Are Home Warranties Worth It for Santa Barbara Residents?
Yes, home warranties are worth it for Santa Barbara residents. Santa Barbara experiences hot summers, and you probably use your air conditioner constantly during the warmer months. Your air conditioning system can malfunction over time from heavy use.
Santa Barbara has fairly mild winters, but it's still important to make sure your heating works when needed. The cost of replacing your HVAC system can range anywhere from $2,500–$8,000. Home warranties, on the other hand, come in at only $644–$737 a year, based on 120 quotes we requested from home warranty companies across the nation.
Even the infrequent rain in Santa Barbara can damage your roof. The financial burden of this will be lessened if your home warranty has roof-leak coverage. Finally, your home warranty will connect you with trustworthy service providers.
A reputable home warranty is a good investment because companies vet their technicians. If you don't have time to do the research yourself, your home warranty provider can give you peace of mind that someone reliable will handle your problem.
What To Consider Before Choosing a Home Warranty Company
Think about these key factors to determine 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 roughly $53–$62 a month. Additionally, you'll pay a service call fee whenever you file a claim. Service call fees range from $65–$125 per claim. Basic home warranty plans are more affordable than comprehensive ones. Home systems coverage plans will cost more than appliance plans. Most plans offer add-on coverage options for an additional monthly cost. Consider your specific needs before purchasing a plan.
Coverage
Determine the appliances and systems you use most often. Most home warranty providers offer customizable coverage tailored to your needs. If you only need coverage for certain systems, such as your air conditioner, most providers offer systems-only plans. The same is true if you only need coverage for 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
Generally, home warranties don't cover preexisting conditions or improper installation. Most policies will only cover normal wear and tear. Most also exclude appliance components or cosmetic issues, routine maintenance, theft, or defects. Providers outline limitations and exclusions within their service contracts. We recommend reading carefully to fully understand the terms and conditions of your plan.
Provider Reputation
Provider reputation is another key factor to consider. You can browse customer reviews on sites such as Best Company, Google Reviews, and Trustpilot or check a company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. Reviews and ratings can provide insight into how a company handles claims and customer service. Check with the California Department of Consumer Affairs to verify that a provider holds a valid state license.
Contractor Network
Take into account a home warranty company's network of service providers. Reliable home warranty providers source licensed and registered contractors to fulfill service requests. We suggest asking a provider how and where it sources technicians. If you can, use a provider that mentions service contractors you're familiar with. Rural homeowners should consider going with a home warranty provider that customers choose their technician. There may be no in-network service providers available in these areas, and customers might need to source their own.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Warranty in Santa Barbara
Do I need a home warranty in Santa Barbara?
What are preexisting conditions?
What is Santa Barbara's best home warranty provider?
Do home warranties cover other types of home items?
Why is there a waiting period before my home warranty coverage begins?
How is a home warranty different from homeowners insurance?
How do I file a claim with my home warranty provider?
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