Maryland’s Best Home Warranty Companies Compared

With everything costing more than it did last year, more and more homeowners are looking for ways to better manage their budgets. It’s becoming more difficult to predict when a home system or appliance will break down or how much it will cost to repair. Add the uncertainty of supply chain delays and shortages into the mix and the stress level for homeowners can be overwhelming.

Maryland residents, especially those near the coast, can be especially hit with more rapid breakdowns due to the high humidity and salt in the air during summer months. To combat unexpected costs to repair these major household necessities, a home warranty may be just the answer. Here are the top 3 picks for Maryland’s Best Home Warranty Companies:

Puls Home Services (855-256-3716)

Choice Home Warranty (929-400-6169)

American Home Shield (866-464-7521)

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Home Warranty in Maryland

• Coverage Options—these can include everything from entire home systems and all appliances to only specific components.
• Payment Plans—most companies offer a monthly premium option with a discount for paying for the entire year upfront.
• Work History in the Market—the longer a company has been in business, the more likely it will be around when you need service. A newer company may offer a better price to get new customers, but without an established customer base, it may not be in business long.
• Look for Low Annual Limits—coverage limits help keep agreements affordable. Most reputable companies are able to obtain the best costs for parts and labor and can keep your cost of repair low too.

8 Best Home Warranty Companies in Maryland

Puls Home Warranty

Puls Home Warranty offers a single solution for all your home needs with complete, hassle-free home protection plans. Choose from one of three: Essential Protection—coverage for kitchen appliances; Standard Protection—coverage for kitchen and laundry appliances; and Puls Whole Home—coverage for kitchen, laundry, and all home systems. You choose the plan that most closely meets your needs and budget.

Available Plans:

Essential Protection:  $29.99/month

• Coverage for kitchen appliances including refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, microwave, garbage disposal, and range hood
• Full repair or replacement in case of breakdown
• Same or next day service
• Seamless claim process by phone, online, or via the Puls app
• Exclusive 25% off additional Puls home services

Standard Protection: $39.99/month

• Coverage for kitchen and laundry appliances including refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, microwave, garbage disposal, range hood, washer and dryer
• Full repair or replacement in case of breakdown
• Same or next day service
• Seamless claim process by phone, online, or via the Puls’ app
• Exclusive 25% off additional Puls Home services

Puls Whole Home: $59.99/month

• Coverage for kitchen, laundry and all home systems including refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, microwave, garbage disposal, range hood, washer and dryer plus water heater, ceiling fans, garage door opener, door bells, central A/C-Heat Pump system, home heating system, ductwork, interior electrical system, plumbing systems, and plumbing stoppages.

• Full repair or replacement in case of breakdown

• Same or next day service

• Seamless claim process by phone, online, or via the Puls app

• Exclusive 25% off additional Puls Home services

  Pros

• Easy onboarding (join in a few minutes)

• Simple claim service via app or phone

• No inspection required

• Same-day or next day appointments

• Instant algorithm-based local technician matching

• Fully vetted technicians work for Puls—all complete background checks and skill assessments

• Full suite of on-demand home services available at 25% off (including TV mounting, interior painting, handyman services, drywall repair, and more.)

• 12-month guarantee on repairs

Cons

• Refunds not available on cancellation

• Automatic renewals on anniversary date (but cancellation is available with 30-days’ notice)

American Home Shield (AHS)

American Home Shield is an industry leader offering nationwide availability, including Maryland, and a customizable, all-inclusive plan. Homeowners can choose both their coverage and their service fee. The higher service fee allows members to pay a lower monthly premium. It works with a large pool of contractors to repair major home appliances and systems. 

Available Plans: 

Premium: $420 - $1,080 per year

Deductible: $75 - $125

Limits: $1,000 - $6,000

ShieldSilver:

• Protects parts of 14 major systems including heating and cooling, electrical, and plumbing systems.

