Home Warranty

7 best home warranty companies in Potomac, Maryland

HOMEFRONT

Updated Jun 22, 2024

Get a quote from our top provider, Liberty Home Guard

Our Methodology

We've ranked the top 7 home warranty companies that operate within 50 miles of Potomac. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.

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Home warranties offer a financial buffer to fix or replace appliances that suddenly fail. For a monthly fee, these policies cover items like refrigerators and AC units when they malfunction with regular wear and tear.

Did you know that the typical life span of an HVAC system is seven to 25 years? Other major systems, such as water heaters, only last an average of six to 12 years. Most appliances last just 20 years or fewer, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.

If your Potomac home contains aging dishwashers, furnaces or the like, you'll likely encounter an untimely breakdown. These top home warranty firms offer robust coverage at fair prices.

A standard homeowners insurance policy doesn't cover normal appliance wear and tear. With supplementary coverage from one of these home warranty companies, you'll have additional reassurance in case of an unexpected failure.

Our Top Pick

4.5

Our Rating

Extends 60-day workmanship guarantee
Holds high customer ratings
Offers customization with 38 add-ons

Explore Plans

4.4

Our Rating

Covers rust and corrosion damage
Offers comprehensive coverage limits
Provides flexible service fees

$150 Off Any Plan

Explore Plans

3.8

Our Rating

Charges low premiums
Includes roof-leak coverage
Offers solid HVAC coverage

Explore Plans

Find the best home warranty for you in Potomac

Here's our list of the best home warranty companies in Potomac:

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

4.5/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $22.00 - $80.00

2-10 has three coverage plans with flexible service call fees and perks like appliance color matching. The company also has an "Even If" guarantee that refunds your service call fees if your covered item can't be fixed or replaced.

What we like

Offers a $25,000 annual coverage cap
Pairs plans with a plan-length workmanship guarantee
Offers unique perks such as color matching appliance replacements

What we don't like

Charges a monthly processing fee if you choose monthly premiums
Excludes washer and dryer coverage from most plans

Liberty Home Guard

4.6/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $49.99 - $59.99

Liberty Home Guard offers 38 different coverage add-ons – the most of any home warranty company we researched. Each covered repair also comes with a 60-day workmanship guarantee.

What we like

Holds high ratings among customer service reviews
Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
Offers an extensive list of 40+ add-on coverages
Provides an easy claims process

What we don't like

Lacks transparency on service call fee pricing
Excludes coverage for known or unknown pre-existing conditions

Elite Home Warranty

4.4/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $48.98 - $59.99

Elite Home Warranty has a fully customizable coverage plan you can design based on your coverage needs. It also includes a lengthy 90-day workmanship guarantee.

What we like

Allows you to choose your technician
Extends a 90-day workmanship guarantee
Offers more than 25 add-ons

What we don't like

Charges higher service fees for high-end appliances
Doesn't provide an online quote
Limits repair and replacement coverage caps for older items

American Home Shield

4.4/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $29.99 - $89.99

American Home Shield was one of the first home warranty companies, having been in business since 1971. It provides three base plans and six add-ons.

What we like

Offers generous coverage caps
Allows customers to build their own plans
Provides the option to choose the service fee you want to pay

What we don't like

Doesn’t let customers choose their own technician
Offers limited add-on options

First American Home Warranty

4.2/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $47.00 - $87.00

First American is known for its comprehensive appliance coverage caps. With an Essential or Premium plan that has the First American Advantage upgrade, you could also get coverage for miscellaneous components, including appliance knobs and dials.

What we like

Allows you to choose your service call fee
Doesn’t have a coverage cap on heating, cooling, or ductwork
Accepts 24/7 service calls
Offers replacement of some covered items that are too damaged to repair

What we don't like

Doesn’t let customers choose their own contractor
Charges higher for coverage compared to other providers

Cinch Home Services

4.3/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $38.99 - $66.99

Cinch is known for offering unique perks such as homeowners insurance deductible reumbursement and adjustable service fees and premiums.

What we like

Offers home insurance deductible of $500
Extends a long 180-day workmanship guarantee
Provides generous $10,000 aggregate coverage limit

What we don't like

Charges high service fees of $100-$150
Doesn’t allow customers to choose their own technician
Isn’t available in Hawaii or Alaska

Select Home Warranty

3.9/5

EXPLORE PLANS

Average monthly costs: $44.42 - $47.75

Roof leak repair coverage is a rare perk that Select offers to its customers. It's also a good company to keep on your shortlist if affordable premiums are your top priority.

What we like

Provides low service fees compared to other home warranty providers
Includes two extra months of coverage in annual signup
Has an appliance-only, systems-only, and combo plan option

What we don't like

Has a $75 cancellation fee
Low coverage caps

Cost of a home warranty in Potomac

The cost of a home warranty is around the same as the national average, and it largely depends on how frequently you want to make payments. The national average is about $40.91 to $77.05 per month, or $563.62 to $927.43 per year. We calculated the average by requesting hundreds of quotes using 2,000-square-foot, single-family homes across each state the providers service.

