5 Best Home Warranty Companies In Castro Valley, CA
If you're searching for a comprehensive home warranty policy for your Castro Valley home, our review guide can help you choose.
Castro Valley is a nice area in the state of California to own a home. Moving into a new home is just the beginning, though. You still have to maintain it, which can come with a fair amount of expenses. When an appliance or home system stops working all of a sudden, it can cause you some stress. Getting a professional repairperson and having the repair done without eating into your savings can be a burdensome task.
Compare the Best Home Warranty Companies in Castro Valley
There are several home warranty plans for Castro Valley homeowners. At Review Home Warranties, we evaluated each of these companies and ranked them based on the plan's features. The service fees, monthly costs, workmanship guarantee, years in the industry, and customer service reviews were all reviewed to figure out the top home warranties in the Castro Valley area. Here are the rankings for the best home warranties in Castro Valley.
| Company Name | Choice Home Warranty | American Home Shield | Select Home Warranty | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Plan Options | 2 | 3 | 3 | |||
| Monthly Plan Cost | $45.00 - $53.33 | $29.27 - $74.27 | $57.67 - $62.08 | |||
| Better Business Bureau Rating | B | B | B | |||
| Reviews | Reviews | Read Choice Home Warranty Reviews | Reviews | Read American Home Shield Reviews | Reviews | Read Select Home Warranty Reviews |
Home Warranty Companies In Castro Valley
- Choice Home Warranty: Best Overall
- American Home Shield: Most Customizable
- Select Home Warranty: Most Cost-Effective
- First American Home Warranty: Best Appliance
- Cinch Home Services: Best Workmanship Guarantee
Castro Valley's Top Home Warranty Companies'
- Pros:
- Over 10 years of experience
- 24/7 customer service team
- Home inspections aren’t required
- 90-day repair guarantee
Choice Home Warranty is a great choice for homeowners who'd like the best overall in Castro Valley. Choice has 2 plans for homeowners to choose from, which contain a mix of appliance and system coverage. Its plans are Basic Plan and Total Plan.
Choice's service fees are $85, and the coverage caps come out to about $3,000 for each covered appliance or system. When you purchase a plan from Choice, you can look forward to high coverage caps and a contract that's easy to understand.
| Plan Name | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Items Covered | Add-on Items |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan | $45.00 | $85.00 | View Items Covered Ceiling fan, Cooktop exhaust, Dishwasher, Disposal, Ductwork, Electrical, Garage door opener, Heating system, Oven, Microwave, Plumbing system, Toilet, Water heater. Basic Plan Included Item | View Add-on Items Pool, Spa, Septic, Well pump, Roof leaking, Septic tank, Sump pump, Vacuum, Stand-alone freezer. Basic Plan Add On |
| Total Plan | $53.33 | $85.00 | View 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. Total Plan Included Item | View Add-on Items Pool, Spa, Septic, Well pump, Roof leaking, Septic tank, Sump pump, Vacuum, Stand-alone freezer. Total Plan Add On |
- Pros:
- 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
In Castro Valley, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty plan. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various system and appliance coverage options. The home warranty plans from American Home Shield include ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum.
AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most systems and appliances, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so it's a good idea to ask the provider. Service fees range from $70 to $125. When you have a home warranty from AHS, you can enjoy a customizable plan and a low claim denial rate.
| Plan Name | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Items Covered | Add-on Items |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ShieldSilver | $29.27 - $44.27 | $75.00 - $125.00 | View 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. ShieldSilver Included Item | View Add-on Items Pool, Spa, PC, TV, Septic, Well pump. ShieldSilver Add On |
| ShieldGold | $39.27 - $54.27 | $75.00 - $125.00 | View 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. ShieldGold Included Item | View Add-on Items Pool, Spa, PC, TV, Septic, Well pump. ShieldGold Add On |
| ShieldPlatinum | $59.27 - $74.27 | $75.00 - $125.00 | View 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. ShieldPlatinum Included Item | View Add-on Items Pool, Spa, PC, TV, Septic, Well pump. ShieldPlatinum Add On |
- Pros:
- 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
Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty in Castro Valley. The 3 plans that Select offers include options for appliance and system coverage. The plans that Select offers to homeowners are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan.
