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Best Home Warranties in Los Angeles
By Marco Monroy MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
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- Online Business Bureau Accredited with A+ Rating
- Covers Major Home Systems, HVAC & Appliances
- Free Roof Coverage, No Inspection Needed
24/7 support whenever your appliances fail
- Large network of independent prescreened contractors and qualified technicians
- In business for over 30 years
- Good coverage on home systems
- Does not cover pre-existing issues
- They will replace items that fail if they can't be fixed regardless of age, make or model
Get $50 OFF Any Plan
- Industry leader since 1971
- More than $2 Billion in claims paid in last 5 years
- More than 2 Million customers served
- No inspection or maintenance records required
- 30-day workmanship guarantee
When choosing a home warranty company, it’s wise to consider costs, coverage, reputation and response times to find the provider that’s best for you and your home. After all, you want to know that your Los Angeles property is protected with the best home warranty.
So, how can you find the best choice for your neeqds? Start by looking at these seven providers, which we’ve selected as the top home warranty companies in Los Angeles.
Top Picks for Home Warranty Companies in Los Angeles
- Best overall: American Home Shield
- Best affordable option: AFC Home Club
- Best coverage: Select Home Warranty
- Best reputation: American Residential Warranty
- Best reviews and ratings: First American Home Warranty
- Best add-ons for appliances: Cinch Home Services
- Best customizable options: Liberty Home Guard
Best Home Warranties in Los Angeles Reviews
Best Overall: American Home Shield
Why we chose it: American Home Shield has been providing customers with home warranties for over 50 years — longer than any other company. AHS is now the largest provider of home warranty plans, too. It offers affordable packages, reliable service and 24/7 customer service.
- No HVAC coverage limit\
- Not required to keep maintenance records
- Comprehensive coverage
- Repairs guaranteed for 30 days
- Service must be from AHS technicians
American Home Shield offers three levels of coverage: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold and ShieldPlatinum. These plans range in price from $20 to $100 a month in Los Angeles. Your service call fee can be customized at either $75, $100 or $125. (The lower the fee you select, of course, the higher the monthly payment.)
All three plans offer coverage for air conditioners, heating units, ductwork, electrical systems, plumbing systems and plumbing accessories. ShieldGold and ShieldPlatinum plans provide coverage for appliances like refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, washers, dryers and dishwashers. The ShieldPlatinum plan also includes coverage for roof leaks, code violations, permits and modifications.
You can customize all three AHS packages with add-on coverage to suit your Los Angeles home. Add-on coverage options include those for a pool, spa, guest unit, septic pump, home electronics and well pumps. AHS packages do not limit HVAC coverage, unlike some other companies. This helps make AHS the best home warranty for HVAC.
Generally, AHS won’t allow you to choose your own technician, as some companies allow, except if the company can’t find a suitable contractor for your problem. Instead, it will assign you an in-house or partner contractor. AHS says you can expect a call from the contractor within 48 hours to schedule the service call.
AHS has an average customer review of 2.24 out of 5 stars on its Better Business Bureau profile. While this number may sound low, it is actually pretty average compared to other companies in the industry.
AHS offers $36 off any home warranty plan to AARP members. For a limited time, AARP members can get an additional $100 off any plan for a total discount of $136. There’s also an AARP discount of $50 if you also take out a plan on an additional property. You can also earn a $25 Amazon gift card for referring a friend who successfully purchases a home warranty plan.
Best Affordable Option: AFC Home Club
Why we chose it: AFC Home Club is the best affordable option thanks to its flexible payment options and wide variety of service plans. Not only can you build the plan that works best for you, but you can also enjoy a steep discount for purchasing multiple years in advance.
- Highly customizable plans
- Appointments within 8 hours
- Allows customers to choose contractors
- $75 fee to cancel a plan
- Will only service up to 24 appliances and systems
When it comes to costs and fees, AFC offers by far the most flexibility to customize coverage. In addition to having four different plans to choose from — the most on our list — the company offers many pricing options. You can choose how much you want to pay per service call, whether to pay annually or by the month and which add-ons you want.
You can choose a service call fee of $75, $100 or $125. Because of that range of choices, the monthly cost of an AFC home warranty plan in Los Angeles varies between $32 to $54 a month, making it (especially at the low end) the most affordable option on this list.
