Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
There are a lot of perks of owning a home, but as your Santa Clara home ages, you may have to update or repair your appliances and systems. A home warranty can bring you the peace of mind you need and safeguard your savings account from large expenses by covering your home’s major systems and appliances.
The home warranty market is filled with many providers — all with different plans — so the Today's Homeowner team has compiled this guide to help you choose the best home warranty companies in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara residents. Choice has more than 15 years of experience in the home warranty industry and in that time has built a impressive network of service technicians nationwide. The home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. 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.
Choice Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Santa Clara homeowners. The Basic Plan and Total Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also typically around $3,000.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our Choice Home Warranty full review. To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can 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 Santa Clara residents. Select has more than 11 years of experience in the home warranty industry and in that time has built a impressive network of service technicians nationwide. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. 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.
Select Home Warranty offers 3 plans for Santa Clara 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. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also typically around $2,000.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our Select Home Warranty full review. To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can 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 Santa Clara residents. AHS has more than 26 years of experience in the home warranty industry and in that time has built a impressive network of service technicians nationwide. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. 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.
American Home Shield offers 3 plans for Santa Clara homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also typically around $2,500.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our American Home Shield full review. To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, you can 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 Santa Clara residents. First American has more than 39 years of experience in the home warranty industry and in that time has built a impressive network of service technicians nationwide. The home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. 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.
First American Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Santa Clara homeowners. The Basic Plan and Premier Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from First American are a reasonable $85. The coverage caps are also typically around $1,500.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our First American Home Warranty full review. To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can 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 Santa Clara residents. Cinch has more than 44 years of experience in the home warranty industry and in that time has built a impressive network of service technicians nationwide. The home warranty company offers 3 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. 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.
Cinch Home Services offers 3 plans for Santa Clara 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. Service fees from Cinch are customizable and range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also typically around $1,000-$2,000.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our Cinch Home Services full review. To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can 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 Santa Clara residents. HSC has more than 15 years of experience in the home warranty industry and in that time has built a impressive network of service technicians nationwide. The home warranty company offers 2 plans to policyholders, which have various system and appliance coverage options. 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 Service Club offers 2 plans for Santa Clara homeowners. The Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan are the options they have, which have a mix of system and appliance coverage. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also typically around $2,000.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our The Home Service Club full review. To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can 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 | $8,104 |
Heating | $5,403 |
Electrical | $810 |
Toilets | $675 |
Washer/Dryer | $1,081 |
Plumbing | $810 |
Oven | $2,161 |
Fridge | $810 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps reduce the high costs for Santa Clara homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide coverage to fix or replace appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
Homeowners file a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty company then finds 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 exceeds 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 modern appliances and fixtures may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties protect your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered include microwaves, garbage disposals, dishwashers, washers, dryers, refrigerators, and more. Covered systems are typically plumbing, air conditioning, electrical, and heating. Many home warranty providers offer add-on coverage for septic systems, locksmiths, central vacuums, and roof leaks. Santa Clara homeowners should know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day period you must wait before they will cover the cost of any repairs. Additionally, policies typically only cover repairs and replacements that result from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover problems such as cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or improper use of a system or appliance. It's important to keep up with preventative maintenance to ensure that your next repair or replacement is covered by the policy.
Here are some key home warranty terms to understand before signing a contract:
There are several key factors to consider when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty plans vary widely in what they include. Most plans provide protection for AC, heating, plumbing, electrical, and appliances. More inclusive options also extend protection to other items such as spas, pools, roof leaks, and well pumps. Focus on companies with wide-ranging coverage selections including upgraded plans. This flexibility enables you to customize protection for your needs.
Homeowners should anticipate paying a $60–100 service fee when filing home warranty claims. These per-claim costs can add up, so some homeowners prefer using companies with more affordable per-claim fees to maximize savings. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles if a customer doesn't submit any claims in a set timeframe.
A home warranty company's track record gives you insight into things such as timeliness of repairs, contractor quality, claim approval rates, and overall customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as Google Reviews, TrustPilot, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research providers. Complimentary ratings and reviews indicate a provider known for stellar service.
Home warranty businesses keep networks of local professionals to handle repairs in your area. Contact potential providers to ask how many repair technicians they have in Santa Clara and get an idea for how fast your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. More extensive networks raise the chances of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Home warranty providers often include perks such as coverage for smart home devices, energy efficiency upgrades, and maintenance discounts. These add value beyond just repair coverage. Added perks maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Temperatures in Santa Clara can get quite high in the summer, which means your air conditioner is likely to get a lot of use. As a homeowner in Santa Clara, one of the benefits of having a home warranty is knowing that these home systems and major appliances can be covered if they have to be repaired or replaced.
A home warranty also can also save you time and energy. Instead of spending hours researching and choosing a repair person to fix your appliance or system, home warranty companies do the hard work for you and send a trusted professional to your door whenever you need them. A home warranty can also give value in other ways. For instance, some policies can be transferred between owners when you sell your home.
One of the major drawbacks of a home warranty is not every home system and appliance you care about may be covered. It’s important to compare the different plans and choose one that covers all the appliances, systems, and add-ons you need.
Also, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they were damaged due to a natural disaster or animal infestation — anything besides normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.
A home warranty in Santa Clara can cost between $30 and $60 a month. The higher-priced plans tend to have higher coverage limits, a lower service fee, and broader coverage. You can often lower this cost by paying annually instead of monthly. Some providers will also lower your up-front costs when you agree to a higher service fee.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what types of damage they cover. Home warranty plans cover issues related to systems and appliances that need repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different kind of plan that protects an entire home from natural disasters, which might not be too much of a concern in Santa Clara. It doesn't cover a typical appliance or system breakage.
A home warranty plan can help investors, homeowners, homebuyers, real estate agents, and home sellers. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved in homeownership.
The different types of home warranties in Santa Clara include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan will cover many of your home systems and appliances, such as your refrigerator, washing machine, and HVAC. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the items mentioned in the plan.
Home warranty plans typically offer coverage for a year. Many providers let you renew your plan annually, and some offer month-to-month plans as well.
Usually the one who owns the home is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, however, 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. Considering that the average home value in Santa Clara is $1,492,264, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.