During our research of over 50 home warranty companies, we found that Choice Home Warranty and American Home Shield are two of the most well-known and consumer-friendly and overall best home warranty companies in the industry today.
American Home Shield has been in the home warranty business since 1971 and serves customers in every U.S. state. Choice Home Warranties is newer to the industry, as it started in 2008 and has since grown to serve most U.S. homeowners except those located in California, Washington, and Oklahoma.
This article breaks down Choice Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield in a head-to-head comparison of coverage, cost, how the claims process works, and important policy features. Though these companies are both top notch home protection service providers, we found that Choice Home Warranty offers similar services with lower service fees than American Home Shield making it our preferred choice.
Our Take
American Home Shield and Choice Home Warranty both offer comprehensive policies, affordable monthly premiums, generous coverage limits, and high-quality customer service. After carefully reviewing and rating each company according to our rating methodology our experts determined that Choice Home Warranty is the better option.
Choice Home Warranty is rated a 4.9 out of 5 stars and is our top pick for the best home warranty company because of its affordable monthly payment options, comprehensive coverage of appliances and systems, 24/7 customer support teams, and 90-day workmanship guarantee.
However, American Home Shield is also an excellent home warranty option. AHS is rated a 4.7 out of 5 stars and our “most customizable” home warranty options because AHS allows its policyholders to choose their service fee of $75, $100, $125, which in turn, allows for more flexibility with homeowners’ budgets.
CHW vs. AHS Coverage Comparison
When comparing the coverage options of Choice Home Warranty vs. AHS, both companies offer comprehensive plans that can accommodate most individuals’ home systems and appliance repair and replacement needs.
Choice Home Warranty Coverage
Also one of the largest home warranty companies in the U.S., Choice Home Warranty offers two different plans to accommodate different home repair and replacement needs.
The two home warranty plan options include:
Here’s how inclusions differ between Choice Home Warranty’s two base plans:
| Covered Appliance or System | The Basic Plan | The Total Plan |
| Heating Systems | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ductwork | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electrical Systems | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plumbing Systems | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plumbing Stoppages | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hot Water Heaters | ✓ | ✓ |
| Whirlpool Bathtubs | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ovens/Ranges/Stoves | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cooktops | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dishwashers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Built-in Microwaves | ✓ | ✓ |
| Garbage Disposals | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ceiling and Exhaust Fans | ✓ | ✓ |
| Garage Door Openers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Air Conditioning Systems | ✓ | |
| Refrigerators | ✓ | |
| Clothes Washers | ✓ | |
| Clothes Dryers | ✓ |
Note: Additional coverage is available for a pool/spa, well pump, sump pump, septic system, septic tank pumping, second fridge, and stand-alone freezer.
American Home Shield Coverage
As one of the largest and oldest home warranty companies in the U.S., American Home Shield offers affordable plans that accommodate different customers’ needs.
Here’s a detailed overview of how American Home Shield’s home warranty coverage differs across each plan based on their inclusions and exclusions:
| Covered Appliance or System | ShieldSilver | ShieldGold | ShieldPlatinum |
| Central air conditioning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heating | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ductwork | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Built-in exhaust, vent, and attic fans | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ceiling fans | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior electrical lines | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Main breaker and fuse panel box | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Doorbell | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Garage door openers | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior plumbing lines and stoppages | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hot water heaters | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Faucets and valves | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Toilets | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Whirlpool tub motor and components | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Refrigerators | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Freestanding ice maker | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Built-in microwaves | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Dishwashers | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Ovens | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Ranges and cooktops | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Garbage disposal | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Instant hot/cold water dispensers | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Clothes washer | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Clothes dryer | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Roof leak repairs | ✓ | ✓ |
Note: Coverage is available for additional home systems and appliances such as electronics, pool and/or spa, septic pump, and well pump.
Choice Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield Cost
When comparing the cost of Choice Home Warranty vs. AHS, both companies offer similar services, however, Choice Home Warranty’s service call fees are less expensive.
Choice Home Warranty Cost
Choice Home Warranty has a standard $60 service call fee. This is $60 per claim, regardless of the actual cost to repair or replace your broken system or appliance. It’s payable directly to the technicians. Your monthly premium will cost around $49.99 to $59.99 for a Choice Home Warranty.
| Plan | Plan cost per month | Plan cost per year | Service fee |
| Basic Plan | $45 | $560 | $85 |
| Total Plan | $53.33 | $660 | $85 |
American Home Shield Cost
Service fees will depend on the coverage plan selected. There are three service fee rates: $75, $100, and $125. These fees are determined at the same time the coverage plan is selected during sign-up. You can expect your monthly premium to cost between $36 and $44 for an AHS home warranty.
| Plan | Plan cost per month | Plan cost per year | Service fee |
| ShieldSilver | $34.99-$49.99 | $419.88-599.88 | $75-$125 |
| ShieldGold | $44.99-$59.99 | $539.88-$719.88 | $75-$125 |
| ShieldPlatinum | $59.99-$74.99 | $719.88-$899.88 | $75-$125 |
How Does Each Home Warranty Work?
