5 Best Home Warranty Companies in Maryland (2024)
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Between Maryland’s humid summers and chilly winters, an unexpected HVAC system breakdown can quickly make your home uncomfortable. A home warranty plan safeguards against these potential headaches, helping to connect you to a repair technician quickly when your home systems or appliances malfunction. These plans also save you from paying thousands of dollars for a repair, instead requiring only a predetermined service call fee.
We researched and scored 13 top home warranty companies and chose Liberty Home Guard as our recommended provider for Maryland homeowners. The company offers three specialized coverage plans plus 42 unique add-on options. American Home Shield is another solid option due to its comprehensive coverage and generous caps. Keep reading our review to find the home warranty that best suits your needs and home.
Key Takeaways
- Based on our extensive research of 13 home warranty providers, Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield are the best home warranty companies in Maryland.
- A Maryland home warranty costs an average of $664 annually, or $45–$67 per month, depending on the plan and coverage.
- Our home warranty survey revealed that 93% of policyholders were satisfied with their home warranty plan, while less than 1% were dissatisfied.
Did You Know?
- In the last 30 days, more than 2,500 people bought home warranties from the above providers. Liberty Home Guard is our most popular provider, with 55% of buyers choosing to cover their homes with an LHG plan.
What Are Top Home Warranty Companies in Maryland?
After evaluating 13 home warranty providers using our detailed scorecard, we narrowed down the following five companies for Maryland homeowners:
- Best Customer Support: Liberty Home Guard
- Best for Comprehensive Coverage: American Home Shield
- Best for Customized Coverage: Elite Home Warranty
- Best for High-End Items: First American Home Warranty
- Best Budget Plan: Select Home Warranty
Compare Home Warranty Companies in Maryland
The table below compares top Maryland providers based on key factors, including pricing, response time, and service fees.
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| #1 out of 15 companies | #2 out of 15 companies | #3 out of 15 companies | #4 out of 15 companies | #5 out of 15 companies | |
| NR | B | B- | B+ | B | |
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Monthly Cost |
$49–$59 | $49–$109 | $44–$47 | $44–$59 | $47–$87 |
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Service Fees |
$65–$125 | $100–$125 | $60–$75 | $70 | $75–$125 |
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Customer Support Options |
Email, Phone, Online Chat, Online Portal | Phone, Online Portal | Email, Phone, Online Portal | Email, Phone, Online Portal | Phone, Online Portal |
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Response Time |
Up to 48 hours | Up to 48 hours | 48-84 hours | Up to 48 hours | 4–48 hours |
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Pros |
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Cons |
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Summary |
We recommend Liberty Home Guard for homeowners who need coverage for multiple HVAC systems and extensive add-on customizations. |
We recommend American Home Shield for homeowners who need comprehensive coverage for older homes. |
We recommend Select Home Warranty for homeowners who need affordable HVAC-only coverage. |
We recommend Elite Home Warranty for homeowners who want fully customizable plans and extensive add-on coverage options. |
We recommend First American Home Warranty for homeowners who need robust plan options for HVAC and high-end appliances. |
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Promotions |
$200 Off + 2 Months Free + Roof Leak Protection | $150 off any plan | Cyber Monday: 40% Off Home Warranty Plans | $150 Off + 1 Month Free. 30-Day Free Trial | $100 Off with Code “PROTECT” |
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Rating Categories |
Liberty Home Guard | American Home Shield | Select Home Warranty | Elite Home Warranty | First American Home Warranty |
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Coverage |
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Value |
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Trustworthiness |
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Plan Transparency |
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Customer Support |
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Flexibility |
Note: We based the pricing information in this table and throughout the article on sample quotes we obtained for a 2,390-square-foot, single-family home in Annapolis, Maryland. Your pricing may vary depending on your home’s location, size, type, and plan selections.
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in Maryland?