ShieldGold:

• Covers everything in ShieldSilver plus 9 more appliances including kitchen and laundry appliances.

ShieldPlatinum:

• Covers everything in ShieldGold plus roof leaks, Free HVAC tune-up, unlimited A/C refrigerant, and code violations and permits.

Add-On Coverage Available for an additional fee:

• Electronics such as TVs and laptops.

• Pool or Spa—one heating, pumping and filtration system.

• Roof Leak Repairs

• Guest Unit—up to 750 sq.ft.

• Septic Pump

• Well Pump

PROS

• Get $50 off annual policy

• Lower chance of claim denial

• 24/7 service calls and online service

• Choose your own service fee

• Flexible coverage options

CONS

• Subcontract work out

• Separate trade service call fees for each unit

• Refund cancellation fee of $75 after 30 days.

 Choice Home Warranty

Choice Home Warranty has two different plans (Basic and Total) and several add-on options covering most essential home systems and appliances. Prices are comparable to industry averages, offering three different plans plus plan add-ons. It does not offer customizable programs. Basic Plan covers main home systems and kitchen appliances. Total Plan adds on air conditioning, laundry appliances, and a few additional items. Coverage limits range from $250 to $3,000.

Available Plans: 

Premium: $500 - $660 per year

Deductible: $85

Limits: $250 - $3,000

PROS

• Free and unlimited transfer of contract to a new home.

• No home inspections required.

• 24/7 emergency contact available.

• Easy claim process.

CONS

• Repair service is usually 2-3 days.
• Work with select independent contractors.
• No customization of standard plans.
• Must pay for add-ons to get full coverage.

 Select Home Warranty

The most affordable of all the home warranty plans reviewed. Select Home Warranty offers three plans but no add-ons or customization. Gold Care – Basic home systems (A/C, Heating, Plumbing, Electrical, Water heater, ductwork,) Bronze Care – Kitchen and Laundry appliances, and Platinum Care – combines both other plans

Available Plans: 

Premium: $630 - $765 per year (This month—free roof coverage, $150 off any plan plus 2 months free.)

Deductible: $60

Limits: $500 - $2,000

PROS

• Roof leaks covered at no extra cost

• Claim available 24/7

• Budget-friendly lower limits per claim

• $0 transfer fee

CONS

• Only work with independent contractors

• Free, 30-day cancellation; after 30 days, pay a $75 fee.

• Service guaranteed within 4 days (including weekends and holidays)

• Don’t cover freon leaks for air conditioning

 First American Home Warranty

First American Home Warranty offers two plans—Basic (kitchen and laundry appliances) and Premier (Basic plan plus home systems.) The company does provide optional coverage for pools and spas, well pumps, and additional refrigeration as well as upgrades for an additional cost including haul away of old appliance or system, correction for improper installations, building permits, and correction of building code violations.

Available Plans: 

Premium: $336 - $550 per year 

Deductible: $85

Limits: $500 - $1,500

PROS

• Claim available 24/7

• Prescreened network of independent service providers

• No mandatory home inspection

CONS

• 30-day waiting period before coverage begins

• Limited add-on coverage options

• Limited coverage caps for some items

• 30-day recall period if the problem recurs

• Roof leaks are not covered

• $50 cancellation fee in the middle of coverage term

 Priority Home Warranty

Priority Home Warranty is a newer company and doesn’t have a long record to review. It offers three plan options with Total Home Care as the most comprehensive. Systems Home Care covers major home systems and Appliance Home Care includes kitchen and laundry appliances. Optional Add-on coverage is also available. The company will allow customers to change plans within the first 30 days for no charge.

