American Home Shield (AHS)
Home Warranty Plan Details and Reviews for American Home Shield (AHS)
Premium: $360
Deductible: $60
Effective: Immediately after payment
Web: ahswarranty.com
Deductible: $60
Effective: Immediately after payment
Web: ahswarranty.com
Offers plans to cover pre-existing conditions and lack of maintenance repairs, for an additional fee.
| Home warranty is a complex insurance product. Unlike home insurance, it does not provide blanket coverage for all appliances. Pre-existing conditions and problems resulting from lack of maintenance of appliance are are generally not covered by home warranty companies. Home warranty sellers may not state these factors clearly, and this will create dissatisfaction among customers. Due to these factors, you will see many negative reviews here. Don't be intimidated by some negative reviews here. If you have maintained your appliances in good condition and go with a reputed home warranty provider, your coverage will be fine. |
We do not endorse any company in particular, however you should ignore the reviews that are overly negative or positive. Such reviews are not likely to offer a balanced view and some of them could be fake reviews posted to promote or demote a company. It is always a good idea to check BBB ratings and make sure the company is licensed to do business in your State by contacting State Insurance Commission. Try to avoid paying annual premium and keep your cancellation rights
Reviews
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Pages: « 75 … 42 41 40 39 38 [37] 36 35 34 33 32 … 1 » Show All
Beware. The “cash back in lieu of repair” is not quite accurate. I had my washer/dryer break and after multiple failed attempts by AHS to repair it they offered me a cash replacement cost. Well, I’m selling my home and decided not to actually replace the appliances and just take the “cash in lieu” as advertised. After multiple attempts with AHS they are denying to pay me anything and I’m left with broken appliances and no cash. The “cash in lieu” is not really cash at all, its merely a reimbursement if you choose to purchase replacements yourself and can produce receipts. I thought this was VERY misleading and frankly dishonest.
For instance, if you crash your car the insurance company will give you a check to make any repairs you like, or not. I thought AHS worked the same way but they do not. They strongly advertise “cash in lieu” but in reality its “reimbursement for replacement”. No cash is ever issued to their customers for ANY reason, or so I was told. Don’t be fooled by the advertisement like I was.
The point is, if you expect that you can get cash for any of your replacements you would be mistaken. I can’t find the clause in the contract that states this but AHS attitude has been only one thing to me, they only care about the dollar and treated me like nothing but a number. Long story short, I paid into AHS for years and got nothing in return. I would not recommend using them, if you have the option, try someone else you might get better service, attention and an honest product.
Washer timer bad – Sticking and not advancing. Called AHS and repair man came (4) days later and said timer is bad – genius! Said he eould ordered timer and never called back. Got him back out and replaced timer – (14 days) New timer defective he said and now he broke old timer taking it out – No washer now. Ordered new timer for over night delivery and came back out and fixed unit (2) weks later. Many trip to laundrymat for house of (7) while poor service performed.
We first used AHS when we bought our first house because it was paid for 1 year. We used it once at that home and only had to pay $50 service fee at that time. Since then we have been in our new home for about 5 years and have used them maybe 4 times. Every time they come out to repair something, we have to pay the $60 fee and then either the item was not a covered item or additional fees were required. The most recent was the hot water heater yesterday. It was leaking, so they sent someone out yesterday. I planned on paying $60, but ended up paying another $445 for “code upgrades”. If I was able to dish out that amount of money at any time, I would not need a home warranty service. I am switching companies and will not recommend AHS to anyone.
