Founded in 2012, Select Home Warranty is known for its unique offerings and low premiums. Our team completed a comprehensive Select Home Warranty review, evaluating the provider’s plans, claims process, cost, customer ratings, and more. Keep reading to determine if Select is the best home warranty company for you.
Our Take on Select Home Warranty
We rated Select Home Warranty 4.3 out of 5 stars and named it the home warranty company with the “Best Value” for homeowners. Its included roof-leak coverage, affordable plans, and nationwide availability make it a solid option for homeowners. Our team discovered Select’s customer service after sign-up isn’t as strong as its offerings. Overall, though, Select is worth considering if you need a budget-friendly home warranty or basic coverage for a few systems or appliances.
Best Home Warranty Companies of 2023
The home warranty companies with the best ratings include the following:
- Select Home Warranty: Best Value
- American Home Shield: Best Coverage Caps
- Liberty Home Guard: Best Customer Ratings
- America’s First Choice Home Club: Best for Customization
- First American Home Warranty: Best Appliance Coverage
- Cinch Home Services: Best Additional Perks
- 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty: Cheapest Appliance Plan
- ARW Home: Affordable Service Call Fees
Summary of the Best Home Warranty Companies
Pros & Cons of Select Home Warranty
Here are some of the pros and cons of Select Home Warranty:
Select Home Warranty Plans and Coverage
Select Home Warranty offers three plans for home warranty coverage:
- Bronze Care: The Bronze Care plan offers major appliance coverage, such as built-in microwaves, clothes washers and dryers, cooktops, dishwashers, garbage disposals, ovens, refrigerators, and stovetops.
- Gold Care: The Gold Care plan covers home systems, including air conditioning, ductwork, electrical systems, heating, plumbing, and water heaters.
- Platinum Care: The Platinum Care plan bundles the Bronze Care and Gold Care plans together for additional peace of mind.
Select Home Warranty Plans
The table below provides a detailed breakdown of Select’s coverage options per plan:
Coverage | Bronze Care | Gold Care | Platinum 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
You can also opt into getting additional coverage with an added monthly fee. Here are the add-on options you can choose from:
- Appliances: Second refrigerator, stand-alone freezer, refrigerator ice maker
- Systems: Septic system, lawn sprinkler system, central vacuum
- Pump: Well pump, sump pump
- Pool: Pool/spa equipment
Getting coverage on your extra items can add significant value to your home warranty plan. Since standard plans don’t cover items like stand-alone freezers, getting additional coverage can provide extra protection for your home. Additionally, add-ons are a great way to supplement your coverage while keeping costs low.
Coverage Exclusions
Select requires your major systems and appliances to be in working order before granting coverage. It won’t cover preexisting conditions. Below are a few common coverage exclusions:
- Solar or tankless water heaters
- Water softeners
- Solar heating systems
- Geothermal heat pumps
- Improperly installed ductwork
- Window air conditioners
- Humidifiers
Select Home Warranty varies its coverage limits for different appliances and systems. Heating and cooling systems have a coverage limit of $3,000, while appliances, plumbing, and electrical systems are limited to $500 per claim. Select further limits add-ons to $400 per claim.
Select Home Warranty Pricing
Based on a sample quote* we received on a 2,261-square-foot, single-family home in Toms River, New Jersey, Select Home Warranty offers the following monthly rates with service fees between $60–$75. A representative explained that the lower service call fee is an over-the-phone promotion.
- Gold Care: $44.42
- Bronze Care: $44.42
- Platinum Care: $47.75
*Your plan’s price and coverage may vary depending on your state and the size of your home.
State Availability
Select Home Warranty is available in 47 states (not available in Nevada, Washington, and Wisconsin).
Select Home Warranty Reviews
Select Home Warranty holds a C rating* from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Select has mixed reviews from consumers. Some appreciate Select’s easy sign-up process. However, several consumers note that Select is difficult to reach when filing a claim. Others were dissatisfied with low reimbursement amounts.
Our team gathered a mix of positive and negative customer reviews from third-party review sites, including Trustpilot, Best Company, Consumer Affairs, and the BBB.
