Most homeowners already have homeowners insurance, particularly if you have a mortgage. In that case, why invest in a home warranty, too? Homeowners insurance companies typically only cover breakdowns and repairs if the damage resulted from a covered act, such as roof damage from a winter storm. Paying for a regular old roof leak due to normal wear and tear would come out of your pocket.
If you want coverage for normal breakdowns and repairs, you’ll want to buy a home warranty. Home warranties can help out in a pinch. Last year was one of the warmest years on record for both Portland and Bangor — if your air conditioning compressor had failed, it would have been miserable.
Home warranty providers sell plans that charge a monthly fee for coverage. If you need service, you’ll pay a service fee each time a technician comes to your house. Monthly fees and service charges vary, as do providers’ reputations. It’s hard to sort through all the options for home warranty companies, so we’ve narrowed down the list for Maine homeowners to the best ones out there.
To find the best home warranty company in Maine, I did some secret shopping. I applied for quotes online, called and spoke with customer service representatives, read the reviews, and compared what each home warranty covers.
We use Today’s Homeowner’s specific review criteria to determine rankings. Factors analyzed include availability, plan options, and fees, the claims process, coverage limits, and more. Our goal is to help you choose the best home warranty coverage in Maine for peace of mind.
Here’s how we ranked and reviewed the nation’s top home warranty companies to bring you the most accurate information.
Our team of experts reviewed over 70 home warranty providers to compare plan options, coverage limits, prices, and customer feedback.
We collected over 100 sample quotes from dozens of home warranty companies to give you an accurate look at industry pricing.
Our rating system scores providers based on 6 key factors: coverage options, affordability, customer experience, reputation, claims processes, and availability.
Read our full Home Warranty Review Methodology for more details.
Top 5 Maine Home Warranty Companies
- Select Home Warranty was my top pick due to its low service fees and reasonable premiums that fit a tight budget, and because it has an emergency response team that stands ready to help Maine homeowners in just four hours.
- All home warranty companies have exclusions in their service agreements — but no one wants a surprise when they place a service call. Carefully read the exclusions and fine print in any company’s contract before signing up. Look for exclusions regarding maintenance records or preexisting problems and avoid those companies, such as AFC Home Club, that require maintenance and repair records to approve claims.
- If you’re on a budget, see if any of your appliances fall under Maine’s implied warranty law. If so, you might only have to buy systems coverage.
My Expert Recommendation
Select also has a dedicated emergency response team in Maine that stands ready. If your refrigerator stops running and it stores important, lifesaving medication, its team comes out within four hours. Other emergency repairs could be a water leak or air conditioning failure. These services could literally be lifesaving if you have very young or elderly family members. And it doesn’t cost extra.
Ask yourself which appliance or systems failures could most adversely affect your home or your family’s health, such as a dishwasher hose leak or an air conditioning failure with medically compromised family members in the house. Make sure any plan you select adequately covers these items.
Maine Home Warranty Companies I Didn’t Include
Not all home warranty providers make their contracts clear. Others engage in shady sales practices, and others deny more claims than they approve. Based on these factors, there are two home warranty companies in Maine that I took off the list.
While operating under a different name, ServicePlus Home Warranty, based on an action by the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, had to pay a settlement of $400,000 in 2021 due to deceptive marketing practices. The company changed its name to avoid the bad press, but there are no signs it’s changed its business practices. I did not select the box to allow the company to contact me by phone or text when I applied for a quote online, but the company did so anyway.
The Better Business Bureau has issued news bulletins warning consumers about doing business with US Home Guard, primarily for its confusing and deceptive marketing. The company’s marketing uses scare tactics — Your home warranty is about to expire! — through mailers sent to homeowners that had never been customers. Its mailers create a false sense of urgency and deceptively lead homeowners to think they already have coverage with US Home Guard.
I’d recommend steering clear of both companies.
Compare The Highest Rated Home Warranties In Maine
| Company | Rating | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Response Time | BBB Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
$50-$60 |
$75 |
12-48 hrs. |
NR |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$35–$75 |
$100–$125 |
24-72 hrs |
B |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$44.99-$58.99 |
$70 |
48 hours |
A+ |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$46–$55 |
$85 |
24-48 hrs. |
B |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$52–$58 |
$60 |
24-48 hrs. |
B |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$38–$62 |
$75–$125 |
48 hours |
B |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$38–$48 |
$75–$125 |
48 hours |
B |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$17–$60+ |
$65–$100 |
2–24 hrs |
A- |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$28–$68 |
$100–$150 |
2–24 hrs |
B |
VISIT SITE |
Quote and cost data gathered January 2024. Cost data are updated and monitored continuously.
Our Reviews of the Best Home Warranties in Maine
Liberty Home Guard
4.6
Our Rating
Liberty Home Guard (LHG) is a newer company in the home warranty industry, but it’s already built a strong reputation. Its Trustpilot and Google reviews are overwhelmingly positive. It stands out from the crowd with great customer service, the largest list of add-ons of all its competitors, and reasonable monthly fees and service charges.
The company operates in an above-board fashion. It doesn’t auto-renew your policy — rather, it checks in 60 days before your plan’s expiration date to see if you want to renew. You won’t have a surprise credit card charge a year after signing up. And if you’re unhappy with LHG’s service, you can opt out and receive a partial refund for any unused months.
The customer service representative told me that the Portland, ME area and surrounding towns have good service coverage. Liberty guarantees you’ll receive service in 24 to 48 hours. If, for any reason, it can’t send someone within that time, or you prefer to use a technician that you know, you’re free to arrange for service yourself. As long as the technician is licensed and insured, Liberty will pay for the repair.
