5 Best Home Warranty Companies In San Francisco, CA
Are you looking for the right home warranty coverage plan in San Francisco? We can help.
In San Francisco, owning a home can be an exciting, yet difficult endeavor. The cost of living for many is going up, and even just a basic appliance or system repair could break a homeowner's budget.
Compare the Best Home Warranty Companies in San Francisco
There are a decent amount of home warranty policies for San Francisco homeowners. This is a lot of information for homeowners to take in and it can be a challenge to figure out which of these home warranty policies would be right for you. At Review Home Warranties, we compared coverages, customer service reviews, service fees, BBB ratings, and more. This is how the top plans in San Francisco 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 San Francisco
- 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
San Francisco'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 has the best overall home warranty in San Francisco. The home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. Homeowners can choose between Choice Home Warranty's Basic Plan and Total Plan and also add-on coverage.
The coverage limits from Choice are about $3,000. The service fees are $85, which is pretty reasonable. With a home warranty from Choice, you can benefit from 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 is a great choice for homeowners who want the most customizable in San Francisco. The 3 policies that AHS offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. The plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum.
Service fees from AHS range from $70 to $125. The coverage caps are also typically about $2,500. AHS is known as a company with 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 a great option for homeowners who want the most cost-effective in San Francisco. Select has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. 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 limits come out to about $2,000 for each covered appliance or system. When you purchase a plan from Select, you can look forward to 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
In San Francisco, First American Home Warranty is the best appliance home warranty plan. First American has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. Homeowners can choose between First American Home Warranty's Basic Plan and Premier Plan and also add-ons.
Service fees from First American are $85. The coverage caps are also typically around $1,500 at the maximum. Additionally, First American has 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 is the best choice for homeowners who want the best workmanship guarantee in San Francisco. Cinch offers 3 plans for you to choose from, which contain a combination of appliance and system coverage. The Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan are the names of the company's plans, and it also has add-on options.
The coverage limits from Cinch are around $1,000-$2,000. The service fees range from $75 to $150, which is fairly reasonable. If you'd like a 180-day workmanship guarantee and a wide range of coverage options, this is the home warranty for you.
| 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 San Francisco?
Now that you have a better idea of which home warranty companies are the top ones in San Francisco, you may be curious what their plans generally cover. The point of a home warranty is to help you with expenses of repairing and replacing your systems and appliances such as your microwave or plumbing. If you have a pool and spa, this is something to consider getting add-on coverage for as well.
Here are the common systems covered under a home warranty plan:
- HVAC ductwork
- HVAC (heating and air conditioning)
- Ceiling and exhaust fans
- Plumbing system including stoppages
- Garbage disposal
- Water heater
- Electrical system
Common appliances include:
- Clothes Washer
- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator
- Oven / Range / Stove
- Built-in Microwave
- Clothes Dryer
Cost of a Home Warranty in San Francisco?
At Review Home Warranties, we have done thorough research to be able to tell you about the average costs of a home warranty plan in San Francisco. With a home warranty plan, the size of your home and what systems and appliances are covered will impact the overall cost of the plan. Higher-priced plans will typically have add-on coverages that increase the overall costs.
On average, premiums range from $30 to $80 a month and service fees from $60 to $150. The exact amount is based on the plan you get and what kind of coverage it has. What will also affect the total cost is the add-on coverage you get. Keeping these costs in mind when choosing a plan will help make sure you get the best deal on your home warranty.
Is a Home Warranty Worth It in San Francisco?
You may be thinking of purchasing a home warranty for personal reasons. You might have some old systems and appliances that you're concerned about when it comes to failures. Whatever your reasons may be, it's a good idea to understand the benefits and potential downsides of the home warranty. Here are some of the benefits:
- Workmanship guarantee--If you're still experiencing problems with your appliance or system after a contractor tried to repair it, the workmanship guarantee ensures that you will continue getting service if the problem occurs again within the guarantee period.
- Fast response times--It can be difficult to get a technician you found on your own to promise you a fast response. A home warranty provider typically assures service within a specific period of time, allowing homeowners to get things done quickly and move on.
- Peace of mind--As a homeowner, you may be worried about your refrigerator or oven going at any given time. Your home warranty can give you some peace of mind that even if something breaks, it will be covered.
- Quality contractors--There are many quality contractors in the San Francisco area, but finding one that is a good fit for your needs can be challenging. When you have a home warranty, the search for a contractor is worked out for you since home warranty providers have connections with contractors.
And here are some potential downsides of a home warranty:
- Waiting period--If you want to submit a claim right after buying the home warranty policy, that typically isn't possible. Most home warranties require you to wait 30 days before you can submit a claim.
- Coverage limit--The coverage caps may be a drawback for some because the home warranty will only cover repairs and replacements up to a certain amount.
Even though you need to pay a premium and service fee when you have a home warranty, you can still save a decent amount of money if you only make one service call a year. For instance, the average cost of a drain pipe repair is $560, so if you paid a $400 premium for the year and a $100 service fee, that'd save you $60 on that one call alone.
FAQ's for Home Warranties in San Francisco
What's the best home warranty company?
Our overall pick for the best home warranty company in San Francisco is Choice Home Warranty. However, the best company for you depends on what kind of coverage you need for the appliances and systems in your home.
When should I buy a home warranty?
Because home warranties usually have a 30-day waiting period before you can file a claim, you may want to get a home warranty as soon as possible to make sure you have coverage when you need it, particularly if your home or appliances are on the older side.
How do you use a home warranty?
When a home system or appliance needs repairs, you can use your home warranty. First, you submit a claim, which you can do on the phone or online. After that, the home warranty company will send a contractor to your home and you will pay a service fee once the problem is fixed.
When can you use a home warranty after purchasing it?
Usually coverage for a home warranty begins 30 days after purchasing it. However, a few providers may let you file a claim before this, so verify with customer service to find the exact waiting period for your plan.
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.