Choice Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield

Choice Home Warranty and American Home Shield (AHS) are two nationally recognized home warranty companies. They both provide round-the-clock service in multiple states and are affiliated with licensed local vendors nationwide.

Choice Home Warranty vs. AHS comparison

Average yearly cost (comprehensive coverage)	$600	$600
Service call fee	$85 per call	$75, $100 or $125 per call
Plans available	Basic plan and Total plan	Appliances plan, Systems Plan, Combo Plan and Build-your-own plan
Service recall period	30 days for labor and parts	30 days for labor and parts
Availability	All states except California and Washington	All states except Alaska
Support	24/7 call center and online account center	24/7 call center and online account center
Customer satisfaction	Choice Home Warranty reviews	American Home Shield reviews

	Average yearly cost (comprehensive coverage)	Service call fee	Plans available	Service recall period	Availability	Support	Customer satisfaction
	$600	$85 per call	Basic plan Total plan	30 days on labor and parts	All states except California and Washington	24/7 call center and online account center	Choice Home Warranty reviews
	$600	$75, $100 or $125 per call	Appliances plan Systems Plan Combo Plan Build-your-own plan	30 days on labor and parts	All states except Alaska	24/7 call center and online account center	American Home Shield reviews

Compare coverage

To compare coverage, we looked at each company’s most comprehensive plan option — for Choice Home Warranty, the Total Plan, and for American Home Shield, the Combo Plan. Overall, both home warranty companies offer a similar baseline coverage for major systems and appliances.

• Covered systems
  • Air conditioning and heating
  • Ductwork
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing and stoppages
  • Water heaters
  • Garbage disposal
• Covered appliances
  • Built-in microwaves
  • Dishwashers
  • Garage door openers
  • Ranges/ovens/cooktops
  • Refrigerators
  • Washers/dryers
  • Garage door openers

American Home
Shield covers
the most items.

We found that American Home Shield has the edge in total covered items, providing coverage in its Combo Plan for items that are not included in Choice Home Warranty’s Total Plan. These items include:

• Built-in food centers
• Free-standing ice makers
• Instant hot/cold water dispensers
• Re-key service
• Smoke detectors
• Trash compactors
• Doorbells
• Central vacuums

American Home Shield also provides additional benefits for its customers, including discounts on new appliances and up to 50% off air filters.

Both warranty providers also offer optional coverages for additional fees, including for pools, spas, septic pumps and well pumps. Choice Home Warranty also provides add-on coverage for stand-alone freezers, second refrigerators, septic systems and septic tank pumping, and American Home Shield offers coverage for guest units under 750 square feet.

Choice Home Warranty’s
limited roof leak protection
sets it apart.

Choice Home Warranty coverage offers limited roof leak protection

Choice Home Warranty distinguishes itself by providing add-on coverage for limited roof leak protection. While the roof leak coverage does not provide for roof replacement, it does provide leak repair coverage, a service not offered under any of American Home Shield’s plans. The add-on coverage comes with a maximum yearly benefit of $500. Each service request costs the standard $85 service call fee.

American Home Shield coverage offers an electronics protection plan

A unique offering from American Home Shield is the add-on electronics protection plan. For an additional fee, customers receive coverage for common electronics like TVs, home theater systems, computers, printers, routers and smart home products in case they fail from normal wear and tear.

Compare cost

Though yearly fees vary by plan and location, on average, Choice Home Warranty and American Home Shield plans both cost around $600 a year for the most comprehensive option. We found that quotes for American Home Shield varied somewhat by location, while Choice Home Warranty’s quoted prices were more consistent. Choice Home Warranty has a set service call fee of $85. American Home Shield’s service call fee starts at $75, but it also gives customers the option of a higher service call fee ($100 or $125 per visit) in exchange for a lower annual cost.

Compare contract policies

Your contract lays out exactly what is and isn’t covered under your home warranty plan. It’s always important to read through the contract so you understand the details of your policy. Warranty providers may vary in how much they’re willing to pay — the benefit — per covered item or per contract term. So, how do Choice Home Warranty and AHS compare in this area?

Coverage limit

For both providers, coverage limits max out at $3,000 per covered item, and both set lower coverage limits for certain items. For Choice Home Warranty, we found these coverage limits ranged from $250 to $3,000 per covered item for access, diagnosis and repair/replacement, while American Home Shield’s coverage limits ranged from $1,000 to $3,000.

Replacement policy

If an item cannot be repaired, most home warranty providers will replace it. Both Choice Home Warranty and AHS have very similar policies in this regard and provide replacement items with comparable features, capacity and efficiency but do not guarantee matching dimensions, brand or color. Both companies also offer a cash payout in lieu of a replacement appliance or system in certain situations.

Bottom line: Which is the best home warranty company?

Choice Home Warranty and American Home Shield both offer comprehensive home warranty plans that aim to provide hassle-free coverage for major systems and appliances in the home. Both providers have positive reviews from homeowners who appreciate the companies’ coverage and customer service. As with any major company, there are concerns from some customers. When it comes to which home warranty you should choose, it depends on which factors matter most to you.

Choice Home Warranty is a good option for value-minded homeowners. Its Basic Plan covers both essential systems and appliances, so you don't have to choose one over the other if you're on a tight budget. Choice Home Warranty also provides some notable add-on coverage options, like limited roof leak coverage, which is not offered by many providers.

American Home Shield is a good choice for homeowners who want complete coverage, as it has more protection in its comprehensive plan, the option to build your own plan and available add-ons for guest units and electronics.

Next, compare Select Home Warranty vs. Choice Home Warranty.