Choice Home Warranty and First American Home Warranty
What is the difference between Choice Home Warranty and First American Home Warranty?
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.
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 has covered more than a million homes across the U.S. and has been in business for over 13 years. It sells two plans — Basic and Total — and a number of add-on coverages. The service call fee is $85. You can make a claim 24/7 using your online account or by calling, and CHW schedules a visit from a licensed and insured local service provider. CHW lets you transfer your contract at no charge if you sell your home. Plans are available in all states except California and Washington.
Choice Home Warranty plans
The Basic plan covers the heating system, water heater, electrical system, plumbing system, plumbing stoppage, oven/range/stove, built-in microwave, cooktop, dishwasher, garbage disposal, ceiling and exhaust fans, ductwork, garage door opener and whirlpool bathtub.
The Total plan includes everything in the Basic plan, plus coverage for the air conditioning system, washer, dryer and kitchen refrigerator.
Optional coverage is available for a pool/spa, central vacuum, second refrigerator, well pump, limited roof leak, stand-alone freezer, sump pump, septic system and septic tank pumping.
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. Great Service and was very appreciative he could come so quickly. I will not hesitate to call Choice in the future.”
First American Home Warranty, founded in 1984, has over 590,000 customers throughout the country. It offers two plans — Basic and Premier — with over 94% of customers choosing the Premier Plan, according to the company. Optional add-ons are also available, including the First Class Upgrade, which covers costs for building permits, hauling away of old items being replaced and repair of improperly installed systems and appliances. Each plan has an $85 service call fee. First American has 24/7 claims service online and by phone and a network of prescreened, independent service providers.
First American Home Warranty plans
The Basic Plan covers appliances including your refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, oven range, microwave, garbage disposal, trash compactor, washer and dryer.
The Premier Plan covers everything in the Basic Plan, plus plumbing and plumbing stoppages, heating system, water heater, electrical system, central vacuum system, ductwork and garage door openers.
Optional coverages are available for air conditioning, an additional refrigerator, well pump, pool and spa. You can also add the First Class Upgrade, which covers fees for cranes and other lifting equipment for service of rooftop systems, building permits for replacement items, hauling away of old items when they're replaced and additional parts and components of covered items.
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. Thank you for the service.”
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).
