Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Buying a home is a big step for many people, but maintaining it can be expensive over time, especially if your home in Santa Rosa is on the older side. A home warranty plan can help protect homebuyers and current homeowners by reducing the costs of major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important appliances and systems.
Choosing the best home warranty on the market can be difficult because of the many options available. If you're frustrated with trying to compare them all, keep reading for our guide to the top home warranty providers in Santa Rosa.
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 is the best overall home warranty in Santa Rosa. Choice has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. If you’re looking for very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts, this is the home warranty for you. Plus, it 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 system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Choice’s plans are around the $3,000 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $85.
Read more by visiting our detailed review of Choice Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 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
Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty in Santa Rosa. Select has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. If you’re looking for a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan, this is the home warranty for you. Plus, it 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 system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Select’s plans are around the $2,000 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $60.
Read more by visiting our detailed review of Select Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 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
American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty in Santa Rosa. AHS has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. If you’re looking for the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home, this is the home warranty for you. Plus, it 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 system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with AHS’s plans are around the $2,500 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
Read more by visiting our detailed review of American Home Shield. To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 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
First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage in Santa Rosa. First American has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. If you’re looking for very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage, this is the home warranty for you. Plus, it 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 system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with First American’s plans are around the $1,500 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $85.
Read more by visiting our detailed review of First American Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 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
Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in Santa Rosa. Cinch has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. If you’re looking for a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done, this is the home warranty for you. Plus, it 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 system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Cinch’s plans are around 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.
Read more by visiting our detailed review of Cinch Home Services. To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can fill out this online form or call 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
The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service in Santa Rosa. HSC has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. If you’re looking for quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days, this is the home warranty for you. Plus, it 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 system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with HSC’s plans are around the $2,000 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
Read more by visiting our detailed review of The Home Service Club. To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can fill out this online form or call 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 | $7,106 |
Heating | $4,737 |
Electrical | $711 |
Toilets | $592 |
Washer/Dryer | $947 |
Plumbing | $711 |
Oven | $1,895 |
Fridge | $711 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Santa Rosa homeowners in lowering the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide financial coverage to swap out or fix 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 finds a contractor to handle the replacement or repair. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement costs exceed the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners reassurance, as it helps avoid high-priced emergency repairs. The coverage is especially helpful for buyers of older houses or houses with fixtures near the end of their life span. However, homeowners with newer homes and working appliances may not require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your household systems and appliances. Covered appliances typically include dryers, microwaves, dishwashers, washers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, and others. Covered systems include electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, and heating. Many home warranty providers also offer additional coverage for roof leaks, locksmiths, central vacuums, and septic systems. Santa Rosa homeowners should know that most home warranty plans begin with a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. What's more, 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 misusing a system or appliance. Remember to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
There are several home warranty terms to know before signing an agreement, including:
When selecting a home warranty provider, there are several key factors to consider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans include protection for AC, electrical, plumbing, heating, and appliances. More inclusive plans may also include additional items such as well pumps, spas, roof leaks, and pools. Look for a company that offers comprehensive coverage choices, including upgraded plans. Flexibility is important when trying to fit a home warranty to your home's specific systems and needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee that can range from $60 to $100, which gets paid per service call made. The per-request costs can add up. You may decide to look for companies with lower service fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some firms also offer disappearing deductibles if a homeowner doesn't submit claims for repairs for a specified period of time.
A home warranty provider's reputation provides insights into factors such as claim approval rates, contractor expertise, repair speed, and customer satisfaction. Look at review sites like TrustPilot, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn more about providers. Good ratings and feedback suggest a company known for quality service.
Home warranty providers maintain networks of local professionals to handle repairs in your area. Reach out to potential providers to ask how many repair technicians they have in Santa Rosa and get an idea for how fast your repairs might happen in an emergency situation. Bigger networks improve the chances of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.
Some home warranty providers include perks such as smart home device coverage, energy efficiency upgrades, and reduced maintenance fees. These extras can offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra bonuses help you enhance your home and get the most from your warranty policy.
Temperatures in Santa Rosa can vary greatly throughout the year, which means your air conditioner and heating systems are most likely going to get a decent amount of use. As a homeowner in Santa Rosa, one benefit of having a home warranty is that these home systems and major appliances can be covered if they need to be repaired or replaced.
Plus, having a home warranty can save you time by getting rid of the need to research technicians — most companies will send a trusted professional right to your door to carry out the repair or replacement. Another good thing about having a home warranty is while selling your home, you can most likely transfer your home warranty policy to the new owners. This can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and may help your home sell faster.
There are also some negatives to purchasing a home warranty plan, such as the coverage exclusions. For example, home warranties may not cover home systems or appliances that are already covered by a manufacturer's warranty.
Another consideration is that home warranties typically only cover malfunctions due to normal wear and tear. They most likely won’t cover home systems or appliances that have stopped working due to animal infestations, improper maintenance, natural disasters, etc.
A home warranty in Santa Rosa can cost between $30 and $60 a month. Higher-priced plans tend to have a lower service fee, higher coverage limits, and broader coverage. Home warranties are often cheaper when you pay annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also lower your up-front costs when you agree to a higher service fee.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what sorts of damage they cover. Home warranty policies cover problems with home systems and appliances that need to be repaired or replaced due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different kind of insurance that protects the entire home from natural disasters, which might not be too much of a concern in Santa Rosa. It doesn't cover a typical appliance or system repairs.
Homebuyers, homeowners, real estate agents, landlords, and home sellers can all get home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your property more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
A home warranty can cover your home’s systems, appliances, 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 providers may offer month-to-month plans.
Generally, the homeowner is responsible for paying 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 given to the new homeowner, who will pay the service fees when using the policy. In Santa Rosa, where the median value of a home is $712,049, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.