AFC offers four plans with varying levels of coverage: Systems, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
The Systems plan is the most bare-bones option. It offers no appliances coverage, and covers for six systems: air conditioning, heating, electrical, plumbing, ductwork and water heating.
The Silver plan offers coverage for no systems and appliances including washer, dryer, refrigerator, range, dishwasher, garbage disposal and garage door opener.
The Gold plan protects what’s covered in the Systems and the Silver plans collectively for a total coverage of 15 appliances and systems. The Platinum plan offers the coverage of the Gold plan plus adding that for fans, a built-in microwave and an ice maker. Additionally, AFC customers can purchase coverage for such optional add-ons as an in-ground pool, sump pump, central vacuum and more.
One of the biggest selling points of AFC is that customers can choose their own technicians or let AFC choose one. If you do choose an AFC contractor, they generally have extremely fast service call times — often within eight hours of making the request.
AFC’s commitment to client satisfaction has earned it some of the best customer reviews on the internet. With an average customer review rating of 3.14 on its Better Business Bureau profile, this company stands out from having above-average customer reviews.
As of November 2022, AFC offers a $50 discount on home warranty plans for new customers.
Best Coverage: Select Home Warranty
Why we chose it: Select Home Warranty offers plans that include more comprehensive coverage than other home warranty providers. All three Select plans include roof protection, which is normally an add-on service with other companies.
- Low service fees
- Ample discounts
- Roof coverage included
- Slow response time
- Requires maintenance records
Select Home Warranty offers some of the most competitive pricing for consumers. While its packages aren’t the very lowest in the market — ranging from $42 to $46 per month — the company stands out for its low service fee of $75.
Select offers three plans for its customers: Bronze, Gold and Platinum. The Bronze plan focuses exclusively on providing coverage for appliances, while the Gold plan provides coverage exclusively for major systems.
The Platinum package combines those two plans, to cover all major systems and appliances.
With any package, you can also opt for add-ons, including sprinkler systems, pool equipment, sump pumps and more.
Select will find a local technician to contact you and repair or replace your covered item when you request service. If Select assigns you an in-network contractor, you can expect the contractor to call you within two business days. If it can’t find a local technician from its network, then you may be able to choose your own.
Select has an average customer rating of 1.54 out of 5 stars on its Better Business Bureau profile. Customers who leave negative reviews often mention issues with slow service, with response times often exceeding 48 hours. The company policy is to initiate service claims within 48 business hours, which means you may have to wait up to four days for claims initiated over the weekend.
Select is also known for offering discounts to new customers. As of November 2022, new clients can get a $150 discount on any plan. To enjoy this discount, simply visit the Select Home Warranty website and request a quote.
Best Reputation: American Residential Warranty
Why we chose it: American Residential Warranty has one of the strongest reputations among home warranty providers in the country. As the only company on this list with an A+ rating from BBB, its reputation makes it stand out from the rest.
- A+ BBB rating
- Offers electronics plan
- Low service fees
- Low coverage caps
- High monthly premiums
America Residential Warranty offers four plans in Los Angeles: Ultimate Electronic Protection, Kitchen Plus, Platinum Premier and 4-in-1 Bundle. The prices range from $25 to $130 per month and a low service fee of $55.
The Ultimate Electronic Protection offers coverage for personal electronic devices like laptops, TVs and gaming consoles. The Kitchen Plus plan covers kitchen appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers and systems like interior electrical and water heaters. The Platinum Premier Plan includes everything covered in the Kitchen Plan plus systems like plumbing, ductwork, central heating and air conditioning. The 4-in-1 bundle includes all the coverage from all three plans plus coverage for your washer and dryer, sewer lines and kitchen accessories.
Additionally, you can select add-on coverage for your pool and spa if you go for the 4-in-1 Bundle. Otherwise, you can add à la carte coverage for anything not included in your plan.
ARW has a relatively flexible technician policy. It will assign you an in-network technician if you request service online, but you can request your own technician if you do so by phone.
Despite having an impeccable A+ rating on BBB, ARW has average customer reviews. Its average customer rating on BBB is 2.45 out of 5 stars.
