Expert Advice On Improving Your Home

6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Salinas, CA

Written By David Cusick

Last Updated February 2024

Owning a home in Salinas has many great advantages, but there are some downsides. Hot summers can cause problems in a home and lead to wear and tear on systems like 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 give you some peace of mind.

The home warranty market is saturated with many providers — all with different price points — so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you choose the best home warranty companies in Salinas.

Our Recommended Providers

Best for Customization
4.5/5
  • Holds high ratings among customer service reviews
  • Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
  • Offers an extensive list of 30+ add-on coverages
Best For First Time Homeowners
4.2/5
  • 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
Best Claims Acceptance
4.1/5
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Decent coverage caps
  • No exclusions for older homes

The 6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Salinas

Choice Home Warranty

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 Salinas residents. Choice has been in business for about 15 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. With a home warranty from Choice, you can benefit from 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 home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage.

Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Choice’s service fees are an affordable $85, and the coverage limits come out to about $3,000 per covered system or appliance.

Read more by visiting 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

Service fee: $85.00 Monthly cost: $45.00
Items covered: Ceiling fan , Cooktop exhaust , Dishwasher , Disposal , Ductwork , Electrical , Garage door opener , Heating system , Oven , Microwave , Plumbing system , Toilet , Water heater Add-on items: Pool , Spa , Septic , Well pump , Roof leaking , Septic tank , Sump pump , Vacuum , Stand-alone freezer
Service fee: $85.00 Monthly cost: $53.33
Items covered: Ceiling fan , Cooktop exhaust , Dishwasher , Disposal , Ductwork , Electrical , Garage door opener , Heating system , Oven , Microwave , Plumbing system , Toilet , Water heater , AC , Washer , Dryer , Refrigerator Add-on items: Pool , Spa , Septic , Well pump , Roof leaking , Septic tank , Sump pump , Vacuum , Stand-alone freezer

Select Home Warranty

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 Salinas residents. Select has been in business for about 11 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. With a home warranty from Select, you can benefit from 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 home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage.

Select Home Warranty has 3 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Select’s service fees are a reasonable $60, and the coverage limits come out to about $2,000 per covered system or appliance.

Read more by visiting 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

Service fee: $60.00 Monthly cost: $57.67
Items covered: Disposal , Dishwasher , Dryer , Microwave , Oven , Refrigerator , Washer Add-on items: Pool , Spa , Septic , Sprinkler , Stand-alone freezer , Vacuum , Well pump , Sump pump , Roof leaks
Service fee: $60.00 Monthly cost: $57.67
Items covered: Air Conditioner , Ductwork , Electrical , Heating system , Plumbing , Water heater Add-on items: Pool , Spa , Septic , Sprinkler , Stand-alone freezer , Vacuum , Well pump , Sump pump , Roof leaks
Service fee: $60.00 Monthly cost: $62.08
Items covered: Disposal , Dishwasher , Dryer , Microwave , Oven , Refrigerator , Washer , Air conditioner , Ductwork , Electrical , Heating system , Plumbing , Water heater , Ceiling fan , Garage door , Plumbing stoppages Add-on items: Pool , Spa , Septic , Sprinkler , Stand-alone freezer , Vacuum , Well pump , Sump pump , Roof leaks

American Home Shield

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 Salinas residents. AHS has been in business for about 26 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. With a home warranty from AHS, you can benefit from 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 home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage.

American Home Shield has 3 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. AHS’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, and the coverage limits come out to about $2,500 per covered system or appliance.

Read more by visiting 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

Service fee: $75.00 - $125.00 Monthly cost: $29.27 - $44.27
Items covered: Air Conditioner , Alarm , Attic fans , Bath exhaust fans , Ceiling fans , Cooktop exhaust , Disposal , Doorbell , Ductwork , Electrical , Garage door , Heating system , Locksmith , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Toilet , Water dispenser , Water heater , Whole house fan Add-on items: Pool , Spa , PC , TV , Septic , Well pump
Service fee: $75.00 - $125.00 Monthly cost: $39.27 - $54.27
Items covered: Air conditioner , Alarm , Attic fans , Bath exhaust fans , Ceiling fans , Cooktop exhaust , Dishwasher , Doorbell , Dryer , Ductwork , Electrical , Garage door , Heating system , Microwave , Oven , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Refrigerator , Toilet , Trash compactor , Washer , Water heater , Whole house fan Add-on items: Pool , Spa , PC , TV , Septic , Well pump
Service fee: $75.00 - $125.00 Monthly cost: $59.27 - $74.27
Items covered: Air conditioner , Alarm , Attic fans , Bath exhaust fans , Ceiling fans , Cooktop exhaust , Dishwasher , Disposal , Doorbell , Dryer , Ductwork , Electrical , Garage door , Heating system , Locksmith , Microwave , Oven , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Refrigerator , Roof leaks , Toilet , Trash compactor , Washer , Water dispenser , Water heater , Whole house fan Add-on items: Pool , Spa , PC , TV , Septic , Well pump

First American Home Warranty

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 Salinas residents. First American has been in business for about 39 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. With a home warranty from First American, you can benefit from 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 home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage.

