5 Best Home Warranty Companies In Orinda, CA

Data: Kyle Holgate |
Updated: Mar 20, 2023

Are you searching for the best home warranty company in Orinda? We can help.

Having a home in Orinda can be costly. In the middle of summer, the last thing you want is to have to handle your air conditioner not working anymore.

Compare the Best Home Warranty Companies in Orinda

There are more than sixty home warranty companies in the Orinda area. We considered everything from monthly cost to pricing to customer service to decide on the top home warranties in Orinda. These are the rankings for the top home warranty plans in the Orinda area.

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 Orinda

  1. Choice Home Warranty: Best Overall
  2. American Home Shield: Most Customizable
  3. Select Home Warranty: Most Cost-Effective
  4. First American Home Warranty: Best Appliance
  5. Cinch Home Services: Best Workmanship Guarantee

Orinda's Top Home Warranty Companies'

#1 Choice Home Warranty

Editorial Rating 98.5

    Pros:
  • Over 10 years of experience
  • 24/7 customer service team
  • Home inspections aren’t required
  • 90-day repair guarantee

For homeowners who need the best overall in Orinda, homeowners should consider opting for Choice Home Warranty. The 2 plans from Choice are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage. The plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan.

Service fees from Choice are $85. The coverage caps are also around $3,000 for most systems and appliances. Choice has established itself as a provider with 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

#2 American Home Shield

Editorial Rating 97.6

    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 plan for Orinda homeowners. The 3 home warranty plans that AHS offers include options for appliance and system coverage. The plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum.

AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so it's a good idea to verify with the provider. Service fees range from $70 to $125. 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

#3 Select Home Warranty

Editorial Rating 97.2

    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 a great choice for homeowners who want the most cost-effective in Orinda. Select has 3 simple plans, making the selection process easy. The Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan are the names of the company's plans, and it also offers add-on options.

Select's service fees are $80, and the coverage caps come out to about $2,000 per system or appliance. Select is known as a provider 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

#4 First American Home Warranty

Editorial Rating 94.7

    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

For homeowners who want the best appliance in Orinda, First American Home Warranty is a great option. The home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various system and appliance coverage options. Homeowners can choose between First American Home Warranty's Basic Plan and Premier Plan and also add-ons.

The coverage caps for First American's plans are close to the $1,500 mark for many major home systems and appliances, and service fees are $85. When you purchase a home warranty from First American, you can look forward to 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

#5 Cinch Home Services

Editorial Rating 94.3

    Pros:
  • Offers home insurance deductible of $500
  • Extra long 180-day workmanship guarantee
  • Offers free cancellation in the first 30 days

Cinch Home Services is a great option for homeowners who need the best workmanship guarantee in Orinda. Cinch has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily understandable. The Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan are the options the company has, and it also has add-on coverage.

Service fees from Cinch range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also generally around $1,000-$2,000 for most systems and appliances. Cinch is known as a provider with 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 Orinda?

A home warranty will assist you with systems and appliances that experience damage due to normal wear. The point of a home warranty is to help protect against expenses related to repairing and replacing your systems and appliances like your furnace or HVAC. If you have a pool and spa, this is something to consider as well.

These are the systems that are often covered under a home warranty:

  • Electrical system
  • HVAC ductwork
  • Garbage disposal
  • HVAC (heating and air conditioning)
  • Ceiling and exhaust fans
  • Plumbing system including stoppages
  • Water heater

And the common appliances covered include:

  • Refrigerator
  • Cooktop
  • Clothes Washer
  • Built-in Microwave
  • Oven / Range / Stove
  • Clothes Dryer
  • Dishwasher

Cost of a Home Warranty in Orinda?

Having an idea of what a home warranty costs while doing your research can help ensure you're getting the best deal on it. The type of home you have, as well as the coverage, service fee, and any add-ons you get all affect the cost.

In general, service fees range from $60 to $150 and monthly cost from $30 to $80, depending on how much coverage you choose. Add-on coverage will also affect how much it costs overall. Keep these amounts in mind as you do your research on the plan options that are available to you.

Is a Home Warranty Worth It in Orinda?

When shopping for a home warranty, there are some pros and cons to keep in mind. Making sure you read your contract thoroughly can help you get the best deal on a home warranty and one that suits your needs. Here are some of the benefits that you can see from a home warranty:

  • Quality contractors--There are many headaches that come hand in hand with an appliance or system failing, and one of them is getting a contractor. Your home warranty can handle this for you, which takes that off your plate.
  • Workmanship guarantee--This guaranteed that in case the problem with your appliance or system isn't fixed the first time, the home warranty will keep helping you with it.
  • Peace of mind--If you are concerned about your expenses and being able to afford an extensive repair or replacement, a home warranty can help with that. Home warranties are designed to give homeowners peace of mind.

And here are a few of the potential cons of a home warranty:

  • Waiting period--Coverage for a home warranty typically only kicks in 30 days after buying the policy.
  • Choosing a contractor--You may not get to pick your own contractor based on which home warranty company you opt for.

A home warranty can also increase the value of your home if you decide to sell since you can transfer it to the new owner.

FAQ's for Home Warranties in Orinda

Which home warranty is the best in Orinda?

Our overall pick for the top home warranty in Orinda is Choice Home Warranty. However, the best company for you depends on the coverage you need for your appliances and systems.

What's the purpose of a home warranty?

A home warranty is a kind of contract that can help save you money on repairing and replacing your major home system components and appliances if they fail unexpectedly.

What's the difference between a home warranty and homeowners insurance?

A home warranty covers the normal wear and tear of systems and appliances in a home. A homeowners insurance plan protects the entire home in case of something like a natural disaster or fire. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim should you need a new dryer or oven, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster.

Who should get a home warranty?

A home warranty can help investors, home buyers, homeowners, home sellers, and real estate agents. It can offer peace of mind to anyone that is involved with homeownership.

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.

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