Plans, Pricing & What's Covered in 2026
Choice Home Warranty keeps things simple with just two core plans. The Basic Plan focuses on essential home systems, while the Total Plan layers in major appliances. Both plans come with a $100 service call fee per claim and a 30-day waiting period before coverage kicks in. Choice does not publish fixed rates online, so the figures below reflect typical 2026 quote ranges from third-party reviewers.
| Feature | Basic Plan | Total Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | ~$49–$55 | ~$55–$65 |
| Annual Cost | ~$560–$600 | ~$600–$690 |
| Service Call Fee | $100 | $100 |
| Heating System | ✅ | ✅ |
| Plumbing | ✅ | ✅ |
| Electrical | ✅ | ✅ |
| Water Heater | ✅ | ✅ |
| Air Conditioning | ❌ | ✅ |
| Refrigerator | ❌ | ✅ |
| Washer & Dryer | ❌ | ✅ |
| Dishwasher | ❌ | ✅ |
| Coverage Cap per Item | $3,000 | $3,000 |
Coverage is available in 49 states (all except Washington). One advantage worth noting: unlike American Home Shield, Choice charges the same price in every state with no ZIP-code variation. Optional add-ons are available for an extra monthly fee and include:
- Pool/Spa: ~$15/month
- Well Pump: ~$8.33/month (up to $500)
- Septic System: ~$10/month (up to $500)
- Roof Leak Protection: ~$5.83/month (up to $500)
- Sprinkler System: ~$8.33/month (up to $500)
For a side-by-side look at how Choice fits among the top providers, see our best home warranty companies guide for 2026.
How Does Choice Home Warranty Work?
When a covered item breaks down, you file a claim 24/7 either through the online account center or by phone. Here's what the process looks like step by step:
- File your claim online or by phone as soon as the malfunction is discovered.
- Contractor assignment. Choice contacts a service provider within 4 hours of your claim, though the provider may take up to 48 hours to accept the job.
- Appointment scheduled. Once a technician accepts, they schedule a visit. You pay the $100 service fee directly to the technician.
- Repair or replacement decision. Choice determines whether the item will be repaired or replaced. If a replacement is needed, they may offer a cash equivalent based on their wholesale cost, not retail value, which excludes taxes, shipping, and installation.
- Workmanship guarantee. Repairs come with a 30-day guarantee on workmanship in most cases.
Common exclusions to know:
- Pre-existing conditions (known or unknown)
- Damage from misuse, abuse, or improper maintenance
- Commercial-grade equipment
- Garage door tracks (the door itself is covered under Total)
- Indirect or consequential damages
If you want a deeper look at industry-wide approval data, our guide on claim approval rates shows which companies pay out most often and why.
Is Choice Home Warranty Legit? BBB Rating, Complaints & the Arizona Settlement
This is the question most consumers ask, and the answer is nuanced: Choice Home Warranty is a real, operating company, but it carries a notable track record of complaints and recent legal action that every buyer should know about before signing up.
BBB Rating & Customer Review Scores (Updated 2026)
Choice Home Warranty is not BBB-accredited but currently holds a B letter grade with the Better Business Bureau, despite logging over 11,000 complaints in the past three years. On consumer review platforms, the scores are more favorable: Choice now holds a 4.0/5 on Trustpilot ("Great" rating) and a 4.0/5 on ConsumerAffairs based on over 73,000 reviews.
| Review Platform | Score (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 4.0 / 5 | ~60% rated "Excellent" |
| ConsumerAffairs | 4.0 / 5 | 73,000+ reviews, mixed claim experiences |
| BBB | B (Not Accredited) | 11,000+ complaints in 3 years |
| NerdWallet | 3.5 / 5 | Noted for affordability, short workmanship guarantee |
Most Common Complaints in 2025–2026
Based on BBB filings, ConsumerAffairs, and NerdWallet's 2026 review, the most frequently reported issues include:
The $11.8 Million Arizona Settlement
In January 2026, the Arizona Attorney General's office finalized a $11.8 million consent judgment against Choice Home Warranty, resolving the consumer fraud lawsuit originally filed in 2019. It is the largest home warranty settlement in Arizona history. Choice denied wrongdoing but agreed to reform its sales practices and provide meaningful upfront disclosures before selling new warranties.
Arizona homeowners who purchased a Choice Home Warranty by phone between January 1, 2013, and January 1, 2023, may be eligible for restitution. The claim deadline is August 1, 2026, and eligible consumers can seek a cash payment up to the full purchase price of their warranty.
For a broader look at red flags in this industry, our guide on home warranty companies to avoid and the related home warranty scams overview are must-reads. If you're already in a dispute, we also cover how to sue a home warranty company in small claims court.
Choice Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield (and Other Competitors)
How does Choice stack up against the competition? Here's a head-to-head breakdown with American Home Shield, widely considered the industry leader.
Key takeaways from the 2026 comparison:
- Coverage limits. AHS leads decisively: up to $5,000 each for heating and air conditioning (combined $10,000 HVAC) and $2,000 to $4,000 per appliance depending on plan. Choice caps every item at $3,000, and HVAC is combined into that single $3,000 cap.
- Plumbing & electrical. AHS has no dollar limit on most plumbing or electrical repairs, while Choice caps these at $3,000.
- Pricing predictability. Choice charges the same price in every state, while AHS varies by ZIP code with monthly premiums ranging from about $19.99 to $119.99.
- Plan flexibility. AHS offers a systems-only ShieldSilver plan, a combo ShieldGold plan, and a top-tier ShieldPlatinum plan with extras. Choice sticks to two combo plans.
You can also compare Choice against First American Home Warranty, Select Home Warranty, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, Old Republic, and Cinch Home Services for more options. Our full home warranty plans comparison puts them all side by side.
Who should choose Choice Home Warranty?
- Budget-conscious homeowners with newer systems and appliances
- Buyers who want simple plan options without overthinking tiers
- Homeowners who don't have pre-existing system issues
Who should skip it?
- Owners of older homes with aging HVAC, plumbing, or electrical systems
- Anyone who needs pre-existing condition coverage or higher caps
- Homeowners in Washington state (not available)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Choice Home Warranty a legitimate company?
Yes, Choice Home Warranty is a legitimate company that has been operating since 2008. However, it is not BBB-accredited and recently settled a $11.8 million consumer fraud lawsuit with the Arizona Attorney General in January 2026. While it is not a scam, the settlement requires Choice to reform its sales practices, so buyers should still read the contract carefully before enrolling.
What does Choice Home Warranty not cover?
Choice does not cover pre-existing conditions (known or unknown), damage caused by misuse, abuse, or improper maintenance, commercial-grade equipment, or components like garage door tracks. Consequential and indirect damages are also excluded. Optional items like pools, well pumps, and roof leaks are only covered if you purchase the relevant add-on.
How much does Choice Home Warranty cost per month in 2026?
In 2026, the Basic Plan typically runs about $49 to $55 per month, while the Total Plan runs about $55 to $65 per month, depending on your home and current promotions. Both plans require a flat $100 service call fee per visit. Paying annually upfront usually unlocks one or two free months of coverage versus paying month-to-month.
How long does it take for Choice Home Warranty to send a technician?
After you file a claim, Choice aims to contact a service provider within 4 hours. However, the assigned technician may take up to 48 hours to accept the job, and actual appointment scheduling can add further time. NerdWallet's 2026 review and many BBB complaints cite extended delays of days to weeks for complex repairs like HVAC.
How does Choice Home Warranty compare to American Home Shield?
Choice is generally cheaper and offers consistent nationwide pricing, but American Home Shield provides much higher coverage limits (up to $10,000 combined HVAC and no dollar cap on most plumbing or electrical), covers unknown pre-existing conditions on some plans, and offers more plan flexibility. AHS is the better choice for older homes or complex systems, while Choice suits budget-focused homeowners with newer equipment.