Founded in 2011, Select Home Warranty is one of our picks for the best home warranty companies. We love that Select offers two months free if you pay your annual premium upfront and that there are frequent offers that can chop hundreds more off your contract.
Select is also one of the few companies to include leaky roof repairs as standard in its plans.
However, Select has received a high level of customer service complaints. In addition, homeowners are required to report claims within three days to ensure an issue is covered.
Select Home Warranty
Plans
The Bronze Care plan covers appliances and the Gold Care plan protects HVAC, electrical and other home systems. The Platinum Care plan covers both and adds garage door openers, ceiling fans and plumbing clogs.
Availability
Not available in Nevada, Washington or Wisconsin
Coverage limits
$3,000 for AC/heating; $500 for electrical, plumbing and appliances; $400 for roof leak
Add-ons
Central vacuum, sprinklers, pool, spa, sump or well pump, septic systems, roof leak repair
Service call fees
$60 to $75
Pros
- Low rates and service fees
- Available in most states
- Roof leak repair frequently included as a promotion
- Discount for paying in full upfront
Cons
- Can't choose your technician
- Lower coverage limits for many appliances and systems
- Maintenance records required for full coverage
Shop for the right extended car warranty
Select Home Warranty pros and cons
- Available in most states
- Two months free if you pay yearly premium upfront
- Includes roof repair coverage
- Multiple-unit properties, rentals and mobile homes are eligible for policies
- Can't choose your technician
- High level of complaints with Better Business Bureau
- Access repair coverage not included
- Some systems require three years of maintenance records
Select Home Warranty plans
Select Home Warranty is available in all U.S. states except in Nevada, Washington and Wisconsin. Plans are offered for single-family and multiple units, condos, mobile homes, rental properties and manufactured homes.
Bronze Care
Covers: Major home appliances, including refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, built-in microwaves, washer/dryers, garbage disposals, roof repair
Average monthly rate (with discount): $44
Gold Care
Covers: Major home systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, water heaters, ductwork, roof repair
Average monthly rate (with discount): $44
Platinum Care
Covers: Bronze and Gold Care plan coverage, plus garage door openers, ceiling fans and plumbing clog
Average monthly rate (with discount): $47
Select Home Warranty has a 30-day waiting period during which the replacement cost of systems or appliances is not covered. It may also request up to three years' worth of maintenance records for certain systems and charge as much as $150 if they're not available.
Add-ons
Additional items can be added to any Select plan, including:
- Pool and spa
- Septic system
- Central vacuum
- Lawn sprinklers
- Standalone freezer
- Sump pump or well pump
Requirements and exclusions
Select Home Warranty excludes coverage for issues stemming from neglect or misuse, improper installation, manufacturer defects, power failures or surges, cosmetic flaws or corrosion or lead or asbestos.
Some systems and appliances are also excluded, so review your policy before purchasing.
Coverage limits
Select sets caps on how much it will pay for repairs or replacements.
- Appliances: $500
- A/C and heating: $3,000
- Electrical systems: $500
- Plumbing: $500
- Add-ons: $400
- Freon: $200
Cost
| Plan | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|
| Bronze | $44 |
| Gold | $44 |
| Platinum | $47 |
Source: Rates are for New York ZIP Code 11101 and include $150 discount and two months free
Select Home Warranty's service call fees range from $75 to $100, about average for the industry. If multiple contractors are needed to address an issue, however, you'll be assessed a separate charge for each visit.
Customer service
The Better Business Bureau gave Select Home Warranty a B-, citing a high volume of complaints. However, 60% of the company's customer reviews on Trustpilot have 4 or 5 stars.
You can get a rate quote and purchase a policy online or over the phone and existing policyholders can submit claims 24/7 through the online client portal or by phone. There is no mobile app or online chat feature.
According to Select, most service requests are responded to within two business days but it can take up to four days on weekends and holidays.
While you cannot choose your contractor, Select requires technicians in its network to guarantee their work for 60 days.
Policies can be canceled for a full refund within 30 days if no service calls have been made. After that, you may receive a prorated refund and be charged a $75 cancellation fee.
How does Select compare to other home warranty companies?
