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Jesus Sanchez GarciaHome improvement writer
Jesus Sanchez Garcia is a senior writer for USA TODAY Homefront. His expertise focuses on home ...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
Get a quote from our top provider, Liberty Home Guard
We've ranked the top 5 home warranty companies that operate within 50 miles of Los Gatos. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
Home warranties give you a financial buffer to repair or replace appliances that suddenly fail. For a monthly fee, these policies insure items like AC units and refrigerators when they malfunction with regular wear and tear.
Did you know that the typical life span of an HVAC system is seven to 25 years? Other major systems, such as water heaters, only last an average of six to 12 years. Most appliances last just 20 years or fewer, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.
If your Los Gatos home contains aging dishwashers, furnaces or other appliances, you'll probably encounter an untimely failure. These highly rated home warranty firms offer robust coverage at fair prices.
Homeowners insurance doesn't cover appliance failures due to normal wear and tear, so having a home warranty can provide you an additional buffer against mishaps. We've done the research to find what home warranty firms have the best major appliance and system coverage.
Here's our list of the best home warranty companies in Los Gatos:
Average monthly costs: $22.00 - $80.00
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty pairs its three coverage plans with flexible service call fees. It also offers coverage perks, including an appliance color-match program and an "Even If" service fee guarantee. With this guarantee, 2-10 will refund your service call fee if your covered item can’t be fixed or replaced.
What we like
What we don't like
Plan Name
Simply HVAC
Service Fee
$65 - $100
Monthly Cost
$50 - $39
Items covered
Air conditioning, Heat pump, Heating system, Thermostat.
Add-on items
Luxury package (increases coverage limits), Washer and dryer, Roof leak, HVAC surplus, Garage door opener, Additional refrigerator, Additional wine cooler, Additional freestanding freezer, Additional wet bar refrigerator, Pool, Septic system, Well pump, Water softener, Extended pipe leak, Preseason HVAC tune-up.
Plan Name
Simply Kitchen
Service Fee
$65 - $100
Monthly Cost
$31 - $22
Items covered
Built-in microwave, Cooktop, Dishwasher, Oven, Range, Refrigerator with ice maker/crusher.
Add-on items
Luxury package (increases coverage limits), Washer and dryer, Roof leak, HVAC surplus, Garage door opener, Additional refrigerator, Additional wine cooler, Additional freestanding freezer, Additional wet bar refrigerator, Pool, Septic system, Well pump, Water softener, Extended pipe leak, Preseason HVAC tune-up.
Plan Name
Essential Home
Service Fee
$65 - $100
Monthly Cost
$61 - $51
Items covered
Air conditioning, Heat pump, Heating system, Thermostat, Built-in microwave, Cooktop, Dishwasher, Oven, Range, Refrigerator with ice maker/crusher.
Add-on items
Luxury package (increases coverage limits), Washer and dryer, Roof leak, HVAC surplus, Garage door opener, Additional refrigerator, Additional wine cooler, Additional freestanding freezer, Additional wet bar refrigerator, Pool, Septic system, Well pump, Water softener, Extended pipe leak, Preseason HVAC tune-up.
Plan Name
Complete Home
Service Fee
$65 - $100
Monthly Cost
$60 - $51
Items covered
Air conditioning, Heat pump, Heating system, Thermostat, Drain line stoppages, Plumbing system, Plumbing valves, Sump pump, Toilets, Water heater, Doorbells, Electrical systems, Built-in microwave, Cooktop, Dishwasher, Oven, Range, Refrigerator with ice maker/crusher.
Add-on items
Luxury package (increases coverage limits), Washer and dryer, Roof leak, HVAC surplus, Garage door opener, Additional refrigerator, Additional wine cooler, Additional freestanding freezer, Additional wet bar refrigerator, Pool, Septic system, Well pump, Water softener, Extended pipe leak, Preseason HVAC tune-up.
Plan Name
Pinnacle Home
Service Fee
$65 - $100
Monthly Cost
$80 - $71
Items covered
Air conditioning, Heat pump, Heating system, Thermostat, Drain line stoppages, Hose bibs, Plumbing system, Plumbing valves, Polybutylene and PEX plumbing systems, Sump pump, Toilets, Water heater, Attic and bathroom exhaust fans, Burglar and fire alarms, Doorbells, Electrical systems, Built-in microwave, Cooktop, Dishwasher, Oven, Range, Refrigerator with ice maker/crusher.