The coverage caps associated with Select's plans are around the $2,000 mark for many of the major home systems and appliances, and service fees are $80. Additionally, Select has an affordable service fee and free roof coverage.
| Plan Name | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Items Covered | Add-on Items |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze Care Plan | $57.67 | $60.00 | View Items Covered Disposal, Dishwasher, Dryer, Microwave, Oven, Refrigerator, Washer. Bronze Care Plan Included Item | View Add-on Items Pool, Spa, Septic, Sprinkler, Stand-alone freezer, Vacuum, Well pump, Sump pump, Roof leaks. Bronze Care Plan Add On |
| Gold Care Plan | $57.67 | $60.00 | View Items Covered Air Conditioner, Ductwork, Electrical, Heating system, Plumbing, Water heater. Gold Care Plan Included Item | View Add-on Items Pool, Spa, Septic, Sprinkler, Stand-alone freezer, Vacuum, Well pump, Sump pump, Roof leaks. Gold Care Plan Add On |
| Platinum Care Plan | $62.08 | $60.00 | View Items Covered Disposal, Dishwasher, Dryer, Microwave, Oven, Refrigerator, Washer, Air conditioner, Ductwork, Electrical, Heating system, Plumbing, Water heater, Ceiling fan, Garage door, Plumbing stoppages. Platinum Care Plan Included Item | View Add-on Items Pool, Spa, Septic, Sprinkler, Stand-alone freezer, Vacuum, Well pump, Sump pump, Roof leaks. Platinum Care Plan Add On |
- Pros:
- 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
First American Home Warranty is a great choice for homeowners who need the best appliance in Castro Valley. First American has 2 plans for you to decide between, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. Homeowners can choose between First American Home Warranty's Basic Plan and Premier Plan and also add-on options.
Service fees from First American are $85. The coverage caps are also generally around $1,500. If you want comprehensive appliance coverage and a unique add-on that 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., this is the plan for you.
| Plan Name | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Items Covered | Add-on Items |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan | $38.00 | $85.00 | View Items Covered Attic fans, Ceiling fans, Cooktop exhaust fan, Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer, Microwave, Oven, Refrigerator, Trash compactor, Washer, Water dispenser. Basic Plan Included Item | View Add-on Items Pool, Spa, Air conditioner, Septic tank, Septic, Well pump, First-class upgrade. Basic Plan Add On |
| Premier Plan | $48.50 | $85.00 | View 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. Premier Plan Included Item | View Add-on Items Pool, Spa, Air conditioner, Septic tank, Septic, Well pump, First-class upgrade. Premier Plan Add On |
- Pros:
- Offers home insurance deductible of $500
- Extra long 180-day workmanship guarantee
- Offers free cancellation in the first 30 days
For homeowners who want the best workmanship guarantee in Castro Valley, homeowners should consider Cinch Home Services. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various system and appliance coverage options. Cinch Home Services' plans are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan.
Service fees from Cinch range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also typically around $1,000-$2,000 at the maximum. When you purchase a policy from Cinch, you can look forward to a 180-day workmanship guarantee and a wide range of coverage options.
| Plan Name | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Items Covered | Add-on Items |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appliances Plan | $34.99 - $50.99 | $75.00 - $150.00 | View Items Covered Cooktop exhaust fan, Dishwasher, Dryer, Food center, Free-standing ice maker, Microwave, Oven, Refrigerator, Refrigerator ice maker, Trash compactor, Washer. Appliances Plan Included Item | View Add-on Items Pool, Septic, Well pump. Appliances Plan Add On |
| Built-in Systems Plan | $39.99 - $57.99 | $75.00 - $150.00 | View 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. Built-in Systems Plan Included Item | View Add-on Items Pool, Septic, Well pump. Built-in Systems Plan Add On |
| Complete Home Plan | $49.99 - $67.99 | $75.00 - $150.00 | View 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. Complete Home Plan Included Item | View Add-on Items Pool, Septic, Well pump. Complete Home Plan Add On |
What does a Home Warranty Cover in Castro Valley?
Now that you have a better idea of which home warranty providers are the best ones in Castro Valley, you may want to know what their plans typically cover. When you have an issue with a home system or appliance that has to be repaired or replaced due to normal wear and tear, your home warranty will assist you in paying for it. Each individual covered appliance or system in your policy will have its own details about the limits of the coverage.
The following are the systems that are often covered under a home warranty:
- HVAC ductwork
- Garbage disposal
- HVAC (heating and air conditioning)
- Ceiling and exhaust fans
- Plumbing system including stoppages
- Water heater
- Electrical system
The appliances commonly covered are ones such as:
- Oven / Range / Stove
- Built-in Microwave
- Cooktop
- Dishwasher
- Clothes Washer
- Refrigerator
- Clothes Dryer
Cost of a Home Warranty in Castro Valley?
