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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
Owning a house can have a lot of perks, but it can also come with some downsides 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 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 give you some peace of mind.
The home warranty market has a variety of providers — all with different price points — so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you find the best home warranty companies in Larkspur.
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 Larkspur, Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty. Choice has over 15 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders with various system and appliance coverage options. With a home warranty from Choice, you can benefit from 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 plans from Choice Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Total Plan. The coverage limits from Choice are around $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $85, which is less than other providers in the Larkspur area.
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 Choice Home Warranty Review.
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 Larkspur, Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty. Select has over 11 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders with various system and appliance coverage options. With a home warranty from Select, you can benefit from 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 plans from Select Home Warranty are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. The coverage limits from Select are around $2,000. The service fees are a reasonable $60, which is less than other providers in the Larkspur area.
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 Select Home Warranty Review.
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 Larkspur, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty. AHS has over 26 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders with various system and appliance coverage options. With a home warranty from AHS, you can benefit from 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 plans from American Home Shield are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. The coverage limits from AHS are around $2,500. The service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, which is less than other providers in the Larkspur area.
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 American Home Shield Review.
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 Larkspur, First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage. First American has over 39 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders with various system and appliance coverage options. With a home warranty from First American, you can benefit from 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 plans from First American Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. The coverage limits from First American are around $1,500. The service fees are a reasonable $85, which is less than other providers in the Larkspur area.
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 First American Home Warranty Review.
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 Larkspur, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. Cinch has over 44 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders with various system and appliance coverage options. With a home warranty from Cinch, you can benefit from 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 plans from Cinch Home Services are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. The coverage limits from Cinch are around $1,000-$2,000. The service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, which is less than other providers in the Larkspur area.
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 Cinch Home Services Review.
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 Larkspur, The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC has over 15 years of experience in the home warranty industry, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders with various system and appliance coverage options. With a home warranty from HSC, you can benefit from 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 plans from The Home Service Club are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. The coverage limits from HSC are around $2,000. The service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, which is less than other providers in the Larkspur area.
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 The Home Service Club Review.
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 | $8,071 |
Heating | $5,380 |
Electrical | $807 |
Toilets | $673 |
Washer/Dryer | $1,076 |
Plumbing | $807 |
Oven | $2,152 |
Fridge | $807 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps Larkspur homeowners in reducing the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer financial coverage to replace or fix 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 company then arranges 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 plan gives homeowners a sense of security and can help avoid costly emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for people purchasing older homes or homes with appliances near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with appliances and fixtures in good condition may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Warranties usually cover appliances such as garbage disposals, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, microwaves, and others. Covered systems include air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and heating. Many home warranty providers also offer add-on coverage for roof leaks, central vacuums, locksmiths, and septic systems. Most home warranty plans require Larkspur homeowners to refrain from making claims for 30 days before the plan will cover repairs. Additionally, policies usually only cover repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or misuse of a system or appliance. To make sure your next repair or replacement is covered, keep up with preventative maintenance.
Home warranties use several terms that you'll want to understand before signing a contract, such as:
There are several important considerations when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty policies can have major differences in covered items. Most plans cover AC, electrical, heating, plumbing, and appliances. More comprehensive options also include coverage for other items such as well pumps, pools, roof leaks, and spas. Look for providers with flexible coverage choices, including upgraded plans. This allows you to customize your plan to your needs.
You'll pay a service fee, typically $60–100, for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These per-claim charges can quickly add up, so you may look for companies advertising more affordable fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain companies may waive deductibles when a homeowner submits no claims in a defined period.
A home warranty provider's reputation provides insights into factors such as contractor expertise, repair speed, claim approval rates, and customer satisfaction. Read through review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to learn more about companies. Positive reviews and ratings suggest a company known for providing quality service.
Home warranty providers maintain networks of local contractors to handle repairs in your area. Contact potential providers to learn how many repair technicians they have in Larkspur and get an idea for how fast your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. Larger networks improve the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Some home warranty providers may include perks such as smart home device coverage, energy efficiency upgrades, and reduced maintenance fees. These extras can provide extra value beyond just repair coverage. Extra bonuses let you enhance your home and get the most from your home warranty.
Since temperatures in Larkspur can be quite hot in the summer, the weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioning unit and HVAC system. Having a home warranty policy can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances breaks down suddenly.
Not only can a home warranty save you money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time too. Instead of vetting service technicians yourself, home warranty companies do the work for you and send a contractor from their network right to your door when you need them. A home warranty can also yield value in other ways. For instance, some policies can be transferred between owners when you sell your home.
As for the disadvantages of home warranties, system and appliance coverage varies by provider, so it’s important to read what each plan covers and excludes in the contract.
In addition, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they need repairs 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 Larkspur can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. The higher-priced plans typically have broader coverage, a lower service fee, and higher coverage limits. Home warranties are often cheaper when you pay annually instead of monthly. Some providers will also reduce your up-front costs when you opt for 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 covers normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. A homeowners insurance plan protects a home in a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim should you need a new dryer or dishwasher, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Larkspur.
Homebuyers, home sellers, homeowners, landlords, and real estate agents are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your home more attractive to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different kinds of home warranties in Larkspur include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan will cover almost all your home systems and appliances, including your dishwasher, washing machine, and HVAC. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the specific items listed in the plan.
Generally, a home warranty lasts for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some providers may offer month-to-month options.
Typically, the one who owns the home pays for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the one selling the home may purchase a home warranty policy and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then have to pay the service fees when using the policy. Considering that the average home value in Larkspur is $2,136,068, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.