Add-on items
Luxury package (increases coverage limits), Washer and dryer, Roof leak, HVAC surplus, Garage door opener, Additional refrigerator, Additional wine cooler, Additional freestanding freezer, Additional wet bar refrigerator, Pool, Septic system, Well pump, Water softener, Extended pipe leak, Preseason HVAC tune-up.
Average monthly costs: $49.99 - $59.99
Liberty Home Guard offers 38 different coverage add-ons – the most of any home warranty company we researched. Each covered repair also comes with a 60-day workmanship guarantee.
What we like
What we don't like
Plan Name
Appliance Guard
Service Fee
$65 - $125
Monthly Cost
$49
Items covered
Built-in microwave ovens, Ceiling and exhaust fans, Clothes dryer, Clothes washer, Dishwashers, Garbage disposals, Garage door openers, Ranges/ovens/cooktops, Refrigerator with ice maker and display.
Add-on items
Additional spa, Carpet cleaning, Casita guest unit, Central vacuum, Ejector pump, Electronics protection, Freestanding ice maker, Generator, Grinder pump, Gutter cleaning, In-fridge ice maker, Instant hot water dispenser, Lawn sprinkler system, Lighting fixtures, Limited roof leak, Pest control, Plumbing fixtures, Pool and spa, Power washing (exterior floor0, Pro-series clothes dryer, Pro-series dishwasher coverage, Pro-series microwave, Pro-series range/oven/cooktop coverage, Pro-series refrigerator coverage, Pro-series standalone freezer, Pro-series washing machines, Re-key services, Reverse osmosis water filter system, Saltwater pool, Second refrigerator, Septic system pumping, Stand-alone freezer, Sump pump, Swamp cooler, Trash compactor, TV mounting (up to 65 in), TV mounting (up to 85 in), Water dispenser water line, Water softener, Well pump, Window washing/cleaning, Wine cooler/fridge.
Plan Name
Systems Guard
Service Fee
$65 - $125
Monthly Cost
$54
Items covered
Air conditioning, Ductwork, Heating, Electrical, Plumbing, Water heaters.
Add-on items
Additional spa, Carpet cleaning, Casita guest unit, Central vacuum, Ejector pump, Electronics protection, Freestanding ice maker, Generator, Grinder pump, Gutter cleaning, In-fridge ice maker, Instant hot water dispenser, Lawn sprinkler system, Lighting fixtures, Limited roof leak, Pest control, Plumbing fixtures, Pool and spa, Power washing (exterior floor0, Pro-series clothes dryer, Pro-series dishwasher coverage, Pro-series microwave, Pro-series range/oven/cooktop coverage, Pro-series refrigerator coverage, Pro-series standalone freezer, Pro-series washing machines, Re-key services, Reverse osmosis water filter system, Saltwater pool, Second refrigerator, Septic system pumping, Stand-alone freezer, Sump pump, Swamp cooler, Trash compactor, TV mounting (up to 65 in), TV mounting (up to 85 in), Water dispenser water line, Water softener, Well pump, Window washing/cleaning, Wine cooler/fridge.
Plan Name
Total Home Guard
Service Fee
$65 - $125
Monthly Cost
$59
Items covered
Air conditioning, Ductwork, Heating, Electrical, Plumbing, Water heaters, Built-in microwave ovens, Ceiling and exhaust fans, Clothes dryer, Clothes washer, Dishwashers, Garbage disposals, Garage door openers, Ranges/ovens/cooktops, Refrigerator with ice maker and display.
Add-on items
Additional spa, Carpet cleaning, Casita guest unit, Central vacuum, Ejector pump, Electronics protection, Freestanding ice maker, Generator, Grinder pump, Gutter cleaning, In-fridge ice maker, Instant hot water dispenser, Lawn sprinkler system, Lighting fixtures, Limited roof leak, Pest control, Plumbing fixtures, Pool and spa, Power washing (exterior floor0, Pro-series clothes dryer, Pro-series dishwasher coverage, Pro-series microwave, Pro-series range/oven/cooktop coverage, Pro-series refrigerator coverage, Pro-series standalone freezer, Pro-series washing machines, Re-key services, Reverse osmosis water filter system, Saltwater pool, Second refrigerator, Septic system pumping, Stand-alone freezer, Sump pump, Swamp cooler, Trash compactor, TV mounting (up to 65 in), TV mounting (up to 85 in), Water dispenser water line, Water softener, Well pump, Window washing/cleaning, Wine cooler/fridge.
Average monthly costs: $29.99 - $89.99
An industry veteran, American Home Shield has been in business since 1971. It provides three coverage plans and six optional add-ons.
