Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Buying a home is a big step for many, but maintaining it can get expensive over time, especially if your home in Martinez is on the older side. A home warranty can help protect homebuyers and current homeowners by cutting the costs of major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important systems and appliances.
The home warranty market is filled with a lot of providers — all with different plans — so the Today's Homeowner team has done the research to help you choose the best home warranty companies in Martinez.
Very highly rated among customer service reviews
Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
Extensive list of 20+ add-on coverages
Easy claims process
Won’t cover known or unknown pre-existing conditions
Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty in Martinez. Liberty is a home warranty company with 6 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. Liberty offers 3 plans for homeowners to decide between. With a home warranty from Liberty, you can benefit from a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Not to mention, it has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
The plans that Liberty offers to homeowners are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $75.
To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or give them a call at 866-451-2281. To read more, visit our review of Liberty Home Guard.
Appliance Guard
Systems Guard
Total Home Guard
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 in Martinez. Choice is a home warranty company with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. Choice offers 2 plans for homeowners to decide between. With a home warranty from Choice, you can benefit from very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Not to mention, it has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
The plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $85.
To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 929-400-6164. To read more, visit our review of Choice Home Warranty.
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 in Martinez. Select is a home warranty company with 11 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. Select offers 3 plans for homeowners to decide between. With a home warranty from Select, you can benefit from a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Not to mention, it has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
The plans that Select offers to homeowners are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-370-3953. To read more, visit our review of Select Home Warranty.
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 in Martinez. AHS is a home warranty company with 26 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. AHS offers 3 plans for homeowners to decide between. With a home warranty from AHS, you can benefit from the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Not to mention, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
The plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or give them a call at 888-365-2839. To read more, visit our review of American Home Shield.
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 in Martinez. First American is a home warranty company with 39 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. First American offers 2 plans for homeowners to decide between. With a home warranty from First American, you can benefit from very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. Not to mention, it 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 plans that First American offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or give them a call at 833-204-7164. To read more, visit our review of First American Home Warranty.
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 in Martinez. Cinch is a home warranty company with 44 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. Cinch offers 3 plans for homeowners to decide between. With a home warranty from Cinch, you can benefit from a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Not to mention, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
The plans that Cinch offers to homeowners are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or give them a call at 877-589-0505. To read more, visit our review of Cinch Home Services.
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 in Martinez. HSC is a home warranty company with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has proved to be one of the best providers in the business. HSC offers 2 plans for homeowners to decide between. With a home warranty from HSC, you can benefit from quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Not to mention, it has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee.
The plans that HSC offers to homeowners are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or give them a call at 800-750-9443. To read more, visit our review of The Home Service Club.
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 | $6,326 |
| Heating | $4,217 |
| Electrical | $633 |
| Toilets | $527 |
| Washer/Dryer | $843 |
| Plumbing | $633 |
| Oven | $1,687 |
| Fridge | $633 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Martinez homeowners in reducing the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide financial coverage to replace or fix appliances and systems that break down due to normal wear and tear.
When something stops working, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then arranges a contractor to handle the replacement or fix. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of the repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners reassurance, as it helps avoid expensive emergency repairs. The coverage is especially helpful for owners of older houses or houses with systems near the end of their life span. However, people with newer homes and working appliances might not require a home warranty.
Home warranties safeguard your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances include refrigerators, garbage disposals, washers, microwaves, dryers, dishwashers, and more. Covered systems include air conditioning, electrical, heating, and plumbing. Many home warranties also offer add-on coverage options for locksmiths, septic systems, central vacuums, and even roof leaks. Martinez homeowners should know that most home warranty plans impose a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. What's more, most policies only help pay for repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or improperly using a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to help make sure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Home warranties use several terms that you'll want to understand before signing a contract, such as:
There are several key factors to consider when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans cover plumbing, electrical, heating, AC, and appliances. More inclusive plans may also include other things such as well pumps, roof leaks, spas, and pools. Focus on providers with broad coverage options including upgraded plans. This flexibility enables you to customize your plan to meet your needs.
You'll pay a service fee, typically $60–100, for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These fees to accumulate quickly with each claim, so you may seek out companies advertising lower service fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain companies may waive deductibles if homeowners don't submit any claims within a set period of time.
A home warranty provider's reputation provides insights into factors such as contractor expertise, claim approval rates, repair speed, and customer satisfaction. Check review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to learn more about providers. Favorable ratings and feedback suggest a company known for providing quality service.
Home warranty providers have networks of professionals that they use to tackle covered repairs. More extensive networks increase the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to your home swiftly. Contact possible providers to find out how many contractors they have in Martinez. This helps you understand how long repairs could take in an urgent situation.
Some home warranty providers may include perks such as smart home device coverage, energy efficiency upgrades, and reduced maintenance fees. These can provide extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra bonuses help you enhance your home and get the most from your warranty policy.
Temperatures in Martinez can get quite high in the summer, which means your air conditioner is likely to get a decent amount of use. As a homeowner in Martinez, one of the benefits of having a home warranty is that these home systems and major appliances can be covered if they have to be repaired or replaced.
Not only can a home warranty provide some financial relief, but it also saves you time. If an appliance breaks down, the last thing you want to do is find a repair person and schedule a repair. A home warranty deals with the research by sending trusted professionals to your door when you need them most. Plus, though it varies by company, some providers will allow you to transfer your warranty in the event that you sell your home. This can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and help your home sell faster.
Home warranties also have some drawbacks. While it can be convenient that the home warranty sends out a service technician who does the repair for you, some homeowners may not like this, and they may want to choose their own contractor. If that’s the case for you, some home warranty providers let you select a contractor.
Another consideration is that home warranties usually only cover malfunctions due to normal wear and tear. They often won’t cover home systems or appliances that need repairs or replacements due to natural disasters, improper maintenance, animal infestations, etc.
A home warranty in Martinez can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. The higher-priced plans usually have a lower service fee, higher coverage limits, and broader coverage. This cost is often lower if you pay 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 policies cover problems 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 your entire home from natural disasters, which might not be too much of a concern in Martinez. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system damage.
A home warranty can help home sellers, investors, homeowners, real estate agents, and homebuyers. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved with homeownership.
The different kinds of home warranties in Martinez include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan covers almost all your systems and appliances, such as your dishwasher, washing machine, and plumbing. An appliance or system plan will cover only the items listed in the contract.
Generally, a home warranty policy offers coverage for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some companies may offer month-to-month options.
Generally, the homeowner is responsible for paying the premium and service fees. However, if you have just bought a new home, sometimes the seller will pay for the policy. This can then be given to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees when using the policy. In Martinez, where the median value of a home is $258,744, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
