After evaluating 13 home warranty companies nationwide, the This Old House team chose American Home Shield as our top pick in Maryland, followed by Elite Home Warranty. We also ranked First American Home Warranty, AFC Home Warranty, and Liberty Home Guard for offering valuable coverage, customer service, and plan customization options for Maryland homeowners.
The best home warranty companies in Maryland can safeguard you against expensive repairs if major home systems and appliances fail. During Maryland’s humid summers and cold winters, key systems such as your HVAC can work overtime. If that strain causes an unexpected breakdown, a home warranty plan helps connect homeowners to qualified service technicians while keeping repair costs predictable. Learn more about our top-ranked companies and if you could benefit from a home warranty.
Key Takeaways
- We selected American Home Shield as the top home warranty provider in Maryland, aligning with our 2025 survey, where 46% of state residents chose it for their homes.
- The average home warranty cost in Maryland ranges from $46–$86 per month, or $552–$1,032 annually.
- According to our survey, 32% of Maryland residents prioritized coverage for their heating or furnace systems when shopping for a home warranty.
Did You Know?
- In the last 30 days, more than 2,500 people bought home warranties from the above providers. Liberty Home Guard is our most popular provider, with 55% of buyers choosing to cover their homes with an LHG plan.
Top Home Warranty Companies in Maryland
Here is our list of the top five home warranty companies in Maryland:
- American Home Shield: Best Comprehensive Coverage
- Elite Home Warranty: Best for Customized Coverage
- First American Home Warranty: Best for High-End Items
- AFC Home Warranty: Best Technician Flexibility
- Liberty Home Guard: Best Customer Support
Comparing Top Providers
The table below compares our top-rated Maryland home warranty providers based on key factors, including our star ratings, cost, workmanship guarantees, and Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings.
| Provider | Logo | Our Score (Out of 5) | Service Call Fee* | State Availability | BBB Rating** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
American Home ShieldGet Quote |  | $100–$125 | 49 states (ex. AK) | B | |
Elite Home WarrantyGet Quote |  | $70 ($150 for after hours and weekends) | 47 states (ex. CA, TX, & WI) | B | |
First American Home WarrantyGet Quote |  | $100–$125 | 35 states | B | |
AFC Home WarrantyGet Quote |  | $75–$125 | 48 states (ex. CA & HI) | B | |
Liberty Home GuardGet Quote |  | $65–$125 | All 50 states | NR |
*Pricing may vary depending on your home’s location, size, and type and your plan choices.
**The BBB is an independent organization that evaluates businesses’ credibility and responsiveness to customers. Ratings are accurate as of February 2025. “Not rated” or “NR” means the BBB is reviewing a pattern of complaints before issuing a rating for a provider.
Our Reviews of Top Providers in Maryland
Learn more about our picks for the best home warranty companies in Maryland:
American Home Shield
Monthly Cost: $19–$87
Service Fee: $100-$125
Workmanship Guarantee: 30 days
Coverage Overview
- Most systems get $5,000 coverage caps, double the industry standard
- Plans include built-in coverage for undetectable pre-existing conditions
- Premium plan includes benefits such as roof leak protection and a free HVAC tune-up
Keep in Mind
- Plan pricing runs a bit higher than other Maryland providers
- Limited amount of add-on options available
Our Review
American Home Shield (AHS) offers three plans: ShieldSilver for systems, ShieldGold for combined protection of systems and appliances, and ShieldPlatinum for comprehensive coverage. The ShieldPlatinum plan offers benefits with its $5,000 coverage limit for systems and $4,000 for home appliances, helping Maryland homeowners avoid high repair costs for covered items.
One of our team members tested AHS’s claim process with their own plan. After submitting a claim online about a leaking pipe, our tester received an email and text confirmation right away. Within the next five minutes, a service contractor contacted him and scheduled an appointment for the next day. The repair took just a few hours and the entire repair process ran smoothly, which may appeal to Maryland homeowners seeking an experienced home warranty company with strong customer support.
Elite Home Warranty
Monthly Cost: $44–$59
Service Fee: $70
Workmanship Guarantee: 90 days
Coverage Overview
- Charges a $70 service call fee, one of the lowest rates on our list
- Cooling and heating systems receive $4,000 coverage caps
- Offers three standard plans plus a full customization option that lets homeowners select specific coverage needs
Keep in Mind
- Charges higher service fees for high-end appliances and after-hours repairs
- No workmanship guarantee for out-of-network technicians
Our Review
Elite Home Warranty structures its coverage through three plans—Elite Appliances, Elite Systems, and Elite Complete—plus a build-your-own option. The plans include aggregate or overall limits of $7,000 for appliances and $8,000 for systems annually, plus individual coverage limits for each system and appliance. For example, HVAC systems receive the highest individual cap at $4,000, which counts towards your plan’s overall systems limit. This approach can help Maryland homeowners find protection that fits their specific needs.
Based on customer reviews, the company appears to handle claims and service calls for breakdowns appear promptly. However, its increased $150 service fee for premium appliance repairs exceeds that of most other providers. That said, reviews indicate that most repairs go smoothly, with most being scheduled the same or the following week for non-emergencies.
