Choice Home Warranty
4.3
Choice offers two warranty plan options for your home’s major systems and appliances. Each plan;s cost is low compared to other top providers. With a monthly rate of less than $55, Choice Home Warranty offers some of the most affordable home warranty options.
The table below shows the coverages for each of LHG’s policies:
This Choice Home Warranty (CHW) review assesses everything you could think of to determine if buying a home warranty with Choice is worth your money or not.
Choice serves more than 1,650,000 homes across the U.S. This company is among the more experienced in the industry, having processed more than 5 million service requests since its inception in 2009.
The company has a vast service network made up of more than 25,000 contractors, and each service provider has knowledgeable technicians ready to come to your aid should one of your major home systems break down.
Our Review of Choice Home Warranty
As I mentioned in the opening paragraph, Choice Home Warranty has processed over 5 million service requests since its founding in 2009. But, there are a lot of negative reviews of Choice, so what’s the deal? Are they good or not?
To answer that question, you’ll notice I first cover the high-level pros and cons for Choice, then dive into what we like and don’t like about the company, briefly touch on the state availability so you know if CHW covers your state, and I wrap up the review with a recap of our assigned scores.
Best Home Warranty Companies of 2023
This review focuses on Choice Home Warranty, but Today’s Homeowner recommends several other home warranty companies based on different needs, these include special plans like senior citizens’ home warranty plan. and veterans there are also warranties for specific home appliances like water heaters and other important items in your home.
Below you’ll see the latest preferred home warranty providers and their unique superlatives.
Compare the Best Home Warranty Companies
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 |
Pros and Cons of Choice Home Warranty
In this section, we cover the high-level pros and cons for the review. These are more general in nature and observational points as we conduct our review.
Our Review Scores For Choice Home Warranty
Below is our quantitative scoring breakdown for Choice Home Warranty. You can see there is an ‘average’ represented by the gray line, and what CHW scored is represented by the green line. Its reputation for service isn’t great which resulted in scoring well below our review average. We were impressed by their claims process and how easy it was to get in touch with someone, so we added points there. Click here for more on how these scores were calculated.
What We Like and Don’t Like About Choice Home Warranty
As someone reading a review of Choice Home Warranty, you’re probably looking for a top home warranty provider that gives you the coverage you need at the most affordable price. Keep reading to learn more about our research approach and why we recommend Choice Home Warranty. We dive into what we like and don’t like about the company in the context of different areas of the business.
Choice Home Warranty offers two plan options for homeowners: the Total Plan and the Basic Plan. While the Basic Plan covers most systems and appliances — except your A/C unit, refrigerator, washer and dryer — the Total Plan offers coverage for nearly everything you need.
Choice Home Warranty does not offer as many coverage add-on options as some of our other providers. However, it does offer coverage for additional systems you may want in your home, such as a pool, spa or central vacuum.
Affordability is one of the categories in which Choice Home Warranty scores the best. Both of the company’s warranty plans are affordable, costing less than $60 per month. Customers can also add additional services and systems to the Basic Plan for less than $15 per unit, which is one of the most affordable add-on options we’ve found with any home warranty provider.
Additionally, Choice Home Warranty will always charge you the same $85 service call fee if you need a technician to come to your home for a repair.
You can also cancel your warranty within 30 days if you are not satisfied with the service.
Choice Home Warranty’s $85 service fee is not the cheapest option among our home warranty providers. But while other providers offer a tiered fee, Choice Home Warranty’s set rate ensures you will not have any unexpected financial surprises if a repair is needed.
Choice Home Warranty scores well in the customer experience category because of its 24/7 customer support and accessibility of representatives. The company also earned points due to its short 30-day waiting period, 60-day workmanship guarantee and 90-day parts guarantee.
It’s easy to get a quote from Choice Home Warranty online. Once you submit your information on the company’s website, you will be taken to a quote page where you can see your coverage options. You can also expect company representatives to call after you submit a quote request. In our reviewer’s experience, representatives are very helpful and offer further discounts on your home warranty plan. The company also lets you view a sample contract online, so you have a better idea of the total cost before purchasing your warranty.
While Choice Home Warranty’s online quote is not overly detailed, you can at least see what each plan covers. However, you can not immediately compare costs like you can with other home warranty providers. You’ll instead need to go to the checkout page to see your total home warranty cost.
While Choice Home Warranty’s weakest category is reputation, the company has a 4.7-star rating on Glassdoor, indicating that employees like working there. Current and former employees report fair pay and good working conditions. A company is only as good as the well-being of its employees, so this is a good indicator of the company’s values and work culture.
Not only does Choice Home Warranty have a D+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), but the company’s rating on Google Reviews is only 1.1 stars.
The BBB also points to lawsuits involving Choice Home Warranty that are currently under investigation, including a case filed by the Arizona Attorney General in 2019. Some customers claim that Choice Home Warranty is a fraudulent company that makes false promises to customers.
Choice Home Warranty offers several ways to file a claim if a covered item breaks or malfunctions in your home, including online or by phone. The company also offers 24/7 customer support, 365 days a year.