Available Plans: 

Premium: $400 - $650 per year (One free month for annual payment)

Deductible: $50 - $80

Limits: $1,600 per item

PROS

• Claim available 24/7
• Large contractor network
• Choose your own repair person
• No mandatory home inspection

CONS

• Slow claims response – 24 to 48 hours

• Limited add-on coverage options

• Low coverage caps for some items

• Administrative cancellation fee applies

 Liberty Home Guard

Liberty Home Guard is new to the market but offers three plans: Systems Guard, Appliance Guard, and Total Home Guard. Optional add-on coverage is available for pool and spa, septic system, stand-alone freezer, ice maker, sump pump, central vacuum, limited roof leaks, and well pump.

Available Plans: 

Premium: $699 - $733 per year ($200 off + 1 Month Free + Free Roof Coverage)

Add-ons: $44 to $195

Deductible: $75

Limits: $150 - $1,500

PROS

• Claim available 24/7
• Newly designed customer claim portal
• Lower chance of claim denial

CONS

• Small company

• New on the market

• $50 cancellation fee applies

• 60-day recall for reoccurance

 The Home Service Club

The Home Service Club offers one of the fastest coverage plans available with only a 10-day waiting period or home inspection required. It offers two plans: Gold Combo Plan (basic home systems, kitchen and laundry appliances) and Platinum Combo Plan (comprehensive plan including all Gold Combo Plan and an extensive list of other systems.)

Available Plans: 

Premium: $600 - $799 per year (One free month for annual payment + $125 off)

Deductible: $65 to $125 (Customer chooses at start of policy)

Limits: $300 to $2,500

PROS

• 10-day waiting period

• 24/7 service calls

• No mandatory home inspection

• Lower change of claim denial

CONS

• 1 day to submit claim

• Fewer contractors available

• Will only reservice within first few hours if repair fails

• Limited plan selection with no add-ons

• $55 to $75 fee for contract transfer

• $45 cancellation fee applies

Comparison Between Maryland’s Home Warranty Companies

What is a Home Warranty and What is Usually Included?

A home warranty is a service contract established between homeowners and a home warranty company that covers the cost to repair household systems and/or major appliances. It is usually structured in one-year increments and is renewable. Typically, homeowners use these plans to cover aging appliances or systems that no longer have a warranty offered through the original manufacturer or builder. Most companies offer to repair or replace the covered items if not repairable.

Covered items will be different for each service provider and plan selected. The most comprehensive plans include both home systems (like electrical, plumbing and HVAC) and appliances. Less expensive programs cover just home systems, just kitchen appliances, or just laundry appliances. Many home warranty companies also allow add-on items such as pools, spas, sump pump, septic system, and roof leaks.

How Do Home Warranties Work?

Many providers require a 30-day waiting period before allowing claims to be filed. Once enrolled, most home warranty companies offer 24/7 claim filing through a customer support service or online portal.

Once a claim is filed, an appointment will be scheduled for a service professional to visit your home and troubleshoot the problem. Depending on company policy, either the work will be performed immediately or scheduled for a future repair or replacement if necessary.

What Don’t Home Warranties Cover?

While may plans offer a full array of covered items, some exclusions will be written into the contract such as:

• Systems or appliances with pre-existing conditions

• Problems due to misuse

• Cosmetic problems

• Damage due to improper installation or maintenance

• Damage due to fire or natural events (typically covered by an insurance policy)

It’s important to understand exactly what is included in and excluded from your plan. Specific home systems and appliances will be listed along with items that will not be covered. Even if you have an extensive plan, your claim could be denied if it falls under exclusions.

How Much Does a Home Warranty in Maryland Cost?

A home warranty average cost for basic coverage runs between $336 to $816 per year and expanded coverage (with home systems and appliances) between $550 to $1080 per year. An additional service fee or deductible ranging from $55 to $150. All plans designate maximum coverages for each item so if a repair or replacement exceeds that figure, the homeowner must pay for the difference.

Basic Home Maintenance Problems in Maryland

Some home warranty companies include common maintenance issues found in Maryland due to wear and tear. 

• Roof leakage—for leaks related to age (not weather conditions or natural disasters)

• Breakdown of HVAC—this would include both heat and central air conditioning (not portable window units.)