I RECOMMEND ANYONE WHO HAS THIS WARRANTY GET OUT NOW, THIS IS THE WORST HOME WARRANTY COMPANY I HAVE EVER HEARD OF, IT IS A SCAM AND A RIP OFF, THEY WILL NOT REPLACE YOUR AIR CONDITIONER, THEY WILL SEND SOMEONE OUT WHO IS NOT QUALIFIED TO REPAIR IT MINE BROKE AND THEY FOUND SOME TECHNACALITY SO THEY DIDN’T HAVE TO REPLACE IT, BUT THEY WILL PAY I WILL TAKE THEM TO COURT, I HAD TO GO TO SEARS AND PAY FOR AN AIR CONDITIONER SINCE WE HAVE TO HAVE ONE PLEASE TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS DO NOT GET AHS HOME WARRANTY
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL WARRANTIES FOR HOMES. AHS WAS BY FAR ONE OF THE BETTER. LET’S FACE IT. MOST PEOPLE THAT ARE SATISFIED WITH ANY COMPANY ARE NOT TAKING THE TIME TO FIND A COMPLAINT SESSION BLOG SO THAT THEY CAN RAVE ABOUT THE SERVICE. THESE PEOPLE THAT COMPLAIN ABOUT AHS ARE FEW OF THE UNSATISFIED CUSTOMERS. THERE ARE MANY SATISFIED THAT JUST DON’T TAKE THE TIME TO WRITE THE GOOD THINGS SO HERE I AM. THEY REPLACED MY ENTIRE AIR CONDITIONER AND WATER HEATER WITH A LITTLE OUT OF THE POCKET MONEY. IN THESE TIMES, I WAS VERY SATISFIED TO RECEIVE A 3200.00 JOB FOR MY DEDUCTABLE 60.00 AND A LITTLE POCKET MONEY OF 245.00 FOR UPGRADES. I AM VERY HAPPY TO FIND SOMEONE THAT STOOD BEHIND THEIR CONTRACT AND YES, IF YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE AND READ THE CONTRACT, YOU WILL FIND OUT THAT EVERYTHING IS NOT COVERED. YOU HAVE TO READ THE CONTRACT AND DON’T COUNT ON EVERYTHING THE REALTOR TELLS YOU. I HIRED MY REALTOR NOT AHS. THANK YOU
I hope one person reads his. This company is dishonest. Their business plan is simple- the lie about the repairs usually telling you that the part you need is no longer made or can’t be found, so you need an upgraded part or unit, which of course is not covered. I had a air conditioner coil go out and the company they contracted told me the part I needed was no longer available and I would need an upgraded coil but they would also need to move the condenser to install. Told me it would cost 4k to repair, and only 1900 was covered. I hired my own guy- found the replacement part the next day and fixed the whole thing for less than 2k!
DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY!!!!
They will repair 30 year old appliances while refusing to replace them or pay any $$ whatsoever for replacement. Complete rip-off. Your big hint is their web site — lots of links for how to pay them and request repairs. No information on their policy on appliance replacement, cost thresholds to determine when repairs are too expensive, how to appeal their bad decisions — and no forms for any of these norman business activities. AHS does NOT DO these actions — the consumer just loses. It’s a scam.
IF I COULD GIVE THEM MINUS -10 THAT WOULD BE MY RATING WITH THESE LOSERS FROM GREAT BRITAIN! FREAKING FOREIGNERS THEY DON’T TELL YOU WHAT’S COVERED, THEN CHARGE A FOREIGN EXCHANGE FEE WHEN YOU SIGN UP FOR MONTHLY CHARGES ON MY VISA $20. GOT NEW FOR THIS COMPANY, I’M NOT PAYING THEM PERIOD.
HORRIBLE COMPANY. HAD THEM 5 YEARS AGO AND THEY WERE, STATING AGAIN WERE GREAT. GAVE ME A PROPERTY MANAGER RATE, ALL WAS GOOD, THEN THEY DOUBLED THE PREMIUM AND DISCONTINUED THE DISCOUNTED POLICIES. I DID RESEARCH AGAIN THIS YEAR AND THEY SOUNDED GOOD, $60/DEDUCTIBLE PER SERVICE CALL, FAIR ENOUGH, THEY GAVE ME A DISCOUNT 6 PROPERTIES, GREAT. ARRANGED MONTHLY PAYMENTS ON MY VISA, GREAT. CALLED A WEEK LATER FOR A NOT WORKING A/C, GUESS WHAT NOT COVERED? WHY BECAUSE THE ASSHOLE DIDN’T TELL ME THAT THE GREAT PRICE HE GAVE ME DIDN’T INCLUDE WASHER/DRYER/REFRIGERATOR/A/C, SO I PURCHASED THE ADDITIONAL $144 FOR THAT PROPERTY AND THEY DID THE SERVICE CALL WITHOUT EVENT. I CALLED 4 TIMES AND WAS ON HOLD 15-20MIN EACH TIME WITHOUT TALKING TO ANYONE TO LET THEM KNOW I WANTED TO CANCEL. FINALLY EMAILED THEM DAILY WITH THE SAME MESSAGE AND GOT THE SAME RESPONSE, “WE’LL GET BACK TO YOU”. NEVER DID. THEN I GOT MY VISA BILL AND THERE’S A CHARGE FOR “FOREIGN EXCHANGE FEE” $20.00 I CALLED MY VISA, TURNS OUT THIS STUPID ASS COMPANY ARE FREAKING FOREIGNERS GREAT BRITAIN. I AM NOW DISPUTING ALL CHARGES, AND NOT EVER GOING TO PAY FOR ANY OF THE POLICIES, RATE INCREASE OR FOREIGN EXCHANGE FEE. I WAS SET UP TO PAY THEM AUTO DEDUCTION FROM MY VISA, SO I’M GUESSING EVERY MONTH THESE FREEKS WOULD HAVE MY ACCOUNT CHARGED FOR THE STUPID FOREIGN EXCHANGE FEE. I USUALLY DON’T WRITE THESE REVIEWS, BUT FOUND IT NECESSARY AT THIS POINT TO KEEP MY SANITY AND FROM ME TRYING TO KILL THEM.
