Updated on
January 9, 2023
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Best Home Warranty Companies in California 2023
California’s harsh winters and tropical storms has an adverse effect on home appliances and systems. A home warranty can help save money from repairs and replacement and is also convenient for getting help when needed. This detailed review of the best home warranty companies in California will help you to pick an ideal company as per your need to protect your household systems and appliances.
Disclaimer: We facilitate quotes from reputable home warranty providers and may earn a commission, but that does not influence our evaluation process to produce unbiased reviews.
Home warranty plans are a wise investment option for Californians because the average repair and replacement cost for most appliances are very high in the state. The following section gives you a sneak-peak into the amount you need to set aside if you choose not to have a home warranty.
California Home Repair And Replacement Cost
The graph below shows the average repair/replacement costs in the state of California:
Since you are aware of repair and replacement cost of common home appliances in California. A house warranty plan, however, can make home maintenance easier. It is a great investment for you because it will pay for the maintenance and replacement costs and keep your budget intact.
$200 Off + 2 Months Free Coverage
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1st month free + Free roof coverage
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$150 off + Free roof coverage + 2 months free
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Top Home Warranty Companies In California
We have picked these top home warranty plans in California based on parameters such as cost, coverage and customer reviews to assist you with your research.
- Choice Home Warranty : Best For Comprehensive Coverage
- American Home Shield (AHS) : Best For Claims Settlement
- ServicePlus Home Warranty : Best For Customer Service
- Select Home Warranty : Best For Affordable Premium
- Cinch Home Services : Best For Customer Satisfaction
- The Home Service Club : Best For Extended Coverage
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Premium (Monthly)
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Coverage Limit
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Workmanship Guarantee
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Covers Pre-Existing Conditions
An existing malfunction in any system or appliance before the coverage begins on a home warranty plan refers to a pre-existing condition. A unknown pre-existing condition is one that cannot be detected during the routine maintenance/inspection or is unknown to the homeowner. To know more, you can refer to our detailed article on does home warranty cover pre-existing conditions. |
USPs
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$46-$55 | Upto $3K/item | 60-day | No | Covers water lines upto 100 feet | |
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VIEW MORE | $39-$60 | $6K-Unlimited | 30-day | Yes | HVAC tune-ups |
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$50-$60 | $1.5k/item | 90- day | No | Flexibility to create Plan | |
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$60-$65 | $3k/Item | 90-day | No | Free roof leak coverage | |
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$27-$51 | $2k/Item | 180-day | Yes | $25 credit toward A/C filters | |
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$50-$62 | $6000-$9000 per plan | 90-day | Yes | Coverage for outside utility line items |
Best Home Warranty Companies In California: Reviewed
This section gives you a detailed review on the above-listed best home warranty companies in California:
Choice Home Warranty
Best For Comprehensive Coverage
4.0 / 5
Free coverage for a month + roof coverage
Choice Home Warranty, founded in 2008, has managed in a short time to move above the competition in California. Choice’s affordable cost, extensive coverage, and exclusive offers have attracted over 1,650,000 households across the country.
Pros
- Provides free coverage for roof leaks
- Coverage for up to 5000 square foot homes without additional cost
Cons
- Low contract aggregate limit
Plans and Coverage
- Basic – 14 important home systems and appliances like air conditioning systems, heating systems, electrical systems, plumbing systems, stoppage, water heaters, ductwork, garage door openers, and ceiling & exhaust fans are covered by this plan.
- Total – The total plan has stove/ovens, cooktop, garbage disposal, built-in microwaves, dishwashers, refrigerator, washers, and dryer, whirlpool, bathtub home systems and appliances are covered.
Cost
The Basic Plan and Total Plan of Choice Home Warranty costs between $45 and $55 per month, respectively. Note that the size and location of your home and the add-ons you select will impact the price of your home warranty plans.
$50
| $46.83 | $46.83 | Basic Plan |
|---|---|---|
| $54.75 | $54.75 | Total Plan |
Exclusions and Coverage Limit
Choice Home Warranty only covers damage brought on by regular wear and tear over time. The company excludes issues arising from known or unknown pre-existing conditions. These additional scenarios are also excluded by Choice Home Warranty’s coverage:
- Incorrect installation
- Misuse of the protected item in a malicious
- Poor or insufficient regular maintenance
- Natural catastrophes (such as fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other similar events) or any other situations are covered by conventional homeowner’s insurance.
American Home Shield (AHS)
Best For Claims Settlement
American Home Shield, a market pioneer, has been providing home warranty services since 1971. A unique feature of the company is that they also cover old appliances irrespective of age or maintenance records. AHS claims to have paid in excess of $2 billion in the last five years, which is unmatched in the industry.
