Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Owning a home can have lots of benefits, but it can also come with some negatives like maintenance. The older your house’s appliances and systems are, the more likely it is that you'll benefit from a home warranty. A home warranty in San Anselmo can help bring down your out-of-pocket costs by covering repairs or replacements to major home systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be challenging, since there are lots of companies to decide between. That’s why our team at Today's Homeowner did the research and put together a list of the best home warranty companies in San Anselmo 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
In San Anselmo, Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty. The 2 plans that Choice offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. Choice offers very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Plus, it also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
The plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan. The coverage caps associated with Choice’s plans are around the $3,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $85.
To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. To read more, visit our review of Choice Home Warranty.
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
In San Anselmo, Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty. The 3 plans that Select offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. Select offers a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Plus, it also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
The plans that Select offers to homeowners are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. The coverage caps associated with Select’s plans are around the $2,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $60.
To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. To read more, visit our review of Select Home Warranty.
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
In San Anselmo, American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty. The 3 plans that AHS offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. AHS offers the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Plus, it also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
The plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. The coverage caps associated with AHS’s plans are around the $2,500 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To get a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. To read more, visit our review of American Home Shield.
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
In San Anselmo, First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage. The 2 plans that First American offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. First American offers very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. Plus, 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 plans that First American offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. The coverage caps associated with First American’s plans are around the $1,500 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $85.
To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. To read more, visit our review of First American Home Warranty.
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
In San Anselmo, Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. The 3 plans that Cinch offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. Cinch offers a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Plus, it also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
The plans that Cinch offers to homeowners are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. The coverage caps associated with Cinch’s plans are around 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.
To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. To read more, visit our review of Cinch Home Services.
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
In San Anselmo, The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service. The 2 plans that HSC offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. HSC offers quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Plus, it also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee.
The plans that HSC offers to homeowners are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. The coverage caps associated with HSC’s plans are around the $2,000 mark for many of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. To read more, visit our review of The Home Service Club.
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 | $7,952 |
| Heating | $5,302 |
| Electrical | $795 |
| Toilets | $663 |
| Washer/Dryer | $1,060 |
| Plumbing | $795 |
| Oven | $2,121 |
| Fridge | $795 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that assists San Anselmo homeowners lower the high costs of household repairs. These plans provide financial protection to fix 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 provider then arranges a contractor to make the fix 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 homeowners reassurance, as it helps avoid high-priced emergency repairs. The coverage is especially helpful for buyers of older houses or houses with fixtures near the end of their life span. However, homeowners with newer homes and modern appliances might not require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Covered appliances normally include washers, garbage disposals, dishwashers, microwaves, refrigerators, dryers, and others. Covered systems include air conditioning, heating, plumbing, and electrical. Many home warranty providers also offer additional coverage for locksmiths, septic systems, central vacuums, and roof leaks. San Anselmo 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 address repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or improperly using a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to help make sure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Before agreeing to a home warranty contract, you should know key terms like:
There are several key considerations when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage can have major differences in what's included. Most plans include protection for plumbing, AC, heating, electrical, and appliances. More inclusive options also include protection for other items such as pools, roof leaks, spas, and well pumps. Look for providers with flexible coverage choices, including upgraded plans. This allows you to customize your plan to your needs.
Homeowners should anticipate paying a $60–100 service fee when filing home warranty claims. These per-repair charges can potentially accumulate over time, so some homeowners prefer using companies with lower service fees to maximize savings. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles after periods where a customer files no claims.
A home warranty company'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 TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to research companies. Good ratings and reviews indicate that a company is known for quality service.
Home warranty companies have networks of professionals that they use to tackle covered repairs. Larger networks raise the probability of getting qualified contractors to your home swiftly. Reach out to possible providers to find out how many technicians they have in San Anselmo to understand how long repairs could take in an urgent situation.
Some home warranty companies include perks such as reduced maintenance fees, energy efficiency upgrades, and smart home device coverage. These can offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra bonuses help you enhance your home and get the most from your warranty policy.
San Anselmo’s relatively mild winters and hot summers can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty will cover your home’s appliances and systems in the event they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner breaks down in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the repairs, saving you from spending a lot of money out of pocket.
Not to mention, having a home warranty can save you some time by removing the need to research repair people — most providers will send a trusted professional right to your door to carry out the repair or replacement. Additionally, though it varies by company, some providers will let you transfer your warranty in the event that you sell your home. This can make your property more attractive to potential homebuyers and maybe even help your home sell faster.
As for the negatives of home warranties, system and appliance coverage varies by company, so it’s important to read what each policy covers and excludes in the contract.
Another potential pain point of home warranties is that they don’t cover items that have been improperly maintained. This can lead to your repair requests being rejected, so it’s important to make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance of your home systems and appliances.
A home warranty plan costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in San Anselmo. Our top-rated home warranty providers' 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 kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty plan covers normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. Homeowners insurance protects your home in case of something such as a fire or natural disaster. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim should you need a new washing machine or dishwasher, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which isn't that common in San Anselmo.
A home warranty can help homeowners, real estate agents, homebuyers, investors, and home sellers. It can offer peace of mind to anyone involved in homeownership.
A home warranty policy will cover your home’s appliances, systems, or both. Combination plans are great if you'd like more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be useful if you're concerned about one more than the other.
Generally, a home warranty plan lasts for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some companies may offer month-to-month plans.
Usually, the homeowner is the one who is responsible for paying the premium and service fees. However, when buying a new home, sometimes the seller will pay for the policy. This can then be transferred to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees when using the policy. In San Anselmo, where the median value of a home is $1,634,748, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