Many Choice Home Warranty customers report a fast and effective claims process, with repairs successfully completed by knowledgeable technicians. However, other customers state the opposite experience, reporting long wait and repair times.
In its sample service contract, Choice Home Warranty states that a service provider should get back to you within four hours of filing a claim. However, depending on the provider, it can take up to 48 hours.
As mentioned above, some customers also complain about how Choice Home Warranty handles claims, including long response times, unexpected charges and unresolved repairs.
Choice Home Warranty — based in Edison, New Jersey — is available in 48 states and excludes only Washington and California. Since Choice Home Warranty is available throughout most of the U.S., it performs well and receives full marks in this category.
Due to service exclusions, homeowners in Washington and California can not purchase Choice Home Warranty coverage.
State Availability of Choice Home Warranty
Below we provide a map visual to show you where Choice Home Warranty has coverage and where it does not. Given CHW has been around since 2009, they cover most of the U.S. with the exception of Washington and California.
Video Overview of Home Warranties
Below we pulled out a video we thought would help give you an overview if home warranties like with Choice are worth it.
Choice Home Warranty Plans, Costs, and Coverage
This provider offers two home warranty plan options to cover your major systems and appliances. The cost of each plan is low compared to other providers on our top lists. With a monthly rate of less than $55, Choice Home Warranty offers some of the most affordable home warranty options.
Basic Plan | Total Plan |
$46.83/mo | $54.75/mo |
Both plans cover multiple home systems and appliances — the Total Plan covers 18 systems and appliances in your home, whereas the Basic Plan covers 14 under its monthly premium.
The chart below outlines in more detail the systems and appliances covered by each home warranty plan.
Basic Plan | Total Plan | |
Heating and Cooling | ||
Air Conditioner | X | ✓ |
Heating Unit | ✓ | ✓ |
Ductwork | ✓ | ✓ |
Electrical Systems | ||
Built-in Exhaust, Vent & Attic Fan | ✓ | ✓ |
Main Breaker & Fuse Panel Box | ✓ | ✓ |
Doorbell & Chimes | ✓ | ✓ |
Interior Electrical Lines | ✓ | ✓ |
Ceiling Fan | ✓ | ✓ |
Garage Door Opener | ✓ | ✓ |
Plumbing Systems & Accessories | ||
Water Heater | ✓ | ✓ |
Interior Plumbing Lines | ✓ | ✓ |
Toilets | ✓ | ✓ |
Faucets & Valves | ✓ | ✓ |
Whirlpool Bathtub Motor & Components | ✓ | ✓ |
Kitchen Appliances | ||
Refrigerators | X | ✓ |
Ranges/Cooktops | ✓ | ✓ |
Ovens | ✓ | ✓ |
Dishwashers | ✓ | ✓ |
Built-in Microwaves | ✓ | ✓ |
Garbage Disposal | ✓ | ✓ |
Instant Hot/Cold Water Dispenser | X | X |
Laundry Appliances | ||
Washers | X | ✓ |
Dryers | X | ✓ |
Roof | ||
Roof Leak Repair | Add-on | Add-on |
What Optional Add-ons Does Choice Home Warranty Offer?
While the Total Plan covers most essential home systems and appliances, it does not cover every option. If you have an exclusive system such as a pool, spa or central vacuum, you will have to purchase add-on coverage to your Choice Home Warranty service agreement.
The good news is Choice Home Warranty’s add-ons are among the cheapest of all home warranty providers. The price per month for this optional coverage can be found in the table below.
Add-on | Cost per Month |
Pool | $15 |
Spa | $15 |
Additional Spa | $15 |
Limited Roof Leak | $5.83 |
Central Vacuum | $3.33 |
Second Refrigerator | $3.33 |
Septic System | $10 |
Septic Tank Pumping | $5.42 |
Well Pump | $8.33 |
Sump Pump | $3.33 |
Stand Alone Freezer | $3.33 |
Sprinkler System | $8.33 |
Does Choice Home Warranty Have Any Exclusions?
As with all home warranty companies, Choice Home Warranty does have limitations to its home appliance coverage.
In its sample contract online, the company lists several home appliances that have complete coverage, including:
- Clothes dryer
- Clothes washer
- Built-in microwave
- Oven/range/cooktop
- Dishwasher
- Garbage disposal
- Refrigerator (except audio/visual equipment and WiFi components)
- Ceiling fan
Other home systems and appliances — like your water heater, HVAC, electrical system and plumbing system — have some limitations. However, you can count on coverage for most major system parts. Below, we outline which parts are excluded from Choice Home Warranty coverage.
- Water heater: Excludes fuel tanks, vents, flues, thermal expansion tanks, energy management systems, units over 75 gallons and secondary holding tanks
- HVAC: Excludes window units, outside/underground pipes, fuel storage tanks, portable units, refrigerant line sets, fuel storage tanks, clogged ductwork and well pumps
- Electrical system: Excludes circuit overload, face plates, solar panel systems, generators and energy management systems
- Plumbing system: Excludes stoppages caused by broken drain outside home’s main foundation, bathtubs, sinks, showers, shower base pan/enclosure, toilet lid and seat, jets, caulking, septic tanks, water filtration systems, holding or storage tanks and saunas
- Garage door opener: Excludes garage door and door track assemblies
Does Choice Home Warranty Have Any Coverage Limits?
