Compare Local Pros
Jet Electric vs Simtek Electric
Santa Clara Electrical Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Both are veteran contractors with similar experience, but Jet Electric carries workers compensation while Simtek does not.
| Jet Electric | Simtek Electric | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 3.2 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 32 years | 37 years |
| License # | 675028 | 541101 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | — |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | San Jose, CA | Gilroy, CA |
| Website | — | www.simtekelectric.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Jet Electric
Customers consistently note timely arrivals and quick repairs, but report variable experiences with follow-up communication and warranty coordination.
Key Takeaway: Jet Electric has substantial documented customer feedback establishing service patterns, while Simtek has insufficient review history to assess current performance trends.
Customer Reviews
Jet Electric
Ernesto was called out through our home warranty company and we are so lucky we got him! They gave us a time slot between 8am-12 and he called right before 8am to give us a 30min window. We has a leak...
I just had another service call using JETS ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION & again Ernesto showed up right on time. He knew what to do immediately after looking at my toilet that had a leak coming from the ba...
More stars needed!! They came in after another company messed up the call..were here less than a 1/2 an hour and my problem was solved! AWESOME JOB!! THANKS to Jose. Told my home warranty company, AHS...
Simtek Electric
Always great to work with!
Consider Jet Electric if...
- ✓ You need workers compensation protection and want to avoid potential liability if a contractor is injured at your home
- ✓ Your project is in San Jose, Morgan Hill, or the northern Santa Clara County area where Jet Electric is based
- ✓ You value having customer feedback to set expectations, even if experiences have been somewhat variable
- ✓ You need quick turnaround on straightforward electrical repairs like breaker replacements or ceiling fan installations where Jet has documented efficiency
Consider Simtek Electric if...
- ✓ Your project is in Gilroy or southern Santa Clara County where Simtek is locally established
- ✓ You're willing to verify insurance coverage directly and confirm your own liability protection before work begins
- ✓ You can obtain recent references directly from the company to compensate for limited public review history
- ✓ The five additional years of licensing history provides meaningful reassurance for your specific situation
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → For Simtek: Ask directly about current workers compensation coverage and request a certificate of insurance; if they don't carry it, contact your homeowner's insurance to understand your liability exposure
- → For Simtek: Request at least three recent customer references from the past six months and ask about crew consistency and communication
- → For Jet Electric: Ask about their quality control process for warranty work and how they ensure consistent service across different technicians
- → For both: Confirm response time to your specific location and whether travel charges apply
The Bottom Line
For most homeowners, Jet Electric is the clearer choice this week. The combination of active workers compensation insurance and substantial customer feedback—despite some inconsistency—provides more protection and predictability than Simtek's coverage gap and limited public track record. The workers comp issue alone creates real liability exposure that could cost thousands if something goes wrong. However, if you're located in Gilroy and Simtek can provide current proof of workers comp coverage plus strong recent references, their five additional years of experience and local presence become more competitive. Don't hire Simtek without resolving the insurance question first.
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Frequently Asked Questions
In practical terms, very little. Both contractors have been continuously licensed for over three decades, meaning both have extensive experience with code changes, complex troubleshooting, and handling unexpected issues. The workers compensation difference and customer feedback availability are far more significant factors for your decision.
If a Simtek employee is injured on your property and the company lacks workers comp insurance, you could be held liable for medical expenses and lost wages. This is a real financial risk. Before hiring Simtek, you should request current proof of coverage or consult your homeowner's insurance agent about your exposure.
The pattern suggests potential follow-up communication issues, particularly when coordinating through home warranty companies. If your project involves warranty work or requires callbacks, ask specifically about their warranty process and how they track follow-up appointments. For straightforward one-time repairs, this appears less of a concern.
Yes, for practical reasons. A San Jose-based contractor traveling to Gilroy or a Gilroy contractor traveling to San Jose may have longer response times and potentially charge travel fees. Simtek's local presence in Gilroy likely means better familiarity with that area's specific permitting requirements and faster emergency response if you're in southern Santa Clara County.
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How We Compare Contractors
License Verification
All license data is sourced from official California CSLB records and verified regularly.
Review Analysis
Customer reviews are aggregated from Google and analyzed to identify patterns in service quality.
Detailed Comparison
We analyze credentials, insurance, experience, and feedback to highlight meaningful differences.
Not all licensed contractors are created equal. While a valid license is the baseline requirement in California, contractors can vary significantly in experience, insurance coverage, and customer satisfaction.
- Experience matters: A contractor with 15+ years of experience has likely encountered and solved problems that newer contractors haven't faced yet.
- Workers' compensation protects you: If a contractor without workers' comp insurance has an employee injured on your property, you could be held liable.
- Reviews reveal patterns: Individual reviews can be misleading, but patterns across many reviews often reveal a contractor's true strengths and weaknesses.
- Bond amounts vary: A contractor's bond provides financial protection if they fail to complete work as agreed. Higher bonds offer more protection.
Taking time to compare contractors on these factors can save you from costly mistakes and help ensure your project is completed by a qualified professional.
Data Sources: License information from California CSLB. Ratings and reviews from Google. Last verified March 12, 2026.
This comparison is based on publicly available information. We recommend getting multiple quotes and verifying all credentials directly before hiring.
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