An Honest Comparison: Choice Home Warranty vs Select Home Warranty

Choosing a home warranty is a significant step in protecting your budget from unexpected home repairs. Two of the most prominent names in the industry are Choice Home Warranty and Select Home Warranty. Both offer to cover the cost of repairing or replacing major home systems and appliances, but they differ in their plans, pricing, and reputation. In the crowded market of home protection, making the right decision in the Choice Home Warranty vs Select Home Warranty debate is crucial. This guide from Consumer's Best will break down the key differences to help you determine which provider aligns best with your needs and budget.

Coverage Plans: A Head-to-Head Look

The core of any home warranty is what it covers. Choice Home Warranty simplifies its offerings with two main plans: the Basic Plan and the Total Plan. The Basic Plan covers essential appliances like your oven, cooktop, and dishwasher, plus key systems such as plumbing and electrical. The Total Plan includes everything in the Basic Plan and adds coverage for your air conditioning system, refrigerator, and clothes washer and dryer. Select Home Warranty offers three tiers: Bronze Care, Gold Care, and Platinum Care. Bronze Care focuses on appliances, Gold Care covers major systems (like AC, heating, and plumbing), and Platinum Care combines both for comprehensive protection, most similar to Choice's Total Plan. Select also uniquely includes free roof leak coverage with all its plans, a significant differentiator.

Cost and Value: Analyzing the Price Tags

When comparing Choice Home Warranty vs Select Home Warranty on price, both are competitive. Monthly premiums for both companies typically range from $45 to $60, depending on the plan and any optional add-ons. The other critical cost is the service call fee, or deductible, which you pay to the technician on each claim. Select Home Warranty often advertises lower service call fees, sometimes in the $60-$75 range. Choice Home Warranty's service fee is generally higher, often between $85 and $100. While a lower monthly premium with Select might seem appealing, a higher service fee from Choice might be offset by more comprehensive base coverage. Homeowners must weigh the upfront monthly cost against the potential out-of-pocket expense for each service request.

Customer Reputation and Service Experience

A warranty is only as good as the service it provides. Both companies have a mixed bag of online reviews, which is common in the home warranty industry. Choice Home Warranty has a larger national footprint and has been in business longer, handling a high volume of claims. They have faced scrutiny and legal challenges regarding their claims process in the past. Select Home Warranty, while also having its share of customer complaints, often receives praise for its value proposition, including the free roof leak coverage. When evaluating reputation, it's essential to read the fine print of the service agreement. Understanding coverage caps, exclusions, and the process for getting a second opinion is vital for a smooth experience with either provider.

The Bottom Line: Which Is Right for You?

Ultimately, the Choice Home Warranty vs Select Home Warranty decision depends on your specific priorities. If you want straightforward, combined system and appliance plans and don't mind a potentially higher service fee, Choice Home Warranty is a strong contender. If you value a lower service fee, prefer to cover just appliances or just systems, or see immense value in the included roof leak coverage, Select Home Warranty may be the better fit. Both serve as a financial safety net against costly breakdowns. To make the most informed decision, it's critical to get personalized quotes and compare the detailed service contracts. For a deeper dive and direct comparisons, see the complete reviews and rankings on Consumer's Best.