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American Home Shield (AHS)
Read our American Home Shield review to learn about the company’s plans, costs, and services. Although many new companies have cluttered the market, AHS Warranty has remained one of the most prominent. This review should help you understand if they make the right choice for your home warranty needs.
Our Verdict: We believe that American Home Shield is among the most trustworthy companies with a long service history in the home warranty industry. Its service quality has evolved over the years to meet the customers’ changing needs.
However, as per some AHS Warranty reviews, customers have registered complaints about customer support in recent years. The above-the-industry-average cost of the plans has also impacted the customers’ overall experience.
Pros
Cons
Premium$46-$55
Service Fee$60-$85
LimitUpto $3K/item
Activation30 Days
1st month free + Free roof coverage
| Premium$50-$60
Service Fee$75
Limit$1.5k/item
Activation30 Days
$200 Off + 2 Months Free*
| Premium$60-$65
Service Fee$60-$100
Limit$3k/Item
Activation30 Days
$150 off + Free roof coverage + 2 months free
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AHS provides three plans to its customers: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. These are comprehensive and come at an affordable price. Additionally, you can choose optional items along with these plans at an extra cost. Let’s take a closer look at the American Home Shield’s plans:
ShieldSilver This plan covers 14 major home systems
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ShieldPlatinum This is American Home Shield's combo plan that covers items from both the plans and additional items
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ShieldGold This plan covers 23 essential home systems and appliances
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Plans offered by American Home Shield cost between $39 to $70 per month. However, the overall cost depends on the selected scheme, the area of residence, and add-ons.
The pricing also varies according to the service fee as the company gives you options on the deductibles. The American Home Shield’s deductibles are $75, $100, and $125. So, a lower service fee means higher monthly premiums, while the monthly cost will be lower if you pay a higher service fee.
AHS has various discounts for its members. Currently, it offers an Appliance Discount Program, $50 OFF on Multiple Properties, and a $25 Amazon Gift Card on referrals.
Once you purchase your contract, the coverage begins after 30 days from the date of purchase. This table shows American Home Shield’s coverage for each plan. Take a look:
Shieldsilver
ShieldGold
Items included in ShieldSilver +
ShieldPlatinum
Items included in Shield Silver + Shield Gold +
AHS offers the following items as optional coverage that you can purchase at an extra cost along with your warranty plan.
Note: Roof leak repair limit is optional only with ShieldSilver and ShieldGold. However, it is included within the American Home Shield’s combo plan, that is, ShieldPlatinum plan.
Learn more about what a home warranty plan covers in our comprehensively detailed article!
As per the policy, American Home Shield warranty does not cover the following:
Routine maintenance, Flues, Venting, Exhaust lines, Chimneys, Cosmetic damage, Home management systems, Fire sprinkler systems, Radon monitoring systems, Mold, Bio-organic growth, Rot, Fungus and Pest damage
The company has also stated that it’s not responsible for the repair or replacement required when the malfunction is due to missing parts, components, or equipment.
Additionally, all home warranty companies include yearly coverage limitations of how much liability that company has when repairing and replacing covered items. The coverage limitations of the AHS home warranty are as follows:
Plans | System Limits | Appliance Limits |
ShieldSilver | Unlimited | – |
ShieldGold | Unlimited | $3,000 per appliance |
ShieldPlatinum | Unlimited | $6,000 per appliance |
There may be other exclusions or limitations for which we advise you to read the service contract of American Home Shield plans, so you’re not taken aback by a claim denial.
To purchase a home warranty from AHS, you can head to its website and click on SHOP PLANS. After that, you will need to fill out a form. Once you submit it, AHS will provide you with a sample agreement containing specific information such as plans, pricing, limits, exclusions, terms, and conditions.
You can read the fine print thoroughly and ensure you understand its offerings. If you like its services and wish to buy an AHS home warranty further, you can fill out another form and make the necessary payment.
However, a homeowner must know certain factors that can affect the buying decision. Check them out in our how-to-buy home warranty article.
