The average life span of most appliances is only nine to 15 years, which isn’t that long, especially when you consider Idaho’s wide range of weather conditions, from bitter cold to sweltering heat, thunderstorms, and floods.
As an Idaho homeowner, you want to protect your investment, and you certainly don’t want to deal with a broken water heater when temperatures are below zero in many parts of the state (cold shower, anyone?). Unfortunately, a significant repair or water heater replacement can easily cost over $1,000, which many of us don’t have sitting around. But there are other options.
A home warranty protects your appliances and home systems, like your AC unit, during hot 90-degree summers, and some policies even give you access to benefits like roof leak coverage, which is essential during Idaho’s rainy season. Now, if this sounds too good to be true, I get it. Home warranties have a shaky reputation because of shady companies that are out there to scam you, but reputable companies offer genuine policies with real protection for these financial catastrophes. To help you out, I’ve spent dozens of hours researching and secret shopping policies within the home warranty industry. Based on Today’s Homeowner’s unique criteria weighing factors like affordability, plans, coverage, company reputation, and customer service, I’ve ranked the following providers to make this guide to the best home warranty companies in Idaho.
Here’s how we ranked and reviewed the nation’s top home warranty companies to bring you the most accurate information.
Our team of experts reviewed over 70 home warranty providers to compare plan options, coverage limits, prices, and customer feedback.
We collected over 100 sample quotes from dozens of home warranty companies to give you an accurate look at industry pricing.
Our rating system scores providers based on 6 key factors: coverage options, affordability, customer experience, reputation, claims processes, and availability.
Read our full Home Warranty Review Methodology for more details.
Top 5 Home Warranty Companies for Idaho
- When shopping for a home warranty in Idaho, consider the Gem State’s unique challenges, like heavy snowfall, flooding, and hot summers. Thunderstorms are also common and can lead to power surges and damage to appliances or home systems over time. Look for providers that offer coverage for appliances and systems that experience more wear and tear due to these factors, such as your HVAC system, roof, and sump pump.
- Don’t skimp on reading the sample contract. Idaho homeowners should be on high alert for exclusions related to their HVAC system, as this home system is especially susceptible to Idaho’s weather changes throughout the year. In particular, look for exclusions regarding maintenance and cleaning, as some providers require proof of maintenance to approve HVAC-related claims.
- My preferred provider for Idaho homeowners is American Home Shield. They don’t exclude appliances or systems with unknown preexisting conditions, normal wear and tear, or cosmetic defects. They’ll even cover duplicate items, so if you have an extra heater or AC unit to compensate for Idaho’s temperamental climate, you don’t have to pay extra to have it covered.
What’s Most Important in a Home Warranty for Idaho Homeowners?
All homeowners want a home warranty provider they can rely on. Still, Idaho homeowners should take extra care to find a provider that offers strong HVAC coverage, roof leak protection, and coverage for duplicate items, especially if you have an extra AC unit or heater to compensate for Idaho’s temperamental weather conditions. In particular, your HVAC system and roof take more of a beating when it comes to Idaho’s heavy rain and snowfall, humidity, and hot weather, so these coverage areas should be priorities.
Next, consider any unique features your home has. For example, most homes with basements in Idaho need a sump pump, so you’ll want to look into add-on coverage to protect it. Not only is a working sump pump critical for keeping your basement or crawlspace free of a foot or more of standing water, but it also prevents expensive water remediation costs that many Idaho homeowners could face during flooding. Plus, many home warranty policies exclude mold or cracks in your home’s foundation, which can also occur due to flooding.
To learn more about Liberty’s plans, watch this video:
Home Warranty Companies for Idaho Homeowners I Don’t Recommend
I didn’t include Home Warranty Direct in this guide because my research revealed that this provider has an F rating from the Better Business Bureau and a terrible one-star rating from customers on the BBB. Plus, the BBB released a statement about consumer complaints regarding Home Warranty Direct’s marketing materials, which they felt were misleading and alarming. There’s even an investigation into misleading home warranty mailers in Los Angeles by the Insurance Commissioner, and Home Warranty Direct is listed as one of these shady, fake providers.
Compare the Highest Rated Home Warranties for Idaho
| Company | Rating | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Response Time | BBB Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
$50-$60 |
$75 |
12-48 hrs. |
NR |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$35–$75 |
$100–$125 |
24-72 hrs |
B |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$44.99-$58.99 |
$70 |
48 hours |
A+ |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$46–$55 |
$85 |
24-48 hrs. |
B |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$52–$58 |
$75-$85 |
24-48 hrs. |
B |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$38–$62 |
$75–$125 |
48 hours |
B |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$38–$48 |
$75–$125 |
48 hours |
B |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$17–$60+ |
$65–$100 |
2–24 hrs |
A- |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
$28–$68 |
$100–$150 |
2–24 hrs |
B |
VISIT SITE |
Quote and cost data gathered January 2024. Cost data are updated and monitored continuously.
Our Reviews of the Best Home Warranties in Idaho
American Home Shield
4.3
Our Rating
American Home Shield is my top pick for Idaho homeowners because their most comprehensive plan, the ShieldPlatinum plan, comes with free roof leak coverage and a free HVAC tune-up — substantial benefits that save you money and keep your home warm and cozy during the rainy season in Idaho. On top of this, American Home Shield offers the best coverage limits with up to $4,000 in appliance coverage and up to $5,000 in home systems coverage for systems like your plumbing and HVAC. Unlike many providers, these coverage limits are enough to pay for many major repairs and even full replacements, saving you from paying for part of the repair or replacement out-of-pocket.
AHS has unique benefits that other providers simply don’t offer to the same degree. For example, you don’t have to worry about unknown preexisting conditions, maintenance records, or normal wear and tear resulting in AHS denying your claim. These are common exclusions with many providers, such as Choice Home Warranty, and would result in you receiving no payout, so this is a huge win for American Home Shield.
