Choice Home Warranty Review (2022)

Choice Home Warranty (CHW) provides comprehensive home protection plans that guard against the high cost of repairing or replacing major home systems and appliances. Choice Home Warranty is one of the best home warranty companies available in the industry; it has been in operation since 2008 and offers 24/7 customer support to its policyholders.  CHW is available in every state except for Washington, serving over 1 million households across the U.S.

Our Take on Choice Home Warranty

This New Jersey-based company has fulfilled over 3 million service requests over the last 13 years. In that time, Choice has accumulated dozens of consumer reviews and built a network of hundreds of service professionals around the country.  

House Method’s experts rate home warranty providers on several factors including monthly premiums, service fees, customer service reviews, coverage, experience, coverage limits, and more. We rated Choice Home Warranty a 9.7/10 as the best overall home warranty option because of its simplistic contracts and plans, affordable policies, nationwide availability, and proven customer satisfaction.

Choice Home Warranty Pros and Cons

✓ Over 10 years of experience

✓ 24/7 customer service team

✓ Home inspections aren’t required

✓ 90-day repair guarantee

✘ Plans aren’t customizable

✘ Customers can’t choose their own contractor

✘ Not available in Washington

Choice Home Warranty Coverage and Plans

Choice Home Warranty offers two policy options: the Basic Plan and the Total Plan. Both of these plan options offer comprehensive coverage on both home systems and home appliances and come under $55 per month. However, the Basic Plan covers only 13 major home items, making it more of a value plan. If you’re a homeowner looking for broader coverage, then the Total Plan is the best option. The Total Plan covers more essential home items like your clothes washer and dryer, air conditioner, refrigerator, and heating.

CHW is also a home warranty industry leader in claim acceptance. The industry average claim denial rate is 10%, but Choice lands at exactly half of that at only denying 5% of claims. You can log in to your online account center and submit a claim at any time. CHW will contact a service provider within two days of your claim during regular business hours and within four days on weekends and holidays. This means that it could take anywhere between 48–96 hours before you receive any service on your broken system and appliance.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a landlord of rental properties, a seasoned homeowner, a real estate agent, or a home seller, Choice has a plan option that will suit your needs.

Choice Home Warranty Plans

Add-on Options From CHW

Add-on coverages are extra items in your home that you can add to your home warranty policy for an additional fee. Many home warranty providers offer the same add-on options—such as roof coverage or swimming pool coverage—but have different fees associated with them. Many providers also give you the option to add these optional coverages to your policy when signing up, but each add-on has an individual cost and it varies from item to item. Be sure to thoroughly check over your service contract to know what is and what isn’t covered by your home warranty.

Optional add-ons available for coverage:

• Swimming pool
• Spa
• Septic system
• Well pump
• Limited roof leak
• Septic tank pumping
• Sump pump
• Central vacuum
• Stand-alone freezer
• Second Refrigerator

Coverage Details For Top Systems and Appliance

Air Conditioning

Choice Home Warranty covers all parts and components for up to two units below 13 SEER. The units must be permanently installed in order for CHW’s technicians to service the unit; the company does not cover portable or window units. Customers can purchase a separate device insurance plan if they want coverage on mobile A/C units. The annual maximum for an air conditioning system replacement or repair is $3,000. CHW will not cover maintenance on registers or grills.

CHW will not service commercial-use A/C units as they must be for residential use only. Most home warranty providers, not just Choice, will not service commercial-use air conditioning units. Central A/C must not have more than a 5-ton capacity.

Heating Systems

CHW’s contracts cover all parts and components necessary for the heating system’s operation. This excused outside/underground piping, radiators, valves, baseboards casings, filters, solar heating systems, clocks, timers, fireplaces, wood stoves, grills, or chimneys. Heating sources not classified as a heating system will not be covered; however, all parts that would fall under a routine repair will likely be covered. Choice will not cover sediment build-up for hot water heaters.

