Maryland homeowners can protect their essential systems and appliances with a plan from a comprehensive home warranty company. A home warranty covers expensive repairs or replacements on items like your HVAC system or water heater when they break down due to normal wear and tear.
Since a home warranty plan can be a valuable investment, it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you. To help you select the right provider, we analyzed the best home warranty companies in the Old Line State, researching prices, benefits, plans, and coverage. We also used an address in Baltimore, Maryland, to secret shop for sample quotes from each provider. Read on to find a warranty that takes care of your home as well as you do.
In this article:
- Best Overall: American Home Shield
- Most Customizable Plan Options: America’s 1st Choice Home Club
- Best for Value Shoppers: Select Home Warranty
- Most Comprehensive Claim Coverage: First American Home Warranty
- Our Verdict
- Frequently Asked Questions
Today’s Homeowner works with an independent reviews team to create evidence-based research that helps our readers make informed decisions. The reviews are always independent. For transparency, we may be compensated if you purchase through a link.
Best Overall: American Home Shield
Quick Take
With over 50 years of experience, American Home Shield (AHS) is a veteran within the home warranty industry and our top pick for Maryland homeowners. The provider offers three comprehensive coverage plans and extensive add-on coverage, which offers protection for well pumps, pool equipment and more.
Pros & Cons
✓ Lets customers adjust premium by selecting their own service fee
✓ Doesn’t require maintenance records
✓ Allows customers to file claims by phone or online 24/7
✘ Offers slightly higher rates than some of its competitors
✘ Isn’t available in Alaska
Plans & Coverage
American Home Shield provides homeowners with three coverage options: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold and ShieldPlatinum. ShieldSilver focuses on major home systems, including your air conditioner, water heater and ductwork. To increase protection to both home appliances and systems, the provider offers a ShieldGold plan, which covers 23 items, including your oven, dishwasher and heating unit.
For the most comprehensive coverage, AHS offers its ShieldPlatinum plan, which covers all 23 items within the ShieldGold plan while adding coverage for roof leak repairs. The provider has add-on coverage for your pool or spa equipment, well pump, septic system plumbing, septic sewage ejector pump and electronics for an additional cost.
| Coverage | ShieldSilver | ShieldGold | ShieldPlatinum |
| Roof-leak repairs | ✔ | ||
| Air conditioner | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Heating unit | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ductwork | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Built-in exhaust, vent and attic fans | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Main breaker and fuse panel box | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Doorbells and chimes | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Interior electrical lines | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ceiling fans | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Garage door openers | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Interior plumbing lines | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Toilets | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Faucets and valves | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Whirlpool tub motor and components | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Water heater | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Refrigerator | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Range/Cooktop | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Oven | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Dishwasher | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Built-in microwave | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Garbage disposal | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Instant hot/cold water dispenser | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Clothes washer | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Clothes dryer | ✔ | ✔ |
Cost
American Home Shield gives its customers control over their monthly premium by letting them choose between a $75, $100 and $125 service fee. A service fee is a one-time payment to the technician that comes to your home to assess your damaged item and make a repair. The higher your selected service fee, the lower your monthly payment, and vice versa.
Here’s a monthly price breakdown of each plan for Maryland homeowners:
| Plan | $75 Service Fee | $100 Service Fee | $125 Service Fee |
| ShieldSilver | $49.99 | $39.99 | $34.99 |
| ShieldGold | $59.99 | $49.99 | $49.99 |
| ShieldPlatinum | $79.99 | $69.99 | $64.99 |
Get a Free Quote
To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this quick online form or call 844-529-9298.
Home Warranty Resources
- What is a Home Warranty?
- How Much Do Home Warranties Cost?
- Is a Home Warranty Worth It for You?
- Best Home Warranties in 2023
- Do Your Appliances Need Extended Warranties?
Most Customizable Plan Options: America’s 1st Choice Home Club
Quick Take
America’s 1st Choice Home Club has served homeowners nationwide for over 10 years. This company has the most customizable plan options on this list, giving customers the choice of four coverage plans and a variety of optional add-ons. Unlike many other home warranty providers, America’s 1st Choice Home Club allows policyholders to choose their own repair contractor so long as they’re licensed, bonded and insured.
