Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Homeownership in Benicia comes with quite a few perks, but it also comes with its challenges. Your home’s appliances and systems will eventually need repairs, and this could mean a burdensome expense. A home warranty is a way to protect your bank account from unexpected home repairs and expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be significantly lower and allow you to live in your home with more peace of mind.
The home warranty market is filled with a variety of providers — all with different coverage — so the Today's Homeowner team has done the research to help you choose the best home warranty companies in Benicia.
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 Benicia residents. If you’re looking for very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts, Choice is the perfect provider 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 has 2 plans that provide a mix of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also typically around $3,000.
Read our review of Choice Home Warranty to learn more. To receive 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 Benicia residents. If you’re looking for a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan, Select is the perfect provider 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 has 3 plans that provide a mix of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also typically around $2,000.
Read our review of Select Home Warranty to learn more. To receive 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 Benicia residents. If you’re looking for the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home, AHS is the perfect provider 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 has 3 plans that provide a mix of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also typically around $2,500.
Read our review of American Home Shield to learn more. To receive 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 Benicia residents. If you’re looking for very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage, First American is the perfect provider 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 has 2 plans that provide a mix of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from First American are a reasonable $85. The coverage caps are also typically around $1,500.
Read our review of First American Home Warranty to learn more. To receive 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 Benicia residents. If you’re looking for a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done, Cinch is the perfect provider 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 has 3 plans that provide a mix of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from Cinch are customizable and range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also typically around $1,000-$2,000.
Read our review of Cinch Home Services to learn more. To receive 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 Benicia 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, HSC is the perfect provider 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 has 2 plans that provide a mix of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also typically around $2,000.
Read our review of The Home Service Club to learn more. To receive 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 | $7,300 |
| Heating | $4,867 |
| Electrical | $730 |
| Toilets | $608 |
| Washer/Dryer | $973 |
| Plumbing | $730 |
| Oven | $1,947 |
| Fridge | $730 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Benicia homeowners lower the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide coverage to repair or swap out appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then arranges a contractor to handle the fix or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners peace of mind by helping avoid expensive emergency repairs. The coverage is especially helpful for owners of older houses or houses with systems near the end of their life span. However, people with newer homes and modern appliances may not require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many home systems and appliances. Warranties usually cover appliances such as microwaves, washers, refrigerators, garbage disposals, dishwashers, dryers, and others. Covered systems include air conditioning, electrical, heating, and plumbing. Many home warranty providers also offer add-on coverage for locksmiths, septic systems, central vacuums, and roof leaks. Most home warranty plans require Benicia homeowners to wait 30 days before the plan will cover repairs. Moreover, policies normally only cover repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or misusing a system or appliance. To make sure your next repair or replacement is covered, keep up with preventative maintenance.
There are several home warranty terms to understand before signing an agreement, including:
There are several key factors to consider when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans include protection for AC, heating, electrical, plumbing, and appliances. More extensive plans may also include other things such as spas, roof leaks, pools, and well pumps. Focus on companies with an expansive array of coverage choices including upgraded plans. Flexibility like this will help you customize your plan to meet your needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee that can range from $60 to $100, which is paid per claim you submit. These per-claim charges can add up. You may decide to look for providers with lower service fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles when customers go a period with no claims filed.
A home warranty company's reputation can give you insight into things such as repair timeliness, approval rates, contractor quality, and customer service. Check review platforms such as Google Reviews, TrustPilot, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research companies. Positive ratings and feedback indicate a provider known for great service.
Home warranty companies have networks of contractors that they use to tackle covered repairs. More extensive networks increase the likelihood of getting skilled contractors to your home promptly. Contact possible providers to learn how many technicians they have in Benicia to understand how long repairs might take in an urgent situation.
Some home warranty companies include extras such as energy efficiency upgrades, maintenance discounts, and smart home device protection. These perks add value beyond just repair coverage. Extra bonuses help maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Temperatures in Benicia can get quite high in the summer, which means your air conditioner is most likely going to get a good bit of use. As a homeowner in Benicia, one of the benefits of having a home warranty is that these home systems and major appliances can be covered in the event they have to be repaired or replaced.
In addition to saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can give you peace of mind and save you the pain of trying to find a qualified technician to visit your home. Home warranties usually have a network of pre-vetted contractors who can handle any repair problems you may experience. Another benefit of having a home warranty is when you’re selling your home, some providers let you transfer your home warranty plan to the new owners. It can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and help your home sell faster.
As for the disadvantages of home warranties, coverage varies by company, so it’s important to review what each policy covers and doesn’t include in the contract.
Another consideration is that home warranties usually only cover malfunctions due to normal wear and tear. They most likely won’t cover systems or appliances that have stopped working due to animal infestations, improper maintenance, natural disasters, etc.
A home warranty in Benicia can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. Higher-priced plans typically have broader coverage, higher coverage limits, and a lower service fee. Home warranties are often cheaper when you pay annually instead of monthly. Some providers will also decrease your up-front costs when you opt for a higher service fee.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what kinds of damage they cover. Home warranties cover problems with home systems and appliances that need repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different kind of plan that protects an entire home from natural disasters, which might not be too much of a concern in Benicia. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system repairs.
First-time homebuyers, home sellers, landlords, homeowners, and real estate agents are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your property more attractive to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different home warranties in Benicia include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan will cover many of your systems and appliances, including your refrigerator, washing machine, and HVAC. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the specific items listed in the plan.
Home warranty plans generally last a year. Many companies let you renew your plan each year, and some offer month-to-month plans as well.
Usually, the homeowner is the one who is responsible for paying the premium and service fees. However, when buying a new home, sometimes the seller will pay for the policy. This can then be given to the new homeowner, who will pay the service fees when using the policy. In Benicia, where the median value of a home is $811,147, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
