Select Home Warranty Review (2022)

Select Home Warranty is a top-rated home warranty company that offers affordable coverage options to homeowners in every state but four. In addition to premiums and service fees well below the industry standard, Select is known for including free roof leak coverage in its plans rather than making policyholders pay for it as an add-on option.

With affordable pricing, fair coverage caps, and three plans to choose from, Select Home Warranty is easily ranked as one of the best home warranty companies in the industry.

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Pros and Cons of Select Home Warranty

Pros

✓ Only charges a service fee of $60, whereas other companies charge up to $125

✓ New joiners will receive $150 off their premium plus two free months of coverage

✓ Free roof leak repairs (a $99+ value)

✓ All repairs and replacements are backed by a 90-day workmanship warranty

Cons

X Claims must be filed within three days of discovering the issue

X Lower-than-average coverage caps compared to competing providers

Our Expert  Take on Select Home Warranty

We scored Select Home Warranty with a 9.5 out of 10, earning its spot at the top of our list for having the most cost-effective home warranty plans in the industry. With overall low plan pricing, a generous spread of first-time customer discounts, and one of the cheapest service fees on the market, Select is the best home warranty company for homeowners looking to save big.

House Method surveyed 800+  homeowners on which factors they found most important when considering a home warranty. Here’s how Select Home Warranty fairs in relation to the top priorities of real homeowners:

• 33% marked cost as the first factor they consider when comparing different plans. On average, coverage through Select Home Warranty cost about $645 per year compared to some of its competitors that charge up to $869.
• 18% marked a company’s service call fee as the most important feature of a home warranty plan. At $60, Select Home Warranty’s service fee sits well below the $76 industry average.
• 21% marked plan customizability as the most important aspect of a home warranty. Select Home Warranty makes an active effort to ensure its policyholders are never forced to pay for more than what they need by offering appliance-only and system-only plan options.

What is Select Home Warranty?

Founded in 2012 in Mahwah, New Jersey, Select Home Warranty is a top-rated home warranty provider, boasting some of the most affordable plan prices on the market. By signing up for a renewable service contract through Select, homeowners are financially protected against the cost of inevitable repairs and replacements for their household appliances and systems. Single-family homes, rental properties, mobile and manufactured homes, condos, and multi-family units are eligible for coverage through Select Home Warranty.

Once you’ve enrolled with Select, you’ll be required to abide by a 30-day waiting period before submitting your first claim. According to Select’s sample contract, all customers have up to three days to submit a claim following the date an issue is noticed.  Claims are processed and verified by Select Home Warranty’s customer service center, which offers 24/7 live support.

A technician will be dispatched for non-emergency claims within 48 hours of submittal, however, on-site service can take up to four days for service requests made on weekends or major holidays. On its website, Select Home Warranty does mention expedited service for emergency breakdowns.

Select Home Warranty Coverage and Plans

Select Home Warranty offers three plan options: Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care.  The Bronze Care plan is an appliance-only plan covering eight essential laundry and kitchen appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, clothes dryers, and more.

The Gold Care plan, on the other hand, is a systems-only variation. It covers a total of six major built-in systems, including air conditioning, heating, ductwork, plumbing, electrical, and hot water heaters. This policy level is ideal for homeowners who want to prioritize coverage for their major systems without paying for more than what they need through a combo plan.

The Platinum Care plan is Select Home Warranty’s third and most comprehensive policy option.  This catch-all plan level covers a mix of 17 home appliances and systems by combining all items featured in Bronze Care and Gold Care, plus coverage for ceiling fans, plumbing stoppages, and garage door openers. For only about $5 more per month than Gold Care, Platinum Care is the ultimate way to ensure your home is protected with no gaps between your system and appliance coverage.

System and Appliance Coverage

Here’s an item-by-item overview of how Select Home Warranty’s coverage varies across each plan level:

Add-on Options from Select Home Warranty

For additional home protection beyond what’s offered in its standard plans, Select Home Warranty also has ten optional coverage add-ons for homeowners to choose from.  You can add these extra riders to your policy on an a la carte basis for up to 30 days following the initial purchase date.