On the negative side, AHS has lower-than-average customer ratings despite their BBB-accredited rating and a standard 30-day workmanship guarantee, which is shorter than I’d like to see. While these aren’t dealbreakers, I caution you to pay close attention to your appliance after a technician repairs it so you can report any issues that could emerge quickly within that window.
American Home Shield doesn’t exclude appliances or home systems from coverage if they have unknown preexisting conditions, no maintenance records, normal wear and tear, or are old. You even get automatic coverage for duplicates of the same item. For example, if you keep your Idaho home cool with a second AC unit, AHS will cover it at no extra cost if your plan covers AC units. Most providers, like Liberty Home Guard, make you pay for coverage on a duplicate appliance, so this could offer you significant savings.
Not only this, but AHS has unique benefits that few other providers offer. For example, you receive rekey service for the price of your service fee with all plans — which is perfect because most of us probably don’t change our keys as much as we should. Even with Idaho’s low crime rates, safety is paramount, and keeping your keys up to date can help you keep your family safe. Other unique benefits include tech installation and support, indoor service and maintenance, and discounts on air filters.
American Home Shield has a disproportionally large number of negative reviews compared to many of their competitors, which gives me pause. They average around two-star ratings on Trustpilot and Yelp. However, they are BBB-accredited, which provides some reassurance.
AHS has a 30-day workmanship guarantee. This means that you only have 30 days to report an issue with your completed repair. After 30 days pass, you’ll need to pay another service fee ($100 or $125, depending on your plan) to have a technician sent out. 30 days is the industry standard, but some providers like Liberty Home Guard go above and beyond with 60 days of coverage, so keep this in mind when shopping around.
American Home Shield has some of the most comprehensive plans on the market. Even their cheapest plan, the ShieldSilver plan, covers heating and air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing systems. Many providers make you choose their most expensive plan for HVAC coverage, so this is a massive benefit if you’re looking for affordable HVAC coverage. I recommend the ShieldPlatinum plan to Idaho homeowners if it’s in the budget. It covers everything from the previously mentioned systems to laundry and kitchen appliances and roof leak repairs (without the extra add-on cost). Plus, you receive unlimited AC refrigerant, coverage for code violations, and one free HVAC tune-up, which helps you keep your HVAC running smoothly during cold Idaho winters or warm summers.
The following plans don’t include available discounts. During my secret shopping, the ShieldGold plan was offered to me at a very affordable price of only $30 per month with a $125 service fee as part of an ongoing promotion, so definitely look into AHS’ current deals to save money.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
| ShieldSilver | $29.99 – 39.99 | $100 – $125 | Same-day discount of $125 off first year (website), 40% off Shield Gold plan (website) |
| ShieldGold | $49.99 – 59.99 | $100 – $125 | Same-day discount of $125 off first year (website), 40% off Shield Gold plan (website) |
| ShieldPlatinum | $79.99 – 89.99 | $100 – $125 | Same-day discount of $125 off first year(website), 40% off Shield Gold plan (website) |
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Boise. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
Idaho receives a lot of precipitation, especially if you live in the northeastern valleys and the eastern highlands of the state, which famously receive over 50% of their annual rainfall from April to September. As a result, roof leak repair coverage is critical for Idaho homeowners who want to protect their roof’s integrity and home from water damage.
- Roof leak repair: $10/month
- Electronics protection plan: $14/month
- Pool & built-in-spa equipment: $18/month
- Guest unit: $15.99/month
- Septic pump: $5/month
- Well pump: $8/month
American Home Shield isn’t the most inexpensive provider on the market, but their rates are fair, especially considering their high coverage caps. Where American Home Shield is less affordable is their premium plan, the ShieldPlatinum plan, but you should note that this includes the roof leak coverage add-on (a $10 per month value) that you would need to pay extra for if you wanted that with a different plan. The value of the ShieldPlatinum plan is tough to beat, with the comprehensive coverage of heating and AC systems, electrical systems, electronics like your doorbell and garage door opener, kitchen appliances, and plumbing system. If you want the ultimate peace of mind, this is one of my preferred plans. It covers an extensive range of appliances and home systems, includes roof leak coverage, and has many included member benefits like a free HVAC tune-up.
AHS’ website is user-friendly, with a quick quote process that lets you immediately obtain a quote and compare prices for different plans, saving you time during your shopping process. Another plus is that the provider only has a 30-day waiting period, so you don’t have to worry about waiting more than a month for your coverage to take effect. Liberty Home Guard has a longer wait period, so this is a significant benefit that reduces stress about appliances or home systems breaking down before your policy is active.
This BBB-accredited provider has an impressive 53 years of experience in business, giving me a lot of faith in their process behind the scenes. However, their third-party reviews leave much to be desired. Negative reviews criticized AHS for unprofessional, sloppily-dressed technicians and not enough technicians in their area, especially if they live in a rural area. This resulted in longer wait times and calling around to find a technician that accepts American Home Shield. In contrast, positive reviews praise AHS’ high coverage caps, which were often more than enough to pay for total replacements, saving homeowners from extensive debt. Other happy customers pointed out that AHS has consistently shown up for them, especially regarding HVAC issues, which is extremely important for Idaho homeowners experiencing erratic weather conditions.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B/2.11 | 11,119 |
| Trustpilot | 2.2 | 5,331 |
| Yelp | 1.1 | 1,286 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
American Home Shield has top-notch availability, offering both emergency services and 24/7/365 customer service availability. However, their response time is approximately 48 hours, which is a considerable con. You don’t want to be sitting around on a hot Idaho day waiting that long for a technician appointment to fix your AC unit. Still, AHS is above-average across the industry in this category and offers multiple ways to make claims: over the phone or through the online portal, making the process straightforward, which I appreciate.
Transparency in pricing, exclusions, and contracts is a critical part of a solid home warranty provider, as you don’t want any confusion around what your policy does and doesn’t include. American Home Shield is transparent with their policies, offering clear pricing, exclusions, and a sample contract online, giving them a high score in this category. Their exclusions are clearly stated in the sample contract, which can’t be said to the same degree for providers like Select Home Warranty, which have nitty-gritty, confusing exclusions that can lead to Select denying your claim.
