If you've just moved or are about to move, getting a home warranty can give you peace of mind as you settle in. Choice Home Warranty (CHW) makes it easier to plan for unexpected repairs by covering your appliances and systems with service contracts. With no home inspections required and simple, customizable plans, CHW offers coverage that stands out from other home warranty companies. Here's what we discovered in our research about what makes Choice Home Warranty a smart option for new homeowners.
Choice Home Warranty Review 2024
With 80 years combined expert experience, we used our knowledge to research home warranty companies to find the best.
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Pros
No required inspection
Covers a wide range of appliances and systems
24/7 claims hotline 
Cons
Coverage caps Choice Home Warranty plans and pricing
Choice Home Warranty offers two plans: the Basic Plan and the Total Plan. While both plans cover a range of appliances and systems, the Total Plan includes coverage for essential items like air conditioners, refrigerators, washers, and dryers that aren't included in the Basic Plan.
According to the quotes we acquired, the Basic Plan costs $46.67 per month, and the Total Plan costs $55 per month. Both plans have a $100 service fee per claim. The Total Plan is likely a better choice if you want broader coverage for common home appliances.
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Prices are based on quotes obtained by Mov.org.
Here's what's included with each plan:
Basic Plan
- Heating system
- Electrical system
- Plumbing system
- Plumbing stoppage
- Water heater
- Whirlpool bathtub
- Oven/range/stove
- Cooktop
- Dishwasher
- Built-in microwave
- Garbage disposal
- Ductwork
- Garage door opener
- Ceiling and exhaust fans
Total Plan
- Air conditioning system
- Heating system
- Electrical system
- Plumbing system
- Plumbing stoppage
- Water heater
- Whirlpool bathtub
- Refrigerator
- Oven / range / stove
- Cooktop
- Dishwasher
- Built-in microwave
- Garbage disposal
- Clothes washer
- Clothes dryer
- Ductwork
- Garage door opener
- Ceiling and exhaust fans
Image: Mov.org
Along with the things you get with each plan, you can also add on extra coverage. Here's what you can add and the cost you'll pay for each one, per month:
- Pool-spa: $15.00
- Well pump: $8.33
- Central vacuum: $3.33
- Limited roof leak: $5.83
- Second refrigerator: $3.33
- Stand-alone freezer: $3.33
- Sump pump: $3.33
- Additional spa: $15.00
- Septic system: $10.00
- Septic tank pumping: $5.42
- Sprinkler system: $8.33
Compare Choice Home Warranty to other home warranty companies
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Prices are based on quotes obtained by Mov.org.
In our research, we found that Choice Home Warranty tends to be slightly more expensive than some competitors, and it offers only one service fee option. While this may not work for everyone, the simplicity of their plans and pricing structure could make it worth the extra cost for those looking for straightforward, no-fuss coverage.
Choice Home Warranty contracts and warranties
When you sign up with Choice Home Warranty, you're basically getting an extended warranty for your home appliances and systems. You can choose to pay for a full year upfront or opt for monthly payments. If something like your water heater breaks down, you file a claim, and they'll arrange for a local technician to come out. You’ll just pay a service fee at the time of the visit, and if it’s covered, that’s all you’ll pay. Note that pre-existing conditions aren't included in the coverage.
While Choice Home Warranty doesn't require a home inspection before you can get coverage, there are still some snags in the contract that can prevent your claim from being accepted. Here are some examples of things Choice Home Warranty contracts don't cover:
- Routine maintenance or repairs due to misuse, abuse, or physical damage (like dents or scratches)
- Upgrades or modifications due to incompatibility
- Manufacturer’s recalls or defects under warranty
- Code violations or cost to meet new building requirements
Permits - Electronic energy management, lighting systems, and solar systems
- Disposal fees
- Service provider's negligence or conduct
- Commercial properties or equipment
- Delays due to uncontrollable events (e.g. labor strikes, pandemics)
- Attorney fees, indirect, or punitive damages
Remember, though, that these aren't necessarily a point against CHW. All of these limitations and exclusions are pretty common with home warranty companies. In fact, Choice Home Warranty has fewer exceptions and limitations than we've seen in other home warranty contracts.
Choice Home Warranty coverage caps
The Choice Home Warranty contract also lays out its coverage "caps." Caps are how much they will cover for repairs and replacements on certain items.
