Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Buying a home is a big step for many, but the cost of maintaining it can be expensive over time, especially if your home in Visalia is on the older side. A home warranty is a way to protect your budget from unexpected home repairs and expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be considerably lower and allow you to live in your home with more peace of mind.
Finding the best warranty for your home can be difficult, so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you find the best home warranty companies in Visalia. Keep reading for our top provider recommendations.
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 Visalia. Choice has more than 15 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. Choice has 2 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. 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 Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Total Plan. The coverage caps associated with Choice’s plans are around the $3,000 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are an affordable $85.
For more information on this provider, read our comprehensive review of Choice Home Warranty. 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 is the most cost-effective home warranty in Visalia. Select has more than 11 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. Select has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. 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 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 of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $60.
For more information on this provider, read our comprehensive review of Select Home Warranty. 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 is the most customizable home warranty in Visalia. AHS has more than 26 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. AHS has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. 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 American Home Shield are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. The coverage caps associated with AHS’s plans are around the $2,500 mark for most of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
For more information on this provider, read our comprehensive review of American Home Shield. 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 is the best home warranty for appliance coverage in Visalia. First American has more than 39 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. First American has 2 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. 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 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 of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are a reasonable $85.
For more information on this provider, read our comprehensive review of First American Home Warranty. 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 is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in Visalia. Cinch has more than 44 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. Cinch has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. 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 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 of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
For more information on this provider, read our comprehensive review of Cinch Home Services. 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 is the best home warranty with the quickest service in Visalia. HSC has more than 15 years of experience in the home warranty sector, and has provided great customer service at an affordable cost to its customers. HSC has 2 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy. 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 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 of the major systems and appliances, and service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
For more information on this provider, read our comprehensive review of The Home Service Club. 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 | $6,286 |
Heating | $4,191 |
Electrical | $629 |
Toilets | $524 |
Washer/Dryer | $838 |
Plumbing | $629 |
Oven | $1,676 |
Fridge | $629 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Visalia homeowners lower the high costs of household repairs. These plans provide financial coverage to repair or swap out appliances and systems that break down from normal wear and tear.
Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider then arranges 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 gives homeowners peace of mind, as it helps avoid expensive emergency repairs. The coverage is particularly helpful for those living in older houses or houses with fixtures near the end of their life span. However, homeowners with newer homes and working appliances may not require a home warranty.
Home warranties protect your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered include dryers, microwaves, garbage disposals, dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, and more. Covered systems are normally air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, and heating. Many home warranty providers offer add-on coverage for septic systems, locksmiths, roof leaks, and central vacuums. Visalia homeowners should know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day period you must wait 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 problems such as cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, natural disasters, or misuse of a system or appliance. It's important to keep up with preventative maintenance to ensure that your next repair or replacement will be covered by your policy.
Here are some key home warranty words to know before signing a contract:
When choosing a home warranty provider, there are several important factors to consider:
Home warranty coverage varies widely in the items that are included. Most plans cover AC, electrical, plumbing, heating, and appliances. More inclusive options also include protection for other items such as well pumps, spas, pools, and roof leaks. Look for providers with a range of coverage choices, such as upgraded plans. Flexibility helps you tailor your protection for your home’s 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 lower service fees to maximize savings. Some companies also offer disappearing deductibles after periods where a customer files no claims.
A home warranty provider's rating provides insight into things such as claim approval rates, contractor quality, timeliness of repairs, and overall customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to research providers. Favorable reviews and ratings indicate a company known for stellar service.
Home warranty providers use networks of local repair professionals to manage repairs in a given area. Contact potential providers to ask how many repair professionals they have in Visalia and get an idea of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Larger networks raise the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Home warranty companies sometimes offer perks such as maintenance discounts, coverage for smart home devices, and energy efficiency upgrades. These extras add value beyond basic repair coverage. Added perks can maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Temperatures in Visalia can vary greatly throughout the year, which means your air conditioner and heating systems are likely to get a good bit of use. As a homeowner in Visalia, one benefit of having a home warranty is knowing that these home systems and major appliances can be covered in the event they have to be repaired or replaced.
Not only can a home warranty give you some financial relief, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks, the last thing you want to do is find a repair person and schedule a repair. A home warranty takes care of the research by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. A home warranty can also have value in other ways. For instance, some plans can be transferred to another owner during a home sale.
There are also some drawbacks to purchasing a home warranty plan, such as the coverage exclusions. For example, home warranties may not cover home systems or appliances that are already covered by a manufacturer's warranty.
Additionally, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they need repairs or replacements due to a natural disaster or animal infestation — anything other than normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.
A home warranty costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Visalia. Our top-rated home warranty companies' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can decrease your monthly bill with some companies by opting for a higher service fee. In addition, it's typically less expensive to pay annually rather than monthly.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what types of damage they cover. Home warranty policies cover issues with home systems and appliances that need to be repaired or replaced due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a larger insurance that protects the entire home from natural disasters, which might not be too much of a concern in Visalia. It doesn't cover a typical appliance or system damage.
A home warranty policy can help homeowners, real estate agents, home sellers, investors, and homebuyers. It can provide peace of mind to anyone involved in homeownership.
A home warranty plan will cover your appliances, systems, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you'd like more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be helpful if you're concerned about one more than the other.
Generally, a home warranty policy offers coverage for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some companies may offer month-to-month plans.
Usually the homeowner pays for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the home seller may buy a home warranty policy 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 Visalia is $371,140, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.