Many or all of the companies featured compensate us. Compensation and research may determine where and how companies appear. Learn more

American Home Shield Review


ConsumersAdvocate.org Rating: 4.7 / 5 (Excellent)
4,124 Customer Comments & Reviews - see all comments
Our content is free because we may earn a commission when you click or make a purchase using our site. Learn more.
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

Leave a comment for American Home Shield
Minimum 12 words.
 No maximum length.
* What's Your Rating?
To make this comment as helpful as possible for our community, please provide at least 2 sentences.

4124 Customer Comments & Reviews

Loading Reviews ...
I
ilene B
7/6/2017
These guys are great! I called and they set me up with an appointment for the next day. The gentleman that came out knew exactly what he was doing and took the time to work with me to show me how to operate the equipment. Thank you so much, a really good service appointment.

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Thanks for the wonderful feedback Ilene!

S
Sohrab
7/6/2017
I believe this company deserve any star at all, my AC was broke down 3 weeks ago and request a service and still I am waiting for them and every time I called I was on hold for more than 45 Min and I couldn't talked to any body after that I called new customer line and they answer my phone right away

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hi Sohrab, I am sorry for the issues that you have experienced. If you are still having problems with your services, please send your information to social@ahslink.com, attention, "Consumers Advocate", and we will be in contact with you. Thanks

J
Jennifer M
7/6/2017
I do not know how the companies that AHS works with are chosen, some have been great and some have had to make several trips to get things back on track. We have had to get rid of 2 major appliances this year because they could not be repaired and AHS communicated quickly and completely our options to us. When we chose to purchase outside their selection and provided them the receipt of our purchase, they quickly cut us a check for the worth of our original appliance. They were polite, knowledgeable, and great to work with. I would definitely recommend them to others!

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
We are pleased to hear that you are satisfied with you services Jennifer.

Ane M
7/6/2017
I have enough troubles with this warranty company: LONG WAITS during ANY CALLS made out to them- be prepared to wait at least 40mins before you can even get a person on the line. Ineffective business dealings: I had two warrantys with this company and had to cancel that warranty associated with a house that has been sold. They cancelled the warranty on the wrong house.

AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello Ane, We are sorry to hear about the wait time and the issues that you have experienced with your services. Please send your information to social@ahslink.com, attention, "Consumers Advocate", and I will contact you regarding your concerns. Thanks

A
Alam g
7/6/2017
Was not informed well about how long Process will take to put part in my AC unit Had to call about ten times but no clear answer was provided

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello Alam, I am sorry that you did not get the clear information that you were looking for. I will be in contact with you to answer any questions that you may have. Thanks

S
Suzanne
7/6/2017
I recently had my water heater go bad in the night of course. American Home Shield surprised me very much by being so nice and helpful on the phone. They made it very easy to deal with this difficult situation. The plumbing company that they used were also very nice and competent. I had to pay exactly what my contract states, and not a penny more :) I'm thankful for their honesty.

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Many thanks for the feedback Suzanne. Happy to hear that you are satisfied with your services.

P
Patricia J
7/5/2017
Been without air for approximately 2 weeks. It's 83 degrees in my house right now. Technicians that's dispatched don't bother to call or show up. Asked to speak to supervisor and was told there was none available. On hold for over 2 hours earlier today. 45 minutes later and finally 1 hour after I got home from work. My husband and I both work. we can not continually take time off of work only for no one to bother to show up.

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello Patricia, I am sorry to hear that you have been without your A/C for so long. If you send your information to social@ahslink.com, we will be in contact you regarding this matter. Thanks

J
James T
7/5/2017
I am very unhappy with American home Sheild. I have been using them now from us 20 years . My air conditioning went out three weeks ago I called them to schedule someone to come fix it . The first person they gave me contact you couldn't come out for over a week it is 117° outside . So I called them back they sent out another technician from another company AMA with which now I find out have an F rating with the Better Business Bureau they have more complaints than they know what to do with . AMA sent out a technician that supposedly fixed a fan motor replaced a fan blade and a Schrader valve I personally paid over $206 for him to add more Freon The unit worked one day we were out of... Read More

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello James, I sincerely apologize for this issue. We would like to offer our assistance regarding this matter. If you send your information to social@ahslink.com, we will follow up with you. Thanks

S
Suzanne W
7/5/2017
I am please with AHS even though I have only used them once.

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
We are happy that you are enjoying your services Suzanne. Thanks

R
Richard L
7/5/2017
I send in a review yesterday regarding my stand alone ice maker. I was contacted by AHS in about 12 hours and all my problems have been resolved. I'm impressed after being disgusted. So I am posting this to let people know that if you let them know what the problem is they are responsive and do the right thing. I got excellent service after a major disappointment. I would recommend AHS highly notwithstanding the original problem.

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Thanks for the great feedback Richard. We are happy that you are pleased with your 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