• Issues with the Plumbing System—coverage would include items like shower systems, faucets, toilets, leaking pipes, and drain systems.

Home Warranty vs. Home Insurance

While both home warranty and home insurance policies cover components and equipment in your home, there is a distinctive difference between the two. A warranty handles repairs or replacements for failures to systems and appliances due to normal use. Insurance coverage is used for damage of these same components caused by natural disasters, fire, vandalism, theft or hailstorms. Homeowner’s insurance is mandatory when applying for a mortgage; a home warranty is not.

FAQ’s

Should I buy a home warranty plan if I’m selling my home?

By offering this benefit to new buyers, you can increase your chance of selling quickly. This will provide peace-of-mind that they won’t have to pay for repairs out of pocket if something happens within the first few months they live there.

Are all home warranties the same?

No, every company has variations to similar coverage but you’ll need to comparison shop for the best rates and specific coverage for your unique needs.

Are all appliance brands covered under a home warranty?

Yes, usually all makes and models are covered; however, you may be required to take out an additional rider for high-end models where the coverage limits may not be sufficient to handle repairs or replacement.

Will my home systems be covered if there has been a pre-existing condition?

No, most home warranty companies will not repair or replace anything that has had previous problems.

Do I really need a home warranty?

No, you don’t need a home warranty but it can provide peace-of-mind for unexpected breakdowns. Most home appliances have an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years. During that time, your essential equipment will typically require between 3 and 4 service calls. That could add up to a significant out-of-pocket expense.

How We Rate the Home Warranty Companies

Providing accurate and objective information is critical to helping homeowners make informed decisions about home warranty plans. Ranking the best companies requires a comprehensive rating system based on:

• Overall plan options

• Cost

• Customer service

• Trust/Reputation

• States served

• Promotions and discounts

• Coverage details

• Extra benefits

Bottom Line – Which Home Warranty Company is the Most Worth It?

Our choice for Best Home Warranty Company is Puls Home Services. It checks all the boxes in our quest for the best—overall plan options, cost, customer service, trust/reputation, states served, promotions and discounts, coverage details, and extra benefits. 

In addition to allowing great flexibility between long-term coverage and discounted access to repairs, Puls offers same-day or next day repairs for no additional cost. This is extremely important for customer satisfaction. All work is filtered through a high-tech algorithm that matches the right, highly skilled and vetted specialist to the job that’s needed. We like that workmanship is guaranteed for 12 months, showing that the company takes great pride in the positive relationships it forms with its customers.

Puls has 3 plan types to choose from, allowing each homeowner to select the plan that best fits their needs. Add-ons are allowed so special extras like water heater, ceiling fans, garage door opener and doorbell.

Prices for the three home warranty plans provides choices so you only get what you want:

• Appliance Protection: $34.99 per month with coverage for essential appliances

• Systems Protection: $34.99 per month with coverage for all systems

• Puls Whole Home: $59.99 per month with coverage for all home appliances and systems

All plans include full repair or replacement coverage, same or next day service, easy claim process by phone, online, or the Puls’ app, plus an exclusive 25% off additional Puls Home service.

Pay for an annual membership up front and get one month free.

Get Expert Advice from Puls

At Puls, we pride ourselves on putting our customers first in everything we do. We understand how difficult it is when essential home appliances or systems break down. There’s never a good time to drop everything you’re doing to wait for a service technician to arrive at your home or to spend money you don’t have to get things fixed.

That’s why we created our Puls+ Membership Program to alleviate the stress and worry of owning a home. Pay monthly or save on an annual plan (one month free.) Take control of your budget by planning for eventual breakdowns. Know that our team of skilled technicians are fully vetted and will treat your home like it was their own.

Trusted. Experienced. Hassle-free.

That’s the Puls’ difference. Don’t waste another minute worrying about financial burdens that lie ahead. Download our app today for a one-stop-shop process—file a claim, schedule convenient appointments, and track service technician’s arrival time.