Choice Home Warranty Review (September 2024)
Choice Home Warranty provides affordable, comprehensive plans but may not be a fit for all homeowners. Read our review to decide if it’s the right choice for your home.
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Choice Home Warranty provides homeowners affordable and comprehensive plans to protect their homes. The company offers two plans with $3,000 caps for critical appliances and systems. It also has 11 add-ons to supplement coverage and 90 days of workmanship protection.
However, many customer reviews have called out Choice for its poor communication and delayed repairs. In addition, the company is involved in ongoing legal issues surrounding its services. Before committing to Choice Home Warranty, we recommend deciding if the company meets your specific needs and expectations.
Editor’s Note: This review was updated on April 29, 2024, with our latest consumer survey data, competitor comparison details, and added insights from industry experts.
Our Take on Choice Home Warranty
We compared Choice Home Warranty (CHW) to dozens of home warranty companies and found it offers affordable plan options, generous coverage limits, and extended workmanship protections. The company provides two comprehensive plans priced under $60. It includes a $3,000 cap for appliances and systems, higher than many providers. Each plan is backed by a 90-day workmanship guarantee for parts and 60 days for labor, exceeding the industry standard of 30 days.
Despite having a B rating* on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), CHW has considerable negative reviews on third-party review sites. Homeowners called the company out for its delayed repairs and poor communication. Some customers claim CHW looks for policy loopholes to avoid paying out claims. In 2019, the Arizona Attorney General filed a still-ongoing consumer fraud lawsuit against CHW.
Pros and Cons of Choice Home Warranty
CHW provides affordable, comprehensive coverage with solid base plans and generous $3,000 limits for most items. The company also imposes extra fees and offers limited pricing customization.
We’ve listed the pros and cons of CHW below:
Pros
Cons
How We Rated Choice Home Warranty
We scored CHW against our detailed review standards based on the factors homeowners prioritize the most. CHW received points in each category, with the cumulative total determining its final rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Here’s a detailed breakdown of these categories and how CHW performed in each one:
- Coverage: This category scores companies based on offered coverage, including key item inclusion and coverage limits meeting or exceeding the $2,000 industry standard. Choice scored well due to its $3,000 caps for most items.
- Value: Companies earn high scores for providing affordable premium costs, service call fees, and fee flexibility. Choice lost points due to its inflexible service fee policy and higher pricing.
- Trustworthiness and transparency: This category assesses providers by evaluating multiple factors, including brand reputation, accessibility of sample contracts, and workmanship guarantee length. Choice scored well due to its 90-day workmanship guarantee, which is three times higher than the industry standard.
- Availability and service: Companies are rated higher if they provide multiple options for submitting claims, maintain efficient processing timelines, and offer flexible service technician availability. Choice scored well for its efficient claims process, which begins four hours after filing a claim.
Our Home Warranty Experts
We spoke with two home warranty experts to gain more industry insight and learn more about homeowners’ common pain points.
What Plans and Coverage Does Choice Home Warranty Offer?
Choice Home Warranty (CHW) offers two home warranty plans: Basic Plan and Total Plan. In contrast, most other home warranty providers we’ve reviewed offer at least three plan options. The company offers coverage in 48 states, excluding California and Washington.
After reviewing CHW’s sample contract, we found that the Basic Plan excludes coverage for certain essential home appliances, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and clothes washers and dryers. Most providers include these items in their standard coverage plans. You must select CHW’s Total Plan to receive these appliance protections. One advantage CHW offers is its $3,000 coverage cap per covered item. This is higher than the $2,000 cap offered by most other providers.
Like other home warranty providers, Choice doesn’t require a home inspection before granting coverage. CHW provides a 90-day workmanship guarantee on parts and a 60-day guarantee on labor. If any previously serviced item requires further repairs or replacement within those respective guarantee periods, the service provider will return to address the issue at no additional cost. This guarantee is three times the industry standard of 30 days.
We’ll review Choice’s coverage plans below:
- Basic Plan: This plan covers 14 systems and appliances, such as built-in microwaves, heating, and plumbing.
- Total Plan: The highest plan tier includes 18 appliances and systems, expanding coverage to air conditioning units, clothes washers, clothes dryers, and refrigerators.
