Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
Buying a home is a big step for many people, but maintaining it can be expensive over time, especially if your home in Fresno is on the older side. A home warranty can give you the peace of mind you need and protect your bank account from large expenses by covering your home’s major systems and appliances.
Finding the best warranty for your home can be difficult, so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you find the best home warranty companies in Fresno. Keep reading for our top provider recommendations.
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 offers the best overall home warranty in Fresno. Choice has been on the market for over 15 years, making it a well-respected 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. The home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage.
There are 2 home warranty plans from Choice Home Warranty: Basic Plan and Total Plan. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also around $3,000.
To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 929-400-6164. For a more detailed breakdown, read our detailed review of Choice Home Warranty.
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 offers the most cost-effective home warranty in Fresno. Select has been on the market for over 11 years, making it a well-respected 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. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Select Home Warranty: Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also around $2,000.
To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-370-3953. For a more detailed breakdown, read our detailed review of Select Home Warranty.
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 offers the most customizable home warranty in Fresno. AHS has been on the market for over 26 years, making it a well-respected 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. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage.
There are 3 home warranty plans from American Home Shield: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also around $2,500.
To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-365-2839. For a more detailed breakdown, read our detailed review of American Home Shield.
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 offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage in Fresno. First American has been on the market for over 39 years, making it a well-respected 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. The home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage.
There are 2 home warranty plans from First American Home Warranty: Basic Plan and Premier Plan. Service fees from First American are a reasonable $85. The coverage caps are also around $1,500.
To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 833-204-7164. For a more detailed breakdown, read our detailed review of First American Home Warranty.
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 offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in Fresno. Cinch has been on the market for over 44 years, making it a well-respected 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. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Cinch Home Services: Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Service fees from Cinch are customizable and range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also around $1,000-$2,000.
To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or give them a call at 877-589-0505. For a more detailed breakdown, read our detailed review of Cinch Home Services.
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 offers the best home warranty with the quickest service in Fresno. HSC has been on the market for over 15 years, making it a well-respected 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. The home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage.
There are 2 home warranty plans from The Home Service Club: Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also around $2,000.
To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 800-750-9443. For a more detailed breakdown, read our detailed review of The Home Service Club.
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 | $6,579 |
| Heating | $4,386 |
| Electrical | $658 |
| Toilets | $548 |
| Washer/Dryer | $877 |
| Plumbing | $658 |
| Oven | $1,754 |
| Fridge | $658 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Fresno homeowners lower the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide coverage to repair or replace appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear. When something breaks down, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then arranges a contractor to handle the repair or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty delivers security for homeowners by helping them avoid expensive emergency fixes. They're particularly useful for those who own older homes or ones with outdated systems. More modern homes with modern appliances probably don’t need a home warranty.
Home warranties help protect your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances include dryers, garbage disposals, dishwashers, microwaves, refrigerators, washers, and others. Covered systems include plumbing, air conditioning, heating, and electrical. Many home warranty plans also offer add-on coverage options for central vacuums, septic systems, locksmiths, and even roof leaks. Fresno homeowners should know that most home warranty plans begin with a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. Additionally, most policies only address repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or improperly using a system or appliance. Remember to keep up with preventative maintenance to help make sure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Home warranties use several terms that you'll want to know before signing a contract, such as:
When selecting a home warranty provider, there are several important factors to consider:
Home warranties have significant variation in what they include. Basic policies typically include plumbing, AC, electrical, heating, and appliances, while more comprehensive plans may also cover well pumps, roof leaks, pools, and spas. Look for a provider that offers comprehensive coverage choices, including upgraded plans. You want the flexibility to customize coverage to fit 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 lower service fees to maximize savings on every claim. Some companies also do away with deductibles if a customer goes a period of time without filing any claims.
A home warranty company's reputation gives insight into things such as claim approval rates, contractor quality, timeliness of repairs, and overall customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to research providers. Complimentary reviews and ratings indicate a provider known for stellar service.
Home warranty providers use networks of local repair technicians to manage repairs in a given area. Contact potential providers to learn the number of repair specialists they have in Fresno and get an idea of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Wider networks increase the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.
Certain home warranty companies provide extras such as protection for smart home devices, energy-efficient upgrades, and discounts on maintenance. These bonuses provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Added perks can enhance your home and help maximize 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 Fresno hitting an average high of 68℃F, you may find that certain appliances, such as your air conditioning unit, get a lot of use. A home warranty can significantly lower out-of-pocket expenses should your HVAC system stop working.
Not only can a home warranty provide some financial relief, 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 deals with this process by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. Additionally, though home warranty companies vary, some providers will let you transfer your warranty in the event that you sell your home. This can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers and help your home sell faster.
There are also some downsides to getting a home warranty plan, such as the coverage exclusions. For instance, home warranties may not cover systems or appliances that are already covered under a manufacturer's warranty.
Another stipulation is that home warranties usually only cover malfunctions due to normal wear and tear. They most likely won’t cover home systems or appliances that need repairs or replacements due to improper maintenance, natural disasters, animal infestations, etc.
A home warranty in Fresno can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. The higher-priced plans tend to have broader coverage, higher coverage limits, and a lower service fee. This cost is often lower if you pay annually instead of monthly. Some providers will also reduce 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 plan protects against normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. Homeowners insurance protects the entire home in case of a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. With a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim if you need a new refrigerator or oven, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Fresno.
A home warranty plan can help homebuyers, investors, real estate agents, homeowners, and home sellers. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved in homeownership.
A home warranty will cover your home’s appliances, systems, or both. Combination plans are great if you need more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be useful if you want to save some money.
Home warranty plans typically offer coverage for a year. Many companies let you renew your plan annually, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
In general, the homeowner is the one who pays the premium and service fees. However, when buying 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 Fresno, where the median value of a home is $365,855, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
