Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Owning a home in Lake Elsinore has a lot of great benefits, but there are some downsides. Hot summers can cause problems in a home and lead to wear and tear on systems like your HVAC. A home warranty is a way to protect your savings from unexpected 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.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be a challenge because of the numerous options out there. If you're tired of trying to compare them all, keep reading for our guide to the best home warranty companies in Lake Elsinore.
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 Lake Elsinore residents. With a home warranty from Choice, you can enjoy very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Not to mention, it has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. The 2 policies that Choice offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
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 provider. Service fees are an affordable $85.
To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. For more information on this provider, read our 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 is the most cost-effective home warranty for Lake Elsinore residents. With a home warranty from Select, you can enjoy a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Not to mention, it has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. The 3 policies that Select offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
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 provider. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. For more information on this provider, read our 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 is the most customizable home warranty for Lake Elsinore residents. With a home warranty from AHS, you can enjoy the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Not to mention, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. The 3 policies that AHS offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
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 provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. For more information on this provider, read our 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 is the best home warranty for appliance coverage for Lake Elsinore residents. With a home warranty from First American, you can enjoy very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. Not to mention, 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. The 2 policies that First American offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
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 provider. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. For more information on this provider, read our 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 is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee for Lake Elsinore residents. With a home warranty from Cinch, you can enjoy a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Not to mention, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. The 3 policies that Cinch offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
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 provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. For more information on this provider, read our 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 is the best home warranty with the quickest service for Lake Elsinore residents. With a home warranty from HSC, you can enjoy quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Not to mention, it has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee. The 2 policies that HSC offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
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 provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. For more information on this provider, read our 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 | $7,122 |
Heating | $4,748 |
Electrical | $712 |
Toilets | $593 |
Washer/Dryer | $950 |
Plumbing | $712 |
Oven | $1,899 |
Fridge | $712 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Lake Elsinore homeowners in lowering the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide coverage to swap out or repair appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
When something stops working, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to handle the replacement or repair. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of the repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty policy gives homeowners peace of mind since it can help avoid expensive emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for people purchasing older homes or homes with systems near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with appliances and fixtures in good condition may not require a home warranty.
Home warranties protect your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered include dryers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, washers, dishwashers, microwaves, and more. Covered systems are usually heating, plumbing, air conditioning, and electrical. Many home warranty companies provide add-on coverage for septic systems, locksmiths, central vacuums, and roof leaks. Most home warranty plans require Lake Elsinore homeowners to refrain from making claims for 30 days before the plan will cover repairs. Additionally, policies normally only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or misuse of a system or appliance. To help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered, keep up with preventative maintenance.
Here are some key home warranty words to understand before signing a contract:
There are several key considerations when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans provide coverage for heating, plumbing, AC, electrical, and appliances. More comprehensive options may also cover other things such as roof leaks, spas, well pumps, and pools. 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.
Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. As this charge applies to every separate claim, you may want to choose a provider with lower service fees to maximize savings on every claim. Some providers also eliminate deductibles for homeowners who don't file claims in a certain period.
A home warranty provider's reputation can provide insight into things such as repair timeliness, approval rates, contractor quality, and customer satisfaction. Use review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to research providers. 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. Reach out to potential businesses to ask how many repair professionals they have in Lake Elsinore and get an idea of how fast your repairs could be handled in an emergency. More extensive networks increase the probability of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.
Home warranty providers may include extras such as maintenance discounts, coverage for smart home devices, and energy efficiency upgrades. These can add value beyond repair coverage. Added perks can maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Since temperatures in Lake Elsinore can easily reach 100 degrees, the extreme weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioner. Purchasing a home warranty plan can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances breaks down suddenly.
In addition, having a home warranty can save you time by getting rid of the need to research service technicians — most companies will send a trusted professional right to your door to carry out the necessary repair or replacement. Another benefit of having a home warranty is if you want to sell your home, you can most likely transfer your home warranty plan to the new owners. It can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers and may help your home sell faster.
One downside of purchasing a home warranty is that there are often exclusions. For example, if you already have a manufacturer's warranty on one of your appliances, it may not be covered under the home warranty, so it’s important to read through any contracts you’re considering thoroughly to get a sense of what is included and what isn’t.
Another possible pain point of home warranties is that they don’t cover systems or appliances that haven’t been properly maintained. This can lead to your claims being denied, so it’s important to be sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance of your home systems and appliances.
A home warranty in Lake Elsinore can cost between $30 and $60 a month. Higher-priced plans usually have broader coverage, higher coverage limits, and a lower service fee. You can often lower this cost by paying annually instead of monthly. Some providers will also reduce your up-front costs when you agree to a higher service fee.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what kinds of damage they cover. Home warranties cover issues related to systems and appliances that need to be repaired or replaced due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different kind of plan that protects your entire home from natural disasters, which might not be too much of a concern in Lake Elsinore. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system breakage.
Homebuyers, home sellers, landlords, homeowners, and real estate agents can all get home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your home more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different kinds of home warranties in Lake Elsinore include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan covers almost all your systems and appliances, including your refrigerator, washing machine, and plumbing. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the items listed in the plan.
Generally, a home warranty policy lasts for a year and can be renewed annually. Some providers may offer month-to-month plans.
Usually the one who owns the home pays for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the one selling the home may buy a home warranty policy and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then need to pay the service fees when using the policy. Considering that the average home value in Lake Elsinore is $555,097, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.