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. American Home Shield cost
American Home Shield stands out with a lower starting service fee, which is what you pay per service call. On the other hand, American Home Shield offers more affordable monthly rates for its introductory plans. When it comes to top-tier coverage, Choice Home Warranty becomes the more budget-friendly option.
Choice Home Warranty plans and pricing
Choice Home Warranty offers two plans, but its service fee is always $100. You can get a discounted rate on either plan by paying annually instead of monthly:
- Basic plan: $560 per year
- Total plan: $660 per year
| Service fee | Basic | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $100 | $49.17 | $57.50 |
American Home Shield plans and pricing
American Home Shield lets you choose a service fee of $100 or $125, which is what you pay when you file a claim. Choosing a higher service fee reduces the monthly cost of your plan.
| Service fee | ShieldSilver | ShieldGold | ShieldPlatinum |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | $39.99 | $59.99 | $89.99 |
| $125 | $29.99 | $49.99 | $79.99 |
*Cost information is accurate as of the time of publishing. Price quotes used a Texas ZIP code; pricing may vary in other locations.
Choice Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield coverage
Your choice between these two companies may depend on the type of coverage you need upfront. American Home Shield provides specialized entry-level options that cover only systems. Choice Home Warranty, on the other hand, bundles both systems and appliances into all of its plans, which might be better if you need comprehensive protection from the start.
 |  | |
| Coverage |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Plan | ||
| Air conditioner | | |
| Heating | | |
| Plumbing | | |
| Electrical | | |
| Ductwork | | |
| Sump pump | | |
| Water heater | | |
| Interior plumbing lines | | |
| Interior electrical lines | | |
| Exterior plumbing lines | | |
| Exterior water lines | | |
| Refrigerator | | |
| Dishwasher | | |
| Oven | | |
| Range | | |
| Cooktop | | |
| Microwave | | |
| Food center | | |
| Garbage disposal | | |
| Trash compactor | | |
| Ice maker | | |
| Hot/cold water dispenser | | |
| Range exhaust hood | | |
| Kitchen exhaust fan | | |
| Clothes washer | | |
| Clothes dryer | | |
| Toilets | | |
| Bathtub/shower | | |
| Faucets | | |
| Ceiling fans | | |
| Attic fans | | |
| Central vacuum | | |
| Doorbells | | |
| Garage door openers | | |
| Roof leak repairs | | |
| Main breaker | | |
| Plumbing stoppages | | |
| Home electronics | | |
| Smoke detectors | | |
| Jetted tub components | | |
Choice Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield add-ons
While both companies offer common add-ons like pool and spa or well pump coverage their specialty options differ. Choice Home Warranty has a more extensive list with unique coverage for items like septic tank pumping and central vacuums. American Home Shield's selection is smaller and sticks to more traditional upgrades.
Choice Home Warranty add-ons
You can choose to include up to 12 add-ons with any Choice Home Warranty plan. Here’s the monthly pricing for these additional coverage items:
| Optional coverage | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Ice maker | $2.08 |
| Second refrigerator | $3.33 |
| Stand-alone freezer | $3.33 |
| Sump pump | $3.33 |
| Central vacuum | $3.33 |
| Septic tank pumping | $5.42 |
| Roof leak repair | $5.83 |
| Well pump | $8.33 |
| Sprinkler system | $8.33 |
| Septic system | $10 |
| Pool and spa | $15 |
| Additional spa | $15 |
American Home Shield add-ons
American Home Shield offers six add-ons. See pricing for the most popular additional coverage items below.
| Optional coverage | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Septic pump | $4.99 |
| Roof leak repair | $9.99 |
| Well pump | $9.99 |
| Guest unit | $12.99 |
| Electronics protection | $14 |
| Pool and spa | $20.99 |
What Choice Home Warranty customers say
Most Choice Home Warranty customers praise the simple claims process, with many noting quick approvals and efficient technicians who resolve issues within a day or two. Positive reviews highlight courteous contractors and affordable coverage. However, others report long delays in scheduling and claim denials for common issues.
Easy to file a claim online. Prompt response by CHOICE and excellent service by the HVAC vendor.”
– Becky of Granbury, TX
What American Home Shield customers say
American Home Shield customers often highlight the convenience of filing claims online. Many reviews mention prompt contractor dispatch and successful repairs or replacements. However, some customers also report inconsistent contractor quality, long delays on larger jobs and unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
I've had American Home Shield for many years. … They always do a good job and they're always on time.”
– Pamela of Clinton Township, MI
Bottom line: Choice Home Warranty or American Home Shield?
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. Choice Home Warranty is a good option for value-minded homeowners. 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.