What we like
What we don't like
Plan Name
ShieldSilver
Service Fee
$125 - $100
Monthly Cost
$29 - $39
Items covered
Air conditioners, Built-in exhaust/vent/attic fans, Ceiling fans, Doorbells and chimes, Ductwork, Faucets and valves, Garage-door openers, Heating units, Interior electrical lines, Interior plumbing lines, Main breaker and fuse panel box, Toilets, Water heaters, Whirlpool tub motor and components.
Add-on items
Electronics Protection Plan (not available in CA. Provided by Allstate Protection Plans), Pool, Spa, Guest Unit, Septic Pump, Well Pump.
Plan Name
ShieldGold
Service Fee
$125 - $100
Monthly Cost
$49 - $59
Items covered
Air conditioners, Built-in exhaust/vent/attic fans, Built-in microwave ovens, Ceiling fans, Clothes dryers, Clothes washers, Dishwashers, Doorbells and chimes, Ductwork, Faucets and valves, Garage-door openers, Garbage disposals, Heating units, Instant hot/cold water dispensers, Interior electrical lines, Interior plumbing lines, Main breaker and fuse panel box, Ranges/cooktops, Refrigerators, Ovens, Toilets, Water heaters, Whirlpool tub motor and components.
Add-on items
Electronics Protection Plan (not available in CA. Provided by Allstate Protection Plans), Pool, Spa, Guest Unit, Septic Pump, Well Pump.
Plan Name
ShieldPlatinum
Service Fee
$125 - $100
Monthly Cost
$79 - $89
Items covered
Air conditioners, Built-in exhaust/vent/attic fans, Built-in microwave ovens, Ceiling fans, Clothes dryers, Clothes washers, Dishwashers, Doorbells and chimes, Ductwork, Faucets and valves, Garage-door openers, Garbage disposals, Heating units, Instant hot/cold water dispensers, Interior electrical lines, Interior plumbing lines, Main breaker and fuse panel box, Ranges/cooktops, Refrigerators, Roof-leak repairs, Ovens, Toilets, Water heaters, Whirlpool tub motor and components.
Add-on items
Electronics Protection Plan (not available in CA. Provided by Allstate Protection Plans), Pool, Spa, Guest Unit, Septic Pump, Well Pump.
Average monthly costs: $47.00 - $87.00
First American Home Warranty has comprehensive coverage caps for appliances in each plan. Additionally, First American includes its First American Advantage upgrade in its Essential and Premium plans. This upgrade provides coverage for miscellaneous items, such as appliance knobs and dials.
What we like
What we don't like
Plan Name
Starter Plan
Service Fee
$125 - $75
Monthly Cost
$47 - $67
Items covered
Ductwork, Heating system, Refrigerant, Electrical systems, Plumbing systems, Plumbing stoppages, Toilet tank/bowl/mechanisms, Built-in microwave, Dishwasher, Kitchen range hood, Oven/range/cooktop, Refrigerator.
Add-on items
Additional refrigeration, Central air conditioning, HVAC tune-up, Limited roof-leak, Pool/spa equipment, Septic tank pumping/system, Water softener, Well pump.
Plan Name
Essential Plan
Service Fee
$125 - $75
Monthly Cost
$52 - $72
Items covered
Air conditioning, Ductwork, Heating system, Mini-split ductless systems, Refrigerant, Ceiling/attic/exhaust fans, Electrical systems, Garage door opener, Plumbing systems, Plumbing stoppages, Toilet tank/bowl/mechanisms, Water heaters, Built-in microwave, Clothes dryer, Clothes washer, Dishwasher, Kitchen range hood, Oven/range/cooktop, Refrigerator, Trash compactor.
Add-on items
Additional refrigeration, Central air conditioning, HVAC tune-up, Limited roof-leak, Pool/spa equipment, Septic tank pumping/system, Water softener, Well pump.
Plan Name
Premium Plan
Service Fee
$125 - $75
Monthly Cost
$67 - $87
Items covered
Air conditioning, Central vacuum system, Ductwork, Heating system, Mini-split ductless systems, Refrigerant, Registers, grills and filters, Window AC unit, Ceiling/attic/exhaust fans, Electrical systems, Garage door opener, Garage door springs, hinges and transmitters, Faucets, Hose bibs, Install ground-level cleanout, Plumbing systems, Plumbing stoppages, Shower head/shower arm, Toilet tank/bowl/mechanisms, Water heaters, Built-in microwave, Clothes dryer, Clothes washer, Dishwasher, Garbage disposal, Instant hot water dispenser, Kitchen range hood, Luxury appliance, Oven/range/cooktop, Refrigerator, Trash compactor.
