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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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J
JAMES W
10/6/2016
Problem-Microwave : Bradley Appliance Repair Dispatch# 367776212 did an excellent job in the repair of my Microwave. He took his time an found the problem and completed the repair the first time. He should be your only contractor for small or large appliances.


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Errol T
10/5/2016
American Home Shield is first in its field by their outstanding customer service and extensive coverage. Their offer 24 hour customer Service staffed by highly trained individuals who quickly respond with a service call confirmation .


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Willette M
10/4/2016
I have been in my home for 6 + years now and finally have had to make some repairs on my home, my home is older and long story short AHS sucks when it comes to replacing appliances. Firs2 you can not get through the the Appliance line they are always long Waits I have waited between 45 minutes to almost two hours for someone to pick up the phone. Then the items that they are trying to replace my old items with are not even comparable and I will need to make modifications. Modifications are not included in the plan so I always end up paying out of pocket and it's really frustrating. Why have home warranty insurance that covers my items if they're not going to replace them and cover all the... Read More


Michelle S
10/4/2016
Terrible Service. The contractor took my money and never return my Fan parts that they were suppose to fix. American Home shield did nothing to help!!


O
Olivia V
10/4/2016
I bought a house on 8/30/16 bought AHS on 9/1/16 I had a pipe leak in my master bath wall into guest bedroom closet on 9/20/16 and AHS said my claim was denied because I wasn't covered by them when I was and said it was pre existing when it wasn't I even emailed home inspection report. Don't buy this warranty as soon as my contract is up I'm changing warrenty company. If it wasn't for my Allstate home owner's insurance I would be screwed. If I could give 0 rating I would.


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Wendy C
10/4/2016
I called twice to American Home Shield for two separate issues, but Veronica helped a lot giving me the update status on a dishwasher and water heater issue that I've been waiting to hear about. She was courteous and helpful explaining why she would be putting me on a hold or asking if it was okay to put me on a brief hold; she was pleasant and respectful in every way.


Mohsen C
10/3/2016
After a month that AHS repair person could not fix my fridge. The operator told me to go ahead and buy one, you will be reimbursed. I asked if I could get a pre-authorization, She said there is no pre-authorization department. I bought an inexpensive fridge and tried for reimbursement, I was denied. Although, people I spoke with were very very nice.


W
WILBERT J
10/3/2016
The contractor promptly responded to my initial request, and returned promptly when the initial repair did not resolve the problem. The provider was courteous and responsive to our needs from the beginning of our work together.


T
Todd F
9/30/2016
After being a customer for years, we recently filed a repair request for our pool heater. AHS sent out a technician of their choosing who indicated that the 14 year old pool heater failed because of a nearby sprinkler head (which happens to be pointed in the opposite direction)?!?! Never mind that the unit is over 14 years old and has sat out in the weather all of that time. Calling AHS is useless. If you do get to talk to anyone after holding 30-45 minutes, you will get someone who could care less about your issue. They just want you off of the call as quickly as possible. Requested to have an independent technician look at the equipment but of course AHS said they would refuse to... Read More


A
Arthur H
9/30/2016
AHS is the best advice anyone gave me on buying a new home and the best advice I give those I know are buying a new home! The provide professional support in all that the cover and deal with only the most reliable providers!



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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