There is a $3,000 annual limit on heating system coverage.

Plumbing Systems & Stoppages

Plumbing systems typically require a professional plumber to address any significant issues. However, CHW will cover leaks and breaks in the water, drain, gas, waste, or vent line as long as it was not caused by freezing or roots. CHW will also cover stoppages/clogs in sewer lines up to 100 feet from the access point, permanently installed interior sump pumps, toilet tanks and bowls, and built-in whirlpool bathtub motors. Choice’s contracts will not cover the removal of water closets, slab leaks, hose bibs, faucets and fixtures, sinks, or stoppages that a cable cannot clear. This exclusion is typical of a home warranty service and not unique to Choice Home Warranty’s policies.

Plumbing systems have an annual coverage limit of up to $500, while plumbing stoppages have a limit reaching $3,000 per year.

Washers and Dryers

Washers and Dryers are both covered under the Total Plan policy option. Each unit has an annual limit of up to $3,000, $6,000 total combined. The contract will cover all components and parts necessary to the function of clothes washers and dryers. CHW excludes coverage on noise, venting, lint screens, doors, and knobs, as these are not necessary for operation.

Oven/Stove/Range

Under a CHW plan, ovens, ranges, stoves, and cooktops that are gas, electric, built-in, portable, or free-standing are covered. The parts of these appliances that aren’t covered include clocks, rotisseries, racks, handles, knobs, door seals, doors, hinges, lighting and handles, glass, and meat probe assemblies. The oven/stove/range coverage cap is $3,000.

Electrical Systems

Choice Home Warranty covers up to $500 per year on electrical systems. All necessary components and parts, including built-in bathroom exhaust fans, are included in the electrical coverage. Choice does not cover fixtures, intercoms, smoke detectors, improperly installed wiring, or solar components like most other home warranty companies. Consult your homeowner’s insurance company if you need coverage on your electrical system due to a natural disaster.

Refrigerator

Your refrigerator is covered under Choice Home Warranty’s Total Plan. All components and parts, including the freezer unit, are a part of the refrigerator coverage. All cosmetic parts, like racks, shelves, and lights, are not included in the contract because they are not essential to the fridge’s function. Choice’s warranties cover refrigerators up to an annual limit of $3,000 per contract term.

Choice Home Warranty Coverage Exclusions

Choice Home Warranty has several exclusions associated with its service contracts. CHW will not cover the following:

• Pre-existing conditions
• Cosmetic damage or items like handles, doors, shelves, and rollers
• Damage caused by neglect or improper maintenance, such as rust or corrosion
• Intentional damage
• Damage caused by natural disasters such as fires, theft, floods, or storms

Choice Home Warranty Pricing

Many homeowners struggle to justify purchasing a home warranty because of the monthly costs; however, Choice Home Warranty’s monthly premiums are much lower than the industry average, and the service fees are very affordable. Unfortunately, CHW’s fees are payments are not customizable. Both the Total Plan and the Basic Plan will cost homeowners under $55 per month. This low payment makes just two or three home repairs worth the cost. Here is the average cost for a Choice Home Warranty policy:

Add-on Costs

The add-ons from Choice Home Warranty range from $40-$180 per year, which evens out to $3.33-$15 added to each monthly payment. The cost varies depending on the item and how much it would typically cost to repair or replace the item out-of-pocket. Pools and spas are in the higher price range, while stand-alone freezers and central vacuums are on the lower end.

Service Fees

The service fee from Choice Home Warranty is $85 per visit. The typical service fee usually falls between $75-$125, so this is almost right at the industry standard. Choice does not allow its policyholders to customize service fees as some other home warranty providers do.

Coverage Length and Limits

Considering the low monthly payments, you get excellent value in the annual limits. Most items covered under one of CHW’s contracts come with a coverage limit of up to $3,000 per year; this includes HVAC, ceiling fans, garbage disposals, heating, microwave, oven, refrigerator, and more. Some other items, such as ductwork and heating, come with lower limits of $500 per term. This is still a great deal considering the lower monthly payments.

