Best Home Warranties in San Diego, CA

To find the right home warranty in San Diego, you’ll need to compare plans, read sample contracts and check local reviews can help you determine which provider makes sense for your needs and budget. Here’s how to approach your search:

1. Decide what coverage you need

Think about which home features make you most nervous about a breakdown. If your kitchen and laundry appliances are older or your plumbing is original to the house, prioritize a plan that covers these items. Many San Diego homeowners opt for combination plans to maximize protection and avoid unexpected repair costs.

San Diego’s coastal climate, very hard water, and high housing costs make home warranties particularly appealing — especially for older homes with original plumbing or high-end appliances that can be costly to repair. AC coverage is a good idea, but less critical than in hotter climates.

2. Compare costs

Monthly premiums are important, but also factor in the service fee for each claim, since those add up if you need several repairs in a year. Look at the total value, including any discounts and annual savings for paying upfront, and make sure you understand the coverage limits for each item you want covered.

San Diego resident Laurel was pleased with the price she received from Choice. The agent she spoke with informed her of a sale and then lowered her price even more. She said he “was able to cut further because I committed to multi-year coverage (without committing to a contract).”

Because San Diego has some of the highest labor costs in California, even minor appliance or plumbing repairs can be expensive without a warranty. Choosing a plan that caps your out-of-pocket costs — even with a slightly higher premium — may be more cost-effective in the long run.

3. Review sample contracts

Most home warranty companies post sample agreements online, and it’s worth reading these carefully. Watch for exclusions, especially for issues caused by rust or corrosion, which are common in coastal San Diego. Make sure you know when coverage starts, how to file claims and what cancellation fees apply.

Homeowners near the coast — from La Jolla to Imperial Beach — should pay special attention to corrosion exclusions. Salt air can cause accelerated wear on AC units, pool heaters and outdoor appliances, and not all warranty plans cover this type of damage.

4. Read customer reviews

Feedback from San Diego homeowners provides a real-world look at how each warranty company handles claims. Pay attention to the speed of service, the professionalism of technicians and how well the company communicates throughout the process.

Patrice, an American Home Shield customer, especially loved that Go Green Rooters were sent to address her plumbing issues and said, "We had both leaks and clogs in different areas of the house, and the technicians impressed me with their great personalities and genuine concern for resolving the issues we faced. 

Also, check reviews from San Diego homeowners for comments on customer service and the ease of the claims process. Since claims may be for a wider variety of items (not just AC), a company with a consistently smooth and responsive claims department is ideal.

» MORE: Questions to ask a home warranty company

The average annual cost of a home warranty is $684 as of June 2025. A home warranty costs between $360 and $1,080 per year in San Diego, based on plans from our top picks. Your price will depend on which items you want covered, the service fee you select and whether you add extra features like pool or spa protection.

Cost range by home warranty provider

Monthly or annual premiums

Most home warranty companies let you pay monthly or get a discount for paying a year at a time. Your actual costs will vary based on how much coverage you select.

Service call fees

Each claim comes with a service fee, usually between $75 and $150, for the technician visit. This works like a deductible: you pay the fee, and the warranty covers the rest up to the plan’s limits.

Add-on coverage

Optional coverage can be tailored to your needs. Add-ons like pool, spa or additional refrigerators typically cost $2 to $25 per month for each item.

Other home warranty cost factors

Home warranty pricing depends on several factors:

• Home size and type: Larger homes generally cost more to cover
• Level of coverage: Basic plans are cheaper but cover fewer items
• Location: The high cost of skilled labor in San Diego is a major component of home warranty premiums. Prices are based on the cost of sending licensed, insured technicians to perform repairs in an expensive market.
• Discounts: Look for annual payment discounts and promotional rates

Example: total annual home warranty costs

• Comprehensive coverage ($80 per month): $960 per year
• Add-on for pool ($10 per month): $120 per year
• Two claims ($100 service fee): $200
• Total: $1,280 per year

Home warranties in San Diego typically include three plan types: appliance-only, systems-only and combination plans.

• Appliance plans cover items like refrigerators, dishwashers and washers and dryers.
• Systems plans protect your plumbing, electrical and water heater.
• Combination plans give you the widest protection and are the most popular for San Diego homes.

Many providers let you add coverage for extra features. Because of the region’s year-round temperate weather and outdoor lifestyle, pool and spa coverage is a common add-on — especially in suburban areas like Poway, Rancho Bernardo and Chula Vista.

» MORE: How to get the most from your home warranty

The amount you save with a home warranty depends on which appliances or systems break down during your coverage period. Even one major repair — or a couple of smaller ones — can easily offset the yearly premium and service fees.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends setting aside 1% to 3% of your home’s value each year for repairs and maintenance, which is usually higher than what you’ll pay for a home warranty.

Average repair/replacement costs for covered items

In a city like San Diego, where very hard water is the primary cause of failure for water heaters, plumbing systems and pool equipment, the potential for costly repairs is high. Here's what you'll pay for the most common repairs and replacements in San Diego without a home warranty: