Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
With hot summers in Atascadero, your home systems can experience quite a bit of wear and tear. There’s nothing worse than having your air conditioning go out in the middle of summer. A home warranty is a way to protect your budget from unexpected home repairs and expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be considerably lower and allow you to live in your home with more peace of mind.
The home warranty market is filled with many providers — all with different offerings — so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you choose the best home warranty companies in Atascadero.
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 for Atascadero residents. If you’re looking for very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts, this is the plan for you. Plus, it has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. Choice has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible.
Choice Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Atascadero homeowners. The Basic Plan and Total Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $85.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our Choice Home Warranty full review. To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 for Atascadero residents. If you’re looking for a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan, this is the plan for you. Plus, it has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. Select has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible.
Select Home Warranty offers 3 plans for Atascadero homeowners. The Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our Select Home Warranty full review. To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 for Atascadero residents. If you’re looking for the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home, this is the plan for you. Plus, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. AHS has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible.
American Home Shield offers 3 plans for Atascadero homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our American Home Shield full review. To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 for Atascadero residents. If you’re looking for very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage, this is the plan 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 has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible.
First American Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Atascadero homeowners. The Basic Plan and Premier Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our First American Home Warranty full review. To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 for Atascadero residents. 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 plan for you. Plus, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. Cinch has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible.
Cinch Home Services offers 3 plans for Atascadero homeowners. The Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our Cinch Home Services full review. To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 for Atascadero residents. 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 plan 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. HSC has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible.
The Home Service Club offers 2 plans for Atascadero homeowners. The Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our The Home Service Club full review. To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 | $6,943 |
| Heating | $4,629 |
| Electrical | $694 |
| Toilets | $579 |
| Washer/Dryer | $926 |
| Plumbing | $694 |
| Oven | $1,851 |
| Fridge | $694 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps lower expenses for Atascadero homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide financial coverage to fix or replace appliances and systems that stop working due to 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 fix 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 delivers peace of mind for homeowners by helping them prevent expensive emergency repairs. They're particularly valuable for those who live in older homes or ones with outdated systems. Newer homes with functional fixtures probably don’t need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Covered appliances typically include washers, microwaves, dishwashers, refrigerators, dryers, garbage disposals, and more. Covered systems include heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical. Many home warranty companies also offer add-on coverage for central vacuums, locksmiths, roof leaks, and septic systems. Most home warranty plans require Atascadero homeowners to refrain from making claims for 30 days before the plan will cover repairs. Moreover, policies usually only cover repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or misuse of a system or appliance. To make sure your next repair or replacement is covered, keep up with preventative maintenance.
Home warranties use several terms that you'll want to understand before signing a contract, such as:
When you're deciding on a home warranty provider, there are several important things to take into account:
Home warranty coverage varies widely in the items that are included. Most plans include protection for heating, AC, electrical, plumbing, and appliances. More comprehensive plans also include protection for other items such as spas, pools, roof leaks, and well pumps. 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.
Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. With these per-request costs adding up over time as you file claims, some homeowners prefer to choose a provider with more affordable fees to maximize savings. Some companies also do away with deductibles if a customer goes a period of time without filing any claims.
A home warranty provider's reputation provides insight into things such as contractor quality, repair timeliness, approval rates, and customer service. Browse review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to research providers. Good ratings and feedback indicate a provider known for great service.
Home warranty providers have networks of professionals that they use to tackle covered repairs. More extensive networks raise the likelihood of getting skilled contractors to your home swiftly. Contact possible providers to find out how many contractors they have in Atascadero to understand how long repairs could take in an urgent situation.
Home warranty providers might include extras such as maintenance discounts, coverage for smart home devices, and energy efficiency upgrades. These add value beyond basic repair coverage. Added perks maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Home warranty plans are an affordable way to protect your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in Atascadero reaching an average high of 71℃F, you may find that some appliances, such as your air conditioner, get a lot of use. A home warranty can considerably lower out-of-pocket costs should your HVAC system break down.
Not only does a home warranty give you some savings, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks down, the last thing you want to do is find a repair person and schedule a repair. A home warranty takes care of this process by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. Plus, though home warranty companies vary, some providers will allow you to transfer your warranty if you sell your home. This can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and maybe even help your home sell faster.
As for the negatives of home warranties, home system and appliance coverage varies by company, so it’s important to understand what each plan covers and doesn’t include in the contract.
Another consideration is that home warranties typically only cover malfunctions due to normal wear and tear. They commonly won’t cover home systems or appliances that have been damaged due to improper maintenance, animal infestations, natural disasters, etc.
A home warranty plan costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Atascadero. Our high-rated home warranty companies' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can reduce your monthly bill with some companies by opting for a higher service fee. Additionally, it's typically less expensive 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 covers normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. Homeowners insurance protects your home in case of something such as a natural disaster or fire. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you will not be able to file a claim if you need a new refrigerator or air conditioner, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Atascadero.
Homebuyers, home sellers, landlords, homeowners, and real estate agents are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your house more attractive to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different kinds of home warranties in Atascadero include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan will cover almost all your systems and appliances, such as your refrigerator, washing machine, and HVAC. An appliance or system plan will cover only the items listed in the contract.
Generally, a home warranty offers coverage for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some providers may offer month-to-month options.
In general, the homeowner is the one who pays the premium and service fees. However, if you have just bought a new home, sometimes the seller is the one who paid for the policy. This can then be given to the new homeowner, who will pay the service fees. In Atascadero, where the median home value is $735,610, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.
