6 Best Home Warranty Companies
in Berkeley, CA

by House Method Local Advisors - Updated March 9, 2023

A home warranty in Berkeley can help cut your out-of-pocket costs by covering repairs or replacements to major home systems and appliances that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.

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

Finding the right home warranty plan for your Berkeley home can be hard, so our team at House Method did the research for you to help you find the top home warranty in Berkeley. Keep reading for our home warranty recommendations and learn which plan works best for your home.

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 Berkeley


When you're ready to get a home warranty plan, the first step is deciding what items you want coverage for. After that, you can compare your options and contact different home warranty companies to get a free quote. Here is a list of factors that you'll want to bear in mind when choosing a home warranty provider:

Quick reference for home warranty companies in Berkeley

$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


If own a home in Berkeley, you have access to some of the top home warranty providers in the country. House Method's team narrowed down these companies to the top few by analyzing item coverage, coverage caps, contract simplicity, customer reviews, service fees, costs, workmanship, and more. Here's how Berkeley's top providers 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 offers the best overall home warranty in Berkeley. The 2 policies that Choice has include options for appliance and system coverage. If you're looking for very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts, you'll want to have this plan on your side. 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. The coverage caps associated with Choice's plans are close to the $3,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $85.

For more information, read our thorough review of Choice Home Warranty. To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, 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

Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty for Berkeley residents. If you're looking for a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan, Select is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. The 3 home warranty plans that Select has include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.

Select Home Warranty offers 3 plans for Berkeley homeowners. The Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also around $2,000.

To read more, visit our thorough review of Select Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-370-3953.

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 offers the most customizable home warranty for Berkeley residents. AHS offers the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Plus, it also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders with various system and appliance coverage options.

The 3 plans from American Home Shield are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. The coverage caps associated with AHS's plans are around the $2,500 mark for most major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.

To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. For a more detailed breakdown, read our comprehensive review of American Home Shield.

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

In Berkeley, The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC offers quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Plus, it also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee. The 2 home warranty plans that HSC has include options for appliance and system coverage.

The plans that HSC offers to homeowners are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also about $2,000 at the maximum.

Read more by visiting our full review of The Home Service Club. To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 800-750-9443.

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 is the best home warranty for appliance coverage in Berkeley. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders with various system and appliance coverage options. When you purchase a policy from First American, you will get very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. First American Home Warranty also 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 from First American Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American's service fees are a reasonable $85, and the coverage limits come out to around $1,500 for each covered appliance or system.

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

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 offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee for Berkeley residents. Cinch has more than 43 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. Cinch has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. Cinch has established itself as a company with a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. It also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.

The plans that Cinch offers to homeowners are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. 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 make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.

Read more by visiting our review of Cinch Home Services. 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 Berkeley

AIR CONDITIONER
$7,549
HEATING
$5,032
ELECTRICAL
$755
TOILETS
$629
WASHER/DRYER
$1,006
PLUMBING
$755
OVEN/STOVE
$2,013
FRIDGE
$755

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 Berkeley

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What is a home warranty?

A home warranty is a plan that can reduce the cost of on appliance and system repairs and replacements. Working appliances and home systems are what make living in a Berkeley home comfortable and convenient. When these things need repairs, it can be expensive and a pain. Fortunately, with a home warranty in place, an affordable repair is just a phone call away.

When a covered appliance or system needs to be repaired, you file a claim with your home warranty provider. Most companies have an online portal where you can do this. Once you file the claim, it will be assigned to a local technician or repair person who will come and assess the issue. The claim is then processed, and a homeowner will pay the predetermined service fee to schedule the repair for their home. This repair will usually happen within 24 to 72 hours and should only cost the homeowner the price of the service fee. Most service fees range between $60 and $150.

What does a home warranty cover?

A home warranty in Berkeley typically covers the main systems and appliances in the home. Appliances covered under a home warranty plan are typically the dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, garbage disposal, and more. Systems that are covered usually include heating systems, electrical systems, air conditioners, plumbing systems, and water heaters. You can also opt to pay extra for add-on coverage for items like spas, roof warranty, swimming pools, and septic systems.

A home warranty will only cover normal wear and tear on your home systems and appliances. Things like lack of maintenance, pre-existing conditions, cosmetic damages, and misuse are excluded from the home warranty policy.

Is a home warranty worth it in Berkeley?


Benefits of a home warranty

Z

Not only can a home warranty give you some financial relief, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks, the last thing you want to do is find a repair person and schedule a repair. A home warranty takes care of the research by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most.

Downsides of a home warranty

One of the major drawbacks of a home warranty is not everything you care about may be covered. It's important to weigh the different plans and choose one that covers all the appliances, systems, and add-ons you need. Another stipulation is that home warranties typically only cover malfunctions due to normal wear and tear. They most likely won't cover home systems or appliances that have been damaged due to improper maintenance, animal infestations, natural disasters, etc.

Homeownership is a big responsibility that can be costly, but valuable. A home warranty is one thing that can help with your home maintenance budget, but its worth for you is something you'll have to determine before getting a policy.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you now feel as though you can select the right home warranty for your Berkeley home. Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty company in Berkeley. Choice Home Warranty provides home warranties with great coverage at an affordable price.

Best Overall
  • Over 10 years of experience
  • 24/7 customer service team
  • Home inspections aren’t required
4.8
GET QUOTE
Fast Online Quote
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
Fast Online Quote

Home Warranty FAQs


What's the best home warranty company?

Our pick for the best overall home warranty company in Berkeley is Choice Home Warranty but the perfect company for you will vary based on factors such as what appliances and systems you need coverage for.

How is a home warranty different from homeowners insurance?

A home warranty plan covers the normal wear and tear of systems and appliances in a home. A homeowners insurance plan protects your entire home in a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. With a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim should you need a new refrigerator or stove, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster.

Who needs a home warranty?

A home warranty policy can help real estate agents, home sellers, investors, homeowners, and homebuyers. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone that is involved with homeownership.

What is commonly covered under a Berkeley home warranty?

A home warranty policy covers repair and replacement costs for home systems and appliances. Home warranties will not cover the intentional breaking of an appliance or something that happened as a result of a pre-existing condition.

Do home warranty plans cover all repair and replacement costs?

Most home warranties cover replacement costs as well as repair costs. How much the home warranty will cover varies from one plan to the next. Your home warranty will give you some money towards a replacement but the entire replacement may not be paid for.

What is the average cost of a home warranty in Berkeley?

A home warranty can cost on average anywhere from about $300 to $800 a year in Berkeley. Our top-rated home warranty providers' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can reduce your monthly bill with some companies by opting for a higher service fee. In addition, it's often less expensive to pay annually rather than monthly. For example, the warranty might cost $50 a month or $570 for 13 months. In this example, going with the annual plan over monthly payments saves you $80. The key is to compare plans to determine what you're really getting for the price.

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