6 Best Home Warranty Companies
in Albany, CA

by House Method Local Advisors - Updated March 9, 2023

A home warranty can bring you the peace of mind you need about your home and guard your bank account from large expenses by covering your home's major systems and appliances.

Albany gives homeowners some great neighborhoods and the opportunity to enjoy the sun all year round. However, those extreme temperatures can put quite a strain on your home's systems.

Although a home warranty can help with your expenses as a homeowner, one pain point is narrowing down the right choice for your Albany home. That's why we've done the research and have put together a guide of the top home warranty plans in Albany.

Best Overall
  • Over 10 years of experience
  • 24/7 customer service team
  • Home inspections aren’t required
4.8
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Most Affordable
  • Low service fees compared to other home warranty providers
  • Two months of free coverage
  • Has an appliance-only, systems-only, and combo plan option
4.8
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Best Customizable Plans
  • The oldest and most trusted company in the industry
  • Allows customers to build their own plans
  • Ability to choose the service fee you want to pay
4.7
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Choosing a home warranty company in Albany


Finding the best provider for your home warranty is a step you could take to protect your home. Below is a list of some tips on looking for a home warranty in Albany:

Quick reference for home warranty companies in Albany

$45.00 - $53.33/month
15 years in business
$57.67 - $62.08/month
11 years in business
$29.27 - $74.27/month
26 years in business
$50.40 - $62.90/month
15 years in business
$38.00 - $48.50/month
39 years in business
$34.99 - $67.99/month
44 years in business

Home Warranty Company and Plan Details


Sorting through all the home warranty options in Albany can take a lot of time. House Method's experts took into consideration customer reviews, professional network, coverage, monthly costs and service fees, service guarantee, and more to rank the top providers. Here are how the top companies in Albany ranked:
  1. Choice Home Warranty - Best Overall
  2. Select Home Warranty - Most Affordable
  3. American Home Shield - Best Customizable Plans
  4. The Home Service Club - Quickest Service
  5. First American Home Warranty - Best Appliance Coverage
  6. Cinch Home Services - Best Workmanship Guarantee

Choice Home Warranty

4.85

Best Overall

Choice Home Warranty logo
MONTHLY COST $45.00 - $53.33
YEARS IN BUSINESS 15

Over 10 years of experience

24/7 customer service team

Home inspections aren’t required

90-day repair guarantee

Plans aren’t customizable

Customers can’t choose their own contractor

Not available in Washington

Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty for Albany residents. Choice has over 14 years of experience in the industry and in that time has built a an expansive network of service professionals nationwide. The 2 plans from Choice are easy to understand and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage. If you're looking for very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts, this is the provider for you. Plus, it has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.

Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that offer a mix of system and appliance coverage. Choice's service fees are an affordable $85, and the coverage limits come out to about $3,000 for each covered appliance or system.

Read our Choice Home Warranty full review to learn more. To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164.

Home Warranty Plans from Choice Home Warranty

Basic Plan
Service fee: $85.00 Monthly cost: $45.00 Items covered: Ceiling fan, Cooktop exhaust, Dishwasher, Disposal, Ductwork, Electrical, Garage door opener, Heating system, Oven, Microwave, Plumbing system, Toilet, Water heater Add-on items: Pool, Spa, Septic, Well pump, Roof leaking, Septic tank, Sump pump, Vacuum, Stand-alone freezer
Total Plan
Service fee: $85.00 Monthly cost: $53.33 Items covered: Ceiling fan, Cooktop exhaust, Dishwasher, Disposal, Ductwork, Electrical, Garage door opener, Heating system, Oven, Microwave, Plumbing system, Toilet, Water heater, AC, Washer, Dryer, Refrigerator Add-on items: Pool, Spa, Septic, Well pump, Roof leaking, Septic tank, Sump pump, Vacuum, Stand-alone freezer

Select Home Warranty

4.8

Most Affordable

Select Home Warranty logo
MONTHLY COST $57.67 - $62.08
YEARS IN BUSINESS 11

Low service fees compared to other home warranty providers

Two months of free coverage

Has an appliance-only, systems-only, and combo plan option

90-day repair guarantee

Has a $75 cancellation fee

Low coverage caps

In Albany, Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty. Select has been in the home warranty industry for over 10 years. Select has established itself as a company with a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. It also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various system and appliance coverage options.

There are 3 home warranty plans from Select Home Warranty: Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $60.

To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. Read our review of Select Home Warranty to learn more.