Exclusions
Idaho is prone to floods due to a lot of moisture coming in via rainfall from the Pacific Ocean and a large amount of annual snowfall falling on the Mullan Pass. As a result, mold may be a concern for you. Idaho homeowners should note that American Home Shield excludes repairs due to mold, so double-check that your home is mold-free to avoid issues regarding this exclusion. Here is the list of exclusions:
- Construction or carpentry costs
- Restoration of walls
- Flues, chimneys, venting, and exhaust lines
- Repairs or replacements due to cosmetic defects
- Repairs due to mold
- Natural disasters
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it is imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
Some home warranty providers let you choose your own contractor for repairs and replacements, which can be reassuring if you’ve worked with them in the past. However, AHS doesn’t give you full flexibility in this regard. They assign a professional from their network who specializes in the type of repair and issue you’re having. Occasionally, they will give you authorization to choose your own technician, but otherwise, you can’t choose your own contractor.
Liberty Home Guard
4.6
Our Rating
If your Idaho abode has unique features like a casita guest unit or you want maintenance benefits, like pest control or carpet cleaning, Liberty Home Guard is one of the few home warranty companies with these offerings. You can benefit from roof leak protection and choose between three comprehensive, straightforward plan choices, making the shopping experience easy while ensuring you don’t pay extra for benefits you don’t need.
In addition to their competitive pricing, superior company reputation, and ample customization options, Liberty stands out for their 60-day workmanship guarantee, which gives me added peace of mind that I don’t have to worry about repairs not solving the problem and paying another service fee to have them addressed. In contrast, Liberty has lower coverage caps than I’d like. Still, some of their add-ons for Pro-Series appliances or systems can increase this coverage if you have premium systems and want higher coverage caps.
Gem State homeowners can benefit from Liberty’s extensive customization options. They offer three different plan options and over 40 add-ons, which is unheard of in this industry, as most providers offer between five and 10 options. One of the critical add-ons is roof leak coverage, which can protect you after your roof takes a beating during Idaho’s rainy season. You can also take advantage of unique offerings you won’t find anywhere else, such as coverage for pest control, carpet cleaning, a casita guest unit, and even power washing and window washing — perfect for sprucing your home up after an intense Idaho winter.
Other pros include Liberty’s fantastic company reputation. This provider has nearly perfect customer review scores with the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot, which is far better than competitors like American Home Shield, which averages around two stars.
While Liberty Home Guard has extensive coverage, their coverage limits are lackluster at a maximum of $2,000. Some items, such as your plumbing or electrical system, receive as little as $500 in coverage, which is simply not enough.
For example, the average cost to fix a burst water pipe is between $1,000 and $4,000, which would leave you paying anywhere between $500 and $3,500 out of pocket if you only had $500 in coverage. On top of this, Liberty only covers your HVAC system up to $2,000, which isn’t enough for major repairs or anywhere near enough for a total replacement. If your HVAC system is old, Liberty may not be the provider for you. Additionally, preexisting conditions aren’t covered, so if your Idaho home has many older appliances and systems, this could lead to many claim denials since your appliances are more likely to have existing issues.
Liberty Home Guard’s customization can’t be beat. I’ve yet to see any provider offer close to the number of add-ons that Liberty has for customization, which is currently over 40 options in total. These include electronics protection, pest control, and carpet cleaning, which may be especially helpful for getting the mud out of your carpets after Idaho’s rainy season.
You can choose from an appliance-only, systems-only, and comprehensive plan covering both systems and appliances. Unless you have a condo where your HOA covers systems, I strongly recommend the Total Home Guard plan to Idaho homeowners, as it covers many unique features like ceiling and exhaust fans, garage door openers, your fridge, built-in microwave, garbage disposal, and most importantly, your HVAC system with up to $2,000 in coverage. Even Liberty’s cheapest plan covers a wide range of everyday appliances, such as your refrigerator, oven, and clothes washer and dryer — something providers like Select Home Warranty can’t boast.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
| Appliance Guard | $49.99 | $125 | Two months free, free limited roof leak protection, $200 off coupon (website or phone) |
| Systems Guard | $54.99 | $125 | Two months free, free limited roof leak protection, $200 off coupon (website or phone) |
| Total Home Guard | $59.99 | $125 | Two months free, free limited roof leak protection, $200 off coupon (website or phone) |
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Boise. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
Liberty Home Guard boasts more than 40 add-ons, which I’ve yet to see any home warranty provider rival. Idaho homeowners may especially benefit from carpet cleaning after the rainy season or pest control to keep common Idaho pests like wasps, hornets, and carpenter ants away.
- Pool and spa: $19.99/month
- Additional spa: $9.99/month
- Lawn sprinkler system: $9.99/month
- Saltwater pool: $23.99/month
- Generator: $19.99/month
- Casita guest unit: $35.99/month
- Sump pump: $8.99/month
- Well pump: $12.99/month
- Septic system pumping: $12.99/month
- Ejector pump: $14.99/month
- Grinder pump: $14.99/month
- Limited roof leak: $11.99/month
- Re-key: $9.99/month
- Gutter cleaning: $14.99/month
- Pest control: $14.99/month
- Carpet cleaning: $19.99/month
- Window washing/cleaning: $19.99/month
- Power washing (exterior flooring): $19.99/month
- Central vacuum: $8.99/month
- Stand-alone freezer: $5.99/month
- Water softener: $13.99/month
- Swamp cooler: $14.99/month
- Second refrigerator: $7.99/month
- Trash compactor: $7.49/month
- Ice maker (in-fridge): $3.99/month
- Freestanding ice maker: $14.99/month
- Wine cooler/fridge: $11,99/month
- Water dispenser water line: $4.99/month
- Instant hot water dispenser: $9.99/month
- Reverse osmosis water filter system: $14.99/month
- Lighting fixtures: $7.99/month
- Plumbing fixtures: $7.99/month
- Electronics protection: $19.99/month
- TV mounting (up to 65-inch TVs): $14.99/month
- TV mounting (up to 85-inch TVs): $19.99/month
- Pro-series refrigerator: $14.99/month
- Pro-series stand-alone freezer: $14.99/month
- Pro-series range/oven/cooktop: $12.99/month
- Pro-series dishwasher: $7.99/month
- Pro-series microwave: $4.99/month
- Pro-series washing machine: $4.99/month
- Pro-series clothes dryer: $4.99/month
Idaho residents can benefit from Liberty’s affordable plans, which start at $1 to $1.50 per day. During my secret shopping, this provider even offered me $200 off when I enrolled, so this is a stellar deal that can save you a serious chunk of change over time. Otherwise, Liberty’s pricing is pretty standard, with most plans costing between $50 and $75 per month, which is average to slightly above-average pricing (though their more comprehensive plans definitely come with more perks than providers like Choice Home Warranty, so this may be worthwhile for the extra peace of mind). If you opt for annual pricing, Liberty advertises that you receive two months free, a practical option for saving money on your home warranty costs.
