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American Home Shield Review


ConsumersAdvocate.org Rating: 4.7 / 5 (Excellent)
4,124 Customer Comments & Reviews - see all comments
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American Home Shield is a Tennessee-based company founded in 1971 to provide coverage on home appliances and systems in the United States through its network of home service professionals.

The company offers service contracts that cover the repair or replacement of major components of home systems and appliances. Customers can also purchase optional coverage for pools and spas, guest houses, home electronic systems, roof leaks, maintenance services, and more.

How is American Home Shield rated?

Breakdown

4.8/5
Transparency
4.8/5
Claims Processing
4.7/5
Coverage Options
4.7/5
Additional Benefits
4.7/5
Customer Experience

Overall Rating: 4.7 / 5 (Excellent)

American Home Shield's coverage is among the most comprehensive we've seen in the industry. The company covers considerably more appliances and systems than its competitors and has fewer coverage limitations.

The company recently updated its plans—they now have three to simplify choosing the right one for your home. American Home Shield focuses on the repairs that offer the most value to consumers, removing items that are inexpensive to replace, increasing its coverage limits on appliances in its most expensive plan to reflect today's higher-priced, "gourmet" appliances, and adding roof leak coverage.

Coverage

Key Facts

Plan Types
Systems
Appliances
Combo Plan
Benefit Limit Type
Per Item
Typical Appliance Benefit Limit
$3,000
Typical Systems Benefit Limit
$0

Coverage Options - 4.7 / 5

American Home Shield offers consumers a choice of three plans, following a good-better-best model. Its ShieldSilver plan warrants systems only, but can be amended with certain add-ons, including pools, electronics, and guest houses. Its ShieldGold plan covers a range of systems and appliances, again with add-on options. Its ShieldPlatinum plan covers everything in the ShieldGold plan, plus roof leaks up to $1500 and some routine maintenance services. These include free HVAC tune-ups, unlimited top ups on your AC refrigerant, coverage for code violations including permits.

All told, American Home Shield covers 23 systems and appliances, considerably more than most of their competitors, and fully covers 11 of those items. There is no limit on the number of claims a customer can file over the year’s contract, either.

What does American Home Shield cover?

Covered Built-In Systems

  • Air Conditioning
  • Heating
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • Water Heater
  • Instant Hot/Cold Water Dispenser
  • Doorbells
  • Ceiling Fans

Covered Appliances

  • Refrigerators
  • Dishwashers
  • Clothes Dryers
  • Clothes Washers
  • Ranges/Ovens/Cooktops
  • Built-in Microwaves
  • Freestanding Ice Makers
  • Built-In Trash Compactors
  • Garage Door Openers
  • Built-in Food Centers

Exclusions

For a full list of American Home Shield exclusions, check out this page.

Specialty Items

  • Guest Unit
  • Pool/Spa
  • Well Pump
  • Septic
  • Roof Leaks

Contract & Price

Contract Details

Annual Premium
Starting at $0
Minimum Contract Length
12 month(s)
Home Inspection Required for Contract?
No
Online Quote/Application

Contract & Price - 5 / 5

American Home Shield has a flexible pricing policy and offers three different coverage plans and two trade service call fee levels: $100 and $125.

This allows consumers to have input into the annual price based on their budgetary needs.

We requested a quote for a single family home under 5,000 square feet located in a medium-sized midwestern city. The minimum annual premium (Shield Silver Plan) was $59.99 per month. The maximum premium (Shield Platinum Plan) was $109.99. So AHS prices are somewhat higher than many competitive plans. Consumers should note that their final price will vary by plan, service call charge selected, and location.

Sample Contract

American Home Shield provides a sample contract for potential customers on its website: American Home Shield Sample Contract

Cancellation Policy

Customers can cancel anytime within their 30 day wait period and receive a full refund, and can cancel anytime during the contract term, as this is a non-binding contract.

Claims & Service

Claims

Service Fee
$100 and $125
Maintenance Records Required for Service?
No
24/7 Claims Department?
Waiting Period
30 days

Contractors & Service

Contractor Selection
In-Network Only
Contractor Network Size
14,000+ contractors
Number of Technicians
45,000 technicians
Service Recall Period
30 days

Claims Processing - 4.8 / 5

Consumers can submit a service request online 24/7/365. American Home Security does not require an inspection prior to purchase.

The company has a large network of service professionals and offers a 30-day workmanship guarantee on their services.

American Home Shield Reputation

Company Details

Year Founded
1971
NHSCA Membership
Number of Customers
1.7 million
Number of Employees
1,700
TrustPilot Rating
2.1 out of 5
BBB Rating
B
BBB Positive Reviews
392
BBB Neutral Reviews
50
BBB Negative Reviews
1,874
Date Collected
2023-07-24

Reputation - 5 / 5

American Home Shield has been in business since 1971, making it the oldest player in the industry. It has over 1.7 million customers.