A home warranty, also known as home appliance insurance or home repair insurance, is different from an insurance policy as it’s a service contract that covers major systems and appliances that need to be repaired and replaced. Choice Home Warranty and American Home Shield offer similar coverage and home warranties from both providers include the option for full coverage with multiple plan tiers to choose from and use clear contract language.
When it comes down to submitting a claim, the process is similar between Choice Home Warranty and AHS. Both companies have convenient customer service access and quick technician turnaround times.
Choice Home Warranty—Customers can log in to their online CHW portal to make a claim. A technician will be sent to the customer’s residence as soon as possible. Customers can also call if more immediate assistance is required.
American Home Shield—Contract holders can request service online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A technician is then assigned to diagnose the problem and offer a solution. The technician typically reaches the customer within 24 hours from the time the claim is made.
Policy Differences
American Home Shield and Choice Home Warranty each have minor limitations and exclusions, however it’s the responsibility of the consumer to thoroughly read the terms and conditions prior to signing.
Choice Home Warranty
Like American Home Shield, it’s important to review your CHW plan’s terms and conditions to ensure that you’re not surprised by any coverage gaps or extra charges. A home warranty with Choice Home Warranty starts 30 days after the contract is signed. This agreement is valid for 365 days. If the technician determines the appliance can’t be repaired, Choice Home Warranty will offer the contract holder a cash payment for the replacement cost.
American Home Shield
American Home Shield’s home warranty terms and conditions are not public—only contract holders can access the agreement. This makes it important to fully understand the terms and conditions before opting in to the policy.
There is a sample contract available on the AHS FAQ page that outlines everything that could be covered under a policy, however, this doesn’t guarantee it will be. It’s also important to know that even though an appliance or system is included, it doesn’t always mean your claim will be accepted.
States Served by Choice Home Warranty & American Home Shield
Choice Home Warranty covers 48 states, excluding California and Washington, and American Home Shield covers 49 states, excluding Alaska.
Service: Choice Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield
Both companies offer 24/7 customer service. With each company, you have the choice of utilizing an online portal or a customer service phone number to file claims.
Choice Home Warranty Service
Choice Home Warranty promises to initiate service with a contractor within four hours of your claim being filed. An approved technician will reach out to you with their name and phone number within 48 hours of your initial claim.
All services have a 90-day guarantee for parts and a 60-day guarantee for labor. If you have a trusted repair technician you like working with, you can seek approval from Choice Home Warranty to use them prior to service instead of a contractor appointed by CHW. Choice Home Warranty will not pay for repairs made by unauthorized technicians.
American Home Shield Service
Similar to Choice Home Warranty, American Home Shield will try to send a technician out to your home within 48 hours of receiving your claim. American Home Shield has one of the largest networks of approved technicians among home warranty providers, but it also allows its customers to use their own repair technicians with approval from the company.
Third-party service providers must be approved by American Home Shield in advance of repairs if you want to be reimbursed for service. The providers must be licensed and insured in your state. All repairs are backed by a 30-day guarantee through AHS.
Our Conclusion
While both home warranty companies have their advantages and disadvantages, Choice Home Warranty offers essentially the same services with lower service fees than American Home Shield.
Choice Home Warranty is best for:
- Those who want unlimited call center access
- Those who desire a transparent repair and replacement process
- Those who are wanting to choose from a large contractor network
- Those who want an affordable home warranty
What we don’t like about CHW:
- They don’t offer as much coverage nationwide like AHS does.
- They charge a $50 administrative fee if you cancel services.
American Home Shield is best for:
- Those who would like the option to choose from a variety of plans
- Those who want customizable coverage
- Those who want a trustworthy company with many years in the business
What we don’t like about AHS:
- Though they offer 24/7 customer support, contractors are available only during normal business hours.
- They’re slightly more expensive than CHW.
Home Warranty Resources
- What is a Home Warranty?
- How Much Do Home Warranties Cost?
- Is a Home Warranty Worth It for You?
- Do Your Appliances Need Extended Warranties?
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a home warranty work?
A home warranty protects major home systems and appliances, such as your air conditioning, refrigerator and dishwasher, when they break down from normal wear and tear and prevents you from paying for expensive repairs out of pocket. With a home warranty, you pay a monthly payment between $40 and $60, and repairs to covered items will be partially or completely covered by your home warranty provider. Instead of paying for a repair out of pocket, you’ll only need to cover a small service call fee, which ranges from $65–$125 depending on your provider
Which home warranty is the best?
Choice Home Warranty and American Home Shield are two top-rated home warranty providers in the industry. While Choice’s combo plan may be a little more affordable than American Home Shield’s combo plans, American Home Shield provides more coverage options than Choice Home Warranty. We ultimately recommend getting a free quote from both companies to see which company best fits your budget and coverage needs.
What is a service call fee?
A service call fee is a small payment made to the technician dispatched to your house. Most service call fees range from $65–$125, which is much cheaper than the price of repairs without a home warranty.
Do Choice Home Warranty and American Home Shield cover air conditioning?
Yes, both companies cover air conditioning. Choice Home Warranty covers air conditioning in its Total Plan, and American Home Shield covers air conditioning in its ShieldGold and ShieldPlatinum plans.
Reviews of Other Home Warranties