ARW offers an automatic $30 discount to all online customers who sign up for a home warranty plan. The discount will be automatically applied to your first month’s premium, lowering the amount due at signup.
Best Reviews and Ratings: First American Home Warranty
Why we chose it: First American Home Warranty offers a U.S.-based customer service team that’s available to help 24/7. That might be why it has the best reviews and ratings of the home warranty companies on this list.
- High-quality customer care
- Affordable plans
- Over 35 years of experience
- Limited coverage included in plans
- AC coverage only available as add-on
First American offers two levels of coverage with its Basic and Premier plans. These start at $36 and $49 a month, respectively, for homes in Los Angeles.
All plans come with a service fee of $85, which is about the norm for the industry. The Basic plan includes comprehensive coverage for most appliances, making it one of the cheapest options available for home appliances.
The Premium plan offers coverage for additional systems and appliances, including: Plumbing, including stoppages; heating; electric; the garage door opener; ductwork; and a central vacuum cleaner.
As this First American home warranty review reveals, the company will also give you the option of upgrading your coverage with add-ons for either plan that include central air conditioning, pool equipment, spa equipment, well pump, additional refrigeration and septic tank plumbing.
First American will usually attempt to assign you a technician from its network. However, the company may allow you to choose your own contractor if it approves them first. If you do end up going with an in-network contractor, you can expect them to give you a service call within 48 hours.
First American has an average customer rating of 2.31 on its Better Business Bureau profile. This company also has hundreds of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. Happy reviewers often cite the company’s easy online service request process and customer service responsiveness.
You can get a better deal on your First American home warranty if you pay annually rather than monthly. Monthly plans include a $3 handling charge per month. These fees will be waived if you pay annually, saving you $36 per year regardless of your plan.
Best Add-Ons for Appliances: Cinch Home Services
Why we chose it: Cinch plans are extremely comprehensive, and include appliances and systems that some other companies offer as add-ons. You can expand your coverage further with the premier upgrade package.
- Solid workmanship guarantee
- $500 homeowners insurance reimbursement
- Covers unknown pre-existing conditions
- Service fees are higher than average
- Typically does not offer discounts
Cinch offers extremely flexible monthly plans that range in price from $28 to $52. You can select from three service fee options — $100, $125 and $150 — to bring monthly premium payments down. The packages are designed to cover most types of customers.
The Appliances package covers most major appliances, while the Built-in Systems Package covers most major systems. The Complete Home Package covers both. While Cinch plans include coverage for many items that may cost extra with other companies, you can still add extra coverage for pool equipment, septic tanks, well pumps and more.
What makes Cinch stand out from the competition for add-ons is its Premier Upgrade Package. This package protects against charges not normally included in your home warranty plan, such as removal costs, permits, code upgrades and more.
You must request service from Cinch warranty and work with the in-network contractor it assigns to you. If you request service during business hours, Cinch will try to get a technician to schedule a visit within two hours.
Cinch has mixed-to-negative customer reviews that often cite issues getting repairs or replacements after the initial contractor visit. It has a customer rating of 1.13 stars out of 5 on its Better Business Bureau – which, while falling short of the best such profiles, is not a not-uncommon score from a BBB profile.
Cinch’s Complete Home package includes a $500 homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement for customers who also have homeowners insurance. It also offers a $25 air conditioner or water filter credit and a $50 certificate to purchase an energy-efficient appliance.
Best Customizable Options: Liberty Home Guard
Why we chose it: Liberty Home Guard is the best home warranty company for those looking to build a customized plan. With over 35 different add-ons available, you can customize your coverage according to your budget with a Liberty Home Guard home warranty in Los Angeles.
- Offers many add-on services
- Discounts and bonuses available
- A- Better Business Bureau rating
- Not transparent about service fees
- Low payout limits
- Pre-existing conditions not covered
Liberty Home Guard offers three simple plans: Systems Guard, Appliance Guard and Total Home Guard. The names accurately represent the coverage, as the first two cover only systems or appliances, while the Total Home Guard package covers both. The Appliance Guard package starts at $60 per month, Systems at $65 a month and Total Home at $70 per month.