Coverage starts 30 days after Choice receives and accepts your application and payment. Coverage will continue for a year from that start date. You may be able to get coverage before the 30-day period if you can provide proof of prior coverage and show no lapses in coverage. Additionally, as long as your major appliances and systems are in good working order and properly maintained, Choice doesn’t deny coverage based on the age of your home.

CHW Cancellation Policy

Choice Home Warranties policies come usable 30 days after you sign a contract. There is a 30-day grace period where customers can cancel contracts with a refund minus the $50 cancellation fee. If you are on a month-to-month payment plan, you can cancel your home warranty policy at any time – you have to send in a cancellation letter with your $50 cancellation fee and your payment for the last month.

State Availability

Want to know if your state is covered by Choice? Choice Home Warranty offers home warranty policies in 49 states except for Washington. If you want to see the best options for where you live, click on your state below:

Choice Home Warranty Reviews

As a consumer, you probably don’t have the time to sit around and sift through the hundreds of Choice Home Warranty reviews and feedback left by customers. At House Method, we’ve gone through user complaints, reviews, and ratings of each home warranty company and compiled that information. Our experts rated each home warranty provider based on a set of factors, including customer satisfaction, consumer support, overall costs, annual coverage limits, state availability, and more.

Below, we’ve included ratings from reviews across the internet and compared them to the industry average:

Choice Home Warranty Customer Reviews

Reading customer reviews is an excellent way to get an idea of how a company treats its current or previous customers. You can discover what real people have to say about the quality of service and customer experience. Most people applaud Choice Home Warranty for its excellent customer service, but some of the negative reviews complain of claim denial.

Choice Home Warranty has a B rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and is rated “great” (3.9/5) on Trustpilot. We recommend taking online customer rating with a pinch of salt, as most people only write a review when they’ve had a negative experience.

Here are a few of the BBB reviews from CHW customers:

Joanna W. said:

We have been with Choice Home Warranty since January 2017. We have found them to be excellent in sales, customer service and repair companies. My daughter bought a house that had a home warranty company in place. Her air conditioning broke. It took 3 weeks to get it repaired. Choice Home warranty sent the repairman the next day and our repair was completed to our complete satisfaction !

Tommie S. said: 

I have been with Choice for a couple of years now and the service has been great. We have had electrical work, plumbing work and a couple of appliances worked on. I would recommend them to anyone shopping around for a warranty company.

Andrew K. said: 

I switched to Choice after an issue with another company. They were fine for small claims but when something of value needed to be repaired or replaced, they found an excuse not to pay and would not accept any factual evidence in the arbitration process. Additionally, and this was my foolish mistake, I signed a multi-year policy which they canceled while I tried to reclaim my losses. It really seems kind of scamish to me.

Donna L. said:

Very prompt service. The plumber they dispatched was very professional, knowledgeable, and answered all of my questions. Choice followed up with me to ensure that I was happy with the service. Happy client here!

Final Thoughts on Choice Home Warranty

As one of the leading home warranty companies in the industry, Choice Home Warranty provides excellent customer service and decent coverage at an affordable cost—factors we think are necessary to have a positive home warranty experience. With two plans under $54 per month, low-end service fees, and annual limits upwards of $3,000, CHW is great for those on a budget. Whether you’re located on the west coast in California or Arizona, or out on the east coast in New York or Florida, we believe that CHW is an excellent choice for any homeowner.

We believe CHW is a good choice for you if…

• you own an older home—The company doesn’t deny coverage based on the age of your home or its systems and appliances, as long as you’ve taken good care of them. Choice also doesn’t require you to get a home inspection before getting coverage.
• your refrigerator is on the fritz—Freon is fully covered whereas most companies charge $10 per pound.
• you want a basic plan—Choice provides a Basic Plan that includes both appliances and systems and a Total Plan for more comprehensive coverage.

