Select Home Warranty and American Home Shield (AHS) are both national home warranty providers. AHS is also known for higher claim payout limits, making it a solid choice for homeowners who want extensive protection for major systems and appliances. Select Home Warranty appeals to budget-conscious homeowners by offering affordable coverage plans and free roof coverage with every plan.
In this comparison, we’ll take a closer look at each provider’s plans, coverage options, cost, and more to help you determine which is the best home warranty provider for your home.
Our Take on Select Home Warranty and American Home Shield
Select Home Warranty has cheaper monthly premiums, lower service fees, and includes roof coverage in its plans. However, American Home Shield has more years of industry experience, more comprehensive plan options, and flexible service fees.
While AHS offers coverage in 48 states, excluding Alaska and Hawaii, SHW is available in 46 states, excluding Nevada, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Select Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield Overview
| Provider | Select Home Warranty | American Home Shield |
|---|---|---|
|
This Old House rating |
3.7/5 |
4.8/5 |
|
Plan options |
Bronze, Gold, Platinum, and optional add-ons |
ShieldSilver™, ShieldGold™, ShieldPlatinum™, and optional add-ons |
|
Monthly premiums |
$44.42–$47.75 per month |
$29.99–$89.99 per month |
|
Service fee deductible |
$60–$75 |
$100–$125 |
|
State availability |
49 states (all except Nevada, New Mexico, Washington, and Wyoming) |
49 states (all except Alaska) |
|
BBB rating |
B |
B |
|
Years in business |
8 |
48 |
How Do Select Home Warranty and American Home Shield Compare For Coverage?
American Home Shield covers more appliances and systems than Select Home Warranty, but Select Home Warranty offers more optional coverage than American Home Shield. American Home Shield also offers coverage for items with undetectable pre-existing conditions.
What Are Select Home Warranty’s Plan Options?
There are three Select Home Warranty plans: Gold, Bronze, and Platinum. Gold Care covers six home systems, Bronze Care covers eight home appliances, and Platinum Care covers everything in the Bronze Care and Gold Care plans, plus garage door openers and plumbing stoppages.
Compare what each Select plan covers in the table below:
What Does Select Home Warranty’s Coverage Include?
| Plans | Gold Care | Bronze Care | Platinum Care |
|---|---|---|---|
|
AC/Cooling |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Ductwork |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Electrical system |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Heating system |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Plumbing system |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Water heater |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Cooktop |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Dishwasher |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Garbage disposal |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Built-in microwave |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Refrigerator |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Stove/oven |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Clothes washer |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Clothes dryer |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Garage door openers |
✓ |
||
|
Plumbing stoppages |
✓ |
What Are American Home Shield’s Plan Options?
There are three American Home Shield plans: ShieldSilver™, ShieldGold™, and ShieldPlatinum™. ShieldSilver covers major household systems. ShieldGold covers 10 essential kitchen and laundry appliances with all the systems in ShieldSilver, and ShieldPlatinum protects up to 23 home items with additional benefits that include coverage boosts and roof leak coverage.
Compare each American Home Shield plan in the table below:
What Does American Home Shield’s Coverage Include?
| Systems and Appliances | ShieldSilver™ | ShieldGold™ | ShieldPlatinum™ |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Air Conditioning |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Heating System |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Ductwork |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Electrical |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Doorbells |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Smoke Detectors |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Ceiling Fans |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Plumbing and Stoppages |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Water Heaters |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Water Dispensers |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Central Vacuums |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Refrigerators |
– |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Ranges, Ovens, and Cooktops |
– |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Clothes Washer |
– |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Clothes Dryers |
– |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Dishwashers |
– |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Built-In Microwave |
– |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Trash Compactors |
– |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Freestanding Ice Maker |
– |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Garage Door Opener |
– |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Built-In Food Centers |
– |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Coverage Boost |
– |
– |
✓ |
|
Roof Leak Coverage |
– |
– |
✓ |
Select Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield Add-On Options
Compare the add-on options that Select Home Warranty and American Home Shield offer below:
Select Home Warranty Add-Ons
Select Home Warranty also offers 12 optional add-ons to purchase separately, including:
- Plumbing fixtures
- Well pump
- Sump pump
- Central vacuum
- Septic system coverage
- Refrigerator ice maker
- Lawn sprinkler system
- Pool and spa equipment
- Lighting fixtures
- Switches and outlets
- Second refrigerator
- Stand alone freezer
American Home Shield Add-Ons
In addition to its three standard plans, American Home Shield offers five optional add-ons:
- Electronic extended warranty
- Septic pump
- Well pump
- Pool and spas
- Guest units up to 750 square feet
How Do Select Home Warranty and American Home Shield Costs Compare?
