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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 Palo Alto. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
You might be considering a home warranty to safeguard important home systems and appliances. For a monthly fee, these policies cover repair and replacement costs when items like refrigerators and AC units break down from normal wear and tear.
Many crucial home components start having issues before hitting the 10 to 15-year mark, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. HVAC systems typically malfunction after just seven to 25 years. Water heaters normally last six to 12 years, and most appliances today stop working after about 20 years.
If your Palo Alto home contains aging dishwashers, furnaces or the like, you'll likely encounter an untimely breakdown. These top home warranty firms provide 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 a supplementary cushion against the unforeseen. We've done the research to pinpoint what home warranty companies have the best major appliance and system coverage.
Here's our list of the best home warranty companies in Palo Alto:
Average monthly costs: $22.00 - $80.00
2-10 offers flexible service fees and perks like an appliance color-match program. Through its "Even If" guarantee, it also refunds service fees if repairing or replacing a covered item isn't possible.
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
American Home Shield was one of the first home warranty companies, having been in business since 1971. It provides three base plans and six 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.
You'll generally pay $41-$70 per month for a home warranty in Palo Alto, in line with the national average. Opting for annual payments means paying anywhere between $563.62-$927.48 for the year. To find the average home warranty plan cost, we requested hundreds of quotes using 2,000-square-foot, single-family homes across each state the providers service.
Home warranties protect various home appliances and major systems, but they're not a substitute for homeowners insurance. Below, we'll outline what's generally included in home warranty coverage and what isn't.
Major appliances form the first category of items that home warranties protect. This includes the following items: The second coverage category is major systems, which often consist of the following:
Home warranties, similar to other service contracts, include certain limitations. One thing that home warranties exclude is damage outside of normal wear and tear. For example, the warranty company could reject a claim for an AC breakdown if a dirty air filter is the cause. This is because replacing the air filter is considered routine upkeep.
Ask each home warranty provider these questions before you purchase a plan.
Before asking a home warranty company for a quote, write down the specific systems and appliances that you need covered. Then, verify the company has plans meeting your needs. Some companies separate appliance and system coverage into different plans. Many companies also sell optional add-ons, covering things like additional refrigeration and wells. Consider whether any add-ons fit your situation.
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. Purchasing a multiyear plan extends protection beyond the standard 12-month term.
When researching a home warranty company, ask which service contractors it partners with in your area. Many home warranty companies will let you choose your own local contractor if they don’t have an in-network provider near you. The contractor must be licensed and registered in Palo Alto to obtain repair approval from the home warranty provider. You can verify a contractor's license by searching the California Contractors State Licensing Board database.
Knowledge of your warranty company's claim process can make all the difference between an approval and a denial. If you're facing a covered issue, you can usually file a claim over the phone or online. While most claims should have a one to two-day turnaround, there might be delays if you file outside standard business hours. Once you submit your claim, the warranty company will review it and connect you to an in-network service contractor. The contractor will arrange a visit to diagnose the problem, and then seek final authorization from the warranty company for any necessary repairs.
Most home warranty companies 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 complimentary, although some companies levy a transfer fee to offset administrative costs. Sellers can also purchase special home warranty plans that are easily transferred to prospective buyers. This is an easy way to add appeal to your home to your home in a competitive real estate market and provide the buyer additional peace of mind.
To complete your research, we recommend reading the home warranty provider’s detailed terms and sample contract before purchasing a plan. Knowing the company’s terms and conditions can help you determine whether it’s the right one for your needs. It'll also help you advocate for yourself if you need to file a claim. Below are several terms you should look for while reviewing the contract:
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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