Pros
- Extensive coverage caps available
- Includes coverage for undiscovered pre-existing conditions
Cons
- Offers no services in Alaska
Plans and Coverage
AHS offers three plans to its customers in California-
- Shield Silver is a basic plan covering 14 essential home systems and appliances.
- Shield Gold is a more extensive plan covering 23 essential home appliances and systems.
- Shield Platinum is a combo plan which includes items covered in both Shield Silver and Shield Gold plans, with some additional inclusions.
Cost
The monthly cost of American Home Shield’s plans ranges from $39 to $70. The ultimate cost, however, is influenced by the chosen plan, the neighborhood, and add-ons.
AHS has three service fees options as per the customers’ choice: $75, $100, and $125.
$50
| $19.99 | $19.99 | ShieldSilver |
|---|---|---|
| $39.99 | $39.99 | ShieldGold |
| $69.99 | $69.99 | ShieldPlatinum |
Exclusion and Coverage limit
The following are not covered by the American Home Shield guarantee, per the policy:
Regular maintenance, venting, exhaust lines, flues chimneys, cosmetic harm systems for managing homes, sprinklers to put out fires, radon detection devices, mold, biological growth damage from rot, fungus, and pests.
ServicePlus Home Warranty
Best For Customer Service
4.2 / 5
$200 off + 2 free months
ServicePlus Home Warranty (formerly known as Total Home Protection) is recognized for its service quality and cost-effective plans. The discount of $200 plus 2 months of free coverage offered by SPHW is among the best deals offered in the industry, making it an affordable choice.
Pros
- Affordable Fee
- Discounts on Annual Plans
Cons
- Not available in Nevada, New York, or Washington
Plans and Coverage
- Gold Plan covers 15 systems and appliances, including water heaters, plumbing, and garage door openers.
- Platinum Plan protects 20 items, including everything covered by the Gold Plan and refrigerators, heating systems, and air conditioners.
Cost
The monthly cost of the Gold plan is $43.25; that of the Platinum plan is $49.92. Depending on your coverage requirements, the cost may increase or decrease. Each service visit also requires the payment of a $75 deductible in addition to the premiums.
$50
| $43.25 | $43.25 | Gold |
|---|---|---|
| $49.92 | $49.92 | Platinum |
Exclusions and Coverage
Exclusions from the ServicePlus Home Warranty’s coverage include refrigerators that aren’t in the kitchen, air conditioners with capacities greater than five tonnes, doors, hinges, and damage to a bathtub’s shell. Make sure to request a sample contract from your advisor to access the complete list of exclusions.
The coverage limits of ServicePlus plans are pegged at $1,500 per item, which ensures that repairs and replacements won’t cost more than that amount.
Select Home Warranty
Best For Affordable Premium
3.5 / 5
$150 off + two months of free coverage + free roof coverage
Select Home Warranty, founded in 2012, is one of the popular options in California. The company is known for its extensive coverage and impressive network of contractors. Additionally, Select Warranty often offers deals and discounts, which reduces the cost of protecting your house.
Pros
- Has extensive contractor network
- Offers same-day response on claims
- Provides discounts on multi-year plans
Cons
- Lower dollar limits for appliances
Plans and Coverage
Select Home Warranty offers three major plans in California- Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care.
- Bronze Care covers 8 major home appliances
- Gold Care covers 6 home systems
- Platinum Care covers a combination of 17 systems and appliances, making it an extensive coverage option.
Cost
Each Select Home Warranty package has a different price. Bronze Care and Gold Care cost about $60 monthly ($630 annually), and Platinum Care costs about $64 per month ($675 annually). The deductibles for SHW are typically between $60 and $100.
$50
| $45.67 | $45.67 | Bronze Care |
|---|---|---|
| $45.67 | $45.67 | Gold Care |
| $50.25 | $50.25 | Platinum Care |
Exclusions and Coverage
You should be aware that Select, like all home warranty providers, only covers malfunctions brought on by normal wear and tear. Note that your item won’t be eligible for repair or replacement if it breaks down due to improper maintenance, abuse, neglect, disasters, or other circumstances.
Cinch Home Services
Best For Customer Satisfaction
3.0 / 5
2 bonus months or a $50 Off depending on the coverage
Established in 1978, Cinch Home Services has over four decades of experience in the home warranty sector . The company with its exclusive digital dashboard for customers provide services specifically to keep their home trouble-free throughout the seasons. It offers separate plans for appliances and systems and a comprehensive combination plan comprising both.
