Select Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield: Which Is Better?

Select Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield: Which Home Warranty Is Right for You?

Selecting the right home warranty can significantly impact your financial security when unexpected repairs occur. Two prominent providers in the home warranty market are Select Home Warranty and American Home Shield, each offering distinct coverage options, pricing structures, and customer benefits. This comprehensive comparison examines the key differences between these two providers to help you make an informed decision based on your home’s specific needs and your budget constraints.

Overview of Select Home Warranty and American Home Shield

American Home Shield has established itself as a leading nationwide home warranty provider, recognized for comprehensive coverage options and strong customer service. The company offers multiple plan tiers designed to accommodate different homeowner needs, from basic appliance coverage to complete system and appliance protection. American Home Shield distinguishes itself through additional perks and flexible coverage options that extend beyond standard warranty offerings.

Select Home Warranty presents itself as a competitive alternative in the home warranty market, offering straightforward coverage plans with transparent pricing. The company focuses on delivering essential protection for home systems and appliances without unnecessary complexity. Select Home Warranty appeals to homeowners seeking simplicity and value in their warranty coverage.

Coverage Comparison: What Each Provider Offers

American Home Shield Coverage Options

American Home Shield provides multiple plan tiers that cater to different coverage preferences and budgets. The ShieldPlatinum Plan, representing the top-tier offering, includes nine appliances and 14 systems, providing extensive protection across major home components. This comprehensive approach ensures that homeowners have substantial coverage for both essential systems and frequently-used appliances.

A key distinguishing feature of American Home Shield is its coverage of preexisting conditions. Unlike most home warranty providers, American Home Shield includes damages and conditions that existed before coverage began, making it an excellent choice for homeowners with aging homes or established issues. Additionally, the company covers items affected by rust, sediment, corrosion, improper installation, and poor maintenance—coverage that most competitors, including Select Home Warranty, explicitly exclude.

American Home Shield also provides upgraded HVAC coverage that includes modifications necessary to maintain compatibility and comply with modern energy efficiency and refrigerant standards. When repairing or replacing HVAC systems, the company covers necessary upgrades to duct connections, plenums, and electrical lines, ensuring your system meets current regulatory requirements.

Select Home Warranty Coverage Options

Select Home Warranty offers straightforward coverage plans designed for homeowners who want clear, uncomplicated protection. The company provides multiple plan tiers with varying levels of appliance and system coverage, allowing customers to select protection that matches their specific needs and financial preferences.

Select Home Warranty’s coverage follows traditional home warranty parameters, excluding preexisting conditions from protection. The company does not extend coverage to items damaged by normal wear and tear, improper maintenance, or environmental factors like rust and corrosion. This standard approach aligns with many competitors but differs significantly from American Home Shield’s broader coverage philosophy.

Regarding HVAC coverage, Select Home Warranty does not cover upgrades or modifications required for compatibility with new systems or changes in technology and refrigerant requirements mandated by government regulations. This limitation means homeowners may face out-of-pocket expenses for regulatory compliance upgrades.

Pricing Structure and Monthly Costs

Pricing represents a critical factor in comparing home warranty providers. Select Home Warranty generally offers lower monthly premiums, ranging from $44 to $48, positioning itself as a budget-conscious option. This pricing structure appeals to homeowners prioritizing affordability over comprehensive coverage.

American Home Shield pricing varies based on the selected plan tier but typically ranges higher than Select Home Warranty. However, the additional cost reflects expanded coverage options, including preexisting condition protection and advanced system upgrades. The company’s pricing model provides flexibility for homeowners to choose plans matching their budget while maintaining substantial protection levels.

Both providers impose service call fees ranging from $75 to $100, which homeowners pay each time a technician visits their home, regardless of whether the issue falls within warranty coverage. These fees represent additional expenses beyond monthly premiums and should be factored into the total cost of warranty protection.

Service Call Fees and Deductibles

Service call fees, commonly referred to as deductibles, constitute a significant component of home warranty costs. Select Home Warranty charges service call fees between $75 and $100 per visit, while American Home Shield maintains similar fee structures. These fees apply whenever a technician evaluates or performs repairs, creating cumulative costs for homeowners experiencing multiple issues throughout the year.

Understanding service call fees helps homeowners calculate their total warranty investment. A homeowner with two service calls annually would pay between $150 and $200 in fees alone, in addition to monthly premium costs. This calculation proves essential for determining whether a home warranty provides genuine financial protection against repair expenses.

Key Coverage Differences

Preexisting Conditions

American Home Shield’s inclusion of preexisting conditions represents a significant advantage over Select Home Warranty. Homeowners purchasing coverage for older homes or those aware of existing issues benefit substantially from this coverage distinction. Select Home Warranty excludes preexisting conditions, requiring homeowners to wait for new issues to arise before claiming coverage.

Workmanship Guarantees

Home warranty providers typically offer workmanship guarantees protecting repair quality for specified periods. These guarantees vary between providers, with Select Home Warranty generally offering extended protection. Understanding workmanship guarantee terms helps homeowners know their recourse if repairs fail shortly after completion.

System and Appliance Coverage

American Home Shield’s higher-tier plans cover more systems and appliances compared to Select Home Warranty’s offerings. This expanded coverage reduces the likelihood that homeowners will encounter excluded items requiring out-of-pocket repairs. The specific items covered vary between plans, making detailed plan review essential before purchase.

