American Home Shield (AHS) has earned its place as a leader in the home warranty industry by providing reliable coverage for homeowners across the United States. With over 50 years of experience, AHS stands out for its extensive service network, flexible plans, and a reputation for covering items that many competitors exclude.
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Compare American Home Shield with Other Home Warranty Companies
Whether you’re protecting an older home with aging appliances or looking for peace of mind against unexpected repair costs, AHS offers solutions tailored to various needs. This review will help you decide if AHS is the right fit by breaking down its plans, pricing, and coverage options. We’ll also explore customer feedback, potential drawbacks, and alternatives, giving you all the tools you need to make an informed choice.
Comprehensive Home Warranty Options from American Home Shield
American Home Shield (also called AHS) offers three fixed coverage plans plus the option for additional add-on coverage. All home warranty plans provide comprehensive coverage for your home and personal items. Listed below are a few highlights of each plan:
ShieldSilver
The ShieldSilver plan is the lowest plan and covers 14 major systems responsible for keeping your home running smoothly. Some home systems covered under this plan include air conditioning, electrical systems, and plumbing.
ShieldGold
The ShieldGold plan covers the major systems covered by the ShieldSilver plan plus nine additional major home appliances. These include secondary appliances such as garbage disposals and major kitchen appliances such as refrigerators and dishwashers.
ShieldPlatinum
The ShieldPlatinum plan covers all the home systems and appliances covered by the Silver and Gold plans. It also provides roof leak coverage for up to $1,500 of the total cost of roof leak repairs. It also offers additional coverage for unlimited refrigerant, as well as $1,000 in coverage for permits and code violations.
Optional Add-ons
As mentioned, American Home Shield offers optional add-on coverage for clients looking for a more comprehensive home warranty. The company accepts five optional add-ons:
- A guest unit measuring less than 750 square feet
- A pool and in-ground spa
- A septic pump
- A well pump
- Electronic extended warranty
- Roof leak repairs
It is also worth noting that the coverage caps increase as you climb the coverage plan ladder. For example, the ShieldGold plan covers some items for up to $3,000, but the ShieldPlatinum plan increases coverage for the same item to $6,000.
| Plan | Coverage | Average Monthly Cost | Service Fee Options | Optional Add-Ons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ShieldSilver | Covers 14 major systems (e.g., HVAC, electrical, plumbing) | $50 | $75, $100, $125 | Not available with this plan |
| ShieldGold | Covers all ShieldSilver items plus 9 major appliances (e.g., refrigerator, dishwasher) | $60 | $75, $100, $125 | Pool & in-ground spa, guest unit, septic pump, well pump, electronics warranty |
| ShieldPlatinum | Covers all ShieldGold items plus roof leak repairs, unlimited refrigerant, permits, and code violations | $75 | $75, $100, $125 | Same as ShieldGold plus expanded coverage caps ($6,000 for major items) |
What does American Home Shield cover?
American Home Shield provides comprehensive coverage for key systems and appliances in your home, with options to expand coverage through add-ons. Here’s a detailed look at what’s included under their standard plans.
Systems Covered
AHS covers essential built-in systems that keep your home functioning smoothly. These include:
- Air conditioning and heating units
- Ductwork
- Plumbing (including interior lines, faucets, and toilets)
- Electrical systems (e.g., circuit breakers, wiring, doorbells)
- Ventilation systems and fans
- Garage door openers
- Water heaters and whirlpool tub motors
The ShieldSilver plan focuses primarily on these systems, making it a good fit for homeowners who need foundational coverage.
Appliances Covered
For homeowners who want appliance protection in addition to system coverage, AHS includes major kitchen and laundry appliances, such as:
- Refrigerators
- Dishwashers
- Ovens, cooktops, and ranges
- Microwaves (built-in)
- Washers and dryers
- Garbage disposals
These appliances are covered starting with the ShieldGold plan, which also protects against aging appliances, improper installations, and compatibility issues.
Specialty Items
For more extensive coverage, AHS offers add-ons for specialty items, including:
- Pools and in-ground spas
- Septic and well pumps
- Roof leak repairs (available with ShieldPlatinum)
- Guest units under 750 square feet
Optional add-ons allow homeowners to tailor their plans to meet unique needs.
AHS Plan Limitations: Items Not Covered
American Home Shield plans cover a wide range of items, but certain exclusions apply. These exclusions range from some types of personal property to certain forms of in-built systems.