Here’s an overview of CHW home warranty plans and the items:
| Coverage | Basic Plan | Total Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Air conditioning | – | ✓ |
| Built-in microwave | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ceiling and exhaust fans | ✓ | ✓ |
| Clothes dryer | – | ✓ |
| Clothes washer | – | ✓ |
| Cooktop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dishwasher | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ductwork | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electrical system | ✓ | ✓ |
| Garage door opener | ✓ | ✓ |
| Garbage disposal | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heating system | ✓ | ✓ |
| Oven/range/stove | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plumbing stoppages | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plumbing system | ✓ | ✓ |
| Refrigerator | – | ✓ |
| Water heater | ✓ | ✓ |
| Whirlpool bathtub | ✓ | ✓ |
Optional Add-Ons
CHW policyholders can pay additional fees to protect items the company’s base plans don’t cover. The company offers 11 plan add-ons, typical for most home warranty providers. Its pricing ranges from $3.33–$15.00, making it cheaper than other reviewed providers. It has a $500 coverage limit for all add-ons except septic tank pumping. CHW limits septic tank pumping coverage to $250 per claim.
Here is a full list of CHW’s add-ons below:
- Second refrigerator
- Stand-alone freezer
- Additional spa
- Central vacuum
- Limited roof leak
- Pool and spa
- Sprinkler system
- Septic system
- Septic tank pumping
- Sump pump
- Well pump
Why Would Choice Home Warranty Deny My Claim?
Choice could deny your claim if it includes any of their outline exclusions. Like other home warranty providers, CHW doesn’t cover certain damages. This includes damages caused by improperly installed or misused items, mold, and routine maintenance. Several appliances and systems have specific exclusions for their coverage. Some examples include the list below:
- Air conditioning maintenance and associated registers or grills
- Cosmetic items, such as knobs, rollers, handles, and doors
- Damage caused by theft, fire, and storm damage
- Sediment buildup or reservoir tanks for water heater coverage
Choice also doesn’t cover items with known or unknown preexisting conditions. This is actually a common claim denied by many home warranty companies. We surveyed 1,000 homeowners regarding their experiences with home warranties. We learned that preexisting conditions or prior damage were the primary reason for denied claims. Since it’s rare for a home warranty company to cover these conditions, we recommend reviewing a provider’s sample contract or contacting customer support to verify coverage.
How Much Does Choice Home Warranty Cost?
CHW offers affordable pricing for its coverage plans, with both plans costing less than $60 per month. Based on our sample quote for a home in Omaha, Nebraska, the Basic Plan costs $46.67, and the Total Plan is slightly higher at $55. Remember that pricing can vary in different areas. These costs do not include any additional add-on costs.
Choice Home Warranty provides annual and monthly plan premiums. However, our sample quote included a $2.50 monthly fee for selecting a monthly option. It’s unusual for a home warranty company to impose additional charges on its premiums. Our sample quote also included a promotional code for 5% off monthly and annual premiums for new customers.
We’ve detailed CHW pricing and coverage caps below:
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Coverage Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan | $46.67 | $100 | Systems: $3,000 Appliances: $3,000 |
| Total Plan | $55.00 | $100 | Coverage caps remain the same |
What is Choice Home Warranty’s Service Call Fee?
CHW charges a $100 service fee with every plan. You pay this fee to the technician after they complete a service repair or replacement. This is the only option for service call fees, which differs from other providers with multiple options. In most cases, choosing the higher service call fee helps lower your premium costs. Unfortunately, CHW doesn’t provide that pricing flexibility. Its fee is also higher than that of many home warranty companies.
Choice Home Warranty Mobile App
CHW offers a dedicated app for Android, Apple, and Chromebook devices. Features include a quote tool, FAQ section, plan coverage details, and home maintenance tips. You can also view the CHW blog and contact CHW by phone or online. Existing customers can log into the Account Center and access their accounts. We also noticed that the app has a 1.7-star rating on the Google Play store, with many reviews mentioning its limited features and buggy performance.
How Do I File a Claim with Choice Home Warranty?
When you need to file a home warranty claim with CHW, use the steps below to complete the process:
Call its claims department at 888-531-5403 to file a claim. You can also file a claim online through your account center portal. Choice representatives are available 24/7 to accept claims. Follow the form steps and provide the relevant item information, its brand and model number, and issue details. Verify your information for submitting your claims.
Choice will send an in-network service provider within 48 hours of receiving your claim. The company commits to processing claims within four hours of submission. If you file a claim after normal business hours or during established holidays, there may be a delay in processing your claim.
Once approved, you’ll be contacted to set a service appointment with the service technician. CHW only covers repairs or replacements performed by an in-network service technician. It doesn’t allow you to source your own technician.
