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Whether you’ve lived in California for generations or moved in search of sandy beaches and striking vistas, you’ve worked hard to make your home a paradise. A home warranty can help you keep it that way by connecting you with licensed contractors in your area when an inevitable breakdown occurs due to normal wear and tear.
Our team has spent countless hours researching the home warranty industry by getting sample quotes, reading customer reviews, dissecting service contracts, and speaking with experts to identify the best home warranty companies in California. Keep reading to learn about the top providers in the state.
California’s Top 6 Home Warranty Companies
- American Home Shield : Best for Comprehensive Coverage
- Liberty Home Guard : Best Add-on Variety
- Select Home Warranty : Best for Cost-Effective Plans
- First American Home Warranty : Best for Home Systems Coverage
- The Home Service Club : Best for Essential Coverage
- HomeServe : Best for Specific Needs
Note: All pricing information used in this article was gathered from a simulated quote process with each provider. We used a single-family home smaller than 5,000 square feet in Santa Rosa, California.
Compare California’s Top Home Warranty Companies
| Star Rating | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | BBB Rating | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Home Shield | | $65–$76 | $100–$125 | B | VISIT SITE | |
| Liberty Home Guard |  | $49-$60 | $65–$125 | A+ | VISIT SITE | |
| Select Home Warranty |  | $44–$48 | $65–$75 | B- | VISIT SITE | |
| First American Home Warranty |  | $59–$77 | $75–$125 | B | VISIT SITE |
| American Home Shield | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $65–$76 |
| Service Fee | $100–$125 |
| BBB Rating | B |
| Liberty Home Guard | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $49-$60 |
| Service Fee | $65–$125 |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Select Home Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $44–$48 |
| Service Fee | $65–$75 |
| BBB Rating | B- |
| First American Home Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Monthly Cost | $59–$77 |
| Service Fee | $75–$125 |
| BBB Rating | B |
American Home Shield
American Home Shield
Best for Extensive CoverageFast Facts
- Number of Plans: Three
- Service Fee: $100–$125
- Get a Quick Quote: Visit site
Plans and Pricing
American Home Shield (AHS) offers three plan options for California homeowners: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. ShieldSilver covers a suite of built-in systems, while ShieldGold expands that coverage to 10 additional home appliances, such as your oven, garbage disposal, and laundry machines. ShieldPlatinum includes these appliances and systems while offering roof-leak repair coverage, an annual HVAC tune-up, unlimited refrigerant, and coverage for rust, corrosion, and sediment damage. From reading its service contract, our team found AHS provides a $5,000 coverage limit for built-in systems.
ShieldSilver ($34.99–$49.99 per month): ShieldSilver covers built-in systems, such as your air conditioners, heating units, ductwork, built-in exhaust, vent and attic fans, main breaker and fuse panel box, doorbells and chimes, interior electrical lines, ceiling fans, garage door openers, interior plumbing lines, toilets, faucets and valves, whirlpool tub motor and components, and water heaters.
ShieldGold ($44.99–$59.99 per month): ShieldGold covers all the items in the ShieldSilver plan plus refrigerators, ranges, cooktops, ovens, dishwashers, built-in microwaves, garbage disposals, instant hot/cold water dispensers, clothes washers, and clothes dryers. Appliances are covered up to $2,000 with this plan, which means that any repairs that exceed this total will be your financial responsibility.
ShieldPlatinum ($64.99–$79.99 per month): ShieldPlatinum covers all the items in the ShieldGold plan, plus roof leaks, AC refrigerant, and more. This plan raises the coverage cap for appliances to $4,000.
Read More
Read More: American Home Shield Review
Liberty Home Guard
Liberty Home Guard
Best Add-On VarietyFast Facts
- Number of Plans: Three
- Service Fee: $65–$125
- Get a Quick Quote: Visit site
Plans and Pricing
Liberty Home Guard (LHG) provides three coverage plans for your home’s essential systems and appliances. Its Appliance Guard plan covers major appliances, and the Systems Guard plan covers major systems. The Total Home Guard plan covers both appliances and systems. Our team read LHG’s sample contract and found it covers up to $2,000 per appliance and system. However, it limits plumbing and electrical systems to $500 per claim.
LHG selects your service call fee based on your home’s size, type, and location and your add-on choices. Service call fees range from $65–$125 per claim.
Appliance Guard ($49.99 per month): Appliance Guard covers built-in microwaves, ceiling and exhaust fans, clothes washers and dryers, cooktops, dishwashers, garbage disposals, garage door openers, ovens, ranges, and refrigerators with ice dispensers
Systems Guard ($54.99 per month): Systems Guard covers air conditioning, heating, ductwork, electrical and plumbing systems, and water heaters.
Total Home Guard ($59.99 per month): Total Home Guard covers all Appliance and Systems Guard items. It is LHG’s most comprehensive coverage plan.