At Review Home Warranties, we have done thorough research to find out the average costs of a home warranty plan in Castro Valley. The type of home you have, as well as the coverage, service fee, and add-ons you want all determine the cost.
Generally, service fees can cost from $60 to $150 and monthly fee from $30 to $80, depending on the type of coverage you choose. What will also affect the overall cost is the add-on coverage you get. Keep these amounts in mind as you look for the right plan for your needs.
Is a Home Warranty Worth It in Castro Valley?
When looking for a home warranty, there are some pros and cons to bear in mind. Making sure you read your contract with care can help you get the best deal on a home warranty and one that fits your needs. Here are a few of the benefits that you can see from a home warranty:
- Quality contractors--Home warranty providers only work with qualified contractors. The contractors need to have certain training and qualifications to have a connection with the home warranty provider. This can help make sure that your appliances and systems are properly cared for.
- Workmanship guarantee--A workmanship guarantee makes sure that even if a repair doesn't fix the problem, the home warranty provider will continue to help you find a solution. Without a home warranty policy, you may pay for a repair and then never hear from that contractor again.
- Fast response times--When you file a claim, a customer service representative will usually respond within a short period of time and get a contractor to come soon.
- Peace of mind--When something breaks down in your home, you can spend a lot of time thinking about the expense of the repair. A home warranty will give you peace of mind about how much it'll cost.
There are also a few cons of home warranties, such as:
- Waiting period--After buying a home warranty plan, you typically need to wait about 30 days before coverage begins.
- Contractor choice--If you prefer a certain contractor does your repairs, then you may need to avoid certain companies since they choose for you.
- Exclusions--Read your contract thoroughly to be sure you know what's included and not included under the home warranty, like appliances that already have a manufacturer's warranty, damage due to natural disasters, or pre-existing conditions.
Having a professional network of contractors is one of the pros of having a home warranty. This makes getting repairs done super easy, since you won't have to find contractors and call around for estimates.
FAQ's for Home Warranties in Castro Valley
What's the best home warranty company in Castro Valley?
The top home warranty provider in Castro Valley is Choice Home Warranty. Choice Home Warranty has good customer service and a large network of professional repair technicians in the area.
What's the difference between a home warranty and homeowners insurance?
Home warranties cover issues related to home systems and appliances that need repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear. A homeowner's insurance policy is a different plan that protects one's entire home from natural disasters and fires. It doesn't cover normal appliance or system breakage.
How do you use a home warranty?
When a home system or appliance fails, your home warranty can help. First, you file a claim, which you can do via phone or online. After that, the home warranty company will send a technician to your home and you will pay a service fee once the issue has been resolved.
Can you use a home warranty immediately after buying it?
Usually coverage for a home warranty begins 30 days after purchasing it. However, a few providers may let you file a claim before this, so verify with customer service to find the exact waiting period for your plan.
Our Rating Methodology
At Review Home Warranties, we are committed to providing our readers with comprehensive and unbiased information on each provider that we review. Our methodology is a step-by-step process that ensures we maintain your trust through transparency and data that is backed-up through routine check-ins. When we picked our top home warranty companies, we reviewed and analyzed over 50 different companies. We then narrowed down our findings based on criteria that we find to be the most helpful for a homeowner in choosing a home warranty plan. Here is what we value in our review process:
- Plan options: Providers that offer more flexibility in their plans are rated higher.
- Coverage specifics: The more items covered in a home warranty plan, the higher the score.
- Pricing: We take the monthly fee and service fee into consideration when rating pricing.
- Trustworthiness: We comb through hundreds of reviews and check on BBB ratings to determine the trustworthiness of a company.
- State availability: Finding coverage in your state can be a challenge if home warranty companies aren't located there. The more states covered, the higher the score.
- Customer service: Is this home warranty company responsive? Do they respond quickly to claims filed? Are they helpful in answering questions? All of these factors are considered when rating customer service.
- Additional benefits: Home warranty companies will typically offer special promotions or benefits for signing up for their services. The companies with the most benefit scored higher.
Of the 50 different companies that we've reviewed, we've broken down the seven best providers for home warranty coverage. To keep our ratings and data current, we have a full-time researcher who collects (and regularly updates) more than 100 specific data points from each company to help us compare them on key factors such as coverage, cost, service, and dependability. This list is ever-changing, as companies will update policies and procedures, and we will change our information accordingly.