Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Homeownership in Middle River can be satisfying for many people, but it also comes with its fair share of headaches. Repairing your home’s systems and appliances can be an unforeseen financial burden for many homeowners. A home warranty can offer you the peace of mind you need and protect your bank account from unexpected expenses by covering your home’s major systems and appliances.
The home warranty market is filled with many providers — all with different price points — so the Today's Homeowner team has compiled this guide to help you find the best home warranty companies in Middle River.
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 for Middle River residents. Liberty is a home warranty company with 6 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. Liberty has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. When you buy a home warranty from Liberty, you will get a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Liberty Home Guard also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
The plans that Liberty offers to homeowners are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Liberty has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $75.
To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, you can fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. For a more detailed breakdown, read our Liberty Home Guard Review.
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 for Middle River residents. Choice is a home warranty company with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. Choice has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. When you buy a home warranty from Choice, you will get very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Choice Home Warranty also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
The plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan. Choice has coverage caps of around $3,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are an affordable $85.
To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. For a more detailed breakdown, read our Choice Home Warranty Review.
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 for Middle River residents. Select is a home warranty company with 11 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. Select has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. When you buy a home warranty from Select, you will get a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Select Home Warranty also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
The plans that Select offers to homeowners are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Select has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $60.
To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. For a more detailed breakdown, read our Select Home Warranty Review.
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 for Middle River residents. AHS is a home warranty company with 26 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. AHS has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. When you buy a home warranty from AHS, you will get the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. American Home Shield also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
The plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. AHS has coverage caps of around $2,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125.
To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. For a more detailed breakdown, read our American Home Shield Review.
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 for Middle River residents. First American is a home warranty company with 39 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. First American has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. When you buy a home warranty from First American, you will get very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. First American Home Warranty 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.
The plans that First American offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American has coverage caps of around $1,500 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are a reasonable $85.
To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. For a more detailed breakdown, read our First American Home Warranty Review.
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 for Middle River residents. Cinch is a home warranty company with 44 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. Cinch has 3 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. When you buy a home warranty from Cinch, you will get a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Cinch Home Services also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
The plans that Cinch offers to homeowners are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Cinch has coverage caps of around $1,000-$2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150.
To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. For a more detailed breakdown, read our Cinch Home Services Review.
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 for Middle River residents. HSC is a home warranty company with 15 years of experience in the industry, and it has established itself as one of the best providers in the business. HSC has 2 simple plans, making the selection process and policy coverage easily comprehensible. When you buy a home warranty from HSC, you will get quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. The Home Service Club also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee.
The plans that HSC offers to homeowners are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. HSC has coverage caps of around $2,000 for most appliances and systems, but with some plans, the coverage caps can be higher, so make sure to check with the company. Service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90.
To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. For a more detailed breakdown, read our The Home Service Club Review.
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 | $6,189 |
| Heating | $4,126 |
| Electrical | $619 |
| Toilets | $516 |
| Washer/Dryer | $825 |
| Plumbing | $619 |
| Oven | $1,650 |
| Fridge | $619 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps Middle River homeowners cut the high costs of household repairs. These plans provide financial coverage to fix or replace appliances and systems that stop working from normal wear and tear.
Homeowners file a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider then arranges a contractor to make the repair or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the cost of the repair or replacement goes over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners reassurance, as it helps avoid expensive emergency repairs. The coverage is especially helpful for owners of older houses or houses with fixtures near the end of their life span. However, homeowners with newer homes and working appliances may not require a home warranty.
Home warranties protect your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances are dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, garbage disposals, microwaves, washers, and more. Covered systems are normally air conditioning, electrical, heating, and plumbing. Many home warranty companies offer add-on coverage for septic systems, central vacuums, roof leaks, and locksmiths. Middle River should understand that most home warranty plans have a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. Most policies also only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, natural disasters, or misuse of a system or appliance. Stay current with preventative maintenance to ensure your next repair or replacement is covered.
Before agreeing to a home warranty contract, you should know key terms like:
There are several key considerations when selecting a home warranty provider:
Home warranty coverage varies widely in the items that are included. Most plans cover plumbing, heating, AC, electrical, and appliances. More inclusive options also offer coverage on other items such as pools, spas, well pumps, and roof leaks. Focus on companies with an expansive array of coverage choices including upgraded plans. This flexibility enables you to customize protection for your home's needs.
With any home warranty claim, you'll pay a service fee that can range from $60 to $100, which is paid per service call made. The costs from multiple fees can add up. You may decide to look for providers with more affordable fees to maximize your savings on each claim. Some providers also offer disappearing deductibles if a homeowner doesn't submit claims for repairs for a specified period of time.
A home warranty company's reputation can offer insight into things such as speed of repairs, approval rates for claims, contractor quality, and customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Google Reviews to research companies. Good ratings and reviews indicate that a company is known for top-tier service.
Home warranty providers have networks of contractors that they use to tackle covered repairs. Wider networks raise the probability of getting skilled contractors to your home quickly. Reach out to possible providers to find out how many technicians they have in Middle River. This helps you understand how long repairs may take in an urgent situation.
Some home warranty plans provide bonuses such as energy efficiency upgrades, maintenance discounts, and smart home device protection. These perks can add value beyond repair coverage. Extra bonuses can maximize the usefulness of your home warranty.
Since temperatures in Middle River can be quite hot in the summer, the weather can put a lot of strain on your air conditioning unit and HVAC system. Having a home warranty plan can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances breaks unexpectedly.
Not only can a home warranty save you some money on repairs and replacements, it saves you time as well. Instead of having to vet contractors yourself, home warranty providers do the work for you and send pre-screened technicians right to your door when you need them. Another good thing about having a home warranty is when you’re selling your home, some providers let you transfer your home warranty plan to the new owners. This can make your home more attractive to potential homebuyers and may help your home sell faster.
As for the drawbacks of home warranties, coverage varies by provider, so it’s important to understand what each plan covers and doesn’t include in the contract.
Additionally, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they need repairs due to a natural disaster or animal infestation — anything other than normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.
A home warranty in Middle River can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 a month. Higher-priced plans typically have higher coverage limits, a lower service fee, and broader coverage. Home warranties are often cheaper when you pay annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also lower your up-front costs when you opt for a higher service fee.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what kinds of damage each covers. A home warranty helps protect against normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. A homeowners insurance plan protects your home in case of a situation such as a fire or natural disaster. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim if you need a new washing machine or air conditioner, unless the damage is due to a natural disaster, which is somewhat common in Middle River.
A home warranty policy can help home sellers, homebuyers, investors, real estate agents, and homeowners. It can offer peace of mind and savings to anyone involved in homeownership.
A home warranty policy will cover your home’s systems, appliances, or both. Combination plans are beneficial if you'd like more coverage for your home, but a system- or appliance-only plan can be helpful if you want to save some money.
Generally, a home warranty policy offers coverage for a year and can be renewed annually. Some companies may offer month-to-month plans.
Typically, the homeowner is responsible for paying for the home warranty. In some cases, however, the person who is selling the home may purchase a home warranty plan and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then have to pay the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in Middle River is $307,851, a home warranty can be an added asset when buying a home.