DO NOT USE THESE ASSHOLE FOREIGNERS!!!!!!
It sounds like almost everyone has written our story.I cannot believe this company is allowed to operate. They have treated us inhumanly.We are all for a class action suit.It is so sad to think that the SPCA can protect our animals better than we are protected as human beings!This company needs to be stopped.
When I bought my home on 3 June 2009 my realtor required the seller purchase insurance for the appliances and mechanical systems. In March 2010 the compact dishwasher no longer worked properly. I called the insurer, American Home Shield (AHS). I had to pay a $60 fee for a repairman to attempt repair. He determined the parts were no longer available and it could not be repaired. I waited several more days while AHS also determined the parts were not available. The first replacement machine offered was standard size and would not fit in the opening. When I called AHS and explained the problem I was told AHS was only obligated to replace with a standard machine and was offered a small cash settlement which I could use to purchase an appropriate dishwasher. After I reviewed the policy I called AHS again to explain AHS was obligated to replace the machine with one of similar capacity. Several days later AHS agreed to replace the broken dishwasher with another compact dishwasher. On 24 May 2010 I spoke with an AHS representative about ordering and installing the new machine. I was told it would take 5 to 8 days to deliver since they did not purchase locally. I told the representative that I was leaving town for 2 months and not to proceed with the order unless the work would be completed by noon on Friday 28 May 2010. I left town and a week or so later I got a call from a local installer saying my dishwasher had arrived. I was dumbfounded and replied it was not supposed to be ordered if it could not be installed by noon on 28 May. The installer asked me what to do. I replied that I was several states away and could not return for deliver, and since the order was not to be placed it was a problem to work out with AHS. When I returned to Urbana on 29 July I phone AHS to arrange delivery of the dishwasher. When told it would likely be delivered in 5 – 8 days and delivery day couldn’t be guaranteed, and since I would be away from home 6-9 August I asked that the order not be placed at that time. The representative also told me that I would have to pay a $50 restocking fee for the first machine AHS ordered. I explained that following my instructions the machine should not have been ordered in May. We agreed it would be wisest to place the order when I returned. On 10 August I called AHS to order the machine. I was told about the $50 restocking fee. I explained the AHS mistake to the representative. She offered no solution. I asked for a supervisor. One returned my call on the 11th. She repeated the position that AHS has procedures and were not responsible for the mistake. I then asked to speak to a manager and spoke with Michael Gore. He repeated the AHS position. No matter how many times I repeat that on 24 May I directed that the machine NOT be ordered unless the work would be completed by noon 28 May Mr. Gore repeated the AHS position – they have procedures and can’t imagine their procedures not working properly and they are not responsible for the error. Today a friend recounted conversations we had the week of 24 May, that I was very clear not to order unless work would be competed on the 28th. The AHS position implies the contrary, that I did not clearly instruct the representative not to order the machine unless the installation would be complete by noon 28 May 2010. Though the AHS phone system repeats the warning that calls may be monitored or recorded, Mr. Gore told me that they cannot access those audio recordings and disprove my statement. AHS claims no responsibility on the basis that their procedures are followed. However, AHS first ordered an inappropriate machine. Second, AHS told me they would replace my compact machine only with a standard machine, and since such a machine would not fit the opening offered a partial cash settlement. Only after I contacted AHS about the terms of the policy, and only after further delay, did AHS agree to replace my broken dishwasher with one of similar capacity. AHS staff demonstrated they are capable of making mistakes in judgment and in fact. AHS needs to admit they made another mistake and replace the dishwasher.
