Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
The cost of maintaining a home in Arcata can be expensive, particularly as your home ages and your appliances and systems have to be updated. A home warranty can bring you the peace of mind you need and protect your savings account from large expenses by covering your home’s major systems and appliances.
Choosing the best home warranty on the market can be difficult because of the sheer number of options out there. If you're tired of trying to compare them all, keep reading for our guide to the top home warranty companies in Arcata.
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 Arcata, Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty. Choice has been in business for more than 15 years, making it a highly regarded company in the industry. Choice offers very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Plus, it also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. Choice has 2 plans for you to choose from.
Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that offer a mix of appliance and system coverage. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $85.
To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 929-400-6164. Read our Choice Home Warranty Review to learn more.
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 Arcata, Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty. Select has been in business for more than 11 years, making it a highly regarded company in the industry. Select offers a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Plus, it also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. Select has 3 plans for you to choose from.
Select Home Warranty has 3 plans that offer a mix of appliance and system coverage. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-370-3953. Read our Select Home Warranty Review to learn more.
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 Arcata, American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty. AHS has been in business for more than 26 years, making it a highly regarded company in the industry. AHS offers the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Plus, it also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. AHS has 3 plans for you to choose from.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that offer a mix of appliance and system coverage. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. 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 give them a call at 888-365-2839. Read our American Home Shield Review to learn more.
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 Arcata, First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage. First American has been in business for more than 39 years, making it a highly regarded company in the industry. First American offers very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. Plus, it also 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 has 2 plans for you to choose from.
First American Home Warranty has 2 plans that offer a mix of appliance and system coverage. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 833-204-7164. Read our First American Home Warranty Review to learn more.
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 Arcata, Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. Cinch has been in business for more than 44 years, making it a highly regarded company in the industry. Cinch offers a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Plus, it also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. Cinch has 3 plans for you to choose from.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that offer a mix of appliance and system coverage. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. 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 give them a call at 877-589-0505. Read our Cinch Home Services Review to learn more.
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 Arcata, The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC has been in business for more than 15 years, making it a highly regarded company in the industry. HSC offers quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Plus, it also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee. HSC has 2 plans for you to choose from.
The Home Service Club has 2 plans that offer a mix of appliance and system coverage. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. 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 give them a call at 800-750-9443. Read our The Home Service Club Review to learn more.
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 | $6,448 |
| Heating | $4,299 |
| Electrical | $645 |
| Toilets | $537 |
| Washer/Dryer | $860 |
| Plumbing | $645 |
| Oven | $1,719 |
| Fridge | $645 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Arcata homeowners in reducing the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer coverage to swap out or fix appliances and systems that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
When something stops working, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then arranges a contractor to handle the replacement or repair. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of the repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty provides security for homeowners by helping them prevent expensive emergency fixes. They're particularly useful for those who live in older homes or ones with aging systems. More modern homes with working appliances probably don’t require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many home systems and appliances. Warranties usually cover appliances such as refrigerators, garbage disposals, dryers, dishwashers, washers, microwaves, and more. Covered systems include heating, air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing. Many home warranty companies also provide add-on coverage for septic systems, central vacuums, locksmiths, and roof leaks. Arcata homeowners should know that most home warranty plans impose a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. What's more, most policies only help pay for repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, natural disasters, or misuse of a system or appliance. You must keep up with preventative maintenance to help make sure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Here are some essential home warranty words to know before signing a contract:
There are several important factors to consider when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans cover heating, AC, electrical, plumbing, and appliances. More extensive plans may also provide protection for other things such as roof leaks, well pumps, spas, and pools. Look for providers with an assortment of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. You'll want to tailor your protection for your home’s needs.
Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. As this charge applies to every separate claim, some homeowners prefer to choose a provider with more affordable fees to maximize savings. Some companies also remove deductibles for homeowners who don't file claims in a certain period.
A home warranty provider's reputation provides insights into factors such as claim approval rates, repair speed, contractor expertise, and customer satisfaction. Look at review sites like Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to learn more about providers. Positive ratings and feedback suggest a company known for providing quality service.
Home warranty providers keep networks of local contractors to handle repairs in your area. Contact potential providers to find out how many repair technicians they have in Arcata and get an idea for how quickly your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. Wider networks raise the chances of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.
Certain home warranty providers include perks such as energy-efficient upgrades, protection for smart home devices, and discounts on maintenance. These bonuses provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Added perks help improve your home and maximize your home warranty.
Since temperatures in Arcata can be quite hot in the summer, the weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioning unit and HVAC system. Buying a home warranty can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances breaks down suddenly.
Plus, having a home warranty can save you time by getting rid of the need to research contractors — most companies will send a trusted professional right to your door to do the repair or replacement. A home warranty can also have value in other ways. For example, some plans can be transferred between owners when you sell your home.
As for the drawbacks of home warranties, system and appliance coverage varies by provider, so it’s important to understand what each plan covers and excludes in the contract.
Another possible pain point of home warranties is that they don’t cover items that haven’t been properly maintained. This can lead to your claims being denied, so it’s important to be sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance of your home systems and appliances.
A home warranty in Arcata can cost between $30 and $60 a month. The higher-priced plans usually have a lower service fee, higher coverage limits, and broader coverage. You can often lower this cost by paying annually instead of monthly. Some providers will also lower your up-front costs when you agree to a higher service fee.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty protects against normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. A homeowners insurance plan protects a home in case of something such as a fire or natural disaster. Under homeowners insurance, you will not be able to file a claim if you need a new dryer or oven, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Arcata.
A home warranty plan can help homebuyers, real estate agents, homeowners, investors, and home sellers. It can offer peace of mind to anyone involved in homeownership.
The different home warranties in Arcata include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan will cover your systems and appliances, such as your refrigerator, washing machine, and HVAC. An appliance or system plan will cover only the specific items listed in the plan.
Home warranty plans usually provide coverage for a year. Many companies let you renew your plan annually, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Typically, the one who owns the home pays for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the one selling the home may buy a home warranty policy and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then have to pay the service fees when using the policy. Considering that the average home value in Arcata is $514,469, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.