Select Home Warranty’s available add-ons include:

• Plumbing and lighting fixtures
• Limited roof leak repairs (automatically included for new joiners)
• Pools and spas (inground set-ups only)
• Well pumps
• Sump pumps
• Septic systems
• Central vacuum
• Second refrigerators
• Stand-alone freezers
• Lawn sprinkler systems
• Built-in refrigerator ice maker

Coverage Details for Top Systems and Appliances

Air Conditioning & Heating

Coverage includes the primary floor air conditioning unit and system components such as condenser fan motors, compressors, condensers, thermostats, capacitors, relays, pressure switches, thermistors, cut-in switches, transformers, start assists, defrost boards, and blower motors, up to a 5-ton capacity. Window, wall, or portable air conditioning units are not included in the coverage offered by Select.

Heating coverage is similar — only the primary heating systems under a 5-ton capacity are covered. Any built-in HVAC system comes with an annual coverage limit of $2,000 per contract term on both air conditioning and heating, a combined $4,000. Each item is insured under the Gold Care and Platinum Care plans.

Electrical

Select Home Warranty covers interior electrical system components, including wiring, service panels, sub-panels, switches, breakers, outlets,  junction boxes, and ground fault interrupters. The agreement does not cover damage to the electrical system caused by flood, fire, water, corrosion, lightning, or rust, and it doesn’t cover ductwork that’s been improperly sized or crushed.

Plumbing

Select covers the following interior plumbing system issues: leaks and breaks in the water, drain waste, or vent lines not caused by damage resulting from freezing or from roots; toilet bowls, tanks, and flushing mechanisms; angle stops; and risers. Plumbing stoppages are also covered and include protection for drain, vent, and sewer lines up to 100 feet from the access point (except if damaged or blocked by tree roots).

The items excluded from plumbing coverage include water softeners, slab leaks, and polybutylene pipes. The plumbing system and plumbing stoppages are covered up to $500 each per contract term — $1,000 combined.

Refrigerator

Select covers all parts of a refrigerator necessary for its functionality. These parts include the control boards, compressor, thermostats, damper control, wire harness, evaporator fan motor, condenser fan motors, pressure switches, relays, contactors, start assist, and thermistors. Your primary refrigerator must be located within the kitchen to be eligible for coverage. This portion of any Select Home Warranty plan covers up to $500 per contract term. The sealed system is not included.

 Clothes Washer and Dryer

Like the coverage provided for your refrigerator and oven/stove/range, all components and parts of the washer and dryer necessary for the appliances to function are covered. Motors, drain pumps, control boards, gas valves, heating elements, igniters, thermostats, fuses, wire harness, ignition modules, tub bearings and assembly, and motor bearings are covered for both washers and dryers. Each unit has a maximum coverage limit of $500 per contract term or $1,000 combined.

Select Home Warranty Coverage Limits and Exclusions

Annual Coverage Maximums

Select Home Warranty’s annual coverage limits vary depending on the item being serviced. All heating and cooling systems are covered for up to $3,000 per year in repairs and replacements. For appliances and all other covered systems other than HVAC, the annual maximum is $500.  If you purchase any optional add-ons, each extra coverage option is limited to $400 in repairs or replacements. Freon coverage for any built-in air conditioner unit is capped at $250 per year.

Select Home Warranty Coverage Exclusions

Like all other home warranty providers, Select Home Warranty doesn’t cover everything. Before signing up for a policy, all covered appliances and systems must be in proper working order as Select will not cover issues caused by known pre-existing conditions.

Select Home Warranty also won’t cover costs of damage related to:

• Cosmetic defects, like scratches or dings in appliances
• Improper installations
• Intentional misuse of the covered item
• Poor routine maintenance or neglect
• Corrosion, rust, or sediment
• Remediation of mold, mildew, fungus, or other bio-organic growth
• Power surges or failures
• Natural disasters (hurricanes, tornadoes, fire, etc.) or any scenarios that overlap with home insurance coverage
• Structural components of the covered home (i.e., foundation, support beams, etc.)

Can You Cancel Select Home Warranty at Any Time?

With Select Home Warranty, you’re entitled to a free 30-day money-back guarantee so long as you haven’t yet filed a claim during that time. After that first month, you can still cancel at any time during your contract term, but you’ll have to pay a $75 cancellation fee. If you choose to pay annually, you’ll receive a pro-rated refund based on the undiscounted cost of the remaining premium.

