What is the difference between Choice Home Warranty and AHW Home Warranty?
Choosing a home warranty company is not an easy task. We took two of the top options, Choice Home Warranty and AHW Home Warranty, and put them head-to-head in this article. We reviewed things like average customer ratings, prices and coverage levels to help give readers a better understanding of the similarities and differences between the two companies.
All prices are based on a quote for a house of less than 5,000 square feet in Austin, Texas. All information is accurate as of publishing.
Choice Home Warranty
Choice Home Warranty is a New Jersey-based home warranty company offering plans in every state except California and Washington. Customers can choose between its two plans — Basic and Total — which cover both appliances and systems and include an $85 service call fee. Homeowners also have the ability to add additional coverage to their plan for things like a pool or a second refrigerator. Plans include a 30-day waiting period for service, unless you already have coverage from another carrier. Customers can make a claim online or by phone 24/7. CHW has been in business over 13 years and has covered more than 1 million homes in the U.S.
Choice Home Warranty plans
Basic: The Basic Plan starts around $47 a month, or $532 per year. It covers the following:
Heating system
Electrical system
Plumbing system
Plumbing stoppage
Water heater
Whirlpool bathtub
Oven, range and stove
Cooktop
Dishwasher
Built-in microwave
Garbage disposal
Ductwork
Garage door opener
Ceiling and exhaust fans
Total: Choice Home Warranty’s more comprehensive Total Plan averages about $55 per month. It covers everything in the Basic Plan, plus:
Air conditioning system
Refrigerator
Washer
Dryer
Extra coverage: Homeowners can add coverage for a pool/spa, central vacuum, well pump, sump pump, extra refrigerator, stand-alone freezer, limited roof leak, septic system and septic tank pumping.
What Choice Home Warranty customers say
In reviews, Choice Home Warranty customers applaud the company’s dedication to customer service. Customers report feeling taken care of and satisfied with the overall efficiency and professionalism of the claims process. Many use the words “friendly” and “knowledgeable” to describe CHW’s customer service team. Some reviewers mention long wait times for service or confusing coverage for specific equipment parts.
My garage door broke late in the evening. I was able to call that evening to submit my claim over the phone and schedule someone immediately. The process to submit a claim was extremely easy and the staff at Door Solutions were extremely helpful, courteous, and accommodating. This was my first claim and I am extremely happy that I chose to purchase the warranty.”
AHW Home Warranty, formerly Amazon Home Warranty, offers three plans: System, Appliance and Combo, which have a $75 service call fee. Homeowners also can choose from nearly two dozen add-on coverages. There is a 30-day waiting period unless you have proof of existing coverage. Homeowners can make claims by phone 24/7. AHW Home Warranty is based in Ohio and has plans available in most states.
AHW Home Warranty plans
System Plan: The System Plan costs about $554 per year, or $48 per month. It covers:
Central air conditioning system (two units)
Central heating systems
Plumbing (including stoppages)
Electrical system
Hot water heater
Ductwork
Jetted bathtubs
Garage door openers
Appliance Plan: The Appliance Plan has a similar price to the System Plan. Homeowners get coverage for:
Dishwasher
Refrigerator (with ice maker)
Washer
Dryer
Stand-alone freezer
Oven/range/stove/cooktop
Trash compactor
Microwave ovens
Combo Plan: The Combo Plan offers the best value, according to AHW. The average price is about $58 per month, or $654 per year. The Combo Plan covers everything in the System and Appliance plans, plus:
Instant hot water dispenser
Garbage disposal
Attic fan
Ceiling fan
Bathroom exhaust fan
Kitchen fan/exhaust hood
Doorbell
Extra coverage: You can add coverage for a pool and spa, lawn sprinkler system, septic system, septic tank pumping, whole house humidifier, sump pump, well pump, limited roof leak, central vacuum, water softener and second appliances and systems.
What AHW Home Warranty customers say
Overall, AHW Home Warranty reviews tend to be more negative than positive. However, recent reviews are favorable, with customers using words like “professional” and “reliable” to describe their experiences with the company. The company’s 1-star reviews, which outnumber 5-star reviews by a large margin, mention poor customer service, denied claims and decisions to cancel coverage.
I had some issue with my central air conditioning system a few weeks before. I called them to sort out the issue via phone. The guy who picked up the call was very polite and was ready to answer my request at no time. They responded to my claim quickly and sent a service person the next day itself. They had a thorough understanding of the working of my system and fixed the problem within half an hour. I was very pleased with the service and would recommend them for all.”
Bottom line: Choice Home Warranty or Amazon Home Warranty?
Choice Home Warranty and AHW Home Warranty offer home warranties for similar prices, but their coverages aren’t the same: CHW covers both appliances and systems in both its plans, while AHW has appliances-only, systems-only and combination plans. CHW also has a slightly higher service call fee than AHW. But the biggest difference between the two providers is their reviews: On ConsumerAffairs, customers leave significantly better reviews for Choice Home Warranty than AHW Home Warranty.
Choice Home Warranty is best for homeowners who want to cover both systems and appliances and buy from a company with solid customer reviews.
AHW Home Warranty is best for customers who only want to cover systems or appliances and don’t mind a history of poor reviews.
