Expert Advice On Improving Your Home

6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Stanford, CA

Written By David Cusick

Last Updated February 2024

Stanford gives homeowners some great living options and the opportunity to enjoy bright warm summers. However, scorching temperatures can do a number on your home’s systems, such as your HVAC. A home warranty in Stanford can help lower your out-of-pocket costs by covering repairs or replacements to major home appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.

Choosing the best home warranty on the market can be quite a challenge because of the sheer number of options out there. If you're tired of trying to compare them all, keep reading for our guide on the best home warranty providers in Stanford.

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 Stanford

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 is the best overall home warranty in Stanford. Choice has been in the home warranty industry for about 15 years. 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. The 2 plans from Choice are easy to understand and offer both system and appliance coverage.

The plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also about $3,000 at the maximum.

To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. To read more, visit our review of Choice Home Warranty.

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 is the most cost-effective home warranty in Stanford. Select has been in the home warranty industry for about 11 years. 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. The 3 plans from Select are easy to understand and offer both system and appliance coverage.

The plans that Select offers to homeowners are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also about $2,000 at the maximum.

To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. To read more, visit our review of Select Home Warranty.

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 is the most customizable home warranty in Stanford. AHS has been in the home warranty industry for about 26 years. 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. The 3 plans from AHS are easy to understand and offer both system and appliance coverage.

The plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also about $2,500 at the maximum.

To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. To read more, visit our review of American Home Shield.

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 is the best home warranty for appliance coverage in Stanford. First American has been in the home warranty industry for about 39 years. 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. The 2 plans from First American are easy to understand and offer both system and appliance coverage.

The plans that First American offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. Service fees from First American are a reasonable $85. The coverage caps are also about $1,500 at the maximum.

To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. To read more, visit our review of First American Home Warranty.

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 is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in Stanford. Cinch has been in the home warranty industry for about 44 years. 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. The 3 plans from Cinch are easy to understand and offer both system and appliance coverage.

The plans that Cinch offers to homeowners are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Service fees from Cinch are customizable and range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also about $1,000-$2,000 at the maximum.

To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. To read more, visit our review of Cinch Home Services.

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 is the best home warranty with the quickest service in Stanford. HSC has been in the home warranty industry for about 15 years. 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. The 2 plans from HSC are easy to understand and offer both system and appliance coverage.

The plans that HSC offers to homeowners are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also about $2,000 at the maximum.

To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. To read more, visit our review of The Home Service Club.

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 Stanford

Home Appliance Repair Cost
Air Conditioner $7,261
Heating $4,841
Electrical $726
Toilets $605
Washer/Dryer $968
Plumbing $726
Oven $1,936
Fridge $726

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Stanford homeowners reduce the high costs of household repairs. These plans offer financial protection to repair or replace appliances and systems that break down from normal wear and tear.

Homeowners file a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to make the repair or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the repair or replacement costs exceed the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives reassurance to homeowners, as it helps prevent costly emergency repairs. Home warranties are the most useful for older houses or those with aging systems. New homes with modern appliances may not need a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties cover many home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances include dryers, garbage disposals, microwaves, refrigerators, washers, dishwashers, and more. Protected systems include plumbing, electrical, air conditioning, and heating. Many home warranty plans offer add-on coverage for central vacuums, roof leaks, septic systems, and even locksmiths. Stanford homeowners should know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day waiting period before they will cover the cost of any repairs. Additionally, most policies only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover problems such as pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, cosmetic issues, or damage caused by improperly using a system or appliance. You need to keep up with preventative maintenance to ensure that your next repair or replacement will be covered by your policy.

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

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

  • Coverage limits: Dollar limits that cap how much the warranty will pay for certain repairs or replacements. Check limits on air conditioning units, appliances, roof leaks, and similar repairs.
  • Service fee: The amount you pay our of pocket per claim for access to a contractor and repair coverage.
  • Deductible: The amount you pay toward a covered repair before the warranty covers the rest. Some plans have per-claim or yearly deductibles.
  • Contract rate: The pre-negotiated rate a home warranty company has with its contractors. This rate is usually less than typical retail costs.
  • Claim approval: The process by which your provider determines whether a requested repair or replacement is covered under your warranty.
  • Endorsements: Optional add-ons that expand coverage for additional systems like pools, well pumps, septic, and more. Endorsements typically cost an additional fee.
  • Trade call fee: An added fee that you'll sometimes need to pay for appliance-related claims.
Keeping these terms and key factors in mind will help you understand costs and select a home warranty that's tailored to protect your home. Discuss specifics of coverage with potential providers during the quote process to help avoid unexpected fees.

Key Factors in Choosing a Home Warranty Company

When selecting a home warranty provider, there are several important factors to consider:

Coverage Options

Home warranty plans can have major differences in covered items. Most plans cover AC, electrical, heating, plumbing, and appliances. More robust plans also include coverage for other items such as roof leaks, well pumps, pools, and spas. Look for providers with an assortment of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. Flexibility helps you tailor your protection for your home’s needs.

Service Fees

You'll pay a service fee, typically $60–100, for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. This fee is charged per request and can quickly add up, so you may look for providers advertising more affordable fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain companies may eliminate deductibles if homeowners don't submit any claims within a set period of time.

Reputation

A home warranty provider's reputation gives insight into things such as approval rates, repair timeliness, contractor quality, and customer service. Browse review platforms such as TrustPilot, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research companies. Good ratings and feedback indicate a provider known for exceptional service.

Contractor Network

Home warranty companies maintain networks of technicians to handle covered repairs. Wider networks raise the likelihood of getting qualified technicians to swiftly service your home. Reach out to potential providers and ask how many contractors they have in Stanford to get a sense of how quickly your repairs could happen in an emergency.

Added Benefits

Some home warranty plans provide bonuses such as maintenance discounts, energy efficiency upgrades, and smart home device protection. These can add value beyond repair coverage. Extra bonuses help maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Stanford?


Benefits of a Home Warranty

Stanford’s hot summers can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty will cover your home’s appliances and systems if they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner fails in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the necessary repairs, preventing you from spending unexpected money out of pocket.

A home warranty also can also save you time and energy. Instead of spending hours researching and selecting a contractor to fix your appliance or system, home warranty providers do the hard work for you and send a trusted professional to your door whenever you need them. A home warranty can also provide value in other ways. For instance, some plans can be transferred between owners during a home sale.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

Home warranties also have some drawbacks. While it can be convenient that the home warranty sends out a repair person who takes care of the repair for you, some may not like this, and they would prefer to choose a contractor themselves. If that’s important to you, some home warranty companies allow you to select a contractor.

Plus, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they need repairs due to a natural disaster or animal infestation — anything other than 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 Stanford, CA

A home warranty costs, on average, around $300 to $600 a year in Stanford. Our top-rated home warranty companies' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can lower your monthly bill with some companies by opting for a higher service fee. Additionally, it's typically less expensive to pay annually rather than monthly.

The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what types of damage each covers. A home warranty covers normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. Homeowners insurance protects your home in case of a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. With homeowners insurance, you will not 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 isn't that common in Stanford.

A home warranty policy can help homebuyers, real estate agents, investors, home sellers, and homeowners. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved in homeownership.

The different home warranties in Stanford include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan will cover many of your home systems and appliances, such as your dishwasher, washing machine, and plumbing. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the specific items mentioned in the plan.

Generally, a home warranty plan lasts for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some companies may offer month-to-month options.

Usually the person who owns the home pays for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the one selling the home may purchase a home warranty plan and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then have to pay the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in Stanford is $2,820,937, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.

Other Stanford, CA Home Services