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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 collected by third-party reviewers like NerdWallet, Move.org, and USA Today.
| Feature | Basic Plan | Total Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | ~$46.67 to $49.17 | ~$55 to $57.50 |
| Annual Cost | ~$560 to $590 | ~$660 to $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 generally charges consistent nationwide pricing without heavy ZIP-code variation, though promotions and add-ons can shift the final quote. 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, or dig into industry-wide home warranty statistics to see how CHW's pricing stacks up against the $73/month national average.
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
Choice's approval rate trails American Home Shield's industry-leading 85%. 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. If you're considering taking a cash payout instead of a repair, our cash out option guide explains how those settlements are calculated and why they usually come in below retail.
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 on its Bedminster, NJ profile. That profile now shows 10,353 total complaints filed against the business over the past three years, with 2,811 complaints closed in the last 12 months. The direct BBB customer review score sits at just 1.03/5 stars across 3,737 reviews.
On consumer review platforms, the scores are more favorable. Trustpilot currently shows around 9,600 reviews with a large majority rating Choice highly (though delays, denied claims, and communication issues are the most common complaint themes). ConsumerAffairs rates Choice 4.0/5 across 76,248 reviews, with 63% leaving 5 stars and 14% leaving 1 star.
| Review Platform | Score (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot | ~4.0 / 5 | ~9,600 reviews; mostly positive with delay/denial complaints |
| ConsumerAffairs | 4.0 / 5 | 76,248 reviews (63% 5-star, 14% 1-star) |
| BBB (letter grade) | B (Not Accredited) | 10,353 complaints over 3 years |
| BBB (customer review) | 1.03 / 5 | 3,737 reviews |
| NerdWallet | 3.0 / 5 | Noted for affordability, short workmanship guarantee |
Most Common Complaints in 2025 to 2026
Based on BBB filings, ConsumerAffairs, and NerdWallet's 2026 review, the most frequently reported issues include:
In 2025, Choice was named in five separate TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) class action lawsuits alleging unsolicited promotional calls and text messages, with the fifth suit filed in November 2025. That adds another regulatory concern to its record. 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 before signing any contract.
The $11.8 Million Arizona Settlement
The consent judgment entered with the Arizona Attorney General's Office on January 23, 2026 (publicly announced February 10, 2026) requires Choice Home Warranty to reform its sales practices, provide meaningful disclosure to consumers prior to selling warranties, and pay $11.8 million in restitution. It is the largest home warranty settlement in Arizona history, and Choice denied wrongdoing as part of the resolution.
Choice Home Warranty customers who purchased a warranty over the phone between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2025 for homes located in Arizona may be eligible for restitution. The claim filing deadline is August 1, 2026 (tomorrow), and eligible consumers can seek a cash payment of up to the full purchase price of their warranty. Attorney General Kris Mayes opened the restitution process publicly in March 2026, and payments are being distributed on a rolling basis as funds are received from Choice.
If you believe you were wrongfully denied a claim and want to explore legal options, our guide on how to sue a home warranty company walks through demand letters, small claims limits, and arbitration clauses.
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:
- HVAC coverage. Choice will pay up to $3,000 total for heating and air conditioning repairs combined, meaning if Choice agrees to pay for a heating repair, it reduces what remains for any AC repair the same year. AHS pays up to $5,000 for air conditioning and $5,000 for heating repairs, roughly triple Choice's total HVAC cap.
- Overall caps. American Home Shield offers a total coverage cap of $50,000 (the highest among reviewed companies) and per-item caps such as a $5,000 cap on HVAC systems.
- Appliance limits. Choice caps most appliances at $3,000, while AHS scales from $2,000 (ShieldGold) up to $4,000 or more per appliance (ShieldPlatinum) depending on the item.
- Pricing predictability. Choice charges largely consistent monthly pricing (~$47 to $58) regardless of state, while AHS varies by ZIP code with premiums that can range widely.
- Plan flexibility. AHS offers a systems-only ShieldSilver plan, a combo ShieldGold plan, and a top-tier ShieldPlatinum plan with extras like roof leak coverage. Choice sticks to two combo plans.
You can also compare Choice against First American Home Warranty and Select Home Warranty for more options. Our full best home warranty companies roundup puts all the major providers side by side, and Cinch Home Warranty is worth a look if a longer 180-day workmanship guarantee matters to you.
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 (see our home warranty for old homes guide)
- 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 an $11.8 million consumer fraud lawsuit with the Arizona Attorney General, with the consent judgment entered on January 23, 2026 and publicly announced February 10, 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 $46 to $49 per month, while the Total Plan runs about $55 to $58 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 more consistent nationwide pricing, but American Home Shield provides significantly higher coverage limits (up to $10,000 combined HVAC and a $50,000 aggregate cap), 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.
Am I still eligible for the Arizona settlement?
The Arizona Attorney General's claim deadline is August 1, 2026, which is tomorrow. If you purchased a Choice Home Warranty by phone for an Arizona property between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2025, you must file at azag.gov/consumer/chw before the cutoff. Not all customers will qualify, and payments up to your full purchase price are distributed on a rolling basis as funds are received from Choice.