Homeowners insurance is helpful for paying for damage from events like hurricanes. But did you know homeowners policies often don’t cover everything? The gaps may surprise you — think about appliances, HVAC units and other items that fail from ordinary wear and tear. Home warranty providers such as Choice Home Warranty can bridge those shortfalls, but how do you determine if it’s a suitable option? Read on for our Choice Home Warranty review that examines plan details, benefits and drawbacks.
What Is Choice Home Warranty?
Choice Home Warranty offers protection plans aimed at covering everyday home repairs that typical homeowners insurance doesn’t take care of. Home warranties generally pay for appliance breakdowns and household systems like plumbing or heating when they fail due to normal wear and tear. In short, homeowners insurance handles damage from disasters or fires, while a home warranty can help cover repair or replacement costs for a well-maintained dishwasher that gave out from age-related failure.
Coverage Plans & Key Features
There are two main plan levels: basic and total. The total plan includes 18 covered appliances and systems; you can view the full list here. The basic plan mirrors most of those items but excludes air conditioning systems, refrigerators, washers and dryers. Optional add-ons are available for things like well pumps, pool/spa equipment, a second refrigerator and more. Coverage begins after 30 days and once you’ve paid the applicable contract fees.
Choice Home Warranty will cover items regardless of age provided they were working and maintained properly at the time coverage begins. It does not cover known or unknown preexisting defects, misuse, abuse, or failures due to lack of maintenance and cleaning.
There are limits to be aware of. Typically there’s a maximum liability of $3,000 per year for each covered item or system (with certain exceptions). That cap applies to the entire process, including evaluation and repair costs.
Pricing: What You Can Expect to Pay
Cost varies depending on factors like home type, square footage and location. The most accurate way to know your price is to request a quote, but typically expect to pay roughly $45–$65 per month. The total will increase if you add optional coverages.
You’ll also be responsible for a service fee — commonly $100 — payable to the technician who visits to diagnose the issue.
Pros & Cons: What Makes Choice Stand Out, Common Complaints
Some potential advantages of choosing Choice Home Warranty include:
- Relatively budget-friendly rates, with occasional promotions such as a free first month.
- Round-the-clock call centers available 24/7.
- A nationwide network of more than 25,000 contractors.
Some downsides to consider:
- Frequent customer grievances about claim denials, service delays and poor communication — notably discussed on Reddit. The BBB assigns a B rating, but thousands of complaints have contributed to an average one-star customer score.
- Many users report unexpected claim denials and difficulties with customer support.
Is Choice Home Warranty Safe and Legit?
Choice Home Warranty is a legitimate provider and generally safe to use. While it averages a one-star customer rating on the BBB due to many complaints, it holds a four-star rating on TrustPilot. The volume of negative reviews suggests you should scrutinize the contract closely before you sign.
How It Compares to Other Home Warranty Providers
American Home Shield is another prominent home warranty company that covers appliances and systems. AHS offers three tiers — silver, gold and platinum — and pricing depends on coverage choices, location and home details. With AHS, you typically need at least the gold level to include appliances. Choice’s basic plan includes some appliances. Reviews for AHS show similar concerns about claim denials and share comparable ratings on TrustPilot and the BBB.
Choice Home Warranty Review: Who This Is Best For
Choice Home Warranty may suit homeowners seeking low-cost protection who keep their appliances and systems well maintained. Be mindful of the numerous reviews mentioning claim disputes and slow responses. That said, some customers — particularly on TrustPilot — report positive experiences. Carefully read every section of your contract to confirm what is and isn’t covered before enrolling.
FAQs About Choice Home Warranty
No — there is no inspection required at enrollment.
The standard service fee per claim is $100.
Response times vary. Some customers report quick resolutions, while others describe significant delays.Choice Home Warranty notes that after contacting contractors, it may take more than 48 hours for one to accept a work order.
It depends on the situation, but typically not, because Choice Home Warranty uses its own network of vetted contractors.
Coverage is available throughout the U.S. except in Washington state.