American Home Shield allows users to submit the application online or call the customer service phone number. You can also track your history of service requests and follow up on past service requests. American home shield claim filing portal accepts requests 24/7 and to do so, you can follow the below-mentioned steps:
NOTE: AHS provides emergency services without extra money, but it is up to the company to decide whether you need an emergency service.
It’s essential to understand that home warranty plans vary. There are various factors such as premiums, service call costs, coverage options, etc., to consider when selecting a warranty provider. We’ll compare three other top home warranty providers to American Home Shield so you can make an informed decision. These companies are Choice Home Warranty , Serviceplus Home Warranty and Select Home Warranty. Here’s how AHS compares against these three companies-
For a detailed comparison, read Choice Home Warranty Vs. American Home Shield.
For a detailed comparison, read ServicePlus Home Warranty Vs. American Home Shield.
AHS has been in the business since 1971 and has served customers for 51 years under the leadership of CEO Rex Tibbins. It is a private company registered with the name of American Home Shield Corporation. Its corporate office is in Memphis, Tennessee-38120, United States. American Home Shield’s parent company is Frontdoor Inc., and it also has two subsidiaries; Landmark Home Warranty and One Guard, LLC.
At HomeWarrantyReviews.com, we are dedicated to providing in-depth home warranty reviews so you can choose the best home warranty company & make the most out of it. We examine, compare, and analyze the companies on the following factors:
American Home Shield (AHS)
Who Owns American Home Shield?
A.
The organization that owns American Home Shield is Frontdoor, Inc. and TruGreen LandCare. Frontdoor is a publicly-traded company that owns OneGuard, Landmark, HSA Home Warranty, Streem, Terminix, and AHS.
Is American Home Shield Worth It?
A.
American Home Shield’s multiple service fee options, a free cancellation period, and nationwide availability can make them a good investment for homeowners. Now that they also cover rust damage, improper installation, and other things that their competition often does not, the AHS home warranty may be worth considering.
Will AHS Replace My A/C Unit?
A.
American Home Shield warranty covers air conditioning units and may offer to replace yours if they deem it irreparable. If they don’t provide the replacement themselves, they will offer a pro-rated refund of the depreciated cost of the AC unit. It’s up to their discretion.
When Should I Buy An AHS Home Warranty?
A.
Buying an AHS home warranty is a good idea for homes older than four years, especially after the expiry of the original warranties on home systems and appliances. Sellers and buyers of old properties can also benefit from home warranty coverage. If you have many older systems and appliances, it will save you money on covering frequent breakdowns due to age and wear.
Do I Need An American Home Shield Home Warranty If I Have Homeowners Insurance?
A.
An American Home Shield warranty plan is not the same as homeowners insurance. Homeowners insurance provides liability coverage in damage or loss due to floods, fires, disasters, etc.
On the other hand, an AHS home warranty plan can be considered home repair insurance, providing discounted repairs and replacements. American Home Shield insurance is not homeowners insurance per se, but a home warranty plan, which is legally different.
Is A Home Inspection Required Before A Home Warranty Purchase?
A.
American Home Shield does not require a home inspection before purchasing its home warranty plans. They also do not require service records. However, it would be advisable to get one as proof that your appliances had no undetectable pre-existing defects.
Will My Old Home Appliance Be Covered By AHS?
A.
American Home Shield provides home systems and appliances coverage regardless of age, make, and model. As long as your systems and appliances fulfill the criteria mentioned in the home warranty contract, they will not be denied coverage merely for being old.
Does American Home Shield Have A Waiting Period?
A.
After purchasing your home warranty plan, there is a American Home Shield’s waiting period of 30-days to ensure that claims are due to natural wear and tear and not due to pre-existing damage. It ensures that homeowners are not buying a home warranty for broken-down appliances. The waiting period does not apply to real estate plans.
Is There A Limit On The Number Of Service Calls Or Repairs I Get?
A.
You can make unlimited service calls to American Home Shield during your contract term. You can also request any number of repairs, but you will have to pay a deductible for each service visit for separate issues. However, as mentioned in your contract, the number of repairs will be subject to the upper limit on dollar repair liability amounts.
