Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Homeownership in Hagerstown can be gratifying for many, but it also comes with its fair share of headaches. Home repairs can be an unanticipated financial burden for many homeowners. A home warranty can help protect you by reducing the costs of major repairs and replacements on your home’s most important appliances and systems.
The home warranty market is filled with many providers — all with different plans — so our team at Today's Homeowner has compiled this guide to help you find the best home warranty companies in Hagerstown.
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 for Hagerstown residents. 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 system and appliance coverage. The coverage limits from Liberty are around $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $75, which is lower than other providers in the Hagerstown area.
Read more by visiting our full 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
Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty for Hagerstown residents. 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 system and appliance coverage. The coverage limits from Choice are around $3,000. The service fees are an affordable $85, which is lower than other providers in the Hagerstown area.
Read more by visiting our full 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
Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty for Hagerstown residents. 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 system and appliance coverage. The coverage limits from Select are around $2,000. The service fees are a reasonable $60, which is lower than other providers in the Hagerstown area.
Read more by visiting our full 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
American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty for Hagerstown residents. 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 system and appliance coverage. The coverage limits from AHS are around $2,500. The service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, which is lower than other providers in the Hagerstown area.
Read more by visiting our full 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
First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage for Hagerstown residents. 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 system and appliance coverage. The coverage limits from First American are around $1,500. The service fees are a reasonable $85, which is lower than other providers in the Hagerstown area.
Read more by visiting our full 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
Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee for Hagerstown residents. 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 system and appliance coverage. The coverage limits from Cinch are around $1,000-$2,000. The service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, which is lower than other providers in the Hagerstown area.
Read more by visiting our full 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
The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service for Hagerstown residents. 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 system and appliance coverage. The coverage limits from HSC are around $2,000. The service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, which is lower than other providers in the Hagerstown area.
Read more by visiting our full 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 | $5,837 |
| Heating | $3,892 |
| Electrical | $584 |
| Toilets | $486 |
| Washer/Dryer | $778 |
| Plumbing | $584 |
| Oven | $1,557 |
| Fridge | $584 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Hagerstown homeowners in lowering the costs of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer financial coverage to replace or fix appliances and systems that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
When something breaks down, you submit a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to handle the replacement or fix. 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 peace of mind and can help avoid expensive emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for buyers of older homes or homes with systems near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with modern appliances and fixtures may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many home systems and appliances. Warranties usually cover appliances such as dryers, garbage disposals, microwaves, washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and more. Covered systems include air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, and heating. Many home warranty providers also offer additional coverage for locksmiths, septic systems, central vacuums, and roof leaks. It's important for Hagerstown homeowners to understand most home warranty plans have a waiting period of 30 days before repair claims will be approved. Most policies also only cover repairs and replacements resulting from normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or misusing a system or appliance. Be diligent about completing preventative maintenance to ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Here are some essential home warranty words to know before signing a contract:
There are several key considerations when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty policies vary widely in what they include. Most plans provide protection for heating, AC, plumbing, electrical, and appliances. More comprehensive options also offer protection for other items such as well pumps, pools, spas, and roof leaks. Look for companies with an array of coverage options, such as upgraded plans. Flexibility helps you tailor your protection for your needs.
Expect to pay a per-service fee of $60-100 for each home warranty claim. With these per-request costs adding up over time as you file claims, some homeowners prefer to choose a provider with more affordable fees to maximize savings on every claim. Some companies also eliminate deductibles for homeowners who don't file claims in a certain period.
A home warranty company's reputation provides insights into factors such as claim approval rates, repair speed, contractor expertise, and customer satisfaction. Check review sites like Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to learn more about providers. Favorable reviews and ratings suggest a company known for delivering quality service.
Home warranty companies have networks of professionals to handle covered repairs. Bigger networks raise the likelihood of getting qualified technicians to service your home ASAP. Ask potential providers how many contractors they have in Hagerstown to get a sense of how quickly your repairs could be handled in an emergency.
Certain home warranty companies include perks such as discounts on maintenance, protection for smart home devices, and energy-efficient upgrades. These bonuses can offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Added perks can enhance your home and help maximize your home warranty.
Since temperatures in Hagerstown can be quite hot in the summer, the weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioning unit and HVAC system. Getting a home warranty policy can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances stops working all of a sudden.
On top of saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can give you peace of mind and save you the hassle 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 issues you may have. Additionally, having a home warranty can help make your house more appealing to potential homebuyers should you ever decide to sell later. Many home warranty companies will allow you to transfer your policy to a new owner and give them the protection you’ve been receiving.
One downside of purchasing a home warranty is that there are usually exclusions. For example, if you already have a manufacturer's warranty on one of your appliances, it may not be included in the home warranty, so it’s important to read over the contracts you’re considering carefully to get a sense of what is included and what isn’t.
Another pain point of home warranties is that they don’t cover systems or appliances that haven’t been properly maintained. This can lead to your repair requests being rejected, so it’s important to be 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 Hagerstown. Our top-rated home warranty providers' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can get a lower monthly payment with some companies by choosing a higher service fee. In addition, it's typically 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 plan helps protect against normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. A homeowners insurance plan protects a home in case of something such as a natural disaster or fire. With a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim if you need a new dryer or dishwasher, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Hagerstown.
Homebuyers, real estate agents, home sellers, homeowners, and landlords can all get home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your property more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different types of home warranties in Hagerstown include plans with coverage for either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan will cover many of your systems and appliances, including your washing machine, drier, and HVAC. An appliance or system plan will cover only the specific items listed in the plan.
Generally, a home warranty lasts for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some companies may offer month-to-month plans.
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 will pay the service fees. In Hagerstown, where the median home value is $259,171, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
