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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

Loading Reviews ...
A
anderson
2/11/2017
Had an issue with heating and water heater. a specialized unit in a condo that is rented. They could not address the issue until the following Monday, (it occurred Friday). No heat essentially for 4 days let alone hot water. Had my property manager call a vendor they use and could accomplish work immediately. Tried to work a cash out with AHS on $1800 bill. They will only reimburse 380. Totally unacceptable. Needless to say bye bye AHS


J
Jack
2/11/2017
Poor customer service. Take forever to assign contractors.


T
thewickedwitchofthenorthwest
2/10/2017
The average wait time to talk to someone is 45 minutes. I paid $160 for my policy to include my spa and when all the jets stopped working I was told they did not cover jets. I called a local repairman and he explained to me the problem was not the jets but rather the controller which should be covered. I called back and on hold another 45 minutes. They had someone call me. He was in Beaverton which is an hour away from my home if there is no traffic ....He told me they will not honor my coverage on my spa since they will say it is portable even though it is on its own concrete pad, has decking all around, etc. I had it fixed by someone locally. They refused to credit me the fee for... Read More


Teddi W
2/9/2017
After two and a half weeks and three service calls from the heating contractor I still have no heat. Terrible experience!!


D
DAVID C
2/8/2017
It was wonderful! It was so easy to use. Our hot water heater was leaking. Once I submitted a need for repair online with AHS, a person came out within 2 days. I was able to escalate the issues so they came out on a weekend. People came out and determined we needed a new one. Two days later they came and fixed everything. Some things needed to be brought up to code so we did have to pay a portion out-of-pocket, but not as much if we didn't have AHS.


T
THERESA M
2/8/2017
The technician was very knowledgable and friendly. He arrived at my home at the arranged time and was prompt with the repair. Customer service was very professional. My experience with all of the employees was pleasant.


V
VALERIE G
2/8/2017
I submitted my request on line and had a response from the contractor within 2 hours. They worked around my schedule and arrived at my home on time. The problem was resolved quickly and the issue was explained to me very professionally. I was also told that what the cost and the wait would have been had I not had my AHS coverage. I have been with AHS for over 15 years and now even have my vacation home covered.


N
NATHAN M
2/8/2017
I have had the air conditioning contractor perform beyond my expectation and finish his work in a timely matter. When my plumbers look for every excuse not unclog a drain. Usually show up on the last portion of the 2 to 4hr window. But American Home Shield has been a good home warranty on my properties. I have been with them for more than 3 yrs. They work well with the home owners an d their sub-contractors. That makes me feel reassured, for that I am greatful.


D
DONEKA S
2/8/2017
The service technican was on time and very personable. He was very detailed in explaining what work needed to done and how long it should take. After the work was complete, he walked me though everything he did. He also ran the dishwasher to show me that it was working and the job was completed.


A
ANTONIO M
2/8/2017
I have been w/ this AHS co for s couple of yrs already, so w/ my 2 sons who are w/ AHS also; personally I have had a couple of problems w/ my air-con unit & my dryer twice. The contractors involved were very prompt in response , very respectful , very professional & knowledgeable that each occurrence had been very rewarding.



Top Rated
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  • 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