Choice home warranty plans offer coverage for 14-18 essential home systems and appliances, depending on which option you select. While the Basic Plan covers fundamental systems like heating and plumbing, the Total Plan additionally includes refrigerators and air conditioning. We’ve found that Choice Home Warranty prices typically range between $49.17 and $57.50 monthly, with a consistent $100 service fee for all repairs. Despite the relatively comprehensive coverage with generous $3,000 limits per contract term, unfortunately, the company faces significant legal challenges. Choice has been banned from selling contracts in Georgia and is currently facing fraud accusations in Arizona. However, 72% of customers still report satisfaction with their coverage in recent surveys. Throughout this detailed review, we’ll examine exactly what Choice Home Warranty coverage includes, analyze the true cost of these plans, and uncover whether their 24/7 claims process with four-hour response times actually delivers as promised.
What Is Choice Home Warranty and Who Is It For?
Choice Home Warranty operates as a service contract company that has been protecting homes for over 16 years. Essentially, it’s a service agreement covering the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear over time.
Homeowners, Buyers, and Sellers
Choice Home Warranty caters specifically to three distinct groups. For existing homeowners, it provides budget protection against unexpected repair costs while eliminating the hassle of finding reliable contractors. Particularly valuable for cash-strapped homeowners after a home purchase, the warranty helps manage finances during this vulnerable period.
For home buyers, the warranty serves as assurance that their dream home won’t become a financial burden. Furthermore, 8 out of 10 home buyers prefer purchasing properties with existing warranty coverage.
Sellers benefit considerably as homes with warranties typically sell for approximately 3% higher prices and close about 11 days faster than non-covered properties. The warranty also protects sellers during the listing period and transfers to the new owner at closing, remaining effective for up to 180 days or until the closing date.
Appliance and System Coverage Overview
Choice Home Warranty offers two straightforward plans with varying coverage levels:
The Basic Plan ($49.17/month) covers 14 items including heating, electrical, and plumbing systems, water heater, ductwork, garage door opener, and kitchen appliances like oven, dishwasher, and built-in microwave.
The Total Plan ($57.50/month) includes everything in the Basic Plan plus air conditioning systems, refrigerator, and laundry appliances.
Both plans feature a generous $3,000 coverage limit per item, though some add-ons have lower limits. Optional coverage is available for pools ($15/month), well pumps ($8/month), limited roof leaks ($6/month), and several other specialized systems.
Availability by State
Choice Home Warranty provides service contracts nationwide except in Washington state. In California, plans are managed and sold through Home Service Club of California, Inc.. This broad availability makes Choice accessible to nearly all U.S. homeowners seeking protection against costly repairs, though specifics may vary by location.
Unlike homeowners’ insurance, which covers damage from natural disasters, Choice Home Warranty specifically addresses normal wear and tear issues, regardless of the age of your home or systems.
How Claims Work: Process, Timelines, and Denials
Filing a claim with Choice Home Warranty requires understanding their process, timelines, and potential rejection reasons. I’ve examined their claims system to help you navigate what happens when something breaks down.
Submitting a Claim Online or by Phone
When your covered appliance or system fails, Choice Home Warranty offers two convenient submission methods. You can log into your online account and submit a service request through their customer portal, or call their claims department at (888) 373-7924. Initially, you’ll need your contract details and a description of the problem. Their claims center operates 24/7/365, making it possible to report issues at any time of day or night. During your request, you’ll pay the standard $100 service fee that applies to all repairs regardless of the actual repair cost.
Technician Assignment and Response Time
Subsequently, Choice promises to begin contacting service providers within four hours of receiving your claim. Nevertheless, the company states technicians may take up to 48 hours to respond to your request. Once a technician accepts your claim, you’ll receive their name, phone number, and appointment date. Choice works exclusively with local, licensed, and insured technicians from their network. Generally, if repair work fails within 30 days, they’ll correct the failure without charging another service fee. Furthermore, repairs come with guarantees—90 days for materials and 60 days for labor quality.
Common Reasons for Claim Denials
Despite their coverage promises, several circumstances can lead to denied claims. Notably, Choice doesn’t cover known or unknown pre-existing conditions, which creates a potential gray area for homeowners. Claims may also be rejected due to:
- Lack of proper maintenance records
- Improper installation or safety code violations
- Misuse or abuse of appliances
- Unusual wear and tear beyond normal usage
Consequently, the contract specifies that Coverage only applies to failures from normal wear and tear. Additionally, Choice reserves the right to request maintenance records when reviewing denied claims. If a technician determines the system hasn’t been working for several months, the company will likely deny coverage.
Customer Experience: Reviews, Lawsuits, and Support
Customer experiences with Choice Home Warranty reveal a mixed picture across various review platforms. Some homeowners praise their efficient service, yet others report significant frustrations that have led to legal troubles for the company.
Positive Feedback: Fast Repairs and Good Technicians
Many satisfied customers highlight Choice Home Warranty’s prompt service timeframes. One customer reported contacting Choice about an AC problem on Memorial Day and receiving same-day service despite initially being scheduled for later in the week. Another reviewer praised the company’s communication system and the contractor’s quick response.