Some homeowners may not need any of Liberty’s extensive add-ons, in which case another warranty provider might be a better choice. Its fees for additional coverage options are also higher than those of competitors — for example, pool and spa coverage is $19.99 a month, but it’s $18 a month with American Home Shield. Including add-ons with your LHG plan will add up fast.
Liberty’s standard fee for a service call is $125, which is higher than Elite Home Warranty or Select Home Warranty. However, when I called, the representative offered to lower the service fee from $125 to $85 if I paid for a year in advance. LHG’s coverage limit (the maximum a company will pay out for a repair or replacement) of $2,000 per covered item is low.
Liberty Home Guard gives you great customer service and a ton of options for additional coverage and charges reasonable premiums and service fees. Its large network of service technicians prevents long wait times, but if you’re anxious, you can track your technician’s progress on LHG’s app. Liberty tries to be there for its customers every step of the way.
Liberty Home Guard has three home warranty plans, all of which begin protecting you 30 days after purchase. The Appliance Guard plan offers appliance coverage, the Systems Guard plan gives you system coverage, and the Total Home Guard plan combines the two. Your best option among these plans will depend partly on any appliance or systems warranties or coverage you currently have in place.
Many appliance vendors sell extended warranties. If you bought one when you replaced your refrigerator, appliance coverage under a home warranty could be overkill. If so, LHG’s Systems Guard Plan, which protects home systems such as plumbing, heating, ductwork, an air conditioner, electrical, and water heater, could be the right choice.
Suppose your appliances need protection, but you have warranties and service contracts on your systems. LHG’s Appliance Guard Plan protects all major appliances, including your garbage disposal, ceiling fans, garage door openers, and exhaust fans. But if you have no existing service plans or warranties, you’ll want to buy the Total Home Guard plan. It combines the coverage of the appliance plan and systems plan into Liberty Home Guard’s most comprehensive coverage plan.
If you pay a full year in advance, you’ll get two months free. Liberty Home Guard will give you more months free if you prepay additional years — for example if you prepay for three years, you get four months. On the phone, the customer service representative offered to reduce the service charge to $85 per service call if I selected the Total Home Guard plan and paid for a year upfront. Online deals give you $200 off for a full-year plan.
According to the representatives I’ve spoken with at Liberty, potential customers who talk to representatives receive better offers.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
| Appliance Guard | $49.99 | $125 | One year paid in advance $499.99 (2 months free) |
| Systems Guard | $54.99 | $125 | One year paid in advance $549.99 (2 months free) |
| Total Home Guard | $59.99 | $125 | One year paid in advance $599.99 (2 months free) online, $575 (2 months free) over the phone |
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Portland, ME. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
Liberty’s customers can select from the most add-ons offered by any home warranty provider — 42 of them, to be exact.
- Pool and spa: $19.99/month
- Additional spa: $9.99/month
- Lawn sprinkler system: $9.99/month
- Saltwater pool: $23.99/month
- Generator: $19.99/month
- Casita guest unit: $35.99/month
- Sump pump: $8.99/month
- Well pump: $12.99/month
- Septic system pumping: $12.99/month
- Ejector pump: $14.99/month
- Grinder pump: $14.99/month
- Limited roof leak: $11.99/month
- Re-key: $9.99/month
- Gutter cleaning: $14.99/month
- Pest control: $14.99/month
- Carpet cleaning: $19.99/month
- Window washing/cleaning: $19.99/month
- Power washing (exterior flooring): $19.99/month
- Central vacuum: $8.99/month
- Standalone freezer: $5.99/month
- Water softener: $13.99/month
- Swamp cooler: $14.99/month
- Second refrigerator: $7.99/month
- Trash compactor: $7.49/month
- Ice maker (in-fridge): $3.99/month
- Freestanding ice maker: $14.99/month
- Wine cooler/fridge: $11,99/month
- Water dispenser water line: $4.99/month
- Instant hot water dispenser: $9.99/month
- Reverse osmosis water filter system: $14.99/month
- Lighting fixtures: $7.99/month
- Plumbing fixtures: $7.99/month
- Electronics protection: $19.99/month
- TV mounting (up to 65-inch TVs): $14.99/month
- TV mounting (up to 85-inch TVs): $19.99/month
- Pro-series refrigerator: $14.99/month
- Pro-series stand-alone freezer: $14.99/month
- Pro-series range/oven/cooktop: $12.99/month
- Pro-series dishwasher: $7.99/month
- Pro-series microwave: $4.99/month
- Pro-series washing machine: $4.99/month
- Pro-series clothes dryer: $4.99/month
For truly unique systems or appliances that don’t appear on this list, you can contact LHG. According to the company, if you give them the make and model of an item not on this list, it will try to provide customers with specialized coverage.
If you can’t decide which add-ons you’ll need, LHG’s website shows the most popular options in your state after you begin your quote. It’s very helpful to see what other Maine homeowners thought useful.