Our research showed that a Maryland home warranty costs an average of $55 monthly, or $546–$804 annually. Due to the many home warranty companies available, plan costs can vary significantly. Based on the hundreds of quotes we’ve pulled across all 50 states, companies that offer more covered items tend to have higher prices. You should also consider additional cost factors, including add-ons, that will increase your premium costs. We recommend limiting add-ons to only the coverage you need the most.
External factors, such as the local rates of service technicians and your home’s size, will affect the cost of your home warranty. Since rates vary between providers, you should obtain quotes from multiple providers and compare pricing.
Is a Home Warranty Worth It in Maryland?
Yes, a home warranty can be a worthwhile investment for Maryland homeowners. Maryland homeowners benefit from home warranties when faced with unexpected and expensive home repairs. You may not need to utilize the coverage immediately if you have brand-new appliances and systems, but having a home warranty in place before an emergency occurs can provide significant benefits in the long run. By proactively securing a Maryland home warranty, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’re protected against potentially expensive repairs or replacements for your home’s essential systems and appliances.
You may be able to save a significant amount of money on repairs and replacements by having a home warranty, especially if your home appliances are older. This protection could be particularly useful in Maryland, where the average age of homes ranges between 41 and 50 years old, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Dave Bringer, owner and head technician of Bringer Appliance Repair, says, “Older homes need home warranties because their appliances and systems have most likely used their manufacturer’s warranty coverage.” Look for a home warranty plan that includes preexisting and damaged items to optimize your coverage.
To provide a clearer understanding of how unanticipated repairs can impact your finances and daily routine, we listed the most common appliance and system repairs in Maryland below:
Air Conditioning
According to survey data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), about 91% of Maryland residents have an air conditioning system installed. Considering it is one of the most important systems in a Maryland home, it would be detrimental for your HVAC system to malfunction. Minor AC repairs typically cost from $100–$650. However, if you need to replace the entire AC unit, it can cost anywhere from $2,500–$15,000.
Electrical Issues
Faulty electrical wiring can cause major problems for your home’s lighting, appliances, and essential systems. It poses serious hazards like fire and shock that could affect your loved ones. Hiring an electrician for minor electrical repairs costs an average of $150–$600. However, extensive wiring replacements or repairs can cost $9,000–$15,000.
Gas Furnaces
A gas furnace that isn’t working properly can be a health hazard for your family. It can release harmful gas, lowering the air quality in your home. Basic repairs can cost between $30 and $150, while gas furnace replacement costs may range from $5,000–$13,000.
Plumbing Leaks
Small plumbing leaks can result in significant damage and expenses. Leaking pipes can cause water wastage, increased bills, mold growth, and structural damage. Repairing a small leak could cost $150–$450, while new plumbing costs could add up to a $200–$5,000 bill.
Roof Leaks
Even minor roof leaks can become a major issue over time. Leaks can lead to bacterial growth that destroys the roof’s integrity. Damage could spread to ceilings and walls, causing more significant damage. For a typical roof repair, you might spend anywhere from $150–$2,000, depending on the extent of the damage. If you need a partial or full roof replacement, your costs could skyrocket to $10,000 or more.
What Does a Maryland Home Warranty Cover?
Home warranties in Maryland cover repairing or replacing essential home appliances and systems when they break down due to normal wear and tear. Typically, these warranty plans cover the costs of repairing crucial components or replacing the covered item if necessary.
However, the home warranty must be in place before the item breaks down. We recommend investing in home warranty coverage while your systems and appliances are in top condition. That way, coverage will be available when faced with an unexpected breakdown later on.
To help you find the right home warranty plan in Maryland, we have provided the below guide detailing the typical coverage, exclusions, and additional options available for home warranty plans.
Common Inclusion
The following appliances and systems are typically covered by home warranty companies:
- Air conditioning
- Built-in microwaves
- Clothes dryers
- Clothes washers
- Cooktops
- Dishwashers
- Ductwork
- Electrical systems
- Garbage disposals
- Heating systems
- Ovens
- Plumbing systems
- Ranges
- Refrigerators
- Stoves
- Water heaters
Common Exclusion
Although exclusions can vary between providers, we’ve found the conditions are often excluded from most home warranty plans:
- Cosmetic flaws and issues that don’t impact item performance
- Preexisting conditions
- Damage from improper installation or maintenance
- Physical damage, including rust or corrosion
- Damage due to natural disasters, accidents, or vandalism
In addition, most home warranties have a 30-day or longer waiting period before coverage begins. Issues that occur during that waiting period will not be covered.