Liberty allows you to choose your own service fees, which range from $65 to $125. The more you pay in service fees, the less your monthly premium will be and vice versa. You can also choose from Liberty’s wide variety of add-ons, including unique appliances like pro-series refrigerators, TV mounts, generators and saltwater pools.
Generally, Liberty won’t let you choose your own contractors for repairs and replacements. Its service call response times are typically better than average, with most repair requests being serviced within 24 hours.
Liberty has an average customer rating of 4.61 stars on BBB, which is well above the norm in the home warranty industry. You can also get discounts for paying for a multi-year plan upfront or opting for a higher service fee. You can get the biggest discount by signing up for a five-year plan, which will give you six months of coverage for free.
Other Companies We Considered
Home Service Club
While its customer service record is problematic overall, Home Service Club is known for offering faster-than-average service times, often initiating service calls within eight hours. This might be the right company if you don’t want to be stuck with a broken system or appliance for days.
- Fast response time
- Large network of technicians
- Comprehensive coverage even on the standard plan
- Pricier plans
- Coverage exclusions
- Poor customer service track record
First Premier Home Warranty
While its Better Business Bureau record is poor, First Premier Home Warranty offers inexpensive plans if you’re willing to pay upfront for a full year. If you go with the Annual Premier Plan, you’ll get comprehensive coverage for just $32 per month.
- 24/7 customer service
- Discounts when purchasing a plan upfront
- Fast service calls
- Poor Better Business Bureau rating
- No choice of contractor
Guide to the Best Home Warranty Providers in Los Angeles
What is a home warranty plan?
A home warranty plan is a safety net that can partially protect homebuyers from paying full price for repairs on covered components of a house within a specified period. Coverage is partial because the homeowner needs to pay premiums for the warranty, as well as pony up a service call fee for every visit the warranty company makes to the home. In addition, not every repair will necessarily be covered under a plan.
Keep in mind that there are major differences in home warranty vs. home insurance plans. A home insurance plan typically offers protection against natural disasters, property crimes and even water damage, while home warranty plans only protect policyholders from failure of systems (such as electrical and plumbing) due to wear and tear.
How do home warranties work?
Home warranties protect you if one of your covered systems or appliances breaks. Your home warranty provider will charge you a monthly or yearly premium for the protection plus a service charge whenever you file a claim. If something breaks and it’s included in your home warranty coverage, your provider should cover the repairs.
That said, it’s wise to thoroughly read the terms of the warranty to ensure you are familiar with its terms. Be aware, for example, that the company may reserve the right not to repair or replace an older appliance or system, but to reimburse you for its depreciated value – which may fall far short of the cost of replacement.
Some home warranty companies will require a pre-coverage inspection upon signup. Some companies — like AmeriSpec — will offer complimentary, short-term home warranties immediately after inspection. For more information, you can look into AmeriSpec home warranty reviews in Los Angeles.
How to pick home warranty coverage
No two home warranty plans are the same, and different home warranty companies cater to different customers. Before you figure out how to buy a home warranty, you need to make sure you find the best plan for you. Here are some things to consider when looking for home repair warranty services in Los Angeles.
Inspect the fine print
Most homeowners purchase a home warranty plan for the peace of mind they provide. However, not paying close attention to the fine print can cause surprises if your systems and appliances aren’t covered due to details like their brand or condition.
When reviewing your plan’s details, you should be looking for the following:
- Policy coverage
- Coverage duration and renewal terms
- The terms and conditions for the services to be performed by the company
- Service fees
- A detailed claim approval process
- Repair or replacement turnaround time
- Flexibility for choosing replacements
- A statement that the company will initiate services within 48 hours of request
Check the company’s reputation
A company’s reputation is often the best indicator of what your experience will be like if you decide to purchase one of its plans. Luckily, finding a company’s reputation online is easy thanks to the California Department of Insurance, which offers a company profile search tool. lets users find company performance details. Make sure to read plenty of company reviews before requesting home warranty quotes in Los Angeles, CA.
Be mindful of your budget
Home warranty plans are optional, so don’t feel pressured into purchasing a plan, since they may not prove to be a wise investment for you and your budget. Carefully review all plan details to ensure that the plan and add-ons you choose meet your needs without exceeding your budget.
