You may want to purchase a home warranty in California, where the cost of living is high and repair or replacement costs can add up quickly. Unlike home insurance, a home warranty typically covers the major systems and appliances in your home. Warranties can also cover costs related to typical wear and tear.
A home warranty might be a good option if you live in an older home with appliances that you may need to replace soon.
Below, you can compare the best home warranty companies in California.
Home warranties typically cover HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, as well as major appliances like ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers.[?]
The cost of a home warranty in California ranges from $20 to $90 per month, on average.
For California homeowners, 2-10 offers the cheapest home warranties, while American Home Shield has some of the most comprehensive plans.
If you live in California, air conditioning system coverage from American Home Shield can be particularly valuable in the summer months. American Home Shield is one of the only home warranty companies with a base plan (ShieldSilver) that includes air conditioning systems. ShieldSilver includes up to $5,000 in repairs or replacements for every permanent air conditioning system with a capacity of up to 5 tons.
Three plans available
Doesn’t require maintenance records
Offers video chat with some plans
Fewer add-ons than some competitors
Lowest service fee is $100
Poor reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website
Plans start as low as $39.99/mo.
Liberty Home Guard offers a long list of add-ons that can enhance the warranty coverage for your California home. The company offers nearly 40 optional warranty add-ons, including coverage for your second refrigerator, ice maker, wine cooler, generator, TV mount, saltwater pool, carpet cleaning, lawn sprinkler system, and more. You’ll get coverage of up to $2,000 for most items, which is helpful in an expensive state like California.
Plans start at $1 per day
Higher-tier plans include ceiling fans, which can be important in California
Convenient mobile app
Service fees go up to $125 or more
$500 limit on plumbing and electrical systems
Base plan starts at $59.99 per month in California
First American Home Warranty is a solid choice for protecting your appliances in California. Most home warranty companies cap appliance coverage at $2,000 or less per item, but First American will reimburse you for up to $7,000 per appliance. Plus, the higher-tier plan covers luxury appliances without any age limits, so you can cover older appliances with no restrictions.
Three robust plans
Premium plan covers faucets, central vacuum systems, and instant hot water dispensers
Pool and spa add-on available
Base plan doesn’t cover air conditioning, which can be an issue in California
Customer complaints about contractors
May find cheaper coverage with another company
If you’re looking for the cheapest home warranty coverage in California, you should consider 2-10. The company has the cheapest warranty rates among the companies we reviewed. The base Simply Kitchen plan, which covers your kitchen appliances, starts at $32 per month. Even if you go with Pinnacle Home, the highest-level plan, you may pay only about $42 per month. The company also caps service fees at $100.
Offers an entry-level plan only for kitchen appliances
Luxury Package increases limits for most items from $2,000 to $5,000
Access to exclusive discounts
Processing fee of 9.5% for monthly payments
Poor customer reviews
Charges additional fees for using contractors outside of the network
Super Home Warranty’s comprehensive plans are a good option to protect your major systems and appliances in California. Having a warranty can help you avoid expensive repairs or replacements. Even the entry-level Simple plan covers HVAC, plumbing systems, central vacuum, garage door openers, and a variety of appliances. The LUX top-tier plan offers unique coverages for items such as smart home devices, water softeners, and landscape lighting.
Low service fee of $75 for all items
Intuitive app
Offers coverage for some outdoor systems and smart devices
Doesn’t offer 24/7 service
No bare-bones plans available
Ceiling and exhaust fan coverage capped at $250 per occurrence
Our editorial team analyzed home warranty companies that sell plans in California to assess which offer the best prices, coverage options, customer service, and savings to homeowners. We looked at available plans, service fees and agreements, and coverage limits. We prioritized competitive prices, customer service reviews, discounts, and specialty or supplemental coverages.
A home warranty acts as a service contract for your home. Though coverages vary by company and plan, a home warranty typically covers the following home systems and appliances:
HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
Electrical
Plumbing
Kitchen appliances, including ovens, dishwashers, and refrigerators
Water heater
Warranty companies also often offer add-ons, such as for a pool, a water softener, and more, that you can purchase to extend protection. You’ll have to decide what additional features you need.