I’ve always found Liberty easy to work with during my secret shopping. Their website and customer service are helpful and straightforward, making comparing plans easy. I appreciate their dedication to high-quality technicians, which many customer reviews echo. Liberty vets all their technicians and claims their “LHG-certified” technicians can usually resolve repair issues during their first visit. This claim is reassuring, as nobody wants to wait for a second or even third appointment to have their dishwasher up and running again. On top of this, Liberty offers a 60-day workmanship guarantee, giving you ample time to report any issues with a repair or replacement free of charge. On the downside, I find that Liberty follows up too many times after you’ve requested a quote. Our team has often received more than five follow-ups between emails and phone calls, which is far too many for my liking.
Few providers can match Liberty’s company reputation. Not only does Liberty have a near-perfect score with Trustpilot from over 3,200 reviewers, but the Better Business Bureau reviewers give it a sold 4.49-star rating. Compared to providers like American Home Shield, which averages around two stars, this is phenomenal and a definitive standout in the industry, reassuring me of Liberty’s quality service. They’ve also had fewer customer complaints to the Business Bureau (less than a thousand in three years — far less than American Home Shield with 24,313 complaints).
After reading hundreds of reviews, I surmised that most positive reviews focus on Liberty’s knowledgeable, cheerful customer service, fantastic contractors, and high-quality repair work. Negative reviews criticized Liberty for low coverage caps and multiple unexpected service fee charges.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | NR*/4.49 | 2,464 |
| Trustpilot | 4.7 | 3259 |
| Yelp | 1.2 | 65 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
*Note (as of 5/8/24): Recently, the Better Business Bureau shifted LHG’s A+ rating to “NR” (Not Rated). We reached out to a representative from LHG for comment, and they shared this statement: “Despite the BBB’s alert, our customer satisfaction levels remain by far the highest relative to our scale. Last month, we had the lowest percentage of customer cancellation requests in our entire history. On the BBB’s own platform, Liberty Home Guard has achieved a star rating of 4.5 out of 5 from nearly 2,500 reviews. For added context, the approximately 480 resolved complaints on Liberty Home Guard’s BBB profile equate to an extremely low fraction of a percentage relative to the size and scale of our total customer base. As we navigate this situation, which we believe will be resolved in time, we want to assure you that we remain committed to our customers and their satisfaction; they are the key stakeholders we orient all our efforts around.”
Liberty Home Guard has a perfect claims process. Not only can you submit claims through the online portal or over the phone 24/7/365, but LHG has a mobile app. No other provider in this guide, and very few in the industry, offer a convenient mobile app where you can submit claims and check your claim status, but Liberty does, giving it a huge edge in this category. To top it off, Liberty Home Guard has an average claim response time of only 12 hours — the fastest I’ve seen in the industry, which is impeccable since no Idaho homeowner wants to wait around for their provider to respond to their repair request when their AC unit gives out during a humid summer.
Liberty Home Guard scores very well for their transparency and ease of use between their published sample contract on their website and standard, but transparent exclusions. Their preexisting conditions exclusion is the most frustrating exclusion that’ll affect the largest number of Idaho homeowners since your appliances may have pre-existing conditions you’re unaware of. In addition, Liberty may deny claims if you have leaks or malfunctions due to storms, which may be a problem for Idaho homeowners experiencing heavy snowstorms.
Exclusions
Liberty has the following standard exclusions to their plans:
- Preexisting conditions
- Flues, vents, chimneys, and exhaust lines
- Electronics, computerized, “smart,” or Internet/enabled components and parts
- Filters associated with any covered items
- Remote receiving and transmitting devices
- Radon and other leak detection monitoring systems
- Fire sprinkler systems
- Lighting
- Solar systems and applications
- Cosmetic defects
- Disposal of appliances, systems, or components
- Cranes or other specialty vehicles required to install, remove, or access your appliances or home systems.
- Glass parts
- Noise
- Malfunction due to storms or other acts of God
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it is imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
Liberty received a perfect score from me regarding flexibility because you can choose your own service provider. Liberty Home Guard asks that you reach out to them first so they can authorize the contractor and ensure their high service standards are met. However, they recommend choosing from their LHG-certified professionals because Liberty has vetted these service providers, and a 60-day workmanship guarantee protects their work.
Choice Home Warranty
4.3
Our Rating
Choice Home Warranty has lower coverage caps than many competitors, especially providers like Elite Home Warranty or American Home Shield. If your Idaho home has older appliances or luxury appliances that cost more to repair, you’ll want to look into a provider offering higher coverage than $500 for your aging well pump.
That said, CHW has an excellent claims process that makes it easy to submit claims, hear back quickly (on average only 24 hours), and has a higher claim acceptance rate than most. Plus, Choice has low monthly premiums and an affordable service fee of only $100, which is $50 less than what Elite Home Warranty charges for premium appliances or weekend visits.