Select Home Warranty Cost

On average, a policy through Select Home Warranty costs about $62 per month, or $645 per year, plus a $60 service fee. Of the 65+ home warranty companies House Method has reviewed, the industry-average cost of coverage sits at around $52 per month and $602 per year. Though Select’s rates sit slightly higher than that, any added cost is offset by its low service fee and a suite of new joiner discounts.

Home Warranty Plan Pricing

The amount you’ll pay for a policy through Select will depend on the coverage you choose, where you’re located, whether you opt to pay monthly or annually, and your discount eligibility. Select Home Warranty encourages you to generate a free quote online to receive an estimate personalized to your location and plan specifications.

We pulled a sample quote for a 2,500-square-foot single-family home in Monterey, California in August of 2022. By toggling between monthly and annual payment options, Select priced its coverage as follows:

Based on this sample quote, we noticed that homeowners who opt to pay on a monthly basis rather than in a single annual payment end up paying approximately $70 more per year. By making monthly payments, you’ll also miss out on two months of free coverage as advertised at check-out by Select.

Add-on Costs

Each individual add-on coverage item offered by Select Home Warranty comes with its own fee. Select Home Warranty’s add-on pricing ranges from $3.33-$8.33 per month, or $39.96-$99.96 per year. Optional coverage riders can cost up to $180+ with other home warranty providers, so Select is easily the most budget-friendly option if you plan on customizing your plan with any elective features. Though Select includes free roof leak coverage with all three base plan levels, you’ll need to manually tack it onto your plan as an add-on at sign-up.

Here’s an overview of how much Select Home Warranty charges for each extra coverage add-on:

• Limited roof leak repairs: $0 per month (automatically included for new joiners)
• In-ground pools: $8.33 per month
• In-ground spas: $5.83 per month
• Well pumps:$3.33 per month
• Sump pumps: $3.33 per month
• Septic systems: $5.83 per month
• Central vacuum: $3.33 per month
• Stand-alone freezers: $3.33 per month
• Lawn sprinkler systems: $5.83 per month

Service Fees

Most service fees across the home warranty market range from $60 – $150 per claim. Select Home Warranty, however, charges an industry-low service fee of $60 each time you request service for a new issue in your home. So, when a policyholder needs a repair or replacement that would typically cost several hundred dollars out-of-pocket, they’ll only have to pay the $60 service call fee, and Select will cover the rest.

Cancellation Costs and Hidden Fees

Beyond your premium payment and the $60 service fee, the only additional cost you’ll have to worry about is a $75 cancellation fee should you decide to terminate your contract with Select Home Warranty early. Policy transfers between previous and current homeowners are free.

Select Home Warranty Discounts, Perks, Deals

All new customers who choose Select Home Warranty for their coverage needs will receive free roof leak protection plus $150 off their premium. By opting to pay annually rather than monthly, you’ll also benefit from an additional two months of free coverage, totaling 14 months of coverage during your first contract term.

Select Home Warranty also offers exclusive discounts to homeowners who pursue longer-term coverage through a multi-year policy. Military and senior discounts aren’t available through Select at this time.

Where is Select Home Warranty Available?

Select Home Warranty is available in 46 states and Washington, D.C., excluding Washington, Nevada, Wyoming, and New Mexico. If you want to know what the best home warranty company is in your state, click below:

How Do I Sign Up for Select Home Warranty?

To sign up for a policy through Select Home Warranty, fill out this online form to get a free custom quote or call 888-370-3953.

Select Home Warranty Reviews

Though Select Home Warranty isn’t yet accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), it still holds a B rating. The BBB also marked Select with a customer satisfaction score of 1.59 out of five stars based on 1,629 complaints within the last year and 1,532 total reviews. Compared to the 3.2 average star rating of other prominent home warranty service providers, Select Home Warranty falls a bit short here.

Across popular online review platforms like Trustpilot and Google Reviews, feedback left by Select Home Warranty customers showcased a mix of positive and negative experiences. Satisfied policyholders tended to highlight stacked discounts and skilled technicians, whereas lower-star reviews noted delays on ordered parts and long customer service wait times.