American Home Shield premiums start at a lower cost than Select Home Warranty but range higher in cost than Select Home Warranty premiums. Select Home Warranty has a lower service call fee range of $60–$75. American Home Shield allows you to choose a service fee of $100 or $125. The service fee you select with American Home Shield affects the cost of your monthly premium—the higher the service fee you select, the lower your monthly premium will be and vice versa.
Note: The optional add-on cost for each provider depends on the items you select and may add about $40 to $180 per year to your home warranty cost.
Select Home Warranty Pricing and Plans
- Monthly cost: $44.42–$47.75
- Service call fee cost: $60-$75 per claim
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Coverage Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze Care | $44.42 | $60-$75 | $500 |
| Gold Care | $44.42 | $60-$75 | $500 (HVAC: $3,000) |
| Platinum Care | $47.75 | $60-$75 | Coverage caps remain the same |
American Home Shield Pricing and Plans
- Monthly cost: $29.99–$89.99
- Service call fee cost: $100-$125 per claim
| Plan | $125 Service Fee Price | $100 Service Call Fee | Coverage Caps |
|---|---|---|---|
| ShieldSilver | $29.99 | $39.99 | $5,000 |
| ShieldGold | $49.99 | $59.99 | Systems: $5,000 Appliances: $2,000 |
| ShieldPlatinum | $79.99 | $89.99 | Systems: $5,000 Appliances: $4,000 |
What Do Customers Say About Select Home Warranty and American Home Shield?
While these two companies received a B rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), we found that American Home Shield reviews on the BBB are more positive, on average, than Select Home Warranty reviews.
Home Warranty Reviews Comparison
| Provider | Select Home Warranty | American Home Shield |
|---|---|---|
|
BBB rating |
B |
B |
|
BBB accreditation |
No |
Yes |
|
Average BBB customer review rating (out of 5 stars) |
1 star |
2 ½ stars |
|
Number of customer reviews on BBB webpage |
772 reviews |
6,198 reviews |
How To Choose the Right Home Warranty Company
Before signing up with a home warranty company, compare coverage limits, exclusions, plan options, and pricing. Select Home Warranty and American Home Shield vary significantly in each of these areas, so reviewing their specific offerings will help you choose the best provider and plan for your budget.
- Assess plan features: Analyze which household systems and appliances Select Home Warranty and American Home Shield cover in their plans. Although our analysis found American Home Shield’s coverage options are more generous than Select’s, confirm whether a prospective provider covers the systems and appliances that matter most to you.
- Understand coverage limits and exclusions: After viewing plan options for Select Home Warranty and American Home Shield, examine the terms and limitations within the providers’ residential service contracts. The fine print in these contracts can help you make your decision, as you don’t want to miss an important coverage limit or exclusion.
- Consider pricing options: You should balance both monthly premiums and per-claim service fees when selecting a company. This will allow you to judge overall costs and budget for inevitable service call expenses over your coverage year.
- Decide on a monthly or yearly premium: Home warranty plans are available in monthly or annual renewal periods. You may also have the option to choose between various devices for paying your monthly deductibles and service call fees, such as an online portal or mobile app.
- Speak with a company representative: Contact a representative from your prospective company with any questions. It’s important to feel satisfied with a provider’s customer service quality, as having a reliable and helpful contact can be beneficial during difficult claim situations.
Our Final Take on American Home Shield and Select Home Warranty
American Home Shield and Select Home Warranty are both top competitors in the home warranty industry, but they have very different strengths. For example, American Home Shield is a good choice if you want comprehensive home appliance coverage, while Select Home Warranty is a better option if you have a smaller budget.
