Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Being a homeowner in Torrance is a great option for those who like up-and-coming areas. However, as great as Torrance is, homeownership always comes with its fair share of headaches, such as trying to handle your home repairs yourself. A home warranty can give you the peace of mind you need and protect your bank account from large expenses by covering your home’s major appliances and systems.
Finding the best protection for your home can be challenging, so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you find the best home warranty companies in Torrance. Keep reading for our top provider 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 Torrance, Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty. 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. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage.
Choice Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Torrance homeowners. The Basic Plan and Total Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Choice’s plans are around the $3,000 mark for most major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $85.
To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, 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 Torrance, Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty. 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. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage.
Select Home Warranty offers 3 plans for Torrance homeowners. The Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Select’s plans are around the $2,000 mark for most major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $60.
To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, 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 Torrance, American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty. 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. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage.
American Home Shield offers 3 plans for Torrance homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with AHS’s plans are around the $2,500 mark for most major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To get a free quote from American Home Shield, 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 Torrance, First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage. 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. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage.
First American Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Torrance homeowners. The Basic Plan and Premier Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with First American’s plans are around the $1,500 mark for most major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $85.
To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, 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 Torrance, Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. 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. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage.
Cinch Home Services offers 3 plans for Torrance homeowners. The Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Cinch’s plans are around the $1,000-$2,000 mark for most major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, 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 Torrance, The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service. 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 warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage.
The Home Service Club offers 2 plans for Torrance homeowners. The Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with HSC’s plans are around the $2,000 mark for most major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, 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 | $7,492 |
| Heating | $4,994 |
| Electrical | $749 |
| Toilets | $624 |
| Washer/Dryer | $999 |
| Plumbing | $749 |
| Oven | $1,998 |
| Fridge | $749 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Torrance homeowners lower the high costs of household repairs. These plans provide financial protection to fix or swap out appliances and systems that stop working from normal wear and tear.
Homeowners file a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to make the repair or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the repair or replacement costs exceed the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners reassurance, as it helps avoid expensive emergency repairs. The coverage is particularly helpful for those living in older houses or houses with systems near the end of their life span. However, people with newer homes and modern appliances may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties safeguard both your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered under a home warranty include dishwashers, dryers, microwaves, washers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, and more. Covered systems include heating, plumbing, electrical, and air conditioning. Many home warranties offer additional add-on coverage options for central vacuums, locksmiths, septic systems, and even roof leaks. Torrance 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 resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or improperly using a system or appliance. Stay current with preventative maintenance to help guarantee your next repair or replacement is covered.
Before agreeing to a home warranty contract, you should know key terms like:
When selecting a home warranty provider, there are several key factors to consider:
Home warranty coverage varies widely in the items that are included. Most plans provide coverage for heating, plumbing, AC, electrical, and appliances. More inclusive options also cover other items such as pools, spas, well pumps, and roof leaks. Look for companies with an array of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. Flexibility helps you tailor your protection for your needs.
Homeowners should anticipate paying a $60–100 service fee when filing home warranty claims. These per-claim costs can add up, so some homeowners prefer using companies with lower service fees to maximize savings. Some companies also offer disappearing deductibles if a customer doesn't submit any claims in a set timeframe.
A home warranty company's reputation gives insight into things such as claim approval rates, contractor quality, timeliness of repairs, and overall customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as Google Reviews, TrustPilot, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research companies. Positive reviews and ratings indicate a company known for stellar service.
Home warranty providers keep networks of contractors to handle covered repairs. More extensive networks raise the probability of getting qualified technicians to promptly service your home. Reach out to potential providers and ask how many contractors they have in Torrance to get a sense of how quickly your repairs could happen in an emergency.
Some home warranty providers offer extras such as smart home device protection, energy efficiency upgrades, and maintenance discounts. These add value beyond repair coverage. Added bonuses maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Since temperatures in Torrance can easily reach 100 degrees, the extreme weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioner. Buying a home warranty policy can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances breaks suddenly.
In addition to saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can provide you peace of mind and save you the headache of trying to find a qualified repair person to visit your home. Home warranties usually come with a network of pre-vetted technicians who can handle any repair problems you may come across. Additionally, having a home warranty can help make your house more appealing to potential homebuyers should you ever decide to sell in the future. Many home warranty companies will allow you to transfer your plan to a new owner and give them the same protection you’ve been getting.
As for the drawbacks of home warranties, coverage varies by company, so it’s important to read what each policy covers and excludes in the contract.
In addition, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they need repairs 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 plan costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Torrance. Our high-rated home warranty companies' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can lower your monthly bill with some companies by opting for a higher service fee. In addition, it's often cheaper to pay annually rather than monthly.
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 your entire home in 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 washing machine or dishwasher, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Torrance.
A home warranty plan can help investors, homeowners, home sellers, homebuyers, and real estate agents. It can provide peace of mind to anyone involved in homeownership.
A home warranty plan will cover your home’s appliances, systems, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you need 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 plan lasts for a year and can be renewed annually. Some providers may offer month-to-month plans.
Typically, the one who owns the home is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the home seller may purchase a home warranty and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then need to pay the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in Torrance is $1,119,561, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.
