Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Homeownership in Barstow comes with quite a few positives, but it also comes with worries and concerns. Your home’s appliances and systems will inevitably need repairs, and this could mean a huge expense. A home warranty in Barstow can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs by covering repairs or replacements to major home appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
Finding the best protection for your home can be challenging, so our team at Today's Homeowner has done the research to help you find the best home warranty companies in Barstow. Keep reading for our recommendations.
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
In Barstow, Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty. When you purchase a home warranty from Choice, you will get very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Choice Home Warranty also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. The 2 policies that Choice offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. The coverage limits from Choice are about $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $85, which is less than other providers in the Barstow area.
To get 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 full review.
Basic Plan
Total Plan
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 Barstow, Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty. When you purchase a home warranty 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 policies that Select offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
Select Home Warranty has 3 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. The coverage limits from Select are about $2,000. The service fees are a reasonable $60, which is less than other providers in the Barstow 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 full review.
Bronze Care Plan
Gold Care Plan
Platinum Care Plan
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 Barstow, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty. When you purchase a home warranty from AHS, you will get the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. American Home Shield also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. The 3 policies that AHS offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. The coverage limits 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 Barstow area.
To get a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. For a more detailed breakdown, read our American Home Shield full review.
ShieldSilver
ShieldGold
ShieldPlatinum
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 Barstow, First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage. When you purchase a home warranty 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 policies that First American offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
First American Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. The coverage limits from First American are about $1,500. The service fees are a reasonable $85, which is less than other providers in the Barstow area.
To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. For a more detailed breakdown, read our First American Home Warranty full review.
Basic Plan
Premier Plan
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
In Barstow, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. When you purchase a home warranty 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. The 3 policies that Cinch offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. The coverage limits from Cinch are about $1,000-$2,000. The service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, which is less than other providers in the Barstow area.
To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. For a more detailed breakdown, read our Cinch Home Services full review.
Appliances Plan
Built-in Systems Plan
Complete Home Plan
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 Barstow, The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service. When you purchase a home warranty from HSC, you will get quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. The Home Service Club also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee. The 2 policies that HSC offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
The Home Service Club has 2 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. The coverage limits from HSC are about $2,000. The service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, which is less than other providers in the Barstow area.
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 The Home Service Club full review.
Standard Coverage Plan
Comprehensive Coverage Plan
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on home warranty companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Home Appliance | Repair Cost |
---|---|
Air Conditioner | $5,890 |
Heating | $3,927 |
Electrical | $589 |
Toilets | $491 |
Washer/Dryer | $785 |
Plumbing | $589 |
Oven | $1,571 |
Fridge | $589 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Barstow homeowners reduce the high costs of household repairs. These plans offer financial protection to fix or swap out appliances and systems that break down from normal wear and tear.
Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty company then arranges a contractor to make the repair or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the repair or replacement costs go over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty policy gives homeowners a sense of security since it can help avoid expensive emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for buyers of older homes or homes with appliances near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with appliances and fixtures in good condition may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home's systems and appliances. Common covered appliances are dishwashers, refrigerators, garbage disposals, dryers, microwaves, washers, and others. Covered systems include air conditioning, heating, electrical, and plumbing. Various home warranty plans offer additional coverage for central vacuums, septic systems, roof leaks, and even locksmiths. Barstow homeowners should know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day waiting period before they will cover the cost of any repairs. Additionally, policies typically only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover problems such as cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or damage caused by improperly using a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to ensure that your next repair or replacement will be covered by your policy.
Home warranty contracts use several terms that you'll want to learn before signing, such as:
When you're deciding on a home warranty provider, there are several key things to take into account:
Home warranty plans vary widely in what they include. Most plans cover heating, electrical, AC, plumbing, and appliances. More comprehensive options also offer protection for other items such as roof leaks, well pumps, pools, and spas. Look for a company that offers an extensive selection of coverage options, including upgraded plans. Flexibility is important when trying to fit a home warranty to your home's specific systems and needs.
Homeowners should anticipate paying a $60–100 service fee when filing home warranty claims. These per-repair charges can potentially accumulate over time, so some homeowners prefer using providers with lower service fees to maximize savings. Some companies also offer disappearing deductibles if a customer doesn't submit any claims in a set timeframe.
A home warranty provider's reputation provides insights into factors such as claim approval rates, contractor expertise, repair speed, and customer satisfaction. Check review sites like TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to learn more about companies. Favorable reviews and ratings suggest a company known for delivering quality service.
Home warranty providers have networks of technicians that they use to tackle covered repairs. Wider networks improve the chance of getting qualified contractors to your home promptly. Reach out to possible providers to find out how many contractors they have in Barstow to understand how long repairs may take in an urgent situation.
Home warranty providers may offer perks such as energy efficiency upgrades, maintenance discounts, and coverage for smart home devices. These can add value beyond repair coverage. Additional perks can maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Barstow’s hot summers can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty can help cover your home’s appliances and systems in the event 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 needed repairs, saving you from spending unexpected money out of pocket.
Not to mention, having a home warranty can save you time by removing the need to research service technicians — most companies will send a trusted professional right to your door to complete the necessary repair or replacement. Another added benefit of having home warranty coverage is that it can raise your home’s real estate value. If you ever decide to sell your home, you may be able to transfer your home warranty plan to the new homebuyer depending on the provider you have your home warranty with.
One disadvantage of getting a home warranty is that there are generally exclusions. For instance, if you already have a manufacturer's warranty on one of your appliances, it may not be covered under the home warranty, so it’s important to read over the contracts you’re considering carefully to understand what is included and what isn’t.
Another consideration is that home warranties typically only cover damage from normal wear and tear. They commonly won’t cover home systems or appliances that have stopped working due to natural disasters, improper maintenance, animal infestations, etc.
A home warranty in Barstow can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. The higher-priced plans usually have a lower service fee, broader coverage, and higher coverage limits. This cost is often lower if you pay annually instead of monthly. Some providers will also reduce your up-front costs when you opt for a higher service fee.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty helps protect against normal wear and tear to home systems and appliances. A homeowners insurance plan protects a home in case of 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 washing machine or air conditioner, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Barstow.
A home warranty policy can help real estate agents, home sellers, investors, homebuyers, and homeowners. It can provide peace of mind to anyone involved in homeownership.
The different home warranties in Barstow include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan will cover many of your systems and appliances, including your washing machine, drier, and plumbing. An appliance or system plan will cover only the items mentioned in the contract.
Home warranty plans typically last a year. Many companies let you renew your plan each year, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Typically, the one who owns the home pays for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the home seller may purchase a home warranty and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then be responsible for the service fees when using the policy. Considering that the average home value in Barstow is $255,451, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.