Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
With hot summers, maintaining your home systems and appliances, particularly your HVAC, is very important for homeowners in Martinez. A home warranty can give you the peace of mind you need and shield your savings account from large expenses by covering your home’s major systems and appliances.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be overwhelming, since there are so many companies to decide between. That’s why our team at Today's Homeowner did the research and compiled a list of the best home warranty companies in Martinez 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
Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty in Martinez. Choice has been in business for around 15 years, making it a highly regarded company in the industry. The 2 policies that Choice offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you buy a plan 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.
Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also typically around $3,000.
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
Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty in Martinez. Select has been in business for around 11 years, making it a highly regarded company in the industry. The 3 policies that Select offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you buy a plan 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.
Select Home Warranty has 3 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also typically around $2,000.
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
American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty in Martinez. AHS has been in business for around 26 years, making it a highly regarded company in the industry. The 3 policies that AHS offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you buy a plan 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.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also typically around $2,500.
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
First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage in Martinez. First American has been in business for around 39 years, making it a highly regarded company in the industry. The 2 policies that First American offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you buy a plan 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.
First American Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from First American are a reasonable $85. The coverage caps are also typically around $1,500.
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
Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in Martinez. Cinch has been in business for around 44 years, making it a highly regarded company in the industry. The 3 policies that Cinch offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you buy a plan 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.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Cinch are customizable and range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also typically around $1,000-$2,000.
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
The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service in Martinez. HSC has been in business for around 15 years, making it a highly regarded company in the industry. The 2 policies that HSC offers include options for appliance and system coverage. When you buy a plan 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 Service Club has 2 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also typically around $2,000.
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 | $7,368 |
| Heating | $4,912 |
| Electrical | $737 |
| Toilets | $614 |
| Washer/Dryer | $982 |
| Plumbing | $737 |
| Oven | $1,965 |
| Fridge | $737 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Martinez homeowners in reducing the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide coverage to replace or fix appliances and systems that malfunction due to normal wear and tear. When something stops working, 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 repair or replacement costs go over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners peace of mind by helping avoid expensive emergency repairs. The coverage is particularly helpful for owners of older houses or houses with fixtures near the end of their life span. However, people with newer homes and modern appliances might not require a home warranty.
Home warranties protect your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered include refrigerators, dryers, dishwashers, garbage disposals, microwaves, washers, and more. Covered systems are normally electrical, heating, plumbing, and air conditioning. Many home warranty providers offer add-on coverage for septic systems, roof leaks, locksmiths, and central vacuums. Martinez homeowners should know that most home warranty plans begin with a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. What's more, most policies only cover repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, cosmetic issues, or misuse of a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
There are several home warranty terms to learn before signing an agreement, including:
There are several key considerations when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranties differ greatly in the items covered. Basic policies typically provide protection for electrical, AC, plumbing, heating, and appliances, while more comprehensive plans may also cover spas, pools, well pumps, and roof leaks. Look for a provider that offers robust coverage options, including upgraded plans. Flexibility is important when trying to fit a home warranty to your home's specific needs.
You'll pay a standard service fee of around $60 to $100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These fees to accumulate quickly with each claim, so you may look for providers advertising lower service fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain companies may eliminate deductibles after a customer goes a period of time with no claims filed.
A home warranty provider's reputation can offer insight into things such as contractor quality, speed of repairs, approval rates for claims, and customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to research companies. Good ratings and reviews indicate that a provider is known for quality service.
Home warranty businesses have networks of local professionals to handle repairs in your area. Reach out to potential providers to ask how many repair professionals they have in Martinez and get an idea for how fast your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. Larger networks improve the probability of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Some home warranty providers may include perks such as energy efficiency upgrades, reduced maintenance fees, and smart home device coverage. These can provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Added bonuses let you enhance your home and get the most from your warranty policy.
Martinez’s hot summers can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty is designed to cover your home’s appliances and systems in the event they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner fails in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the needed repairs, saving you from spending a lot of money out of pocket.
Additionally, having a home warranty can save you some time by removing the need to research service technicians — most providers will send a trusted professional right to your door to do the necessary repair or replacement. Another added benefit of having home warranty coverage is that it can raise your home’s real estate value. If you ever decide to sell your house, you may be able to transfer your home warranty plan to the new homebuyer depending on the company you purchased your home warranty through.
Home warranties also have some downsides. Though it can be convenient that the home warranty sends out a repair technician who handles the repair for you, some homeowners may not like this, and they would prefer to select their own contractor. If that’s important to you, some home warranty plans allow you to select a contractor.
Another drawback is that home warranties may not include some repairs, such as those needed because of natural disasters. For example, if your house floods, the impacted systems and appliances probably won’t be covered by the home warranty.
A home warranty in Martinez 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. You can often lower this cost by paying annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also decrease 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 types of damage each covers. A home warranty covers normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. A homeowners insurance plan protects the entire home in a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you will not be able to file a claim if you need a new washing machine or stove, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Martinez.
A home warranty policy can help home sellers, real estate agents, homebuyers, investors, and homeowners. It can provide peace of mind and savings to anyone involved with homeownership.
The different kinds of home warranties in Martinez include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan will cover many of your home systems and appliances, including your dishwasher, washing machine, and plumbing. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the items listed in the contract.
Generally, a home warranty lasts for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some providers may offer month-to-month plans.
Typically, the homeowner is the one who pays the premium and service fees. However, if you have just bought a new home, sometimes the seller is the one who paid for the policy. This can then be transferred to the new homeowner, who will pay the service fees when using the policy. In Martinez, where the median home value is $771,786, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