The technician will arrive to service your system or appliance on the appointment date. We recommend being at your home for your appointment to answer any questions and to give access to your home. Sometimes, the technician may need to order replacement parts to complete the repair, resulting in a second appointment. Once repairs are finished, you’ll pay the $100 service call fee directly to the technician.
After signing up for a CHW, you’ll have a 30-day waiting period before you can file a claim. According to the Choice Home Warranty sample contract, the provider will initiate coverage if you meet certain requirements before the waiting period. You must provide proof of a previous home warranty policy without a lapse in coverage.
Choice Home Warranty Reviews: Reddit, BBB, and More
We analyzed customer reviews from third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Best Company, Trustpilot, and Reddit, to understand how Choice Home Warranty conducts business. We found mixed reviews for CHW’s business practices and offered services. Positive reviews mentioned the courteous support team and efficient technicians. Common negative experiences included delayed repairs, multiple denied claims, and limited communication options.
Below is an overview of our customer review analysis:
What Homeowners Like
What Homeowners Dislike
Average Customer Rating
CHW has inconsistent review scores across several third-party review sites. The company has 1.04 out of 5 stars on the BBB, 3.7 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, and 3.8 out of 5 stars on Best Company. In the past few months on the BBB, the company has received numerous low scores, plus 11,847 customer complaints over the last three years. The company’s inconsistent review scores indicate a lack of uniformity in customer service quality.
Customer Reviews
Below are examples of positive and negative reviews for Choice:
Positive Reviews
Negative Reviews
It’s worth noting that Choice Home Warranty is a member of the National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA). Chartrand recommends filing a complaint on the NHSCA website if you experience claims issues with Choice or any home warranty provider. He says the NHSCA can expedite your issue directly to your provider’s upper management because the organization works closely with each member company’s corporate leaders.
Ongoing Lawsuit
We also learned that the BBB cites a pattern of consumer complaints regarding charges after cancellation and difficulty obtaining refunds. The company also has an ongoing legal case for alleged consumer fraud. In 2019, the Arizona Attorney General initiated legal proceedings against Choice, alleging that the company employed deceptive tactics, utilizing fine print in contracts to avoid covering consumers’ repair costs.
We conducted secret shopping with Choice to inquire about the ongoing legal case and received inconsistent responses. Out of the seven attempts to obtain information regarding the case’s status, representatives provided conflicting statements on half of those occasions. The representatives stated that the case was resolved despite the ongoing nature of the proceedings.
*BBB Ratings are accurate as of May 2024
Choice Home Warranty vs. Competitors
To help you with your decision-making, we’ve compared Choice Home Warranty with other leading home warranty providers. We’ve provided more comparison details below.
| Company | BBB Rating | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B | $46–$55 | $100 | VISIT SITE | |
| NR | $49–$59 | $65–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
| B | $29–$89 | $100–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
| B- | $44–$47 | $60–$75 | VISIT SITE | |
| B | $42–$82 | $75–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
| B | $35–$94 | $75–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
| A+ | $44–$58 | $70 | VISIT SITE | |
| B+ | $30–$56 | $100–$150 | VISIT SITE | |
| A | $27–$70 | $65–$100 | VISIT SITE |
| Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Response Time | BBB Rating | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choice Home Warranty |  | $46–$55 | $100 | 4–48 hours | B | VISIT SITE |
| Liberty Home Guard |  | $49–$59 | $65–$125 | Up to 48 hours | NR | VISIT SITE |
| American Home Shield |  | $29–$89 | $100–$125 | Up to 48 hours | B | VISIT SITE |
| Elite Home Warranty |  | $44–$58 | $70 | Up to 48 hours | A+ | VISIT SITE |
| Select Home Warranty |  | $44–$47 | $60–$75 | 48-84 hours | B- | VISIT SITE |
| First American Home Warranty |  | $42–$82 | $75–$125 | 4-48 hours | B | VISIT SITE |
| AFC Home Warranty |  | $35–$94 | $75–$125 | 24-48 hours | B | VISIT SITE |
| Cinch Home Services |  | $30–$56 | $100–$150 | 2-24 hours | B+ | VISIT SITE |
| 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty |  | $27–$70 | $65–$100 | Up to 48 hours | A | VISIT SITE |
| Choice Home Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Monthly Cost | $46–$55 |
| Service Fee | $100 |
| Response Time | 4–48 hours |
| BBB Rating | B |
| Liberty Home Guard | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Monthly Cost | $49–$59 |
| Service Fee | $65–$125 |
| Response Time | Up to 48 hours |
| BBB Rating | NR |
| American Home Shield | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Monthly Cost | $29–$89 |
