Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Although homeownership in Oakland has many benefits — such as being surrounded by nature — there are also not so glamorous sides. One major headache many homeowners have to deal with eventually is replacing or repairing their home appliances and systems. A home warranty is a way to protect your bank account from unexpected expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be considerably lower and give you some peace of mind.
The home warranty market is filled with many providers — all with different offerings — so our team at Today's Homeowner has done the research to help you find the best home warranty companies in Oakland.
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
In Oakland, Liberty Home Guard is the most trustworthy home warranty. Liberty has more than 6 years of industry experience and in that time has built a a skilled network of service professionals nationwide. Liberty has established itself as a company with a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. It also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry. The 3 policies that Liberty offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Liberty Home Guard: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $75.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our comprehensive review of Liberty Home Guard. To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, you can fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281.
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
In Oakland, Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty. Choice has more than 15 years of industry experience and in that time has built a a skilled network of service professionals nationwide. Choice has established itself as a company with very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. It also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. The 2 policies that Choice offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
There are 2 home warranty plans from Choice Home Warranty: Basic Plan and Total Plan. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are an affordable $85.
For a more detailed breakdown, 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
In Oakland, Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty. Select has more than 11 years of industry experience and in that time has built a a skilled network of service professionals nationwide. Select has established itself as a company with a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. It also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. The 3 policies that Select offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Select Home Warranty: Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
For a more detailed breakdown, 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
In Oakland, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty. AHS has more than 26 years of industry experience and in that time has built a a skilled network of service professionals nationwide. AHS has established itself as a company with the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. It also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. The 3 policies that AHS offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
There are 3 home warranty plans from American Home Shield: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
For a more detailed breakdown, 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
In Oakland, First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage. First American has more than 39 years of industry experience and in that time has built a a skilled network of service professionals nationwide. First American has established itself as a company with very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. 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 policies that First American offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
There are 2 home warranty plans from First American Home Warranty: Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
For a more detailed breakdown, 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
In Oakland, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. Cinch has more than 44 years of industry experience and in that time has built a a skilled network of service professionals nationwide. Cinch has established itself as a company with a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. It also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. The 3 policies that Cinch offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Cinch Home Services: 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 with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
For a more detailed breakdown, 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
In Oakland, The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC has more than 15 years of industry experience and in that time has built a a skilled network of service professionals nationwide. HSC has established itself as a company with quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. 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 policies that HSC offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options.
There are 2 home warranty plans from The Home Service Club: Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so be sure to check with the provider. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
For a more detailed breakdown, 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 | $6,120 |
| Heating | $4,080 |
| Electrical | $612 |
| Toilets | $510 |
| Washer/Dryer | $816 |
| Plumbing | $612 |
| Oven | $1,632 |
| Fridge | $612 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Oakland homeowners in reducing the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer financial coverage to replace or fix appliances and systems that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to handle the replacement or repair. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement costs go over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty policy gives homeowners peace of mind since it can help avoid expensive 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 appliances and fixtures in good condition may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many home systems and appliances. Warranties usually cover appliances such as washers, dishwashers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, dryers, microwaves, and others. Covered systems include plumbing, electrical, air conditioning, and heating. Many home warranty providers also offer additional coverage for locksmiths, roof leaks, central vacuums, and septic systems. Oakland should understand that most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. The majority of policies also only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or misusing a system or appliance. Be diligent about completing preventative maintenance to ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Here are some key home warranty terms to know before signing a contract:
There are several important considerations when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranties have significant variation in what they include. Basic policies typically cover AC, plumbing, electrical, heating, and appliances, while more comprehensive plans may also cover well pumps, spas, roof leaks, and pools. Focus on companies with broad coverage options including upgraded plans. Flexibility like this will help you customize protection for your home's needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a repair fee that typically ranges between $60 and $100, which is paid per service call made. These per-claim charges can add up. You may decide to look for companies with more affordable fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles when customers go a period with no claims filed.
A home warranty company's reputation provides insight into things such as contractor quality, claim approval rates, timeliness of repairs, and overall customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to research providers. Complimentary reviews and ratings indicate a provider known for stellar service.
Home warranty businesses have networks of local contractors to handle repairs in your area. Contact potential providers to ask how many repair professionals they have in Oakland and get an idea for how fast your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. Wider networks improve the chances of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.
Home warranty companies might offer extras such as coverage for smart home devices, maintenance discounts, and energy efficiency upgrades. These extras can add value beyond basic repair coverage. Added perks help maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Oakland’s cold winters can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty is designed to cover your home’s appliances and systems if they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner stops working in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the repairs, preventing you from spending a lot of money out of pocket.
A home warranty also saves you time and energy. Instead of spending hours finding and selecting a contractor 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. Plus, having a home warranty can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers if you ever decide to sell in the future. Many home warranty companies will allow you to transfer your policy to a new owner and give them the same protection you’ve been benefiting from.
One main drawback of a home warranty is not everything you care about may be covered. It’s important to research the different plans and choose one that covers all the appliances, systems, and add-ons you need.
Plus, 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 in Oakland can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. Higher-priced plans usually have broader coverage, a lower service fee, and higher coverage limits. This cost is often lower if you pay annually instead of monthly. Some providers will also reduce your up-front costs when you opt for a higher service fee.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty plan covers normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. Homeowners insurance protects the entire home in case of a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. Under homeowners insurance, you will not be able to file a claim should you need a new dryer or air conditioner, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Oakland.
First-time homebuyers, landlords, homeowners, home sellers, and real estate agents can all get home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your house more attractive to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different types of home warranties in Oakland include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan will cover almost all your systems and appliances, such as your refrigerator, washing machine, and HVAC. An appliance or system plan will cover only the items mentioned in the policy.
Generally, a home warranty offers coverage for a year and can be renewed annually. Some providers may offer month-to-month options.
Typically, the homeowner is responsible for paying the premium and service fees. However, when buying a new home, sometimes the seller will pay for the policy. This can then be transferred to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees when using the policy. In Oakland, where the median home value is $577,355, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.