Home warranties don’t typically cover the following:
Foundation problems
Doors, walls, or windows
Flooring
Non-major appliances, like a countertop toaster or microwave
Hazard remediation reimbursements, like for radon or mold
You might want to invest in a home warranty if you live in an older home or hope to avoid high out-of-pocket repair costs every time a major system or appliance breaks. A home warranty may also make your home more appealing if you decide to sell it.[?]
Cover critical systems and appliances for dollars a day
Several factors determine what you pay for a home warranty in California, including the company, plan, and add-ons you choose. The cost of home warranty coverage generally ranges from $20 per month for a fairly basic plan to $90 per month for a comprehensive plan.
It’s a good idea to shop around and compare quotes so you can find the best option for your budget and needs.
Below, you can compare rates and coverage options from the top home warranty companies in California.
Warranty Company | Plan Options | What Base Plan Covers | Monthly Premiums | Service Fees | Add-Ons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Home Shield | ShieldSilver (base plan), ShieldGold, Shield Platinum | HVAC, electrical systems, and plumbing systems | $20–$90 | $100 or $125 | Roof leak repair, septic pump, well pump, and more |
| Liberty Home Guard | Systems Guard (base plan), Total Home Guard, Appliance Guard | HVAC, electrical systems, and plumbing systems | $60–$70 | $75–$125 | Pool and spa, sump pump, well pump, roof leak, lighting fixtures, and more |
| First American Home Warranty | Starter (base plan), Essential, Premium | HVAC, electrical systems, plumbing systems, garbage disposal, oven and cooktop, and built-in microwave oven | $52–$87 | $75–$125 | Extra refrigeration appliances, pool and spa, roof leak, well pump, water softener, and more |
| Select Home Warranty | Bronze (base plan), Gold, Platinum | Clothes washer and dryer, garbage disposal, refrigerator, stove, oven, built-in microwave, cooktop, and dishwasher | $46–$50 | $75–$100 | Central vacuum, lawn sprinkler system, pool, roof leak, septic system, spa, sump pump, well pump, and more |
| 2-10 | Simply Kitchen (base plan), Complete Home, Pinnacle Home | Kitchen appliances | $32–$42 | Up to $100 | Plumbing and electrical, extended pipe leak, clothes washer and dryer, garage door opener, pool and spa, roof leak, septic system, well pump, and more |
| Choice Home Warranty | Basic (base plan), Total | Heating and electrical system, plumbing system, water heater, Whirlpool bathtub, cooktop, dishwasher, built-in microwave, garbage disposal, ductwork, garage door opener, and ceiling fans | $47–$55 | $100 | Pool and spa, stand-alone freezer, additional spa, second refrigerator, central vacuum, sump pump, and more |
You can invest in a home warranty at any time. Follow these steps to secure home warranty coverage in California:
If you’re searching for a home warranty company in California, the additional information below may help as you research your options.
Your budget, needs, and personal preferences will determine the best home warranty for your California home. American Home Shield, Liberty Home Guard, and 2-10 are a few of the best home warranty companies for you to explore.
In general, home warranties in California can cost between $20 and $90 per month. The company and plan you choose play a major role in what you pay for coverage, making it important to shop around and compare quotes.
Home warranties each have a list of inclusions, but most of them will reimburse you for major appliances, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. You may pay more for add-ons to cover your pool and spa, landscape lighting, water softener, and more.[?]
It depends. A home warranty can help you reduce the risk of high out-of-pocket costs, which can be especially helpful if you live in an older home with dated appliances or systems. If you have a new home or can afford to pay for potential home system or appliance repairs or replacements out of pocket, you may not benefit from a warranty.
Your home warranty company may deny your claim if the damage stems from poor maintenance, the use of unlicensed contractors, or delayed damage reporting. In some cases, companies may not cover claims for normal wear and tear or an event like a flood.
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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
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