Fidelity Home Warranty vs Choice Home Warranty

Your HVAC system breaks down during peak summer or the water heater fails on a freezing winter morning. The last thing you need is confusion about repair coverage. Picking the right home warranty provider is a vital part of protecting your home and wallet.

Choice Home Warranty and Fidelity Home Warranty stand out as game-changers in the home warranty industry. These companies provide detailed home warranty protection plans but differ in the most important ways. Their coverage options, pricing, service quality, and claims processing set them apart. Our team has analyzed many home warranty service companies and we want to help you find the provider that matches your needs.

This comparison dives into everything from simple coverage to premium features. You’ll learn what you need to make a smart choice between these warranty providers. We’ll explore their plans, prices, service networks and their approach to handling claims quickly.

Company Background and Reputation

Let’s get into the background and reputation of these two major home warranty providers. Our research covers their history, ratings, and customer feedback to show you where they stand in the industry.

Company History and Experience

Fidelity National Home Warranty started its operations in 1984 as a regional provider. The company managed to keep a focused approach and serves homeowners in 13 states. Choice Home Warranty, 15 years old, has expanded faster across the nation. Based in Edison, New Jersey, Choice’s growth has been remarkable with a 487% three-year growth rate.

BBB Ratings and Accreditation

Both companies have strong official ratings with the Better Business Bureau. Fidelity earned an A+ BBB rating and accreditation. Their parent company’s strong Standard & Poor’s rating of A adds to their financial stability. Choice Home Warranty’s BBB relationship has been more complicated due to many customer complaints filed through the platform.

Customer Satisfaction Metrics

Customer satisfaction analysis shows mixed experiences for both providers:

• Fidelity Home Warranty:
  • Customer review score of 1.21 out of 5 from 491 BBB entries
  • Service delays and resolution quality are the biggest concerns

Choice Home Warranty’s customer feedback follows similar patterns that highlight claims processing challenges. The company promotes its commitment to customer service, but independent reviews tell a different story. Choice ranks 188th out of 196 companies in their category on Trustpilot, suggesting much room for improvement in customer satisfaction.

You May Also Read: First American Home Warranty: A Comprehensive Review and Analysis

Both companies struggle to meet customer expectations, especially in claims resolution and service delivery. Fidelity’s focused regional approach might help them deliver better service in their operating areas.

Coverage Plans and Options

Let’s take a closer look at these providers’ coverage options to help you find a plan that suits your needs.

Basic Plan Comparison

Both companies have different approaches to their simple coverage structure. Fidelity’s Standard Plan costs $490 per year and has essential home systems coverage but doesn’t cover washers, dryers, and refrigerators. Choice Home Warranty’s Basic Plan costs $46 monthly and has coverage for heating systems, electrical systems, plumbing, and several kitchen appliances.

Premium Plan Features

Fidelity has more plan tiers available. Their Comprehensive Plus Plan costs $590 annually and adds coverage for washers, dryers, and refrigerators. The Enhanced Plan costs $660 per year and comes with expanded coverage limits for existing systems. Choice’s Total Plan costs $55 monthly and builds on their Basic Plan by adding air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and laundry appliances.

Optional Add-on Coverage

Our analysis of both providers’ additional coverage options shows:

Fidelity’s add-on costs range from $35 to $180 and cover:

• Pool and spa equipment
• Well pumps
• Wine refrigerators
• Septic tank pumping

Choice Home Warranty’s optional coverage includes:

• Pool/spa equipment
• Well pump systems
• Limited roof leaks
• Septic systems and tank pumping

The key difference lies in coverage limits. Fidelity offers $5,000 for kitchen refrigerators, while Choice Home Warranty caps coverage at $3,000 per contract term for most appliances. Each company has specific item limitations, with Fidelity setting a $1,500 limit for water heaters.

Cost Analysis and Value

Our analysis of home warranty costs reveals key differences between these providers that could affect your decision. Let’s look at the financial aspects of both companies.

Monthly Premium Comparison

Fidelity Home Warranty’s Standard Plan costs $490 annually, while Choice Home Warranty’s Basic Plan starts at $46 monthly. The premium coverage shows Fidelity’s Enhanced Plan at $660 per year, which is a match for Choice’s Total Plan at $55 monthly.

You May Also Read: American Home Shield: Guide to Home Warranty Protection

Location plays a big role in pricing. To cite an instance, Fidelity’s standard plan costs Oregon residents $315, while California homeowners pay $360 for the same coverage.

Service Call Fee Structure

The service fees show a clear difference between providers:

• Fidelity maintains a flat $75 service fee
• Choice Home Warranty charges between $85 to $100 per visit

Cost-Value Assessment

The overall value assessment highlights several key points:

Each company takes a unique approach to coverage limits:

• Fidelity covers up to $7,000 for appliances
• Choice sets a $3,000 cap on most covered items per contract term

Fidelity gives customers more payment options, including a substantial $180 discount on two-year contracts. Their customization options range from $35 to $180 for additional items. This flexibility helps homeowners customize their coverage.