Exclusions
All home warranty companies have exclusions (items they don’t cover). Liberty Home Guard’s plan exclusions include:
- Flues, vents, chimneys, and exhaust lines
- Electronics, computerized, “smart,” or Internet/enabled components and parts
- Filters associated with any covered items
- Remote receiving and transmitting devices
- Radon and other leak detection monitoring systems
- Fire sprinkler systems
- Lighting
- Solar systems and applications
- Cosmetic defects
- Disposal of appliances, systems, or components
- Cranes or other specialty vehicles required to install, remove, or access your appliances or home systems
- Glass parts
- Noise
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it’s imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
You should also pay attention to coverage limits. These set the limit on how much the company will pay for a repair or replacement. Liberty covers you up to $2,000 per covered item — which might not be enough if you bought a high-end stove. The $6,000 coverage limit for HVAC is high for the industry, though.
Liberty Home Guard ranks high for affordability because monthly fees are squarely within the range of competitors. However, higher-than-average pricing on some add-ons drags its score down a bit. For example, Select Home Warranty charges $3.33 a month to add on coverage for a stand-alone freezer, whereas Liberty charges $5.99 a month.
Depending on the add-ons you’re choosing, this may not be an issue. If you want to get the best deal, speak with the company directly.
Each time I’ve called, customer service representatives have been polite, friendly, and knowledgeable. I’ve never felt pressured to make a decision. LHG’s website has a clear layout, and it’s easy to get an online quote, though the chatbot was useless and only wanted me to talk to someone on the phone.
On the other hand, Liberty does assess higher service charges. Add-ons can be more expensive than competitors. And if you cancel, you’ll only receive a pro-rated refund.
Liberty’s excellent quote process, 30-day waiting period for coverage, and service guarantee all contribute to its high reputation. When you have repairs done, Liberty covers the workmanship for the next 60 days. If the same problem crops up again, they send someone out at no charge.
Liberty Home Guard’s customers have given it 4.7 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot and 4.7 out of 5 stars on Google — positive ratings that are the highest among its competitors. A common thread in reviews is praise for great customer service, qualified service technicians, and fast claim resolution.
LHG customers with negative feedback often complain of exclusions and lower coverage limits. No home warranty covers 100% of an otherwise-covered appliance, or system-specific components are generally excluded. Understanding what is and isn’t covered (as well as coverage limits) is a critical reason to ensure you’ve thoroughly reviewed your home warranty service contract.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | NR* | Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating |
| Trustpilot | 4.7 | 2,562 |
| 4.7 | 10,342 | |
| Yelp | 1.4 | 59 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Note (as of 3/13/24): The Better Business Bureau recently shifted LHG’s A+ rating to “NR” or “Not Rated.” We reached out to a representative from the Better Business Bureau, and they told us, “This business is not currently rated. BBB has recently received numerous complaints against this business and will issue a rating after it has fully evaluated them.” When asked about whether the BBB revokes ratings after an increase in complaints, the rep said, “Yes, if they feel they need to review the complaints first before issuing an accurate rating.” This scenario has happened to LHG twice in the last two years, but each time, the BBB has restored its A+ rating after a thorough review.
I love that Liberty Home Guard is one of the few home warranty companies that has an app. After you sign up for a plan, the company sends a link to download the app and set up your customer portal. There are three ways to file claims: online, over the phone, or through the app. After you’ve filed a claim, you’re not left in the dark (perhaps literally) wondering when the service technician will arrive. The app shows their progress and projected arrival time.
Unlike some competitors, such as Elite Home Warranty, that charge extra for service calls outside of normal working hours, if you need a service technician at night, on a weekend, or on a holiday, you pay the same service fee. A recent partnership with Progressive Insurance added to the company’s network of technicians, which increased its ability to deliver a quick turnaround. Liberty Home Guard says that it responds to service requests within 24 hours.
Liberty Home Guard works hard to make itself available to its customers. It sells policies in all 50 states and responds online, by phone, and through its app. You’ll have multiple channels to contact the company if needed.
American Home Shield
4.3
Our Rating
American Home Shield (AHS) has some of the highest coverage limits in the business. If you invested in top-of-the-line or commercial-grade appliances, the coverage limits of other home warranty providers might not fully protect you.
Most home warranty providers typically only cover $2,000 to $3,000 for repair or replacement. AHS will pay out up to $5,000 for HVAC systems and up to $4,000 for appliances under the ShieldPlatinum plan. There’s a $50,000 limit for a whole year’s coverage under every plan.
Under AHS’s most expensive plan, homeowners have roof leak coverage of up to $1,000 per contract term and a free HVAC tune-up. AHS’s nationwide network has 17,500 contractors and 45,000 service technicians to call upon. AHS also covers repairs due to normal wear and tear and doesn’t ask for maintenance records in order to approve a covered repair or replacement. However, its 30-day workmanship guarantee covers a much shorter period than both Liberty Home Guard (60 days) and Elite Home Warranty (90 days).
Service fees range from $100 to $125 per service call, and there is no additional or higher fee for night and weekend service. An AHS customer service representative told me there is a four-hour response time for urgent repair needs, such as an AC quitting on the hottest day of summer, a water leak that won’t stop, or a refrigerator going out, and you have important medications in it. These repairs could be critical for Maine residents.
AHS outsources its customer service — and it shows. Customer service representatives struggle to answer questions that don’t follow a script and just try to get your credit card information. They often misunderstand more probing questions, such as how many service technicians AHS has in Maine, and give generic answers.
While AHS has a large network of technicians, customers often complain in reviews that the technicians sent to their homes were inexperienced and unqualified. Customers also say the company closed claims without satisfactory resolution and that they were charged extra for repairs. Service fees range between $100 and $125 — on the higher end of services for the industry.
Homeowners with older appliances and systems might want to look elsewhere due to AHS’s high service fees. But the company’s higher coverage limits could save a homeowner who’d bought luxury appliances and installed new home systems. There’s a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins and a 30-day workmanship guarantee on repairs and replacements.
