Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
The cost of maintaining a home in San Marino can be expensive, especially as your home ages and your systems and appliances need to be updated or repaired. A home warranty is a way to protect your savings account from unexpected home repairs and expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be significantly lower and give you some peace of mind.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be challenging, as there are dozens of companies to decide between. That’s why our team at Today's Homeowner did the research and made a list of the best home warranty companies in San Marino 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 Marino, Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty. Choice has been in the home warranty business for around 15 years. When you buy a home warranty from Choice, you will get very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Choice Home Warranty also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. The home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage.
There are 2 home warranty plans from Choice Home Warranty: Basic Plan and Total Plan. The coverage caps associated with Choice’s plans are close to the $3,000 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $85.
To read more, visit our Choice Home Warranty Review. To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Marino, Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty. Select has been in the home warranty business for around 11 years. When you buy a home warranty from Select, you will get a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Select Home Warranty also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Select Home Warranty: Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. The coverage caps associated with Select’s plans are close to the $2,000 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $60.
To read more, visit our Select Home Warranty Review. To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Marino, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty. AHS has been in the home warranty business for around 26 years. When you buy a home warranty from AHS, you will get the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. American Home Shield also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage.
There are 3 home warranty plans from American Home Shield: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. The coverage caps associated with AHS’s plans are close to the $2,500 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To read more, visit our American Home Shield Review. To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Marino, First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage. First American has been in the home warranty business for around 39 years. When you buy a home warranty from First American, you will get very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. First American Home Warranty 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 home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage.
There are 2 home warranty plans from First American Home Warranty: Basic Plan and Premier Plan. The coverage caps associated with First American’s plans are close to the $1,500 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $85.
To read more, visit our First American Home Warranty Review. To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Marino, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. Cinch has been in the home warranty business for around 44 years. When you buy a home warranty from Cinch, you will get a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Cinch Home Services also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Cinch Home Services: Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. The coverage caps associated with Cinch’s plans are close to the $1,000-$2,000 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To read more, visit our Cinch Home Services Review. To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 Marino, The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC has been in the home warranty business for around 15 years. When you buy a home warranty from HSC, you will get quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. The Home Service Club also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee. The home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage.
There are 2 home warranty plans from The Home Service Club: Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. The coverage caps associated with HSC’s plans are close to the $2,000 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To read more, visit our The Home Service Club Review. To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 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 | $8,250 |
| Heating | $5,500 |
| Electrical | $825 |
| Toilets | $688 |
| Washer/Dryer | $1,100 |
| Plumbing | $825 |
| Oven | $2,200 |
| Fridge | $825 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps San Marino homeowners reduce the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer coverage to repair or replace 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 arranges a contractor to handle the fix 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 policy gives homeowners peace of mind since it can help avoid expensive emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for people purchasing older homes or homes with appliances near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with modern appliances and fixtures may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Covered appliances normally include refrigerators, dishwashers, garbage disposals, microwaves, dryers, washers, and others. Covered systems include electrical, air conditioning, heating, and plumbing. Many home warranty companies also provide additional coverage for locksmiths, central vacuums, roof leaks, and septic systems. San Marino homeowners should know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day waiting period before they can be used to cover repairs. Additionally, most policies only cover repairs and replacements needed due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover things like pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, cosmetic issues, or misuse of a system or appliance. You need to keep up with preventative maintenance to ensure that your next repair or replacement is covered by your policy.
Home warranties use several terms that you'll want to know before signing a contract, such as:
There are several key considerations when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranties have significant variation in what they include. Basic plans typically cover AC, plumbing, heating, electrical, and appliances, while more comprehensive plans may also cover pools, well pumps, spas, and roof leaks. Look for a company that offers robust coverage options, including upgraded plans. Flexibility is important when trying to fit a home warranty to your home's specific needs.
Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. As this charge applies to every separate claim, you may want to choose a company with lower service fees to maximize savings on every claim. Some providers also remove deductibles when customers have a claim-free period.
A home warranty provider's reputation provides insight into things such as approval rates, contractor quality, repair timeliness, and customer service. Use 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 great service.
Home warranty providers keep networks of technicians to handle covered repairs. Larger networks increase the probability of getting qualified technicians to service your home ASAP. Contact potential providers to find out how many contractors they have in San Marino to get a sense of how quickly your repairs could happen in an emergency.
Home warranty companies might offer perks such as energy efficiency upgrades, maintenance discounts, and coverage for smart home devices. These add value beyond just repair coverage. Additional perks help maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Since temperatures in San Marino can easily reach 100 degrees, the extreme weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioner. Purchasing a home warranty plan can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances breaks down unexpectedly.
In addition to 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 contractor to visit your home. Home warranties usually have a network of pre-vetted contractors who can handle any repair problems you may have. A home warranty can also offer value in other ways. For example, some plans can be transferred to another owner when you sell your home.
Home warranties also have some downsides. Though it can save you time when the home warranty sends out a repair technician who does the repair for you, some people may not like this, and they would prefer to choose a contractor themselves. If that’s the case for you, some home warranty providers allow you to select a contractor.
Another thing to keep in mind is that some providers don’t cover pre-existing damage and may require an inspection before coverage begins. Ask the home warranty provider for clarification about this if you aren’t sure or if this is a problem for you.
A home warranty policy costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in San Marino. 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. Additionally, it's often cheaper to pay annually rather than monthly.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what sorts of damage they cover. Home warranty plans cover issues related to home systems and appliances that need to be repaired or replaced due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different kind of insurance that protects the entire home from natural disasters, which can sometimes be a concern in San Marino. It doesn't cover a typical appliance or system repairs.
Homebuyers, landlords, real estate agents, home sellers, and homeowners are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your house more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
A home warranty can cover your home’s 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 helpful if you want to save some money.
Generally, a home warranty policy lasts for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some companies may offer month-to-month options.
Typically, the person who owns the home pays for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the home seller may buy a home warranty and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then be responsible for the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in San Marino is $2,430,691, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.
