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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
Buying a home is a big step for many people, but the cost of maintaining it can get expensive over time, especially if your home in Fair Oaks is on the older side. A home warranty is a way to protect your savings account from unexpected expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be significantly lower and give you some peace of mind.
The home warranty market has a lot of providers — all with different price points — so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you choose the best home warranty companies in Fair Oaks.
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 Fair Oaks. Liberty has about 6 years of experience in the home warranty industry and in that time has built a a skilled network of service technicians nationwide. Liberty has 3 plans for homeowners to choose from. 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.
Liberty Home Guard offers 3 plans for Fair Oaks homeowners. The Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Liberty’s service fees are an affordable $75, and the coverage caps come out to about $3,000 for each covered appliance or system.
To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. Read our Liberty Home Guard Review to learn more.
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 Fair Oaks. Choice has about 15 years of experience in the home warranty industry and in that time has built a a skilled network of service technicians nationwide. Choice has 2 plans for homeowners to choose from. 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.
Choice Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Fair Oaks homeowners. The Basic Plan and Total Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Choice’s service fees are an affordable $85, and the coverage caps come out to about $3,000 for each covered appliance or system.
To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. Read our Choice Home Warranty Review to learn more.
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 Fair Oaks. Select has about 11 years of experience in the home warranty industry and in that time has built a a skilled network of service technicians nationwide. Select has 3 plans for homeowners to choose from. 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.
Select Home Warranty offers 3 plans for Fair Oaks homeowners. The Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Select’s service fees are a reasonable $60, and the coverage caps come out to about $2,000 for each covered appliance or system.
To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. Read our Select Home Warranty Review to learn more.
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 Fair Oaks. AHS has about 26 years of experience in the home warranty industry and in that time has built a a skilled network of service technicians nationwide. AHS has 3 plans for homeowners to choose from. 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.
American Home Shield offers 3 plans for Fair Oaks homeowners. The ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. AHS’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, and the coverage caps come out to about $2,500 for each covered appliance or system.
To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. Read our American Home Shield Review to learn more.
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 Fair Oaks. First American has about 39 years of experience in the home warranty industry and in that time has built a a skilled network of service technicians nationwide. First American has 2 plans for homeowners to choose from. 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.
First American Home Warranty offers 2 plans for Fair Oaks homeowners. The Basic Plan and Premier Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. First American’s service fees are a reasonable $85, and the coverage caps come out to about $1,500 for each covered appliance or system.
To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. Read our First American Home Warranty Review to learn more.
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 Fair Oaks. Cinch has about 44 years of experience in the home warranty industry and in that time has built a a skilled network of service technicians nationwide. Cinch has 3 plans for homeowners to choose from. 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.
Cinch Home Services offers 3 plans for Fair Oaks homeowners. The Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. Cinch’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, and the coverage caps come out to about $1,000-$2,000 for each covered appliance or system.
To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. Read our Cinch Home Services Review to learn more.
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 Fair Oaks. HSC has about 15 years of experience in the home warranty industry and in that time has built a a skilled network of service technicians nationwide. HSC has 2 plans for homeowners to choose from. 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.
The Home Service Club offers 2 plans for Fair Oaks homeowners. The Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan are the options they have, which contain a mix of system and appliance coverage. HSC’s service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, and the coverage caps come out to about $2,000 for each covered appliance or system.
To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. Read our The Home Service Club Review to learn more.
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 | $7,388 |
Heating | $4,925 |
Electrical | $739 |
Toilets | $616 |
Washer/Dryer | $985 |
Plumbing | $739 |
Oven | $1,970 |
Fridge | $739 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps cut costs for Fair Oaks homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide coverage to repair or swap out appliances and systems that break due to 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 repair or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the cost of the repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives reassurance to homeowners, as it helps prevent costly emergency repairs. Home warranties are particularly useful for older houses or those with aging systems. New homes with modern appliances may not require a home warranty.
Home warranties safeguard your home systems and appliances. Common appliances covered under a home warranty include refrigerators, dryers, garbage disposals, microwaves, dishwashers, washers, and others. Covered systems include plumbing, air conditioning, heating, and electrical. Many home warranties also offer add-on coverage options for locksmiths, septic systems, central vacuums, and even roof leaks. Most home warranty plans require Fair Oaks homeowners to refrain from making claims for 30 days before the plan will cover repairs. Additionally, policies usually only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or misusing a system or appliance. To help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered, keep up with preventative maintenance.
Here are some essential home warranty terms to learn before signing a contract:
There are several key factors to consider when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage can have major differences in what's included. Most plans provide coverage for electrical, AC, plumbing, heating, and appliances. More robust coverage options also offer coverage on other items such as roof leaks, well pumps, spas, and pools. Look for companies with an assortment of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. You'll want to tailor your protection for your home’s needs.
You'll pay a repair fee, normally ranging from $60–100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These per-claim charges can quickly add up, so you may seek out providers advertising lower service fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain companies may eliminate deductibles after a customer goes a period of time with no claims filed.
A home warranty provider's reputation provides insights into factors such as claim approval rates, contractor expertise, repair speed, and customer satisfaction. Look at review sites like Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to learn more about companies. Good feedback and ratings suggest a company known for delivering quality service.
Home warranty companies keep networks of professionals to handle covered repairs. More extensive networks improve the probability of getting qualified technicians to quickly service your home. Contact potential providers to find out how many contractors they have in Fair Oaks to get a sense of how soon your repairs could happen in an emergency.
Some home warranty companies may include perks such as reduced maintenance fees, energy efficiency upgrades, and smart home device coverage. These can provide extra value beyond just repair coverage. Added bonuses help you enhance your home and get the most from your warranty policy.
Since temperatures in Fair Oaks can be quite hot in the summer, the weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioning unit and HVAC system. Buying a home warranty can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances breaks down unexpectedly.
A home warranty also saves you time and energy. Instead of spending hours researching and selecting a technician 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 offer value in other ways. For instance, some plans can be transferred to another owner when you sell your home.
As for the disadvantages of home warranties, coverage varies by provider, so it’s important to read what each policy covers and excludes in the contract.
Another thing to bear in mind is that some providers don’t cover pre-existing damage and may require an inspection before coverage begins. Ask the home warranty company for clarification about these things if you aren’t sure or if this is an issue for you.
A home warranty plan costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Fair Oaks. Our high-rated home warranty providers' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can lower your monthly bill with some companies by choosing a higher service fee. In addition, 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 plan covers normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. Homeowners insurance protects a home in a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. With a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim should you need a new refrigerator or air conditioner, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Fair Oaks.
A home warranty can help homebuyers, investors, homeowners, real estate agents, and home sellers. It can offer peace of mind to anyone involved with homeownership.
The different types of home warranties in Fair Oaks 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, including your washing machine, drier, and heating and cooling systems. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the items mentioned in the contract.
Generally, a home warranty plan offers coverage for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some companies may offer month-to-month plans.
Usually, the homeowner is the one who pays the premium and service fees. However, when buying a new home, sometimes the seller will pay for the policy. This can then be given to the new homeowner, who will pay the service fees. In Fair Oaks, where the median home value is $775,959, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.