Although the costs listed above are accurate prices for Choice Home Warranty plans, other factors—like location, size, and type of home—can influence the cost of your policy. We recommend getting a quote from Choice with your zip code to get an accurate estimate. Visit the CHW site or call the phone number 929-400-6164 for your customized quote.

Compare Choice Home Warranty to Other Home Warranty Companies

*Note: The cost of premiums will vary depending on the plan, location, and service fee selected.

Choice Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield

• Choice Home Warranty has cheaper policies.
• AHS covered pre-existing conditioners and rust/corrosion damage.
• CHW vs AHS plans: CHW only has two plan options, AHS has three.
• AHS offers customizable pricing.
• CHW doesn’t cover Washington, AHS doesn’t cover Alaska.

Choice Home Warranty vs. Select Home Warranty

• Both companies have low monthly premiums
• Select offers an appliance-only and a systems-only plan
• Select Home Warranty has a lower service fee
• Choice Home Warranty has high annual coverage limits

Choice Home Warranty vs. First American Home Warranty

• First American is not available in 16 states
• Both companies offer a service fee of $85
• Both companies offer two combo plans
• Choice Home Warranty’s policies cover air conditioning

Company information

• Company name: Choice Home Warranty
• Company type: Private
• CEO: Victor Mandalawi
• Founding date: 5/18/2008
• Years in business: 13 years
• Telephone: 929-400-6164
• Address: 1090 King Georges Post Road, Edison, NJ 08837
• State availability: 49 states
• Service fee: $85
• BBB rating: B
• BBB accreditation: No
• Number of BBB complaints closed within last 3 years: 7,549

House Method Home Warranty Ranking Methodology

At House Method, transparency and trust are our most important values for the reader. That’s why we took the time to create an objective rating system and score each home warranty provider according to our methodology.

We’ve done the homework for you and have researched over 50 home warranty companies so you can have the information you need to make the best choice for your home. Additionally, transparency and trust are our most important values for the reader.

That’s why we took the time to create an objective rating system and score each home warranty provider according to our methodology. Our team spent hours on the phone speaking to representatives from each home warranty company to get information right from the source. We also dug into the fine print on each company’s service agreement to make sure no detail was left out.

To make the most of our research, we developed a formula to objectively determine the best home warranty companies based on the following criteria:

• Plans: Do they provide a variety of plan options? We looked at the number of plans each company offered and the flexibility of adjusting the plan.
• Prices: How reasonable are the monthly fees and service fees in comparison to the industry average? We compared the costs of each company to competitors.
• Coverage: How many items are covered in each plan? We looked at the number of items each company covers. We dig into all service contracts available to get all the details.
• Customer service: How is the customer experience when calling the providers? Based on our phone calls, we were able to judge each company’s customer service.
• Trust: What do customers rate the company? We looked into what customers are saying about their experience with the company.
• Nationwide availability: How many states does the company cover? We found the number of states covered by each company.
• Unique perks: Does the company offer discounts or cover special items? We looked for perks offered by each company that sets them apart from the competition.

How do we keep our data up to date?

We want to make sure we’re providing you, the consumer, with the most current data available for every home warranty company we’ve researched and rated. That takes significant effort but we feel that’s vital to providing you thorough and trustworthy reviews.

With that in mind, we have dedicated staff members who regularly update our database of home warranty research.

For those that want to come home to a house that is comfortable and functioning, a home warranty makes a lot of sense. For the price that a home warranty is offered, you will quickly learn that it is indeed a good value. At an average of around $40 per month, your policy will cost you just under $500 per year.

If you have ever had an appliance or a home system that needs repair, you probably understand quite well that you will quickly reach that $500 mark to get your home back up and running. Take your time to carefully consider your home warranty options, check around for discounts and then give yourself the peace of mind that you deserve.

For more details, check out our affiliate disclosure and rating methodology.