Best 6 Home Warranty Companies in Oakland, CA
- Fact Checked
- Updated 2024-06-22 00:00:00
Owning a home in California can be expensive. On top of that, many cities in the Golden State see days of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Many homeowners rely on their air conditioning to deal with extreme heat.
According to the American Housing Survey, 10.7 million California homes have primary AC, such as central air. If your central AC breaks down, a home warranty can help deal with the problem. Below, find our list of the best home warranty providers in Oakland, California.
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Holds high ratings among customer service reviews
- Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
- Offers an extensive list of 30+ add-on coverages
- Provides an easy claims process
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Offers generous coverage caps
- Allows customers to build their own plans
- Provides the option to choose the service fee you want to pay
- Features broad coverage on up to 33 appliances and systems
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Provides low service fees compared to other home warranty providers
- Includes two extra months of coverage in annual signup
- Has an appliance-only, systems-only, and combo plan option
6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Oakland
Brands are algorithmically curated from a database of local service providers near you. We require a minimum number of Google reviews and average ratings for provider inclusion.
American Home Shield
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Pros
- Offers generous coverage caps
- Allows customers to build their own plans
- Provides the option to choose the service fee you want to pay
- Features broad coverage on up to 33 appliances and systems
Cons
- Doesn’t let customers choose their own technician
- Offers limited add-on options
52 Years in Business
BBB Rating:B
Liberty Home Guard
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Pros
- Holds high ratings among customer service reviews
- Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
- Offers an extensive list of 30+ add-on coverages
- Provides an easy claims process
Cons
- Lacks transparency on service call fee pricing
- Excludes coverage for known or unknown pre-existing conditions
6 Years in Business
BBB Rating:A+
Select Home Warranty
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Pros
- Provides low service fees compared to other home warranty providers
- Includes two extra months of coverage in annual signup
- Has an appliance-only, systems-only, and combo plan option
Cons
- Has a $75 cancellation fee
- Low coverage caps
11 Years in Business
BBB Rating:B-
AFC Home Warranty
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Pros
- Provides an unlimited workmanship guarantee
- Offers generous appliance coverage limits
- Allows you to choose your own contractor
Cons
- Limits coverage limits for older items based on depreciated value
- Requires you to file a claim immediately after discovering an issue
14 Years in Business
BBB Rating:B
First American Home Warranty
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Pros
- Allows you to choose your service call fee
- Doesn’t have a coverage cap on heating, cooling, or ductwork
- Accepts 24/7 service calls
- Offers replacement of some covered items that are too damaged to repair
Cons
- Doesn’t let customers choose their own contractor
- Charges higher for coverage compared to other providers
39 Years in Business
BBB Rating:B
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Pros
- Offers a $25,000 annual coverage cap
- Pairs plans with a plan-length workmanship guarantee
- Offers unique perks such as color matching appliance replacements
Cons
- Charges a monthly processing fee if you choose monthly premiums
- Excludes washer and dryer coverage from most plans
39 Years in Business
BBB Rating:A-
BBB ratings are accurate as of August 2023. Cost figures are based on information available on provider websites and are accurate as of August 2023. Request a quote from each company to see prices in your area.
Facts about Oakland
- Average Max Temperature:70°F
- Average Min Temperature:51°F
- Average Annual Snowfall:0.0”
- Homeownership Rate:54%
- Median Home Size:1,515 sqft
- Median Home Price:$802,361
Are Home Warranties Worth It for Oakland Residents?
Yes, home warranties are worthwhile for Oakland residents. Oakland experiences hot summers, and you probably use your air conditioner constantly during warmer months. Your air conditioning system can malfunction over time from heavy use.
Oakland winters are fairly mild, but there will still be days when you rely on your heating. HVAC system replacement can cost from $2,500 to $8,000. Home warranties, on the other hand, run about $644–$737 per year, based on 120 quotes we received from home warranty companies across the nation.
Even in Oakland, over time rain can cause damage to your roof. Some home warranty companies offer limited roof-leak protection, which can ease the financial burden of roof repair.
Finally, a home warranty connects you with trustworthy service providers. A reputable home warranty is a good investment because companies vet their technicians. If you're focused on work or other priorities, your home warranty company can ensure that someone reliable will handle your problem.
What To Consider Before Choosing a Home Warranty Company
Think about these key factors when selecting the best home warranty for your needs.
Cost
We pulled 120 quotes for a 2,000-square-foot, single-family home. From this we determined that home warranties cost an average of $53–$62 per month. You'll also pay a service call fee of approximately $65–$125 every time you file a claim. Basic home warranty plans are generally more affordable than comprehensive ones. Appliance plans are more affordable than home systems coverage plans. You can often get add-on coverage for an additional monthly cost. Be sure you know what you need before selecting a plan.
Coverage
Most home warranties can be somewhat customized to your needs. Make a list of the appliances and systems that you use often and would like coverage for. If you only want coverage for select appliances or systems (such as your air conditioning), you can often find plans to fit. The following is a list of common systems coverage:
- Air conditioner
- Central vacuum
- Ductwork
- Electrical
- Heating
- Plumbing
- Water heater
- Built-in microwaves
- Clothes washers and dryers
- Dishwashers
- Garbage disposals
- Ovens
- Refrigerators
- Stovetops
Exclusions
Most home warranties only cover breakdowns from normal wear and tear. They don't cover improper installation or preexisting conditions. Additionally, home warranties don't cover appliance components or cosmetic issues, defects, theft, or routine maintenance. Each provider outlines exclusions and limitations within its service contract. Make sure you read it and understand your plan's specific terms and conditions.
Provider Reputation
Provider reputation is another key factor to consider. You can find customer reviews on sites such as Best Company, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews or check a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. Ratings and reviews can provide insight into how a company handles claims and customer service. Check with the California Department of Consumer Affairs to verify that a provider holds a license with the state.
Contractor Network
Consider a home warranty company's service provider network. Reliable home warranty providers source licensed and registered contractors to handle service requests. We suggest asking a provider how and where it sources technicians. If you can, use a provider that mentions the names of familiar service contractors. Residents of rural areas might consider choosing a home warranty that lets them pick their technicians. It's important to have the option to source your own providers if no in-network ones are available in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions about Home Warranty in Oakland
No, you don't need a home warranty in Oakland. However, we still recommend purchasing one, as it helps you maintain a budget to cover expensive appliance and system breakdowns. It'll also save you time that would be otherwise spent looking for a trustworthy service technician.
A preexisting condition is a breakdown or issue experienced by a home appliance or system before your warranty coverage starts. Providers generally don't cover preexisting conditions. Make sure you purchase a home warranty policy while all your systems and appliances are still in working order to ensure full protection.
The best home warranty in Oakland depends on your specific needs. Liberty Home Guard is an excellent choice if you require unique coverage. Consider American Home Shield for comprehensive coverage limits.
Yes, you can get a home warranty that covers home items beyond common systems and appliances. For instance, some policies may cover pools and spas, well pumps, stand-alone freezers, septic systems, or sump pumps. These are usually considered add-ons. Check with your provider to determine what add-ons are available.
Most home warranty companies have a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins. This is to make sure any appliance and system breakdowns are caused by normal wear and tear rather than preexisting conditions. Home warranty providers won't cover an already broken item.
Oakland homeowners can ensure home warranty coverage by doing regular maintenance on their systems and appliances. It may also be useful to keep track of how old they are. Because home warranties only cover normal wear and tear, you'll likely get more out of a home warranty for older appliances.
More Home Warranty Resources
Sources
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