Idaho homeowners can benefit from Choice’s extensive workmanship guarantee of up to 90 days for parts and up to 60 days for labor. This is double to triple the industry standard of 30 days, giving you far more wiggle room to test out your recently repaired appliance and report any issues. On top of this, customers regularly praise Choice for their high claim acceptance rate, meaning they had more claims accepted the first time around and didn’t have to worry about claim denials or resubmitting claims. I love this because I don’t want to stress out about my dishwasher claim when it’s leaking everywhere and I’m already at my wit’s end.
Choice Home Warranty may accept more claims than some home warranty providers, but their payouts are lower than most. Many coverage caps are as little as $500, which isn’t enough for most repairs or replacements, especially if your Idaho home has premium appliances or older appliances that’ll need to be replaced sooner rather than later. For example, CHW only covers roof leaks, septic systems, well pumps, and stand-alone ice makers at up to $500. Considering most roof leak repairs cost between $1,500 and $3,000, this is nowhere near enough to cover the complete repair costs. Choice is dealing with a pending lawsuit (more on that below), which could be worrisome for consumers.
Choice Home Warranty’s Basic Plan is just that — basic. In my opinion, it’s too basic as it doesn’t cover common appliances like refrigerators, clothes washers or dryers, and AC units, which I don’t want to go without during a hot Idaho summer. As a result, I recommend their Total Plan, which covers these items and other appliances like your cooktop, garbage disposal, and plumbing stoppages.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
| Basic Plan | $46.67 | $100 | 5% discount, annual payment discounts, and 1 month free (online or phone) |
| Total Plan | $54.75 | $100 | 5% discount, annual payment discounts, and 1 month free (online or phone) |
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Boise. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
I recommend Idaho homeowners look into Choice’s affordable limited roof leak protection for added protection against winter storms.
- Central vacuum: $3.33/month
- Limited roof leak: $5.83/month
- Pool: $15/month
- Second refrigerator: $3.33/month
- Septic system: $10/month
- Septic tank pumping: $5.42/month
- Spa: $15/month
- Additional spa: $15/month
- Sprinkler system: $8.33/month
- Stand-alone freezer: $3.33/month
- Sump pump: $3.33/month
- Well pump: $8.33/month
Choice Home Warranty is one of the more affordable home warranty companies on the market, especially considering its inexpensive add-ons. Nearly all of their add-ons cost less than $15 a month, much better than providers like Elite Home Warranty, which charges $15 to $20 per month for most add-ons — enough to significantly impact your monthly premium, making it less affordable. On top of this, CHW offers consistent discounts. During my secret shopping, I’ve always found available deals on their website, which can shave another $100 to $200 a year off your plan.
CHW has a user-friendly website with an instant quote calculator, making shopping for different home warranty prices easy. The website has a handy breakdown of each plan, although I don’t love that you have to go back and forth between pages to compare each plan. Choice also vets all of its local contractors to ensure you receive the best repair work and professional service each and every time, which I appreciate.
With 14 years of experience in the industry, Choice Home Warranty has a solid reputation with a 3.7-star rating from nearly 40,000 reviewers on Trustpilot. However, it falls short with an ongoing consumer fraud lawsuit filed against the company by the Arizona Attorney General. Now, this lawsuit is pending, so nothing is officially decided, but I feel it’s important to mention this.
Otherwise, Choice has strong customer reviews, with many noting their fast turnaround time, high claims acceptance rate, and professional customer service. Negative reviews criticized the provider for issues with needing to re-open claims to have them finally accepted and excessive service charges.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B/1.04 | 4,416 |
| Trustpilot | 3.7 | 39,187 |
| Yelp | 1.1 | 158 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
CHW has top-notch 24/7/365 availability with a responsive emergency services team. On average, they only take 24 hours to respond to claims, which is far better than the 48 hours it typically takes American Home Shield to respond. In addition, CHW has an exceptional workmanship guarantee that protects you after your repair or replacement is complete. Most companies, like American Home Shield, only offer 30 days, but CHW gives you up to 90 days for parts and 60 days for labor with their workmanship guarantee, giving you far more time to bring up any issues you’re having after a repair. Finally, customer reviews frequently praise Choice for their high claim acceptance rate. This is a critical component of choosing a home warranty provider, as there isn’t much point in being enrolled in a plan if your provider constantly denies your claims.
Choice Home Warranty offers a transparent, understandable service contract that breaks down what is and isn’t covered — an essential tool for an Idaho homeowner to review before enrolling with any company. Otherwise, I found their exclusions pretty standard, with nothing standing out as a red flag.
Exclusions
Choice Home Warranty has standard exclusions:
- Audio or visual equipment
- Internet connection components
- Upgrades or modifications to original systems or appliances
- Pool accessories
- Fireplaces
- Doorbell
- Central vacuum ductwork, accessories, hoses, and blockages
- Portable or above-ground spas and pools
- Act of God incidents
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it is imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
CHW has a perfect score for this category because Idaho home warranty policyholders can choose their own repair technicians. But this may affect the workmanship guarantee, so confirm whether your technician choice qualifies for Choice’s exemplary workmanship guarantee coverage first.
Select Home Warranty
4.2
Our Rating
Select Home Warranty stands out for its competitive pricing, solid HVAC coverage, and free roof leak coverage. This provider’s straightforward plan options and transparent pricing make enrollment easy, which many customers praise the company for in customer reviews. Plus, it’s rare to see a provider beat Select’s pricing, which often saves Idaho homeowners $10 or more per month compared to similar providers. Combined with a lower service fee of only $75, you can save hundreds of dollars per year with this provider, making them an attractive option for Idaho homeowners on a tight budget or fixed income.
On the flip side, Select Home Warranty has many exclusions, with some of the most frustrating exclusions including a requirement to keep up-to-date pictures and maintenance records for your HVAC and exclusions if a power surge or failure damages your home appliances or systems. Most of us may struggle to keep up with the maintenance records diligently, which could result in claim denial for one of our most important home systems — the HVAC. This is a sizable con since your HVAC is critical for keeping your home warm during the winter and cool during hot Idaho summers.
