Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Owning a house can have many perks, but it can also come with some negatives like maintenance. The older your house’s appliances and systems are, the more you may want to consider getting a home warranty. A home warranty can help protect homebuyers and current homeowners by cutting the costs of major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important appliances and systems.
The home warranty market is saturated with a lot of providers — all with different plans — so our team at Today's Homeowner has done the research to help you find the best home warranty companies in Hanford.
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 in Hanford. Choice has more than 15 years of experience in the home warranty industry and in that time has built a an network of service professionals in the country. Choice has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. Choice has established itself as a company with very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. It also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
The plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan. 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 company. Service fees are an affordable $85.
To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 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
Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty in Hanford. Select has more than 11 years of experience in the home warranty industry and in that time has built a an network of service professionals in the country. Select has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. Select has established itself as a company with a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. It also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
The plans that Select offers to homeowners are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. 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 company. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 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
American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty in Hanford. AHS has more than 26 years of experience in the home warranty industry and in that time has built a an network of service professionals in the country. AHS has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. AHS has established itself as a company with the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. It also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
The plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. 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 company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To get a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 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
First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage in Hanford. First American has more than 39 years of experience in the home warranty industry and in that time has built a an network of service professionals in the country. First American has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. First American has established itself as a company with very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. 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 plans that First American offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. 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 company. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 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
Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in Hanford. Cinch has more than 44 years of experience in the home warranty industry and in that time has built a an network of service professionals in the country. Cinch has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. Cinch has established itself as a company with a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. It also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
The plans that Cinch offers to homeowners are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. 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 company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can fill out this online form or call 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
The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service in Hanford. HSC has more than 15 years of experience in the home warranty industry and in that time has built a an network of service professionals in the country. HSC has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. HSC has established itself as a company with quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. It also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee.
The plans that HSC offers to homeowners are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. 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 company. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can fill out this online form or call 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 | $6,131 |
| Heating | $4,087 |
| Electrical | $613 |
| Toilets | $511 |
| Washer/Dryer | $817 |
| Plumbing | $613 |
| Oven | $1,635 |
| Fridge | $613 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Hanford homeowners in lowering the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide financial coverage to replace or fix appliances and systems that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
When something stops working, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to handle the replacement or fix. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement costs exceed the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners reassurance, as it helps avoid expensive emergency repairs. The coverage is particularly helpful for owners of older houses or houses with systems near the end of their life span. However, people with newer homes and functioning appliances may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered include microwaves, washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, garbage disposals, dryers, and more. Included systems are normally electrical, heating, plumbing, and air conditioning. Many home warranty companies offer add-on coverage for septic systems, central vacuums, roof leaks, and locksmiths. It's important for Hanford homeowners to know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day waiting period before they will cover the cost of any repairs. Additionally, policies typically only cover repairs and replacements that result from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover problems such as cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or misuse of a system or appliance. You need to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure that your next repair or replacement is covered by the policy.
Before agreeing to a home warranty contract, you should know key terms like:
There are several important considerations when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranties vary widely in terms of included coverage. Basic policies typically cover electrical, heating, AC, plumbing, and appliances, while more comprehensive options may also cover well pumps, roof leaks, pools, and spas. Look for a company that offers robust coverage options, including upgraded plans. You want the flexibility to customize coverage to fit your home's specific systems and needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee that can range from $60 to $100, which gets paid per service call made. The per-request costs can add up. You may decide to look for companies with lower service fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some firms also offer disappearing deductibles for customers who don't file any claims over a certain timespan.
A home warranty provider's reputation provides insights into factors such as repair speed, contractor expertise, claim approval rates, and customer satisfaction. Check review sites like Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to learn more about providers. Favorable ratings and feedback suggest a company known for providing quality service.
Home warranty companies maintain networks of contractors to handle covered repairs. Bigger networks raise the likelihood of getting qualified technicians to service your home ASAP. Ask potential providers how many contractors they have in Hanford to get a sense of how quickly your repairs could happen in an emergency.
Some home warranty providers offer bonuses such as energy efficiency upgrades, smart home device protection, and maintenance discounts. These can add value beyond just repair coverage. Added bonuses help maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Hanford’s hot summers can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty is designed to cover your home’s appliances and systems in the event they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner stops working in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the needed repairs, preventing you from spending unexpected money out of pocket.
In addition to saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can provide you peace of mind and save you the headache of trying to find a qualified technician to visit your home. Home warranties usually come with a network of pre-vetted contractors who can handle any repair issues you may come across. Plus, though home warranty companies vary, some providers will allow you to transfer your warranty in the event that you sell your home. This can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and maybe even help your home sell faster.
One main drawback of a home warranty is not everything you care about may be covered. It’s important to research the different plans and purchase one that covers all the appliances, systems, and add-ons you need.
Another consideration is that home warranties usually only cover damage from normal wear and tear. They commonly won’t cover home systems or appliances that have been damaged due to natural disasters, animal infestations, improper maintenance, etc.
A home warranty policy costs, on average, around $300 to $600 a year in Hanford. Our high-rated home warranty companies' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can get a lower monthly payment with some companies by choosing a higher service fee. In addition, 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 home systems and appliances. A homeowners insurance plan protects your entire home in a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. Under homeowners insurance, you will not be able to file a claim should you need a new refrigerator or air conditioner, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Hanford.
First-time homebuyers, landlords, real estate agents, home sellers, and homeowners 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 types of home warranties in Hanford include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan covers your home systems and appliances, including your washing machine, drier, and plumbing. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the specific items mentioned in the plan.
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.
Usually the person who owns the home is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the person who is selling the home may buy a home warranty policy and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then be responsible for the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in Hanford is $350,025, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.
