Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Buying a home is a big step in many people’s lives, but the cost of maintaining it can get expensive over time, especially if your home in Rockville is on the older side. A home warranty can bring you the peace of mind you need and guard your savings account from unexpected expenses by covering your home’s major systems and appliances.
The home warranty market has many providers — all with different plans — so the Today's Homeowner team has compiled this guide to help you find the best home warranty companies in Rockville.
Very highly rated among customer service reviews
Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
Extensive list of 20+ add-on coverages
Easy claims process
Won’t cover known or unknown pre-existing conditions
In Rockville, Liberty Home Guard is the most trustworthy home warranty. Liberty has been on the market for about 6 years, making it a well-regarded company in the industry. The 3 plans that Liberty offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. When you purchase a home warranty from Liberty, you will get a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Liberty Home Guard also has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
The 3 plans from Liberty Home Guard are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Service fees from Liberty are an affordable $75. The coverage caps are also generally about $3,000 at the maximum.
To get a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281. Read more by visiting our Liberty Home Guard Review.
Appliance Guard
Systems Guard
Total Home Guard
Over 10 years of experience
24/7 customer service team
Home inspections aren’t required
90-day repair guarantee
Plans aren’t customizable
Customers can’t choose their own contractor
Not available in washington
In Rockville, Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty. Choice has been on the market for about 15 years, making it a well-regarded company in the industry. The 2 plans that Choice offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. When you purchase a home warranty from Choice, you will get very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Choice Home Warranty also has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
The 2 plans from Choice Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Total Plan. Service fees from Choice are an affordable $85. The coverage caps are also generally about $3,000 at the maximum.
To get a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164. Read more by visiting our Choice Home Warranty Review.
Basic Plan
Total Plan
Low service fees compared to other home warranty providers
Two months of free coverage
Has an appliance-only, systems-only, and combo plan option
90-day repair guarantee
Has a $75 cancellation fee
Low coverage caps
In Rockville, Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty. Select has been on the market for about 11 years, making it a well-regarded company in the industry. The 3 plans that Select offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. When you purchase a home warranty from Select, you will get a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Select Home Warranty also has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
The 3 plans from Select Home Warranty are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Service fees from Select are a reasonable $60. The coverage caps are also generally about $2,000 at the maximum.
To get a free quote from Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953. Read more by visiting our Select Home Warranty Review.
Bronze Care Plan
Gold Care Plan
Platinum Care Plan
The oldest and most trusted company in the industry
Allows customers to build their own plans
Ability to choose the service fee you want to pay
Broad coverage on up to 33 appliances and systems
Doesn’t let customers choose their own technician
Doesn’t provide coverage in alaska
In Rockville, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty. AHS has been on the market for about 26 years, making it a well-regarded company in the industry. The 3 plans that AHS offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. When you purchase a home warranty from AHS, you will get the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. American Home Shield also has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
The 3 plans from American Home Shield are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. Service fees from AHS are customizable and range from $75 to $125. The coverage caps are also generally about $2,500 at the maximum.
To get a free quote from American Home Shield, fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839. Read more by visiting our American Home Shield Review.
ShieldSilver
ShieldGold
ShieldPlatinum
Established company with a bbb accreditation
Doesn’t have a coverage cap on heating, cooling, or ductwork
24/7 service calls available
Offers replacement of some covered items that are too damaged to repair
Doesn’t let customers choose their own contractor
According to some customer reviews, the technical jargon in contracts is confusing
In Rockville, First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage. First American has been on the market for about 39 years, making it a well-regarded company in the industry. The 2 plans that First American offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. When you purchase a home warranty from First American, you will get very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. First American Home Warranty also has a unique add-on alongside common ones called the First Class Upgrade, which covers fees associated with the use of lifting equipment, up to $250 per local building permits, haul away services, and appliances and systems that have been insufficiently installed or modified.
The 2 plans from First American Home Warranty are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. Service fees from First American are a reasonable $85. The coverage caps are also generally about $1,500 at the maximum.
To get a free quote from First American Home Warranty, fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164. Read more by visiting our First American Home Warranty Review.
Basic Plan
Premier Plan
Offers home insurance deductible of $500
Extra long 180-day workmanship guarantee
Offers free cancellation in the first 30 days
Charges high service fees of $75-$150
Doesn’t allow customers to choose their own technician
Isn’t available in hawaii or alaska
In Rockville, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. Cinch has been on the market for about 44 years, making it a well-regarded company in the industry. The 3 plans that Cinch offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. When you purchase a home warranty from Cinch, you will get a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Cinch Home Services also has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
The 3 plans from Cinch Home Services are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Service fees from Cinch are customizable and range from $75 to $150. The coverage caps are also generally about $1,000-$2,000 at the maximum.
To get a free quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505. Read more by visiting our Cinch Home Services Review.
Appliances Plan
Built-in Systems Plan
Complete Home Plan
Policy starts in ten days
24/7 customer service support
Generous coverage caps on important systems and appliances
30-labor guarantee and 90-day parts guarantee
Offers utility and home service outside line coverage
Higher service fee of $95
Not accredited by the better business bureau (bbb)
Only 2 plan options
In Rockville, The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC has been on the market for about 15 years, making it a well-regarded company in the industry. The 2 plans that HSC offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. When you purchase a home warranty from HSC, you will get quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. The Home Service Club also has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee.
