Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
There are many perks of owning a home, but as your Manhattan Beach home ages, you may need to factor in the cost of updating your systems and appliances. A home warranty plan can help protect homeowners by covering major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important appliances and systems.
Choosing the best home warranty on the market can be quite a challenge because of the sheer number of options out there. If you're frustrated with trying to compare them all, keep reading for our guide to the best home warranty providers in Manhattan Beach.
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 Manhattan Beach residents. The 2 policies that Choice offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. Choice has established itself as a company with very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. It also 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 mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps from Choice are around $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $85, which is less than other providers in the Manhattan Beach area.
For more information on this provider, read our Choice Home Warranty Review. To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, 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 is the most cost-effective home warranty for Manhattan Beach residents. The 3 policies that Select offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. Select has established itself as a company with a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. It also 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 mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps from Select are around $2,000. The service fees are a reasonable $60, which is less than other providers in the Manhattan Beach area.
For more information on this provider, read our Select Home Warranty Review. To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, 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 is the most customizable home warranty for Manhattan Beach residents. The 3 policies that AHS offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. AHS has established itself as a company with the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. It also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that offer 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 less than other providers in the Manhattan Beach area.
For more information on this provider, read our American Home Shield Review. To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, 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 is the best home warranty for appliance coverage for Manhattan Beach residents. The 2 policies that First American offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. First American has established itself as a company with very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. It 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.
First American Home Warranty has 2 plans that offer 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 less than other providers in the Manhattan Beach area.
For more information on this provider, read our First American Home Warranty Review. To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, 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 is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee for Manhattan Beach residents. The 3 policies that Cinch offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. Cinch has established itself as a company with a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. It also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that offer 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 less than other providers in the Manhattan Beach area.
For more information on this provider, read our Cinch Home Services Review. To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, 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 is the best home warranty with the quickest service for Manhattan Beach residents. The 2 policies that HSC offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. HSC has established itself as a company with quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. It also 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 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 less than other providers in the Manhattan Beach area.
For more information on this provider, read our The Home Service Club Review. To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, 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 | $8,250 |
| Heating | $5,500 |
| Electrical | $825 |
| Toilets | $688 |
| Washer/Dryer | $1,100 |
| Plumbing | $825 |
| Oven | $2,200 |
| Fridge | $825 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Manhattan Beach homeowners lower the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide coverage to fix or swap out appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then arranges a contractor to handle the fix or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty policy gives homeowners a sense of security and can help avoid expensive emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for buyers of older homes or homes with systems 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. Typical covered appliances are dishwashers, washers, dryers, refrigerators, microwaves, garbage disposals, and others. Protected systems include electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, and heating. Various home warranty plans offer additional coverage for central vacuums, septic systems, roof leaks, and even locksmiths. Manhattan Beach homeowners should know that most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. What's more, most policies only help pay for repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, natural disasters, or improperly using a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Home warranties use several terms that you'll want to know before signing a contract, such as:
There are several key considerations when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranties vary widely in terms of included coverage. Basic policies typically cover plumbing, electrical, AC, heating, and appliances, while more comprehensive options may also cover pools, roof leaks, well pumps, and spas. Focus on companies with an expansive array of coverage choices including upgraded plans. This flexibility enables you to customize protection for your needs.
You'll pay a standard service fee of around $60 to $100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These per-claim charges can quickly add up, so you may look for providers advertising lower service fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain companies may waive deductibles after a customer goes a period of time with no claims filed.
A home warranty provider's reputation provides 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. Good ratings and feedback indicate a provider known for exceptional service.
Home warranty providers use networks of local repair professionals to manage repairs in a given area. Reach out to potential providers to learn the number of repair technicians they have in Manhattan Beach and get an idea of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Larger networks increase the probability of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Some home warranty providers may include perks such as reduced maintenance fees, energy efficiency upgrades, and smart home device coverage. These can provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Added bonuses help you enhance your home and get the most from your warranty policy.
Manhattan Beach’s hot summers can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty will cover your home’s appliances and systems if they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner stops working in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the needed repairs, saving you from spending unexpected money out of pocket.
A home warranty also can also save you time and energy. Instead of spending hours researching and selecting a technician to fix your appliance or system, home warranty companies do the hard work for you and send a trusted professional to your door whenever you need them. Another good thing about having a home warranty is while selling your home, some providers let you transfer your home warranty plan to the new owners. It can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers and help your house sell faster.
As for the downsides of home warranties, system and appliance coverage varies by provider, so it’s important to read what each policy covers and doesn’t include in the contract.
Another drawback is that home warranties may exclude some repairs, such as those due to natural disasters. For example, if a tree falls onto your house and damages the roof, the impacted systems and appliances most likely won’t be covered by the home warranty.
A home warranty in Manhattan Beach can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. Higher-priced plans typically have broader coverage, a lower service fee, 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 agree to a higher service fee.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what types of damage they cover. Home warranty plans cover issues with systems and appliances that need repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a larger plan that protects an entire home from natural disasters, which can sometimes be a concern in Manhattan Beach. It doesn't cover a typical appliance or system damage.
A home warranty policy can help homeowners, investors, real estate agents, home sellers, and homebuyers. It can offer peace of mind to anyone involved with homeownership.
A home warranty will cover your systems, appliances, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you need more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be helpful if you're concerned about one more than the other.
Home warranty plans generally last a year. Many providers let you renew your plan each year, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Typically, the homeowner is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the person who is selling the home may buy a home warranty and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then have to pay the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in Manhattan Beach is $2,956,987, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.
