Find the Best Home Warranty in San Diego, CA

Home warranty for buyers, sellers and landlords in San Diego

While homeowners insurance protects your home in case of damage from natural disasters, fires and theft, a home warranty is insurance for the components of your home that wear out with use.

If you are shopping for a home or recently purchased one, a home warranty protects household appliances and systems. Sellers might keep in mind that buyers prefer homes with a home warranty. New homeowners might consider a home warranty if the home did not come with a plan, especially if the appliances are no longer under original manufacturer warranty. While you can purchase a plan any time, you might get a lower premium if you buy the policy before you close on a new home.

Owners of older homes with more wear on the systems, or appliances that are past manufacturer warranty, will benefit from home warranty plans to cover unexpected repairs. For example, consistently warm temperatures in San Diego put strain on air conditioning systems. Be prepared for unexpected breakdowns that can be covered by a home warranty.

For San Diego rental property owners, a home warranty also protects your investment.

Home warranty coverage in San Diego

• HVAC system and ducts
• Furnace
• Plumbing systems (some components)
• Electrical systems (some components)
• Water heater
• Kitchen appliances
• Garbage disposal
• Smoke detectors

Typical home warranties exclude certain items. Secondary air conditioning units are not covered, nor are garage doors, roofs and some appliances. Pools and hot tubs, popular in the sunny San Diego climate, are typically not included. Some providers allow for add-on coverage for these items.

San Diego residents who irrigate their landscaping should note that home warranties do not cover sprinkler systems. Homeowners in the unincorporated parts of the county where water might come from a well should ask about add-on coverage for the well pump.

How much does a home warranty cost in San Diego?

The average yearly cost of a home warranty plan in San Diego is $635 per year. Most home warranty companies charge a monthly fee and require yearly contracts. A service call fee, usually between $50 and $100, applies when a home warranty contractor diagnoses your covered items.

Generally, a home warranty company in San Diego assigns your repair request to a local network contractor. Make sure the company hires licensed and bonded professionals. You can check licenses with the Contractors State License Board.

Read the sample contract on the company website carefully for coverage details. You should review your contract before you sign. Ask about coverage limits and be aware of preexisting conditions that might nullify parts of the plan.

Finally, read company reviews to find out how providers handle claims, repairs and complaints. California consumers have rights under the Consumers Legal Remedy Act.