Read More
Read More: Liberty Home Guard Review
Select Home Warranty
Select Home Warranty
Best Budget CoverageFast Facts
- Number of Plans: Three
- Service Fee: $60-$75
- Get a Quick Quote: Visit site
Plans and Pricing
Select Home Warranty offers three standard coverage options. The Bronze Care Plan covers only appliances, while the Gold Care Plan covers major home systems. The Platinum Care plan combines both plans for comprehensive coverage. In addition, after speaking with a Select representative, our team discovered it offers a lower $60 service call fee if you sign up over the phone.
Bronze Care ($45.67 per month): Bronze Care covers your clothes washer, clothes dryer, garbage disposal, refrigerator, stove, oven, built-in microwave oven, cooktop, and dishwasher.
Gold Care ($45.67 per month): Gold Care covers your air conditioning, cooling, plumbing system, heating system, electrical system, water heater, and ductwork.
Platinum Care ($49.83 per month): Platinum Care combines the coverage of the two basic plans and adds coverage for garage door openers and ceiling fans.
Read More
Read More: Select Home Warranty Review
First American Home Warranty
First American Home Warranty
Best for Systems CoverageFast Facts
- Number of Plans: Three
- Service Fee: $75–$125
- Get a Quick Quote: Visit site
Plans and Pricing
First American Home Warranty offers three coverage plans: a Starter Plan, an Essential Plan, and a Premier Plan. Its Starter Plan doesn’t include coverage for electric air conditioning, but it can be added as additional coverage. More than 60% of Trustpilot reviewers gave the company a five-star rating. After reading dozens of customer reviews, we noticed that many customers highlighted First American’s quick replies and quality service. In addition, First American pairs its First American Advantage add-on with its Essential and Premium plans. The upgrade covers miscellaneous fees and items such as cosmetic components and removal fees.
Starter Plan ($47–$62 per month): The Starter Plan covers built-in microwaves, cooktops, dishwashers, ductwork, electrical systems, heating systems, kitchen range hoods, ovens, plumbing systems, plumbing stoppages, refrigerators, toilet tanks, bowls, and mechanisms.
Essential Plan ($57–$72 per month): The Essential Plan includes all items listed in the Starter Plan plus air conditioning, ceiling, attic, and exhaust fans, clothes washers, clothes dryers, the First American Advantage add-on, garage-door openers, trash compactors, and water heaters.
Premium Plan ($72–$87 per month): The Premium Plan covers all the items in the Starter and Essential Plans plus central vacuum systems, faucets, full garage door systems, instant hot water dispensers, luxury appliances, shower heads, shower arms, and window AC units.
Read More
Read More: First American Home Warranty Review
Home Service Club
Home Service Club
Fast Facts
- Number of Plans: Two
- Service Fee: $95
Plans and Pricing
The Home Service Club is one of the few providers operating in all 50 states. Compared to other providers, the Home Service Club offers a shorter waiting period of 10 days at the start of your plan—20 days shorter than the typical waiting period.
You can choose from a Standard Plan and a Comprehensive Plan.
Standard Plan ($51.25 per month): This plan covers your air conditioning, ceiling fans, central vacuum, dishwasher, clothes dryer, electrical system, food center, garage door openers, garbage disposal, trash compactor, heating system, refrigerator ice maker, oven, microwave, oven, stove, cooktop, refrigerator, clothes washer, and water heater.
Comprehensive Plan ($62.50 per month): This plan covers all the items in the Standard Plan plus alarm wiring, doorbells, ductwork, gas leaks, hot water pumps, pest control, plumbing stoppages, smoke detectors, sump pumps, telephone wiring, hot water dispenser, water leaks, and whirlpool bathtubs.
HomeServe
HomeServe
Best for Specific NeedsFast Facts
- Number of Plans: Six
- Service Fee: $100
Plans and Pricing
HomeServe operates differently than other home warranty companies by offering specific plans for specific utility providers. For this reason, your available plans and pricing will depend on your location and your utility provider. For example, based on our quote for a single-family home in Santa Rosa, California, customers will have six plans to choose from, covering plumbing, heating, cooling, and appliances. We read HomeServes multiple service contracts and found it doesn’t charge a service call fee for most of its coverage plans.
Gas Line Plus ($4.99 per month): This plan covers up to $8,000 for your interior gas line, interior gas restoration, exterior gas line, and exterior gas line restoration.
Exterior Water Service Line Coverage ($7.95 per month): This plan covers up to $7,000 for your exterior water service line and exterior water service line restoration.
Exterior Sewer/Septic Line Coverage ($12.98 per month): This plan covers your exterior sewer/septic line and exterior sewer/septic line restoration up to $10,000.
Exterior Pipe Plan ($15.99 per month): This plan covers up to $10,000 for your exterior water service line, exterior water service line restoration, exterior sewer/septic line, and exterior sewer/septic line restoration.
