Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Buying a home is a big step for many people, but the cost of maintaining it can get expensive over time, especially if your home in Santa Monica is on the older side. A home warranty plan can help protect homeowners by covering major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important systems and appliances.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be overwhelming, as there are so many companies to decide between. That’s why our team at Today's Homeowner did the research and put together a list of the top home warranty companies in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica, Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty. The 2 plans from Choice are comprehensive and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage. When you purchase a policy 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 2 plans from Choice Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Total Plan. The coverage caps associated with Choice’s plans are around the $3,000 mark for most major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $85.
Read our comprehensive review of Choice Home Warranty to learn more. To get 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 Santa Monica, Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty. The 3 plans from Select are comprehensive and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage. When you purchase a policy 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 3 plans from Select Home Warranty 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 most major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $60.
Read our comprehensive review of Select Home Warranty to learn more. To get 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 Santa Monica, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty. The 3 plans from AHS are comprehensive and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage. When you purchase a policy 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 3 plans from American Home Shield are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. The coverage caps associated with AHS’s plans are around the $2,500 mark for most major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
Read our comprehensive review of American Home Shield to learn more. To get 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 Santa Monica, First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage. The 2 plans from First American are comprehensive and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage. When you purchase a policy 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 2 plans from First American Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. The coverage caps associated with First American’s plans are around the $1,500 mark for most major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $85.
Read our comprehensive review of First American Home Warranty to learn more. To get 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 Santa Monica, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. The 3 plans from Cinch are comprehensive and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage. When you purchase a policy 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 3 plans from Cinch Home Services 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 most major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
Read our comprehensive review of Cinch Home Services to learn more. To get 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 Santa Monica, The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service. The 2 plans from HSC are comprehensive and offer a mix of both system and appliance coverage. When you purchase a policy 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 2 plans from The Home Service Club are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. The coverage caps associated with HSC’s plans are around the $2,000 mark for most major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
Read our comprehensive review of The Home Service Club to learn more. To get 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 | $7,530 |
| Heating | $5,020 |
| Electrical | $753 |
| Toilets | $628 |
| Washer/Dryer | $1,004 |
| Plumbing | $753 |
| Oven | $2,008 |
| Fridge | $753 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Santa Monica homeowners in reducing the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer financial coverage to replace or repair appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to handle the replacement or fix. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement costs exceed the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners reassurance, as it helps avoid expensive emergency repairs. The coverage is especially helpful for those living in older houses or houses with systems near the end of their life span. However, homeowners with newer homes and functioning appliances might not need a home warranty.
Home warranties help protect both your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered under a home warranty include refrigerators, garbage disposals, microwaves, washers, dishwashers, dryers, and more. Covered systems include plumbing, heating, electrical, and air conditioning. Many home warranty plans also offer add-on coverage options for central vacuums, septic systems, locksmiths, and even roof leaks. Santa Monica homeowners should know that most home warranty plans begin with a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. Additionally, most policies only help pay for repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, natural disasters, or misuse of a system or appliance. You must keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Here are some key home warranty words to learn before signing a contract:
When choosing a home warranty provider, there are several key factors to consider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans cover electrical, heating, plumbing, AC, and appliances. More comprehensive options may also include other things such as pools, roof leaks, spas, and well pumps. Focus on companies with broad coverage options including upgraded plans. This flexibility enables you to customize protection for your home's needs.
You'll pay a standard service fee of around $60 to $100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These fees to accumulate quickly with each claim, so you may look for providers advertising lower service fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain providers may eliminate deductibles after a customer goes a period of time with no claims filed.
A home warranty company's reputation provides insights into factors such as claim approval rates, contractor expertise, repair speed, and customer satisfaction. Look at review sites like Google Reviews, TrustPilot, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn more about providers. Favorable feedback and ratings suggest a company known for delivering quality service.
Home warranty providers use networks of local repair contractors to manage repairs in a given area. Contact potential businesses to learn the number of repair professionals they have in Santa Monica and get an idea of how fast your repairs could be handled in an emergency. More extensive networks increase the probability of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Some home warranty companies may include perks such as reduced maintenance fees, smart home device coverage, and energy efficiency upgrades. These can offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra bonuses allow you to enhance your home and get the most from your warranty policy.
Since temperatures in Santa Monica can easily reach 100 degrees, the extreme weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioner. Getting a home warranty policy can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances stops working unexpectedly.
On top of saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can give you peace of mind and save you the pain of trying to find a qualified repair person to visit your home. Home warranties usually come with a network of pre-vetted contractors who can handle any repair problems you may experience. Another good thing about having a home warranty is when you’re selling your home, some providers let you transfer your home warranty policy to the new owners. This can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and may help your home sell faster.
As for the downsides of home warranties, home system and appliance coverage varies by provider, so it’s important to understand what each plan covers and doesn’t include in the contract.
Another thing to keep in mind is that some companies don’t cover pre-existing issues and may require an inspection before your coverage can start. Ask the home warranty company for clarification about it if you need more information or if this is a problem for you.
A home warranty costs, on average, around $300 to $600 a year in Santa Monica. 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 choosing a higher service fee. In addition, it's typically cheaper 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 covers normal wear and tear to home systems and appliances. Homeowners insurance protects a home in case of something such as a natural disaster or fire. With a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim if you need a new dryer or oven, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Santa Monica.
Homebuyers, homeowners, real estate agents, landlords, and home sellers are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your property more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different kinds of home warranties in Santa Monica include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan will cover almost all your systems and appliances, such as your dishwasher, washing machine, and HVAC. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the items mentioned in the plan.
Generally, a home warranty plan lasts for a year and can be renewed annually. Some companies may offer month-to-month options.
In general, the homeowner is responsible for paying 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 transferred to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees when using the policy. In Santa Monica, where the median home value is $1,682,105, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
