Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Owning a home can have many benefits, but it can also come with some downsides like maintenance. The older your house’s appliances and systems are, the more you may want to consider getting a home warranty. A home warranty can bring you the peace of mind you need and safeguard your bank account from large expenses by covering your home’s major systems and appliances.
The home warranty market is filled with a lot of providers — all with different offerings — so the Today's Homeowner team has compiled this guide to help you choose 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
Liberty Home Guard is the most trustworthy home warranty in Oakland. Liberty has about 6 years of experience in the home warranty market and in that time has built a an network of service technicians nationwide. The 3 plans from Liberty are easy to comprehend and offer both system and appliance coverage. If you’re looking for a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Liberty Home Guard: Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Liberty’s service fees are an affordable $75, and the coverage limits come out to around $3,000 for each covered appliance or system.
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 Liberty Home Guard Review.
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 is the best overall home warranty in Oakland. Choice has about 15 years of experience in the home warranty market and in that time has built a an network of service technicians nationwide. The 2 plans from Choice are easy to comprehend and offer both system and appliance coverage. If you’re looking for very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
There are 2 home warranty plans from Choice Home Warranty: Basic Plan and Total Plan. Choice’s service fees are an affordable $85, and the coverage limits come out to around $3,000 for each covered appliance or system.
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 Choice Home Warranty Review.
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 Oakland. Select has about 11 years of experience in the home warranty market and in that time has built a an network of service technicians nationwide. The 3 plans from Select are easy to comprehend and offer both system and appliance coverage. If you’re looking for a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Select Home Warranty: Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Select’s service fees are a reasonable $60, and the coverage limits come out to around $2,000 for each covered appliance or system.
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 Select Home Warranty Review.
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 Oakland. AHS has about 26 years of experience in the home warranty market and in that time has built a an network of service technicians nationwide. The 3 plans from AHS are easy to comprehend and offer both system and appliance coverage. If you’re looking for the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
There are 3 home warranty plans from American Home Shield: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. AHS’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, and the coverage limits come out to around $2,500 for each covered appliance or system.
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 American Home Shield Review.
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 Oakland. First American has about 39 years of experience in the home warranty market and in that time has built a an network of service technicians nationwide. The 2 plans from First American are easy to comprehend and offer both system and appliance coverage. If you’re looking for very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, 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.
There are 2 home warranty plans from First American Home Warranty: Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American’s service fees are a reasonable $85, and the coverage limits come out to around $1,500 for each covered appliance or system.
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 First American Home Warranty Review.
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 Oakland. Cinch has about 44 years of experience in the home warranty market and in that time has built a an network of service technicians nationwide. The 3 plans from Cinch are easy to comprehend and offer both system and appliance coverage. If you’re looking for a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
There are 3 home warranty plans from Cinch Home Services: Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Cinch’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, and the coverage limits come out to around $1,000-$2,000 for each covered appliance or system.
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 Cinch Home Services Review.
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 Oakland. HSC has about 15 years of experience in the home warranty market and in that time has built a an network of service technicians nationwide. The 2 plans from HSC are easy to comprehend and offer both system and appliance coverage. If you’re looking for quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days, you’ll want to have this plan on your side. Plus, it has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee.
There are 2 home warranty plans from The Home Service Club: Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. HSC’s service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, and the coverage limits come out to around $2,000 for each covered appliance or system.
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 The Home Service Club Review.
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 | $6,297 |
| Heating | $4,198 |
| Electrical | $630 |
| Toilets | $525 |
| Washer/Dryer | $840 |
| Plumbing | $630 |
| Oven | $1,679 |
| Fridge | $630 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Oakland homeowners lower the high costs of household repairs. These plans offer financial protection to fix or replace appliances and systems that stop working from normal wear and tear.
Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to make the fix or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the repair or replacement costs go over 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 owners of older houses or houses with systems near the end of their life span. However, homeowners with newer homes and modern appliances may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many home systems and appliances. Covered appliances typically include washers, refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, garbage disposals, dryers, and others. Covered systems include electrical, heating, plumbing, and air conditioning. Many home warranty companies also offer add-on coverage for locksmiths, septic systems, roof leaks, and central vacuums. Oakland 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 needed due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover problems such as pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, natural disasters, or improper use of a system or appliance. You need to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure that your next repair or replacement will be covered by the policy.
There are several home warranty terms to understand before signing an agreement, including:
There are several key factors to consider when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans provide coverage for plumbing, electrical, heating, AC, and appliances. More extensive plans may also include additional items such as well pumps, pools, roof leaks, and spas. Look for companies with an array of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. You'll want to tailor your protection for your home’s needs.
Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. With these per-request costs adding up over time as you file claims, you may want to choose a provider with more affordable fees to maximize savings. Some providers also eliminate deductibles for homeowners who don't file claims in a certain period.
A home warranty provider's reputation can offer insight into things such as approval rates for claims, speed of repairs, contractor quality, and customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to research providers. Good ratings and reviews indicate that a company is known for quality service.
Home warranty providers use networks of local repair professionals to manage repairs in a given area. Reach out to potential businesses to learn the number of repair professionals they have in Oakland and get an idea of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency. More extensive networks increase the probability of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.
Certain home warranty providers offer extras such as protection for smart home devices, discounts on maintenance, and energy-efficient upgrades. These bonuses offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Extra perks can enhance your home and help maximize your home warranty.
Temperatures in Oakland can get quite high in the summer, which means your air conditioner is most likely going to get a lot of use. As a homeowner in Oakland, one benefit of having a home warranty is knowing that these home systems and major appliances can be covered in the event they need to be repaired or replaced.
Not to mention, having a home warranty can save you time by getting rid of the need to research technicians — most providers will send a trusted professional right to your door to complete the repair or replacement. 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 providers will allow you to transfer your policy to a new owner and give them the protection you’ve been receiving.
There are also some downsides to getting a home warranty policy, like the coverage exclusions. For instance, home warranties may not cover home systems or appliances that already have a manufacturer's warranty.
Another drawback is that home warranties may not include some repairs, like those needed because of natural disasters. For example, if your house floods, the impacted systems and appliances most likely won’t be covered by the home warranty.
A home warranty in Oakland can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. The higher-priced plans tend to 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 kinds 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 insurance that protects your entire home from natural disasters, which can be a concern in Oakland. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system breakage.
Homebuyers, homeowners, landlords, home sellers, and real estate agents can all get 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 types of home warranties in Oakland include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan covers your systems and appliances, such as your dishwasher, washing machine, and heating and cooling systems. An appliance or system plan will cover only the items listed in the contract.
Home warranty plans usually provide coverage for a year. Many providers let you renew your plan yearly, and some offer month-to-month plans as well.
Typically, the person who owns the home is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the person who is selling the home may buy a home warranty policy and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then need to pay the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in Oakland is $343,813, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.