Home Warranty Plans from Select Home Warranty

Bronze Care Plan
Service fee: $60.00 Monthly cost: $57.67 Items covered: Disposal, Dishwasher, Dryer, Microwave, Oven, Refrigerator, Washer Add-on items: Pool, Spa, Septic, Sprinkler, Stand-alone freezer, Vacuum, Well pump, Sump pump, Roof leaks
Gold Care Plan
Service fee: $60.00 Monthly cost: $57.67 Items covered: Air Conditioner, Ductwork, Electrical, Heating system, Plumbing, Water heater Add-on items: Pool, Spa, Septic, Sprinkler, Stand-alone freezer, Vacuum, Well pump, Sump pump, Roof leaks
Platinum Care Plan
Service fee: $60.00 Monthly cost: $62.08 Items covered: Disposal, Dishwasher, Dryer, Microwave, Oven, Refrigerator, Washer, Air conditioner, Ductwork, Electrical, Heating system, Plumbing, Water heater, Ceiling fan, Garage door, Plumbing stoppages Add-on items: Pool, Spa, Septic, Sprinkler, Stand-alone freezer, Vacuum, Well pump, Sump pump, Roof leaks

American Home Shield

4.75

Best Customizable Plans

American Home Shield logo
MONTHLY COST $29.27 - $74.27
YEARS IN BUSINESS 26

The oldest and most trusted company in the industry

Allows customers to build their own plans

Ability to choose the service fee you want to pay

Broad coverage on up to 33 appliances and systems

Doesn’t let customers choose their own technician

Doesn’t provide coverage in Alaska

American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty in Albany. The 3 plans that AHS has include options for appliance and system coverage. AHS has established itself as a company with the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. It also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.

American Home Shield offers 3 plans for Albany homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps from AHS are about $2,500. The service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, which is less than other providers in the Albany area.

To read more, visit our review of American Home Shield. To get a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839.

Home Warranty Plans from American Home Shield

ShieldSilver
Service fee: $75.00 - $125.00 Monthly cost: $29.27 - $44.27 Items covered: Air Conditioner, Alarm, Attic fans, Bath exhaust fans, Ceiling fans, Cooktop exhaust, Disposal, Doorbell, Ductwork, Electrical, Garage door, Heating system, Locksmith, Plumbing, Plumbing stoppages, Toilet, Water dispenser, Water heater, Whole house fan Add-on items: Pool, Spa, PC, TV, Septic, Well pump
ShieldGold
Service fee: $75.00 - $125.00 Monthly cost: $39.27 - $54.27 Items covered: Air conditioner, Alarm, Attic fans, Bath exhaust fans, Ceiling fans, Cooktop exhaust, Dishwasher, Doorbell, Dryer, Ductwork, Electrical, Garage door, Heating system, Microwave, Oven, Plumbing, Plumbing stoppages, Refrigerator, Toilet, Trash compactor, Washer, Water heater, Whole house fan Add-on items: Pool, Spa, PC, TV, Septic, Well pump
ShieldPlatinum
Service fee: $75.00 - $125.00 Monthly cost: $59.27 - $74.27 Items covered: Air conditioner, Alarm, Attic fans, Bath exhaust fans, Ceiling fans, Cooktop exhaust, Dishwasher, Disposal, Doorbell, Dryer, Ductwork, Electrical, Garage door, Heating system, Locksmith, Microwave, Oven, Plumbing, Plumbing stoppages, Refrigerator, Roof leaks, Toilet, Trash compactor, Washer, Water dispenser, Water heater, Whole house fan Add-on items: Pool, Spa, PC, TV, Septic, Well pump

The Home Service Club

4.7

Quickest Service

The Home Service Club logo
MONTHLY COST $50.40 - $62.90
YEARS IN BUSINESS 15

Policy starts in ten days

24/7 customer service support

Generous coverage caps on important systems and appliances

30-labor guarantee and 90-day parts guarantee

Offers utility and home service outside line coverage

Higher service fee of $95

Not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Only 2 plan options

The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service for Albany residents. If you're looking for quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days, you'll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee. HSC offers 2 plans for you to decide between.

The 2 plans from The Home Service Club are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.

To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. For a more detailed breakdown, read our comprehensive review of The Home Service Club.

Home Warranty Plans from The Home Service Club

Standard Coverage Plan
Service fee: $60.00 - $95.00 Monthly cost: $50.40 Items covered: Air conditioner, Ceiling fan, Dishwasher, Garbage disposal, Dryer, Electrical system, Food center, Free-standing ice maker, Garage door opener, Heating system, Microwave, Oven, Plumbing, Refrigerator, Trash compactor, Central vacuum, Washer, Water heater Add-on items: Utilities and home service line coverage (outside gas line, outside water line, outside sewer line, sprinkler system, Pool, Spa, Water softener, Roof leaks, Well pump, Pump, Stand-alone freezer
Comprehensive Coverage Plan
Service fee: $60.00 - $95.00 Monthly cost: $62.90 Items covered: Air conditioner, Alarm wiring, Attic fans, Ceiling fan, Dishwasher, Garbage disposal, Doorbell, Dryer, Ductwork, Electrical system, Food center, Free-standing ice maker, Garage door opener, Heating system, Microwave, Oven, Pest control, Phone, Plumbing, Plumbing stoppages, Refrigerator, Sump pump, Toilet, Trash compactor, Central vacuum, Washer, Water dispenser, Water heater, Whole house fan Add-on items: Utilities and home service line coverage (outside gas line, outside water line, outside sewer line, sprinkler system, Pool, Spa, Water softener, Roof leaks, Well pump, Pump, Stand-alone freezer

