Home Warranty in California Explained
Every householder has to manage some malfunctioning home equipment or system. No matter how well constructed your house may be, sometimes the plumbing will get jammed, your garage door will not close, or even the smoke detector may bail. So, it is always safe to prepare a handy and cost-efficient solution. The home warranties keep you safe from any such uncertain events.
A house warranty is a year-long, annual property maintenance plan covering home appliances and devices when they stop operating due to regular wear and tear – such as your air conditioning system, fridge, water heater, and washer/dryer.
California experiences a wide variety of climates. However, most locations get warm and dry weather for at least most of the year. Thus, California people greatly value having a well-functioning HVAC system. The house warranty is an excellent option for staying within your budget while maintaining the house's central air conditioning. In addition, House warranties in California can help you quickly connect with certified professionals and avoid spending out of pocket. We are here to help you find the best Choice in home warranties for your house in California. We have assessed the leading warranty providers in California on the merit of crucial elements like coverage, cost, and the quality of customer service.
The Cost of Home Warranty in California
The cost of a home warranty in California varies mostly depending on the type of property you have and the coverage you select. The plan's overall expenses comprise the plan's entire cost for California homeowners, the monthly fees, deductible, and coverage limitations. The typical cost of security policies is vital to acknowledge when you are checking around for estimates from different organizations. The overall cost of the warranty would be $530.21 on average annual premium. However, the cost is comparatively lower for single-family homes, costing $484.21 on average annual premium. If you are a multi-family household, the price goes up to $787.48 on average annual premium. The household that is around the townhome region has to pay, on average, $467.38 of a yearly premium.
On the other hand, if you own condos, you will have to pay an average of $523.67 as yearly installments for the home warranty. However, households over 5,000 sq ft large have to pay on average $1,232.50 annual installment for the home warranty. Moreover, home warranty pricing in California is more or less the same across the state.
The Best 4 Home Warranty Companies in California
Some rules may limit home warranty policy selections in California. However, the state offers several unique coverage possibilities. In this article, we have thoroughly examined and evaluated various programs. Finally, we narrowed down California's four best home warranty facilities by judging the customer ratings, service charges, extra coverage, plans, and more.
Choice Home Warranty
In California, Choice Home Warranty is the finest overall home warranty policy. Being a homeowner, you probably have certainly been exposed to some tiny print in service contracts or rules from firms. Choice Home Warranty goes to great lengths to ensure that the policies are as easy and simple as possible. Choice Home Warranty has over 13 years of market experience and has a stellar reputation for its unique customer service. Nothing can go wrong with Choice since it has a simple claims procedure and comprehensive coverage for all of your home appliances and systems.
The Choice Home Warranty, founded 14 years ago, is a unique service contract company that provides 24/7 service home repair needs, whether it be appliance repairing or replacements. We have rated Choice as the most budget-friendly home warranty as its two comprehensive plans include most of the essential home items and offer competitive pricing.
Pricing Per Plans
Choice Home Warranty has two types of policies: combination and comprehensive. The plans include system and appliance coverage. These plans are reasonably priced for the level of protection they provide. The plans cost between $42 and $50 per month, or $500 and $600 per year. The ceiling fan, dishwasher, cooktop exhaust, ductwork, garbage disposal, garage door opener, electricity, heating system, microwave, oven, plumbing system, water heater, and toilet are all included under the Basic Plan. All of them are included in the Total plan and four more items: a washer, dryer, air conditioner, and refrigerator. With either plan, you will pay the same service charge.
Coverage
Choice Home Warranty offers two plans, the basic and total plan. The Basic Plan offers coverage of 13 major home appliances, including your electrical and plumbing systems. The Total Plan includes all these 13 appliances, an air-conditioner, clothes dryer, clothes washer, and refrigerator. You may include other options such as a pool and spa, vacuum, well pump, septic system, and limited roof leak coverage, which you can customize according to your needs.
The Choice Home Warranty plan includes HVAC coverage. As we said, an HVAC is crucial to consider for California residents because the heat and humidity in the state may be detrimental to your HVAC system. You can have add-ons such as swimming pools and spas in your plan for an extra charge. The most popular coverage options for California homeowners are Oven, Water Heater, Plumbing System, heating and cooling system, and System of Heating.
Pros:
- Options for a comprehensive strategy
- A straightforward contract
- Coverage limits or restrictions that are too high
- Cancellation is free for the first 30 days
Cons:
- You cannot create a customized plan.
Or read our complete review of Choice Home Warranty
Select Home Warranty
Select Home Warranty is comparatively a low-cost provider with three different coverage options. One of the unique benefits is free roof leak coverage since most home warranty providers do not have this benefit. In addition, promotions are held regularly to keep monthly payments competitive. Finally, select carries a $75 cancellation charge and has relatively low coverage limitations. On the other hand, select is one of our top three choices because of its broad coverage and low costs.
Coverage
Select Home Warranty has three different coverage options. The Bronze Care plan covers important household systems. The Gold Care plan covers significant household appliances. Lastly, the Platinum Care plan is all-inclusive.
Optional add-ons include a sump pump, central vacuum, well pump, grass sprinkler system, septic system, pool, stand-alone freezer, and spa.