AHS sells three standard service plans. The cheapest, ShieldSilver, protects major systems such as your heating and air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing systems. The ShieldGold plan increases the coverage of the ShieldSilver plan to also protect kitchen and laundry appliances.
When you choose the ShieldPlatinum plan, you get everything offered by the other two plans plus roof coverage — a rarity in the home warranty industry. With the rain Maine has had in the last year, you might need roof leak coverage. AHS also pays out $250 for code violations, permits, and modifications. Under all the plans, the HVAC limit is $5,000 per system. The appliance limit is $2,000 per appliance under the ShieldGold plan, and the coverage limit increases to $4,000 per appliance under Shield Platinum.
AHS’s website and service representatives frequently offer a 40% discount off ShieldGold, though I’ve never seen the other plans discounted. AHS gives customers some flexibility with its pricing structure. If you select a higher per-technician-visit service fee, you’ll pay a lower monthly premium. For example, selecting the higher $125 service fee lowers the monthly premium for the ShieldPlatinum plan from $89.99 to $79.99.
| Plan | Monthly Cost* | Service Fee* | Available Discounts |
| ShieldSilver | $29.99 or $39.99 | $100 or $125 | No current discount |
| ShieldGold | $49.99 or $59.99 | $100 or $125 | 40% off on website |
| ShieldPlatinum | $79.99 or $89.99 | $100 or $125 | No current discount |
*If you choose the lower service fee of $100, you pay the higher monthly premium. For example, the $89.99 with the ShieldPlatinum Plan pairs with the $100 service fee.
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Portland, ME. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
While higher coverage limits are fantastic for homeowners with luxury appliances, if your home has other luxury features, American Home Shield’s smaller lists of additional coverage might not provide broad-enough protection.
- Roof leak repair: $10/month
- Electronics protection plan: $14/month
- Pool & built-in-spa equipment: $24/month
- Guest unit: $26.99/month
- Septic pump: $5/month
- Well pump: $8/month
Exclusions
I found the following exclusions to AHS’s plans while reviewing a sample contract. Compared to other providers, these exclusions aren’t out of the ordinary.
- Construction or carpentry costs
- Restoration of walls
- Flues, chimneys, venting, and exhaust lines
- Repairs or replacements due to cosmetic defects
- Repairs due to mold
- Appliances not covered under the ShieldSilver plan
- Natural disasters
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it is imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
Monthly fees aren’t out of the ordinary, but higher service fees lower American Home Shield’s rating. If the higher monthly premium is affordable, pick that to lower the service fee. There are no fees for emergency or after-hours calls, unlike with Elite Home Warranty, which charges $150 for service calls at nights and weekends.
American Home Shield’s amazing coverage limits are per contract term. That means if your HVAC needs a $5,000 repair in the first two months after you sign up, you won’t have coverage if it breaks again four months later.
It only takes a few minutes to receive an online quote, but the website didn’t show the service fee anywhere in the application process. When I talked to a representative at American Home Shield, she struggled to answer questions that didn’t come from an FAQ list. Two representatives didn’t offer the discount off ShieldGold until I mentioned the online quote, so it’s a good idea to get one before calling to have in your back pocket.
While American Home Shield’s Better Business Bureau score of B inspires trust, customers have complaints. They frequently call out poor customer service, few qualified service technicians in their area, and the difficulty of contract cancellations. Local service technicians make a big difference in whether or not a review is positive or negative, but I couldn’t find any reviews specific to Maine.
It’s worth noting that American Home Shield paid the majority of large repairs for some customers and replaced several major appliances. There are some happy customers. The 30-day workmanship guarantee also boosts AHS’s reputation.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B/2.1 | 11,181 reviews |
| Trustpilot | 2.2 | 5,249 |
| 4.5 | 32,787 | |
| Yelp | 1.1 | 1,270 reviews |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
AHS sets up a service appointment within 24 to 48 hours after you file a claim. Competitors such as Liberty Home Guard and Select Home Warranty respond faster. With AHS, file claims online or by calling. Emergency response time is within 24 hours and doesn’t cost extra. If there’s an issue within the 30 days after a completed repair, AHS sends out another service technician and doesn’t charge an additional service fee.
AHS has 17,500 contractors and 45,000 service technicians in its nationwide network. It responds 24/7/365 days a year to claims, which you can open through multiple channels. It has a decent response time, too.
Select Home Warranty
4.2
Our Rating
Out of all the providers on this list, Select Home Warranty (SHW) is the best value. Low service fees, reasonably priced plans, and a 30-day cancellation period make it a good choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
SHW’s basic plan costs just $44 a month. While it isn’t the cheapest option on this list, you have to consider the overall cost of a warranty plan — monthly fees plus service call fees. The median age of the housing stock in Maine is 45 years, and older homes can necessitate a lot of service calls. Select charges just $75 for each service call, whereas competitor’s fees start at $100 and go up to $125.
Select promises that service technicians will head out within 24 to 48 hours after you place a claim. Its workmanship is guaranteed for up to 90 days, which is better than American Home Shield’s 30-day guarantee. If you have an emergency — such as water going everywhere or your heat or air conditioning going out — Select has an emergency team that stands ready to service those calls within four hours.
Even if you’re paying less for service fees, you still want repairs to be high quality. Unfortunately, customers complain a lot about poor customer service with SHW. They say the company didn’t honor its promised 24- to-48 hour response time for service calls and that it denied claims over and over.