First American Home Warranty
Monthly Cost: $96–$148
Service Fee: $100–$125
Workmanship Guarantee: 30 days
Coverage Overview
- Includes unlimited coverage caps for most home systems
- Highest-tier Premium Plan includes high-end appliance protection
- Offers an upgrade that covers improper installations and modifications
Keep in Mind
- Air conditioning coverage requires an add-on with basic plans
- Caps water heater coverage at $1,000, lower than some other companies
Our Review
First American Home Warranty offers three plans with combined system and appliance coverage, each with growing protection levels—from the basic Starter Plan to the comprehensive Premium Plan. The Premium Plan sets itself apart with a generous $7,000 appliance coverage limit and unlimited system coverage, an advantage for owners of Maryland’s older homes. If you want coverage for damage caused by improper installation or modifications, you can purchase the First American Advantage upgrade with the Essential or Premium plans.
During our claims testing, First American proved efficient with garage door opener repairs. After filing a claim online on a Friday, the service technician reached out in 30 minutes to schedule a repair on Monday. The repair took less than 30 minutes with only the service fee due, offering a smooth claims process.
AFC Home Warranty
Monthly Cost: $44–$82
Service Fee: $75–$125
Workmanship Guarantee: Plan lifetime
Coverage Overview
- Extends a lifetime workmanship guarantee that covers secondary repairs for as long as you have a plan
- Includes unlimited coverage caps for HVAC systems (air conditioning systems, furnaces, and heat pumps)
- Offers options to buy monthly, annual, or three-year coverage
Keep in Mind
- Lower coverage limits for electrical and plumbing systems
- Coverage decreases for items over five years old
Our Review
AFC Home Warranty offers three plans with repair coverage that extends throughout the entire service contract period. The company’s plan-length workmanship guarantee is its standout feature, protecting homeowners financially if a covered repair fails for the full contract term rather than the standard 30–60 days. For owners of Maryland homes, AFC Home Warranty provides comprehensive protection with no coverage caps on HVAC systems.
However, the company’s depreciation policy reduces coverage for items older than five years, potentially limiting protection for homeowners with older systems and appliances. Although it offers strong coverage limits, AFC Home Warranty may work best for newer homes because of its depreciation policy. But, unlike other companies on our list, you can request repair reimbursements if you choose to use your own technician or contractor.
Liberty Home Guard
Monthly Cost: $57–$68
Service Fee: $65–$125
Workmanship Guarantee: 60 days
Coverage Overview
- Largest add-on selection with 42 coverage options
- Offers three base plans that protect appliances, systems, or both
- Plans include a workmanship warranty with free re-service visits within 60 days
Keep in Mind
- Limits plumbing and electrical coverage caps to $500, lower than some other companies
- Assigns service fees by location rather than allowing customers to choose a rate
Our Review
Liberty Home Guard (LHG) offers three home warranty plans—Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard—with some of the cheapest coverage options on our list. Plan costs start at $57 per month, with the most comprehensive plan priced at $68 in Maryland. The appliance-only and system-only options give Maryland homeowners targeted protection, while Total Home Guard combines coverage for both types of items. The plan’s $2,000 coverage cap for most items meets industry standards, though plumbing and electrical limits fall short at just $500.
Plus, the company’s 60-day workmanship guarantee doubles the industry standard, providing extra protection if repairs fail. When secret shopping with LHG, we appreciated the company’s multiple submission options through phone, chat, and email. Response times for chat support were under 30 seconds, but it took us a few tries to reach a live agent through an automated system.
Home Warranty Costs in Maryland
Maryland homeowners can expect to pay $46–$86 per month for home warranty coverage for an average of around $66 per month. Comparatively, the national average cost of a home warranty is $55 per month. Your location, home size, chosen plan type, and service fee choices affect the final cost.
Since a single claim on a large appliance or major system can save you from paying thousands of dollars out-of-pocket, homeowners in Maryland may find home warranties worth the cost. Compare pricing across our top-rated providers using the table below.
| Provider | Monthly Cost Range in Maryland | Service Fee Range |
|---|---|---|
| American Home Shield | $19–$87 | $100–$125 |
| Elite Home Warranty | $44–$59 | $70 |
| First American Home Warranty | $96–$148 | $100–$125 |
| AFC Home Warranty | $44–$82 | $75–$125 |
| Liberty Home Guard | $57–$68 | $65–$125 |
How We Determined Home Warranty Pricing
We collected more than 4,000 quotes from 13 companies across all 50 U.S. states to estimate home warranty costs in Maryland and nationwide. Using sample addresses for single-family homes both under and over 5,000 square feet, we gathered data from urban and rural areas in Maryland, including Annapolis, Augusta, Ellicott City, Silver Spring, and Vienna. We based national cost estimates on sample quotes for homes in the same size range. We then averaged these costs to determine state and national price ranges.
Our Experience Filing Claims
Our review process includes hands-on testing of home warranty claims to evaluate the real customer experience. To learn more, our team signed up for plans, filed claims, and documented their experiences with each company’s claim process. We looked at response times, contractor quality, repair outcomes, and overall service.