We put Select Home Warranty up against two major home warranty competitors.
| Select Home Warranty | Choice Home Warranty | Liberty Home Guard | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | 47 states (Not available in Nevada, Washington or Wisconsin | 49 states (not available in Washington) | 50 states |
| Plans | Bronze Care: Major appliances, Gold Care: Home systems, Platinum Care: Both | Basic: Appliances and systems, Total Plan: Adds washer/dryer, refrigerator and AC | Appliance Guard covers appliances, Systems Guard covers major home systems, Total Plan covers both |
| Average premiums | $44-$47 | $46-$55 | Starts at $50 |
| Coverage cap | $500 for appliances, electrical and plumbing; $3,000 for A/C and heating | $3,000 for AC/heating; $500 for electrical, plumbing and appliances; $400 for roof leak | $2,000 per item for appliances and AC, $500 per item for systems and roof leak repair. |
| Service call fee | $75 to $100 | $100 to $125 | $75 to $125 |
| Guarantee | 60 days | 90 days | 60 days |
| Choose your contractor? | No | No | Yes |
Select Home Warranty vs. Liberty Home Guard
Select Home Warranty edges out Liberty Home Guard on price, with plans as cheap as $44 a month compared to $50 to start with Liberty. (The bonus two months you get for paying in full could lower your cost even further.)
Liberty Home Guard
Plans
The Appliance Guard plan covers common appliances and the Systems Guard plan protects HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems and ductwork. The Total Home Guard plan combines the two.
Availability
Available in all 50 states
Coverage limits
$2,000 per covered item for appliances and AC, $500 per item for electrical, plumbing and roof leak repair.
Add-ons
Fixtures, electronics, additional refrigerators, carpet cleaning, sump and well pumps, septic systems, pool/spa, sprinklers, gutter cleaning, window washing, roof leaks, pest control
Service call fees
$75 to $125
The two providers split the difference on coverage limits: While Liberty only pays out $2,000 for HVAC systems, compared to $3,000 with Select, it also covers $2,000 per appliance, compared to the more anemic $500 limit with Select. Both companies cap electrical and plumbing repairs at $500 per contract.
Liberty does have some appealing add-ons, including coverage for gutter cleaning, window washing and pest control. It also has a stronger record on customer service: While it's not rated by the Better Business Bureau, 95% of Liberty Home Shield reviews on Trustpilot have four or five stars.
Select Home Warranty vs. Choice Home Warranty
Select's more affordable pricing and range of discounts gives it an edge over Choice Home Warranty. Choice has higher coverage limits for most items, but it also has a higher starting price point and doesn't offer an appliance-only plan.
Choice Home Warranty
Plans
Choice's Basic Plan covers many appliances and systems, but the Total Plan adds air conditioning, washers, dryers and refrigerators.
Availability
Not available in Washington state
Coverage limits
$3,000 a year for each covered item and up to $500 for roof leaks
Add-ons
Pool, sprinkler, additional refrigerator, well pumps, sump pumps, septic systems, roof leaks,
Service call fee
$100
The two cover most of the same appliances and systems, but Choice only includes roof leak repair as an add-on. Select includes it for free with most contracts.
And while Choice has more four- and five-star reviews on Trustpilot, it's facing an ongoing lawsuit from the Arizona Attorney General's office, which alleges it used "contract exclusions, payment caps and bad-faith refusals" to avoid paying for repairs.
How do I buy a policy from Select Home Warranty?
You can get rate quotes or sign up for a contract with Select Home Warranty online or over the phone at 855-267-3532.
Note: There is an additional charge if your home is larger than 5,000 square feet.
Is Select Home Warranty worth it?
Select Home Warranty has low rates and broad coverage features, making it a good option for a service contract if you don't have money on hand for out-of-pocket repairs.
If you're looking for a contract with higher coverage limits or that doesn't require service records, however, you may want to check out other options.
Select Home Warranty FAQs
Is Select Home Warranty legit?
Yes, Select Home Warranty is a legitimate business founded in 2011 and available in 47 states. It received a B- from the Better Business Bureau.
How much is the service fee for Select Home Warranty?
Select Home Warranty's service fee ranges from $75 to 125 per visit. If an issue requires multiple contractors, you'll have to pay the fee for each one.
How do I file a claim with Select Home Warranty?
You can submit claims through the client portal on the Select website, over the phone or via email. Select reports that most requests are processed within two days, although those filed on weekends may take up to four days.
How do I cancel with Select Home Warranty?
You can cancel your Select Home Warranty over the phone within 30 days for a full refund. After 30 days, you may receive a prorated refund minus a $75 cancellation fee.
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Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every home warranty review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of home warranty products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.
Our methodology
CNBC Select reviews home warranty companies based on various factors:
- Availability: We considered which states a company issues policies in, as well as any waiting periods.
- Costs: We considered premiums and service call fees, as well as the availability of discounts and limited-time offers.
- Plan coverage and add-ons: We rated companies on how extensive each plan is and what add-ons are available for an additional charge.
- Coverage limits: We considered the caps put on plans, as well as requirements for coverage and if maintenance records are needed to approve a claim.
- Customer satisfaction: We considered the availability of customer service representatives, the speed at which technicians are contacted and the ratings and customer review scores each company received from the Better Business Bureau. We also noted any outstanding legal action.
- Licensed technicians: We noted if a company allows customers to work with a technician of their choice.
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