6 Best Home Warranty Companies
in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

by House Method Local Advisors - Updated March 9, 2023

A home warranty is a way to protect your savings from unexpected large expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be significantly lower and allow you to live in your home with more peace of mind.

Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita home can be difficult, so our team at House Method did the research for you to help you find the best home warranty in Rancho Santa Margarita. Read on 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 Rancho Santa Margarita


After researching the basics of home warranties in Rancho Santa Margarita, your next step is to determine which company you'd like to receive a free quote from. Here are some factors to consider when looking for a home warranty in Rancho Santa Margarita:

Quick reference for home warranty companies in Rancho Santa Margarita

$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


Combing through all the home warranty options in Rancho Santa Margarita can be overwhelming. The team at House Method has narrowed down the top home warranty providers in Rancho Santa Margarita so you can get the perfect policy for your home. We analyzed workmanship guarantee, customer reviews, state availability, costs and fees, coverage, and more when putting together this list. Here are how the top home warranty providers ranked in Rancho Santa Margarita:
  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 for Rancho Santa Margarita residents. Choice offers very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Plus, it also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. The 2 plans from Choice are easily comprehensible and offer both system and appliance coverage.

Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that offer a combination of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Choice's plans are close to the $3,000 mark for many major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $85.

To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. For a more detailed breakdown, read our Choice Home Warranty Review.

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 in Rancho Santa Margarita. Select is a home warranty company with 10 years of experience in the industry, and it has become one of the best providers in the business. Select has 3 simple plans, making the selection process easy. If you're looking for a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan, you'll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.

The 3 plans from Select Home Warranty are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. The coverage limits from Select are about $2,000. The service fees are a reasonable $60, which is lower than other providers in the Rancho Santa Margarita area.

To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. For a more detailed breakdown, read our Select Home Warranty Review.

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 for Rancho Santa Margarita residents. AHS has 3 plans for homeowners to decide between. 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.

American Home Shield offers 3 plans for Rancho Santa Margarita homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.

To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. Read our full review of American Home Shield to learn more.

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 Rancho Santa Margarita residents. HSC offers 2 plans for homeowners to decide between. 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 Home Service Club offers 2 plans for Rancho Santa Margarita homeowners. The Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. HSC's service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, and the coverage caps come out to around $2,000 per covered system or appliance.

To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 800-750-9443. Read our The Home Service Club Review to learn more.

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 for Rancho Santa Margarita residents. First American offers 2 plans for homeowners to decide between. With a home warranty from First American, you can benefit from 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.

First American Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from First American are a reasonable $85. The coverage caps are also about $1,500.

To read more, visit our review of First American Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 833-204-7164.

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 Rancho Santa Margarita residents. Cinch has 3 simple plans, making the selection process 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. The coverage caps associated with Cinch's plans are close to the $1,000-$2,000 mark for most major systems and appliances, and 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 call 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 Rancho Santa Margarita

AIR CONDITIONER
$7,920
HEATING
$5,280
ELECTRICAL
$792
TOILETS
$660
WASHER/DRYER
$1,056
PLUMBING
$792
OVEN/STOVE
$2,112
FRIDGE
$792

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 Rancho Santa Margarita

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What is a home warranty?

A home warranty is a service contract that covers the cost of repairing or replacing major home systems and appliances when they malfunction over time due to normal wear and tear. Having a home warranty in place can offer you some peace of mind and guard your savings account from unexpected out-of-pocket costs. Most home warranty plans take effect about 30 days after paying for the home warranty policy.

For Rancho Santa Margarita homeowners, when a problem arises with a covered appliance or system, it is very simple to file a claim. Most home warranty providers have an online portal where a claim can be filed. Once you file the claim, it will be assigned to a local technician that will come to your home and assess the issue. At this point, you pay the service fee. Service fees generally range in price from around $60 to $150 and this is the only out-of-pocket fee you will have to pay unless the repair cost is more than your home warranty's coverage limit.

What does a home warranty cover?

A home warranty plan will cover systems and appliances that have stopped working due to normal wear and tear. For instance, if your A.C. suddenly stops working under normal use conditions, this is a perfect time to call your home warranty company. The appliances covered are a clothes dryer, refrigerator, clothes washer, cooktop, microwave, dishwasher, stove, and more. The systems included are the water heater, heating system, electrical, plumbing, air conditioner, and more. You can also optionally decide to pay extra for add-on coverage for items like spas, roof warranty, swimming pools, and septic systems.

A Rancho Santa Margarita home warranty will only cover repairs and replacements due to 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, natural disasters, intentional breakages, and pre-existing conditions are not covered with a Rancho Santa Margarita home warranty.

Is a home warranty worth it in Rancho Santa Margarita?


Benefits of a home warranty

Rancho Santa Margarita's hot summers can put a strain on a home's HVAC system. Whether it's summer or winter, a home warranty is designed to cover your home's appliances and systems if they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner stops working in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the necessary repairs, saving you from spending unexpected money out of pocket.

Additionally, having a Rancho Santa Margarita home warranty can make your house more attractive to potential home buyers should you ever decide to sell later. Many home warranty companies will allow you to transfer your plan to a new owner and give them the same protection you've been benefiting from.

Downsides of a home warranty

There are also some drawbacks to buying a home warranty plan, like the coverage exclusions. For instance, home warranties may not cover home systems or appliances that already have a manufacturer's warranty. Another downside is that home warranties may not include some repairs, such as those that are needed because of natural disasters. For example, if your HVAC system is damaged from an animal infestation, the systems and appliances that were impacted most likely won't be covered by the home warranty.

Although home warranties do have some downsides, no matter the season, a home warranty can help cut back on the inevitable hassle of home appliances and system repairs, giving you a little peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

A home warranty in Rancho Santa Margarita can save you lots of money and give you peace of mind when it comes to costly home repairs and replacements. All of these top choices have impressive histories and backgrounds and coverage options. Among them, Choice Home Warranty stands out as the best overall choice. It offers great coverage of all the essential home appliances and systems at an affordable cost with several optional add-ons.

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


Which home warranty company is the best?

The best overall home warranty provider in Rancho Santa Margarita is Choice Home Warranty but the perfect company for you will vary based on factors like what appliances and systems you need to have covered.

What's a home warranty?

A home warranty is a contract that covers the repairs and replacements of your major home system components and appliances.

How is a home warranty different from homeowners insurance?

Home warranty plans cover problems with systems and appliances that need repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear. A homeowner's insurance policy is a different kind of insurance that protects the entire home from natural disasters and fires. It doesn't cover typical appliance or system damage.

What is a service fee?

A service fee is a cost that you pay before a service technician or contractor comes to your home to fix your home warranty-related problem. The pricing is typically between $60 and $150. Service fees are sometimes called deductibles, and they should be the only out-of-pocket expense that homeowners are subject to with a home warranty in place apart from the monthly premium/annual cost.

How much does a home warranty cost in Rancho Santa Margarita?

A home warranty in Rancho Santa Margarita can cost anywhere from $40 to $80 a month. Higher-priced plans tend to have a lower service fee, higher coverage limits, and more coverage.

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