Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Homeownership in Gardena comes with lots of perks, but it also comes with its challenges. Your home’s appliances and systems will inevitably need repairs, and this could mean a burdensome expense. A home warranty can bring you the peace of mind you need and protect your bank account from unexpected expenses by covering your home’s major systems and appliances.
The home warranty market has many providers — all with different offerings — so our team at Today's Homeowner has done the research to help you choose the best home warranty companies in Gardena.
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 Gardena, Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty. Choice has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily understandable. Choice has established itself as a company with very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. It also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also generally around $3,000 at the maximum.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our Choice Home Warranty full review. To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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
In Gardena, Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty. Select has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily understandable. Select has established itself as a company with a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. It also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
Select Home Warranty has 3 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also generally around $2,000 at the maximum.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our Select Home Warranty full review. To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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
In Gardena, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty. AHS has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily understandable. AHS has established itself as a company with the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. It also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also generally around $2,500 at the maximum.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our American Home Shield full review. To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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
In Gardena, First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage. First American has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily understandable. First American has established itself as a company with very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. 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 Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from First American are a reasonable $85. The coverage caps are also generally around $1,500 at the maximum.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our First American Home Warranty full review. To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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
In Gardena, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. Cinch has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily understandable. Cinch has established itself as a company with a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. It also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from Cinch are customizable and range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also generally around $1,000-$2,000 at the maximum.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our Cinch Home Services full review. To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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
In Gardena, The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily understandable. HSC has established itself as a company with quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. It also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee.
The Home Service Club has 2 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also generally around $2,000 at the maximum.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our The Home Service Club full review. To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 | $6,680 |
| Heating | $4,453 |
| Electrical | $668 |
| Toilets | $557 |
| Washer/Dryer | $891 |
| Plumbing | $668 |
| Oven | $1,781 |
| Fridge | $668 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Gardena homeowners in lowering the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer coverage to replace or fix appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
When something stops working, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to handle the replacement or fix. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement costs exceed the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives reassurance to homeowners, as it helps prevent expensive emergency repairs. Home warranties are particularly useful for older houses or those with aging systems. New homes with up-to-date appliances might not need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances are dishwashers, dryers, refrigerators, microwaves, washers, garbage disposals, and more. Included systems are normally heating, plumbing, electrical, and air conditioning. Many home warranty companies provide add-on coverage for septic systems, locksmiths, roof leaks, and central vacuums. Gardena should understand that most home warranty plans have a waiting period of 30 days before repair claims will be approved. Most policies also only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, cosmetic issues, or improperly using a system or appliance. Stay current with preventative maintenance to ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
There are several home warranty terms to understand before signing an agreement, including:
There are several important factors to consider when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty plans differ significantly in terms of coverage. Most plans cover AC, electrical, plumbing, heating, and appliances. More robust plans also include coverage for other items such as pools, roof leaks, well pumps, and spas. Look for providers with varied coverage options, including upgraded plans. This allows you to tailor protection to your home's needs.
Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. With these per-request costs adding up over time as you file claims, some homeowners prefer to choose a provider with more affordable fees to maximize savings on every claim. Some companies also eliminate deductibles if a customer goes a period of time without filing any claims.
A home warranty provider's reputation can offer insight into things such as speed of repairs, approval rates for claims, contractor quality, and customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as TrustPilot, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research providers. Positive ratings and reviews indicate that a company is known for quality service.
Home warranty businesses have networks of local technicians to handle repairs in your area. Reach out to potential providers to learn how many repair technicians they have in Gardena and get an idea for how fast your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. Bigger networks increase the probability of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Home warranty providers sometimes include bonuses such as coverage for smart home devices, energy efficiency upgrades, and maintenance discounts. These extras add value beyond basic repair coverage. Additional perks help maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Since temperatures in Gardena can easily reach 100 degrees, the extreme weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioner. Having a home warranty plan can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances breaks down suddenly.
On top of saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can give you peace of mind and save you the hassle of trying to find a qualified contractor to visit your home. Home warranties usually have a network of pre-vetted technicians who can handle any repair issues you may experience. Additionally, having a home warranty can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers if you ever decide to sell later. Many home warranty companies will allow you to transfer your policy to a new owner and give them the same protection you’ve been benefiting from.
Home warranties also have some drawbacks. Although it can save you time when the home warranty sends out a repair technician who handles the repair for you, some may not like this, and they would rather select a contractor themselves. If that’s important to you, some home warranty companies allow you to choose a contractor.
Another possible pain point of home warranties is that they don’t cover items that haven’t been properly maintained. This can lead to your claims being rejected, so it’s important to carefully follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance of your home systems and appliances.
A home warranty costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Gardena. Our high-rated home warranty providers' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can get a lower monthly payment with some companies by choosing a higher service fee. In addition, it's typically less expensive to pay annually rather than monthly.
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 your entire home in a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. Under homeowners insurance, you will not be able to file a claim if you need a new dryer or dishwasher, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Gardena.
A home warranty policy can help home sellers, real estate agents, homebuyers, investors, and homeowners. It can provide peace of mind and savings to anyone involved with homeownership.
The different home warranties in Gardena include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan covers almost all your systems and appliances, including your washing machine, drier, and plumbing. An appliance or system plan will cover only the items listed in the policy.
Home warranty plans generally last a year. Many providers let you renew your plan each year, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Typically, the person who owns the home is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the home seller may purchase 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. Considering that the average home value in Gardena is $749,044, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.