I also don’t like that you can’t get a quote or pricing information online. When I’ve spoken to representatives they haven’t given me consistent information or offered discounts that I knew were available because I’d seen them on the website. Also, if you cancel after the 30-day period you’ll receive a prorated refund but also have to pay a $75 cancellation fee.
If you need a lot of additional coverage, Select Home Warranty only sells nine add-ons. It’s also hard to understand its deals and discounts as sometimes sales representatives just offer the discounted price without telling you it’s on sale and other times they don’t offer it until you ask.
Many Maine residents are on a fixed income — 44% of the state’s population is comprised of seniors— therefore, Select Home Warranty’s reasonable premiums and cheap service fees could fit into their budget. Emergency, same-day service that doesn’t cost extra keeps you safe on a cold winter day if your heat fails.
Select Home Warranty sells three warranty plans, each designed to meet different needs. If you have warranties or service plans on your appliances, you probably don’t need appliance coverage. The Gold Care plan would protect your home’s systems instead. It covers heating, air conditioning, ductwork, electrical systems and plumbing.
Or maybe you have older appliances that are out of warranty. In this case, consider purchasing the Bronze Care plan. It protects your refrigerator, clothes washer and dryer, stove, oven, cooktop, garbage disposal, dishwasher, and built-in microwave.
Platinum Care includes both systems and appliances, plus a garage door opener, ceiling fan, and plumbing stoppages.
Select incentivizes customers to pay for a year in advance by offering two months free and $150 off. The two free months are added to the contract term, making your total term 14 months. The service fee in Maine is $75.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
| Bronze Care | $60.42 | $75 | 25% off discount on the phonetwo months free if you pay the annual fee up-front |
| Gold Care | $60.42 | $75 | 25% off discount on the phonetwo months free if you pay the annual fee up-front |
| Platinum Care | $63.75 | $75 | 25% off discount on the phonetwo months free if you pay the annual fee up-front |
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Portland, ME. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
Select Home Warranty’s number of options for add-ons falls between Liberty Home Guard’s on the high end and American Home Shield’s on the low end. SHW sells the cheapest sump pump coverage, and only Select and American Home Shield sell septic system coverage.
- Central vacuum: $3.33/mo
- Lawn sprinkler system: $5.83/mo
- Pool: $8.33/mo
- Roof leak: $0/mo
- Septic system: $5.83/mo
- Spa: $5.83/mo
- Standalone freezer: $3.33/mo
- Sump pump: $3.33/mo
- Well pump: $3.33/mo
Exclusions
All home warranty companies have exclusions in their contracts. SHW won’t cover preexisting issues or a problem you should have reasonably known about. Other exclusions include:
- Secondary damage (i.e., your home warranty may cover roof damage but won’t cover water damage caused by the leak)
- Incorrect installation or malfunctions due to construction damage or improper wiring
- Issues with systems or appliances related to hazardous or toxic materials (e.g. mold, asbestos, and gas leaks)
- Common areas in condominiums
- Solar heating systems
- Damage caused by natural disasters and rust
- Defects or damages caused by a home’s foundation and structure
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it’s imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
SHW’s plan pricing is within the range of competitors, though Liberty Home Guard charges more. SHW rises above the competition with its service call fees — only $75 versus $100 to $125 with competitors’ plans. Unlike with providers such as Elite Home Warranty, emergency calls don’t cost more.
You can request plan information and quotes online in Maine, but you can’t get pricing information or buy a policy unless you talk to someone. The representative I spoke with was friendly but didn’t respond well when I said I needed time to think about the quote. All in all, Select has a basic, outdated feel to its website and customer service.
However, Select does have a cancellation period of 30 days from sign-up, during which you’d receive a full refund. After 30 days you’ll receive a prorated amount less a $75 cancellation fee. And you can find its terms and conditions online to easily confirm your policy’s coverage.
Select Home Warranty’s customers tend to have negative things to say online. After signing up for policies, customers say the company refused to pay for some portion of repairs. While this could be due to coverage limits, it’s hard to tell since it’s not clearly disclosed on the website’s FAQs until you read the terms and conditions.
Customers also complained that the company took a long time to set up service and denied multiple claims. Some say it took up to two weeks for a service technician to come out and that the service technician didn’t fix the problem once they arrived. Even though, in some cases, Select allows you to pick a third-party technician and receive reimbursement, some homeowners reported they didn’t get reimbursed.
Positive reviews thought the sign-up process was easy, and customers received replacement appliances within a short time. The company has a B rating on the Better Business Bureau and a decent score of 3.8 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B/1.3 | 2,002 |
| Trustpilot | 3.8 | 4,620 |
| 3.8 | 27 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
There are two channels through which to submit a claim with Select Home Warranty — its online customer portal or by phone. Within the following 48 hours, the company contacts a technician about your repair, but the company makes no claims about when you’ll actually receive service for regular calls. That’s a bit concerning to me, as other competitors have firmer response times.
Homeowners nationwide can purchase plans through Select Home Warranty, file their claims online, or call for service. SHW’s presence across the country inspires trust that it can fulfill service requests.
Elite Home Warranty
4.3
Our Rating
Elite Home Warranty has top-notch customer service. While an EHW representative will call you after you apply for a quote online, the company doesn’t phone you incessantly. It’s accessible through multiple service channels to file a claim. Customer service representatives are friendly and don’t push you to buy a policy if you say you aren’t ready.