First American Home Warranty

4.5

Best Appliance Coverage

First American Home Warranty logo
MONTHLY COST $38.00 - $48.50
YEARS IN BUSINESS 39

Established company with a BBB accreditation

Doesn’t have a coverage cap on heating, cooling, or ductwork

24/7 service calls available

Offers replacement of some covered items that are too damaged to repair

Doesn’t let customers choose their own contractor

According to some customer reviews, the technical jargon in contracts is confusing

First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage for Albany residents. With a home warranty from First American, you can enjoy very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. Not to mention, it has a unique add-on alongside common ones called the First Class Upgrade, which covers fees associated with the use of lifting equipment, up to $250 per local building permits, haul away services, and appliances and systems that have been insufficiently installed or modified. The 2 plans that First American offers include options for appliance and system coverage.

The plans that First American offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American's service fees are a reasonable $85, and the coverage caps come out to about $1,500 for each covered system or appliance.

To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. Read our First American Home Warranty full review to learn more.

Home Warranty Plans from First American Home Warranty

Basic Plan
Service fee: $85.00 Monthly cost: $38.00 Items covered: Attic fans, Ceiling fans, Cooktop exhaust fan, Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer, Microwave, Oven, Refrigerator, Trash compactor, Washer, Water dispenser Add-on items: Pool, Spa, Air conditioner, Septic tank, Septic, Well pump, First-class upgrade
Premier Plan
Service fee: $85.00 Monthly cost: $48.50 Items covered: Attic fans, Ceiling fans, Cooktop exhaust fan, Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer, Ductwork, Electrical, Garage door, Heating system, Microwave, Oven, Plumbing system, Plumbing stoppages, Refrigerator, Toilet, Trash compactor, Vacuum, Water heater, Washer, Water dispenser Add-on items: Pool, Spa, Air conditioner, Septic tank, Septic, Well pump, First-class upgrade

Cinch Home Services

4.35

Best Workmanship Guarantee

Cinch Home Services logo
MONTHLY COST $34.99 - $67.99
YEARS IN BUSINESS 44

Offers home insurance deductible of $500

Extra long 180-day workmanship guarantee

Offers free cancellation in the first 30 days

Charges high service fees of $75-$150

Doesn’t allow customers to choose their own technician

Isn’t available in Hawaii or Alaska

Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee for Albany residents. When you buy a policy from Cinch, you will get a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Cinch Home Services also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. Cinch has 3 plans for homeowners to choose from.

Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.

For a more detailed breakdown, read our Cinch Home Services full review. To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or give them a call at 877-589-0505.

Home Warranty Plans from Cinch Home Services

Appliances Plan
Service fee: $75.00 - $150.00 Monthly cost: $34.99 - $50.99 Items covered: Cooktop exhaust fan, Dishwasher, Dryer, Food center, Free-standing ice maker, Microwave, Oven, Refrigerator, Refrigerator ice maker, Trash compactor, Washer Add-on items: Pool, Septic, Well pump
Built-in Systems Plan
Service fee: $75.00 - $150.00 Monthly cost: $39.99 - $57.99 Items covered: Air conditioner, Smoke alarm, Attic fans, Bath exhaust fans, Ceiling fans, Disposal, Doorbell, Ductwork, Electrical, Garage door, Heating system, Plumbing, Plumbing stoppages, Septic tank pumping, Spa, Sump pump, Toilet, Vacuum, Water dispenser, Water heater, Whole house fan Add-on items: Pool, Septic, Well pump
Complete Home Plan
Service fee: $75.00 - $150.00 Monthly cost: $49.99 - $67.99 Items covered: Air conditioner, Alarm, Attic fans, Bath exhaust fans, Ceiling fans, Cooktop exhaust, Dishwasher, Disposal, Doorbell, Dryer, Ductwork, Electrical, Food center, Free-standing ice maker, Garage door, Heating system, Microwave, Oven, Plumbing, Plumbing stoppages, Refrigerator, Refrigerator ice maker, Septic tank pumping, Spa, Sump pump, Toilet, Trash compactor, Vacuum, Washer, Water dispenser, Water heater, Whole house fan Add-on items: Pool, Septic, Well pump

Additional home warranty information


Cost to replace or repair common home appliances and repair damages in Albany

AIR CONDITIONER
$7,603
HEATING
$5,069
ELECTRICAL
$760
TOILETS
$634
WASHER/DRYER
$1,014
PLUMBING
$760
OVEN/STOVE
$2,027
FRIDGE
$760

Many home warranties cover or have options to cover appliances and other expensive repairs, which can save you significant money over time.