With all that said, Select Home Warranty is a strong option for budget-conscious Idaho homeowners interested in solid HVAC coverage at a much more affordable price. The free roof leak coverage also can’t be beat and is a real asset during the Idaho rainy season from April through August.
If you’re on a tight budget but desperately looking for solid HVAC coverage, Select is a provider that delivers this at an affordable price point. Most of their Idaho plans only cost forty-some dollars, below the national average of $50 per month for home warranty premiums. As a result, budget-conscious Idaho homeowners can benefit from this fantastic pricing, paired with up to $3,000 in HVAC coverage ($1,000 more coverage than Liberty Home Guard offers — and they usually charge more per month, too!).
Other pros for Select Home Warranty include their flexible plan options, free roof leak coverage with all plans (which offers a notable savings compared to providers like American Home Shield, which charges $10 per month), and the ability to choose your own service provider.
Select Home Warranty has a variety of exclusions that could easily lead to this provider denying your claims, especially regarding your HVAC system. While it offers up to $3,000 in HVAC coverage (which is average coverage but provided at lower rates than most providers charge), Select requires extensive maintenance records and pictures to show you’ve kept up with cleaning and maintenance of your HVAC. This requirement is pretty frustrating and not something I’d want to keep up with, as we’ve all had busy times in our lives where we fall behind on basic maintenance tasks. This is especially worrying for Idaho homeowners, where a diverse range of temperatures can wear down HVAC systems faster.
Another significant downside is that Select excludes appliances or home systems impacted by inadequate wiring capacity or power failures and surges. Idaho homeowners have little control over power failures or surges, if any, so this feels like a lousy exclusion. Even high winds can cause power outages, so you’re at risk of Select denying a claim if one of these happens to your home.
Select Home Warranty provides free roof leak coverage with all of their plans — a significant benefit for Idaho homeowners experiencing heavy rain, snowfall, or flooding. This is an atypical offering in the industry as most providers like Choice Home Warranty or Liberty Home Guard charge an additional $5 to $10 per month for this type of coverage. However, Select’s Gold Care plan falls short as it doesn’t offer basic coverage for your refrigerator, plumbing stoppages, dishwasher, built-in microwave, or stove/oven. These basic appliances are usually covered, even in less expensive plans, so this is less than ideal.
Still, Select’s Platinum Care plan, which is only a couple of dollars more for a two-bedroom home in Boise, covers all of these items and unique features around the house, like your garage door opener, ceiling fan, and ductwork. I rarely see providers cover ceiling fans, so this is a novel inclusion that I recommend taking advantage of if your home has many ceiling fans.
| Plan | Monthly Cost* | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
| Bronze Care | $44.42 | $75 | $150 off (website), two extra months free (website), multi-year coverage discount (phone) |
| Gold Care | $44.42 | $75 | $150 off (website), two extra months free (website), multi-year coverage discount (phone) |
| Platinum Care | $47.75 | $75 | $150 off (website), two extra months free (website), multi-year coverage discount (phone) |
*Monthly cost figures provided include the discounted rate offered at the time of writing. Select Home Warranty has been running this promotion since the beginning of this year.”
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Boise. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
I appreciate that all Select plans come with free roof leak coverage, which most providers, like Liberty Home Guard, make you pay extra for.
- Central vacuum: $3.33/month
- Lawn sprinkler system: $5.83/month
- Pool: $8.33/month
- Roof leak: $0/month
- Septic system: $5.83/month
- Spa: $5.83/month
- Stand-alone freezer: $3.33/month
- Sump pump: $3.33/month
- Well pump: $3.33/month
Select Home Warranty is a standout provider for their budget-friendly pricing and multiple discount options. Idaho homeowners can benefit from Select’s competitive pricing. Most of Select’s plans cost around $40 a month with discounts (which seem to be constantly running), which is a much more affordable price point than many providers, who cost $50 to $100 per month. Select Home Warranty has lower service fees of only $75, which is much easier to swallow than pricier providers like Elite Home Warranty, which charges as much as $150 for service visits (when they’re after hours or for premium appliances). Considering you may need several service visits per year, especially if your Idaho home has older appliances or systems, Select’s lower service call fee could easily save you hundreds of dollars every year.
Many home warranty companies bombard potential customers with excessive emails and calls, which is always a pain to deal with. Idaho homeowners will be relieved to hear that this isn’t the case with Select, who had a reasonable number of follows-ups but wasn’t pushy or trying to pressure me into purchasing a plan during my secret shopping. I appreciate Select’s transparent, user-friendly website, which has an instant quote calculator that allows Idaho homeowners to assess what is and isn’t covered in a plan. Overall, this provider provides a stress-free experience, which is a nice change of pace from the pushier service providers I’ve experienced in the past.
With mixed reviews from customers across several reputable third-party websites like Trustpilot and Yelp and a B rating from the Better Business Bureau, Select has an average reputation. It’s earned a 7.7 out of 10 rating from me for their decent, but not outstanding ratings. Negative reviews cite issues with claim fulfillment, unprofessional or incompetent technicians, and low reimbursement rates, while positive reviews share that the sign-up process is straightforward, and they like the quick claim turnaround time and supportive customer service. Overall, Select is better than most home warranty providers but doesn’t score as highly as Elite Home Warranty or Liberty Home Guard regarding customer satisfaction, as both providers receive nearly perfect customer ratings.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B-/1.38 | 2,111 |
| Trustpilot | 3.8 | 4,835 |
| Yelp | 1.0 | 9 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Select Home Warranty has an average claims process with a response time of approximately 48 hours per our team at Today’s Homeowner’s findings. I don’t love the 48-hour waiting period, as some providers, like Liberty Home Guard, have an average response time of only 12 hours, which is ideal when you’re waiting to have your leaking dishwasher repaired. As for claim submission, you can submit claims online or over the phone, which is standard.