The 2 plans from The Home Service Club are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. Service fees from HSC are customizable and range from $65 to $90. The coverage caps are also generally about $2,000 at the maximum.
To get a free quote from The Home Service Club, fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443. Read more by visiting our The Home Service Club Review.
Standard Coverage Plan
Comprehensive Coverage Plan
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on home warranty companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
| Home Appliance | Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Air Conditioner | $7,585 |
| Heating | $5,057 |
| Electrical | $758 |
| Toilets | $632 |
| Washer/Dryer | $1,011 |
| Plumbing | $758 |
| Oven | $2,023 |
| Fridge | $758 |
A home warranty is a protection policy that helps Rockville homeowners lower the high costs of household repairs. These plans offer financial protection to repair or replace appliances and systems that break down from normal wear and tear.
Homeowners file a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider then arranges a contractor to make the repair or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the repair or replacement costs go over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives peace of mind to homeowners, as it helps prevent costly emergency repairs. Home warranties are particularly useful for owners of older homes or homes with aging systems. New homes with modern appliances may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover your home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances are dryers, washers, garbage disposals, dishwashers, refrigerators, microwaves, and more. Covered systems are typically heating, plumbing, air conditioning, and electrical. Many home warranty companies provide add-on coverage for septic systems, locksmiths, roof leaks, and central vacuums. Most home warranty plans require Rockville homeowners to wait 30 days before the plan will cover repairs. Moreover, policies usually only cover repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover pre-existing conditions, cosmetic issues, natural disasters, or misusing a system or appliance. To help ensure your next repair or replacement is covered, keep up with preventative maintenance.
Here are some key home warranty words to understand before signing a contract:
There are several important considerations when choosing a home warranty provider:
Home warranties vary widely in terms of included coverage. Basic plans typically cover AC, electrical, heating, plumbing, and appliances, while more comprehensive options may also cover spas, roof leaks, well pumps, and pools. Look for companies with a range of coverage choices, such as upgraded plans. You'll want to tailor your protection for your needs.
You'll pay a repair fee, normally ranging from $60–100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These fees to accumulate quickly with each claim, so you may seek out providers advertising lower service fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain providers may eliminate deductibles when a homeowner submits no claims in a defined period.
A home warranty company's reputation gives insight into things such as claim approval rates, timeliness of repairs, contractor quality, and overall customer satisfaction. Use third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, or TrustPilot to research providers. Complimentary ratings and reviews indicate a company known for stellar service.
Home warranty companies maintain networks of local professionals to handle repairs in your area. Contact potential providers to find out how many repair professionals they have in Rockville and get an idea for how quickly your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. Bigger networks raise the likelihood of getting qualified contractors to swiftly service your home.
Some home warranty plans provide extras such as maintenance discounts, smart home device protection, and energy efficiency upgrades. These perks add value beyond repair coverage. Added bonuses help maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Temperatures in Rockville can vary greatly throughout the year, which means your air conditioner and heating systems are most likely going to get a decent amount of use. As a homeowner in Rockville, one of the benefits of having a home warranty is knowing that these home systems and major appliances can be covered in the event they need to be repaired or replaced.
In addition, having a home warranty can save you some time by getting rid of the need to research contractors — most companies will send a trusted professional right to your door to complete the necessary repair or replacement. Additionally, though home warranty companies vary, some providers will let you transfer your warranty in the event that you sell your home. This can make your house more attractive to potential homebuyers and help your home sell faster.
Home warranties also have some drawbacks. Although it can save you time when the home warranty sends out a service technician who takes care of the repair for you, some homeowners may not like this, and they may want to select a contractor themselves. If that’s the case for you, some home warranty plans let you choose a contractor.
Another stipulation is that home warranties typically only cover malfunctions due to normal wear and tear. They commonly won’t cover systems or appliances that have been damaged due to improper maintenance, natural disasters, animal infestations, etc.
A home warranty costs, on average, about $300 to $600 a year in Rockville. Our top-rated home warranty providers' most comprehensive coverage options vary from $546 to $840 per year. You can decrease your monthly bill with some companies by choosing a higher service fee. Additionally, it's often cheaper to pay annually rather than monthly.
The difference between a home warranty and homeowner's insurance lies in what types of damage each covers. A home warranty helps protect against normal wear and tear to systems and appliances in a home. A homeowners insurance plan protects your entire home in a situation such as a natural disaster or fire. Under a homeowners insurance plan, you won't be able to file a claim should you need a new washing machine or air conditioner, unless the damage is a result of a natural disaster, which isn't that common in Rockville.
A home warranty plan can help real estate agents, homeowners, investors, homebuyers, and home sellers. It can offer peace of mind to anyone involved with homeownership.
The different types of home warranties in Rockville include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan covers your systems and appliances, such as your washing machine, drier, and HVAC. A plan that only covers appliances or systems will cover only the specific items listed in the plan.
Generally, a home warranty policy offers coverage for a year and can be renewed annually. Some providers may offer month-to-month options.
Typically, the one who owns the home pays for the home warranty. In some cases, though, the person who is selling the home may buy a home warranty policy and transfer the policy to the buyer. The new homeowner will then have to pay the service fees when using the policy. Since the average home value in Rockville is $607,784, a home warranty can save you some money when buying a home.
