Choice Home Warranty offers two quite comprehensive warranty packages to customers in all U.S. states except Washington. Although there are limited customization options, customers can add on coverage for appliances or systems such as pools, sump pumps, standalone freezers, septic systems and more. With affordable plans and straightforward service fees, Choice Home Warranty (CHW) made the Forbes Homes’ list of the best home warranty companies.
One of the biggest selling points with Choice Home Warranty is the simplicity and easy-to-understand nature of the coverage. There are just two plans—Basic and Total—and there is a flat $85 service fee.
Starting at $46.83 per month, the Basic Plan actually offers generous coverage. This includes the heating system, electrical system, plumbing system, most kitchen appliances, garage door opener, ceiling fans and more. For $54.75 per month, the Total Plan includes all of that plus the refrigerator, washer and dryer and air conditioning system.
Choice Home Warranty has modest TrustPilot and BBB ratings. Most complaints are related to poor communication and delays with service requests. There is free cancellation for the first 30 days of service. After that point, customers must pay a $50 cancellation fee.
Pros
- Affordable plans
- Clear coverage
- Free cancellation for 30 days
Cons
- Customers cannot pick the contractor
- Limited add-on options
- $50 cancellation fee after 30 days
Choice Home Warranty at a Glance
With 15 years in business, Choice Home Warranty operates in 49 states and Washington D.C.—the only exception as of 2024 is Washington state. The company offers two affordable plans with coverage for most parts of the house. However, plans cannot be customized, and there are fairly limited add-on options.
Choice Home Warranty does not require a home inspection to get coverage. Additionally, both home buyers and home sellers can get a plan. The company offers discounts for active military members and veterans. Finally, for customers with flexible start dates, Choice Home Warranty also has discounts tied to different holidays, such as one-month-free promotions on President’s Day and more.
Available Plans
Choice Home Warranty just offers two plans and does not permit customization. The upside is that both plans include fairly comprehensive coverage throughout the whole house, including expensive systems and appliances. The company does allow customers to add other systems and appliances to their plans, including pools and spas, central vacuums, well pumps, roof leaks, septic systems, second refrigerators and more.
Basic
At roughly $560 per year, the Basic Plan from Choice Home Warranty includes coverage for most major systems in the house as well as many appliances. The most notable exceptions are the refrigerator, washer and dryer, and air conditioning system. Exact rates vary by location, so interested parties should reach out to Choice Home Warranty for a quote.
Total
For approximately $660 per year—or $100 more than the Basic Plan—the Total Plan includes all the same elements as the entry-level option as well as the refrigerator, washer and dryer, and air conditioning unit. Because location affects rates, contact Choice Home Warranty for a quote specific to you.
Covered Items | Basic Plan | Total Plan |
---|---|---|
Heating units
| X
| X
|
Cooling units
| X
| |
Air exchanger
| NA
| NA
|
Ducts
| X
| X
|
Interior plumbing
| X
| X
|
Interior electrical wiring
| X
| X
|
Water heater
| X
| X
|
Sump pump
| ||
Garage door opener
| X
| X
|
Refrigerator
| X
| |
Trash compactor
| ||
Built-in microwave
| X
| X
|
Dishwasher
| X
| X
|
Central vacuum
| X
| |
Garbage disposal
| X
| X
|
Range/oven/cooktop
| X
| X
|
Washing machine
| X
| |
Dryer
| X
|
Other Benefits
Customers with unique or specific warranty concerns can opt to add-on coverage of certain items through Choice Home Warranty. The fees for the add-on coverage varies, so, again, it’s best to get a quote for your circumstances from the company.
The options for add-on coverage include:
- Pool and spa
- Central vacuum
- Second refrigerator
- Well pump
- Limited roof leak
- Stand-alone freezer
- Sump pump
- Septic system
- Septic tank pumping
Choice Home Warranty extends plans to home sellers and also has a program for real estate professionals. The company offers discounts to members of the military and veterans. There are also frequent holiday or seasonal discounts, such as the option to ger one month free with a one-year contract.
Choice Home Warranty State Availability
Choice Home Warranty is available throughout the United States excluding Washington. There are unique terms and conditions for residents of California and Georgia, and those specifics are detailed on the company’s website.
Fine Print
Because the two plans from Choice Home Warranty are not customizable outside of the add-ons, you may pay more for coverage than is necessary if the appliances and systems in the plan do not match your needs.
Like most home warranty providers, there are limitations to what Choice Home Warranty covers. For example, the company notes that it does not cover “known or unknown” pre-existing conditions. Although the company does cover appliances and systems of any age in “good working condition” that are properly maintained, the caveat about pre-existing conditions is important to note.
