Select Home Warranty Review (2023)

By Amanda Lutz

Nov 02, 2023
modern luxury kitchen with stainless steel appliances, white cabinets, light marble counters, and dark hardwood floors

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Select Home Warranty (SHW) stands out for its value-oriented coverage. Founded in 2012, SHW offers home warranty coverage to homeowners in 47 states. Select provides competitively priced plans that cover appliances, systems, or a combination of both. Additionally, the company includes roof-leak coverage with every plan, a rare basic inclusion in the industry. However, Select has various customer complaints centered on a lack of communication. That said, its solid HVAC system coverage and additional perks make it worth considering.

After researching dozens of home warranty service providers, we determined that Select Home Warranty is among the best home warranty companies for homeowners nationwide. We considered factors such as plan options, the total number of covered items, the quality of available additional coverage options, coverage limits, customer service experience, and claim response time.


Select Home Warranty Rating and Review

Select Home Warranty scored 3.9 out of 5 stars in our rating system. The company scored well for coverage variety and pricing. The provider earned additional points in the price range category because of its low monthly and service call fees. Select lost points for its short workmanship guarantee few additional features, and limited coverage caps.

Here’s how we rated Select Home Warranty on key metrics:


The Best Home Warranty Companies

Here are the top home warranty providers based on our research:


How Select Home Warranty Compares to the Competition

Star Rating Monthly Cost Service Fee Link
Select Home Warranty Select Home Warranty
$44–$48 $65–$75 VISIT SITE
American Home Shield American Home Shield
$65–$76 $100–$125 VISIT SITE
Liberty Home Guard Liberty Home Guard
$49-$60 $65–$125 VISIT SITE
First American Home Warranty First American Home Warranty
$59–$77 $75–$125 VISIT SITE
AFC Home Club AFC Home Club
$47–$56 $75–$125 VISIT SITE
Cinch Home Services Cinch Home Services
$47–$65 $100-$150 VISIT SITE
Select Home Warranty
Logo Select Home Warranty
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $44–$48
Service Fee $65–$75
VISIT SITE
American Home Shield
Logo American Home Shield
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $65–$76
Service Fee $100–$125
VISIT SITE
Liberty Home Guard
Logo Liberty Home Guard
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $49-$60
Service Fee $65–$125
VISIT SITE
First American Home Warranty
Logo First American Home Warranty
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $59–$77
Service Fee $75–$125
VISIT SITE
AFC Home Club
Logo AFC Home Club
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $47–$56
Service Fee $75–$125
VISIT SITE
Cinch Home Services
Logo Cinch Home Services
Star Rating
Monthly Cost $47–$65
Service Fee $100-$150
VISIT SITE

Fast Facts About Select Home Warranty


Benefits and Drawbacks of Select Home Warranty

Benefits:

Drawbacks:


Select Home Warranty Coverage Options

Select Home Warranty offers three base coverage plans. The Bronze Care plan covers home appliances, such as your refrigerator and clothes washer. The Gold Care plan covers home systems, such as your air conditioner and water heater. The Platinum Care plan provides comprehensive coverage for both built-in systems and major appliances. Each plan tier comes standard with free roof-leak coverage.

Additionally, the company offers a workmanship guarantee of 30 days. If a serviced item breaks down within a month of an approved repair, Select will send another verified technician at no additional cost. 

We recommend that you read the company’s sample agreement carefully to ensure you know all coverage caps and exclusions. 

Bronze Care

This plan covers major appliances, including your cooktop, dishwasher, garbage disposal, built-in microwave oven, refrigerator, stove/oven, clothes washer, and clothes dryer

Gold Care

This plan covers your home’s built-in systems, including your air conditioning, ductwork, heating system, electrical system, plumbing system, and water heater. 

Platinum Care

This plan covers all the systems and appliances in the earlier Bronze and Gold Care plans, plus your garage door opener and plumbing stoppages

The table below highlights Select’s coverage options in each plan.

CoverageBronze CareGold CarePlatinum Care

AC/cooling

Built-in microwave

Ceiling fan

Clothes dryer

Clothes washer

Cooktop

Dishwasher

Ductwork

Electrical system

Garage-door openers

Garbage disposal

Heating system

Plumbing stoppages

Plumbing system

Refrigerator

Stove/oven

Water heater

Optional Add-ons: 


Select Home Warranty Pricing

With Select Home Warranty, you can expect to pay between a $60 and $75 service call fee each time you request service, no matter where your home is located. 

According to our quote for a single-family home smaller than 5,000 square feet in Atherton, California, plan prices range from roughly $44 to $48 per month. The Bronze Care and Gold Care plans are priced at $44.22 per month, while the Platinum Care plan is priced at $47.75 per month. If you choose an annual premium, you can expect to pay $530–$573 with two months free. 

Because pricing will vary from home to home even within the same city, we recommend requesting a personalized quote before making your final decision.


Select Home Warranty Coverage Caps

Select Home Warranty will pay up to $400 for roof-leak repairs; $500 for covered appliances, plumbing, and electrical systems; $3,000 for HVAC; and $400 for add-on options.


Select Home Warranty Reviews

When we analyzed more than 1,000 Google and Trustpilot reviews for Select Home Warranty, we found that many customers enjoyed the easy sign-up process. Several reviewers noted how well customer service representatives answered their questions and explained policy terms. 

Several customers, however, noted Select was difficult to reach. Others lamented Select’s tendency to deny claims. Consider your needs and budget before signing up for a Select Home Warranty plan.

