Choice Home Warranty vs. First American: A Head-to-Head Comparison
By Ben Carter
Choice Home Warranty vs. First American: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Choosing a home warranty is a critical step in protecting your home's most essential systems and appliances, but navigating the options can be overwhelming. Two of the most prominent names in the industry are Choice Home Warranty and First American Home Warranty. Both offer peace of mind against unexpected repair bills, but they cater to homeowners in different ways. In this guide, Consumer's Best provides a detailed, side-by-side comparison of their coverage, cost, and customer reputation to help you make an informed decision for your home.
Plans & Coverage: What's Protected?
The core of any home warranty is its coverage. First American Home Warranty generally offers three tiers: the Starter Plan, the Essential Plan, and the Premium Plan. The Starter Plan covers fundamental appliances like your dishwasher and oven. The Essential Plan adds protection for crucial systems like heating and plumbing, while the Premium Plan provides the most comprehensive coverage, including for your air conditioning system. Optional add-ons are available for items like a second refrigerator or pool equipment.
Choice Home Warranty simplifies its offerings into two main plans: the Basic Plan and the Total Plan. The Basic Plan covers a mix of major appliances and systems, including heating, electrical, and plumbing. The Total Plan includes everything in the Basic Plan plus air conditioning, a refrigerator, and a washer and dryer. Like First American, Choice also provides a list of optional add-ons for unique items not covered in their standard plans.
Cost Comparison: Pricing and Service Fees
Your budget is a major factor, and both companies offer competitive but different pricing structures. First American's monthly premiums can vary significantly based on your state and the plan you select, but they often provide flexibility in their service call fees. You may be able to choose a higher monthly premium in exchange for a lower service fee, or vice versa. This allows for a degree of customization based on your financial preference.
Choice Home Warranty tends to have a more standardized pricing model, with clear costs for its Basic and Total plans. Their service call fee is typically a flat rate, which provides predictability whenever you need to file a claim. While final costs depend on your location and add-ons, many homeowners appreciate the straightforward nature of Choice's pricing.
Customer Reputation: What Are People Saying?
First American has been in business for decades, building a reputation for stability and reliability. Customers often praise the company for its consistent service and straightforward claims process. On the other hand, common complaints sometimes revolve around claim denials for pre-existing conditions or items that were not properly maintained, which are standard exclusions in most warranty contracts.
Choice Home Warranty is known for its broad coverage, particularly its willingness to cover older appliances and systems without requiring a home inspection first. Many positive reviews highlight successful and rapid repairs. However, like any large warranty provider, it has faced criticism regarding contractor availability in certain regions and occasional disputes over the scope of coverage for complex repairs.
The Verdict: Which Warranty Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs. First American Home Warranty is an excellent option for homeowners who value a long-standing reputation and want the flexibility to customize their service fee and premium. Its tiered plans allow you to pay only for the coverage you need.
Choice Home Warranty may be the better fit if you have older appliances or systems and want comprehensive coverage bundled into simple, easy-to-understand plans with a predictable flat-rate service fee. To truly determine the right fit and see how these providers stack up on every detail, Consumer's Best recommends reviewing our in-depth analysis of each company. Explore our complete expert reviews to find the best protection for your home today.