I called American Home Shield regarding a leak under my kitchen sink…..they called a local company….company came out and did not fix it properly……approximately 8 months later……leak under kithcen sink was back and this time it was determined that a component not covered in my contract was the culprit…..why as a customer do I have to pay twice 2 x $60…..plus uncovered part……$90……
Would AHS provide heightened customer service by taking improved care of their customers inherent to multiple calls for the same related problem……how about a policy where at a minimum the second $60 fee is waived……that would be REAL CUSTOMER SERVICE!…..unfortunately, in today’s world it is all about the dollar bill……versus true customer satisfaction…..this will be the last year I pay $500 for the home warranty and within a week pay another $140 for a second time repair!
I am in the Army and have been deployed 5 times……do not make millions……this has been a TERRIBLE experience!!!!!!!!
I do not recommend this home warranty to anyone, anywhere unless you enjoy spending money on problems that should have been fixed right….the first time!
This just absolutely stinks!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
I give American Home Shield an overall rating of three. Although I have had the warranty for over five years. I have used it only once and found the service men are not all that educated when it comes to service and identifying the problem areas.
I’ve had two issues with this company. My hot water heater broke within a few months of moving into my new house. That was not an emergency so it took them over a week to get someone out to my house. The first person that came was just for an inspection to tell me that my water heater had rusted out which I told AHS on the phone. It then took another week to get a new water heater but the contractor that came “did not know” he was supposed to bring it with him so he did not have it. They finally sent someone on a weekend and he did not have the right parts to do the vent so he used a coat hanger to adjust it. On top of paying the $60 service fee, I also ended up paying over $300 for “code upgrades.” I called them about this several times and never had a beneficial response. The second issue I have is in Mobile, AL in August my air conditioner broke on a 100+ degree day and they informed me that, although that was indeed hot, it was not considered emergency conditions so I would have to wait for their contractor to contact me to schedule an appointment. I only have this warranty because it came with the house and I will not be renewing it.
Look for reasons to deny claims. Slow to make repairs. Customer service representatives and supervisors are argumentative. Contract repair companies have poor reviews on BBB and other rating sites.
A/C has been broken since 13 July 2010. Still not fixed. Have called and called AHS (to include Customer Relations Supervisor-James Leslie, he won’t return calls) with no resolution. It has been determined that the evaporator coil is bad, so they want to replace air handler. They wanted to charge me $525 on top of my warranty premium. After questioning the charges, I’ve gotten it down to $85.50 which is for the disposal. I wouldn’t be paying that but if I want my A/C fixed, I have to agree to that. The biggest charge of the $525 was for the plenum. And, it specifically states that plenum is covered. This company is a SCAM AND RIRPOFF. Try another home warranty company.
I’ve been with AHS for over 10 years and most of the time have had good experiences. I’ve used it for a number of appliances, plumbing, electrical issues and always felt that the outcome, whether a replacement or a repair, was very fair. I’ve had no problems with contacting the company to request service and the service people sent out are usually on time and curteous. But I do question the quality of the service on some repairs. The most recent service was with my furnace, which had to be replaced but I found out that AHS would only pay for a really cheap, stripped down system. And I couldn’t find any background/experience info on the company sent by AHS so I didn’t trust their work. I ended up taking the cash payout (which unfortunately was one fourth of the actual cost)so I could go with a reputable/well known company. This was the only experience I found unsatisfactory.
AHS service tech added 3 lbs freon to A/C unit. Approx 1 yr later w/o the AHS service agreement, I called a local A/C shop who diagnosed a leaking evaporator and said that it was easy for a tech to recognize, and added another 3 lbs of freon. (This is for a home built only 5 years ago.) I believe that AHS intentionally avoided replacing the evaporator when it was obvious that it should have been replaced.
The customer service for Billing to too bad I was waiting for more than half hour to reach to billing departing. Now they have increated the monthly premium amount to $50 and for every visit we have to pay $95, This rediculas…. I can call an handy man to diagnose for this rate and even I can install brand new equipement for the annual premium rate and every time visti fee of $95…
I recently filed a cliam for an airconditioner coil replacement, which was covered under my warantee. When I recieved the quote for the “excess” charges not covered it amounted to what the cost of a complete coil replacement from a competitive company (non AHS) would have been with out the warantee claim. in reality, AHS has no out of pocket expenses and the complete cost was passed on to me the comsumer. At this point, I will more than likely not renew this agreement with AHS.
