Expert Advice On Improving Your Home

6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Santa Clara, CA

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.

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 Santa Clara

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 Santa Clara

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

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

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.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

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.

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

Here are some key home warranty terms to understand before signing a contract:

  • Contract rate: The pre-negotiated rate a home warranty company has with its contractors. This rate is usually less than typical retail costs.
  • Deductible: How much you pay for a covered repair before your warranty covers the rest. Deductibles can be per-claim or yearly.
  • Endorsements: Optional add-ons that expand coverage for additional systems like pools, well pumps, septic, and more. Endorsements typically cost an additional fee.
  • Coverage limits: How much money your warranty provider will pay for specific repairs or replacements. Check limits on repairs for things like air conditioning units, appliances, and roof leaks.
  • Claim approval: The process by which your provider determines whether a requested repair or replacement is covered under your warranty.
  • Service fee: The out-of-pocket cost you pay per claim for access to a contractor and repair coverage.
  • Trade call fee: An added fee that you'll sometimes need to pay for appliance-related claims.
If you remember these terms and key factors, it’ll help you choose a home warranty that's tailored to protecting your most vital home systems. Make sure to talk to providers about coverage specifics when getting a quote, so you can avoid unexpected fees.

Key Factors in Choosing a Home Warranty Company

There are several key factors to consider when choosing a home warranty provider:

Coverage Options

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.

Service Fees

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.

Reputation

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.

Contractor Network

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.

Added Benefits

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.

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Santa Clara?


Benefits of a 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.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

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.

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 Santa Clara, CA

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.

Other Santa Clara, CA Home Services