AMERICAN HOME SHIELD REVIEW: PLANS, COST, AND COVERAGE - 2021
American Home Shield, established in 1971, is the biggest home warranty company in the United States. They are owned by Frontdoor, Inc., which also owns Landmark, OneGuard, and HSA. As the industry pioneer, they have the broadest range of home warranty offerings, paying for repairs and replacements of home systems and appliances that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
We have reviewed and evaluated the company thoroughly, and provided a detailed breakdown of their pricing, plans, and customer service below. Keep reading to find out everything they have to offer.
Pros
- Coverage for 49 states
- High coverage caps
- Offer a choice of deductible pricing
- Paid more than $573 million in claims in 2018
- Provide coverage without maintenance records
- Pay for disposal of defective items and removal of refrigerant
Cons
- Limited range of add-on coverage
- No coverage in Alaska
- Discontinued customizable plan
$6,000
Estimated Appliance CoverageUnlimited
Estimated System Coverage49
No. Of Active StatesYes
Complaint Resolution ProgramAMERICAN HOME SHIELD PLANS
AHS revamped their plan options in 2021 and now have three: one covers only systems, one covers systems and appliances, and the third comprehensively covers everything and some add-ons. Overall, AHS home warranties can cost between $500-$700 per year. Get a free quote to find out the exact pricing applicable to you. You'll find coverage details in the next section.
- ShieldSilver: Covers 14 home systems and has no coverage limit.
- ShieldGold: Covers 23 essential home systems and appliances. This plan has no coverage limit for systems and an appliance limit of $3000 per appliance.
- ShieldPlatinum: Includes everything in both of the above plans and a few additional devices. It is the most comprehensive plan, with a coverage cap of $6000 per appliance, $1500 for roof leak repairs, no cap for systems, in addition to $1000 for code violations, permits, and modifications.
Besides the above plans, you can have some add-on items included in your home warranty purchase for an extra cost.
AHS also runs special discount programs for their customers. You can get new systems and appliances from brands, like KitchenAid, GE, Whirlpool, Amana, Maytag, and JennAir, plus huge savings.
Unfortunately, American Home Shield has discontinued their customizable Build-Your-Own-Plan option.
AMERICAN HOME SHIELD PRICES & COVERAGE
Purchasing an American Home Shield warranty comes with a pricing advantage, since you get to choose the deductible ($75, $100, $125), and the premiums adjust accordingly. Monthly costs can range from approximately $24.99 to $64.99, depending on the plan selected and your location. The total price depends on the size of your home, the extent of coverage, your zip code, and the additional items you want covered.
Get a free quote to find out exactly what you will pay.
The following table shows you the American Home Shield coverage for each plan.
- Ductwork
- Toilet
- Air Conditioner
- Doorbell & Chimes
- Interior Electrical Lines
- Garage Door Opener
- Ceiling Fans
- Water Heater
- Faucets & Valves
- Interior Plumbing Lines
- Whirlpool Tub Motor & Components
- Main Breaker & Fuse Panel Box
- Built-in Exhaust, Vent & Attic Fans
- Heating Unit
- Washers
- Dryers
- Garage Door Opener
- Ceiling Fans
- Water Heater
- Ductwork
- Toilet
- Wall Oven/ Range/ Cooktop
- Air Conditioner
- Doorbell & Chimes
- Interior Electrical Lines
- Faucets & Valves
- Interior Plumbing Lines
- Whirlpool Tub Motor & Components
- Main Breaker & Fuse Panel Box
- Built-in Exhaust, Vent & Attic Fans
- Heating Unit
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Built-in Microwave Oven
- Garbage Disposal
- Instant Hot/Cold Water Dispenser
- Refrigerator
- Garage Door Opener
- Water Heater
- Wall Oven/ Range/ Cooktop
- Air Conditioner
- Doorbell & Chimes
- Interior Electrical Lines
- Faucets & Valves
- Interior Plumbing Lines
- Whirlpool Tub Motor & Components
- Main Breaker & Fuse Panel Box
- Built-in Exhaust, Vent & Attic Fans
- Heating Unit
- Washers
- Dryers
- Dishwasher
- Built-in Microwave Oven
- Ceiling Fans
- Garbage Disposal
- Ductwork
- Toilet
- Instant Hot/Cold Water Dispenser
- Roof Leak Repairs
In roof leak repair, American Home Shield provides coverage on shingles, tiles & shakes, flat (non-metal) roofing, flashing, and underlayment.
