Choice Home Warranty Total Plan cost commonly falls around $50-$65 per month, with a service-call fee often quoted at $85-$125 per claim. The final price depends on the home, state, selected contract term, promotions, and optional coverage; the Total Plan adds several major appliances and air conditioning coverage that are not included in the Basic Plan.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Plan premium | $50/month | $55/month | $65/month | About $600-$780 yearly before service calls |
| Service-call fee | $85 | $100 | $125 | Typically due for each covered claim |
| Optional add-ons | $3/month | $8/month | $15+/month | Varies by item and location |
| First-year total | $685 | $857 | $1,280+ | One to four calls plus possible add-ons |
What the Total Plan costs for a typical home
A reasonable budget is $600-$780 per year for the plan premium, before service fees, optional coverage, or any excluded repair expense. A commonly advertised or quoted price near $54.75 monthly equals about $657 for 12 months. Prices are not uniform nationwide, and the quote shown for a particular address and term takes precedence over general estimates.
For a standard home without add-ons, budget about $700-$900 for one year with one or two service calls. Assumptions: $50-$65 monthly premium, $85-$125 per call, no promotional credit, and no uncovered work.
The Total Plan generally includes the Basic Plan coverage plus air conditioning, refrigerator, clothes washer, and clothes dryer coverage. Exact covered items, exclusions, limits, and waiting periods are set by the customer’s state contract. It is a service contract, not homeowners insurance, and it does not guarantee that every breakdown will be repaired or replaced at no additional charge.
How premiums, service fees, and add-ons shape the bill
The premium is only one part of the quote. A service fee is commonly charged each time a technician is dispatched for a covered claim; multiple systems or separate visits can therefore raise annual spending. Add-on prices and eligibility also differ by state and contract.
| Quote component | Typical price | How it affects the total | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan premium | $600-$780/year | Recurring contract charge | Monthly versus annual billing |
| Service call | $85-$125/visit | Paid when a claim is serviced | Whether a repeat visit is charged |
| Optional coverage | $36-$180+/year per item | Raises premium | Item-specific limits and exclusions |
| Uncovered work | Quote-dependent | May be billed outside the contract | Code upgrades, access, and excluded damage |
Compare the annual premium and likely service calls, not just the advertised monthly rate. A simple labor estimate for uncovered work is ; independent repair labor can vary widely, often around $75-$150 per hour before parts.
Which appliances and systems justify the Total Plan premium
The value over the Basic Plan depends on whether the added coverage matches the home’s equipment. The Total Plan is most relevant when the household wants contract coverage for central air conditioning, a refrigerator, washer, and dryer alongside the Basic Plan’s listed systems and appliances. A home without central AC, or one with newer appliances under manufacturer warranties, may get less immediate value from those additions.
Before enrolling, check whether the contract covers the specific equipment type, capacity, and location. For example, a central system and a window unit may be treated differently, and a second refrigerator or an extra appliance may require an add-on. Confirm the covered inventory in the state-specific contract instead of assuming every appliance in the home is included.
How the service-call fee changes the yearly break-even point
Compared with a lower-priced plan, the Total Plan’s added annual premium should be weighed against the possible cost of repairing the additional covered items. If the premium difference is $8-$15 per month, the added coverage costs roughly $96-$180 yearly, before any service fee. One repair may offset that difference only if the claim is approved and the covered repair would otherwise cost more.
Claims can still leave costs for noncovered components, improper installation, maintenance issues, or work above a contract limit. The service fee may apply even when a claim is denied, depending on the contract. Use the fee and exclusions to model a realistic claim, rather than treating the plan as prepaid unlimited repairs.
When regional pricing and promotions change the quote
Choice’s quote can vary by state and property address, so broad regional estimates are less reliable than an address-based offer. As a planning allowance, urban markets with higher contractor rates may run about 5%-15% above a lower-cost rural or Midwestern quote, while local plan availability can also affect pricing. These are budgeting differences, not guaranteed company surcharges.
Promotions can lower the first payment or provide a limited number of promotional months, but renewal pricing may differ. Compare the full contract term, monthly billing, enrollment fees if any, and renewal terms. Ask whether a displayed discount applies to every month or only the introductory period.
What claim limits and exclusions can add to repair costs
Contract limits determine how much the company may pay for a covered item or category during a specified period. The applicable cap, covered parts, and exceptions vary by state contract, so there is no single reliable nationwide reimbursement amount for every Total Plan claim. Review the actual limit for air conditioning, appliances, and other high-cost equipment before purchase.
Additional expenses may include code upgrades, permits, hauling, refrigerant, access work, or modifications needed to complete a repair. These charges are not automatically included just because a covered system failed. Request the written coverage limit and ask who pays for required code or access work.
Can repair, replacement, or another plan cost less
A repair paid directly to a local contractor can be cheaper than a year of premiums plus service fees when equipment is reliable and has a known, modest problem. Conversely, older equipment with several costly components may make service-contract coverage more useful, subject to exclusions and caps. A manufacturer warranty or an existing service agreement should also be considered before paying for overlapping coverage.
Compare the Total Plan with the Basic Plan using the price difference and the value of the added AC and appliance coverage. If those items are already protected or are not present, Basic may be less expensive. Do not pay for add-ons until the quote confirms that the item is eligible and its limit fits the potential repair.
Ways to lower the Total Plan price before enrollment
Request quotes using the same home details and compare the total for a full year, including fees and add-ons. Ask about annual versus monthly billing and confirm whether a promotion changes renewal pricing. Avoid selecting optional coverage for equipment already covered by a manufacturer, retailer, or separate maintenance contract.
Keep records of appliance age, maintenance, and prior repairs, and read exclusions before submitting a claim. Contract coverage does not replace routine upkeep, and known preexisting conditions may not qualify. The most controllable savings come from choosing only needed coverage and comparing the complete contract cost, not from assuming a lower premium means broader protection.