sound like they offer more of a cadillac but the cost is $40/month and they charge $125 per call (more than I'm paying).   Does anyone out there use this or anything else like this?  If so, what has been your experience?

Thanks!