Optional Coverage
The following items can be added to your base plan during checkout to enhance the AHS coverage over your home:
- Well Pump
- Septic Pump
- Guest Unit
- Air Filter Delivery
- Pool and Spa
- Re-Key
- Electronic Protection Plan
- Refrigerant services
- HVAC Tune-Up
The optional add-ons range from $8.33 per month to $58 per month.
Their Electronics Plan offered by Allstate Protection Plans includes:
- TVs
- Home Theater Systems
- Desktop/Laptops
- Smart Home Products
- Tablets
- Headphones
- Printers
- Video game consoles
American Home Shield Claims & Customer Service
Once you have purchased an AHS plan covering all of your desired home systems and appliances, there is a short waiting period of 30 days. This time frame ensures that the home warranty plans are not being misused on broken-down items. After that, you can start filing claims when the covered items stop working, and American Home Shield will send service technicians to assist you.
American Home Shield claims can be filed online or by calling their customer service team. To file a claim with AHS, follow these steps:
- Call the AHS helpline number to schedule a service visit or submit a claim online
- You are required to pay a service call fee for the service visit. This amount can be $75, $100, or $125, based on the payment schedule you chose
- A contractor will be assigned to visit you at their earliest convenience
- When you put in a service request with AHS, they will note the details and verify whether the broken-down item is covered. After that, they will send a repair contractor to diagnose the problem.
If the problem happens to be an inclusion in your contract, the contractor will give an estimate to AHS for the amount to pay out. AHS may then directly pay the contractor or refund the amount to you. You will only have to pay a trade service fee or deductible out of pocket.
There are mixed reviews about the quality of American Home Shield's customer service. While they claim that they have an extensive network of 17,000+ qualified and licensed service contractors, some customers have mentioned that getting a service provider to their home takes much pursuing. Many complaints about claim denial can be attributed to a misunderstanding of the coverage clauses. However, American Home Shield receives positive feedback for the quality of repair services.
American Home Shield (AHS) STATES AVAILABILITY
American Home Shield provides services in 49 US states. Alaska is not covered, while the Electronics Plan is not available in California. However, not every zip code is covered.
WHAT ARE THE EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITS OF AMERICAN HOME SHIELD CONTRACTS?
Reading the Contract Agreement to know what is covered and the limitations, exclusions, and provisions are of paramount importance. Many claim denials can be attributed to an insufficient understanding of the contract.
American Home Shield will only cover items located within the main house's foundations unless it is air conditioning, heating, electrical panel, water heater, pressure regulator, external well pump, septic tank and related sewage ejector pump, or pool and spa equipment. Even then, these items must be meant for outdoor use and housed with protection from the elements. If the items are commercial grade, the manufacturer must allow domestic use.
Remember the coverage caps? When the repair or replacement cost of a covered item exceeds the capped limit, AHS will pay an amount equal to the contract dollar limit minus the cost of diagnosing the malfunction (aka the deductible). The amounts are what AHS would be paying the contractors directly, which may be less than retail pricing.
American Home Shield does not cover every part or component of the home systems and appliances mentioned in the home warranty plan. For example, in an electrical system, the company won't cover any failure involving audio/video/computer/intercom/alarm, or security wiring or cable, telephone wiring, circuit overload, faceplates, or lighting fixtures. It will help if you understand the exclusions for each item.
They do provide coverage for failures arising from improper installation, modifications, repairs, or accumulation of sediment, rust and corrosion. Their roof leak coverage also includes dry rot.
AMERICAN HOME SHIELD (AHS) FOR REALTORS
American Home Shield's real estate plans offer coverage for the requirements of home buyers and sellers. They have been designed to protect new homeowners from unexpected repair costs after real estate transactions.
- ShieldEssential: Coverage for home systems (similar to ShieldSilver)
- ShieldPlus: Covers components and parts for most home systems and appliances (similar to ShieldGold)
- ShieldComplete: Covers all of the items under the ShieldEssential and ShieldPlus plans, along with optional add-ons, like additional refrigerators, salt water equipment, subterranean termite attacks.