Pros & Cons
✓ Offers four comprehensive plans
✓ Provides 24/7 customer service
✓ Guarantees repairs on covered items for the life of your home warranty plan
✘ Charges a $75 cancellation fee
✘ Requires homeowners to submit a claim within one day of noticing a repair is needed
Plans & Coverage
America’s 1st Choice Home Club offers four plan options: the Systems Plan, Silver Plan, Gold Plan and Platinum Plan. The Systems Plan covers major systems in your home while the Silver Plan covers major appliances. Coverage increases with the Gold Plan, which combines system and appliance coverage to protect 15 items like your water heater, clothes dryer, ductwork and dishwasher.
The Platinum Plan is the most comprehensive; it is the only coverage option that offers protection for plumbing stoppages, an ice maker and a built-in microwave. Beyond these four plans, America’s 1st Choice Home Club customers can choose additional coverage on the following items:
- Sump pump
- Septic system
- Hot water dispenser
- Pool and spa
- Stand-alone freezer
- Tankless water heater
| Systems Plan | Silver Plan | Gold Plan | Platinum Plan | |
| Air conditioning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Heating | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Water heater | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Electrical system | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Plumbing system | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Ductwork | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Clothes dryer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Clothes washer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Kitchen refrigerator | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Oven | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Range | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Dishwasher | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Garbage disposal | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Garage door opener | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Built-in microwave | ✓ | |||
| Ice maker | ✓ | |||
| Plumbing stoppages | ✓ |
Cost
America’s 1st Choice Home Club has some of the most affordable coverage options on the market. Similar to its competitors, the provider allows customers to select from three different service fees, with a higher fee decreasing the overall monthly premium and a lower fee decreasing it. Below is a cost breakdown for a single-family home in Maryland.
| Plan | $75 Service Fee | $100 Service Fee | $125 Service Fee |
| System Plan | $45.75 | $43.58 | $41.33 |
| Silver Plan | $39.17 | $37.00 | $34.83 |
| Gold Plan | $52.33 | $50.08 | $47.92 |
| Platinum Plan | $56.67 | $54.50 | $52.33 |
Get a Free Quote
To receive a free quote from America’s 1st Choice Home Club, complete this quick form or contact them at 877-755-1115.
Best for Value Shoppers: Select Home Warranty
Quick Take
Although Select Home Warranty is a relative newcomer within the home warranty industry, it has quickly positioned itself as a quality and budget-friendly option for many customers. The provider has a flat service fee of $75 for all plans and services customers in 46 states. Additionally, Select’s free roof leak coverage is a benefit not seen in many of its competitor’s plans.
Pros & Cons
✓ Has a 90-day repair guarantee
✓ Offers nine optional add-ons
✓ Gives customers two months free if they chose annual billing
✘ Can charge repeated service call fees for multiple repairs on a single visit
✘ Doesn’t cover fixtures
Plans & Coverage
Select Home Warranty offers three comprehensive plans, each covering essential appliances, systems or a combination of both. The Bronze Care Plan covers eight essential appliances, including your refrigerator, cooktop and dishwasher. The Gold Care Plan protects six systems, including your heating system, plumbing system and electrical system.
For the most well-rounded coverage, Select offers the Platinum Care Plan, which covers all systems and appliances within the previous two plans plus an additional three items, including a garage door opener, ceiling fan and plumbing stoppages. For additional protection, Select also offers a variety of add-ons, listed below:
- Central vacuum
- Lawn sprinkler system
- Pool
- Roof leak
- Septic system
- Spa
- Stand alone freezer
- Sump pump
- Well pump
| Coverage | Bronze Care | Gold Care | Platinum Care |
| Air conditioning and cooling | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Ductwork | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Electrical system | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Heating system | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Plumbing system | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Water heater | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Cooktop | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Dishwasher | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Garbage disposal | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Built-in microwave | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Refrigerator | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Stove/Oven | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Clothes washer | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Clothes dryer | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Garage door opener | ✔ | ||
| Plumbing stoppages | ✔ | ||
| Ceiling fan | ✔ |
Cost
Select Home Warranty is known for its affordable plan pricing. The provider offers month-to-month contracts but also helps homeowners save money by offering two months free when they sign a
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Yearly Cost |
| Platinum Care | $46.08 | $499.99 |
| Gold Care | $41.67 | $449.99 |
| Bronze Care | $41.67 | $449.99 |
Get a Free Quote
If you’re interested in a home warranty from Select, fill out this easy online form or contact a representative at 888-370-3956.
Most Comprehensive Claim Coverage: First American Home Warranty
Quick Take
First American Home Warranty is a top home warranty choice for homeowners in Maryland. The company has been in the industry for over 30 years and is known for its First Class Upgrade, which provides coverage for items and services like building permits, refrigerant recapture and appliance haul-away. Additionally, the provider offers around-the-clock customer service and affordable pricing for both of its comprehensive plans.