Select Home Warranty is transparent with their sample contract posted online, but their exclusions list is extensive. For example, Select may deny your claim if you don’t clean or maintain some systems, notably your HVAC system. Since HVAC coverage is crucial for Idaho homeowners, who experience a large range of temperatures, and the cost of an HVAC system is crippling (about $5,500 to $11,000 to replace on average), this is a significant downside.
Exclusions
Idaho has an increasing number of tax write-offs for solar heating systems, even with incentives as high as 20% off in the form of a tax deduction. Select Home Warranty excludes solar heating systems from all their plans, so keep this in mind if your home has solar power.
- Secondary damage (i.e., your home warranty may cover roof damage but won’t cover water damage caused by the leak)
- Incorrect installation or malfunctions due to construction damage or improper wiring
- Issues with systems or appliances related to hazardous or toxic materials (e.g., mold, asbestos, and gas leaks)
- Common areas in condominiums or family homes
- Failure to properly maintain or clean systems or appliances
- Electrical surges
- Solar heating systems
- Foundation or structural issues
- Damage caused by natural disasters and rust
- Defects or damages caused by the foundation and structure of the home
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it is imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
Select allows you to choose your own service provider, but you need authorization first. If you don’t receive this authorization, Select won’t reimburse you for the service conducted, which is industry standard.
Elite Home Warranty
4.3
Our Rating
Idaho homeowners worried about needing a complete HVAC replacement after a brutal winter or dealing with pricey premium appliance breakdowns may particularly benefit from Elite’s high coverage caps. Depending on your plan and add-ons, you’ll receive up to $6,000 in appliance coverage and up to $10,000 in home systems coverage, which is unheard of in this industry and two to three times the industry average of $2,000 to $3,000. Compared to a provider like Choice Home Warranty, which maxes out at only $500 for some systems, this colossal difference can cover the cost of a full replacement or large repair. Elite also has above-average customer ratings with a BBB accreditation, A+ BBB rating, and nearly five-star ratings from three third-party review websites, which I haven’t seen in this industry.
On the downside, Elite has many nitty-gritty exclusions and a lot of complicated fine print in their sample contract, which makes their policies more challenging to understand. In addition, they exclude commercial-grade appliances and repairs needed based on natural disasters, such as floods, which are common in Idaho.
Elite Home Warranty has unmatched customer service ratings, a BBB accreditation, and fantastic coverage limits that are perfect for Idaho homeowners with premium appliances and systems. If you’re worried about maxing out a coverage cap, Elite is a valid option. They have up to $6,000 in appliance coverage and up to $10,000 in systems coverage for systems like your HVAC, which Idaho’s fickle weather tends to strain. These coverage limits are two to three times the industry average, so this is worth noting if you anticipate needing many complete replacements in the coming years or have upscale appliances that are pricier to repair or replace.
Elite Home Warranty has complicated exclusion policies with many stipulations around how much coverage you’ll receive during the first year enrolled in a policy. Plus, the provider may request purchase records, repair or installation records, home inspection reports, or certifications when reviewing a claim. If you don’t provide them with these, they have the right to limit or deny your repair, replacement, or cash reimbursement.
EHW has a frustrating service fee policy surrounding after-hours, weekend, or premium appliance repairs. Instead of the typical $100 fee, you’ll pay $150 for these services, which adds insult to injury.
Elite Home Warranty has phenomenal plans and coverage, so the brand earns a perfect score in this category. Not only can you choose from three comprehensive plans, but depending on your plan and add-ons, you can receive up to $6,000 in appliance coverage and up to $10,000 in home systems coverage. I’ve never seen another company match this, making this a truly spectacular benefit ideal for Idaho homeowners with lux appliances or many home systems needing full replacements in the next year or so.
For Idaho homeowners, I recommend the Elite Complete plan for both systems and appliances coverage as Idaho weather is taxing on both, especially your HVAC system, stove, and water heater.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Available Discounts |
| Elite Appliance | $44.99 | $75 | $150 sign-up, first month free, 30-day free trial (phone) |
| Elite Systems | $49.99 | $75 | $150 sign-up, first month free, 30-day free trial (phone) |
| Elite Complete | $59.99 | $75 | $150 sign-up, first month free, 30-day free trial (phone) |
Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Boise. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Add-Ons
Elite Home Warranty has an extensive range of add-ons, with options for coverage for your generator, geothermal heating and cooling system, and roof leak repair being popular among Idaho residents. Note that the brand’s add-ons are charged annually.
- Attic exhaust fan: $69.99/year
- Central vacuum: $49.00/year
- Effluent pump: $99.99/year
- Ejector pump: $99.99/year
- Freestanding freezer: $59.99/year
- Freestanding ice maker: $59.99/year
- Freestanding spa equipment: $119.99/year
- Generator: $99.99/year
- Geothermal heating and cooling system: $299.99/year
- Grinder pump: $99.99/year
- Guest house: $299.99/year
- HVAC annual maintenance: $299.99/year
- Jetted/hot tub: $99.99/year
- Lawn sprinkler system: $99.99/year
- Lift pump: $99.99/year
- Limited roof leak repair: $99.99/year
- Pool & spa equipment: $199.99/year
- Pool equipment: $149.99/year
- Premium appliances: $249.99/year
- Premium benefits: $199.99/year
- Premium systems: $299.99/year
- Premium systems Plus: $499.99/year
- Septic system: $129.99/year
- Service lines: $349.99/year
- Sump pump: $99.99/year
- Swamp cooler: $149.99/year
- Water filtration system: $99.99/year
- Water softener: $99.99/year
- Well pump: $99.99/year
- Wine cooler: $69.99/year
Elite Home Warranty is more expensive than the average Idaho home warranty policy, but their unmatched coverage limits provide a lot of value for that higher price. You can often find helpful discounts like the $150 Elite offered me during my secret shopping online for a policy for a two-bedroom home in Boise. When considering add-ons, Elite falls in the middle, with most of its add-ons costing between $15 and $20. This isn’t too bad, but it’s not as affordable as Select Home Warranty.
