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Last Updated: February 25, 2025
Monterey gives homeowners some great housing options and the opportunity to enjoy bright warm summers. However, scorching temperatures can put quite a strain on your home’s systems, such as your HVAC. A home warranty is a way to protect your savings from unexpected expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be considerably lower and allow you to live in your home with more peace of mind.
Finding the best warranty for your home can be challenging, so our team at Today's Homeowner has done the research to help you find the best home warranty companies in Monterey. Keep reading for our 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 in Monterey. 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. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage.
Choice Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Monterey homeowners. The Basic Plan and Total Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with Choice’s plans are close to the $3,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $85.
For more information on this provider, read our full review of Choice Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Monterey. 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. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage.
Select Home Warranty offers 3 plans for Monterey 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 associated with Select’s plans are close to the $2,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $60.
For more information on this provider, read our full review of Select Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Monterey. 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. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage.
American Home Shield offers 3 plans for Monterey homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with AHS’s plans are close to the $2,500 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
For more information on this provider, read our full review of American Home Shield. To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Monterey. 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. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage.
First American Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Monterey homeowners. The Basic Plan and Premier Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. The coverage caps associated with First American’s plans are close to the $1,500 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $85.
For more information on this provider, read our full review of First American Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Monterey. 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. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage.
Cinch Home Services offers 3 plans for Monterey 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 associated with Cinch’s plans are close to the $1,000-$2,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
For more information on this provider, read our full review of Cinch Home Services. To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Monterey. 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 warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various options for appliance and system coverage.
The Home Service Club offers 2 plans for Monterey 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 associated with HSC’s plans are close to the $2,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
For more information on this provider, read our full review of The Home Service Club. To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 | $7,345 |
| Heating | $4,897 |
| Electrical | $735 |
| Toilets | $612 |
| Washer/Dryer | $979 |
| Plumbing | $735 |
| Oven | $1,959 |
| Fridge | $735 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps Monterey homeowners lower the high costs of household repairs. These plans provide financial coverage to repair 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 cost of the repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners reassurance, as it helps avoid high-priced emergency repairs. The coverage is especially helpful for owners of older houses or houses with fixtures near the end of their life span. However, homeowners with newer homes and functioning appliances may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered include dryers, garbage disposals, microwaves, refrigerators, washers, dishwashers, and more. Covered systems are usually plumbing, heating, electrical, and air conditioning. Many home warranty providers offer add-on coverage for septic systems, roof leaks, central vacuums, and locksmiths. It's important for Monterey homeowners to understand most home warranty plans have a waiting period of 30 days 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 cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or misuse of a system or appliance. Be diligent about completing preventative maintenance to help guarantee your next repair or replacement is covered.
Here are some key home warranty terms to learn before signing a contract:
When choosing a home warranty provider, there are several key factors to consider:
Home warranty coverage can have major differences in what's included. Most plans include protection for electrical, plumbing, heating, AC, and appliances. More robust coverage options also include protection for other items such as roof leaks, well pumps, pools, and spas. Look for providers with varied coverage options, including upgraded plans. This helps you customize your plan to your needs.
Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. With these per-request costs adding up over time as you file claims, some homeowners prefer to choose a company with more affordable fees to maximize savings. Some providers also remove deductibles if a customer goes a period of time without filing any claims.
A home warranty provider's reputation provides insights into factors such as claim approval rates, repair speed, contractor expertise, and customer satisfaction. Look at review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to learn more about providers. Positive reviews and ratings suggest a company known for providing quality service.
Home warranty companies have networks of contractors to handle covered repairs. Bigger networks raise the likelihood of getting qualified technicians to service your home ASAP. Reach out to potential providers and ask how many contractors they have in Monterey to get a sense of how soon your repairs could be handled in an emergency.
Certain home warranty companies offer perks such as protection for smart home devices, energy-efficient upgrades, and discounts on maintenance. These bonuses can offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Added perks can enhance your home and maximize your home warranty.
Home warranty policies are an inexpensive way to guard your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in Monterey hitting an average high of 70℃F, you may find that some appliances, like your air conditioning unit, get a lot of use. A home warranty can considerably bring down out-of-pocket expenses should your HVAC system break down.
In addition to 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 contractor to visit your home. Home warranties usually have a network of pre-vetted technicians who can handle any repair issues you may experience. A home warranty can also give value in other ways. For instance, some plans can be transferred between owners when you sell your home.
Home warranties also have some downsides. Although it can give you less to worry about since the home warranty sends out a repair person who handles the repair for you, some homeowners may not like this, and they would prefer to select a contractor themselves. If that’s important to you, some home warranty companies allow you to select a contractor.
Another consideration is that home warranties usually only cover damage from normal wear and tear. They most likely won’t cover systems or appliances that need repairs or replacements due to natural disasters, animal infestations, improper maintenance, etc.
A home warranty policy costs, on average, around $300 to $600 a year in Monterey. Our high-rated home warranty companies' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can decrease your monthly bill with some companies by choosing a higher service fee. Additionally, it's typically cheaper to pay annually rather than monthly.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty covers normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. Homeowners insurance protects your home in case of a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. With homeowners insurance, you will not be able to file a claim should you need a new washing machine or air conditioner, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Monterey.
First-time homebuyers, homeowners, home sellers, real estate agents, and landlords are all eligible for 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 policy will cover your home’s systems, appliances, 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 want to save some money.
Home warranty plans generally provide coverage for a year. Many providers let you renew your plan annually, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Usually the person who owns the home pays for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the person who is selling the home may purchase a home warranty plan 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 Monterey is $1,140,551, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.
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