Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
With hot summers in Ridgecrest, 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 can give you the peace of mind you need and safeguard your bank 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 choose from. That’s why our team at Today's Homeowner did the research and put together a list of the best home warranty companies in Ridgecrest 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 for Ridgecrest residents. 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. The 2 plans from Choice are easy to comprehend and offer both system and appliance coverage.
Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. Choice’s service fees are an affordable $85, and the coverage caps come out to around $3,000 for each covered system or appliance.
For more information, read our Choice Home Warranty full 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 offers the most cost-effective home warranty for Ridgecrest residents. 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. The 3 plans from Select are easy to comprehend and offer both system and appliance coverage.
Select Home Warranty has 3 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. Select’s service fees are a reasonable $60, and the coverage caps come out to around $2,000 for each covered system or appliance.
For more information, read our Select Home Warranty full 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 offers the most customizable home warranty for Ridgecrest residents. 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. The 3 plans from AHS are easy to comprehend and offer both system and appliance coverage.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. AHS’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, and the coverage caps come out to around $2,500 for each covered system or appliance.
For more information, read our American Home Shield full 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 offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage for Ridgecrest residents. 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. The 2 plans from First American are easy to comprehend and offer both system and appliance coverage.
First American Home Warranty has 2 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. First American’s service fees are a reasonable $85, and the coverage caps come out to around $1,500 for each covered system or appliance.
For more information, read our First American Home Warranty full 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 offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee for Ridgecrest residents. 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. The 3 plans from Cinch are easy to comprehend and offer both system and appliance coverage.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. Cinch’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, and the coverage caps come out to around $1,000-$2,000 for each covered system or appliance.
For more information, read our Cinch Home Services full 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 offers the best home warranty with the quickest service for Ridgecrest residents. 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. The 2 plans from HSC are easy to comprehend and offer both system and appliance coverage.
The Home Service Club has 2 plans that offer a combination of appliance and system coverage. HSC’s service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, and the coverage caps come out to around $2,000 for each covered system or appliance.
For more information, read our The Home Service Club full 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 | $6,031 |
| Heating | $4,021 |
| Electrical | $603 |
| Toilets | $503 |
| Washer/Dryer | $804 |
| Plumbing | $603 |
| Oven | $1,608 |
| Fridge | $603 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps cut costs for Ridgecrest homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide coverage to fix or swap out appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider then arranges a contractor to make the fix 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 provides peace of mind for homeowners by helping them avoid expensive emergency fixes. They're particularly valuable for those who live in older homes or ones with aging systems. More modern builds with modern fixtures probably don’t need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered include dryers, washers, refrigerators, microwaves, garbage disposals, dishwashers, and more. Covered systems are typically electrical, heating, air conditioning, and plumbing. Many home warranty providers offer add-on coverage for septic systems, central vacuums, roof leaks, and locksmiths. Ridgecrest homeowners should know that most home warranty plans begin with a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. Additionally, most policies only address repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or improperly using a system or appliance. You must 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:
When choosing a home warranty provider, there are several key factors to consider:
Home warranty coverage differs significantly when it comes to what's covered. Most plans provide coverage for AC, electrical, plumbing, heating, and appliances. More inclusive options also offer coverage on other items such as roof leaks, spas, well pumps, and pools. Look for a provider that offers an extensive selection of 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. This fee is charged per request and can quickly add up, so you may seek out providers advertising lower service fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain companies may waive deductibles when a homeowner submits no claims in a defined period.
A home warranty company's reputation can offer insight into things such as approval rates for claims, contractor quality, speed of repairs, and customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to research companies. Positive ratings and reviews indicate that a provider is known for quality service.
Home warranty providers use networks of local repair contractors to manage repairs in a given area. Reach out to potential companies to ask how many repair technicians they have in Ridgecrest and get an idea of how fast your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Larger networks improve the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Some home warranty plans include extras such as smart home device protection, energy efficiency upgrades, and maintenance discounts. These can add value beyond repair coverage. Added bonuses maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Home warranties are an inexpensive way to guard your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in Ridgecrest hitting an average high of 75℃F, you may find that some appliances, like your air conditioning system, get a lot of use. A home warranty can significantly bring down out-of-pocket expenses should your HVAC system break down.
Not only can a home warranty save you money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time as well. Instead of having to vet service technicians by yourself, home warranty companies do the work for you and send a contractor from their network right to your door when you need them. Another good thing about having a home warranty is if you want to sell your home, some providers let you transfer your home warranty to the new owners. It can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and may help your house sell faster.
One downside of a home warranty is that there are usually exclusions. For instance, if you already have a manufacturer's warranty on one of your appliances, it may not be covered under the home warranty, so it’s important to read through the contracts you’re considering carefully to get a sense of what is included and what isn’t.
Another consideration is that home warranties usually only cover repairs needed due to normal wear and tear. They often won’t cover systems or appliances that have stopped working due to natural disasters, improper maintenance, animal infestations, etc.
A home warranty in Ridgecrest can cost between $30 and $60 a month. Higher-priced plans tend to 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.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what types of damage each covers. A home warranty plan protects against normal wear and tear to home systems and appliances. A homeowners insurance plan protects the entire home in case of something such as a fire or natural disaster. With 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 a result of a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Ridgecrest.
Homebuyers, homeowners, landlords, home sellers, and real estate agents can all get home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your property more attractive to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different home warranties in Ridgecrest include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan covers almost all your systems and appliances, such as your washing machine, drier, and HVAC. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the items listed in the plan.
Generally, a home warranty plan lasts for a year and can be renewed annually. Some providers may offer month-to-month options.
In general, 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 given to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees when using the policy. In Ridgecrest, where the median home value is $264,609, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