Common Add-ons
Many Maryland home warranty providers offer supplemental coverage with their plans. Many add-on options offer protection for secondary appliances, outdoor installations, and home maintenance services. Additional add-on options include coverage updates that extend coverage limits or protections.
- Electronics protection
- HVAC maintenance
- Pest control services
- Pools
- Professional and high-end appliances
- Roof leaks
- Secondary appliances
- Septic tank and pumping
- Spas
- Sump pumps
- Well pumps
Our Home Warranty Research Process
We reviewed common homeowner pain points and repairs to select Maryland’s top home warranty companies. We spoke with home warranty experts to learn more about the industry and gain more insight into the shopping experience. We contacted company representatives to discuss their plan options and coverage. We reviewed sample quotes and read through the contract terms. We also conducted secret shopping to understand the homeowner experience and tested several claim processes to gain firsthand experience.
We then scored each Maryland provider against our detailed review standards in four categories: coverage, value, trust and transparency, and availability and service. We checked for solid HVAC, plumbing, and roof leak protection through standard plans or supplemental coverage. We weighted the premium costs against the coverage provided to find affordable options. We researched each brand’s reputation and analyzed third-party customer reviews to determine trust and transparency. Finally, we reviewed the claims filing process, typical processing times, and customer support availability.
Our Home Warranty Experts
We consulted over 15 industry professionals during our research to provide authoritative insights on home warranties. Two experts were consulted for this article:
- Dave Bringer: Bringer serves as the owner and head technician of Bringer Appliance Repair
- David Tully: Tully is the founder and owner of LPT Realty based in Reno, Nevada.
Maryland Home Warranty Company Reviews
Below are detailed reviews of our top home warranty companies in Maryland.
Liberty Home Guard
Best Customer Support
American Home Shield
Best for Comprehensive Coverage
Elite Home Warranty
Best for Customized Coverage
First American Home Warranty
Best for High-End Items
Select Home Warranty
Best Budget Plan
Which Home Warranty Companies Didn’t Make the List?
In our search for the top Maryland home warranty providers, we eliminated some reputable companies that didn’t meet certain coverage criteria or caps. While the providers listed below did not secure a spot on our list, they are still solid alternatives if their coverage options align with your home needs.
AFC Home Warranty
AFC Home Warranty provides unlimited coverage caps for HVAC systems, plus a rare plan-length workmanship guarantee. Unfortunately, AFC Home Warranty has a depreciation policy that decreases coverage caps for items five years or older. Maryland residents with older homes wouldn’t benefit from these plans. Instead, we recommend AFC Home Warranty for homeowners with new homes and items.
Cinch Home Services
Cinch includes HVAC coverage within two of its plan offerings, though this coverage is capped at a maximum of $1,500. The company imposes a $10,000 aggregate coverage limit per term. Cinch also doesn’t offer roof-leak coverage in its base plan or as an add-on, coverage that’s crucial for Maryland residents. If you need baseline HVAC coverage and no roof-leak protections, Cinch could be an affordable alternative.
Read more: Analysis of Cinch Home Services
Homeowners Insurance vs. Home Warranty
Maryland homeowners can benefit from having both homeowners insurance and a home warranty, as these two types of coverage serve different purposes and provide complementary protection against various unexpected events.
Homeowners insurance is designed to safeguard your home and personal possessions against external factors such as natural disasters, fires, and burglaries. It covers the structural integrity of your home and the belongings inside. On the other hand, home warranties offer protection specifically for your home’s appliances and systems when they break down due to age or regular wear and tear.