You May Also Read: American Home Shield vs Choice Home Warranty: Comparison

The value proposition of each company takes different forms. Fidelity brings lower service fees and higher coverage limits to the table. Choice offers more detailed packages. Choice’s plans often include items that need add-on coverage with Fidelity, which might affect your total coverage cost.

Claims Process Deep Dive

The claims process is a vital factor to consider when you compare home warranty providers. We really looked at how both companies handle service requests and here’s what we found about their methods.

Filing a Claim: Step by Step

Both companies let you file claims 24/7, but they handle things differently. Choice Home Warranty’s process works like this:

• Call their claims hotline or use online portal
• Provide contract number and issue details
• Get confirmation within 4 hours during business hours
• Get technician assignment within 48 hours
• Pay service fee when technician arrives

Fidelity runs more efficiently. They start working on claims within 3 hours during business hours and 48 hours on weekends. They also give you a great option for cash-in-lieu of repairs, which lets homeowners choose their repair solution.

Response Times and Resolution

The companies show big differences in how they respond. Choice Home Warranty starts reaching out to service providers within four hours after you file a claim. Fidelity moves faster and makes contact within 3 hours during normal business hours.

You May Also Read: Old Republic Home Warranty: Coverage, Plans, and Reviews

Choice has specific emergency service terms for Oklahoma, Utah, and Nevada residents. Fidelity tries to accelerate emergency service in all covered regions.

Claims Approval Rates

The approval patterns show some worrying trends. Choice Home Warranty struggles with claim denials, especially when it comes to wear and tear coverage. Fidelity’s process isn’t much better – they have a 1.2-star rating based on 147 customer reviews.

Both companies often deny claims for these reasons:

• Pre-existing conditions
• Improper maintenance
• Code violations
• Items exceeding coverage limits

Choice Home Warranty caps coverage at $3,000 per covered item. This is a big deal as it means that Fidelity offers better value with limits up to $7,000 for certain appliances.

Service Provider Network

Service providers are the foundations of any home warranty company. A comparison of both companies’ contractor networks reveals what customers can expect during repairs.

Technician Qualification Requirements

Both companies maintain strict standards for their service providers. Choice Home Warranty demands contractors to be fully insured and licensed. They must provide a 90-day parts guarantee and a 60-day labor guarantee on all completed work. The company runs criminal background and motor vehicle report checks on contractors.

Fidelity Home Warranty’s standards are equally strict. Their service providers must carry $1 million in General Liability Insurance and show proof of Workers’ Compensation coverage. The company requires state-specific licensing from all contractors.

Geographic Coverage Areas

The service areas between these providers show notable differences. Fidelity Home Warranty serves 13 states:

• Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida
• Georgia, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico
• Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington
• Alabama

Choice Home Warranty provides broader national coverage, though state-specific details vary.

Quality Control Measures

Each provider takes a unique approach to quality control. Choice Home Warranty runs a thorough vetting process and requires service providers to address customer complaints within 24 hours. A dedicated team processes service requests quickly and efficiently.

You May Also Read: Choice Home Warranty Awards: What They Mean for You

Fidelity’s system combines performance reviews with a workmanship guarantee. The company reviews contractors based on customer survey scores. Contractors need a minimum rating of 4.1 out of 5 to keep their preferred status. Fidelity pays contractors within 10 days of invoice submission to encourage quality work.

These companies differ in their approach to service provider selection. Choice Home Warranty focuses on their “rigorous vetting process”. Fidelity gives customers more options and lets them choose their preferred local technician in some cases.

Comparison Table

Conclusion

Fidelity Home Warranty and Choice Home Warranty each shine in different ways for homeowners. Fidelity excels with its $75 service fees, coverage up to $7,000, and quick claim responses during business hours. Choice Home Warranty’s strengths lie in its nationwide availability, simple base plans, and better workmanship guarantees.

Homeowners watching their budget might like Fidelity’s yearly payment plan and lower service fees. This works great if you live in one of their 13 service states. Their cash-in-lieu option lets you handle repairs your way, and higher coverage limits protect you when replacements get pricey. Choice Home Warranty makes sense if you want coverage anywhere in the US. Their straightforward packages include items that would cost extra with Fidelity.

Customer satisfaction and claims processing remain challenging for both companies. Fidelity’s focus on specific regions helps them deliver better service. Choice counters with a large network of contractors to serve customers nationwide.

Your specific needs should guide your decision. Fidelity is a good fit if you want higher coverage limits and lower service fees within their service area. Choice works better if you need nationwide coverage and simple protection plans. Take time to read the specific terms and coverage limits in your area before you decide.