Home warranty coverage

Home warranties provide coverage for a variety of major systems and home appliances. We'll present a general overview of the two main coverage categories.

What are the typical items covered under a home warranty?

Clothes dryers
Built-in microwaves
Washing machines
Cooktops
Dishwashers
Refrigerators

Kitchen appliances and household items make up the first group of items that a home warranty covers. This includes the following items: Major systems form the second category of covered items. The specific definition of what a "major system" is will vary between different plans. However, most consist of the following:

Water heater
Plumbing
HVAC
Central vacuum
Electrical

What items are typically not covered under a home warranty?

Home warranties, like most service contracts, include certain limitations. One thing that home warranties don't cover is damage outside normal wear and tear. For example, the warranty company could deny a claim for an AC breakdown if a dirty air filter is the cause. This is because replacing the air filter is a part of routine maintenance.

Improper system or appliance installation
Hazardous waste
Acts of nature
Cosmetic damage
Rust or corrosion damage
Preexisting conditions

Questions to ask home warranty providers in Potomac

Ask each home warranty provider these questions before you purchase a plan.

What items are covered by my policy?

Before asking a home warranty provider for a quote, write down the specific systems and appliances that you need covered. Then, confirm the company has plans meeting your needs. Some companies separate appliance and system coverage into different plans. Many companies also sell optional add-ons, covering things like spas and swimming pools. Consider whether any add-ons fit your situation.

How long is my home warranty good for?

Generally, a home warranty plan lasts for 12 months from the coverage effective date, which is 30 days after the initial sign-up date. Home warranty companies have a 30-day waiting period to stop customers from filing claims for preexisting conditions. You can get coverage beyond 12 months with a multiyear plan.

What contractors do you work with?

Ask potential home warranty companies about their network of local service contractors. A contractor must have the proper local and state licensing to access the company's network. If your area has no in-network contractors nearby, the warranty company may let you choose your own. You can verify a contractor's license by searching the Maryland Home Improvement Commission database.

How does your claims approval process work?

Knowledge of your warranty company's claim process can make all the difference between an approval and a denial. If you're facing a covered issue, you can usually file a claim over the phone or through the web. While most claims should have a 24 to 48-hour response time, there might be delays if you filed outside standard business hours. Once you submit your claim, the warranty company will review it and connect you to an in-network service contractor. The contractor will arrange a visit to diagnose the problem, and then seek final authorization from the warranty company for any necessary repairs.

Can I transfer my policy to the next owner of my home?

Most home warranty companies allow you to transfer your policy to a new person who moves into the home the policy covers. Generally, transferring a home warranty policy to a new homeowner is free of charge, although some companies levy a transfer fee to offset administrative costs. Sellers can also purchase special home warranty plans that are readily transferable to prospective buyers. This is a simple way to make your home more attractive to your home in a competitive real estate market and give the buyer added confidence.

Home warranty contract fine print

Before finalizing a home warranty, we strongly recommend reading a sample contract. Learning more about the company's terms and conditions will help you make an informed decision. It'll also help you advocate for yourself if you need to file a claim. Look for these key terms and clauses in your research:

Workmanship guarantee: Home warranties generally have workmanship guarantees of at least 30 days. If an in-network technician attempted to repair your appliance or system, and you still have issues with it, the company won't assess an additional service call fee for new repairs.
Service call fee: Each time you file a claim, the home warranty or repair company will assess a service call fee. These fees typically range between $75 and $125.
Cancellation: Companies commonly detail how they process cancellations in their fine print. Many providers will refund the entire plan premium if you cancel within the first 30 days of sign-up.
Exclusions: Be sure to read more about component-specific exclusions in the home warranty company's sample contracts. Some parts of an appliance may not be included even if the appliance itself is generally covered under the policy.
Coverage limit: The coverage limit sets a dollar limit to how much the home warranty company will pay per repair. There may be further stipulations, such as an annual coverage limit.

Facts about Potomac

Average High in July

85°F

Potomac

83°F

National Average

Average Low in January

26°F

Potomac

17°F

National Average

Average Daily Sunlight

63%

Potomac

69%

National Average

Our Top Pick

4.5

Our Rating

Extends 60-day workmanship guarantee
Holds high customer ratings
Offers customization with 38 add-ons

Explore Plans

4.4

Our Rating

Covers rust and corrosion damage
Offers comprehensive coverage limits
Provides flexible service fees

$150 Off Any Plan

Explore Plans

3.8

Our Rating

Charges low premiums
Includes roof-leak coverage
Offers solid HVAC coverage

Explore Plans

Our methodology for selecting home warranty providers

We review national home warranty providers against our full home warranty methodology. We score warranty providers based on coverage options and limits, price, brand reputation, customer service, extra features and availability.

Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top

Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.

7 best home warranty companies in Potomac, Maryland

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