Maryland homeowners should combine homeowners insurance with a home warranty for the best protection of their homes. This combination ensures coverage against external threats to their property and possessions, as well as wear and tear on their appliances and systems over time.
Is a Home Warranty Required in Maryland?
No, a home warranty is not legally required for homeowners in Maryland. However, builders may offer a home warranty plan alongside new home purchases.
In the state of Maryland, builders are required to provide a minimum level of coverage as outlined by the Maryland Attorney General. This mandatory coverage includes the following items:
- Coverage for defects in the electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, and ventilating systems for two years (not exceeding the manufacturer’s warranty period)
- Protection against any defects in materials or workmanship for one year
- Protection against defects in any load-bearing structural elements for five years
Homeowners can also consider additional home warranty plans to extend coverage for their home’s systems and appliances, providing comprehensive protection.
How To Choose a Home Warranty in Maryland
When shopping for a home warranty in Maryland, remember these steps to find the right coverage.
Check Your Coverage Needs
We recommend accounting for the home appliances and systems you use most frequently. Then, consider the company that offers those items in a coverage plan that fits your budget. In our survey of 1,000 home warranty plan holders, we learned that 45% of respondents considered coverage the most important feature when choosing a plan. It’s essential to thoroughly assess covered items to ensure they meet your specific needs before choosing a home warranty plan.
Request Multiple Quotes
Request quotes from at least three companies and compare coverage plans, pricing, caps, and add-ons. Check for any promotional deals for new customers, including discounted rates and free months of service.
Read the Fine Print
Knowing what a home warranty company excludes from coverage can prevent a denied claim. Take your time reading through the company’s sample contract. Then, call the company and ask a representative to clarify any sections you don’t understand.
Understand The Claims Process
As you review sample contracts, you should take the time to understand how to use your policy. Tully says, “You need to understand how to file a claim to your provider and how quickly you can expect a response from them. Also, get to know the turnaround time they would take for the repairs and replacements.” We also recommend checking each company’s technician.
Research Service Providers
To ensure you choose a reputable home warranty, ask for the license numbers of the technicians your home warranty company uses to fulfill service requests. Montgomery County’s Office of Consumer Protection recommends you verify the license number you obtain from your home warranty provider with the technician before they begin the repair.
How Are Home Warranties Regulated in Maryland?
In Maryland, home warranty companies receive partial regulation via the Maryland’s Service Contracts and Consumer Products Guaranty Act of 1987. The Act establishes requirements service contract companies must follow, such as specifying the duration of the contracts they sell to consumers. However, Maryland doesn’t identify a clear governmental body that steps in and enforces the Act. The state recommends filing a complaint with Maryland’s Attorney General if you have an issue with your home warranty company.
There are organizations within the home warranty industry that enforce self-regulation. For instance, the Service Contract Industry Council (SCIC) creates regulatory laws that ensure consumer protections are at the forefront.
Other Resources for Residents in Maryland
FAQ About Home Warranties in Maryland
When should I buy a home warranty in Maryland?
We recommend buying a home warranty when you buy a house (some real estate agents will include one during the closing process), but you can sign up for a home warranty at any time during homeownership.
What factors should I consider when selecting a Maryland home warranty?
When selecting a Maryland home warranty provider, consider key factors, including covered items, monthly costs, add-on options, and exclusions. Your selected home warranty should provide ample coverage for key systems and appliances and help reduce unexpected repair or replacement costs.
What is typically included in a Maryland home warranty?
A Maryland home warranty typically includes major appliances and systems, such as air conditioning, heating systems, kitchen appliances, plumbing systems, and water heaters. It offers coverage for normal wear and tear and provides repair or replacement services.
What’s the difference between a Maryland home warranty and homeowners insurance?
A Maryland home warranty covers major systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear. Homeowners insurance protects your home in case of a fire, natural disaster, or theft.
Our Methodology
We back up our home warranty ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each provider. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts from each company, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys. We then score each provider against our review standards for coverage, cost, trustworthiness, plan transparency, customer support, and flexibility to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