In 1989, the company was acquired by ServiceMaster, an established firm that also owns Terminix and Merry Maids.

American Home Shield is accredited by the BBB and has a B rating. In this industry, negative customer reviews far outnumber positive ones.

Contact & Additional Information

Homepage URL
Company Phone
(888) 429-8247
Headquarters Address
150 Peabody Place, Memphis, TN, 38103
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 849, Carroll, IA, 51401
Year Founded
1971

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4124 Customer Comments & Reviews

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D
daineal j
3/15/2018
so far so good, been with AHS for over 10years and two houses


A
Amy
3/15/2018
I would have rather higher but my experience with these service providers I feel like my concern was never addressed properly. i feel like as a woman these service people (usually men) look at you like you don't know what you are talking about. The worst provider you sent was sears 4 tries of him not fixing the problem and having the nastiest attitude ever. H&K were great guys but I think that was a communication breakdown.


G
Gnell D
3/14/2018
We had a service person damage our garage floor while installing a hot water heater. After repeated calls about the situation without any helpful response to our claim, we went to small claims court and received a judgement. It has yet to be paid. AHS states that their service people are bonded yet AHS was not willing to help us. Be careful when dealing with this company.


R
Rolando G
3/14/2018
I was left happy after talking to the customer rep regarding my current Washer issue I was having. The rep took their time to listen to my concerns and patiently waited until I was done talking to provide me with suggestions that might help my issue get resolved quicker. I agree with the suggestions made and allow the process to handle my issue. American Home Shield took charge and took care of my issue. Now at least I know if I do have any future issues I do not necessarily need to contact the vendor but I can also reach out to AHS for their help as well. Thanks Again Rolando Gutierrez


Todd C
3/13/2018
Stacy with AHS called asking for me to explain my review so I will do so. Publicly. I have 2 houses that are warrantied with AHS currently. I have spent over a hour on hold with their "retention department" trying to cancel these policies. I doubt I will get any one to answer before I have to go home from work. So let me give you an idea who they contract. 2 companies were called out to my 2 separate houses. CNJ Services (AZ) was called for a water leak in my shower that was leaking through the ceiling below. CNJ came into my house and said to my tenant, it is leaking behind the shower panel and through the tile and grout. It needs to be completely replaced. Google CNJ services you see... Read More


Dagan B
3/13/2018
Impossible to go u on the phone. Business is it just a online website.


W
Wayne H
3/13/2018
Service request take more than a day to schedule and days or even a week to actually get service. I basically went without a working dishwasher for a year—- multiple requests, long waits, one provider told me my dishwasher was unrepairable then quit the home warrantycompany and neither the provider or the home warranty company let me know. Luckily I followed up 1 day short of my deadline to keep the repair request active. 1 year after first dishwasher request for service, it is finally deemed unrepairable. Replacement process is now in the 2nd week... New dishwasher has not yet arrived and I am told after I get it installed and provide all my receipts, I might get reimbursed in... Read More


V
Voeurnlong
3/12/2018
The technicians are very professional. They are answered my questions detailing about my repair, how long get repair, what is needed. If only the technician has part on hand there is less time traveled from A to B repairing a customer problem. Still, I'm glad using the American Home Shield. Never know what is could break down in my home.


G
Gwen
3/12/2018
American Home Shield Home Warranty has changed a payment policy to one that has a negative connotation. After my account was debited $100 for a cancelled service call - I adjusted my payment plan from automatic to monthly. The monthly plan was changed to quarterly payments without having the option of selecting MY choice. As a paying customer I am in charge of my money. Ms. Shakera could not articulate nor understand my concern. The only option given to me was pay quarterly or cancel program! Have you grown too fast for great customer relations. Dr. L.


Tina G
3/12/2018
My last experience with AHS/ASA has been an absolute nightmare! DO NOT PAY THEM TO COVER YOU APPLIANCES! I have spent over 3 hours on the phone trying to get my issue resolved encountering 3 calls greater then 45 minutes, a hold time of greater then 45 minutes, a rude individual and consistent finger pointing and every department telling me it is another departments issue! I have been over 3 weeks without a refrigerator for my family and I still can not get the issue resolved. I am so DISGUSTED and frustrated, I will be canceling my service and would not recommend obtaining there services!!!!



Top Rated
Our Partner
  • Plans & pricing to fit every budget
  • No age limit on systems & appliances
  • No inspection or maintenance records required
  • If a covered item can’t be repaired, they replace it
  • 30-day workmanship guarantee