During this testing, we found each provider manages claims differently. One of our Liberty Home Guard testers praised the company’s straightforward online signup but noted frequent calls to upgrade their plan shortly after enrollment.
AFC Home Warranty demonstrated strong service despite a complex claim process, according to our tester’s experience. When our tester’s toilet repair needed a second repair visit, AFC Home Warranty quickly dispatched a different contractor who resolved the issue. Though the total repair took over a week, the company covered all the costs beyond the initial service fee, including the follow-up work.
Survey Insights from Maryland Homeowners
In 2025, our team surveyed 2,000 home warranty policyholders to learn more about their coverage needs and claim experiences. We found that Maryland homeowners prioritized coverage for heating and furnace systems and air conditioners, reflecting the region’s seasonal temperature fluctuations and the need for reliable climate control. Water heaters were the most commonly covered appliances, with 59% of respondents purchasing coverage. Regarding add-ons, 29% of respondents opted for additional system protection, while 24% added extra appliance coverage.
Regarding coverage type, 73% of Maryland homeowners chose comprehensive plans protecting systems and appliances. Nearly 49% cited the protection of aging systems and appliances as their main reason for purchasing a home warranty. Our survey also revealed that Maryland homeowners preferred American Home Shield as their provider, which aligns with our top-rated recommendations in the state.
In terms of claims, Maryland homeowners reported relatively positive experiences. Nearly 93% of survey respondents were approved for their claims, with an average service call fee rate of $85. Claims were evenly split between appliance repairs or replacements and system repairs or replacements, each accounting for 49% of submissions. Regarding satisfaction, 46% of homeowners were very satisfied with their claim results, while nearly 37% were satisfied.
How We Collected Our Survey Data
In 2025, we surveyed 2,000 homeowners across the U.S. to understand their experiences with home warranty plans. The survey explored reasons for purchasing warranties, satisfaction with coverage, and experiences with claims and customer service. We also examined factors such as pricing, add-on coverage options, and renewal preferences.
FAQs About Home Warranties in Maryland
When is the best time to buy a home warranty in Maryland?
One of the best times to purchase a home warranty is when you buy a new house, and some real estate agents may even include one at closing. However, you can sign up for coverage anytime during homeownership.
Will a home warranty cover my HVAC system?
Yes, most Maryland home warranties cover HVAC systems in systems-only plans or combination plans. Coverage typically includes repairs and replacements for both heating and cooling components that break down from normal wear and tear.
Does a home warranty cover plumbing in Maryland?
Basic plumbing system coverage comes standard with most Maryland home warranty plans, based on our review. This includes repairs for leaks and breaks in main water lines, drain lines, and vent pipes. However, coverage limits vary by provider.
What should I look for in a Maryland home warranty?
We recommend focusing on coverage limits that match the needs of your home, especially for HVAC and plumbing systems in Maryland. For full plan value, review service fees, claim response times, and contractor networks in your area. Also, check if the company offers coverage for pre-existing conditions and roof leaks, especially if you have an older home.
How We Evaluated Home Warranty Providers
We rated each Maryland home warranty company based on plan options and flexibility, coverage limits, customer service quality, and monthly costs and service fees. Through secret shopping, testing claims process, and analyzing sample contracts, we identified providers that offer valuable coverage and competitive pricing in the state.
During our research, we paid special attention to providers that include strong HVAC system coverage since Maryland’s climate demands reliable heating and cooling systems. We also prioritized companies offering roof leak protection and extensive coverage caps for owners of historic or older homes in the state.
To rate providers objectively, we follow a comprehensive review methodology that evaluates six core factors. We then score companies against specific standards, in this case coverage needs for Maryland homeowners, to come up with a rating out of 5 stars. Here’s a breakdown of what we consider in our review:
- Coverage: Maryland’s temperature extremes demand robust HVAC protection, and aging homes may need stronger coverage caps for major systems. In our review, the highest-ranked providers offer high HVAC coverage limits of $3,000 or more and protection for pre-existing conditions, while other companies cap coverage at $1,500 or less.
- Cost: We recommend that home warranty plans in Maryland balance monthly premiums that align with homeowner budgets while keeping service fees reasonable. We included companies offering plans for under the state average of $66 per month with service fees between $75–$100 on our list.
- Trustworthiness: Maryland homeowners require prompt, reliable repair service when systems and appliances unexpectedly break throughout the year. When considering trustworthiness, we ranked companies higher based on BBB and Trustpilot ratings, having at least a 30-day workmanship guarantee, and not facing any current lawsuits.
- Plan transparency: Clear contract terms can help protect Maryland homeowners from unexpected claim denials. Companies ranked higher in our review for posting sample contracts online with straightforward coverage limits and exclusions.
- Customer support: Fast claims processing can help prevent lengthy system and appliance outages during Maryland’s harsh winters. We looked at customer service features, such as if companies offer 24/7 claims filing through multiple channels and technician dispatch times.
- Flexibility: Maryland’s diverse housing stock requires customizable coverage options, including for older or historic homes. We ranked companies offering at least three plan options with various add-ons and flexible payment terms, including multiple service call fee rates, higher in our review.
