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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
With hot summers and cool winters, maintaining your home appliances and systems, especially your HVAC, is very important for homeowners in Bethesda. A home warranty in Bethesda can help lower your out-of-pocket costs by covering repairs or replacements to major home appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
Choosing the best home warranty on the market can be challenging because of the sheer number of options out there. If you're frustrated with trying to compare them all, keep reading for our guide to the top home warranty providers in Bethesda.
Very highly rated among customer service reviews
Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
Extensive list of 20+ add-on coverages
Easy claims process
Won’t cover known or unknown pre-existing conditions
Liberty Home Guard is the most trustworthy home warranty in Bethesda. Liberty has established itself as a company with a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. It also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry. Liberty offers 3 plans for homeowners to decide between.
Liberty Home Guard has 3 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $75.
To read more, visit our review of Liberty Home Guard. To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, you can fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281.
Appliance Guard
Systems Guard
Total Home Guard
Over 10 years of experience
24/7 customer service team
Home inspections aren’t required
90-day repair guarantee
Plans aren’t customizable
Customers can’t choose their own contractor
Not available in washington
Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty in Bethesda. Choice has established itself as a company with very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. It also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. Choice offers 2 plans for homeowners to decide between.
Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $85.
To read more, visit our review of Choice Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164.
Basic Plan
Total Plan
Low service fees compared to other home warranty providers
Two months of free coverage
Has an appliance-only, systems-only, and combo plan option
90-day repair guarantee
Has a $75 cancellation fee
Low coverage caps
Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty in Bethesda. Select has established itself as a company with a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. It also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. Select offers 3 plans for homeowners to decide between.
Select Home Warranty has 3 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
To read more, visit our review of Select Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953.
Bronze Care Plan
Gold Care Plan
Platinum Care Plan
The oldest and most trusted company in the industry
Allows customers to build their own plans
Ability to choose the service fee you want to pay
Broad coverage on up to 33 appliances and systems
Doesn’t let customers choose their own technician
Doesn’t provide coverage in alaska
American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty in Bethesda. AHS has established itself as a company with the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. It also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. AHS offers 3 plans for homeowners to decide between.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To read more, visit our review of American Home Shield. To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839.
ShieldSilver
ShieldGold
ShieldPlatinum
Established company with a bbb accreditation
Doesn’t have a coverage cap on heating, cooling, or ductwork
24/7 service calls available
Offers replacement of some covered items that are too damaged to repair
Doesn’t let customers choose their own contractor
According to some customer reviews, the technical jargon in contracts is confusing
First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage in Bethesda. First American has established itself as a company with very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. It also has a unique add-on alongside common ones called the First Class Upgrade, which covers fees associated with the use of lifting equipment, up to $250 per local building permits, haul away services, and appliances and systems that have been insufficiently installed or modified. First American offers 2 plans for homeowners to decide between.
First American Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
To read more, visit our review of First American Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164.
Basic Plan
Premier Plan
Offers home insurance deductible of $500
Extra long 180-day workmanship guarantee
Offers free cancellation in the first 30 days
Charges high service fees of $75-$150
Doesn’t allow customers to choose their own technician
Isn’t available in hawaii or alaska
Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in Bethesda. Cinch has established itself as a company with a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. It also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. Cinch offers 3 plans for homeowners to decide between.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To read more, visit our review of Cinch Home Services. To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505.
Appliances Plan
Built-in Systems Plan
Complete Home Plan
Policy starts in ten days
24/7 customer service support
Generous coverage caps on important systems and appliances
30-labor guarantee and 90-day parts guarantee
Offers utility and home service outside line coverage
Higher service fee of $95
Not accredited by the better business bureau (bbb)
Only 2 plan options
The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service in Bethesda. HSC has established itself as a company with quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. It also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee. HSC offers 2 plans for homeowners to decide between.
The Home Service Club has 2 plans that provide a combination of appliance and system coverage. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but some plans may have different coverage caps, so be sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To read more, visit our review of The Home Service Club. To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443.