First American Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. First American’s service fees are a reasonable $85, and the coverage limits come out to about $1,500 per covered system or appliance.

Read more by visiting 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

Service fee: $85.00 Monthly cost: $38.00
Items covered: Attic fans , Ceiling fans , Cooktop exhaust fan , Dishwasher , Disposal , Dryer , Microwave , Oven , Refrigerator , Trash compactor , Washer , Water dispenser Add-on items: Pool , Spa , Air conditioner , Septic tank , Septic , Well pump , First-class upgrade
Service fee: $85.00 Monthly cost: $48.50
Items covered: Attic fans , Ceiling fans , Cooktop exhaust fan , Dishwasher , Disposal , Dryer , Ductwork , Electrical , Garage door , Heating system , Microwave , Oven , Plumbing system , Plumbing stoppages , Refrigerator , Toilet , Trash compactor , Vacuum , Water heater , Washer , Water dispenser Add-on items: Pool , Spa , Air conditioner , Septic tank , Septic , Well pump , First-class upgrade

Cinch Home Services

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 Salinas residents. Cinch has been in business for about 44 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. With a home warranty from Cinch, you can benefit from 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 home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage.

Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. Cinch’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, and the coverage limits come out to about $1,000-$2,000 per covered system or appliance.

Read more by visiting 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

Service fee: $75.00 - $150.00 Monthly cost: $34.99 - $50.99
Items covered: Cooktop exhaust fan , Dishwasher , Dryer , Food center , Free-standing ice maker , Microwave , Oven , Refrigerator , Refrigerator ice maker , Trash compactor , Washer Add-on items: Pool , Septic , Well pump
Service fee: $75.00 - $150.00 Monthly cost: $39.99 - $57.99
Items covered: Air conditioner , Smoke alarm , Attic fans , Bath exhaust fans , Ceiling fans , Disposal , Doorbell , Ductwork , Electrical , Garage door , Heating system , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Septic tank pumping , Spa , Sump pump , Toilet , Vacuum , Water dispenser , Water heater , Whole house fan Add-on items: Pool , Septic , Well pump
Service fee: $75.00 - $150.00 Monthly cost: $49.99 - $67.99
Items covered: Air conditioner , Alarm , Attic fans , Bath exhaust fans , Ceiling fans , Cooktop exhaust , Dishwasher , Disposal , Doorbell , Dryer , Ductwork , Electrical , Food center , Free-standing ice maker , Garage door , Heating system , Microwave , Oven , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Refrigerator , Refrigerator ice maker , Septic tank pumping , Spa , Sump pump , Toilet , Trash compactor , Vacuum , Washer , Water dispenser , Water heater , Whole house fan Add-on items: Pool , Septic , Well pump

The Home Service Club

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 Salinas residents. HSC has been in business for about 15 years, making it a well-respected company in the industry. With a home warranty from HSC, you can benefit from 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 home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage.

The Home Service Club has 2 plans that provide a combination of system and appliance coverage. HSC’s service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, and the coverage limits come out to about $2,000 per covered system or appliance.

Read more by visiting 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

Service fee: $60.00 - $95.00 Monthly cost: $50.40
Items covered: Air conditioner , Ceiling fan , Dishwasher , Garbage disposal , Dryer , Electrical system , Food center , Free-standing ice maker , Garage door opener , Heating system , Microwave , Oven , Plumbing , Refrigerator , Trash compactor , Central vacuum , Washer , Water heater Add-on items: Utilities and home service line coverage (outside gas line, outside water line, outside sewer line, sprinkler system , Pool , Spa , Water softener , Roof leaks , Well pump , Pump , Stand-alone freezer
Service fee: $60.00 - $95.00 Monthly cost: $62.90
Items covered: Air conditioner , Alarm wiring , Attic fans , Ceiling fan , Dishwasher , Garbage disposal , Doorbell , Dryer , Ductwork , Electrical system , Food center , Free-standing ice maker , Garage door opener , Heating system , Microwave , Oven , Pest control , Phone , Plumbing , Plumbing stoppages , Refrigerator , Sump pump , Toilet , Trash compactor , Central vacuum , Washer , Water dispenser , Water heater , Whole house fan Add-on items: Utilities and home service line coverage (outside gas line, outside water line, outside sewer line, sprinkler system , Pool , Spa , Water softener , Roof leaks , Well pump , Pump , Stand-alone freezer
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

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:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

Cost of Common Home Repairs in Salinas

Home Appliance Repair Cost
Air Conditioner $6,955
Heating $4,636
Electrical $695
Toilets $580
Washer/Dryer $927
Plumbing $695
Oven $1,855
Fridge $695

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Salinas homeowners lower the high costs of household repairs. These plans offer financial protection to fix or swap out appliances and systems that stop working from normal wear and tear.

Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to make the repair or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the repair or replacement costs exceed the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives reassurance to homeowners because it helps prevent expensive emergency repairs. Home warranties are the most useful for older houses or those with aging systems. New homes with modern appliances might not require a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties cover your household systems and appliances. Typical covered appliances are refrigerators, microwaves, washers, garbage disposals, dryers, dishwashers, and others. Covered systems include electrical, air conditioning, plumbing, and heating. Various home warranty plans offer add-on coverage for roof leaks, septic systems, central vacuums, and even locksmiths. Salinas should understand that most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repair claims will be approved. The majority of policies also only cover repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or misuse of a system or appliance. Stay current with preventative maintenance to ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

There are several home warranty terms to understand before signing an agreement, including:

  • Claim approval: The process by which your provider determines whether a requested repair or replacement is covered under your warranty.
  • Coverage limits: The maximum dollar amount that your warranty provider will pay for certain repairs or replacements. Check your contract's limits on repairs for things like appliances, air conditioning units, and roof leaks.
  • Contract rate: The pre-negotiated rate a home warranty company has with its contractors. This rate is usually less than typical retail costs.
  • Trade call fee: An additional fee that some companies charge for appliance-related claims.
  • Endorsements: Optional add-on coverage for systems such as well pumps, septic, pools and more. Endorsements typically come with an additional fee.
  • Deductible: The amount you pay toward a covered repair before the warranty covers the rest. Some plans have per-claim or yearly deductibles.
  • Service fee: The amount you pay our of pocket per claim for access to a contractor and repair coverage.
Keeping these important details in mind will help you understand a home warranty contract and select a plan that's tailored to protect your most important home systems. Make sure you discuss specifics of coverage with potential companies during the quote process to avoid unexpected fees.

Key Factors in Choosing a Home Warranty Company

When selecting a home warranty provider, there are several important factors to consider:

Coverage Options

Home warranty policies can have major differences in covered items. Most plans cover heating, electrical, AC, plumbing, and appliances. More inclusive options also include coverage for other items such as pools, spas, well pumps, and roof leaks. Focus on providers with wide-ranging coverage selections including upgraded plans. Flexibility like this will help you customize your plan to meet your home's needs.

Service Fees

You'll pay a repair fee, normally ranging from $60–100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These per-claim charges can quickly add up, so you may seek out providers advertising lower service fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain companies may eliminate deductibles if homeowners don't submit any claims within a set period of time.

Reputation

A home warranty provider's reputation can provide insight into things such as approval rates, contractor quality, repair timeliness, and customer service. Check review platforms such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to research providers. Good ratings and feedback indicate a company known for exceptional service.

Contractor Network

Home warranty providers have networks of contractors that they use to tackle covered repairs. Larger networks improve the likelihood of getting skilled contractors to your home quickly. Reach out to possible providers to find out how many technicians they have in Salinas to understand how long repairs may take in an urgent situation.

Added Benefits

Some home warranty plans include bonuses such as smart home device protection, maintenance discounts, and energy efficiency upgrades. These can add value beyond repair coverage. Extra bonuses can maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Salinas?


Benefits of a Home Warranty

Home warranties are a great way to protect your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in Salinas reaching an average high of 70℃F, you may find that some appliances, such as your air conditioning unit, get a lot of use. A home warranty can considerably lower out-of-pocket expenses should your HVAC system break down.

Not only does a home warranty give you some financial relief, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks, the last thing you want to do is find a contractor and schedule a repair. A home warranty takes care of the research by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. Another added benefit of having home warranty coverage is that it can raise your home’s property value. If you ever decide to sell your home, you may be able to transfer your home warranty plan to the new homebuyer depending on the company you purchased your home warranty through.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

As for the drawbacks of home warranties, coverage varies by company, so it’s important to read what each policy covers and doesn’t include in the contract.

Another stipulation is that home warranties usually only cover repairs needed due to normal wear and tear. They commonly won’t cover systems or appliances that have stopped working due to improper maintenance, animal infestations, natural disasters, etc.

Our Recommended Providers

Best for Customization
4.5/5
  • Holds high ratings among customer service reviews
  • Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
  • Offers an extensive list of 30+ add-on coverages
Best For First Time Homeowners
4.2/5
  • 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
Best Claims Acceptance
4.1/5
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Decent coverage caps
  • No exclusions for older homes

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Warranty in Salinas, CA

A home warranty costs, on average, around $300 to $600 a year in Salinas. Our high-rated home warranty companies' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can get a lower monthly payment with some companies by opting for a higher service fee. In addition, it's typically less expensive to pay annually rather than monthly.

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. Homeowners insurance protects your home in a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. With a homeowners insurance plan, you will not be able to file a claim if you need a new washing machine or oven, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Salinas.

A home warranty plan can help home sellers, investors, real estate agents, homeowners, and homebuyers. It can offer peace of mind to anyone involved with homeownership.

The different kinds of home warranties in Salinas include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan covers many of your systems and appliances, such as your washing machine, drier, and heating and cooling systems. An appliance or system plan will cover only the items mentioned in the plan.

Generally, a home warranty offers coverage for a year and can be renewed annually. Some companies may offer month-to-month options.

Typically, the one who owns the home is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the home seller may purchase a home warranty policy 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 Salinas is $695,855, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.

Other Salinas, CA Home Services