Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
With hot summers and cool winters, working home systems and appliances, especially HVAC, are very important for homeowners in Porterville. A home warranty can offer you the peace of mind you need and guard your savings account from large expenses by covering your home’s major appliances and systems.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be challenging because of the sheer number of options out there. If you're frustrated with trying to compare them all, keep reading for our guide on the best home warranty companies in Porterville.
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 Porterville. Choice has been operating for around 15 years, making it a highly regarded company in the industry. With a home warranty from Choice, you can enjoy 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. Choice has 2 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy.
The plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan. Choice’s service fees are an affordable $85, and the coverage caps come out to around $3,000 per covered system or appliance.
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 Porterville. Select has been operating for around 11 years, making it a highly regarded company in the industry. With a home warranty from Select, you can enjoy 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. Select has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy.
The plans that Select offers to homeowners are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Select’s service fees are a reasonable $60, and the coverage caps come out to around $2,000 per covered system or appliance.
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 Porterville. AHS has been operating for around 26 years, making it a highly regarded company in the industry. With a home warranty from AHS, you can enjoy 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. AHS has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy.
The plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. AHS’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, and the coverage caps come out to around $2,500 per covered system or appliance.
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 Porterville. First American has been operating for around 39 years, making it a highly regarded company in the industry. With a home warranty from First American, you can enjoy 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. First American has 2 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy.
The plans that First American offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American’s service fees are a reasonable $85, and the coverage caps come out to around $1,500 per covered system or appliance.
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 Porterville. Cinch has been operating for around 44 years, making it a highly regarded company in the industry. With a home warranty from Cinch, you can enjoy 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. Cinch has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy.
The plans that Cinch offers to homeowners are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Cinch’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, and the coverage caps come out to around $1,000-$2,000 per covered system or appliance.
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 Porterville. HSC has been operating for around 15 years, making it a highly regarded company in the industry. With a home warranty from HSC, you can enjoy 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. HSC has 2 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy.
The plans that HSC offers to homeowners are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. HSC’s service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, and the coverage caps come out to around $2,000 per covered system or appliance.
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 | $6,065 |
| Heating | $4,043 |
| Electrical | $606 |
| Toilets | $505 |
| Washer/Dryer | $809 |
| Plumbing | $606 |
| Oven | $1,617 |
| Fridge | $606 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps Porterville homeowners cut the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer coverage to fix or swap out appliances and systems that malfunction 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 repair 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 plan gives homeowners peace of mind 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 appliances and fixtures in good condition may not require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many household systems and appliances. Typical covered appliances are dryers, microwaves, dishwashers, refrigerators, garbage disposals, washers, and more. Covered systems include electrical, heating, plumbing, and air conditioning. Many home warranty plans offer add-on coverage for roof leaks, central vacuums, septic systems, and even locksmiths. Porterville should understand that most home warranty plans have a waiting period of 30 days before repair claims will be approved. Most policies also only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, natural disasters, or improperly using a system or appliance. Be diligent about completing preventative maintenance to ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Before agreeing to a home warranty contract, you should know key terms like:
There are several important considerations when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranties differ greatly in the items covered. Basic policies typically include electrical, plumbing, heating, AC, and appliances, while more comprehensive options may also cover roof leaks, well pumps, pools, and spas. Look for companies with a range of coverage choices, such as upgraded plans. Flexibility helps you tailor your protection for 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 look for providers advertising more affordable 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 gives insight into things such as approval rates, repair timeliness, contractor quality, and customer satisfaction. Browse review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to research providers. Positive ratings and feedback indicate a provider known for exceptional service.
Home warranty providers keep networks of technicians to handle covered repairs. Wider networks raise the probability of getting qualified technicians to promptly service your home. Contact potential providers to find out how many contractors they have in Porterville to get a sense of how soon your repairs could happen in an emergency.
Home warranty companies may offer extras such as coverage for smart home devices, energy efficiency upgrades, and maintenance discounts. These extras can add value beyond repair coverage. Additional perks can maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Temperatures in Porterville can vary greatly throughout the year, which means your air conditioner and heating systems are most likely going to get a decent amount of use. As a homeowner in Porterville, one of the benefits of having a home warranty is knowing that these home systems and major appliances can be covered in the event they have to be repaired or replaced.
On top of saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can provide you peace of mind and save you the hassle of trying to find a qualified technician to visit your home. Home warranties usually have a network of pre-vetted contractors who can handle any repair problems you may come across. In addition, though it varies by company, some providers will allow you to transfer your warranty in the event that you sell your home. This can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers and maybe even help your home sell faster.
One downside of a home warranty is that there are often exclusions. For instance, if you already have a manufacturer's warranty on one of your appliances, it may be excluded from the home warranty, so it’s important to read over any contracts you’re considering carefully to get a sense of what is included and what isn’t.
Another stipulation is that home warranties usually only cover damage from normal wear and tear. They commonly won’t cover home systems or appliances that need repairs or replacements due to improper maintenance, natural disasters, animal infestations, etc.
A home warranty in Porterville can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. The higher-priced plans typically have a lower service fee, broader coverage, and higher coverage limits. You can often lower this cost by paying annually instead of monthly. Some providers will also lower your up-front costs when you agree to a higher service fee.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty plan covers normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. Homeowners insurance protects a home in case of a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim if you need a new dryer or air conditioner, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Porterville.
Homebuyers, homeowners, home sellers, landlords, and real estate agents can all get home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your home more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
A home warranty can cover your appliances, systems, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you need more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be a good idea if you want to save some money.
Home warranty plans generally last a year. Many providers let you renew your plan yearly, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
In general, the homeowner is responsible for paying 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 given to the new homeowner, who will pay the service fees when using the policy. In Porterville, where the median value of a home is $302,279, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