Excluded appliances include:
- Free-standing freezers
- Multi-media centers
- Wine chillers
- Garage doors
- Door track assemblies
- Removable accessories from built-in food centers
Excluded systems include:
- Underground piping and pump components
- Water towers
- Window units
- Water lines
- Chiller components
- Security cable or wiring
- Circuit overloads
- Phone wiring
- Electrical wall plates
- Extra water heaters
- Doorbell intercoms and components
- Fuel storage tanks
- Extra water heaters
- Removable accessories from central vacuums
It is also worth noting that AHS doesn’t cover theft or irresponsible behaviors that lead to the covered items’ damages. However, it does protect against natural disasters and certain types of theft and vandalism. Before signing up, it is crucial to know what Shield Home Warranty covers and what it doesn’t.
American Home Shield Pricing & Costs
American Home Shield is also popular for its affordability, considering everything it has to offer. However, it is worth noting that this home warranty company doesn’t have a fixed pricing structure, as explained below.
Plan Pricing
Home warranty plans vary in price depending on factors such as your location, the size of your home, and the number and types of items covered. Once you have provided the requested information, you will be given a personalized quote.
However, Shield Home Warranty averages at about $50 for ShieldSilver, $60 for ShieldGold, and $75 for ShieldPlatinum for most homeowners. It is advisable to contact American Home Shield for a more personalized quote.
Service Fees
American Home Shield also charges service fees for every service request. The service fees are set at three tiers: $75, $100, and $125.
You will be required to pay the service fee for every claim you make, and you cannot make additional claims until all outstanding fees are paid. It is also worth noting that your chosen service fee tier affects how much you pay in monthly premiums. Consequently, you will pay higher premiums if you select a lower service fee ($75) and lower premiums if you choose a higher service fee ($100 and $125).
American Home Shield State Availability
American Home Shield offers its home warranty services in nearly every state across the United States, making it a widely accessible choice for homeowners. However, their coverage does not extend to Alaska.
A key point for potential clients to note is that American Home Shield’s premiums vary depending on the state. This variance is due to regional economic factors and specific state regulations.
Homeowners are advised to get a personalized quote from American Home Shield for precise pricing information in their respective states. This approach ensures that AHS can provide competitive and fair service offerings across its broad service network.
Breaking Down the AHS Home Warranty Contract
Once you sign up for a home warranty plan with AHS, a contract describing the plan’s terms will be provided to you. Here is an overview of what the contract will contain and what to look out for.
Contract Details
The AHS home service contracts are comprehensive and detailed. It covers everything about your plan, your obligations, the company’s responsibilities, and more. Here is an overview of the issues covered:
- A coverage overview, including the items covered, the requirements that must be met for a successful claim, as well as the company’s obligations
- The contract’s terms and conditions, including the plan fee and conditions for the transfer of ownership
- A guideline on how to request services and the requirements that must be met for approval
- A trade service call fee
- A comprehensive overview of the items excluded from coverage
- Warranty information for all appliances and systems
- Terms of renewal and cancellation
- Miscellaneous details
Cancellation Policy
American Home Shield has a flexible cancellation policy for clients who may be unsatisfied with their services. Your contract fees will be refunded minus any service claims if you cancel within 30 days of the start date of your coverage. Following 30 days, you will owe the balance of one month’s payment, minus any prorated contract fees.
Getting Started with American Home Shield
American Home Shield works like many other home warranty companies. Here is an overview of how the processes of signing up as a client and making claims work:
Buying a Home Warranty Plan
The first step entails buying a home warranty plan. As discussed earlier, there are three core options, and it is important to buy a plan that best suits your needs and preferences.
It is recommended to visit the AHS website to review their plans and prices before signing up. If you’re having trouble determining which plan is best for you, take advantage of their free home warranty quote.
The system will generate a free quote after you provide the required information. It is important to be as accurate and detailed as possible for a more personalized quote. American Home Shield does not require a home inspection for registration.
Once you’re ready to purchase, complete a registration form on their website. Some of the details required include your address, zip code, phone number, and email address.
Filing a Claim
Filing a claim with American Home Shield is easy, but there are some requirements. The company advises its clients to file a service request as soon as they identify a problem with a covered item. The company then reviews the request and initiates repairs or replacements within 48 hours.
AHS responds well to claims and has an excellent customer service department. However, the company charges a service call fee ranging from $75 to $125, depending on the type of service request. It is worth noting that the company will not provide any additional services until all past and present plan and service fees are paid.
Commitment to Quality: 30-Day Workmanship Guarantee
American Home Shield (AHS) offers a 30-day workmanship guarantee, ensuring the quality and reliability of their services. If any issues arise with a repaired item within 30 days post-service, AHS will provide additional repairs at no extra cost.
This guarantee is an assurance to homeowners of AHS’s commitment to lasting repairs and customer satisfaction. It provides added peace of mind, knowing that AHS stands behind the quality of their work and addresses any subsequent issues swiftly and effectively.