Standard Coverage Plan
Comprehensive Coverage Plan
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on home warranty companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Home Appliance | Repair Cost |
---|---|
Air Conditioner | $7,775 |
Heating | $5,183 |
Electrical | $777 |
Toilets | $648 |
Washer/Dryer | $1,037 |
Plumbing | $777 |
Oven | $2,073 |
Fridge | $777 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Bethesda homeowners lower the high costs of household repairs. These plans provide financial protection to fix or swap out appliances and systems that stop working from normal wear and tear. Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to make the repair or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the repair or replacement costs go over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives security for homeowners by helping them prevent expensive emergency fixes. They're particularly valuable for those who live in older homes or ones with outdated systems. More modern homes with functional appliances probably don’t require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home's systems and appliances. Typical covered appliances include dishwashers, refrigerators, dryers, microwaves, washers, garbage disposals, and others. Protected systems include plumbing, air conditioning, electrical, and heating. Various home warranty plans offer extra coverage for septic systems, central vacuums, roof leaks, and even locksmiths. It's important for Bethesda homeowners to know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day period you must wait before they can be used to cover repairs. Additionally, policies typically only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover problems such as natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, or damage caused by improperly using a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure that your next repair or replacement will be covered by your policy.
Before signing a home warranty contract, you should understand key terms like:
There are several important factors to consider when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans provide coverage for electrical, heating, AC, plumbing, and appliances. More comprehensive options may also include other things such as well pumps, pools, spas, and roof leaks. Focus on companies with wide-ranging coverage selections including upgraded plans. Flexibility like this will help you customize protection for your home's needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee, usually falling in the $60 to $100 range, which gets paid per claim you submit. These per-claim charges can add up. You may decide to look for providers with lower service fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some companies also offer disappearing deductibles when customers go a period with no claims filed.
A home warranty provider's reputation can provide insight into things such as contractor quality, approval rates, repair timeliness, and customer service. Browse review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, or Google Reviews to research companies. Positive ratings and feedback indicate a provider known for exceptional service.
Home warranty businesses have networks of local technicians to handle repairs in your area. Reach out to potential providers to learn how many repair technicians they have in Bethesda and get an idea for how quickly your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. Bigger networks increase the chances of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Home warranty companies might offer extras such as coverage for smart home devices, energy efficiency upgrades, and maintenance discounts. These add value beyond repair coverage. Added perks maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Since temperatures in Bethesda can be quite hot in the summer, the weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioning unit and HVAC system. Buying a home warranty can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances stops working unexpectedly.
On top of saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can provide you peace of mind and save you the headache of trying to find a qualified repair person to visit your home. Home warranties usually come with a network of pre-vetted technicians who can handle any repair problems you may experience. A home warranty can also yield value in other ways. For example, some plans can be transferred between owners during a home sale.
Home warranties also have some downsides. While it can be convenient that the home warranty sends out a repair technician who does the repair for you, some homeowners may not like this, and they would rather select a contractor themselves. If that’s important to you, some home warranty plans allow you to choose a contractor.
Another stipulation is that home warranties usually only cover malfunctions due to normal wear and tear. They commonly won’t cover systems or appliances that need repairs or replacements due to natural disasters, animal infestations, improper maintenance, etc.
A home warranty costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Bethesda. Our top-rated home warranty companies' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can get a lower monthly payment with some companies by opting for a higher service fee. In addition, it's usually less expensive to pay annually rather than monthly.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what types of damage they cover. Home warranties cover problems related to home systems and appliances that need to be repaired or replaced due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different kind of plan that protects an entire home from natural disasters, which might not be too much of a concern in Bethesda. It doesn't cover a typical appliance or system breakage.
First-time homebuyers, home sellers, homeowners, real estate agents, and landlords are all eligible for home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your property more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
A home warranty plan can cover your appliances, systems, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you need more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be useful if you want to save some money.
Home warranty plans usually provide coverage for a year. Many providers let you renew your plan yearly, and some offer month-to-month plans as well.
Typically, the homeowner pays for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the person who is selling the home may purchase a home warranty and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then need to pay the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in Bethesda is $1,120,054, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.