Will The Contractor Come Back To Rectify An Issue That Wasn't Fixed?
A.
Yes. American Home Shield warranty provides a 30-day workmanship guarantee on work done by their repair contractors. You won’t have to pay another trade service fee.
What If My Covered Item Is Not Repairable?
A.
If your covered item is not repairable, AHS may replace it or pay cash instead of providing a replacement. The American Home Shield cash-out option will be equivalent to the value of your item’s same make, model, or specs. If the damage is excluded, you may have to replace it as per the contract.
Does American Home Shield Provide A Cash-Out Option?
A.
The American Home Shield cash-out option may be available under some circumstances. According to your contract, they may agree to pay cash instead of providing a replacement for systems and appliances subject to the dollar limits of maximum liability. You may also have to provide proof of actual itemized costs incurred. AHS may provide the cash-out option if a covered item is not repairable but a replacement item can not be found.
In cases where the item may not be compliant with regulations, the cost of American Home Shield may exceed the dollar limit of contract liability, and only the difference amount may be refunded.
Does American Home Shield Cover Roofs?
A.
Yes, AHS provides coverage for roof leak repairs under the ShieldPlatinum plan. The coverage includes shingles, tiles, and shakes, flat roofing (non-metal), flashing, and underlayment repair services. If you choose to buy ShieldSilver or ShieldGold American Home Shield Plans, you can add roof leak repairs as an optional add-on at $10 per month.
Does American Home Shield Cover Plumbing?
A.
Yes, American Home Shield has plumbing system coverage. Some inclusions are water, drain, gas, waste, or vent line leaks and breaks, faucets, built-in bathtub whirlpool motor, pump, air switch assemblies, clearing stoppages, shower heads, shower arms, valves, toilet mechanisms, etc.
However, stoppages caused by damaged vent or sewer lines outside the home’s main foundation will not be covered. There may be other exclusions to the plumbing coverage for which we recommend going through the contract.
Will AHS Cover An Ac Compressor?
A.
American Home Shield plans cover all components of ducted central electric split and package AC units, geothermal units, wall air conditioners, and mini-split ACs, including the compressors.
Does American Home Shield Cover Pest Control?
A.
While AHS does not have a pest control service, its parent company Frontdoor, Inc. owns Terminix, a reputable pest control service provider. The real estate add-ons do include subterranean termite treatment.
Does American Home Shield Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
A.
American Home shield coverage includes malfunctions due to undetectable pre-existing conditions. They are defects or mechanical failures that could not have been detected by a visual inspection or a simple mechanical test.
A covered item is visually inspected to verify its structural integrity without any sign to hint at interoperability. When turned on in a mechanical test, the item should operate without visible damage, odd sounds, smoke, or other abnormal outcomes.
How To Cancel An American Home Shield Contract?
A.
To cancel your American Home Shield contract, you need to call 800.858.1922. You will receive a full refund if you cancel it within 30 days of signing up and have not made a service call request. If you cancel your policy after 30 days, you will receive a refund for the remaining term, minus the administrative fees and the charges for any services or claims made.
What Is American Home Shield Proconnect?
A.
ProConnect is a platform offered by AHS, where you can book a repair service online and pay after the work is done. A network of independent service professionals provides services for the following categories: plumbing handyman services, appliance repair, electrical carpet cleaning, garage door repair, heating, plumbing, and air conditioning repairs. However, these services vary by area and are currently operational in some selected cities.
Is American Home Shield Legitimate?
A.
American Home Shield is a legitimate home warranty company. They are registered as a public company and are transparent about the reports of their revenues, number of clients, and claims paid. One can find plenty of information about their financial status, and to date, they have been profitable.
How Do I File A Complaint With American Home Shield?
A.
To file a complaint with AHS, you can take the following measures:
Premium$46-$55
Service Fee$60-$85
LimitUpto $3K/item
Activation30 Days
Cancellation Fee$50
View Details
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