Best Home Warranty Companies in California

As a homeowner, you know that having homeowners insurance is essential to protect your property against threats like fires and burglaries. But what about the damage that comes with the normal wear and tear of everyday life? Even a single system breakdown could leave you with thousands of dollars in repair bills, and unless the damage was caused by a covered peril, you’ll be left footing the bill on your own.

This is where home warranties come in handy. In exchange for a monthly premium and per-incident service fee, your home warranty company will cover repairs and replacements that your homeowners insurance won’t. Our guide to the best home warranties in California will teach you everything you need to know about your policy options and help you get started comparing companies. 

California’s top 3 home warranty companies

Top home maintenance problems in California

Many homeowners underestimate how much they’ll need to pay if their home runs into a maintenance issue. Let’s take a look at some of the most common household issues in California.

• Air conditioning breakdowns: Summers in the south of California can be brutal, which puts additional stress on your central air conditioning system. A home warranty can help you repair your air conditioning system if it breaks down without spending thousands of dollars.
• Electrical issues: California is well-known for its humidity, which can damage electrical systems—one of the most expensive systems to repair. Your home warranty provides you with a safety net against this common danger.
• Roof leaks: If you live in the mountainous regions of California, you probably see more than your fair share of snow. The weight of this snow can cause damage to your roof, which leads to leaks. Though most home warranties exclude roof leak coverage, you may be able to add an optional rider to extend your coverage. 

1. American Home Shield 

If you value companies with longstanding reputations, American Home Shield might be the right choice for you. The company was founded back in 1997, which means it has close to 50 years of experience in the industry.

American Home Shield currently offers three home warranty plans:

• Systems Plan: The Systems Plan includes coverage for 12 major home systems, including your water heater and plumbing stoppages.
• Appliances Plan: The Appliances Plan includes coverage for 10 household appliances, ranging from your dishwasher to your microwave oven.
• Combo Plan: The Combo Plan is American Home Shield’s most comprehensive plan option. This plan covers all items included in both the Systems and Appliances Plans for less than what you would pay for them individually.

American Home Shield also allows you to add the following coverages to any plan option:

• Extended electrical warranty
• Pool/spa
• Well pump
• Septic pump
• Guest unit

Here’s what you can expect to pay for your plan from American Home Shield:

You’ll also pay $75, $100, or $125 each time you use your plan. Keep in mind that choosing a lower service fee will result in a higher monthly premium.

To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. 

2. Select Home Warranty

Select Home Warranty is known for providing affordable home warranty policies. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to add a home warranty to your list of protection plans, you’ll love Select’s inclusive yet affordable options.

Select Home Warranty currently offers three policy choices:

• Bronze Care: The Bronze Care plan includes coverage for eight home appliances, including your refrigerator, microwave, and garbage disposal.
• Gold Care: The Gold Care plan includes coverage for six home systems, including your electrical system, air conditioning system, and even your water heater.
• Platinum Care: The Platinum Care plan includes all the coverages found in both the Bronze and Gold Care plans. The Platinum Care package also includes coverage for a few extras not found in either plan, like a ceiling fan and garage door opener.

In addition to the standard plan options, you can also add on the following coverages to any of the packages:

• Pool
• Spa
• Septic system
• Well pump
• Sump pump
• Lawn sprinkler system
• Roof leaks
• Central vacuum
• Stand alone freezer

Here is a price breakdown of Select Home Warranty’s three plans:

You’ll also pay a $75 service fee each time you use your plan.

To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953.

3. First American Home Warranty

Another long-standing home warranty company, First American Home Warranty has over 35 years of experience providing plans to California homeowners. One of First American Home Warranty’s most unique offerings is its First Class Upgrade, which extends your coverage to improperly installed and maintained items. 

First American Home Warranty currently offers two plan tiers:

• Basic Plan: The Basic Plan includes coverage for nine home appliances, ranging from your trash compactor to your refrigerator.
• Premier Plan: The Premier Plan is more inclusive, extending coverage to eight home systems and other home components.

In addition to the standard plan options, you can also add optional coverage for any of the following:

• Central air conditioning systems
• Second refrigeration units
• Pool and spa equipment
• Well pumps

Take a look at these price estimates for First American Home Warranty’s plans:

You’ll also pay a $75 service fee every time you request service.

To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164.

California home warranty buying guide

If you still aren’t sure what to look for when comparing home warranty companies and their coverage options, consider prioritizing these factors.

• Price: You want a plan that’s affordable enough to easily pay each month but also comprehensive enough that it covers all of your home systems and appliances. Be sure to consider both the monthly premium as well as the per-use service fee when comparing your options.
• Availability: Though there are some providers of home warranties in California, some of the largest home warranty companies, like Choice Home Warranty and Liberty Home Guard, exclude the Golden State from coverage. Before choosing a plan, you should first check to see if the company offers policies in your state.
• Add-on options: Each home warranty company will offer at least a few add-on options that allow you to customize your plan. For example, American Home Shield offers additional coverage for guest units, pools, electronics, and more. If you want comprehensive coverage for every area of your home, look out for these kinds of add-ons.

Our conclusion

Still not sure which home warranty company is the right choice for you? We recommend collecting quotes from all three of our recommended home warranty companies. This will allow you to compare coverage and pricing options across several providers.

Frequently asked questions about California home warranties

Which home warranty company is the best in California?

The best home warranty for you will vary depending on your needs and preferences. For example, if you value companies with many years of experience, you might prefer American Home Shield. If you’re looking for the most affordable plan you can find, you may be better off choosing Select Home Warranty.

Do home warranty companies offer sample contracts?

Yes. On each provider’s website, you can find a sample contract that details the terms and conditions of a policy through them. We recommend thoroughly reading these contracts so that you understand what is and isn’t covered.

What is a service fee?

When a covered system or appliances breaks down, you won’t have to pay for the entire repair yourself. Instead, you’ll pay a small service fee, which usually ranges from $75 to $125, directly to the service contractor that conducts the repair.