In the instance that a replacement for a covered item is unavailable, the company will issue a cash payment. However, Choice Home Warranty notes that the cash payment may be less than the retail cost.Customers can cancel a plan without incurring a penalty within the first 30 days. After that, there is a $50 cancellation fee.
Plan Pricing
Prices for plans from Choice Home Warranty are affected by the size of the home and geographic location. The rate for the Basic Plan ranges from $46.83 to $69 per month while the Total Plan ranges from $54.75 to $85 per month. Optional add-ons cost between $45 and $180 per year per inclusion.
Choice Home Warranty Plan | Cost Per Month |
---|---|
Basic plan
| $46.83 – $69
|
Total plan
| $54.75 – $85
|
Choice Home Warranty charges a flat $85 service fee. This applies to every claim regardless of the repair or replacement cost. Most home warranties companies charge service fees and the rates are often variable.
Payout Limitations
Per the sample agreement from Choice Home Warranty, there is an annual cap of $3,000 per item. In other words, if your repair or replacement costs more than $3,000, you will have to pay the difference.
There are also limits for add-on items. For example, for leaky roof add-on protection, there is a $500 limit. The company also does not cover cosmetic repair or replacement and there are specific exclusions for systems and appliances.
As is typically standard for warranty providers, Choice Home Warranty does not cover damages caused by severe weather, burglary or other acts of nature. The good news is that these damages are typically covered by homeowners’ insurance plans, so you are best protected when you have both home insurance and a home warranty.
How Choice Home Warranty Stacks Up
Is Choice Home Warranty The Right Home Warranty Company for You?
If you’re looking for full-house coverage with straightforward plans, Choice Home Warranty is a good option. Consistent discounts for military members and veterans make for an even better deal. Seasonal and holiday sales can also help new customers save on service.
Best Home Warranty Companies By State
Methodology
To determine the home warranty companies ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 54 companies, with each company’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics and subcategories, including:
Pricing (17%)
When looking at pricing, we looked at subcategories such as example pricing as shown on the website, instant quotes and highest and lowest service fees.
What’s Included in Coverage (12%)
The number of covered items in the policies and the number of optional items available for coverage determined the included coverage rating.
Credibility and Customer Satisfaction (19%)
Credibility and customer satisfaction ratings were determined by each company’s BBB grade, accreditation, reviews, complaints and the number of years in business, as well as consumer ratings on Trustpilot and Google Maps.
Customer Support (4%)
When ranking each company on customer support, we looked at service request methods and availability.
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Sign-up and Restrictions (8%)
Sign-up and restriction ratings were based on the number of plans available, whether or not an inspection is required, available contract terms and whether or not age is a factor for denying system coverage.
Option to Pick Your Own Technician (5%)
Category rating was based on whether customers have the option of choosing their technician or if the company assigns one.
Contract Cancelation (5%)
We looked at any fees or penalties resulting from discontinuing coverage before the company’s threshold.
Discount Availability (3%)
Discount ratings for each company were determined by the availability of veteran or military discounts and any sign-up price reductions.
Property Types Covered (3%)
When rating for property types covered, we examined coverage availability for homes such as mobile or manufactured houses, condos and rental properties in addition to typical single-family home coverage.
Nationwide Availability (19%)
Ratings for nationwide availability includes the number of states plus DC in which coverages are available.
Other Editorial Judgment Points (5%)
We added or removed additional points based on average service fees and customer representative responsiveness.
All figures and facts were accurate at the time of first publication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does a Choice Home Warranty last?
Periods are specified per policy but are typically 365 days. Plans are renewable but subject to renewal terms.
How do I request a service from Choice Home Warranty?
Customers can make claims through the online account center or by calling the phone line, which is open 24/7.
Does Choice Home Warranty replace AC?
Yes, customers may be eligible for air conditioning unit replacements. Air conditioning units are covered by the Total Plan. There are a number of exclusions related to air conditioning units noted in the user agreement.
How much is Choice Home Warranty monthly?
The monthly cost for Choice Home Warranty ranges from $46.83 to $85 based on the plan, size of the home and geographic location.
Does Choice Home Warranty cover plumbing issues?
Yes, plumbing systems are covered by both the Basic and Total plans from Choice Home Warranty. Exclusions include blockages caused by broken drains, sewer lines outside the main foundation, water purification systems, cosmetic damage and more. The full list of plumbing exclusions is in the user agreement.
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