*BBB rating accurate as of July 2023
Here are several positive customer reviews:
“Came over to Select Home Warranty from Choice Home Warranty and couldn’t be happier. I received an ADT alarm system, and the technician came fast to install it.” — Alessandra, July 16, 2023, on Trustpilot
“Full disclosure: I just signed up, and I haven’t had to make a claim. As I started to fill out the form, I received a call from a knowledgeable rep who answered all my questions. After shopping around, the platinum package seems to give the coverage I need at a price far lower than the competition.” — April M., July 15, 2023, on Trustpilot
“Our experience with the company was great! They answered all of our questions and tried to find the best package for us. The representative was friendly and patient. The service was awesome! Barb M., July 15, 2023, on Trustpilot
“My sales agent clearly explained the terms of Select’s home warranty policy so that I could compare it with the coverage under my current home warranty policy (with a different provider). He also was very responsive to several detailed questions that I had regarding the policy provisions.” — Stephen, May 1, 2023, on ConsumerAffairs
“The sales representative was exceptional with his customer service. Explained what was requested and gave us the time and assistance needed to move forward with SHW.” — Tyler F., July 13, 2023, on Trustpilot
Here are several negative customer reviews:
“When I purchased my last home, I got a warranty through Select Home Warranty. I have filed six claims. Four on my furnace, one on my hot water tank and one on my garbage disposal. The only contact I got was it wasn’t worth their time to come out for my garbage disposal. They told me to buy a new one, they will send me $75 but won’t install it. They did not respond to any of my calls for the furnace. When I called to cancel service and asked for a refund, I was told they would only refund me $115.20 from a year’s policy paid in advance. All they wanted was for me to extend the service. Terrible customer service doesn’t provide the service that is stated in the contract.” — Carol A., April 20, 2023, on BBB
“If I could give them no stars, I would. Do yourself a favor and find another home warranty company. They are cheaper for a reason. They deny most claims and will only reimburse the bare minimum. If you obtain this warranty, read your contract within the first 30 days for full reimbursement.” — Torre N., June 29, 2023, on Best Company
“Could not find a technician, and if they did, they were not qualified to do the job. All foreign phone reps and very frustrating. We had the AC go out in the heat of the south at 90 degrees, and they still don’t have someone four days later. First sent someone who wasn’t even HVAC certified, and then they canceled at the last minute anyway.” — Shelli, July 11, 2023, on ConsumerAffairs
“I submitted a cooktop sparks non-functioning claim about a month ago; the contractor intentionally inflated the repair cost to about $600. The SHW only wanted to pay $150. So, it will cost me $450. I found a local repair shop that could fix it for $200. The home warranty is not worth it at all. The warranty is a joke! I am glad that I only signed up for one year contract.” — Kevin W., July 3, 2023, on Trustpilot
“This company will just take your money and deny all services. I wanted full home coverage like the A/C, washed, and plumbing system. When I had a plumbing problem, they denied the services because they don’t cover leaks. It is like buying a car without tires. It is ridiculous.” — Claudia V., June 25, 2023, on Best Company
We also received this feedback from two of our readers:
“My microwave stopped working Thanksgiving of 2022. I called to make a claim, and they said they would send a technician out. Then a day or so later, without any service assessment, they said it wasn’t cost-effective to fix; they wouldn’t replace it, but instead, they offered me $95. I asked for an explanation on determining the depreciated value on more than five calls and emails, and they just repeatedly said someone would call to explain. That never happened, and they ended up eventually being honest and stating no one would be calling, take it or leave it.” — Chris D.
“I signed on with [Select Home Warranty] in late 2021. My HVAC had an issue about eight months into the service, so I requested assistance. They had no contractors and requested me to find one. Then they denied me, stating I had the HVAC repaired without their authority, which I didn’t; I only got a quote. Then they denied me because I didn’t have three years of maintenance records, which I couldn’t provide. After all, I only bought the house eight months ago. It was a horrible experience.” — Jim M.
Our Conclusion
Based on our Select Home Warranty review, we scored the company 4.3 out of 5 stars. Some of the company’s best features include free roof-leak repair coverage, seasonal promotions, budget-friendly pricing, and solid HVAC protection. Before signing up, we recommend reading its sample contract thoroughly to be aware of coverage exclusions and limits.
If you are comparing the prices of multiple companies, we recommend getting a free quote from Liberty Home Guard or American Home Shield.
Select Home Warranty vs. the Competition
For information on other home warranty companies, read our in-depth company reviews:
FAQ About Select Home Warranty
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our home warranty ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each provider. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts from each company, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys. We then score each provider against our review standards for coverage, value, trustworthiness and transparency, availability, and customer service to arrive at a final score out of 100.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.