All repairs come with a 90-day parts, labor, and installation workmanship guarantee. While competitors cover parts and labor, it’s rare to have installation covered. Luxury appliances don’t just cost more to buy — they cost more to repair, and Elites’ higher coverage limits protect homeowners who’ve made that investment.
Secret shopping revealed that some of Elite’s add-ons cost more per month than those of competitors — such as $8.33 for a sump pump as compared to Select Home Warranty’s $3.33 (but still less than Liberty Home Guard’s $8.99), or pool and spa equipment for an extra $16 a month instead of $14.16 with Select. Elite lists its additional coverage by annual fee.
Liberty Home Guard and others offer service for the same fee day, night, and weekends. But Elite charges $150 for a service call instead of its usual $70 if it’s after business hours.
Reading the fine print of Elite’s contracts reveals more surprises. Replacement coverage doesn’t kick in until your plan has been in place for 90 days, and the company’s total liability for repairs and parts during the first 90 days is only $300. Coverage for water heaters or other repairs has a limit of $500 if the service technician says that the repair was necessary due to neglect or lack of maintenance.
Elite Home Warranty has carved out its niche in the industry through high coverage limits geared toward luxury homeowners, a comprehensive list of add-ons, and a workmanship warranty that includes parts, labor, and installation. Pay close attention to coverage limits during the first 90 days, however.
Elite sells three warranty plans: a systems-only plan, an appliances-only plan, and a comprehensive plan that includes both.
Like those of its competitor American Home Shield, Elite’s coverage limits are higher than industry standards, which typically run $2,000 to $3,000. Appliances have coverage up to $6,000 and system payouts are as much as $10,000 — the highest limits I’ve seen in my secret shopping. American Home Shield only offers up to $5,000 on HVAC, whereas you can get up to $7,000 in coverage for HVAC as an add-on to one of Elite’s plans.
However, Elite severely restricts coverage when you first sign up. If you read the service agreement for Maine, you’ll find that under each plan, replacement coverage doesn’t kick in for 90 days. During the same waiting period, the company’s total liability for repairs and parts is only $300. At any time during the contract, other repair coverage can have a limit of $500 if the service technician deems the repair necessary because of neglect or because you didn’t maintain the item.
While I was secret shopping, the customer service representative offered me $150 off plan pricing if I signed up that day. Elite offers callers the best deals.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
| Elite Appliance | $34.99 | $70 | $150 sign-up, 30-day free trial |
| Elite Systems | $49.99 | $70 | $150 sign-up, 30-day free trial |
| Elite Complete | $59.99 | $70 | $150 sign-up, 30-day free trial |
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Portland, ME. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
With Elite Home Warranty, homeowners have a lot of options for additional coverage so they can customize their plans to meet their needs. Choose from the following list (prices are annual):
- Annual HVAC maintenance: $299.99
- Attic exhaust fan: $69.99
- Central vacuum: $49.00
- Drainage, sewer, and water service lines: $349.99
- Effluent pump: $99.99
- Ejector pump: $99.99
- Freestanding freezer: $59.99
- Freestanding ice makers: $59.99
- Freestanding spa equipment: $119.99
- Generator: $99.99
- Geothermal heating and cooling systems: $299.99
- Grinder pump: $99.99
- Guest house: $299.99
- Jetted hot tub: $99.99
- Lawn sprinkler system: $99.99
- Lift pump: $99.99
- Limited patching repair: $99.99
- Pool and spa equipment: $199.99
- Pool equipment: $149.99
- Premium appliances: $249.99
- Premium benefits: $199.99
- Premium systems: $299.99
- Premium systems plus: $499.99
- Septic system: $129.99
- Sump pump: $99.99
- Swamp cooler: $149.99
- Water softeners: $99.99
- Water filtration system: $99.99
- Well pump: $99.99
- Wine cooler: $69.99
Exclusions
Like all home warranty providers, Elite has a handful of exclusions to its plans:
- Natural disaster-related damages
- Malfunction or damages due to acts of God
- Commercial-grade appliances
- Units in a rental property
- Cosmetic damage
- A lack of maintenance
Compared to other providers, these are par for the course.
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it’s imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
While Elite charges competitive pricing for its plans and is sometimes cheaper than other providers, pay attention to additional fees. The Complete plan costs less than American Home Shield’s Platinum Plan, but AHS doesn’t charge extra for emergency or weekend service. Neither does Liberty Home Guard.
After business hours, service incurs a $150 service fee. It also charges $150 instead of the lower service fee if you have professional-grade appliances. And to get maximum coverage limits on some items, you have to pay extra — HVAC coverage up to $7,000 costs $299.99 more a year or approximately $25 more a month.
Elite’s website goes above and beyond to educate customers. Comprehensive information includes the company’s BBB reviews, sample policies for you to read, and pop-ups for each item that tell homeowners what is and isn’t covered. For example, your dishwasher water pump, hoses, and water valves are all covered.
I highly recommend reading the service agreement in detail — as noted above, there was a lot hidden in the fine print. The maximum coverage limits don’t start until after 90 days. And when you apply for a quote, no pricing shows up — you have to talk to someone.
While the customer representative did try to sell me the most expensive plan first, he gladly answered questions about other plans and explained why they might work for my home. Talking with Elite’s representatives is always a pleasant experience. Elite guarantees that service technicians will arrive within 24 to 48 hours after you file a claim.
