5 Best Home Warranty Companies In El Cerrito, CA
We've examined the top home warranty companies in El Cerrito so you can select the right one for your home easily.
Being a homeowner in El Cerrito can be an exciting experience, but it also comes with its difficulties. Living in a hot city like El Cerrito can tax your systems, particularly in the summer when you'll be running your A.C. constantly.
Compare the Best Home Warranty Companies in El Cerrito
There are more than sixty home warranty companies in the El Cerrito area. This can be a lot of information for homeowners to digest and it can be very difficult to break down which of these home warranties would be best for you. At Review Home Warranties, we compared customer service reviews, BBB ratings, service fees, coverages, and more. Here's how the best providers in El Cerrito rank.
| 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 El Cerrito
- 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
El Cerrito'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 want the best overall in El Cerrito. The home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various system and appliance coverage options. The home warranty plans from Choice Home Warranty include Basic Plan and Total Plan.
Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so it's a good idea to check with the company. Service fees are $85. 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
American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty for El Cerrito homeowners. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage. American Home Shield's plans include ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum.
AHS's service fees range from $70 to $125, and the coverage caps come out to about $2,500 for each covered appliance or system. Additionally, AHS offers 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 El Cerrito. Select offers 3 plans for homeowners to decide between, which have a mix of appliance and system coverage. The plans that Select offers to homeowners are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan.
Select's service fees are $80, and the coverage caps come out to around $2,000 per system or appliance. Select is known as a company with 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 has the best appliance home warranty for El Cerrito homeowners. The 2 plans that First American offers include options for appliance and system coverage. The home warranty plans from First American Home Warranty include Basic Plan and Premier Plan.
Service fees from First American are $85. The coverage caps are also typically around $1,500. When you purchase a home warranty from First American, you will get 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.
| 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
Cinch Home Services has the best workmanship guarantee home warranty option for El Cerrito homeowners. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders with various system and appliance coverage options. The Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan are the names of the company's plans, and it also offers add-on coverage.
The coverage caps associated with Cinch's plans are around the $1,000-$2,000 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees range from $75 to $150. When you buy a plan 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 El Cerrito?
Now that you have a better idea of which home warranty providers are the top ones in El Cerrito, you may be curious what these plans generally cover. A home warranty helps guard you against sudden repair expenses. Home warranties will also help cover replacement costs in some situations when an appliance or system cannot be repaired.
The following are the systems that are often covered under a home warranty:
- HVAC (heating and air conditioning)
- Ceiling and exhaust fans
- HVAC ductwork
- Plumbing system including stoppages
- Water heater
- Electrical system
- Garbage disposal
As for appliances, the common ones covered are
- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator
- Oven / Range / Stove
- Built-in Microwave
- Clothes Washer
- Clothes Dryer
Cost of a Home Warranty in El Cerrito?
Having an idea of what a home warranty costs of a home warranty while doing your research can help ensure you're getting the best deal on it. The costs associated with a home warranty policy will vary based on the size of your home and the coverages that you pick.
Premiums range from $30 to $80 a month and service fees can be between $60 and $150 per visit. How much it'll cost exactly is based on the plan's coverage. Add-ons will also affect how much it costs overall. When shopping for a home warranty, keeping these numbers in mind can help you pick the correct plan for your budget.
Is a Home Warranty Worth It in El Cerrito?
Most homeowners that sign up for a home warranty in El Cerrito are trying to save money. However, there are additional benefits, as well as some potential drawbacks, of a home warranty that homeowners should be aware of. Let's go over the benefits first:
- Workmanship guarantee--After receiving a repair, if the issue returns within the guarantee period, the home warranty will help you with it again. The guarantee period is usually between 30 and 90 days.
- Peace of mind--If you are continually thinking about the next problem that'll come up regarding your home systems and appliances, a home warranty can help you give you some peace of mind.
- Quality contractors--Home warranty providers only work with experienced contractors. The contractors must have certain training and qualifications to have a relationship with the home warranty company. This can help ensure that your appliances and systems are adequately cared for.
The potential disadvantages of a home warranty are also something homeowners should know about. Here are a few of them:
- Waiting period--A home warranty's coverage typically only starts 30 days after purchasing the policy.
- Choosing a contractor--Most home warranty providers will choose a technician for you. For some, this is a perk since it's easier that way, but for others, this can be a drawback since they want to have the choice.
Alongside money, a home warranty can save you a lot of effort too. Rather than contacting several repair technicians for quotes, you can just call your home warranty company and they'll handle the repair for you for just a service fee.
FAQ's for Home Warranties in El Cerrito
Which home warranty company is the best in El Cerrito?
The best home warranty provider in El Cerrito is Choice Home Warranty. Choice Home Warranty provides good customer service and a large network of experienced technicians in the area.
Should I purchase a home warranty now?
For homeowners with new appliances that are already covered under a manufacturer's warranty, you may want to hold off on buying a home warranty. Home warranty providers will only cover appliances and systems that aren't already covered by a warranty.
How does a home warranty work?
When a home system or appliance breaks down, you can use your home warranty. First, you file a claim, which you can do on the phone or online. Then, the home warranty provider will send a technician to your home and you will pay a service fee once the issue is fixed.
Should I get a home warranty?
Home buyers, home sellers, homeowners, landlords, and real estate agents can all get home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your house more appealing to prospective buyers and save homeowners money in the long run.
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.