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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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Christopher E
6/17/2016
American Home shield disappointed me, and ultimately lost my business. They sent a company out to fix my broken water heater, and little did I know, the repair was not done correctly. The water heater stopped working again a year later, and AHS did not fix the problem due to it being "pre-existing". I was stuck paying over $500 for a new water heater with absolutely no help from AHS, even though they were the ones who hired the company for the initial repair. I was very disappointed, as my family had to settle without hot water for over 3 weeks.


M
Mike j
6/16/2016
I have had a warranty with American Home Shield for more than 7 years. I've always had great service until this year. The contractor that was sent to fix our air conditioning system was rude, incompetent and left a mess in my house. When I asked questions about the repair, they acted like I should sit down and shut up. I've never been treated so bad before. I asked them to send USA services out again, who is the contractor they use to send. They said they want to use this new company, Elements and it's not my call. I think they are using a new company than the last few years. Bring them back! They were great. I own 9 rental properties and will never use American Home... Read More


Clark D
6/15/2016
Used AHS for 12 years. Only 2 glitches the entire time. Use their services on average of twice a year, mostly for the pool and AC/heating. Always prompt, no hassles about the 2 callbacks we had. 98% on contractor satisfaction.


Theresa B
6/14/2016
My air conditioning went out on a Thursday during one of the hottest summer weeks! I was able to contact American Shield and they had a repairman out on Monday morning. Unfortunately, no one could be here sooner. The repairman got my a/c going right away and gave me an immediate quote for replacing the a/c and furnace. I was very pleased with their work and efficiency.


Gloria P
6/13/2016
My most recent experience with A H S could not have been any better. My washer went out and they were fast to respond to my need for another washing machine...Compared to the other company I had before them, I couldn't believe how curtiousand sweet an insurance company could be. They were fast with my need and very nice. I only had to call once and let them know my needs and they responded right away.I told my son about them and he enrolled with them and I am working on a couple of more people. I will always stay with AHS. For me there is no one better The delivery people were very clean and very professional and very nice.


Mario B
6/12/2016
I had attempted to make the appointment online, but was having trouble with my internet connection. I called AHS and customer service was very kind and assisted with getting my request in. The request was done in the evening and the plumber responded the following day since it was not an emergency. He arrived promptly at the time agreed upon and performed the work in a professional manner.


Donald S
6/11/2016
When our hot water heater sprung a leak we were only a phone call away from service with our American Home Shield policy. One phone call--that's all and replacement was quick and easy. Service provider was on time, polite and also helped me to understand how to get the most out of the new water heater. He went over how to flush the system, getting air out of the lines.


Robert K
6/10/2016
My experience was for routine cleaning and maintenance on my air conditioner. I called in mid-September. I did have to call back about 2 wks later because I hadn't heard from the contractor yet. But when he did come, he performed the check on both the air and the furnace, as it was now October and winter is coming on. He seemed very professional in appearance and manner, and was done in about 30 to 40 minutes. Overall, I was quite happy with the experience.


Deon L
6/10/2016
Summer 2015 - AC failure. Competent serviceman misdiagnosed problem (which was not cocered) - quoted $600. Challenged diagnosis which entitled me to 2nd repair review. None avaliable. Asked to have any licensed local company review problem. AHS refused. Paid $270 out of pocket to repair problem which was covered. Now, Summer 2016 - kitchen sink water leaking from pipe in crawl space. Pipe is old and brittle. Runs lateral - not covered. Repair at $500. Customer since 2010. I'm done. No renewal, last month paying for nothing.


SuzanneAviles
6/9/2016
We have used American Home Shield services for a few years. Each time we've called for service, we have helped promptly to set an appointment. The technicians who perform the work, show up at the time designated, are always professional and courteous. Their work is performed to our satisfaction. They offer explanations about the nature of the work, the condition of the appliance they are working on and advice for maximizing use of the appliance. We will continue to use American Home Shield because they have served us well and because AHS saves us money on repairs and upkeep.



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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