5 Best Home Warranty Companies In Walnut Creek, CA
Are you looking for the right home warranty in Walnut Creek? We can help.
Walnut Creek is a wonderful area in the state of California to own a home. Moving into a new home is just the beginning, however. You still have to maintain it, which can be quite costly. In the middle of summer, the last thing you need is to have to take care of your air conditioner needing repairs.
Compare the Best Home Warranty Companies in Walnut Creek
There are a sizable number of home warranty plans for Walnut Creek homeowners. At Review Home Warranties, we reviewed all of these home warranties and compared things such as coverage options, time on the market, monthly costs, BBB ratings, and more to help you choose. Here's how the best providers in Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek
- 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
Walnut Creek'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 is a great choice for homeowners who need the best overall in Walnut Creek. Choice has 2 plans for you to decide between, which have a mix of appliance and system coverage. The plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan.
Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so it's important to verify with the provider. Service fees are $85. If you're looking for high coverage caps and a contract that's easy to understand, this is the provider for you.
| 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 option for homeowners who need the most customizable in Walnut Creek. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders with various options for appliance and system coverage. The plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum.
AHS's service fees range from $70 to $125, and the coverage limits come out to about $2,500 for each covered appliance or system. If you want a customizable plan and a low claim denial rate, AHS is the perfect provider for you.
| 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 offers the most cost-effective home warranty in Walnut Creek. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various system and appliance coverage options. The home warranty plans from Select Home Warranty include 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 per covered appliance or system. When you purchase a plan from Select, you will get 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
For homeowners who want the best appliance in Walnut Creek, homeowners should consider picking First American Home Warranty. The 2 plans from First American are comprehensive and offer both system and appliance coverage. Homeowners can choose between First American Home Warranty's Basic Plan and Premier Plan and also add-on coverage.
The coverage caps from First American are around $1,500. The service fees are $85, which is fairly reasonable. When you purchase a plan from First American, you will get 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 a great choice for homeowners who need the best workmanship guarantee in Walnut Creek. Cinch offers 3 plans for homeowners to decide between, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. Homeowners can choose between Cinch Home Services' Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan and also add-on options.
The coverage caps from Cinch are about $1,000-$2,000. The service fees range from $75 to $150, which is pretty reasonable. Cinch is known as a company 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 Walnut Creek?
Now that you know about the best home warranty companies in Walnut Creek, it's a good idea to understand what these home warranties will actually cover. A home warranty is in place to protect against normal wear and tear of systems and appliances. The aim of a home warranty is to help reduce the expenses of repairing and replacing your systems and appliances like your refrigerator or plumbing. If you have a pool and spa, this is something to consider as well.
Here are the common systems covered under a home warranty policy:
- Garbage disposal
- HVAC (heating and air conditioning)
- Water heater
- Ceiling and exhaust fans
- Plumbing system including stoppages
- Electrical system
- HVAC ductwork
Common appliances covered under Walnut Creek home warranties include:
- Cooktop
- Clothes Washer
- Clothes Dryer
- Refrigerator
- Oven / Range / Stove
- Built-in Microwave
- Dishwasher
Cost of a Home Warranty in Walnut Creek?
Walnut Creek homeowners that are worried about the costs should have a general idea as to what home warranty policies cost on average. The home warranty costs for Walnut Creek homeowners depends on the size or type of the home, as well as the coverage you choose.
Your premium can be from $30-$80 per month, and $60-$150 for the service fee you'll pay each time a contractor comes to your home. The exact amount you'll pay is based on the kind of coverage the plan has. Something else that influences the cost is add-on coverage. Keep these amounts in mind as you research the perfect plan for your needs.
Is a Home Warranty Worth It in Walnut Creek?
When searching for a home warranty, there are some pros and cons to bear in mind. Making sure you read the contract thoroughly can help you get the most savings from a home warranty and one that fits your needs. Here are some of the benefits that you can see from a home warranty:
- Quality contractors--There are many challenges that come hand in hand with an appliance or system needing repairs, and one of them is locking in a contractor. Your home warranty can handle this for you, which takes that off your plate.
- Workmanship guarantee--This guaranteed that in the event the problem with your appliance or system isn't resolved the first time, the home warranty will keep assisting you with it.
- Fast response times--It can be difficult to get a repair technician you found yourself to commit to a schedule or a speedy response. A home warranty provider generally assures service within a specific period of time, allowing homeowners to get things done quickly and move on.
The potential drawbacks of a home warranty are also something you should know about. Here are some of them:
- Waiting period--If you want to file a claim soon after buying the home warranty policy, that generally isn't possible. Most home warranties require you to wait 30 days before you can submit a claim.
- Exclusions--When you buy a home warranty, it will usually have some exclusions written in the contract. For instance, if one of your appliances is already covered under a warranty from the manufacturer, it may be excluded from the home warranty.
- Choosing a contractor--You may not get to select your own contractor depending on which home warranty company you opt for.
A home warranty can make your house more attractive to future buyers and help your home sell faster. This is because you can transfer the policy to the new owners.
FAQ's for Home Warranties in Walnut Creek
What's the best home warranty company?
Our overall pick for the best home warranty in Walnut Creek is Choice Home Warranty. However, the best company for you depends on the kind of coverage you need for your appliances and home systems.
What's the difference between a home warranty and homeowners insurance?
A home warranty helps protect against the normal wear of systems and appliances in a home. Homeowners insurance protects a home in a situation like a natural disaster or fire. Under homeowners insurance, you won't 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.
How do you use a home warranty?
After you get a home warranty policy and an appliance or system stops working, you should file a claim. The home warranty company will send a repair technician to your home to evaluate the situation and fix the problem. Then, you pay a service fee and the home warranty covers the rest of the cost, as long as it is below the coverage cap.
Can you use a home warranty immediately after purchasing it?
Usually coverage for a home warranty starts 30 days after payment. However, a few companies may allow you to make a service request before this, so check 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.