Looking to save big when things go wrong?

Get a free quote from our #1 recommended provider in Albany

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What is a home warranty?

A home warranty is a protection plan that helps homeowners get a handle on the high costs of appliance and systems repairs. Home warranties will provide coverage for a select number of home systems and appliances that need repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear. A home warranty can make budgeting and managing your finances less stressful. Home warranty plans typically have a thirty-day waiting period from the time you pay to the time you can file your first claim.

Filing a claim with your home warranty company is quite simple. You can use either an online portal or a direct phone number to file your claim with your home warranty company. Once you file the claim, it will be assigned to a local service technician that will come to your home and take a look at the problem. At this point, you pay your service fee. Service fees typically range in price from about $60 to $150 and this is the only out-of-pocket expense you will have to pay unless the repair cost is more than your home warranty's coverage cap.

What does a home warranty cover?

A home warranty in Albany usually covers the main systems and appliances in your home. The appliances covered are a stove, dishwasher, clothes dryer, cooktop, refrigerator, microwave, clothes washer, and more. The systems included are the electrical, plumbing, heating system, air conditioner, water heater, and more. Many home warranty plans also provide add-on coverage options like locksmith, roof leaks, septic systems, and even central vacuum.

A Albany home warranty will only protect against normal wear and tear. If your appliances have cosmetic issues or you have not properly maintained your home systems and appliances, the home warranty will not cover it. Also, intentional breakages, natural disasters, and pre-existing conditions are not covered with a Albany home warranty.

Is a home warranty worth it in Albany?


Benefits of a home warranty

Z

Another good thing about having a home warranty if you want to sell your home is that some providers let you transfer your home warranty policy to the new owners. It can make your home more attractive to potential home buyers and may help your home sell faster.

Downsides of a home warranty

There are also some downsides to getting a home warranty policy, such as the coverage exclusions. For example, home warranties may not cover systems or appliances that are already covered under a manufacturer's warranty. Another thing to consider is that some providers don't cover pre-existing problems and may require an inspection before your coverage can begin. Ask the home warranty company for clarification about it if you need more information or if this is an issue for you.

Whether or not a home warranty is worth it depends on your personal situation. Similar to any other kind of insurance policy or warranty, its purpose is to give you some peace of mind, so you will have to decide how much that is worth to you.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you now feel positive that you can choose a home warranty company in Albany after going through our reviews. Choice Home Warranty stands out as the best overall company. It offers comprehensive coverage of all the essential home appliances and systems at an affordable cost with several add-on options.

Best Overall
  • Over 10 years of experience
  • 24/7 customer service team
  • Home inspections aren’t required
4.8
GET QUOTE
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Most Affordable
  • Low service fees compared to other home warranty providers
  • Two months of free coverage
  • Has an appliance-only, systems-only, and combo plan option
4.8
GET QUOTE
Fast Online Quote
Best Customizable Plans
  • The oldest and most trusted company in the industry
  • Allows customers to build their own plans
  • Ability to choose the service fee you want to pay
4.7
GET QUOTE
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Home Warranty FAQs


What's the best home warranty company?

Our pick for the best overall home warranty company in Albany is Choice Home Warranty but the right company for you will depend on factors like what appliances and systems you need coverage for.

What's the difference between a home warranty and homeowners insurance?

A home warranty protects against the normal wear of home systems and appliances. A homeowners insurance plan protects a home in a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you will not be able to file a claim should you need a new refrigerator or oven, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster.

What kinds of things are generally covered under a home warranty in Albany?

A home warranty policy covers repair and replacement costs for systems and appliances in a home. Home warranties only cover damage due to normal wear and tear and often don't cover something that happened as a result of a pre-existing condition.

What is a service fee?

A service fee is an expense that a homeowner pays before a service technician or contractor comes to your home to repair your home warranty-related problem. Prices typically range between $60 and $150. Service fees are sometimes referred to as deductibles, and they should be the only out-of-pocket cost that homeowners have with a home warranty apart from the monthly premium/annual cost.

Is a home warranty a good investment?

Many homeowners feel like a home warranty is a good investment because it helps protect against unforeseen expenses. If you're worried about your finances and home maintenance, getting a home warranty can help. One of the major pluses of a home warranty is that it can give you some financial peace of mind.

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