Here's the coverage cap information we gathered from the CHW:
- They will pay up to $3,000 to repair or replace an item, as long as they don't list a lower cap in your contract.
- Limited roof leaks are covered up to $500.
- Well pump coverage is capped at $500 for diagnosis and repairs.
- Septic tank pumping is covered up to $250.
- Septic systems are capped at $500.
- Sprinkler systems are covered for up to $500.
- Stand-alone ice makers have a cap of $500.
- Trash compactors are covered for up to $500.
Like what you heard so far?
Choice Home Warranty customer service
Choice Home Warranty has both good and bad aspects when it comes to customer service. On the positive side, they offer a 24/7 claims hotline, so you can arrange service anytime, and they provide a 30-day guarantee—if the repair fails within that time, they’ll waive the service fee for another visit.
Many customers are satisfied with Choice Home Warranty, with 60% giving five-star reviews on Trustpilot. However, the company is facing a legal issue involving claims of not delivering promised services, so it’s important to read all the fine print before signing up.
"Surprised how quickly my problem was solved. I discovered a leak in my upstairs toilet that was dripping threw a light fixture to the floor in my downstairs toilet. I called and filed a claim around 4:30 yesterday afternoon. At 5:20 I got a text message from a plumbing company that he would be at my house the next morning. He came bright and early the next morning and fixed my problem .
The plumber who came was as nice as could be. Replaced the seal under the toilet and left the bathrooms Just as clean as before the leak. Problem solved. I am very happy with the person who came to my house and with the quick service. Thank you." -Dian Davis, Choice Home Warranty customer
How do I cancel my Choice Home Warranty?
You can cancel your contract with Choice Home Warranty by contacting their customer service department.
When you can cancel your contract varies from state to state. For example, residents of Alabama, Arkansas, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming have 20 to 30 days from receipt of your agreement to cancel with a full refund if no service has been used.
What happens once you cancel your Choice Home Warranty contract varies from state to state, too:
- Alabama: A $25 administration fee is charged if you cancel after the refund period.
- Arizona: The administration fee that you'll have to pay after cancelation is capped at $50 or 10% of the contract price.
- Iowa: The administration fee is capped at 10% of the contract price.
- Nevada: You'll get a full refund within 20 days.
- Oklahoma: Your refund will be 90% of the unused portion.
- South Carolina: CHW is charged a 10% penalty if there is no refund within 45 days.
- Utah: You're charged an administration fee of up to $50 for canceling after 30 days.
- Vermont: You get a full refund if you canceled within 20 days.
- Wisconsin: The administration fee you pay is capped at 10%.
Final word: Choice Home Warranty is a solid home warranty company
Choice Home Warranty stands out for having fewer exceptions and limitations in its contract compared to other companies. The pricing is competitive, and the plans are simple, with options to add extras based on your needs. However, as with any home warranty, it's essential to carefully read and understand the terms of the contract to ensure you're fully aware of what’s covered before signing up.
Choice Home Warranty FAQ
With Choice Home Warranty, roof coverage is an add-on and isn't included with the plans, unlike with some of its competitors. The company also doesn't cover electronics, lighting and appliance management systems, or solar systems and equipment.
According to quotes we obtained, Choice Home Warranty costs between $560 and $660 per year.
No, toilets aren't covered, but septic tanks and septic tank pumping are covered.
Tell the person calling you to put you on Choice Home warranty's Do Not Call list. You can also call them at 1-800-495-6090 and ask to be placed on their Do Not Call list.
How we reviewed Choice Home Warranty
Image: Ketut Subiyanto, Pexels
For this Choice Home Warranty review, we spent dozens of hours researching not only this home warranty company but also dozens of its competitors. We also obtained direct quotes from the companies for more accurate price information.
Sources
- Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, "AG Brnovich Files Consumer Fraud Lawsuit Against Home Warranty Company," October 2, 2019. Accessed October 11, 2024.
- Choice Home Warranty, "Terms of Service Agreement Choice Home Warranty." Accessed October 11, 2024.
- Choice Home Warranty, "Home Warranty Questions." Accessed October 11, 2024.
- Trustpilot, "Choice Home Warranty." Accessed October 11, 2024.
- Trustpilot, "Choice Home Warranty, Reviews." Accessed October 11, 2024.
