Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
With hot summers and cool winters, working home appliances and systems, especially HVAC, are very important for homeowners in Catonsville. A home warranty is a way to protect your savings from unexpected home repairs and expenses. With a home warranty in place, your repair costs can be significantly lower and allow you to live in your home with more peace of mind.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be time-consuming, since there are lots of companies to decide between. That’s why the Today's Homeowner team did the research and put together a list of the top home warranty companies in Catonsville for you.
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 offers the most trustworthy home warranty in Catonsville. Liberty has been in business for around 6 years, making it a well-regarded company in the industry. Liberty offers a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Plus, it also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry. Liberty has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy.
Liberty Home Guard has 3 plans that provide a mix of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from Liberty are an affordable $75. The coverage caps are also typically about $3,000.
Read more by visiting our Liberty Home Guard full review. To get 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 offers the best overall home warranty in Catonsville. Choice has been in business for around 15 years, making it a well-regarded company in the industry. Choice offers very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Plus, it also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties. Choice has 2 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy.
Choice Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a mix of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also typically about $3,000.
Read more by visiting our Choice Home Warranty full review. To get 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 offers the most cost-effective home warranty in Catonsville. Select has been in business for around 11 years, making it a well-regarded company in the industry. Select offers a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Plus, it also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance. Select has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy.
Select Home Warranty has 3 plans that provide a mix of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also typically about $2,000.
Read more by visiting our Select Home Warranty full review. To get 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 offers the most customizable home warranty in Catonsville. AHS has been in business for around 26 years, making it a well-regarded company in the industry. AHS offers the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Plus, it also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies. AHS has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy.
American Home Shield has 3 plans that provide a mix of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also typically about $2,500.
Read more by visiting our American Home Shield full review. To get 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 offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage in Catonsville. First American has been in business for around 39 years, making it a well-regarded company in the industry. First American offers very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. Plus, 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 has 2 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy.
First American Home Warranty has 2 plans that provide a mix of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from First American are a reasonable $85. The coverage caps are also typically about $1,500.
Read more by visiting our First American Home Warranty full review. To get 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 offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee in Catonsville. Cinch has been in business for around 44 years, making it a well-regarded company in the industry. Cinch offers a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Plus, it also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind. Cinch has 3 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy.
Cinch Home Services has 3 plans that provide a mix of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from Cinch are customizable and range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also typically about $1,000-$2,000.
Read more by visiting our Cinch Home Services full review. To get 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 offers the best home warranty with the quickest service in Catonsville. HSC has been in business for around 15 years, making it a well-regarded company in the industry. HSC offers quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Plus, it also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee. HSC has 2 simple plans, making the selection process quick and easy.
The Home Service Club has 2 plans that provide a mix of appliance and system coverage. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also typically about $2,000.
Read more by visiting our The Home Service Club full review. To get 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 | $6,431 |
| Heating | $4,287 |
| Electrical | $643 |
| Toilets | $536 |
| Washer/Dryer | $857 |
| Plumbing | $643 |
| Oven | $1,715 |
| Fridge | $643 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that assists Catonsville homeowners in reducing the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide coverage to swap out or fix appliances and systems that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
When something stops working, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty provider then arranges a contractor to handle the replacement or fix. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement costs exceed the item's coverage limit. A home warranty policy gives homeowners a sense of security because it can help avoid expensive emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for people purchasing older homes or homes with systems near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with appliances and fixtures in good condition may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Covered appliances typically include refrigerators, dryers, microwaves, garbage disposals, washers, dishwashers, and more. Covered systems include plumbing, air conditioning, heating, and electrical. Many home warranty providers also offer add-on coverage for septic systems, central vacuums, roof leaks, and locksmiths. Catonsville homeowners should know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day period you must wait before they will cover the cost of any repairs. Additionally, most policies only cover repairs and replacements that result from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover problems such as natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, or misuse of a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure that your next repair or replacement is covered by your policy.
Home warranties use several terms that you'll want to know before signing a contract, such as:
There are several key considerations when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans include protection for electrical, AC, heating, plumbing, and appliances. More comprehensive options may also cover extra things such as spas, roof leaks, well pumps, and pools. Look for providers with a range of coverage choices, such as upgraded plans. You'll want to tailor your protection for your needs.
Homeowners should anticipate paying a $60–100 service fee when filing home warranty claims. These per-claim costs can add up, so some homeowners prefer using providers with lower service fees to maximize savings. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles after periods where a customer files no claims.
A home warranty company's reputation provides insights into factors such as claim approval rates, contractor expertise, repair speed, and customer satisfaction. Look at review sites like Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to learn more about companies. Favorable feedback and ratings suggest a company known for quality service.
Home warranty companies keep networks of professionals to handle covered repairs. Bigger networks improve the likelihood of getting qualified technicians to swiftly service your home. Ask potential providers how many contractors they have in Catonsville to get a sense of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency.
Some home warranty companies offer extras such as smart home device protection, maintenance discounts, and energy efficiency upgrades. These add value beyond just repair coverage. Added bonuses help maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Temperatures in Catonsville can vary greatly throughout the year, which means your air conditioner and heating systems are most likely going to get a good bit of use. As a homeowner in Catonsville, one of the benefits of having a home warranty is that these home systems and major appliances can be covered if they have to be repaired or replaced.
Not only can a home warranty save you some money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time as well. Instead of needing to vet contractors by yourself, home warranty companies do the work for you and send pre-screened technicians right to your door when you need them. Another added benefit of having home warranty coverage is that it can raise your home’s real estate value. If you ever decide to sell your house, you may be able to transfer your home warranty plan to the new homebuyer depending on the company you have your home warranty with.
There are also some downsides to purchasing a home warranty plan, such as the coverage exclusions. For instance, home warranties may not cover home systems or appliances that already have a manufacturer's warranty.
Another possible pain point of home warranties is that they don’t cover items that haven’t been properly maintained. This can lead to your repair requests being rejected, so it’s important to make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance of your home systems and appliances.
A home warranty plan costs, on average, around $300 to $600 a year in Catonsville. 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. Additionally, it's often cheaper to pay annually rather than monthly.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty covers normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. Homeowners insurance protects your entire home in a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. Under homeowners insurance, you won't be able to file a claim if you need a new washing machine or dishwasher, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Catonsville.
A home warranty can help home sellers, homebuyers, homeowners, real estate agents, and investors. It can provide peace of mind to anyone involved with homeownership.
The different home warranties in Catonsville include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan covers many of your systems and appliances, such as your dishwasher, washing machine, and plumbing. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the specific items listed in the contract.
Generally, a home warranty offers coverage for a year and can be renewed annually. Some companies may offer month-to-month plans.
In general, the homeowner is responsible for paying the premium and service fees. However, if you have just bought a new home, sometimes the seller is the one who paid for the policy. This can then be transferred to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees when using the policy. In Catonsville, where the median home value is $393,120, having the seller pay for the home warranty can save you some money on your new home.