After calling AHS immediately once our sewage water starting coming in the house through the walls and toilet, over four hours later we still have no service. AHS only has two plumbing vendors for our city and will not/would not get an outside vendor until after a four hour time period. A supervisor, Shawntel, stated that they would be calling additional vendors to get someone ASAP. I called back in the allotted time she stated and was told to call back in another two hours because they were still calling vendors to get someone out to our house for an emergency. At 8pm, after four hours of sewage water continually coming into our house, I called them back as told. Shawntel stated that they never called any other vendor and we could now call someone ourselves.
Now, my only option is to paid a vendor upfront and send them the bill. Which I am sure they will not pay or if they do, it will not be in a timely manner.
There is no reason to lie to a customer and make them wait four hours for nothing to be done in an emergency situation. I am disgusted and angered to the point of tears with this company.
Please DO NOT USE this company. Save your warranty money and put it towards home improvements.
TO AHS: Please do something to fix this problem within your company. You are very lacking in customer service and everything else.
Your extremely dissapointed customer,
Lauren K.
I got this about 10 years ago and they came out when my a/c went out. They decided it was not under warranty and the repairman said he would only cover it if they cleaned it first, even though he said that was NOT what was wrong (wanted 150 to clean it). I declined (perhaps should not have) and called AHS. They simply said they couldn’t fix it as it wasn’t cleaned in the last 6 months. I had only had the warranty for 3 months, and no one said anything about cleaning it. It was working fine when I got the warranty. I still have no central a/c as I can’t afford to replace it. We have window units and have only kept the AHS as I cna’t afford to fix anything else that breaks, like plumbing. I only got it because the house was old…but they act as though that means they don’t have to fix anything. They actually DID fix my dishwasher FIVE times and wouldn’t replace it, although it was 30 years old and obviously falling apart. Finally the door rusted and FELL OFF (it leaked but their repairman kept insisting it was ok) and they HAD to replace as the parts were not made anymore. I hate them–they try to get out of everything and their contractors suck for the most part. Their idea of scheduling is to send an automated message telling you what day they’ll be there, but all you can do is decline that day–and they do it with 1 day notice. then you wait for another call. fun when something isn’t working… DO NOT go with this company. they suck. feel free to call to verify this is a real review!
I’ve been with AHS for years and I am flabergasted at how I’ve been treated. The A/C technician they sent was completely incompetent coming out 5 times between May and July and still not having our air fixed properly, plus he couldn’t answer questions. How does one come one day and say “no leak”, then the next and say “leak” Or have to come back 3 times in the span of 2 days because “he put the wrong part on”. I specfically asked for someone else and they would not send another company and then AHS had the nerve to tell me that I needed to pay this same company $1300 to fix my coil. Why would I give a dime to this incompetent company? AHS’s rep suggested that since my entire system was so old, that they do a cash out rather than continueing to do patch work as we’ve done year after year. It took them a week and a half to give me a cash out price of $719 for the coil only and that they would not replace the entire system. All the while, I got estimates and others to look at my system and all stated I needed a new condensor in addition to the coil. Since I have small kids I had to go ahead and replace my system because it doesn’t make since to continuely do patch work. AHS had no sympathy and all of the persons in the authorization, customer service, and cash out depts. were completely rude and disrespectful telling me “I should have just paid the first incompetent tech the $1300 and we wouldn’t have been sitting in the heat all this time”. To make matters worse, The cash out dept. said I have to fix it first, send them the receipt, then IF THEY APPROVE, they’ll send me the $719 in about 7–10 business days. WOW. All in all, I just paid for a new condensor and coil because I know for a fact that the money spent now will save me later in service calls and electric bills. AHS is terrible when it really comes down to taking care of their customers.
We had glass shards stuck in refrigerator drain. They would not cover the repair saying it was part of routine maintenance. It tok the tech over an hour to clear the obstruction. Repeatedly we have called for repair to have service denied on a technicality. Very disappointing.
AHS and the contractors they use are terrible. We have had the policy for 3 years and they have been out 5 times to fix our A/C. The contractors they use do not have a clue what they are doing and one even told me they are told by AHS to do $60 worth or repairs (the cost of the contractor visit). The contractor that came out in July 08 to replace the coils BROKE the internal drip pan which eventually began leaking last month. AHS did agree to refund the July 09 $60 copay but I will not be renewing this policy and WOULD NEVER RECOMMEND AHS TO ANYONE!