Choice Home Warranty Review: Coverage, Complaints & What Homeowners Should Know

Looking into Choice Home Warranty? We break down coverage, real user complaints, app performance, and more. Know the facts before you buy.

Is Choice Home Warranty Worth It?

Home warranties are supposed to protect homeowners from expensive repairs. But does Choice Home Warranty deliver what it promises? I dove deep into their website, mobile apps, online reviews, and third-party ratings to give you the full picture.

Here's what I found: while Choice Home Warranty is widely used, its reputation is polarizing. Some homeowners swear by it. Others call it a scam. Let’s unpack the details so you can make an informed decision.

What Is Choice Home Warranty?

Choice Home Warranty (CHW) offers home warranty plans that cover repair and replacement costs for major home systems and appliances. Founded in 2008, they serve all U.S. states except Washington.

Unlike homeowners' insurance, a home warranty covers things like HVAC systems, dishwashers, plumbing, and more when they break down due to normal wear and tear.

What Do Their Plans Include?

CHW offers two plans:

• Basic Plan
• Total Plan (includes everything in Basic plus additional systems like air conditioning, refrigerator, washer, and dryer)

Optional Add-ons:

• Pool/spa
• Septic systems
• Well pump
• Central vacuum

Each service call requires a $85 trade service fee. That’s per visit, per issue.

Who Should Use CHW?

According to their buyer/seller section, they target:

• Homebuyers looking for protection in the first year
• Home sellers are trying to sweeten a deal
• Real estate agents who bundle warranties in sales

Their real estate pro portal offers custom plans and marketing tools for agents.

But are these plans actually effective? Let’s examine the user feedback.

User Reviews: What Are Homeowners Saying?

Here’s where things get complicated.

Complaints From Reddit:

Two prominent threads stand out:

• A Reddit user in r/RealEstate said they “regret getting Choice Home Warranty” after waiting weeks for service and dealing with denied claims.
• In r/FirstTimeHomeBuyer, one post titled "SCAM ALERT" alleged that Choice denied coverage due to vague loopholes.
  

Trustpilot and Facebook Feedback:

• Facebook reviews are mixed. Some mention fast service, while others complain of delays and poor customer support.
• Trustpilot does not list Choice directly, but US News and Forbes give it 2.9/5 stars and 3.6/5 stars, respectively.

Choice Home Warranty App Review

CHW has apps on both Android and iOS for managing claims and service requests.

Google Play Store:

• Rating: 3.1 out of 5
• Common complaints: App crashes, login issues, lack of transparency in claim updates

Apple App Store:

• Rating: 1.7 out of 5

• Common issues: Users report the app is buggy and often doesn’t update request status

Clearly, CHW’s digital platform needs serious improvement.

Pros and Cons: The Honest Breakdown

Pros:

• Competitive pricing
• Nationwide service network (except WA)
• Broad range of optional coverage
• Available for buyers, sellers, and agents

Cons:

• High volume of complaints about claim denials
• Negative app experience on both Android and iOS
• Long wait times for repairs
• Poor transparency in fine print

Industry Analysis: How Does CHW Compare?

According to US News, CHW ranks #8 out of 12 home warranty companies in 2025. That’s below companies like American Home Shield and Liberty Home Guard.

Forbes Home points out that CHW lacks customization and flexibility. Many competitors offer 24/7 chat support, while CHW is stuck with standard phone service.

So, where does CHW shine? Affordability. But that comes with trade-offs in service and transparency.

Real Estate Perspective: Is CHW a Good Partner?

For agents or sellers, CHW offers marketing tools and partner discounts. The idea is that providing a warranty helps smooth buyer fears about hidden home repair costs.

However: agents frequently report that if warranty follow-through is weak—for example, claim denials or service delays—it can reflect poorly. It’s advisable to test service response times in your area before you recommend it widely.

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re on the fence, here are three top-rated competitors:

These companies often score higher in customer satisfaction and app usability.

Our Rating

Here’s my assessment, based on coverage, user feedback, app experience, and value for money:

Overall Score: ~ 3.0 / 5 — decent choice if you’re budget-conscious and expect occasional appliance failures, but you’ll need to manage expectations and read the fine print carefully.

Final Verdict: Should You Choose Choice Home Warranty?

Choice Home Warranty can work if you want basic protection without spending premium fees, and if your expectations around service speed and transparency are modest.

If what matters most to you is fast response, reliable claims, and clarity (especially via apps/web), it's worth considering competitors who rank higher in those areas. Read reviews (especially recent ones in your ZIP code), scan the specific exclusions in your contract, and test their app/digital response before committing.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Does Choice Home Warranty cover pre-existing conditions?
No, CHW does not cover pre-existing conditions or issues that existed before the plan started.

2. How long is the waiting period for Choice Home Warranty coverage?
Most plans have a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins.

3. Does Choice Home Warranty cover roof leaks?
Basic roof leak coverage is sometimes offered as an add-on, but it’s not included in standard plans.

4. Can I transfer my Choice Home Warranty plan if I sell my house?
Yes, CHW allows plan transfers to the new homeowner, which can add value to your property sale.

5. Does Choice Home Warranty offer 24/7 customer support?
No, unlike some competitors, CHW mainly relies on phone-based service and lacks a robust 24/7 chat system.

6. Are plumbing and HVAC covered under Choice Home Warranty?
Yes, both plumbing and HVAC are included, but certain components and conditions may be excluded in the fine print.

7. Can I choose my own contractor with Choice Home Warranty?
Usually no, CHW assigns service providers from its network, though some exceptions may apply with prior approval.

8. How much is the service call fee with Choice Home Warranty?
The standard service call fee is $85 per claim, which applies to each contractor visit.

9. Does Choice Home Warranty cover appliances like washers and dryers?
Yes, but only under the Total Plan or as an add-on option.

10. Is Choice Home Warranty available in all states?
No, CHW is available in most U.S. states but not currently in Washington.