| Service Fee | $100–$125 |
| Response Time | Up to 48 hours |
| BBB Rating | B |
| Elite Home Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Monthly Cost | $44–$58 |
| Service Fee | $70 |
| Response Time | Up to 48 hours |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Select Home Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Monthly Cost | $44–$47 |
| Service Fee | $60–$75 |
| Response Time | 48-84 hours |
| BBB Rating | B- |
| First American Home Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Monthly Cost | $42–$82 |
| Service Fee | $75–$125 |
| Response Time | 4-48 hours |
| BBB Rating | B |
| AFC Home Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Monthly Cost | $35–$94 |
| Service Fee | $75–$125 |
| Response Time | 24-48 hours |
| BBB Rating | B |
| Cinch Home Services | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Monthly Cost | $30–$56 |
| Service Fee | $100–$150 |
| Response Time | 2-24 hours |
| BBB Rating | B+ |
| 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Monthly Cost | $27–$70 |
| Service Fee | $65–$100 |
| Response Time | Up to 48 hours |
| BBB Rating | A |
Choice Home Warranty vs. Liberty Home Guard
Liberty Home Guard (LHG) stands out for its specialized plans and extensive add-on catalog. The company offers one comprehensive plan and two focused on either appliances or systems. This gives homeowners better options to match their coverage needs. The company also provides 42 add-on options for better coverage customization.
However, CHW coverage limits are $1,000 higher than LHG, providing better financial protection when faced with more expensive repairs. CHW also offers a better workmanship warranty, providing 90 days for parts and 60 days for labor. LHS limits its coverage to 60 days. Homeowners looking for more specialized coverage options should consider LHG as their provider.
Choice Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield
American Home Shield (AHS) offers a better plan and service call fee variety than CHW. Although both companies offer two comprehensive plans, AHS provides better coverage within its bundled plans, such as more systems and appliances than CHW. AHS includes a higher system cap of $5,000 and $4,000 for appliances under its highest plan, ShieldPlatinum. AHS is also one of the few home warranty companies that covers items with preexisting conditions and physical damage.
Despite its advantages, AHS charges more for its coverage plans than CHW. The company also charges slightly higher service call fees, offering options for $100 or $125. AHS also offers limited add-ons, with only six options in its catalog. AHS is a worthwhile investment for homeowners who need comprehensive coverage for older systems and appliances.
Learn more: Choice Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield
How To Choose a Home Warranty
When buying a home warranty, you should consider several factors, such as coverage needs, home age, and budget. To help you find the right provider, we’ve provided the steps below.
Home Warranty Cost Calculator
We created a calculator to break down the estimated annual cost of owning a home warranty.
To calculate your projected annual cost, use the following steps:
- Enter your monthly premium
- Enter your service call fee
- Enter your estimated number of claims
It’s best to request a quote directly from one of our recommended providers, as annual costs and service fees vary between them.
Use the table below to compare your calculated cost to repair and replacement costs for common appliances.
| 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 |
Life span and repair cost data sourced from InterNACHI and Home Depot
Our Recommendation: Is Choice Home Warranty Worth It?
We recommend Choice Home Warranty for homeowners seeking affordable comprehensive coverage for their systems and appliances. The company offers two solid base plans and doesn’t deny coverage based on your home’s age. It also offers $3,000 limits for most items—higher than many providers. However, the company has received complaints about its services and faces an ongoing fraud case. We recommend that homeowners carefully evaluate whether Choice Home Warranty is the right provider for their needs.
FAQ About Choice Home Warranty
When does coverage begin with Choice Home Warranty?
Once Choice Home Warranty approves you, it requires a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins.
Does Choice Home Warranty cover water heaters?
Yes, Choice Home Warranty covers all parts and components of a water heater, including circulating pumps. Exclusions include holding or storage tanks, vents and flues, thermal expansion tanks, fuel, holding, or storage tanks, noise, energy management systems, and units exceeding 75 gallons.
Does Choice Home Warranty replace air conditioners?
Yes, Choice Home Warranty will replace your air conditioning, provided you have properly maintained your unit. The company covers all components and parts for units below 13 SEER.
Do I need a home inspection before enrolling with Choice Home Warranty?
No, you don’t need a home inspection before enrolling in coverage with Choice Home Warranty, as the company doesn’t disqualify coverage based on your home’s age or the age of your systems and appliances.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