Make sure your needs are covered
Think carefully about your and your family’s needs to purchase a plan that best suits you and your home. For example, Los Angelenos obviously may not need heating coverage, given how often they turn on the heat. But they’ll likely want to ensure that a central cooling system is covered, especially given the growing incidence of heatwaves in the metro area in recent years.
Best Home Warranty Companies in Los Angeles FAQ
How do home warranty companies determine depreciation?
Home warranties often pay a depreciated amount to the homeowner in lieu of repairing an older appliance or system. Not all home warranty plans consider depreciation, so make sure to read your plan's terms and conditions.
Generally, adjusters will calculate depreciation by dividing the item's cost over its expected useful life. That will get you the expected annual depreciation of an item.
For example, let's say you paid $7,500 for your HVAC system when it was new, and it was expected to last for 15 years. That would make its yearly depreciation $500.
Let's further say the system failed at ten years old, and the warranty company deemed repairing such an old system to be unfeasible or too costly – as they often have the right to do. Your home warranty plan would then pay you $2,500; the amount would represent the $7,500 value of the system when new minus $5,000 for ten years of depreciation at $500 per year.
What do home warranty companies cover?
Home warranty companies cover various structural systems and appliances, depending on the chosen plan. Most offer multiple levels of protection, so read your specific plan details to learn what your home warranty company covers.
In general, most home warranty companies offer protection for:
- Electrical systems
- Air conditioners
- Heating systems
- Plumbing systems
- Plumbing stoppages
- Water heaters
- Septic systems
- Sump pumps
- Roof leaks
- Ductwork
- Dishwashers
- Refrigerators
- Washing machines
- Clothes dryers
- Cooktops
How do you work with home warranty companies?
Who regulates home warranty companies?
Home warranty companies in California are regulated by the California Department of Insurance, which updates and enforces home warranty regulations. These include the following:
- Companies must initiate claims within 48 hours of receiving a request
- Contracts must clearly state how to file a home warranty claim
- All fees must be stated in the contract
- Any restrictions and limitations must be included in the contract
How We Chose the Best Home Warranty Companies in Los Angeles
Choosing the perfect home warranty company is no easy feat, which is why this guide to the best plans in Los Angeles can help you make an informed decision. Each company was evaluated based on a sample contract and the following criteria.
Costs and fees
At the end of the day, home warranty companies are for-profit businesses. That means plans are structured to maximize how much money you end up paying. We considered upfront plan premiums as well as service fees to come up with the true cost of each provider.
Coverage
Not all home warranties offer the same levels of protection, and some companies stand out for offering more coverage than others. We’ve looked at sample service contracts for all companies to get you the best suggestions based on plan coverage.
Add-on options
Every family is different, and a home warranty plan should fit your needs. We evaluated add-on options to determine a company’s ability to customize plans so you can build one that works for you.
Freedom of technician choice
Many people value having a say over who is in charge of repairs and replacements. While you may be comfortable enough working with the contractor assigned by the home warranty provider, knowing each company’s technician choice policy lets you decide what matters most. That’s why we investigated each company’s policy on technician choice to let you know your options with each provider.
Response times
If your air conditioning breaks down in the middle of the summer, you’ll want a company that can send someone to repair it right away. We looked at service response times to help those of you who value quick service above all else.
Ratings and reviews
Customer ratings and reviews can indicate what your experience might be if you decide to sign on with a company and need their services. We read hundreds of client reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to understand what customers say about each company.
We also considered each company’s BBB company rating. It’s worth noting that BBB does not consider customer reviews when determining ratings. Instead, BBB focuses on factors such as unresolved customer complaints, transparent business practices and time in business.
Discounts and special offers
Finding a steep discount can turn an ostensibly unaffordable company into one worth considering. That’s why we scoured the websites of home warranty providers to note whether discounts and special offers are routinely offered — so as to identify providers that might be less expensive than they initially appear.
Summary of the Best Home Warranty Companies in Los Angeles
- Best overall: American Home Shield
- Best affordable option: AFC Home Club
- Best coverage: Select Home Warranty
- Best reputation: American Residential Warranty
- Best reviews and ratings: First American Home Warranty
- Best add-ons for appliances: Cinch Home Services
- Best customizable options: Liberty Home Guard