Select Home Warranty is a highly popular, budget-focused home warranty provider offering comprehensive coverage packages and frequent promotional discounts. In this detailed review, we explore their plan structures, monthly costs, deductibles, coverage limitations, and pros & cons to help you determine if it is the right match for your property.
1. Why Choose Select Home Warranty?
Since its entry into the market in 2012, Select Home Warranty has established itself as one of the most budget-friendly choices in the home service contract industry. Price-conscious homeowners frequently choose Select because of their low starting premiums, low deductibles, and regular promotional discounts.
One of the biggest reasons to choose Select Home Warranty is that they include limited roof leak coverage for free on all their primary plans, whereas most other home warranty companies charge an additional monthly fee for this coverage. Additionally, Select is highly recommended for homeowners seeking straightforward, simple plan structures without high recurring monthly premiums.
2. Select Home Warranty Plans & Cost Breakdown
Select Home Warranty simplifies its offerings into three main packages, allowing you to select the coverage type that fits your specific needs:
- Bronze Care: Best for basic appliance protection. It covers standard kitchen appliances like stoves, ovens, dishwashers, garbage disposals, and refrigerators, as well as clothes washers and dryers.
- Gold Care: Best for essential system protection. It covers HVAC systems, air conditioning, central heating, plumbing, ductwork, and electrical wiring.
- Platinum Care: Best overall value. It combines all coverage from Bronze Care and Gold Care and adds extra items like garage door openers and ceiling fans.
Monthly & Annual Pricing Structure
Select Home Warranty is highly regarded for its affordable pricing structure. Monthly premiums typically range from $44 to $48 per month, and their promotions often include free months when you pay annually.
Below is an in-depth breakdown of monthly rates and plan characteristics for Select Home Warranty:
| Plan Type | Estimated Monthly Cost | Estimated Annual Cost | Key Coverage Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze Care | $44 - $46 | $480 - $510 | Kitchen and Laundry Appliances |
| Gold Care | $44 - $46 | $480 - $510 | Core HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical |
| Platinum Care | $46 - $48 | $500 - $540 | Complete Systems + Appliance Protection |
3. Service Call Fees and Deductibles
When scheduling service, homeowners pay a fixed service call fee directly to the technician sent to their home. This serves as the claim deductible. Select’s service call fees are highly competitive, ranging from $75 to $100 per claim. Having a lower service fee helps keep diagnostic visits affordable.
However, Select is known to enforce a strict policy regarding the frequency of service call fees, charging a fee per trade technician dispatched. For example, if you need both a plumber for a faucet leak and an electrician for a failed outlet on the same day, Select will require you to pay two separate service call fees because two different trade specialists must be sent.
Furthermore, Select offers a standard 30-day workmanship guarantee on all repairs. If the repaired system or appliance fails again within 30 days due to the same mechanical issue, Select will dispatch a technician back to your property to resolve the problem without charging another service call fee. While this 30-day window is shorter than the 60-day or 90-day guarantee offered by some premium competitors, it is standard for entry-level budget warranty providers. The service call fee must be paid directly to the contractor upon arrival at your home, prior to the commencement of any diagnosis or repair work.
4. Detailed Systems Coverage Options
Under Gold Care and Platinum Care plans, Select Home Warranty provides essential coverage for the core built-in systems that keep your home running smoothly. System repairs can be incredibly expensive when paid out of pocket, so having coverage for major utilities provides excellent financial protection.
Covered systems include:
- Heating and Cooling Systems: Air conditioning units (central cooling systems, heat pumps, and compressors), heating units (gas or electric central heating furnaces, forced-air systems, and hot water boilers), and built-in ductwork.
- Plumbing Systems: Leaks and breaks in plumbing lines (drain, waste, and vent lines), water heaters (gas or electric tank units, including valves and thermostats), drain line stoppages, and sump pumps.
- Electrical Systems: Main breaker panels, subpanels, electrical wiring, switches, outlets, and light fixtures.
5. Detailed Appliances Coverage Options
Under Bronze Care and Platinum Care plans, Select Home Warranty covers major kitchen and laundry appliances. Appliance failures can quickly disrupt household routines, making this protection very valuable for families. Select covers standard residential appliances, ensuring that major components are repaired or replaced when normal wear and tear causes a breakdown.
Covered appliances include:
- Kitchen Appliances: Refrigerators (covering compressors, condensers, thermostats, and built-in ice makers), dishwashers (covering motors, pumps, control boards, timers, and heating elements), ovens, range cooktops (gas or electric built-in units), built-in microwaves, and garbage disposals.
- Laundry Appliances: Clothes washers and clothes dryers, including wash tubs, drums, motors, transmissions, pumps, heating elements, timers, and internal electronic controls.
6. Select Home Warranty Coverage Limits
While Select Home Warranty is highly budget-friendly, it has lower payout limits compared to premium competitors. Understanding these caps helps prevent surprise out-of-pocket balances when replacing expensive equipment.
Below is the detailed limit breakdown for Select Home Warranty:
| Covered Category | Payout Limit (Per Year) | Notes & Details |
|---|---|---|
| Heating & Cooling (HVAC) | $2,000 per system | Covers diagnostics, repair, and central unit replacements |
| Plumbing & Electrical | $500 per system | Payout cap is lower than premium competitors |
| Household Appliances | $500 per appliance | Covers mechanical parts, motors, and control boards |
| Optional Add-On Coverages | $400 - $500 | Varies by add-on item (e.g., pool equipment cap is $500) |
| Roof Leak Coverage | $400 per term | Included for free on all plans |
7. Exclusions & What is Not Covered
Like all home warranty companies, Select has specific exclusions:
- Pre-Existing Conditions: Any system or appliance malfunctions that occurred prior to signup or during the initial 30-day waiting period are excluded.