The best home warranty for your home will depend on your household’s budget and coverage needs. To get the most accurate pricing for your home, we recommend getting quotes from both companies.
Alternative Home Warranty Options Compared
If you still can’t decide between American Home Shield and Select Home Warranty, here is a table comparing some additional home warranty companies:
| Company | BBB Rating | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NR** | $49–$59 | $65–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
| B | $29–$89 | $100–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
| B- | $44–$47 | $60–$75 | VISIT SITE | |
| B | $42–$82 | $100–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
| B | $35–$94 | $75–$125 | VISIT SITE | |
| B+ | $44–$58 | $70 | VISIT SITE | |
| B+ | $30–$56 | $100–$150 | VISIT SITE | |
| A | $27–$61 | $65–$100 | VISIT SITE |
| Company | Logo | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Monthly Cost | Service Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberty Home GuardGet Quote |  | NR | $57–$68 | $65–$125 | |
American Home ShieldGet Quote | | B | $36–$100 | $100–$125 | |
Select Home WarrantyGet Quote | | B- | $44–$48 | $60–$75 | |
Elite Home WarrantyGet Quote |  | B | $45–$60 | $70 ($150 for after hours and weekends) | |
First American Home WarrantyGet Quote |  | B | $77–$130 | $100–$125 | |
AFC Home WarrantyGet Quote |  | B | $44–$82 | $75–$125 | |
Cinch Home ServicesGet Quote |  | B+ | $51–$68 | $100–$150 | |
2-10 Home WarrantyGet Quote |  | A | $27–$61 | $65–$100 |
FAQs About Home Warranties
What does a home warranty cover?
Home warranty plans cover major appliances and systems in your home, such as your refrigerator, air conditioning, and plumbing. Both American Home Shield and Select Home Warranty offer plans that cover appliances, systems, and a combination of both.
What is the waiting period for Select Home Warranty and American Home Shield?
Once you purchase your home warranty plan from Select Home Warranty or American Home Shield, you’ll have to wait 30 days before you can file your first claim.
Is a home warranty worth it?
Because a home warranty protects homeowners from expensive, unexpected repair bills, it may be worth it for valuable peace of mind and budget protection. For more information on these service contracts, read our article that explores how home warranties provide coverage.
How much does a home warranty cost?
On average, homeowners pay $25–$60 per month for a home warranty plan, and the service call fees are between $60 and $125.
What is the minimum contract length for American Home Shield and Select Home Warranty?
The minimum contract length for American Home Shield and Select Home Warranty is 12 months.
Do American Home Shield and Select Home Warranty offer promotions?
Yes. American Home Shield offers $50 off for new customers, while Select Home Warranty offers $150 off and two months free to new customers.
Our Rating Methodology
We use a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each home warranty company we review. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts, and running focus groups and homeowner surveys.
We use this information to score each provider in six comparison categories that we think are most important when choosing a home warranty. We rate each provider across 23 factors within those categories. Each factor is assigned a point value based on its importance to a homeowner, totaling 100 points. We convert the final scores to a 5-star rating.
Here’s a breakdown of our weighted factors:
- Coverage (35%): This category looks at how comprehensive each provider’s coverage is, including whether it covers unique items. Companies that cover the most items and have higher annual limits received the highest scores. We docked points from providers that impose long waiting periods or have depreciation policies that decrease your payouts for aging items.
- Cost (20%): We looked at average monthly prices and service call fees. We gave the most points to companies offering pricing at or below the industry average that don’t impose any surcharges or extra fees.
- Trustworthiness (15%): To gauge reputation and reliability, we reviewed customer ratings across sites such as the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot, as well as companies’ responses to complaints. We also checked for National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) membership. Providers with the highest ratings and longest workmanship guarantees received higher scores. We deducted points for any ongoing legal issues.
- Plan transparency (10%): We read terms, policies, and disclosures in provided contracts and on each company’s website. Providers with transparent contract details and policies received more points.
- Customer support (10%): Companies with multiple claims filing options, fast response times, and accessible customer support scored well in this category.
- Flexibility (10%): We awarded more points to providers offering more plan options, larger add-on catalogs, the ability to choose your own technician, and customer-friendly cancellation policies.