Here are a few excerpts from the 700+ Select Home Warranty customer reviews we read through:

Top Select Home Warranty Reviews

“I was out of town and when I got back home I found out our A/C unit was not blowing cold air. I placed a claim on Wednesday night and I got an appointment set for Friday morning. The technician was very polite and knowledgeable; he found the issue very quickly and even though he didn’t find the part in the store close by, he promised he would find it and come back on the same day to fix it. He was good on his promise; he came back after hours with the part and replaced it, and he stayed for over 20 minutes to make sure there were no issues with the cold air.” – Pablo L., 07/26/2022

“This was our first time reaching out to Select Home Warranty after having a contract in place for about six months. I was happy that I didn’t have to wait on the phone for an extended amount of time just to talk to someone. The service was quick, the supplier was knowledgeable and professional, and they repaired our AC unit and had the part on hand. That was a huge relief since it was in the 100’s.” – Victoria F., 06/23/2022

“This was a quick and efficient process. I submitted the claim online yesterday and had a technician out today. My previous warranty company would usually take 48-72 hours at a minimum to get a technician. The technician was prompt, efficient, and professional. Very pleased with this encounter.” – Roger H., 06/04/2022

1-Star Select Home Warranty Reviews

“I do not like that I had to contact SHW 3 times in order to get my claim going. The repair company also emailed pictures of what needed to be done, but SHW told me they never received it. It was a lot of back and forth that I don’t feel I should have had to do.” – Richelle R., 9/1/2020

 “We have had several claims so far. Two times we got money to help buy new devices (washing machine & food disposal). My biggest complaint is how long it takes to get a technician to come out, diagnose, order the part, and then finally have them come out to install parts. We have been without our washing machine for at least a month…” – Scott T., 01/28/2022

Who Are Select Home Warranty Competitors?

Compare Select Home Warranty to Other Home Warranties

Select Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield

• Select Home Warranty has overall lower plan pricing than American Home Shield.
• American Home Shield will cover damage due to unknown pre-existing conditions and rust/corrosion/sediment. Select Home Warranty will not.
• Both providers split their coverage across three base plan levels.
• American Home Shield has been in business for 51 years. Select Home Warranty has only been on the market for ten years.

Select Home Warranty vs. Choice Home Warranty

• Both Select Home Warranty and Choice Home Warranty don’t allow policyholders to choose their own technician.
• Select Home Warranty offers an appliance-only and a systems-only plan, whereas Choice Home Warranty offers two combo plan options.
• Select Home Warranty only charges a $60 service fee. Choice Home Warranty charges $85.
• Choice Home Warranty has more generous annual coverage limits than Select Home Warranty.

Select Home Warranty vs. First American Home Warranty

• First American Home Warranty is not available in 16 states, whereas Select Home Warranty only excludes coverage in four states.
• Select Home Warranty’s service fee is $60, next to First American Home Warranty’s $75 service fee.
• Both Select Home Warranty and First American Home Warranty hold a B rating from the Better Business Bureau.
• Select Home Warranty includes air conditioning systems in its standard home warranty coverage. A/C coverage is only available as add-on coverage with First American Home Warranty.

Final Verdict

Select Home Warranty earned itself 4.8 out of five stars, based on the criteria of House Method’s independent review and rating methodology.  We gave Select high marks for its competitively low-priced plans, free roof coverage, affordable deductible, and exclusive suite of sign-on bonuses. We only docked a few points for Select’s overall narrower annual coverage limits and three-day claim submission window. If you’re a homeowner on a budget but don’t want cost to compromise your coverage, Select is an excellent option.

If Select Home Warranty sounds like a potential fit for you, we suggest getting a free custom quote by simply filling out this online form or calling 888-370-3953.

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.

Company information

• Company name: Select Home Warranty
• Company type: Private
• CEO: Alex Winters, Vice President of Customer Service
• Founding date: 1/13/2012
• Years in business: 9 years
• Telephone: 317-204-4697
• Address: 1 International Blvd Ste 400 Mahwah, NJ 07495
• Country: USA
• State availability: 46 states
• Service fee: $60
• BBB rating: B
• Number of BBB complaints closed within last 3 years: 4,221