Pros & Cons
✓ Covers improperly-installed appliances
✓ Has generous coverage caps
✓ Provides protection for unknown pre-existing conditions
✘ Only available in 35 states
✘ Have to pay extra for air conditioning coverage
Plans & Coverage
First American Home Warranty offers two comprehensive plans: the Basic Plan and the Premier Plan. The Basic Plan covers eight appliances, including your refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave. The Premier Plan includes all coverage offered in the Basic Plan, plus protection for eight essential systems, including your water heater and electrical system.
In addition to its two comprehensive plans, the provider also offers seven optional add-ons, including well pump, additional refrigeration and its unique First Class Upgrade. Although air conditioning coverage is only available as an add-on, the protection comes with no coverage limits as long as your unit doesn’t come with a water heater.
| Coverage | Basic Plan | Premier Plan |
| Clothes washer | ✔ | ✔ |
| Clothes dryer | ✔ | ✔ |
| Refrigerator | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dishwasher | ✔ | ✔ |
| Oven/Range/cooktop | ✔ | ✔ |
| Microwave | ✔ | ✔ |
| Garbage disposal | ✔ | ✔ |
| Trash compactor | ✔ | ✔ |
| Plumbing | ✔ | |
| Plumbing stoppages | ✔ | |
| Heating system | ✔ | |
| Water heater | ✔ | |
| Electrical system | ✔ | |
| Garage door opener | ✔ | |
| Ductwork | ✔ | |
| Central vacuum system | ✔ |
Cost
Unlike many competitors, First American Home Warranty doesn’t allow Maryland customers to select their own service fee, but rather offers a relatively high $100 set fee for all plan types. However, the provider lets customers save money by signing up for a yearly contract. Here’s a price breakdown of coverage for a single-family home in Baltimore, Maryland.
| Plan | Monthly cost | Yearly cost |
| Basic Plan | $37.00 | $408.00 |
| Premier Plan | $49.50 | $558.00 |
Get a Free Quote
You can get a free quote from First American Home Warranty by calling 833-777-0049 or by filling out this simple online form.
Our Verdict
A Maryland home warranty can provide peace of mind that you’re protected if your essential systems or appliances break down. Rather than facing a large, unexpected repair bill, you can pay a simple service fee to keep your home running smoothly.
American Home Shield is our top choice for a home warranty, thanks to its comprehensive coverage, long history in the industry and fewer exclusions. However, all of the providers on this list are excellent options that offer their own unique benefits. Before purchasing a home warranty, you should get quotes from multiple providers and compare plans to select the coverage that’s right for you and your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Home Warranties
- Is a home warranty required in Maryland?
Maryland homeowners are not required to purchase home warranty coverage, though some may be required by their mortgage lender to purchase homeowners insurance. However, your homeowners insurance only covers property and structural damage caused by natural disasters and other unexpected events, so if you want protection from costly repairs due to appliance and system breakdowns, a home warranty is a solid option.
- What are the benefits of a home warranty?
The benefits of investing in a home warranty include protection against expensive, out-of-pocket costs for repairs or replacements of home systems and appliances. Home warranties also provide a convenient way to find service providers and book service calls for home repairs.
- What is the best home warranty company?
Our top choice for a home warranty company is American Home Shield, as they provide a variety of comprehensive plans to homeowners across the continental U.S. and hold over 40 years of experience in the home warranty industry.
Home Warranty Rating Methodology
To help you find the best home warranty, our reviews team researched numerous home warranty companies, analyzing their coverage plans, pricing and customer service, among other factors:
- Coverage: Home warranty companies that provide extensive coverage and protect important systems and appliances, including your air conditioning, refrigerator and heating, scored higher than companies with minimal coverage.
- Plan variety: A provider with more coverage plans allows for more flexibility among customers. In general, most home warranty companies provide an appliances-only plan, systems-only plan and combination plan.
- Pricing: We scored providers based on their monthly plan prices and service call fees compared to the industry average pricing. Companies with more affordable coverage received more points than companies with more expensive plans.
- State availability: Where you live will determine what companies are available in your area. Home warranty companies that covered more states received more points than companies with a limited state availability.
- Trustworthiness: There are some home warranty companies that are scams and don’t follow through on their service agreements. We rated companies based on their years of experience, ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and customer reviews.
To keep our data current, our team regularly updates the data points for each company to ensure their coverage offerings, pricing and availability are accurate.
Find the Best Home Warranty Providers in Other States