EHW has a solid customer experience rating for their professional customer service representatives, who I’ve always found helpful when I called during secret shopping. I felt like the experience was educational and not aggressive, which is a nice change from pushier sales representatives, like what I’ve experienced with Liberty Home Guard. On the flip side, I don’t love that Elite has an 8% cancellation fee when you cancel after the 30-day trial. While a cancellation fee isn’t unheard of, it’s a frustrating policy. On top of this, Elite isn’t the strongest when it comes to follow-ups, as I’ve sent additional questions and never heard back from agents.
Elite Home Warranty has a wonderful company reputation with an accreditation and A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and almost perfect five-star ratings from three third-party review websites. I’ve yet to see another provider match these high scores, which is truly outstanding. It reassures me of their commitment to customer service. However, they lose points for their lack of experience, only four years at the time of writing. All the same, positive reviews rave about Elite’s professional customer service and high coverage caps, which are enough to cover full replacements of appliances or home systems — a rarity that not all providers can boast, such as Choice Home Warranty, which maxes out at $500 for some systems.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A+/4.97 | 371 |
| Trustpilot | 4.7 | 70 |
| Yelp | 4.8 | 4 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Elite Home Warranty takes a hit with my claims process rating as they charge a higher service call fee for weekend or after-hours calls. Instead of $100, you’ll pay $150 for any after-hours services. This higher charge even extends to any repairs regarding premium appliances, which feels like nickel and diming. This service fee is double Select Home Warranty’s very affordable service fee of $75, which is something to consider when considering how many repairs you may need in a year. Otherwise, Elite’s process is typical, with a claim submission process over the phone or online.
Elite Home Warranty offers a sample contract on their website, but their exclusions are complicated. Many of their coverage caps don’t fully kick in until 12 months of coverage, so you receive a lower amount of coverage that increases incrementally throughout your first year. In particular, the Idaho sample contract notes that your air conditioning, heating, pool, or spas are limited to a maximum payment of $500 per year if they don’t remain fully operational for a continuous period of 30 days during the agreement’s effective term. While the contract is detailed, it’s challenging to understand every nuance, which resulted in Elite earning a lower score in this category.
Exclusions
Other than commercial-grade appliances, Elite has standard exclusions:
- Natural disaster-related damages
- Preexisting conditions
- Routine maintenance
- Radon monitoring systems
- Fire sprinkler systems
- Solar systems and components
- Flues, venting, chimneys, and exhaust lines
- Acts of God
- Commercial-grade appliances
- Units in a rental property (i.e. apartments)
- Cosmetic damage
- Modified units
Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it is imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.
A significant benefit of choosing Elite Home Warranty is that you can select your own service provider, reinforcing Elite’s mission of providing white-glove repair services with professionals you feel fully comfortable using.
Calculate the Cost of an Idaho Home Warranty
Plug in your monthly premium, estimated number of service visits per fee, and service call fee for an estimate of how much your Idaho home warranty will cost each year.
| Appliance | Average Repair Cost | Average Replacement Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Dehumidifier | $50–$200 | $1,300–$2,800 |
| Microwave | $50–$400 | $60–$2,000 |
| Dishwasher | $50–$500 | $400–$3,000 |
| Exhaust Fans | $16–$300 | $250–$950 |
| Electric Range | $100–$500 | $230–$3,000 |
| Gas Range | $100–$500 | $230–$3,000 |
| Dryer | $100–$400 | $450–$2,300 |
| Oven | $100–$430 | $400–$3,000 |
| Washer | $50–$450 | $400–$2,300 |
| Freezer | $90–$500 | $160–$2,900 |
| Refrigerator | $40–$350 | $200–$5,000 |
Idaho Home Warranty Regulations
Idaho state isn’t clear about who governs and regulates home warranties, but service contracts are under the Idaho Consumer Protection Act’s jurisdiction. Industry associations, like the National Home Service Contract Association, also oversee home warranties nationwide, working to moderate companies and ensure they follow fair business practices. The Better Business Bureau is another useful source for reviewing how home warranty companies in Idaho treat customers behind closed doors.
If you have any complaints about a home warranty company in Idaho, you can submit a complaint to the Department of Insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need a Home Warranty in Idaho?
Idaho homeowners aren’t legally required to have a home warranty, but it’s a wise investment for many as most of us don’t have thousands of dollars put aside to handle emergency repairs and replacements around the home. Unless your appliances and home systems are all under a manufacturer’s warranty, a home warranty is worthwhile for most Idaho homeowners looking to protect themselves financially from massive repair bills.
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost in Idaho?
The average cost of a home warranty in Idaho is $53 per month, based on the 15+ quotes I received for a two-bedroom home in Boise. However, home warranty costs vary based on your location, plan, provider, add-ons, and much more.
How Can You Save Money When Shopping for Home Warranties in Idaho?
You can save the most money when shopping for home warranties in Idaho by completing some quick research, choosing a few of your top home warranty providers, and giving them a call. I usually get the best deals when I call the company directly and ask about special deals, price matching, or discounts.
Is a Home Warranty Worth It for Idaho Homeowners?
A home warranty is worth it for Idaho homeowners because you live in a diverse climate, with some regions experiencing colder temperatures and heavy snowfall and other regions experiencing hot summers. The common denominator here is that all areas of Idaho experience sudden weather occurrences, flooding, and intense temperatures, which can quickly stress out your HVAC system and appliances, making a home warranty a worthwhile investment for most Idaho homeowners.
Other Warranty Resources for Homeowners
- Best Home Warranties
- Best Home Warranty for Seniors
- Best Home Warranty for Garage Doors
- Best Home Warranty for Water Heaters
- Best Home Warranty for Heat Pump
- Best Home Warranty for Mobile Homes
- Best Home Warranty for Older Homes