- Lack of Maintenance: Failures caused by rust, corrosion, sediment buildup, or a failure to perform routine cleaning and filter changes.
- Cosmetic Issues: Scratches, dents, cracks, or non-functional plastic parts that do not affect the mechanical operation of the unit.
- Secondary Damage: Rot, mold, water damage, or drywall damage resulting from a failed plumbing line are excluded.
8. Optional Add-on Coverages
Homeowners can customize their Select Home Warranty policy with optional add-on coverages to ensure all unique amenities are fully protected. These options can be selected at sign-up or added during the contract term for an additional monthly fee:
- Pool and Spa Equipment: Covers filtration plumbing, pumps, motors, and pool heaters. It covers both pool and spa equipment when they share a common sanitation system.
- Well Pumps and Sump Pumps: Critical for homes dependent on well water or deep basement sump pumps, covering the pump motor and pressure switches.
- Lawn Sprinkler Systems: Covers mechanical components, valves, and sprinkler control panels.
- Central Vacuum Systems: Covers motor assemblies and wiring.
- Standalone Freezers: Ideal for homes with secondary refrigeration setups.
- Septic System: Covers septic tank pumping (once per term) and mechanical septic system parts.
9. Claims Submission and Response Time
Select Home Warranty features an online customer portal where homeowners can file claims 24/7. Filing a service request online is highly recommended because the portal registers the claim immediately and automates contractor assignments, resulting in much faster dispatch times compared to filing over the phone.
Once a claim is submitted, Select begins processing it immediately. Their standard response time target is to contact a network service provider within 24 to 48 hours to schedule a diagnostic visit. During peak seasonal surges (such as extreme summer cooling or freezing winter heating periods), wait times may vary depending on local technician availability. Select prioritizes critical emergency situations, such as total heating failure during sub-zero temperatures, ensuring homeowners receive prompt assistance. The contractor will contact you directly to schedule an appointment.
10. Select Home Warranty vs. Competitors
Here is how Select compares to other market leaders:
- Select Home Warranty vs. Choice Home Warranty: Choice is slightly more expensive but offers much higher coverage limits ($3,000 per item vs. Select’s $500 cap for several items). Choice is recommended if you have high-value systems, whereas Select is best for core budget coverage. Choice also has a larger network of 25K+ contractors.
- Select Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield: AHS offers unlimited HVAC/system limits and covers pre-existing conditions, while Select has strict maintenance requirements and a $500 appliance limit. However, Select is far more affordable, with lower service fees and free roof leak coverage.
- Select Home Warranty vs. First American: First American has a high $7,000 appliance limit under its Premium plan, which beats Select’s $500 limit. However, Select is available in more states and is more budget-friendly. First American also doesn’t offer free roof leak coverage.
11. Select Home Warranty FAQs
Here are the answers to the most common questions homeowners ask about Select Home Warranty:
What is the standard waiting period for Select Home Warranty?
The standard waiting period is 30 days from the receipt of payment before coverage begins. Any breakdowns that occur during these first 30 days are considered pre-existing conditions and are excluded from coverage.
Does Select Home Warranty really include free roof leak coverage?
Yes, Select is unique in that they include limited roof leak coverage for free on all their primary plans. This coverage is capped at $400 per contract term and covers limited roof leaks over occupied living spaces for single-family homes.
How much is the service call fee?
Select’s service call fee ranges from $75 to $100 per claim. This fee functions similarly to a deductible and is paid directly to the service technician upon arrival at your home.
Does Select Home Warranty require prior maintenance records?
Select has a strict policy regarding maintenance records. If they suspect a breakdown is due to a lack of maintenance or old age, they may request professional maintenance records for the past 3 to 5 years before approving a claim.
Can I use my own contractor for repairs?
Select typically requires you to use their network of pre-screened contractors. If you use your own contractor without obtaining prior authorization, Select will reject the claim and refuse reimbursement.
12. Complimentary Roof Leak Coverage
Select Home Warranty stands out by offering free roof leak coverage as a standard feature on all plans:
- Coverage Details: Covers repairs for localized water leaks through shingles and flashing on single-family homes.
- Limit: Capped at $400 per contract term, which is sufficient for basic patching and minor leak repairs.
- Exclusions: Does not cover roof replacements, patio covers, green roofs, structural issues, or secondary water damage.
13. Conclusion & Final Verdict
In conclusion, Select Home Warranty is an outstanding choice for price-conscious homeowners who want core protection at an affordable rate. Including free roof leak coverage and maintaining low service call fees makes Select one of the best budget shields available in 2026.
While their individual item limits are lower than premium competitors, the low monthly payments and straightforward plan structures make Select Home Warranty an excellent choice for homeowners looking for basic financial security against unexpected repairs. For buyers of homes with relatively new appliances or those seeking basic protection without paying high premiums, Select represents an incredibly smart and cost-effective investment.
Pros and Cons
Advantages (Pros)
- Highly budget-friendly options with regular promotional discounts and free months
- Complimentary roof leak coverage is included standard on all primary plans
- Low service call fees ($75 - $100) compared to many premium competitors
- Simple, user-friendly online claims registration and tracking portal
- Includes free utility/appliance coverage for key components like roof leaks and multi-systems
Disadvantages (Cons)
- Low standard payout limits capped at $500 for several major systems and appliances
- Strict requirements regarding the submission of professional maintenance records for claim approval
- Repaired items have a relatively short workmanship guarantee on parts and labor