Pros
- 180-day craftsmanship warranty is available.
- Free water sensor available to find leaks
Cons
- No choice of technician
Plans and Coverage
- Appliances Plan covers 12 major home appliances.
- Built-in Systems Plan includes 16 home systems.
- Complete Home Plan includes items covered in both, Appliances Plan and Built-In Systems Plan along with some additional items.
Cost
Charges for Cinch Home Services’ appliances plan start at $27.99, the systems-only plan at $32.99, and the comprehensive plan starts at $39.99. The company charges a service fee of $100 to $150.
$50
| $27.99 | $27.99 | Appliances Plan |
|---|---|---|
| $32.99 | $32.99 | Systems Plan |
| $39.99 | $39.99 | Complete Plan |
Exclusions and Coverage
There are exclusions in your Cinch Home Services warranty contract. It excludes coverage for
- Flues, chimneys, vents, and exhaust lines
- Damage brought on by remodeling or unapproved repairs
- Negligence, mistreatment, and abuse; A surge, a power outage, or lightning
- Missing components or apparatus
- Pet, pest, fire, flood, earthquake, and other act of God-caused damage
- Remediation caused by mold, mildew, fungus, bacteria, or viruses
- Conditions of excessive water pressure
The Home Service Club
Best For Extended Coverage
4.0 / 5
Promotional charges up to 10%
House Service Club (HSC) is among the reputable companies operating in California since 2008. The company offers many homeowner plans and three homebuyer plans covering over 33 appliances and systems. HSC is among the few companies that cover the garage attached to your home.
Pros
- Pre-existing conditions that aren't identifiable are covered in real estate plans
- Has a network of more than 10,000 contractors
Cons
- Coverage not available in WA and WI
Plans and Coverage
- Standard Plan covers 18 major appliances and systems
- Comprehensive Plan covers up to 33 household essential systems and appliances
Cost
Home Service Club plan costs are comparatively higher compared to other home warranty companies. The company typically charges between $550 and $750 per year ($46 to $63 a month), and the service fee is priced in the range of $65 to $125.
$50
| $52 | $52 | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| $62.5 | $62.5 | Comprehensive |
Exclusions and Coverage
All home warranty agreements provide repair and replacement coverage for wear-and-tear damage. The House Service Club or any other home warranty will not cover any malfunction or damage brought on by mishaps, natural disasters, risks, or unanticipated events.
Annual Cost Of Home Maintenance In Top California Cities
Homeowners in California can anticipate an annual maintenance cost of around $16,000. The amount is used to upkeep the house for its smooth functioning. 48 % of homeowners find it difficult to balance the unexpected costs of repairing home appliances. Therefore, it is always good to have some budget-friendly plans to let going your home as it is.
Following is an overview of the top 4 cities in California as to why it is important to have a home warranty plan in California.
San Diego, California
A popular city in Southern California, San Diego is known for its scorching summers. However, the intense rise in temperature can be challenging for appliances such as HVAC systems and water heaters. To help homeowners cope up with such unexpected issues, most home warranty companies offer competitive plans in San Diego.
Sacramento, California
Sacramento, the state capital, has a hot and dry climate for up to 4 months. The residents must contend with scorching summers that can strain essential home systems and appliances, such as air conditioning and refrigerators. Top home warranty companies offer services in Sacramento to help homeowners prepare for unexpected breakdowns.
San Jose, California
There are many wonderful advantages to owning a home in San Jose but also some challenges due to the city’s climate. Some home systems are prone to breakdown due to overuse because of the city’s hot and humid weather. Competitive home warranty companies offer services to the residents of San Hose to help them save money and time if a system or appliance breaks down.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles residents value the peace of mind that a house warranty can provide because the cost of living there is already expensive. The cost of living in the city is 51% more than the national average, and home maintenance costs are among the highest in California. Home warranty plans have helped many Los Angeles residents keep the systems and appliance maintenance costs to a minimum.
Important Tips On Buying A Home Warranty In California (CA)
California’s weather conditions include cool to mild winters and warm to hot summers. Rainfall occurs from October to April, with the heaviest rains falling during November and December. Take a look at California’s weather data with this graphic applicable to all states. The current table remains the same, just change the sentence framing.
Average Rainfall22.9 inches/ Year
Average Sunlight237 Sunny Days/ Year
General Climate Conditions- Warm & Wet Summers
- Very Cold & Snowy Winters
Tropical CyclonesJune – November
These climatic conditions can push your systems and appliance on the verge due to the increased usage. In addition, California is among the most expensive states to live in in the US, which includes home maintenance costs. A home warranty plan can help you be prepared in such circumstances by getting you quick and prompt service at a fraction of the cost.