American Home Shield Reputation
Many homeowners have had negative experiences with their home warranties companies. In light of this, it is only natural to wonder whether American Home Shield is trustworthy.
American Home Shield was founded in 1971, making it one of the oldest home warranty companies in the United States. It is also one of the most popular home warranty companies, with a presence in 49 states. More than 2 million homeowners have been served to their satisfaction by this company so far.
The company has achieved this popularity and its top status by maintaining an overall positive reputation. To this end, the company has a B-rating from the Better Business Bureau. It has also won several national awards as a leading national association, including:
- Women’s Choice Awards (from 2014 to 2017)
- 2014 Best in Service Award from Home Warranty Awards
- Top-Rated Award from 2015 to 2018 by Home Warranty Awards
In addition, American Shield Home Warranty is Consumer Affairs-accredited. The company works with more than 14,000 contractors throughout the country to deliver quality service. For this reason, you can find many honest American Home Shield reviews from both current and past clients.
American Home Shield Pros and Cons
American Home Shield doesn’t need to try too hard to convince any homeowner of its competence. The company serves millions of homeowners and has already paid out more than $2 billion in claims. There are few stipulations in the fine print, making the claims process relatively straightforward. Here is an overview of what we like and dislike about AHS.
Pros
Some of the benefits of working with American Home Shield include:
- Comprehensive coverage of all essential systems and appliances
- Coverage against a wide range of risks, including theft and natural disasters
- Affordable monthly premiums and service fees
- Quick registration and approval without the need for a home inspection
- An easy and fast claims process without hidden limitations
- National recognition as a national home warranty association
Cons
American Home Shield also has its shortcomings, like any other home warranty company. They include:
- Not available in Alaska
- Repairs only guaranteed for 30 days
- Several negative reviews from dissatisfied clients
- B-rating with the Better Business Bureau means that it could do better
American Home Shield Alternatives
American Home Shield is one of several home warranty companies in the United States. Here is an overview of ideal alternatives to AHS:
Liberty Home Guard
Liberty Home Guard is also one of the best home warranty companies. Its benefits over AHS include cheaper monthly premiums, cheaper service fees, and an overall better BBB rating. AHS, however, offers more customizable plans and is available in more states nationwide. Additionally, AHS has substantially more experience than Liberty Home Guard.
First American Home Warranty
First American Home Warranty is also popular with homeowners, primarily because of its affordability. However, it doesn’t offer coverage for air conditioning, unlike AHS. It also doesn’t serve as many states as American Home Shield.
Conclusion
American Home Shield stands out as a strong choice in the home warranty sector. With services available in almost every state and a range of plans from ShieldSilver to ShieldPlatinum, it caters to diverse homeowner needs. The 30-day workmanship guarantee reflects AHS’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Despite the limitation of not servicing Alaska and some customer criticisms, AHS’s comprehensive coverage, flexible pricing, and national presence make it a competitive option. Homeowners considering AHS should seek a personalized estimate for a clear understanding of the services and costs tailored to their specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I file a claim?
Here is a step-by-step process on how to file a claim with American Home Shield:
- Make a service request by calling the company or online using the company’s website
- Pay the service fee
- Let a partnered contractor into your house to inspect & resolve the problem
Is American Home Shield a rip-off?
No, American Home Shield is not a rip-off. This company has been in business for about 50 years and has a nationwide presence with millions of clients. It also has a reasonably high BBB rating and is accredited positively by other accreditation bodies. The company also offers some of the most affordable premiums and flexible service fee arrangements, and the quality of services is well worth the price.
What does the American Home Shield ShieldPlatinum Plan cover?
The ShieldPlatinum plan is the highest plan, not considering the optional add-ons. It also covers everything found in the ShieldSilver plan (built-in systems) and ShieldGold plan (electrical appliances). It also covers roof leaks and HVAC tune-ups.
What is not covered under the various American Home Shield plans?
American Home Shield doesn’t cover some items in several categories, including appliances and built-in systems. Refer above for an exhaustive list of what is not covered, or get in touch with the company to ask about the specific items you would like covered.
What does American Home Shield cover and not cover?
- Roof leaks: Yes, American Home Shield provides coverage for roof leaks under the ShieldPlatinum plan, with optional coverage available under ShieldSilver and ShieldGold plans.
- Mold and hazardous materials: No, American Home Shield does not cover mold, asbestos, mildew, lead paint, or damages caused by homeowner negligence.
- Water damage, termites, insects, theft, and tree damage: No, these are not covered by American Home Shield. The company excludes water damage, damages from termites and other insects, theft, and tree or structural damages. However, it offers extermination services through an affiliate for pest-related issues. Homeowners are advised to consider additional homeowners’ insurance for protection against these types of risks and damages.