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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
Although homeownership in Lathrop has a lot of advantages — such as being surrounded by nature — there are also not so glamorous sides. One major headache many homeowners have to deal with at some point is replacing or repairing their home systems and appliances. A home warranty can bring you the peace of mind you need and shield your bank account from large expenses by covering your home’s major systems and appliances.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be difficult, since there are dozens of companies to decide between. That’s why our team at Today's Homeowner did the research and made a list of the top home warranty companies in Lathrop for you.
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 Lathrop, Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty. Choice has more than 15 years of experience in the industry and in that time has built a an expansive network of service technicians nationwide. 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 are easily comprehensible and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
Choice Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Lathrop homeowners. The Basic Plan and Total Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps from Choice are around $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $85, which is lower than other providers in the Lathrop area.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of Choice Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 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 Lathrop, Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty. Select has more than 11 years of experience in the industry and in that time has built a an expansive network of service technicians nationwide. 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 are easily comprehensible and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
Select Home Warranty offers 3 plans for Lathrop homeowners. The Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps from Select are around $2,000. The service fees are a reasonable $60, which is lower than other providers in the Lathrop area.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of Select Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 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 Lathrop, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty. AHS has more than 26 years of experience in the industry and in that time has built a an expansive network of service technicians nationwide. 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 AHS are easily comprehensible and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
American Home Shield offers 3 plans for Lathrop homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps from AHS are around $2,500. The service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, which is lower than other providers in the Lathrop area.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of American Home Shield. To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 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 Lathrop, First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage. First American has more than 39 years of experience in the industry and in that time has built a an expansive network of service technicians nationwide. 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 are easily comprehensible and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
First American Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Lathrop homeowners. The Basic Plan and Premier Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps from First American are around $1,500. The service fees are a reasonable $85, which is lower than other providers in the Lathrop area.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of First American Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 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 Lathrop, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. Cinch has more than 44 years of experience in the industry and in that time has built a an expansive network of service technicians nationwide. 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 are easily comprehensible and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
Cinch Home Services offers 3 plans for Lathrop homeowners. The Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps from Cinch are around $1,000-$2,000. The service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, which is lower than other providers in the Lathrop area.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of Cinch Home Services. To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can fill out this online form or call 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 Lathrop, The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC has more than 15 years of experience in the industry and in that time has built a an expansive network of service technicians nationwide. 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 HSC are easily comprehensible and have a mix of both system and appliance coverage.
The Home Service Club offers 2 plans for Lathrop homeowners. The Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps from HSC are around $2,000. The service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, which is lower than other providers in the Lathrop area.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our review of The Home Service Club. To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can fill out this online form or call 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 | $6,806 |
Heating | $4,538 |
Electrical | $681 |
Toilets | $567 |
Washer/Dryer | $908 |
Plumbing | $681 |
Oven | $1,815 |
Fridge | $681 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps cut costs for Lathrop homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide financial coverage to repair or swap out appliances and systems that break due to normal wear and tear. Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to make the fix or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the repair or replacement costs go over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty delivers peace of mind for homeowners by helping them avoid expensive emergency fixes. They're particularly valuable for those who live in older homes or ones with outdated systems. More modern homes with modern appliances probably don’t need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many household systems and appliances. Covered appliances typically include dishwashers, washers, dryers, refrigerators, garbage disposals, microwaves, and more. Covered systems include air conditioning, electrical, heating, and plumbing. Many home warranty providers also offer add-on coverage for roof leaks, septic systems, central vacuums, and locksmiths. It's important for Lathrop homeowners to understand most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. The majority of policies also only cover repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, or misuse of a system or appliance. Stay current with preventative maintenance to help guarantee your next repair or replacement is covered.
Home warranties use several terms that you'll want to understand before signing a contract, such as:
When selecting a home warranty provider, there are several key factors to consider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans include protection for AC, electrical, plumbing, heating, and appliances. More comprehensive options may also provide protection for other things such as roof leaks, pools, spas, and well pumps. Look for companies with varied coverage options, including upgraded plans. This helps you tailor protection to your home's needs.
You'll pay a repair fee, normally ranging from $60–100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These fees to accumulate quickly with each claim, so you may seek out providers advertising lower service fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain providers may waive deductibles after a customer goes a period of time with no claims filed.
A home warranty company's reputation gives insight into things such as approval rates, repair timeliness, contractor quality, and customer service. Browse 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 great service.
Home warranty providers have networks of local technicians to handle repairs in your area. Reach out to potential providers to find out how many repair professionals they have in Lathrop and get an idea for how quickly your repairs might happen in an emergency situation. Bigger networks increase the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Home warranty providers sometimes offer perks such as maintenance discounts, energy efficiency upgrades, and coverage for smart home devices. These can add value beyond basic repair coverage. Additional perks can maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Temperatures in Lathrop can get quite high in the summer, which means your air conditioner is likely to get a good bit of use. As a homeowner in Lathrop, one of the benefits of having a home warranty is that these home systems and major appliances can be covered if they need to be repaired or replaced.
Along with saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can give you peace of mind and save you the pain of trying to find a qualified repair person to visit your home. Home warranties usually come with a network of pre-vetted contractors who can handle any repair problems you may experience. Additionally, having a home warranty can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers should you ever decide to sell later. Many home warranty providers will allow you to transfer your plan to a new owner and give them the same protection you’ve been receiving.
There are also some downsides to getting a home warranty policy, such as the coverage exclusions. For example, home warranties may not cover home systems or appliances that already have a manufacturer's warranty.
Another 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 repair requests being denied, so it’s important to make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance of your home systems and appliances.
A home warranty in Lathrop can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. The higher-priced plans tend to have a lower service fee, broader coverage, and higher coverage limits. This cost is often lower if you pay annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also lower your up-front costs when you opt for a higher service fee.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what kinds of damage they cover. Home warranty plans cover problems with home systems and appliances that need to be repaired or replaced due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different insurance that protects an entire home from natural disasters, which might not be too much of a concern in Lathrop. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system repairs.
First-time homebuyers, real estate agents, home sellers, homeowners, and landlords can all get home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your house more attractive to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
A home warranty plan will cover your 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're concerned about one more than the other.
Generally, a home warranty lasts for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some providers may offer month-to-month plans.
Typically, the person who owns the home is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the home seller 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 Lathrop is $628,816, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.