Plan Options and Customization

American Home Shield offers multiple plan tiers enabling customers to customize coverage based on specific needs. This flexibility allows homeowners to select entry-level plans for basic protection or upgrade to comprehensive plans covering extensive systems and appliances. The tiered approach accommodates diverse homeowner preferences and budgets.

Select Home Warranty similarly provides plan options, though the company emphasizes straightforward coverage rather than extensive customization. Homeowners typically choose between basic and comprehensive plans without elaborate tier structures.

Coverage Start Dates and Waiting Periods

Both American Home Shield and Select Home Warranty impose 30-day waiting periods before coverage begins, a standard industry practice. During this initial period, warranty companies will not approve claims, requiring homeowners to wait before protection activates. This waiting period applies regardless of the home’s condition or the urgency of existing issues.

Select Home Warranty offers an important advantage regarding waiting period reduction. Customers can shorten the waiting period by providing proof of continuous coverage from a previous provider, with no lapse in protection. This provision benefits homeowners transitioning from one warranty provider to another, enabling immediate coverage activation without the standard 30-day delay.

Promotions and New Customer Incentives

Both providers offer promotional incentives for new customers, though the offers differ in structure and value. American Home Shield provides $50 off for new customers, representing a modest discount on warranty costs. Select Home Warranty offers more aggressive promotions, including $150 off and two months free to new customers, substantially reducing initial warranty expenses.

These promotional offers present opportunities for cost-conscious homeowners to reduce their first-year warranty investments. Comparing promotional values helps determine the true cost of entering each provider’s warranty program.

Contract Length and Renewal Terms

The minimum contract length for both American Home Shield and Select Home Warranty is 12 months. This standard contract period ensures continuous coverage throughout the year while allowing homeowners to reassess their warranty needs annually. Annual renewal terms provide flexibility for homeowners to adjust coverage or switch providers if their circumstances change.

Comparative Pricing Table

Choosing Between Select Home Warranty and American Home Shield

Select American Home Shield If:

American Home Shield serves homeowners best when extensive system and appliance coverage is a priority. Homeowners with aging homes, aware of existing issues, or concerned about wear-related damage benefit from American Home Shield’s preexisting condition coverage and broader protection scope. Those seeking comprehensive HVAC upgrade coverage should prioritize American Home Shield’s advanced system protection.

Select Select Home Warranty If:

Select Home Warranty appeals to budget-conscious homeowners seeking basic protection for essential systems and appliances. Those purchasing coverage for newer homes without known issues may find Select Home Warranty’s entry-level pricing attractive. Homeowners prioritizing affordability over comprehensive coverage should consider Select Home Warranty’s straightforward plans and aggressive new customer promotions.

Additional Considerations for Home Warranty Selection

Home Age and Condition

Older homes with aging systems and appliances benefit substantially from American Home Shield’s preexisting condition coverage. Newer homes without established issues may find Select Home Warranty’s basic coverage sufficient. Evaluating your home’s age and condition helps determine which provider better matches your specific needs.

Budget Constraints

Monthly budget availability significantly influences home warranty selection. Select Home Warranty’s lower premiums appeal to cost-conscious homeowners, while American Home Shield’s higher costs reflect expanded coverage. Calculating total annual costs, including premiums and anticipated service call fees, reveals true warranty investment requirements.

System Reliability

Homes with frequently-failing or unreliable systems benefit from comprehensive coverage plans reducing out-of-pocket repair costs. American Home Shield’s broader coverage options provide better protection for problematic systems. Stable home systems may justify Select Home Warranty’s basic coverage approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the main difference between Select Home Warranty and American Home Shield?

A: The primary differences include pricing, coverage scope, and preexisting condition treatment. American Home Shield covers preexisting conditions and offers more systems and appliances, while Select Home Warranty provides lower-cost plans with standard coverage parameters.

Q: Can I reduce the waiting period for coverage to start?

A: Select Home Warranty allows waiting period reduction with proof of continuous coverage from a previous provider. American Home Shield enforces the standard 30-day waiting period for new customers.

Q: Are HVAC system upgrades covered by both providers?

A: American Home Shield covers HVAC upgrades necessary for regulatory compliance and energy efficiency standards. Select Home Warranty does not cover these upgrades, potentially leaving homeowners responsible for compliance costs.

Q: What promotional offers are currently available?

A: American Home Shield offers $50 off for new customers, while Select Home Warranty provides $150 off and two months free to new customers.

Q: How do service call fees work?

A: Service call fees, typically $75$100, are paid to the technician each visit, regardless of warranty coverage. These fees apply in addition to monthly premiums.

Q: What happens if my home warranty doesn’t cover the needed repair?

A: If repairs fall outside warranty coverage, you pay the full repair cost out of pocket. Reviewing coverage details before purchasing helps identify potential gaps.

Q: Can I customize my home warranty plan?

A: Both providers offer multiple plan tiers enabling coverage customization. American Home Shield provides more extensive tier options compared to Select Home Warranty’s simplified plan structure.

Q: How long are home warranty contracts?

A: Both providers require minimum 12-month contracts. Annual renewal allows reassessment and adjustment of coverage needs.

Q: Does either provider cover damages from poor maintenance?

A: American Home Shield covers items damaged by poor maintenance, while Select Home Warranty excludes this coverage. This distinction significantly impacts protection for aging systems.