Best 6 Home Warranty Companies in Visalia, CA
- Fact Checked
- Updated 2024-06-22 00:00:00
Owning a home in California can be expensive. Not only that, but 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 top home warranty providers in Visalia, 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 Visalia
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 Visalia
- Average Max Temperature:66°F
- Average Min Temperature:46°F
- Average Annual Snowfall:0.1”
- Homeownership Rate:57%
- Median Home Size:1,836 sqft
- Median Home Price:$371,140
Are Home Warranties Worth It for Visalia Residents?
Yes, home warranties are advantageous for Visalia residents. Visalia summers can get hot, which makes it important for your air conditioner to work properly. However, over time this system can malfunction from heavy use.
Visalia winters can be fairly mild, but there are still times when you want to have a reliable heating system. HVAC system replacement can cost anywhere from $2,500–$8,000, compared to a home warranty costing roughly $644–$737 annually based on 120 quotes we requested from home warranty companies nationwide.
Even in Visalia, over time rain can damage your roof. Some home warranty policies include limited roof-leak coverage, which can ease the financial burden of roof repair.
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 all their service providers.
What To Consider Before Choosing a Home Warranty Company
Consider these key factors when selecting the right 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 monthly. You'll also pay a service call fee whenever you file a claim. These fees can range from $65–$125 per claim. Basic home warranties cost less than comprehensive ones, and appliance plans cost less than home systems coverage plans. Most providers offer add-on coverage options for an additional cost. Consider your specific needs before selecting a plan.
Coverage
Figure out which systems and appliances you use the most. You'll want a home warranty plan that covers these items. Most home warranties can be tailored to your needs, and many companies offer systems-only plans for homeowners that only need select coverage (such as for air conditioning). You can also find plans that cover only 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
Most home warranties only cover breakdowns from normal wear and tear. They don't cover preexisting conditions or improper installation. In addition, home warranties don't cover appliance components or cosmetic issues, theft, routine maintenance, or defects. A provider will outline its limitations and exclusions in your service contract. Thoroughly read your contract to fully understand the terms and conditions of your plan.
Provider Reputation
Provider reputation is another important factor to consider. You can browse customer reviews on sites like Best Company, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews or check a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. Reviews and ratings can give you insight into how a company handles customer service and claims. Check with the California Department of Consumer Affairs to verify that a provider holds a license with the state.
Contractor Network
Take into account a home warranty company's service provider network. Trustworthy home warranty companies source licensed and registered contractors to handle service requests. We suggest asking a provider how and where it sources technicians. Choose a provider that mentions the names of familiar service contractors. Homeowners in rural areas might consider choosing a home warranty provider that lets customers select 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 Visalia
No, home warranties are not required in Visalia. However, home warranties are beneficial because they help you maintain a budget for covering expensive appliance and system breakdowns. Home warranty companies also save you time by sourcing reputable technicians themselves.
Preexisting conditions are breakdowns or issues experienced by a home system or appliance before warranty coverage starts. Providers usually won't cover preexisting conditions. You should purchase a home warranty policy while all your systems and appliances are still in working order to ensure complete protection.
Visalia's best home warranty provider depends on what you're looking for. American Home Shield is a good choice for comprehensive coverage limits. You may also consider Liberty Home Guard if you need unique coverage.
Yes, home warranties cover many home items other than common systems and appliances. For example, some warranties cover stand-alone freezers, sump pumps, well pumps, septic systems, pools and spas, and more. Providers usually cover these items as add-ons. Check with your provider to see what add-ons are available.
Home warranty policies typically don't cover already broken items. Therefore, most home warranty providers have a waiting period of 30 days before the start of coverage to ensure system and appliance breakdowns are from normal wear and tear, not preexisting conditions.
Homeowners insurance protects against the cost of repairs following events such as due to natural disasters and accidents. In contrast, a home warranty covers repairing and replacing systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear.
Most home warranties are good for a year, but some can be a bit longer. You can renew at the end of your contract.
More Home Warranty Resources
Sources
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