Choice Home Warranty

Choice Home Warranty: service contracts for home appliances and systems

Choice Home Warranty (CHW) is an American company that offers service contracts —marketed as home warranties— intended to cover the repair or replacement of home appliance and system components that break down from use and wear and tear. The company itself specifies that these are service contracts and not warranties, and refers to the policy terms for response times and limits of liability.

The company states it has handled more than 9,800,000 service requests and has covered more than 2,900,000 homes across the USA, with a nationwide network of more than 25,000 contractors. It serves homeowners, home buyers and sellers, as well as real estate professionals and service contractors.

What the plans cover

The scope of coverage is chosen by the customer. A typical plan includes heating systems and ducts, plumbing systems, electrical systems, water heaters, kitchen appliances (oven, range, stove, cooktop, dishwasher and built-in microwave), garbage disposal, whirlpool bathtub, plumbing stoppage, garage door opener, exhaust fans and ceiling fans.

The Total Plan adds air conditioning, refrigerator, clothes washer and clothes dryer. In addition, optional coverage is available for pool and spa, central vacuum system, well pump, roof leaks, sump pump, septic system and septic tank pumping, and a second refrigerator or a stand-alone freezer.

Benefits highlighted by the company

• Savings: avoids bearing the cost of repairing or replacing appliances and systems when they break down.
• Peace of mind: coverage applies to breakdowns from normal wear and tear.
• Convenience: the customer calls the service line and the company sends the appropriate professional.
• Customization: allows you to adjust the plan so you don't pay for unnecessary coverage.
• First month free when you purchase any single payment plan.

Customer service and requesting service

The company states that its call centers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Service requests can be made through the online account center or by phone. CHW reserves the right to offer cash back in lieu of repair or replacement, in the amount of its actual cost, which at times may be less than retail.

Plans for homeowners, buyers, sellers and professionals

The company structures its offering around several profiles. For homeowners, it presents the contract as a way to avoid high repair costs and to avoid having to find contractors on their own. For buyers and sellers, it maintains that a contract of this type prevents the desired home from becoming a source of unexpected expenses and that, in the case of the seller, it can be associated with an average 3% higher sale price. For real estate professionals, it notes that 8 out of 10 home buyers prefer to buy a home with a warranty in place, which according to the company helps increase home sales and prevents losing clients. For service contractors, it indicates that professionals in its network are fully insured and licensed, and undergo a rigorous vetting process.

Coverage by state and specifics in California

The site offers coverage information by state and specific pages for California and Georgia residents. In California, CHW branded service contracts are issued and offered by Home Service Club of California, Inc. (HSCCA) and sold exclusively by Home Service Club of California Insurance Services, Inc.

Factors that influence cost

According to the information published, the price of a plan can vary based on place of residence, desired level of protection, dwelling size and type of home. The company allows you to get a quick quote online and recommends making a wish list of the systems you want covered beforehand; a customer service rep can help you find the most suitable plan.