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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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Wilma C
9/5/2016
AHS acknowledged my email service request and gave me the contractor's info. The contractor responded and scheduled a visit promptly. He arrived on time, had a professional appearance and demeanor, and efficiently performed the work. He cleaned the area where he was working and left all in good order.


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Gayle H
9/4/2016
Our microwave went out and we depend heavily on it so I immediately called American Home Shield. They were quick to have a repairman to come and tell us it was not repairable. They called us the next day and the AHS person directed me to a web site to find a comparable model to our 10 year old one. They allowed me to I choose it and it was shipped to me and when I received it I called them and the service company was scheduled for the next day. The service company came and were in and out very quickly and completely cleaned up after the new installation. We appreciate having AHS warranty and the security and care they give our home.


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Rose K
9/4/2016
It was in July very hot the temperature was 98 degrees, I called american home shield to have my air condition service and also my home had to be wired, the contracted arrived did the work in a timely manner, I was very happy to have in the midst of the heat, I will definitely recommend america home shield to others.


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Rudy M
9/3/2016
I made my first call to AHS due to problems with my refrigerator. I was quickly inform a contractor would be calling to set up an appointment for a visit. In a few days, the repairman showed up. All broken parts were replaced and the unit is doing great.


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JACK W
9/3/2016
Our repair was on our refrig. I visited the web sight to put in a request for service and got an email back with in the hour. The contractor call the next day to set up a appointment time. The repair man was here within two days and was very interested in what the problem was and then went right to work on getting the problem fixed! He that took the time to explain what the problem was and what he was able to do to fix it! The repair man was very helpful and made sure things were as clean as before he came!


C
Callie R
9/2/2016
AMERICAN HOME SHIELD!!!! WHERE ARE YOU!??! I live in Austin TX and our air conditioning has been out for two weeks now... When we finally got a hold of someone you pass us along to something like A-US Air and then THEY tell us a part has to be ordered, low and behold for whatever reason they can't get the part! I know thats not your fault but come on guys, you should come right back to us and help us! Isn't that what we are paying you for?!?! When we start to talk about replacing the unit, you guys disappear! This is absolutely INSANE! I have never had worse customer service! What the hell are we paying you guys for? I am going to call again - just to sit on hold for 2 hours.... I am so... Read More


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Lee D
9/2/2016
We were having an electrical breaker problem in part of our home. We called American Homeshield and within a couple of hours we had a return call from an electrician. He came the next morning found and repaired the problem. So our problem was solved in less than 24 HRS.. We were very pleased that we had the protection.


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EVELYN C
9/2/2016
I was really impressed with the last contractor, he exceeded my expectations!!!. He was on time in fact, he gave me a timeline and the day before the appointment...called to give me an exact time. He showed up right on the money and this was important to me because of my busy schedule. he was so honest and told me that I didn't need any repairs, I just needed to know how to turn the system back on ??. I then asked him about a certain repair I was planning on doing, thank God for his info. He explained how it wasn't necessary and how there was an easier less expensive fix. I was sooooo grateful to this company, I wish they were all like him!!!. Thank you American Home Shield for sending me... Read More


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Joann T
9/1/2016
He was very professional, polite and on time. He had to order a part which was delivered in about 2 hours. He came back and replaced the part for the dryer. I felt very safe with the technician in my home.


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Fred R
8/31/2016
The tradesmen that American Home Shield provides are top notch professionals. From experience, other companies send people that are marginal, at best. American Home Shield cares about getting the repair done right the first time.



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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