Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
The cost of maintaining a home in Berkeley can be expensive, especially as your home ages and your appliances and systems need to be repaired or replaced. A home warranty plan can help protect homeowners by reducing the costs of major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important appliances and systems.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be difficult, as there are dozens of companies to choose from. That’s why the Today's Homeowner team did the research and put together a list of the top home warranty companies in Berkeley for you.
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 Berkeley residents. Choice has been in the home warranty industry for over 15 years. With a home warranty from Choice, you can benefit from very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Not to mention, it 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 offers 2 plans for Berkeley homeowners. The Basic Plan and Total Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $85.
Read more by visiting our review of Choice Home Warranty. To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164.
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
Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty for Berkeley residents. Select has been in the home warranty industry for over 11 years. With a home warranty from Select, you can benefit from a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Not to mention, it 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 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. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
Read more by visiting our review of Select Home Warranty. To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953.
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
American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty for Berkeley residents. AHS has been in the home warranty industry for over 26 years. With a home warranty from AHS, you can benefit from the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Not to mention, it 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 offers 3 plans for Berkeley homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
Read more by visiting our review of American Home Shield. To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839.
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
First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage for Berkeley residents. First American has been in the home warranty industry for over 39 years. 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. 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 offers 2 plans for Berkeley homeowners. The Basic Plan and Premier Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. 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 make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
Read more by visiting our review of First American Home Warranty. To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164.
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
Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee for Berkeley residents. Cinch has been in the home warranty industry for over 44 years. With a home warranty from Cinch, you can benefit from a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Not to mention, it 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 offers 3 plans for Berkeley homeowners. The Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. 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 provider. 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 call 877-589-0505.
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
The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service for Berkeley residents. HSC has been in the home warranty industry for over 15 years. With a home warranty from HSC, you can benefit from quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Not to mention, it 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 offers 2 plans for Berkeley homeowners. The Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
Read more by visiting our review of The Home Service Club. To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443.
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 | $7,549 |
| Heating | $5,032 |
| Electrical | $755 |
| Toilets | $629 |
| Washer/Dryer | $1,006 |
| Plumbing | $755 |
| Oven | $2,013 |
| Fridge | $755 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps cut costs for Berkeley homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide financial coverage to repair or replace appliances and systems that break due to normal wear and tear.
Homeowners file a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to make the fix or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the cost of the repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty delivers security for homeowners by helping them avoid expensive emergency repairs. They're particularly useful for those who live in older homes or ones with aging systems. Newer homes with working appliances probably don’t need a home warranty.
Home warranties safeguard your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered under a home warranty include refrigerators, garbage disposals, dryers, washers, dishwashers, microwaves, and more. Covered systems include heating, plumbing, air conditioning, and electrical. Many home warranty plans also offer add-on coverage options for septic systems, central vacuums, locksmiths, and even roof leaks. Most home warranty plans require Berkeley homeowners to refrain from making claims for 30 days before the plan will cover repairs. Moreover, policies typically only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or misusing a system or appliance. To make sure your next repair or replacement is covered, keep up with preventative maintenance.
Home warranties use several terms that you'll want to understand before signing a contract, such as:
There are several important considerations when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage can have major differences in what's included. Most plans include protection for plumbing, heating, electrical, AC, and appliances. More inclusive options also cover other items such as well pumps, spas, roof leaks, and pools. Focus on providers with broad coverage options including upgraded plans. Flexibility like this will help you customize your plan to meet your home's needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee, usually falling in the $60 to $100 range, which is paid per service call made. The per-request costs can add up. You may decide to look for companies with more affordable fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some companies also offer disappearing deductibles for customers who don't file any claims over a certain timespan.
A home warranty company's reputation provides insights into factors such as repair speed, contractor expertise, claim approval rates, and customer satisfaction. Look at review sites like Google Reviews, TrustPilot, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn more about companies. Favorable ratings and feedback suggest a company known for providing quality service.
Home warranty companies have networks of contractors that they use to tackle covered repairs. Wider networks increase the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to your home swiftly. Contact possible providers to learn how many technicians they have in Berkeley to understand how long repairs might take in an urgent situation.
Home warranty companies might include perks such as coverage for smart home devices, maintenance discounts, and energy efficiency upgrades. These add value beyond basic repair coverage. Additional perks maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Temperatures in Berkeley can get quite high in the summer, which means your air conditioner is most likely going to get a good bit of use. As a homeowner in Berkeley, one benefit of having a home warranty is knowing that these home systems and major appliances can be covered if they have to be repaired or replaced.
Along with 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 issues you may have. Additionally, having a home warranty can help make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers if you ever decide to sell later. Many home warranty providers will allow you to transfer your plan to a new owner and give them the protection you’ve been receiving.
There are also some downsides to getting a home warranty plan, like the coverage exclusions. For instance, home warranties may not cover systems or appliances that already have a manufacturer's warranty.
Another thing to keep in mind is that some providers don’t cover pre-existing problems and may require an inspection before your coverage can start. Ask the home warranty company for clarification about it if you aren’t sure or if this is an issue for you.
A home warranty costs, on average, around $300 to $600 a year in Berkeley. Our top-rated home warranty companies' 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 cheaper to pay annually rather than monthly.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what sorts of damage they cover. Home warranty policies cover issues with systems and appliances that need to be repaired or replaced due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different insurance that protects the entire home from natural disasters, which might not be too much of a concern in Berkeley. It doesn't cover a typical appliance or system damage.
Homebuyers, landlords, real estate agents, homeowners, and home sellers can all get home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your property more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different types of home warranties in Berkeley include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan will cover almost all your home systems and appliances, such as your dishwasher, washing machine, and HVAC. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the specific items mentioned in the plan.
Home warranty plans typically provide coverage for a year. Many companies let you renew your plan annually, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Usually the homeowner pays for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the person who is selling the home may buy a home warranty and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then have to pay the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in Berkeley is $1,395,342, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.