“For the most part, I am very satisfied with Select. Early on, I made the mistake of not reading the coverage of my sprinkler system on my policy, and had to replace the system as well as a few heads out of pocket. I blindly thought that adding sprinkler system coverage to my policy would cover all expenses therein. Otherwise, it is very easy to make and follow up on claims using Select. They did pay for a completely new garage door motor which saved [me] a lot of money. Plus, the $75 service fee is very reasonable. Overall, I am satisfied. Just ensure that you read your contract thoroughly to know what components of each appliance are covered.” —Maximilian Werner via Google Reviews

“After my horrible experience with [my] last home warranty company, I was hopeful Select Home Warranty would be different. Boy, did they make good on their promise to provide me with quick and professional service. The day I called Select about my heater not working, it only was a few hours until a heating and air company contacted me and had a technician at my home the next day. I [am] very pleased my house no longer feels like a beer cooler.” —Tracy Tomasian via Google Reviews

“Just renewed with Select Home Warranty for a second year. Pros include: They did replace my water heater and garbage disposal and also helped fix an electrical short in my kitchen; customer service is available and accessible with reasonable wait times. Cons include: Turnaround times could take days for a contractor to accept the claim, and even weeks to finally get the problem fixed once you submit the claim because of this process. Overall, great bang for my buck with Select Home Warranty, and septic tank and system coverage in California were some of the reasons I continue to bring them my business.” —Larry via Google Reviews

“Joel was very accommodating and patient when explaining what he was doing and why. When I contacted the company to see if the replacement of my garage door opener was covered, they were eager to help, and I was surprised to find that indeed it was covered. Filing a claim was a breeze, I’m so glad my friend recommended them to me!” —Jonathan Raia via Google Reviews


Our Recommendation

Select Home Warranty is a worthwhile consideration for any homeowner who wants inexpensive home protection. With this provider’s plans, you can cover up to 16 essential built-in systems and appliances, including your laundry machines, plumbing system, and kitchen appliances, arguably the most used components of any lively household. If you need to cover more items, you can add coverage for up to eight additional items, such as your pool and spa.

To request a personalized quote from Select Home Warranty, call 888-370-3956.


Understanding Home Warranty Fine Print

With so many home warranty companies in the industry, you should read your service contract’s fine print to understand your coverage options and exclusions. Doing so prevents surprises when you file a claim. Some of the most common sections to know when reading your provider’s service contract include the following:

Many providers offer a cancellation period that refunds the premium you paid in full if you cancel within the allotted time. However, if you cancel past the cancellation period, the provider will give you a pro-rated refund, less any service costs. 

Almost all providers accept claims 24/7. Every home warranty provider, however, handles claims differently. Generally, providers send a service technician they select within 48 hours of receiving your claim. If you file a claim during standard business hours, the provider may send someone sooner. After standard business hours or on recognized holidays, expect a longer wait for a service technician, as many only operate during standard business hours.


Reviews of Other Home Warranty Providers


Frequently Asked Questions

How does Select Home Warranty work?

Select Home Warranty works similarly to other home warranty companies in the industry. After signing up for a policy with Select Home Warranty, you will be required to wait 30 days before you can file your first claim. If a covered item malfunctions at any time after this short waiting period, you should contact Select Home Warranty’s claims department immediately.  During the claims process, the provider will connect you with a local, licensed, and verified service technician. The technician will schedule an appointment to diagnose the issue and complete any necessary repairs or replacements. Your $75 service fee will be due at this time.

Are Select Home Warranty policies transferable?

Select Home Warranty policies are transferable when you buy or sell a home, but you may be subject to new rates and coverage terms. To transfer your Select Home Warranty policy, all you have to do is call the provider at 888-370-3956.

Do home warranties cover roof leaks?

Not all home warranty providers will cover roof leaks in their base plans. However, Select Home Warranty includes roof-leak coverage up to $400 for occupied living areas with every plan tier. But be sure to read your agreement carefully to understand exclusions and avoid denied claims.

Does Select Home Warranty cover preexisting conditions?

No, Select Home Warranty doesn’t cover any preexisting conditions. According to the service contract, SHW’s plans exclude “improper installation, previous repair, damage caused by any construction activity, improper wiring, inadequate or lack of capacity, power failures, power surges, overloads, missing parts, failure to properly maintain, failure to properly clean, neglect, misuse, corrosion, rust, sediment and any modification to the system or appliance.” If you are unable to provide maintenance records upon request, the company may impose a coverage limit of $150 per item.

Does Select Home Warranty charge a cancellation fee?

Select Home Warranty does not charge a cancellation fee if you cancel within 30 days. Within this period, you’ll be entitled to a full refund if no services have been requested. The company will charge a $75 cancellation fee after 30 days.


How We Chose the Top Home Warranty Providers

Our team reviewed and researched dozens of home warranty providers, thoroughly analyzed sample agreements, and identified customer pain points based on customer-review analysis and interviews with industry experts. Our in-depth methodology guides our review process to provide transparent information about the companies we review.

During this process, we determined that the most critical aspects of a home warranty company include available service plans and add-ons, depth of coverage, plan cost, industry reputation, customer support infrastructure, and additional features. We also focused on the ability to choose your own contractor; upgrade your coverage package; transfer your plan to another owner; and cover roof leaks, high-end appliance brands, ceiling fans and exhaust fans, and faucets and fixtures.

Our research supported that plan coverage should carry the most weight, with customer support as the second-most important factor. Industry reputation, plan availability, and additional features were rated equally. Therefore, we determined that price range, while worth considering, should not be the primary basis for choosing a home warranty provider for your home’s needs.