Best 6 Home Warranty Companies in Santa Cruz, 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 can see days of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. To combat extreme heat, many homeowners rely on air conditioning.
According to the American Housing Survey, 10.7 million California homes have primary AC like central air. If your central AC breaks down, a home warranty can help handle the problem. Below is our list of the top home warranty companies in Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz
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 Santa Cruz
- Average Max Temperature:70°F
- Average Min Temperature:49°F
- Average Annual Snowfall:0.0”
- Homeownership Rate:60%
- Median Home Size:1,775 sqft
- Median Home Price:$1,313,772
Are Home Warranties Worth It for Santa Cruz Residents?
Home warranties are beneficial for Santa Cruz residents. Santa Cruz experiences hot summers, and you probably use your air conditioner constantly during the warmer months. Your air conditioner may malfunction over time from heavy use.
Santa Cruz winters can be mild, but there are still 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 annually, based on 120 quotes we received from home warranty companies across the nation.
The regular rain in Santa Cruz can damage your home's roof. The financial burden of this will be lessened if your home warranty has roof-leak coverage.
Finally, home warranties connect you with reliable technicians. When work and other priorities keep you busy, you want to know a trustworthy service provider is handling your repairs. Reputable home warranty companies vet every service provider they work with.
What To Consider Before Choosing a Home Warranty Company
These key factors can help you select the best home warranty plan for your needs.
Cost
After getting 120 quotes for a 2,000-square-foot, single-family home, we determined that home warranties cost an average of $53–$62 per month. Additionally, you'll pay a service call fee whenever you file a claim. Service call fees range from $65–$125 per claim. Basic home warranties cost less than comprehensive ones, and appliance plans cost less than home systems coverage plans. You can get add-on coverage options, but this will increase your monthly cost—consider your specific needs before choosing a plan.
Coverage
Figure out which systems and appliances you use most often. You want your home warranty plan to cover these items. Most plans can be customized to your needs, and many providers offer systems-only plans for homeowners that only need select coverage (such as for air conditioning). You can also get a plan that only covers select appliances. 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
Typically, home warranties don't cover improper installation or preexisting conditions. Most policies only cover breakdowns from normal wear and tear. Most will also exclude cosmetic issues or appliance components, defects, theft, or routine maintenance. You can find your provider's limitations and exclusions in your service contract. Be sure to read the contract carefully to understand your plan's terms and conditions.
Provider Reputation
Consider a company's reputation when making a decision. You can also read real customer reviews on sites such as Best Company, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews. Customer reviews can give you a sense of how providers handle customer service and claims. Check with the California Department of Consumer Affairs to verify that a provider holds a valid state license.
Contractor Network
Consider a home warranty company's service provider network. Ask where and how it sources technicians—reputable providers should always use licensed and registered contractors. We recommend picking a provider that mentions the names of familiar contractors. Homeowners in rural areas might prefer home warranty policies that allow customers to choose their technicians. In-network service providers may be unavailable in these areas, so you'll want the option to choose your own.
Frequently Asked Questions about Home Warranty in Santa Cruz
No, Santa Cruz doesn't require homeowners to have a home warranty. However, we recommend purchasing one, as it helps you maintain a budget to cover expensive appliance and system breakdowns. It'll also save you time you'd otherwise spend looking for a trustworthy service technician.
Preexisting conditions are breakdowns or issues experienced by a home appliance or system before your warranty coverage begins. Providers typically 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 Santa Cruz depends on what you're looking for. American Home Shield is a solid choice for comprehensive coverage limits. You might also consider Liberty Home Guard if you need unique coverage.
Yes, home warranties cover many kinds of home items besides common appliances and systems. For example, home warranties cover well pumps, sump pumps, pools and spas, septic systems, stand-alone freezers, and more. Providers normally cover these items as add-ons. Check with a company representative to see what add-ons are available.
Home warranty policies normally don't cover already broken items. Therefore, most home warranty providers have a 30-day waiting period before the start of coverage to ensure system and appliance breakdowns are from normal wear and tear, not preexisting conditions.
To get the most value from your home warranty in Santa Cruz, read the contract carefully to know what is and isn't covered. In addition, keep up with regular maintenance for your home appliances and systems. This helps provide better coverage if one has a breakdown.
More Home Warranty Resources
Sources
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