Technician quality is frequently mentioned as a strength, with customers describing service professionals as “very professional and friendly”. One reviewer specifically mentioned their air conditioning unit was “up and running in about 30 minutes”. Choice Home Warranty actively promotes its “Technician Network” of local, licensed, and insured professionals who deliver “excellent service”.
Negative Feedback: Denied Claims and Delays
Nevertheless, the most common complaints focus on denied claims. Multiple customers accuse Choice of using contract fine print to deny coverage for what should be considered normal wear and tear. One particularly concerning pattern involves technicians refusing service because Choice allegedly hasn’t paid them for previous work, with one contractor claiming they were owed “over $12,000 in back jobs”.
Additionally, customers report frustrating delays, with some waiting weeks or even a month for repairs. Some customers mention being required to get second opinions after claims were initially approved, creating additional delays in the repair process.
Legal Issues: Arizona Fraud Lawsuit and Georgia Ban
Choice Home Warranty faces serious legal challenges. Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich filed a consumer fraud lawsuit against the company for allegedly making false promises while using “contract exclusions, payment caps, and bad-faith refusals” to avoid paying for repairs. The lawsuit claims Choice collected millions from Arizona consumers but often excluded items like refrigerators and air conditioners despite advertising coverage.
Moreover, in March 2024, Georgia issued a Cease-and-Desist order prohibiting Choice from selling or soliciting home warranty contracts in the state. This action resulted from the company’s failure to post the required $100,000 bond despite previous warnings. Existing Georgia customers remain covered through their current contract terms.
Plan Costs and Add-Ons: What You Pay
Understanding the actual costs of Choice Home Warranty plans requires examining the full pricing structure beyond just the monthly premiums. After reviewing multiple sources, I’ve found some notable pricing variations worth highlighting.
Average Monthly Cost: $45–$64
The Basic Plan costs between $45 and $60.41 per month ($560-$694.71 annually), covering 14 essential items including heating, electrical, plumbing systems, and kitchen appliances.
The Total Plan ranges from $53.33 to $68.47 monthly ($660-$791.70 annually)[244], adding air conditioning, refrigerator, and laundry appliances to the basic coverage.
Overall, the average monthly cost across all plans falls between $45 and $64[244], although prices can vary based on:
- Your state of residence
- Property type and size
- Payment schedule (monthly vs. annual)
- Current promotions
Add-On Pricing and Coverage Limits
Optional coverage starts at just $3.33 monthly for items like central vacuums and stand-alone freezers, extending to $15 for pool and spa equipment. Popular add-ons include:
- Pool/spa: $15/month
- Well pump: $8/month
- Limited roof leak: $5.83-$6/month
- Septic system: $10/month
- Second refrigerator: $3.33/month
Whereas most covered items have a generous $3,000 limit per contract term[244], certain add-ons feature lower caps, including well pumps ($500), limited roof leaks ($500), septic systems ($500), and septic tank pumping ($250).
Service Fee and First Month Free Offer
For each service request, you’ll pay a standard $100 fee directly to the technician[244], regardless of the actual repair cost. According to some sources, this fee might be discounted to as low as $65, depending on available promotions.
Choice currently offers new customers their first month free when purchasing any single-payment home warranty plan. Some promotions even include an additional $50 discount when paying annually, potentially saving up to $103.33 in your first year.
Remember that coverage typically starts 30 days after receipt of payment, unless you can provide proof of prior coverage without a lapse.
Conclusion
Choice Home Warranty plans offer comprehensive coverage options for homeowners concerned about unexpected repair costs. After reviewing their offerings thoroughly, I find their Basic and Total Plans cover most essential home systems and appliances while maintaining reasonable monthly rates between $49.17 and $57.50. Most covered items benefit from generous $3,000 repair limits, though certain add-ons have more restrictive caps.
Nevertheless, the company’s legal troubles cannot be overlooked. Their ban in Georgia and pending fraud lawsuit in Arizona raise serious questions about business practices. While 72% of customers report satisfaction with their coverage, a significant number express frustration with denied claims, often citing fine print exclusions as the primary issue.
The 24/7 claims process appears convenient on paper, though actual response times frequently exceed the promised four-hour window. Additionally, technician availability issues sometimes lead to repair delays lasting weeks rather than days. The consistent $100 service fee remains competitive within the industry, regardless of repair complexity.
Ultimately, Choice Home Warranty works best for homeowners seeking budget predictability for home repairs, especially first-time buyers stretched thin after purchasing. Home sellers might likewise benefit from the statistical advantages—homes with warranties typically sell 3% higher and 11 days faster than those without protection.
Before signing up, however, I strongly recommend reading the full contract carefully, particularly exclusion clauses related to pre-existing conditions and maintenance requirements. Though the first-month-free promotion offers initial savings, your long-term satisfaction depends on understanding exactly what your specific plan covers. Despite their widespread availability, these plans work better for some homeowners than others, depending on your specific circumstances and expectations.
