6 Best Home Warranty Companies
in San Diego, CA

by House Method Local Advisors - Updated March 9, 2023

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

Although homeownership in San Diego has a great number of advantages, such as the convenience of city life, there are also downfalls, similar to owning a house anywhere else. One major headache many homeowners have to deal with inevitably is replacing or repairing their appliances and home systems.

Even though a home warranty can help with your expenses as a homeowner, one issue is narrowing down the right choice for your San Diego home. That's why we've done the research and have made a guide of the top home warranty options in San Diego.

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 San Diego


The first step in protecting your house with a home warranty is determining which company's plan fits your needs. Figure out which appliances and systems in your home you need coverage for and compare the policies. When considering which home warranty company is the best one for you, here are some important factors to keep in mind:

Quick reference for home warranty companies in San Diego

$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


There are lots of providers and policies available to home and property owners in San Diego. The team at House Method has narrowed down the top home warranty companies in San Diego so you can find the right policy for your home. We took into consideration costs and fees, workmanship guarantee, state availability, customer reviews, coverage, and more when coming up with this list. Here's how San Diego's top companies 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 San Diego residents. 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. The 2 plans that Choice offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.

The plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan. The coverage caps from Choice are about $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $85, which is cheaper than other providers in the San Diego area.

For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of Choice Home Warranty. 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

Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty for San Diego residents. Select has 3 plans for you to choose from. When you buy a policy from Select, you will get a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Select Home Warranty also 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. Select's service fees are a reasonable $60, and the coverage limits come out to about $2,000 for each covered system or appliance.

To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. For more information, read our thorough review of Select Home Warranty.

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

In San Diego, American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty. 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. AHS has 3 simple plans, making the selection process easy.

American Home Shield has 3 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also generally about $2,500.

To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. For more information on this provider, read our thorough 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

The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service for San Diego residents. HSC offers 2 plans for you 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.

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

To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. To read more, visit our The Home Service Club full review.

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

In San Diego, First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage. First American has established itself as a company with very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. It 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 are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage.

The 2 plans from First American Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $85.

To read more, visit our First American Home Warranty full review. To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 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 offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in San Diego. Cinch has been on the market for over 43 years, making it a respected company in the industry. If you're looking for a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done, you'll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. Cinch has 3 plans for you to decide between.

There are 3 home warranty plans from Cinch Home Services: Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Cinch's service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, and the coverage caps come out to around $1,000-$2,000 for each covered appliance or system.

For a more detailed breakdown, read our comprehensive review of Cinch Home Services. To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can 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 San Diego

AIR CONDITIONER
$7,299
HEATING
$4,866
ELECTRICAL
$730
TOILETS
$608
WASHER/DRYER
$973
PLUMBING
$730
OVEN/STOVE
$1,946
FRIDGE
$730

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

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What is a home warranty?

A home warranty is a home protection plan that can cut back on the cost of on appliance and system repairs and replacements. Working appliances and home systems are what make living in a San Diego home comfortable and convenient. When these things need repairs, it can be costly and a inconvenience. 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 or replaced, you file a claim with your home warranty service provider. Most companies have an online portal system where you can do this. After 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 service fee to schedule the repair for their home. This repair will typically occur 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 will cover systems and appliances that have stopped working due to normal wear and tear. For example, if your dishwasher suddenly stops working under normal use conditions, you can call your home warranty provider. The appliances that are usually covered under a home warranty include garbage disposal, refrigerator, dishwasher, clothes washer, microwave, clothes dryer, and more. The systems usually included are plumbing systems, air conditioners, electrical systems, ductwork, and hot water heaters. You can also optionally opt to pay a bit extra for add-on coverage for items such as spas, roof warranty, septic systems, and swimming pools.

A San Diego 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, pre-existing conditions, and natural disasters are not covered with a San Diego home warranty.

Is a home warranty worth it in San Diego?


Benefits of a home warranty

Temperatures in San Diego can get quite high in the summer, which means your air conditioner is likely to get a good bit of use. As a homeowner in San Diego, one of the benefits of having a home warranty is knowing that these home systems and major appliances can be covered if they need to be repaired or replaced.

As well as saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can provide you peace of mind and save you the headache of trying to find a qualified contractor to visit your home. Home warranties usually come with a network of pre-vetted technicians who can handle any repair problems you may experience.

Downsides of a home warranty

One major drawback of home warranties is not everything may be covered. It's important to weigh the different policies and opt for one that covers all the appliances, systems, and add-ons you need. In addition, if you don't maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they need repairs or replacements due to a natural disaster or animal infestation — anything other than normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.

Owning a home is a big responsibility that can be expensive, but rewarding. 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 weigh before purchasing a policy.

Final Thoughts

A home warranty in San Diego can save you a lot of money and give you peace of mind when it comes to expensive home repairs and replacements. The best provider in San Diego is Choice Home Warranty. With its comprehensive coverage, affordable cost, and a good reputation in the industry, Choice Home Warranty has a lot to offer.

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


Which home warranty company is the best?

The best home warranty company in San Diego is Choice Home Warranty. Choice Home Warranty has an expansive network of professional technicians and a great reputation in the San Diego area.

What's a home warranty?

A home warranty is a kind of service contract that provides homeowners extra coverage for their household systems and appliances. These include washing machines, garbage disposals, dishwashers, refrigerators, dryers, electrical systems, water heaters, sump pumps, plumbing, and heating and cooling systems, among others. Some plans also offer coverage for roofs, garage door openers, ceiling fans, and pools. A home warranty can help you save money if these items fail unexpectedly.

Should I get a home warranty plan?

Home buyers, real estate agents, landlords, homeowners, and home sellers can all get home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your property more attractive to prospective buyers and save homeowners money in the long run.

When can you use a home warranty after purchasing it?

Most home warranty providers have a 30-day waiting period before you can make service requests, but some may allow you to file sooner so make sure you check with the company about this.

How do service fees work?

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. 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 in place apart from the monthly premium/annual cost.

What is the typical cost of a home warranty in San Diego?

A San Diego home warranty can cost anywhere from $40 to $80 a month. Higher-priced plans usually have more coverage, a lower service fee, and higher coverage limits.

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