Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
The cost of maintaining a home in San Diego Country Estates can be costly, especially as your home ages and your appliances and systems need to be updated. A home warranty can give you the peace of mind you need and guard your savings account from unexpected expenses by covering your home’s major appliances and systems.
Choosing the best home warranty on the market can be quite a challenge because of the many options out there. If you're frustrated with trying to compare them all, keep reading for our guide to the best home warranty providers in San Diego Country Estates.
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 offers the best overall home warranty for San Diego Country Estates residents. Choice has over 15 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. Choice offers 2 plans for homeowners to choose from. 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. Choice’s service fees are an affordable $85, and the coverage limits come out to about $3,000 for each covered appliance or system.
To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. For more information on this provider, read 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
Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty for San Diego Country Estates residents. Select has over 11 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. Select offers 3 plans for homeowners to choose from. 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. Select’s service fees are a reasonable $60, and the coverage limits come out to about $2,000 for each covered appliance or system.
To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. For more information on this provider, read 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
American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty for San Diego Country Estates residents. AHS has over 26 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. AHS offers 3 plans for homeowners to choose from. 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. 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.
To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. For more information on this provider, read 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
First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage for San Diego Country Estates residents. First American has over 39 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. First American offers 2 plans for homeowners to choose from. 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. 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.
To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. For more information on this provider, read 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
Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee for San Diego Country Estates residents. Cinch has over 44 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. Cinch offers 3 plans for homeowners to choose from. 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. 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.
To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. For more information on this provider, read 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
The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service for San Diego Country Estates residents. HSC has over 15 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided exceptional customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. HSC offers 2 plans for homeowners to choose from. 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. 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.
To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. For more information on this provider, read 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 | $7,136 |
| Heating | $4,758 |
| Electrical | $714 |
| Toilets | $595 |
| Washer/Dryer | $952 |
| Plumbing | $714 |
| Oven | $1,903 |
| Fridge | $714 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that assists San Diego Country Estates homeowners reduce the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer financial coverage to repair or swap out appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then arranges a contractor to handle the repair or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives reassurance to homeowners because it helps prevent costly emergency repairs. Home warranties are the most useful for owners of older homes or homes with aging systems. New homes with up-to-date appliances might not require a home warranty.
Home warranties safeguard your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances include microwaves, dishwashers, dryers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, washers, and more. Covered systems include electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, and heating. Many home warranty plans offer additional add-on coverage options for central vacuums, septic systems, locksmiths, and even roof leaks. San Diego Country Estates should understand that most home warranty plans have a waiting period of 30 days before repair claims will be approved. The majority of policies also only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or misusing a system or appliance. Be diligent about completing preventative maintenance to ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
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 key things to take into account:
Home warranties vary widely in terms of included coverage. Basic policies typically provide protection for electrical, AC, plumbing, heating, and appliances, while more comprehensive options may also cover pools, well pumps, spas, and roof leaks. Focus on companies with broad coverage options including upgraded plans. This flexibility enables you to customize your plan to meet your home's needs.
You'll pay a service fee, typically $60–100, for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These fees to accumulate quickly with each claim, so you may seek out providers advertising more affordable fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain providers may eliminate deductibles if homeowners don't submit any claims within a set period of time.
A home warranty company's reputation provides insights into factors such as contractor expertise, repair speed, claim approval rates, and customer satisfaction. Read through review sites like TrustPilot, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn more about companies. Good feedback and ratings suggest a company known for quality service.
Home warranty companies use networks of local repair contractors to manage repairs in a given area. Reach out to potential companies to ask how many repair professionals they have in San Diego Country Estates and get an idea of how fast your repairs could be handled in an emergency. More extensive networks increase the chance of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.
Some home warranty providers provide extras such as smart home device protection, energy efficiency upgrades, and maintenance discounts. These perks can add value beyond repair coverage. Extra bonuses help maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Home warranty policies are an affordable way to guard your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in San Diego Country Estates hitting an average high of 72℃F, you may find that some appliances, such as your air conditioning system, get a lot of use. A home warranty can considerably decrease out-of-pocket expenses should your HVAC system stop working.
On top of saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can give 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 contractors who can handle any repair problems you may experience. Another added benefit of having a home warranty policy is that it can raise your home’s property value. If you ever decide to sell your house, you may be able to transfer your home warranty plan to the new homebuyer depending on the provider you purchased your home warranty through.
Home warranties also have some cons. Although it can be convenient that the home warranty sends out a repair person who does the repair for you, some people may not like this, and they would prefer to choose a contractor themselves. If that’s important to you, some home warranty providers let you select a contractor.
In addition, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they need repairs or replacements due to a natural disaster or animal infestation — anything other than normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.
A home warranty in San Diego Country Estates can cost between $30 and $60 a month. Higher-priced plans usually have a lower service fee, higher coverage limits, and broader coverage. This cost is often lower if you pay annually instead of monthly. Some providers will also decrease your up-front costs when you agree to a higher service fee.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what types of damage each covers. A home warranty plan helps protect against normal wear and tear to home systems and appliances. A homeowners insurance plan protects the entire home in case of a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. With homeowners insurance, you will not be able to file a claim if you need a new refrigerator or stove, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which isn't that common in San Diego Country Estates.
A home warranty policy can help real estate agents, homeowners, homebuyers, investors, and home sellers. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved with homeownership.
A home warranty policy 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 helpful if you're concerned about one more than the other.
Generally, a home warranty policy offers coverage for a year and can be renewed annually. Some companies may offer month-to-month options.
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 be responsible for the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in San Diego Country Estates is $730,601, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.
