Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
With hot summers in Downey, your home systems can experience quite a bit of wear and tear. There’s nothing worse than having your air conditioning go out in the middle of summer. A home warranty can offer you the peace of mind you need and safeguard your savings account from unexpected expenses by covering your home’s major appliances and systems.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be challenging, as there are dozens of companies to choose from. That’s why the Today's Homeowner team did the research and compiled a list of the best home warranty companies in Downey 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 Downey residents. Choice has been on the market for more than 15 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. Choice offers very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Plus, it also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. Choice has 2 plans for homeowners to decide between.
The 2 plans from Choice Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Total Plan. Choice’s service fees are an affordable $85, and the coverage limits come out to about $3,000 for each covered appliance or system.
For more information on this provider, read our Choice Home Warranty Review. To receive 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 Downey residents. Select has been on the market for more than 11 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. Select offers a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Plus, it also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. Select has 3 plans for homeowners to decide between.
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 appliance or system.
For more information on this provider, read our Select Home Warranty Review. To receive 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 Downey residents. AHS has been on the market for more than 26 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. AHS offers the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Plus, it also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. AHS has 3 plans for homeowners to decide between.
The 3 plans from American Home Shield are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. AHS’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, and the coverage limits come out to about $2,500 for each covered appliance or system.
For more information on this provider, read our American Home Shield Review. To receive 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 Downey residents. First American has been on the market for more than 39 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. First American offers very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. Plus, 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. First American has 2 plans for homeowners to decide between.
The 2 plans from First American Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American’s service fees are a reasonable $85, and the coverage limits come out to about $1,500 for each covered appliance or system.
For more information on this provider, read our First American Home Warranty Review. To receive 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 Downey residents. Cinch has been on the market for more than 44 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. Cinch offers a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Plus, it also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. Cinch has 3 plans for homeowners to decide between.
The 3 plans from Cinch Home Services are 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 limits come out to about $1,000-$2,000 for each covered appliance or system.
For more information on this provider, read our Cinch Home Services Review. To receive 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 Downey residents. HSC has been on the market for more than 15 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. 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. HSC has 2 plans for homeowners to decide between.
The 2 plans from The Home Service Club are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. HSC’s service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, and the coverage limits come out to about $2,000 for each covered appliance or system.
For more information on this provider, read our The Home Service Club Review. To receive 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 | $6,932 |
Heating | $4,621 |
Electrical | $693 |
Toilets | $578 |
Washer/Dryer | $924 |
Plumbing | $693 |
Oven | $1,849 |
Fridge | $693 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps lower expenses for Downey homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide financial coverage to fix or replace appliances and systems that stop working due to 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 fix or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the repair or replacement costs exceed the item's coverage limit. A home warranty plan gives homeowners peace of mind since it can help avoid costly emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for people purchasing older homes or homes with appliances near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with modern appliances and fixtures may not require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many home systems and appliances. Typical covered appliances include washers, dryers, refrigerators, microwaves, garbage disposals, dishwashers, and others. Covered systems include air conditioning, plumbing, heating, and electrical. Many home warranty plans offer additional coverage for roof leaks, central vacuums, septic systems, and even locksmiths. Most home warranty plans require Downey homeowners to wait 30 days before the plan will cover repairs. Additionally, policies typically only cover repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or misuse of a system or appliance. To help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered, keep up with preventative maintenance.
Home warranty contracts use several terms that you'll want to know before signing, such as:
When you're deciding on a home warranty provider, there are several important things to take into account:
Home warranty plans differ significantly in terms of coverage. Most plans cover heating, AC, electrical, plumbing, and appliances. More inclusive options also extend protection to other items such as well pumps, roof leaks, spas, and pools. Look for companies with varied coverage options, including upgraded plans. This allows you to customize your plan to your 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 more affordable per-claim fees to maximize savings. Some companies also offer disappearing deductibles after periods where a customer files no claims.
A home warranty company's reputation gives insight into things such as claim approval rates, timeliness of repairs, contractor quality, and overall customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to research companies. Complimentary reviews and ratings indicate a provider known for stellar service.
Home warranty companies use networks of local repair contractors to manage repairs in a given area. Reach out to potential businesses to ask how many repair technicians they have in Downey and get an idea of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency. More extensive networks raise the chance of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Home warranty providers sometimes offer extras such as energy efficiency upgrades, coverage for smart home devices, and maintenance discounts. These can add value beyond basic repair coverage. Additional perks help maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Downey’s hot summers can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty can cover your home’s appliances and systems in the event they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner breaks down in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the repairs, preventing you from spending a lot of money out of pocket.
Not only can a home warranty offer some savings, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks down, the last thing you want to do is find a contractor and schedule a repair. A home warranty handles the research by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. Another added benefit of having a home warranty plan 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 company you have your home warranty with.
As for the drawbacks of home warranties, system and appliance coverage varies by company, so it’s important to read what each policy covers and doesn’t include in the contract.
Another consideration is that home warranties typically only cover malfunctions due to normal wear and tear. They most likely won’t cover home systems or appliances that need repairs or replacements due to natural disasters, animal infestations, improper maintenance, etc.
A home warranty policy costs, on average, around $300 to $600 a year in Downey. Our top-rated home warranty companies' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can lower your monthly bill with some companies by choosing a higher service fee. In addition, it's typically less expensive to pay annually rather than monthly.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what sorts of damage they cover. Home warranties cover problems with home systems and appliances that need repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a larger plan that protects an entire home from natural disasters, which can sometimes be a concern in Downey. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system breakage.
A home warranty plan can help homebuyers, home sellers, homeowners, investors, and real estate agents. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved with homeownership.
The different kinds of home warranties in Downey include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan covers almost all your systems and appliances, such as your dishwasher, washing machine, and HVAC. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the items listed in the plan.
Generally, a home warranty lasts for a year and can be renewed annually. Some companies may offer month-to-month plans.
Typically, the person who owns the home pays for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the one selling the home may buy a home warranty policy 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 Downey is $801,384, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.