Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
The cost of maintaining a home in San Clemente can be expensive, particularly as your home ages and your systems and appliances have to be updated. A home warranty is a way to protect your bank account from unexpected home repairs and 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 right protection 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 San Clemente. Read on 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
In San Clemente, Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty. Choice has been operating for around 15 years, making it a respected company in the industry. 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. Choice has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily understandable.
Choice Home Warranty offers 2 plans for San Clemente homeowners. The Basic Plan and Total Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $85.
To read more, visit our Choice Home Warranty full review. To get 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
In San Clemente, Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty. Select has been operating for around 11 years, making it a respected company in the industry. 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. Select has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily understandable.
Select Home Warranty offers 3 plans for San Clemente 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. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
To read more, visit our Select Home Warranty full review. To get 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
In San Clemente, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty. AHS has been operating for around 26 years, making it a respected company in the industry. 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. AHS has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily understandable.
American Home Shield offers 3 plans for San Clemente homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To read more, visit our American Home Shield full review. To get 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
In San Clemente, First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage. First American has been operating for around 39 years, making it a respected company in the industry. 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. First American has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily understandable.
First American Home Warranty offers 2 plans for San Clemente homeowners. The Basic Plan and Premier Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
To read more, visit our First American Home Warranty full review. To get 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
In San Clemente, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. Cinch has been operating for around 44 years, making it a respected company in the industry. 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. Cinch has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily understandable.
Cinch Home Services offers 3 plans for San Clemente 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. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To read more, visit our Cinch Home Services full review. To get 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
In San Clemente, The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC has been operating for around 15 years, making it a respected company in the industry. 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. HSC has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily understandable.
The Home Service Club offers 2 plans for San Clemente homeowners. The Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so make sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To read more, visit our The Home Service Club full review. To get 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 | $7,791 |
Heating | $5,194 |
Electrical | $779 |
Toilets | $649 |
Washer/Dryer | $1,039 |
Plumbing | $779 |
Oven | $2,078 |
Fridge | $779 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps San Clemente homeowners cut the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer coverage to repair or swap out appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to handle the fix or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty plan gives homeowners a sense of security and can help avoid costly 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 safeguard your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances include microwaves, dishwashers, washers, garbage disposals, dryers, refrigerators, and others. Covered systems include electrical, heating, plumbing, and air conditioning. Many home warranties also offer add-on coverage options for septic systems, locksmiths, central vacuums, and even roof leaks. Most home warranty plans require San Clemente homeowners to wait 30 days before they can use the policy to pay for repairs. Moreover, policies normally only cover repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or misusing a system or appliance. To make sure your next repair or replacement is covered, keep up with preventative maintenance.
Here are some essential home warranty terms to know before signing a contract:
When choosing a home warranty provider, there are several key factors to consider:
Home warranty policies differ significantly in terms of coverage. Most plans provide protection for heating, electrical, plumbing, AC, and appliances. More robust plans also offer protection for other items such as well pumps, roof leaks, spas, and pools. Look for a provider that offers robust coverage options, including upgraded plans. Flexibility is important when trying to fit a home warranty to your home's specific systems and 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 providers 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 provides insights into factors such as contractor expertise, repair speed, claim approval rates, and customer satisfaction. Check review sites like TrustPilot, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn more about providers. Good ratings and feedback suggest a company known for delivering quality service.
Home warranty businesses maintain networks of local contractors to handle repairs in your area. Reach out to potential providers to find out how many repair professionals they have in San Clemente and get an idea for how quickly your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. Larger networks raise the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.
Some home warranty companies may include perks such as energy efficiency upgrades, reduced maintenance fees, and smart home device coverage. These extras can offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Added bonuses let you enhance your home and get the most from your warranty policy.
Temperatures in San Clemente can get quite high in the summer, which means your air conditioner is most likely going to get a lot of use. As a homeowner in San Clemente, 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.
Not only does a home warranty give you some financial relief, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks down, the last thing you want to do is find a repair person and schedule a repair. A home warranty handles the research by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. In addition, though it varies by company, some providers will let you transfer your warranty if you sell your home. This can make your property more attractive to potential homebuyers and help your home sell faster.
There are also some drawbacks to buying a home warranty plan, like the coverage exclusions. For instance, home warranties may not cover home systems or appliances that already have a manufacturer's warranty.
Another potential pain point of home warranties is that they don’t cover systems or appliances that haven’t been properly maintained. This can lead to your repair requests being denied, so it’s important to make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance of your home systems and appliances.
A home warranty in San Clemente can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. Higher-priced plans usually have broader coverage, higher coverage limits, and a lower service fee. Home warranties are often cheaper when you pay annually instead of monthly. Some providers will also decrease your up-front costs when you opt for 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. Homeowners insurance protects the entire home in case of a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. With homeowners insurance, you will not 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 Clemente.
Homebuyers, landlords, homeowners, real estate agents, and home sellers are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your home more attractive to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different types of home warranties in San Clemente include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan will cover many of your systems and appliances, including your refrigerator, washing machine, and heating and cooling systems. An appliance or system plan will cover only the items mentioned in the contract.
Generally, a home warranty policy lasts for a year and can be renewed annually. Some providers may offer month-to-month options.
Usually, the homeowner is the one who pays the premium and service fees. However, when buying 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. In San Clemente, where the median home value is $1,538,522, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.