Home Plumbing and Drainage Coverage ($21.98 per month): This plan covers your exterior sewer/septic line, exterior sewer/septic line restoration, interior plumbing, interior drainage, and drain cleaning up to $12,000.
TotalHome Warranty Appliances ($48.33 per month): This plan covers your refrigerator, clothes washer, clothes dryer, range, dishwasher, built-in microwave, trash compactor, and garage door opener up to $1,500 per appliance.
Read More
Read More: HomeServe Review
Our Recommendation
We recommend requesting quotes from several home warranty companies, and this list is a great place to start your search. Every homeowner has individual priorities and needs, so it’s important to consider the specific coverage you want before signing up.
We recommend American Home Shield for those who want rust, corrosion, or sediment damage coverage. Liberty Home Guard is another top pick due to its extensive add-on coverage options. Select Home Warranty is a good choice if you only need heating and cooling system coverage.
How Are Home Warranties Regulated in California?
All home warranty providers must obtain a license from California’s Department of Insurance (DOI) before lawfully promoting and selling service contracts. California takes regulating the home warranty industry very seriously compared to other states.
Before a license is approved, the company must submit a letter to the Insurance Commissioner and go through an approval process. According to the DOI, “the process is necessarily quite detailed and time-consuming.”
Home warranty providers undergo a 20-step process that includes disclosing conflict of interest procedures, functional staff organization, financial reporting, operating plans, and several other aspects of the business.
For this reason, many nationally known home warranty companies don’t operate in California. The state issued cease and desist orders to several providers for failing to meet the state’s stringent requirements.
How to Choose a Home Warranty in California
Due to the regulations mentioned above, choosing a home warranty in California is a little easier for consumers living in this state. That said, it’s still important to research before picking a home warranty plan. Below are some helpful tips to consider while shopping for California home warranty plans.
- Take inventory of your home systems and appliances. Before shopping for a policy, it’s a good idea to figure out what elements of your home are most important to you and set coverage for those as priorities. For some homeowners, air conditioning may be a top priority, while others may be most focused on their kitchen appliances. Many home warranty companies offer optional add-on coverage for items such as well pumps, septic systems, and more.
- Request as many quotes as possible. After determining your priorities, it’s important to see what coverage is available to you. Requesting quotes will allow you to see your plan options, view the number of items covered, and compare prices.
- Read sample contracts. Reading each provider’s service agreement is a good idea to avoid misunderstandings and denied claims. You can typically find a sample contract on the provider’s website. While it’s vital to read all sections of the agreement, it’s especially important that you understand the exclusions and coverage limits for your plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a home warranty and homeowners insurance?
A home warranty plan covers items in your home that fail due to normal wear and tear. However, a homeowners insurance policy covers items in your home damaged by theft, fire, or storms. It also covers structural damage to your home caused by covered perils. A home warranty does not. Therefore, having both policies in place could save you significant repairs because they provide complementary coverage.
Is a California home warranty worth it?
A home warranty is worth it for anyone who wants to streamline their home maintenance experiences. With these home protection plans, you pay a monthly fee for convenience and peace of mind.Our survey of 1,000 homeowners showed that more than 70% previously hired a contractor to repair a system or appliance in their home instead of completing the repair themselves. Home warranty providers can help you find a contractor for your home’s needs. When a covered appliance or system malfunctions, simply request service and pay the service call fee.
Do home warranties have coverage caps in California?
Every provider’s service contract will outline its coverage caps. A coverage cap is the total amount the provider is willing to pay for a covered item or plan term. Some providers stipulate a coverage cap on a specific item, such as Select Home Warranty’s $400 limit on roof-leak coverage. Other providers place coverage caps on multiple items, such as American Home Shield’s separate coverage limits for built-in systems and appliances.
What is considered normal wear and tear?
Wear and tear describes the deterioration that occurs to systems and appliances due to regular use over time. A home warranty will not cover improperly maintained or installed and tampered appliances or systems.
Do home warranties cover old appliances?
Many home warranty providers cover old appliances, but the depreciated value of the appliance may factor into the prorated amount of coverage you receive. For example, a 15-year-old dishwasher may not be eligible for the same replacement value as a two-year-old dishwasher.
How We Chose the Top Home Warranty Companies
Our team reviewed and researched dozens of home warranty providers, thoroughly analyzed sample agreements, and identified customer pain points based on our analysis of customer reviews and interviews with industry experts. Our in-depth methodology outlines our review process to provide transparent information about the companies we review.
We determined that the following factors are the most important when comparing home warranty companies: available plans, plan coverage, price range, industry reputation, customer support, and additional features. Our research supported that plan coverage, customer service, and industry reputation should carry the most weight. While important, the other factors should not have as much influence when choosing a home warranty provider.