Most of Elite’s customers report positive experiences with the company. Customers often mention the great customer service when signing up — they say that the company sent local technicians who quickly solved problems and completely covered the repair. It’s worth noting that several customers cite negative experiences with other home warranty companies where they’d previously had coverage and then say that Elite did a much better job.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A+/4.97 | 367 |
| Trustpilot | 4.7/5 stars | 54 |
| 4.8/5 stars | 144 | |
| Yelp | 5/5 stars | 4 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
I docked points from Elite’s claims process due to the elevated charge for after-hours and emergency services. While you can file a claim online or over the phone 24/7/365, the company charges a $150 fee for services outside of normal business hours instead of its usual $70 fee. If you come home from work to a flooded kitchen from a dishwasher hose springing a leak, you’ll be waiting for help to arrive or paying extra.
Elite promises a response time of 24 to 48 hours after receipt of claims during business hours.
Elite Home Warranty responds to claims 24/7/365. You can file claims online or over the phone. Elite sells plans in 46 states and Washington, D.C. — California, Texas, Wisconsin, and Washington aren’t covered.
AFC Home Warranty
4.3
Our Rating
AFC Home Club’s great website has a lot of information that’s easy to find. On the Plans and Pricing page, homeowners can see what each of AFC’s four plans includes but also click on an item and get more details about excluded items. For example, if the gas valve on your water heater breaks, you’re on your own.
AFC Home Club’s website gives the most information and answers the most questions of all the home warranty companies I reviewed. Often, companies hide exclusions for components of covered appliances and systems in their contracts — such as Elite Home Warranty’s agreement, which excludes parts for sealed components of fridges in the fine print. But AFC puts it all out there.
While emergency or same-day services aren’t available through AFC directly, homeowners can select their own technicians for after-hours problems. Just make sure you call AFC’s claims department to verify the service provider you’ve chosen is licensed and insured to receive coverage. Once you have approval, AFC will pay the technician directly (it’s up to the technician), or you can pay the service provider and request reimbursement from AFC.
AFC doesn’t sell many add-ons with its plans and prices them high compared to competitors. Sump pump coverage costs $35 a month — almost four times the $8.99 a month Liberty Home Guard charges. If you know you need additional coverage, AFC could price itself out of your budget.
I also don’t like that customer complaints focus on poor experiences after filing a claim. Replacement policies and coverage limits cause a lot of confusion, but AFC tries to address this by making sample contracts available online. I’d suggest reading them before buying a plan.
AFC Home Club clearly wants to educate customers about its plans and not be surprised when it’s time to request service. Given AFC’s reviews, it’s wise to read through what’s disclosed in its sample contracts. The company doesn’t provide after-hours or weekend service, but you can pick your own technician for an emergency repair and get reimbursed. That’s a great additional benefit.
AFC Home Club sells four plans, one of which has additional coverage not found elsewhere. The company gives customers the flexibility to raise or lower their monthly premiums by selecting a higher or lower service fee. For example, if you want to pay less monthly, choose the $125 service fee, which knocks $4.75 off your monthly premium. Plan pricing works similarly to how picking a high deductible with a homeowners insurance policy typically lowers your premiums.
AFC’s first tier of coverage, the Silver Plan, includes nine common household appliances — your clothes washer and dryer, a garage door opener, oven/range, stove, cooktop, refrigerator, dishwasher, and garbage disposal.
The second tier plan, the Gold Plan, adds your air conditioning and heating system, electrical systems, plumbing, water heater, and ductwork to the Silver Plan coverage. The third coverage tier, the Platinum Plan, gives you the benefits of the Gold Plan along with exhaust, attic, and ceiling fans, faucets, plumbing stoppages, an ice maker, and a built-in microwave.
AFC Home Club is the only home warranty company to sell a fourth coverage tier. The Diamond Plan costs approximately $35 more a month than the Platinum Plan but offers the best additional benefits. It includes everything under the Platinum Plan but also covers electronics and exterior water and sewer lines.
If you invested heavily in your home entertainment system, the electronics coverage could be a lifesaver. Exterior water and sewer line repairs can cost thousands of dollars. These additional benefits might come in handy.
Current discounts include $100 off the total cost and roof leak coverage included.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee* | Available Discounts |
| Silver Plan | $45.17 or$40.42 | $75 or $125 | $100 off, roof leak coverage included |
| Gold Plan | $60.25 or$55.50 | $75 or 125 | $100 off, roof leak coverage included |
| Platinum Plan | $65.33 or$60.58 | $75 or 125 | $100 off, roof leak coverage included |
| Diamond Plan | $99.92 or$95.17 | $75 or 125 | $100 off, roof leak coverage included |
‘* If you choose the lower service fee of $75, you pay the higher monthly premium. For example, the $65.33 with the Platinum Plan pairs with the $75 service fee.
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Portland, ME. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
Most of AFC’s add-ons cost significantly more than those of competitors. Monthly fees for a sump pump or a well pump can be six to ten times higher than those of companies such as American Home Shield.
- In-ground pool: $100/month
- In-ground pool and spa: $150/month
- Sump pump: $35/month
- Ice maker: $25/month
- Well pump: $50/month
- Electronics coverage (price depends on your specific electronics)
- Double oven: $25/month
- Hot water dispenser: $25/month
- Built-in microwave: $50/month
- Standalone freezer: $25/month
- Central vacuum: $25/month
- Septic system: $50/month
- Roof leak (free, worth $25/month)
Exclusions
All of AFC Home Club’s plans have the following exclusions:
- Crane rentals needed to move appliances or systems
- Geothermal heating systems
- Haul-away services
- Light fixtures
- Code violations
- Appliances and systems not properly maintained
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it is imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
Code violations could be a problem if you live in a 150-year-old house with the original electrical system, but are unlikely to be an issue if you live in a newer home. While it’s hard to say exactly how this could impact you if a covered electrical repair reveals code violations that the technician must fix to complete the repair, the costs to correct those violations would come out of your pocket.
