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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
With hot summers in Los Osos, your home systems can go through quite a bit of wear and tear. There’s nothing worse than having your air conditioning go out in the middle of summer. A home warranty is a way to protect your savings account from unexpected expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be significantly lower and give you some peace of mind.
Finding the best protection for your home can be difficult, so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you find the top home warranty companies in Los Osos. Keep reading for our home warranty recommendations.
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 offers the best overall home warranty for Los Osos residents. When you buy a home warranty from Choice, you will get very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Choice Home Warranty also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. The home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage.
Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. 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.
Read our Choice Home Warranty full review to learn more. 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
Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty for Los Osos residents. When you buy a home warranty from Select, you will get a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Select Home Warranty also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage.
Select Home Warranty has 3 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. 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.
Read our Select Home Warranty full review to learn more. 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
American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty for Los Osos residents. When you buy a home warranty from AHS, you will get the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. American Home Shield also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. 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.
Read our American Home Shield full review to learn more. 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
First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage for Los Osos residents. When you buy a home warranty from First American, you will get very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. First American Home Warranty 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 home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage.
First American Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. 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.
Read our First American Home Warranty full review to learn more. 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
Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee for Los Osos residents. When you buy a home warranty from Cinch, you will get a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Cinch Home Services also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. 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.
Read our Cinch Home Services full review to learn more. 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
The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service for Los Osos residents. When you buy a home warranty from HSC, you will get quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. The Home Service Club also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee. The home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage.
The Home Service Club has 2 plans that provide a mix of system and appliance coverage. 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.
Read our The Home Service Club full review to learn more. 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 | $7,069 |
Heating | $4,712 |
Electrical | $707 |
Toilets | $589 |
Washer/Dryer | $942 |
Plumbing | $707 |
Oven | $1,885 |
Fridge | $707 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Los Osos homeowners reduce the high costs of household repairs. These plans provide financial protection to fix or swap out appliances and systems that break down from normal wear and tear. Homeowners file a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to make the repair or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the repair or replacement costs exceed the item's coverage limit. A home warranty plan gives homeowners a sense of security since it can help avoid expensive emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for buyers of older homes or homes with appliances near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with modern appliances and fixtures may not require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many household systems and appliances. Covered appliances normally include dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, microwaves, garbage disposals, dryers, and others. Covered systems include heating, electrical, plumbing, and air conditioning. Many home warranty providers also offer add-on coverage for central vacuums, septic systems, locksmiths, and roof leaks. It's important for Los Osos homeowners to understand most home warranty plans have a waiting period of 30 days before repair claims will be approved. The majority of policies also only cover repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or improperly using a system or appliance. Stay current with preventative maintenance to ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Here are some key home warranty terms to learn before signing a contract:
When selecting a home warranty provider, there are several key factors to consider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans cover electrical, heating, AC, plumbing, and appliances. More inclusive plans may also include other things such as roof leaks, well pumps, spas, and pools. Focus on companies with wide-ranging coverage selections including upgraded plans. Flexibility like this will help you customize your plan to meet your needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee, usually falling in the $60 to $100 range, which gets paid per repair request filed. 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 companies also offer disappearing deductibles if a homeowner doesn't submit claims for repairs for a specified period of time.
A home warranty company's track record gives you insight into things such as contractor quality, timeliness of repairs, claim approval rates, and overall customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to research providers. Positive reviews and ratings indicate a provider known for stellar service.
Home warranty providers use networks of local repair contractors to manage repairs in a given area. Contact potential providers to ask how many repair specialists they have in Los Osos and get an idea of how fast your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Larger networks improve the chance of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.
Certain home warranty providers include perks such as energy-efficient upgrades, discounts on maintenance, and protection for smart home devices. These provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Added perks help improve your home and maximize your home warranty.
Temperatures in Los Osos can get quite high in the summer, which means your air conditioner is likely to get a decent amount of use. As a homeowner in Los Osos, one benefit of having a home warranty is knowing 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 provide you peace of mind and save you the headache of trying to find a qualified contractor to visit your home. Home warranties usually come with a network of pre-vetted contractors who can handle any repair issues you may have. Additionally, having a home warranty can help 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 policy to a new owner and give them the same protection you’ve been receiving.
Home warranties also have some drawbacks. While it can give you less to worry about since the home warranty sends out a repair technician who does the repair for you, some people may not like this, and they may want to choose a contractor themselves. If that’s the case for you, some home warranty plans allow you to select a contractor.
In addition, 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 besides normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.
A home warranty in Los Osos can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. The higher-priced plans tend to have higher coverage limits, a lower service fee, and broader coverage. This cost is often lower if you pay annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also reduce your up-front costs when you agree to a higher service fee.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what types of damage they cover. Home warranty policies cover problems with systems and appliances that need repairs or replacements 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 Los Osos. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system breakage.
First-time homebuyers, homeowners, real estate agents, landlords, and home sellers are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your property more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different kinds of home warranties in Los Osos include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan covers almost all your systems and appliances, such as your dishwasher, washing machine, and HVAC. An appliance or system plan will cover only the specific items mentioned in the plan.
Generally, a home warranty lasts for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some companies may offer month-to-month plans.
Usually the one who owns the home pays for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the home seller may purchase 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. Since the average home value in Los Osos is $830,086, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.