Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Buying a home is a big step for many people, but the cost of maintaining it can get expensive over time, especially if your home in Dundalk is on the older side. A home warranty in Dundalk 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.
The home warranty market is filled with a variety of providers — all with different offerings — so the Today's Homeowner team has done the research to help you choose the best home warranty companies in Dundalk.
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
In Dundalk, Liberty Home Guard offers the most trustworthy home warranty. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. If you’re looking for a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit, Liberty is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
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 generally around $3,000 at the maximum.
For more information on this provider, read our review of Liberty Home Guard. To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, 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
In Dundalk, Choice Home Warranty offers the best overall home warranty. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. If you’re looking for very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts, Choice is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
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 generally around $3,000 at the maximum.
For more information on this provider, read our review of Choice Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, 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
In Dundalk, Select Home Warranty offers the most cost-effective home warranty. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. If you’re looking for a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan, Select is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
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 generally around $2,000 at the maximum.
For more information on this provider, read our review of Select Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, 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
In Dundalk, American Home Shield offers the most customizable home warranty. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. If you’re looking for the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home, AHS is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
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 generally around $2,500 at the maximum.
For more information on this provider, read our review of American Home Shield. To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, 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
In Dundalk, First American Home Warranty offers the best home warranty for appliance coverage. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. If you’re looking for very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage, First American is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it 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 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 generally around $1,500 at the maximum.
For more information on this provider, read our review of First American Home Warranty. To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, 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
In Dundalk, Cinch Home Services offers the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. The home warranty provider offers 3 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. If you’re looking for a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done, Cinch is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
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 generally around $1,000-$2,000 at the maximum.
For more information on this provider, read our review of Cinch Home Services. To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, 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
In Dundalk, The Home Service Club offers the best home warranty with the quickest service. The home warranty provider offers 2 plans to policyholders that have various options for appliance and system coverage. If you’re looking for quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days, HSC is the perfect provider for you. Plus, it has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee.
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 generally around $2,000 at the maximum.
For more information on this provider, read our review of The Home Service Club. To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, 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 | $6,415 |
| Heating | $4,277 |
| Electrical | $641 |
| Toilets | $535 |
| Washer/Dryer | $855 |
| Plumbing | $641 |
| Oven | $1,711 |
| Fridge | $641 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Dundalk homeowners in reducing the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans provide financial coverage to replace or fix appliances and systems that stop working due to normal wear and tear.
When something stops working, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to handle the replacement or repair. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the cost of the repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty policy gives homeowners a sense of security and can help avoid expensive emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for buyers of older homes or homes with appliances near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with appliances and fixtures in good condition may not require a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many household systems and appliances. Covered appliances typically include refrigerators, washers, microwaves, dishwashers, garbage disposals, dryers, and others. Covered systems include air conditioning, plumbing, heating, and electrical. Many home warranty providers also offer additional coverage for central vacuums, septic systems, locksmiths, and roof leaks. Most home warranty plans require Dundalk homeowners to wait 30 days before the plan will cover repairs. Additionally, policies usually only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or misusing a system or appliance. To help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered, keep up with preventative maintenance.
Home warranty contracts use several terms that you'll want to understand before signing, such as:
When selecting a home warranty provider, there are several important factors to consider:
Home warranty coverage varies, although most plans cover AC, electrical, heating, plumbing, and appliances. More extensive plans may also include extra things such as roof leaks, well pumps, spas, and pools. Look for companies with an array of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. You'll want to tailor your protection for your home’s needs.
You'll pay a repair fee, normally ranging from $60–100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. This fee is charged per request and can quickly add up, so you may look for providers advertising lower service fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain providers may eliminate deductibles if homeowners don't submit any claims within a set period of time.
A home warranty company's reputation can offer insight into things such as approval rates for claims, contractor quality, speed of repairs, and customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to research providers. Positive ratings and reviews indicate that a company is known for quality service.
Home warranty companies have networks of local technicians to handle repairs in your area. Contact potential providers to learn how many repair technicians they have in Dundalk and get an idea for how quickly your repairs might happen in an emergency situation. Wider networks improve the chances of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Home warranty providers may offer bonuses such as energy efficiency upgrades, coverage for smart home devices, and maintenance discounts. These add value beyond basic repair coverage. Additional perks can maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Dundalk’s relatively mild winters and hot summers can put a strain on a home’s HVAC system. Whether it’s summer or winter, a home warranty is designed to cover your home’s appliances and systems if they need to be repaired or replaced. For example, if your air conditioner fails in the middle of July, a home warranty can cover the necessary repairs, preventing you from spending a lot of money out of pocket.
As well as saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can provide you peace of mind and save you the pain of trying to find a qualified technician to visit your home. Home warranties usually come with a network of pre-vetted contractors who can handle any repair issues you may come across. Another good thing about having a home warranty is while selling your home, you can most likely transfer your home warranty policy to the new owners. This can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and help your house sell faster.
As for the downsides of home warranties, home system and appliance coverage varies by provider, so it’s important to review what each plan covers and excludes in the contract.
Another stipulation is that home warranties usually only cover damage from normal wear and tear. They commonly won’t cover systems or appliances that have been damaged due to improper maintenance, natural disasters, animal infestations, etc.
A home warranty policy costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Dundalk. Our high-rated home warranty providers' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can lower your monthly bill with some companies by choosing a higher service fee. In addition, it's often less expensive to pay annually rather than monthly.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what kinds of damage they cover. Home warranty plans cover issues related to home systems and appliances that need repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a different insurance that protects the entire home from natural disasters, which can sometimes be a concern in Dundalk. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system damage.
A home warranty plan can help home sellers, homebuyers, homeowners, real estate agents, and investors. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved with homeownership.
The different types of home warranties in Dundalk include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan will cover many of your home systems and appliances, such as your refrigerator, washing machine, and plumbing. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the items mentioned in the policy.
Home warranty plans typically offer coverage for a year. Many companies let you renew your plan yearly, and some offer month-to-month options as well.
Typically, the homeowner is the one who pays the premium and service fees. However, when buying a new home, sometimes the seller will pay for the policy. This can then be given to the new homeowner, who has to pay the service fees. In Dundalk, where the median home value is $205,501, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