Before AFC Home Club approves repairs on some systems and appliances, you must submit maintenance records. The company also wants to see an annual maintenance log from licensed technicians before it approves service requests on HVAC systems. And if a technician recommended a repair on a prior visit that you don’t have done, you forfeit coverage. AFC isn’t a great pick if you’re not someone who’s kept track of repairs and maintenance.
AFC Home Club has competitive pricing for its plans. The Diamond Plan is one of the more expensive on the market, but you’d only need it if you have high-end electronics or want your water and sewer lines protected. Service fees aren’t out of the ordinary, though $125 is one of the highest fees quoted in my secret shopping — it’s optional and comes with lower monthly premiums. AFC also occasionally offers discounts on calls — for example, I’ve been offered discounts when I called on President’s Day or holiday weekends.
AFC’s website is hands down the best for shopping and getting information. You can read through sample contracts, explore each plan’s coverage, and easily find exclusions. Customer service representatives have always been polite when I called, taken a chatty tone rather than pushing to close the sale, and answered all my questions.
AFC Home Club has a B rating from the Better Business Bureau, 3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, and 3.7 out of 5 stars on Google reviews. While not as good as Elite Home Warranty’s reviews, these are respectable ratings.
The majority of negative reviews mention that the company denied claims that the homeowner thought valid, that the service technician couldn’t complete the job, or the contract’s fine print hid important information.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B/2.6 | 172 |
| Trustpilot | 3 | 24 |
| 3.7 | 1,586 | |
| Yelp | 1.9 | 334 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Online reviewers had positive experiences to report for approved claims. AFC Home Club regularly updates claimants on technicians’ anticipated arrival times, so you’re not left in the dark, perhaps literally, wondering when they’ll show up. You can file service requests either online or by calling. AFC also regularly updates customers on claims status.
Per AFC’s service agreement, a technician will contact you and make an appointment within 24 to 48 hours of AFC receiving your claim. Payment flows directly from AFC Home Club to the service provider unless you pick your own technicians for an emergency or after-hours repair.
AFC Home Club operates in 48 states — excluding California and Hawaii. It’s available online and by phone to answer questions or help with claims.
Calculate the Cost of Maine Home Warranty
Many home warranty providers offer flat rate pricing if your home has less than 2,000 square feet. If you’re wondering what the cost of a home warranty could be for your home, answer a few questions in the Today’s Homeowner Warranty Cost Calculator to receive an estimate.
| Appliance | Average Repair Cost | Average Replacement Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Dehumidifier | $50–$200 | $1,300–$2,800 |
| Microwave | $50–$400 | $60–$2,000 |
| Dishwasher | $50–$500 | $400–$3,000 |
| Exhaust Fans | $16–$300 | $250–$950 |
| Electric Range | $100–$500 | $230–$3,000 |
| Gas Range | $100–$500 | $230–$3,000 |
| Dryer | $100–$400 | $450–$2,300 |
| Oven | $100–$430 | $400–$3,000 |
| Washer | $50–$450 | $400–$2,300 |
| Freezer | $90–$500 | $160–$2,900 |
| Refrigerator | $40–$350 | $200–$5,000 |
Maine Home Warranty Regulations
Departments of insurance or offices of the attorney general in each state often oversee home warranty operations and regulations. Currently, neither department in Maine provides specific information on home warranty regulations in the state. Consumer complaints can be filed with the Maine Bureau of Insurance.
When you’re choosing a home warranty provider in Maine, it’s vital to do in-depth research by reading genuine customer reviews and detailed analyses. Be wary of new companies without established track records — some policies that seem too good to be true probably are. By being a careful consumer and evaluating your options using verified information, you can choose a home warranty with greater confidence, even without government regulation.
Maine Home Warranty News
Maine has an implied warranty law that covers appliances. If the appliance, such as a clothes washer, was poorly designed or seriously defective, if it hasn’t been abused, and is less than four years old when it breaks down, both the seller and manufacturer have legal responsibility to repair or replace it. Depending on when you purchased your appliances, you might only need a systems-only home warranty plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need a Home Warranty in Maine?
For those living on a fixed income or with a tight budget, a home warranty can help prevent sudden high repair costs for home systems and appliances. Instead, you pay an affordable monthly premium that covers repairs and replacements and can set aside some money for service fees.
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in Maine?
The average cost of a home warranty in Maine that includes both systems and appliances is $62.57.
How To Save Money When Shopping for Home Warranties In Maine?
If you want to pay less for your home warranty, look at companies such as AFC Home Club or American Home Shield. When you pick a higher service fee, it lowers your monthly premium. Just be sure you can afford the service fees.
For every company, customer service representatives often give you better deals over the phone than you can find online. It’s worth it to pick up when they call.
Is a Home Warranty Worth It for Maine Homeowners?
A home warranty is worth it for Maine homeowners because it builds a degree of predictability into the cost of home repairs. The amount you save on just one covered repair can more than cover the policy cost and service fee when compared to finding and paying a technician directly. Home warranties provide peace of mind against expensive AC, appliance, and plumbing failures common in Maine’s older homes.