Common Home Repair Problems Faced By California Homeowners
Here are some of the most common maintenance issues faced by homeowners in California:
Due to California's hot and humid climate, HVAC is one of the state's most overused systems. Therefore, regular wear and tear issues are a common problem in the state. The associated maintenance cost is considerably high, running from $400 to $1500, depending on the HVAC parts if you don’t have a home warranty plan.
Plumbing issues are another common feature among the residents of California. Many Californians have complained about leaky fixtures, low water pressure, and drain blockage among others. Plumbing issues can cost anywhere from $300 to $1200 without a home warranty.
Roof repairs and replacement are other major investments that homeowners in California usually face. Issues such as shingle repairs or other structural repairs do not require a complete replacement and are covered by some home warranty plans. These roof repairs typically cost between $364 and $1,553 nationwide without a home warranty.
HVAC issues
Plumbing Issues
Roof Repairs
Best Home Warranty Companies In California: Comparison
We have a comparison table with several essential criteria to assist you in finding the best home warranty company in California.
Company Name | Premium (Monthly) | BBB Rating | Response Time | Deductible | |
| Choice Home Warranty | $46-$55 | B | Up to 48 hours | $60-$85 | |
| American Home Shield (AHS) | $39-$60 | B+ | Up to 48 hours | $75-$125 | |
| ServicePlus Home Warranty | $50-$60 | A | 48 hours | $75 | |
| Select Home Warranty | $60-$65 | B+ | 12 - 48 hours | $60-$100 | |
| Cinch Home Services | $27-$51 | B+ | Same day | $100-$150 | |
| The Home Service Club | $50-$62 | C | 24 to 48 hours | $65-$125 |
Home Warranty Regulations in California
The California Department of Insurance licenses and regulates companies that offer home warranty contracts in the state. The Housing and Urban Development department in California conducts a homeownership assistance program that aims to assist homeowners in resolving problems that may occur during the home-buying or owning process. As per the law in California, each home warranty agreement must provide details on exclusions, services, cancellations, etc.
Bottom line
A home warranty plan can help you save money as the premium you pay covers the breakdown of essential appliances and systems. Make sure to read the contract document and the fine print carefully to ensure that you are fully aware of coverage and exclusion details.
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FAQs
Who Pays For Home Warranty In California?
It depends on various situations, but anyone can pay for a home warranty in California. Home warranty companies sell exclusive coverage to both home buyers and sellers.
Homeowners can purchase a home warranty to protect their house and budget as a monthly or annual subscription. Sellers also buy warranties to incentivize buyers to purchase homes as a part of the overall real estate deal. Real estate agents tie up with home warranty companies to endorse it and even offer it as a gift to the buyer after closing.
Which Home Warranty Company Is The Best In California?
Several top-rated home warranty companies serve in California, and identifying any one company as the absolute best depends mainly on customer preferences. Reviews on our site indicate that Select Home Warranty, Choice Home Warranty, AHS, and American Home Shield are top appliance plan picks in California. Check out the list above for details.
What Are The Home Warranty Regulations In California?
In California, Home warranty companies are self-regulated via the National Home Service Contract Association. The government also regulates the companies through the California Department of Insurance. The home warranty providers must register and meet all the statutory and procedural requirements to operate in California. As per the law, a home warranty contract is a service agreement, not insurance.
How Long Is A New Home Warranty In California?
A typical home warranty in California lasts for a year or more, depending on the home warranty company and any offers they may have running. Alternatively, you can also buy a monthly plan for 30 days.
Is Choice Home Warranty Available In California?
No, Choice Home Warranty currently does not offer its services in California. However, you can check out top companies like American Home Shield and Select Home Warranty that offer additional options like roof coverage, lower deductibles, and comparatively more plan options that offer their services in the state.
How Quickly Are Home Warranty Claims Handled?
Once you file your home warranty claim, the company may take 24-48 hours to arrange a contractor to service your repair. After diagnosing the problem, the repair time will be based on the magnitude of the breakdown. There have been instances where the companies have taken longer than 48 hours to attend to a claim request.
How Is A Home Warranty Different From Homeowners Insurance?
A homeowner’s insurance protects homeowners from the liability of accidents at home or committed by the homeowner, the effects of disasters, thefts, etc. On the other hand, a home warranty is a service contract that helps offset repair costs of mechanically worn-out home systems and appliances or their replacement cost.
Home insurance won’t cover repairs, while a home warranty will not cover damage due to natural disasters. To learn more, you can check out our Home Warranty vs. Home Insurance guide.