Add-on items
Additional refrigeration, Central air conditioning, HVAC tune-up, Limited roof-leak, Pool/spa equipment, Septic tank pumping/system, Water softener, Well pump.
Average monthly costs: $44.42 - $47.75
Select Home Warranty pairs all plans with roof-leak repair coverage. It also charges low plan premiums.
What we like
What we don't like
Plan Name
Bronze Care Plan
Service Fee
$75
Monthly Cost
$44
Items covered
Built-in microwave, Clothes dryer, Clothes washer, Cooktop, Dishwasher, Garbage disposal, Refrigerator, Stove/oven.
Add-on items
Central vacuum, Lawn sprinkler system, Pool, Roof leak, Septic system, Spa, Stand-alone freezer, Sump pump, Well pump.
Plan Name
Gold Care Plan
Service Fee
$75
Monthly Cost
$44
Items covered
AC/cooling, Ductwork, Heating system, Plumbing system, Water heater, Electrical system.
Add-on items
Central vacuum, Lawn sprinkler system, Pool, Roof leak, Septic system, Spa, Stand-alone freezer, Sump pump, Well pump.
Plan Name
Platinum Care Plan
Service Fee
$75
Monthly Cost
$47
Items covered
AC/cooling, Ductwork, Heating system, Plumbing stoppages, Plumbing system, Water heater, Ceiling fan, Electrical system, Garage-door openers, Built-in microwave, Clothes dryer, Clothes washer, Cooktop, Dishwasher, Garbage disposal, Refrigerator, Stove/oven.
Add-on items
Central vacuum, Lawn sprinkler system, Pool, Roof leak, Septic system, Spa, Stand-alone freezer, Sump pump, Well pump.
The cost of a home warranty is in line with the national average, and it heavily relies on how often you want to make payments. The national average is in the range of $40.91 to $77.05 per month, or $563.62 to $927.43 per year. We calculated the average by requesting hundreds of quotes using 2,000-square-foot, single-family homes across each state the providers service.
With a home warranty, you'll have extra coverage for home appliances and major systems. However, it's not a substitute for homeowners insurance, and there are some exclusions to coverage. Below, we'll discuss what's generally covered and what's not.
Kitchen and living appliances make up the first group of items that a home warranty covers. This includes the following items: Major systems form the second category of covered items. The specific definition of what a "major system" is will differ between different plans. However, most include the following:
Just like other service contracts, home warranties will not provide coverage for certain items or events. Your contract calls these exclusions. A common exclusion is breakdowns caused by damage outside of normal wear and tear. For example, home warranties will probably not cover an air conditioner breakdown caused by a dirty air filter. This is because replacing the filter is a routine maintenance task.
Before purchasing a home warranty coverage plan, we recommend asking providers the following questions.
Assess your coverage requirements before requesting a quote from a home warranty company. Once youknow what items need coverage, verify that the provider includes them in its packages. Some companies separate appliance and systems coverage into different plans, so ensure you choose the accurate one. Also, many home warranty companies offer optional coverage, such as for spas or sump pumps. Consider purchasing add-ons if you need protection for specific items.
Standard home warranty contracts last for 12 months from the coverage effective date, which is usually 30 days after the initial sign-up date. Companies have this 30-day waiting period to prevent customers from filing claims for preexisting conditions. You can get coverage beyond 12 months with a multiyear plan.
Be sure to ask about the warranty company's network of licensed service contractors. Companies will usually have strict licensing requirements and other standards for a contractor to get repair approval. If there are no partner contractors near where you live, the company might let you choose your own. You can verify a contractor's license by searching the California Contractors State Licensing Board database.
Each company's claims process is slightly different from the others. If a covered issue strikes, you could file a claim online or over the phone. Most companies try to respond to claims within one to two days, though there might be processing delays if you filed outside normal working hours. Once the provider receives your claim, someone will examine the details and connect you with an in-network service provider. The contractor will schedule a visit, diagnose the problem, and then request final approval from the home warranty provider before starting repairs.
Most home warranty providers allow you to transfer your policy to a new person who moves into the home the policy covers. Generally, transferring a home warranty policy to a new homeowner is free of charge, although some companies levy a transfer fee to offset administrative costs. Home warranty coverage can be reassuring to new homebuyers. Some companies offer sellers special coverage plans that are easily transferred to buyers.
Before you decide on a home warranty, examine its terms and conditions to ensure they're aligned with your needs. As you read through the sample contract, look for these key details and clauses:
We review national home warranty providers against our full home warranty methodology. We score warranty providers based on coverage options and limits, price, brand reputation, customer service, extra features and availability.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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