Cost
Select Home Warranty runs deals to assist you in saving money on the home warranty. There are two different costs for each plan. For example, you can get the Bronze and Gold Care costing $36 and premium with a discount costing $42. In addition, the servicing fees for Select Home Warranty are $65 to $75.
Pros:
- You get 2-3 service providers on each claim.
- It Covers roof leaks for free.
- It Offers discount schemes.
Cons:
- Caps with little coverage
- The Better Business Bureau does not accredit this business.
Or read our complete review of Select Home Warranty
American Home Shield
American Home Shield has a great reputation for providing 24/7 customer support and has 50 years of expertise in the market. AHS also provides three service charge choices to give you more freedom when it comes to paying the monthly premium.
American Home Shield is one of the first home warranty providers in the USA and is also our Editor's Choice. AHS provides a variety of coverage plans with multiple add-ons and a lot of room for customization. They even have flexible service fees that you can choose while personalizing your plan. With 51 years in the industry, AHS has gained a good customer reputation for its customer service and wide collection of coverage plans.
Coverage
There are three different coverage options available with American Home Shield. First off is the ShieldSilver plan, which protects 14 of your most important home systems. The plan also includes coverage for such systems as well as nine key appliances. Next, ShieldGold Plan covers 23 systems and appliances and is preferred by the majority of clients. Finally, the ShieldPlatinum plan adds $1,500 of roof-leak coverage to the ShieldGold features, among other perks.
You are free to personalize your coverage with American Home Shield's extra add-ons like well pump, pool, spa, septic pump, electronic extended warranty, and 750-square-foot guest apartments.
Costing
American Home Shield provides three payment methods for each plan. It varies according to your premium—the larger the monthly premium, the cheaper the service price. There are three price ranges to choose from: $75, $100, and $125.
Pros:
- Cancellation is free for 30 days.
- Service costs that can be customized
Cons:
- Add-on possibilities are limited.
Or read our complete review of American Home Shield
The Home Service Club
The Home Service Club is a premier home warranty provider offering coverage across two plans. Both plans cover appliances and systems. Many aspects are covered by the company's strong warranties, which include repairs and replacements. The Home Service Club's biggest disadvantage is that their service cost is way too much than the other companies. The standard cost is $75, but Home Service charges $95.
The Home service Club prioritizes excellence. They supply the clients with excellent home warranty products, follow it up with quality service when homeowners contact them, cultivate great business partnerships with their contractors, and monitor the work of their contracted experts. The Home Service Club says that it will be active with your claim from beginning to end and be ready to answer any questions you may have along the road.
Coverage
Standard Coverage and Complete Coverage are the two coverage plans offered by the Home Service Club. Each one covers a number of different systems and equipment. Sprinkler system, freestanding freezer, roof coverage, spa, freezers with twin compressors, pool, extra freestanding refrigerator, water softener, sewage ejector pump, well pump utility line, and jetted bathtub coverage is among the optional add-ons offered by the Home Service Club.
Home warranties are an effective tool for selling properties. Typically, properties with warranties sell for an equivalent of $2,300 more and 11 days faster than those without. This can save you time and money. Simply said, homes with insurance appeal more to purchasers, providing your house advantage in competitive marketplaces. Homebuyers will ensure that their asset is protected and will be prepared to pay for this assurance. A house warranty also covers sellers against the costs of repairs and replacements incurred during the selling process. This can prevent repairs from delaying the closing while also reassuring purchasers. Homeowners using
Home service club agreements receive the following benefits:
- 100 percent transferrable service contracts.
- More desirable property sales for higher prices with increased sales velocity.
- After closure, reduced liabilities and a good reputation.
- During the sale and closing procedure, protection against repairs.
Cost
The premium for the Home Service Club is in the middle of the pack. The initial service charge of $125 was reduced to $95, which is still rather exorbitant when we sought a quick quotation.
Pros:
- Guaranteed parts for 30 days
- Craftsmanship for 90 days
- No obligatory home inspection
- Regardless of model or age provides coverage to appliances
Cons:
- The Better Business Bureau does not accredit this business.
Or read our complete review of The Home Service Club
FAQ
- Are home warranties worthless?
Home warranties are a great way to save money on household repairs and replacements. When you get a home warranty premium, you can call your home warranty provider, and they will send a technician to repair or replace your broken household item.
- Are home warranties effective immediately?
While most home warranty companies have the policy to initiate service after 30 days of purchase, some companies, such as the Home Service Club, may let you start their service as soon as 10 days after purchase.
- Why do you need a home warranty?
Your homeowner's insurance is hazardous and only covers property destroyed by fires, floods, windstorms, and other natural catastrophes. Failures of good maintenance household appliances or mechanical devices due to general wear and tear are repaired by a home warranty.
- When will your claim get rejected?
Your homeowner's insurance is hazard coverage and only covers damage caused by fires, floods, wind, and other natural disasters. A home warranty fixes properly maintained home appliances and mechanical components that break down due to regular wear and tear.
Final Thoughts
These top picks for California home warranty companies offer unique benefits like low prices and unique coverage options. All in all, Choice Home Warranty is a wholesome package. American Home Shield provides three service fee choices for minimum premium choice. Select Home Warranty, however, includes complimentary roof coverage that no other company has. The Home Service Club offers an excellent 90-day workmanship warranty. So, each of these companies has its own significance. While making your decision as a consumer, you need to assess your priorities to get a good deal.