Choice Home Warranty limits coverage to $3,000 per item within your contract. So if it costs $2,700 to repair your air conditioning system or bathroom exhaust fan, you will still have $3,000 for repairs to your dishwasher or other covered appliances.
However, the coverage limits for add-ons may differ from the home systems and appliances covered under your base warranty plan. Pools, spas, central vacuum, sump pumps and stand-alone freezers do not have limited coverage, but the items listed below do have different coverage limits.
Home Appliance | Coverage Limit |
Well Pump | Up to $500 |
Limited Roof Leak | Up to $500 |
Septic Tank Pumping | Up to $250 |
Septic System | Up to $500 |
Sprinkler System | Up to $500 |
Stand Alone Ice Maker | Up to $500 |
Trash Compactor | Up to $500 |
How to File a Claim With Choice Home Warranty
To file a claim with Choice Home Warranty, you can either go online and submit a request or call the company’s 24/7 home service line. Submit your claim as soon as your home system or appliances malfunctions by following these instructions:
Keep in mind that you must submit a service request as soon as you notice that your home system or appliance has malfunctioned. Choice Home Warranty does not provide reimbursement for home repairs done without prior approval.
FAQs About Choice Home Warranty
Is Choice Home Warranty legitimate?
Choice Home Warranty is a legitimate home warranty provider that will connect you to service technicians and help cover the cost should something break down in your home. Many Choice Home Warranty customers report positive experiences with the company, but others have had some issues with coverage.
Does Choice Home Warranty cover pre-existing conditions?
Choice Home Warranty does not cover pre-existing conditions, which are issues discovered before your warranty purchase. You need to wait at least 30 days from when you purchase your warranty before filing a claim.
Does Choice Home Warranty cover roof leaks?
Choice Home Warranty will cover roof leaks for an additional monthly cost. This add-on coverage will cover up to $500 in roof leak damage.
Does Choice Home Warranty require a home inspection?
Choice Home Warranty does not require a home inspection. All you have to do is get a free quote, purchase your warranty and wait the 30-day waiting period.
How do Choice Home Warranty home warranties work?
First, you should request and receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, then you can purchase a plan. After the 30-day waiting period, you can submit claims for your covered home systems or appliances. Once a claim is submitted, the company will send a service provider to your home to assess any damage and repair or replace your system or appliance.
Do I need Choice Home Warranty coverage if I have homeowners insurance?
While homeowners insurance is required to own your home, home warranties are optional. Home insurance covers damage and loss of property, whereas a home warranty covers the cost to fix home systems and appliances should they fail.
How do you cancel a Choice Home Warranty policy?
If you want to cancel your home warranty plan, call the company’s 24/7 customer service line and a representative will talk you through your options.
Methodology: How We Reviewed Choice Home Warranty
To help consumers like you choose the best home warranty companies for your home, we dive deep into every top-rated home warranty company and rate them based on six factors. Once we research a company and have gathered all our data, we use the following scoring system to grade each home warranty company on a 100-point scale. We then convert the score to a 5-star rating.
- Plans + Coverage Options (24 Possible Points): Since every customer has different needs and a different budget, we award more points to providers that offer more plans and greater flexibility. Choice Home Warranty offers two great plans at an excellent price and has some of the cheapest add-on options, so it does well in this category.
- Affordability (22.5 Possible Points): Affordability is an important factor because many homeowners choose home warranties to avoid high payments for home appliance repairs. We evaluate each company based on the cost of its plans and additional services, service call fees and cancellation terms. Choice Home Warranty earned high marks in this category because it has some of the best prices of our top home warranty companies.
- Customer Experience (18.5 Possible Points): Your experience as a customer is important, including the support you receive when contacting your home warranty provider. We gauge overall support by looking at customer reviews, conducting homeowner surveys and analyzing the quotes process. Choice Home Warranty scores well in this category due to its 24/7 customer support, friendly and accessible representatives and straightforward quote process.
- Company Reputation (17.5 Possible Points): A company’s reputation is a combination of reviews from customers and reputable organizations like the BBB. We also take into account the years of experience a company has, how satisfied its employees are and any past or pending lawsuits. Choice Home Warranty does not score well in this category because it has a D+ rating with the BBB and is currently under legal investigation.
- Claims Process (12.5 Possible Points): In this category, we look at the overall claims process, including how easy it is to file a claim and a company’s response time. While Choice Home Warranty offers multiple ways to file a claim and round-the-clock customer service, customer reviews are mixed in terms of the quality of the claims process.
- Availability (5 points): Availability refers to how many states and locations a company serves. Choice Home Warranty offers comprehensive coverage throughout most of the U.S., so it does well in this category.