Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
The cost of maintaining a home in Laguna Hills can be costly, especially as your home ages and your appliances and systems have to be updated. A home warranty is a way to protect your budget from unexpected expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be significantly lower and give you some peace of mind.
The home warranty market is filled with many providers — all with different plans — so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you choose the best home warranty companies in Laguna Hills.
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 Laguna Hills, Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty. The 2 plans from Choice are easy to comprehend and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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 Home Warranty has 2 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also generally about $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
In Laguna Hills, Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty. The 3 plans from Select are easy to comprehend and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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 Home Warranty has 3 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also generally about $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
In Laguna Hills, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty. The 3 plans from AHS are easy to comprehend and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also generally about $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
In Laguna Hills, First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage. The 2 plans from First American are easy to comprehend and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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 Home Warranty has 2 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from First American are a reasonable $85. The coverage caps are also generally about $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
In Laguna Hills, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. The 3 plans from Cinch are easy to comprehend and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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 Home Services has 3 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from Cinch are customizable and range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also generally about $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
In Laguna Hills, The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service. The 2 plans from HSC are easy to comprehend and offer both system and appliance coverage. 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.
The Home Service Club has 2 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also generally about $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 | $7,894 |
Heating | $5,263 |
Electrical | $789 |
Toilets | $658 |
Washer/Dryer | $1,053 |
Plumbing | $789 |
Oven | $2,105 |
Fridge | $789 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Laguna Hills homeowners in reducing the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer coverage to replace or fix appliances and systems that malfunction 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 replacement or fix. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of 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 particularly helpful for owners of older houses or houses with systems near the end of their life span. However, people with newer homes and working appliances might not require a home warranty.
Home warranties safeguard your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances include microwaves, dishwashers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, dryers, washers, and more. Covered systems include heating, air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing. Many home warranty plans offer additional add-on coverage options for central vacuums, septic systems, locksmiths, and even roof leaks. Laguna Hills homeowners should know that most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. What's more, most policies only cover the cost of repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or misusing a system or appliance. You must keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Here are some essential home warranty words to know before signing a contract:
When choosing a home warranty provider, there are several important factors to consider:
Home warranty policies differ significantly in terms of coverage. Most plans provide protection for heating, electrical, plumbing, AC, and appliances. More inclusive options also include coverage for other items such as roof leaks, well pumps, spas, and pools. Focus on companies with an expansive array of coverage choices including upgraded plans. This flexibility enables you to customize your plan to meet your home's 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, you may want to choose a provider with lower service fees to maximize savings on every claim. Some companies also do away with deductibles when customers have a claim-free period.
A home warranty provider's reputation gives 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 company known for exceptional service.
Home warranty companies use networks of local repair technicians to manage repairs in a given area. Contact potential businesses to learn the number of repair technicians they have in Laguna Hills and get an idea of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency. More extensive networks increase the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Certain home warranty providers offer perks such as energy-efficient upgrades, protection for smart home devices, and discounts on maintenance. These offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra perks can enhance your home and help maximize your home warranty.
Since temperatures in Laguna Hills can easily reach 100 degrees, the extreme weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioner. Having a home warranty policy can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances stops working all of a sudden.
Not only does a home warranty provide some savings, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks, 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. Plus, though it varies by company, 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.
One drawback of getting a home warranty is that there are usually exclusions. For example, if you already have a manufacturer's warranty on one of your appliances, it may not be included in the home warranty, so it’s important to read through the contracts you’re considering thoroughly to understand what is included and what isn’t.
Plus, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they need repairs or replacements due to a natural disaster or animal infestation — anything other than normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.
A home warranty in Laguna Hills can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. 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 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 plan protects against normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. A homeowners insurance plan protects the entire home in a situation 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 washing machine or air conditioner, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Laguna Hills.
A home warranty plan can help home sellers, homebuyers, homeowners, real estate agents, and investors. It can provide peace of mind to anyone involved with homeownership.
The different kinds of home warranties in Laguna Hills include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan will cover your home systems and appliances, such as your washing machine, drier, and HVAC. An appliance or system plan will cover only the items listed in the policy.
Generally, a home warranty lasts for a year and can be renewed annually. Some companies may offer month-to-month options.
In general, the homeowner is the one who is responsible for paying 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 has to pay the service fees when using the policy. In Laguna Hills, where the median value of a home is $1,070,383, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.