Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Although homeownership in Imperial Beach has many perks — such as being surrounded by nature — there are also downsides. One major issue many homeowners have to deal with inevitably is replacing or repairing their home systems and appliances. A home warranty in Imperial Beach can help bring down your out-of-pocket costs by covering repairs or replacements to major home appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.
Finding the best protection for your home can be challenging, so our team at Today's Homeowner has done the research to help you find the top home warranty companies in Imperial Beach. Keep reading for our home warranty recommendations.
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 Imperial Beach, Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty. Choice has over 15 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 2 home warranty plans that Choice offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. 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.
The plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan. The coverage caps associated with Choice’s plans are close to the $3,000 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $85.
To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. To read more, visit our review of Choice Home Warranty.
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 Imperial Beach, Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty. Select has over 11 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 3 home warranty plans that Select offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. 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.
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 close to the $2,000 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $60.
To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. To read more, visit our review of Select Home Warranty.
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 Imperial Beach, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty. AHS has over 26 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 3 home warranty plans that AHS offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. 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.
The plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. The coverage caps associated with AHS’s plans are close to the $2,500 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. To read more, visit our review of American Home Shield.
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 Imperial Beach, First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage. First American has over 39 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 2 home warranty plans that First American offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. 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.
The plans that First American offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. The coverage caps associated with First American’s plans are close to the $1,500 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $85.
To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. To read more, visit our review of First American Home Warranty.
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 Imperial Beach, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. Cinch has over 44 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 3 home warranty plans that Cinch offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. 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.
The plans that Cinch offers to homeowners are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. The coverage caps associated with Cinch’s plans are close to the $1,000-$2,000 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. To read more, visit our review of Cinch Home Services.
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 Imperial Beach, The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC has over 15 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The 2 home warranty plans that HSC offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. 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.
The plans that HSC offers to homeowners are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. The coverage caps associated with HSC’s plans are close to the $2,000 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. To read more, visit our review of The Home Service Club.
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 | $7,082 |
Heating | $4,721 |
Electrical | $708 |
Toilets | $590 |
Washer/Dryer | $944 |
Plumbing | $708 |
Oven | $1,889 |
Fridge | $708 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Imperial Beach homeowners cut the high costs of household repairs. These plans provide financial coverage to fix or replace appliances and systems that stop working from normal wear and tear.
Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider then arranges a contractor to make the repair or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the repair or replacement costs go over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty delivers peace of mind for homeowners by helping them prevent expensive emergency fixes. They're particularly valuable for those who own older homes or ones with outdated systems. Newer homes with functional appliances probably don’t require a home warranty.
Home warranties protect your home's systems and appliances. Typical covered appliances include dryers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, microwaves, and more. Protected systems include electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning. Various home warranty plans offer additional coverage for central vacuums, septic systems, roof leaks, and even locksmiths. Imperial Beach homeowners should know that most home warranty plans begin with a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. Additionally, most policies only cover the cost of repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, or misuse of a system or appliance. You must keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Before signing a home warranty contract, you should know key terms like:
There are several important considerations when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage varies widely in the items that are included. Most plans include protection for AC, plumbing, electrical, heating, and appliances. More inclusive options also offer coverage on other items such as roof leaks, well pumps, spas, and pools. Look for companies with a diverse range of coverage options, including upgraded plans. This helps you tailor protection to your home's needs.
Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. As this charge applies to every separate claim, you may want to choose a company with more affordable fees to maximize savings on every claim. Some providers also do away with deductibles when customers have a claim-free period.
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 TrustPilot, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn more about providers. Favorable ratings and feedback suggest a company known for delivering quality service.
Home warranty companies maintain networks of local professionals to handle repairs in your area. Reach out to potential providers to ask how many repair contractors they have in Imperial Beach and get an idea for how fast your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. Bigger networks improve the probability of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Some home warranty providers include bonuses such as smart home device protection, energy efficiency upgrades, and maintenance discounts. These can add value beyond just repair coverage. Added bonuses can maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Temperatures in Imperial Beach 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 Imperial Beach, one of the benefits of having a home warranty is knowing that these home systems and major appliances can be covered in the event they need to be repaired or replaced.
On top of saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can provide you peace of mind and save you the pain 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 problems you may come across. Another good thing about having a home warranty is while selling your home, some providers let you transfer your home warranty policy to the new owners. It can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers and help your house sell faster.
As for the drawbacks of home warranties, coverage varies by company, so it’s important to review what each plan covers and doesn’t include in the contract.
Another thing to take into consideration is that some providers don’t cover pre-existing damage and may require an inspection before your coverage can start. Ask the home warranty provider for clarification about it if you need more information or if this is an issue for you.
A home warranty in Imperial Beach can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. Higher-priced plans usually have a lower service fee, higher coverage limits, and broader coverage. You can often lower this cost by paying annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also lower your up-front costs when you opt for a higher service fee.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty plan covers normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. A homeowners insurance plan protects the entire home in a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. With a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim if you need a new refrigerator or stove, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Imperial Beach.
First-time homebuyers, landlords, real estate agents, home sellers, and homeowners are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your house more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
A home warranty can cover your home’s appliances, systems, or both. Combination plans are great if you'd like more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be useful if you want to save some money.
Generally, a home warranty policy lasts for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some companies may offer month-to-month options.
Usually, the homeowner is the one who pays the premium and service fees. However, if you have just bought a new home, sometimes the seller will pay for the policy. This can then be transferred to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees. In Imperial Beach, where the median value of a home is $843,674, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.