To help make the choice of a home warranty provider easier, we did a side-by-side comparison of Choice Home Warranty and First American Home Warranty. We analyzed what items are covered, premiums, service call fees, optional coverages, extra benefits and customer reviews. Keep reading for help deciding which provider is right for your home and budget.
Choice Home Warranty vs. First American Home Warranty cost
While First American Home Warranty's monthly premiums are lower for basic coverage, Choice Home Warranty is the more economical choice for comprehensive, high-tier plans. Another key cost to consider is the service fee, which is the amount you pay for a technician's visit; Choice Home Warranty has a lower entry point for this one-time cost.
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 |
First American Home Warranty plans and pricing
You can select a service fee of $100 or $125 with First American Home Warranty. You’ll pay $25 more out of pocket for repairs with the higher service fee, but your plan will cost you $5 less monthly.
| Service fee | Starter | Essential | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | $47 | $62 | $82 |
| $125 | $42 | $57 | $77 |
*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. First American Home Warranty coverage
Both Choice Home Warranty and First American Home Warranty build their coverage on all-in-one plans, meaning even their basic packages protect both systems and appliances. Their coverage approach is very similar at the entry-level and continues as you move up to their higher-priced tiers, where both offer robust protection for a comparable list of major home items.
 |  | |
| 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. First American Home Warranty add-ons
First American Home Warranty offers a wider variety of specialty add-ons including coverage for guest units and electronics protection. Choice Home Warranty’s list is shorter but includes unique options like septic tank pumping. Both companies provide common add-ons for a pool and spa.
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 |
First American Home Warranty add-ons
If you’d like additional coverage, First American Home Warranty lets you pick up to 12 add-ons. Here’s the monthly cost of the most popular options:
| Optional coverage | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Septic pump | $4.99 |
| Roof leak repair | $9.99 |
| Well pump | $9.99 |
| Guest unit | $12.99 |
| Pool and spa | $20.99 |
What Choice Home Warranty customers say
Choice Home Warranty reviewers point out helpful customer service, quick response times and punctual and professional contractors. A few customers noted how easy it was to file a claim. Others experienced denied claims or found that the coverage they paid for was not adequate to cover needed repairs.
Called and made a claim and within an hour emailed that technician would contact me. Four hours later my A/C was working again. Technician was cordial and knowledgeable. ... I will not hesitate to call Choice in the future.”
– Dolores of Slidell, LA
What First American Home Warranty customers say
Overall, First American Home Warranty customers describe satisfactory resolutions of their claims. Reviewers liked the contractors the company sent to perform repairs, with one expressing appreciation for how the workers left her home spotless after completing the job. Other customers encountered unexpectedly denied claims and delays in responses from customer service and contractors.
I was very happy with the repair of my microwave. I was called the same day as I requested repair and it was repaired the next day. The repairman was polite and considerate and finished the repair in a timely manner.”
– Marilyn of Pahrump, NV
Bottom line: Choice Home Warranty or First American Home Warranty?
First American Home Warranty’s average costs for home warranty plans are a bit cheaper, but Choice Home Warranty covers both appliances and systems in its Basic plan (First American only covers appliances in its Basic plan). CHW also is available in more states and has slightly better (and significantly more) reviews, on balance, than First American on ConsumerAffairs.
- Choice Home Warranty is best for homeowners, buyers or sellers who want to cover both appliances and systems.
- First American Home Warranty is best for customers who want to cover appliances only or want a cheaper combo plan (but keep in mind air conditioning coverage is an add-on).