For home sellers’ plans, the pricing varies based on location. In California, the ShieldEssential plan can cost about $375.00/year, the ShieldPlus plan can cost about $550.00/year, while the ShieldComplete plan can cost approximately $625/year. The trade service fee is $75.
American Home Shield FAQs
Is American Home Shield worth it?
If you find that American Home Shield covers all of the home systems and appliances you need, you may find them worth it. Now that they cover rust damage, improper installation, and other things that their competition often does not, they may be worth considering. However, remember to carefully read your contract so you're not taken aback by a claim denial.
Who owns American Home Shield?
The organization that owns AHS is Frontdoor, Inc. It's a publicly-traded company and also owns OneGuard, Landmark, and HSA Home Warranty in addition to Streem and Terminix.
Will AHS replace my AC unit?
American Home Shield 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?
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, since covered homes sell faster. 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?
An American Home Shield warranty plan is not the same as homeowners insurance. Homeowners insurance provides liability coverage in the event of damage or loss due to floods, fires, disasters, etc. On the other hand, a home warranty plan can be considered home repair insurance, providing discounted repairs and replacements of home systems and appliances. American Home Shield insurance is not homeowners insurance per se, but a home warranty plan, which is legally different. It can run complementary to your actual home insurance.
Is a home inspection required before a home warranty purchase?
American Home Shield does not require a home inspection before purchasing their 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.
Does American Home Shield have a waiting period?
There is a 30-day waiting period after purchasing your home warranty plan 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 appliances that are already broken down. The waiting period does not apply to real estate plans.
My home appliances are old. Will they even be covered?
American Home Shield provides coverage for home systems and appliances regardless of the 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.
Is there a limit on the number of service calls or repairs I get?
You can make an unlimited number of 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, the number of repairs will be subject to the upper limit on dollar repair liability amounts, as mentioned in your contract.
Will the contractor come back to rectify an issue that wasn't fixed?
Yes. American Home Shield provides a 30-day workmanship guarantee on work done by their repair contractors. You won't have to pay another trade service fee if the contractor returns.
What if my covered item is not repairable?
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 the same make, model, or specs of your item. If the damage itself is excluded, as per the contract, you may have to get it replaced yourself.
Does American Home Shield provide a cash out option?
The American Home Shield cash-out option may be available under some circumstances. They may agree to pay cash instead of providing a replacement for systems and appliances subject to the dollar limits of maximum liability, according to your contract. 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 also not be found. In cases where the item may not be compliant with codes or regulations, the service cost may exceed the dollar limit of contract liability and only the difference amount may be refunded.
Does American Home Shield cover roofs?
Roof leak repairs are now included in the ShieldPlatinum plan. The home warranty provider covers shingles, tiles and shakes, flat (non-metal) roofing, flashing, and underlayment repair services.
Does American Home Shield cover plumbing?
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, and air switch assemblies; clearing stoppages; shower heads, shower arms, valves; toilet mechanisms, etc.
Will AHS cover an AC compressor?
AHS covers all of the 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?
While AHS does not have a pest control service, the corporation that owns them also owns Terminix, a reputable pest control service provider. The real estate add-ons do include subterranean termite treatment.
What appliances or systems are excluded from an AHS home warranty?
AHS will cover all of the appliances and home systems mentioned in your home warranty contract. For each system or appliance, there is a list of exclusions. Anything not specifically mentioned, can be considered an exclusion.
Does American Home Shield cover pre-existing conditions?
American Home shield covers 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 and no sign to hint at inoperability. 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?
You need to call 800.858.1922 to cancel your American Home Shield contract, as you cannot cancel it online at this time. If you are canceling it within 30 days of signing up and have not made a service call request, you will receive a full refund. 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.
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AMERICAN HOME SHIELD REVIEWS
DEBRA BARNES HAMILTON, Middletown, DE
On Nov 23, 2021
I needed a plumber to come out and fix my garbage disposal however when he came out he saw we really needed an electrician. AHS immediately set up an appointment with a electrician without us having to ask. Quick turnaround. Truly appreciate your service.
HelpfulAnnette Johnson, Bayou La Batre, AL
On Nov 22, 2021
Both companies that responded did a great job trouble shooting the situation with our furnace…We understand the original delay and we appreciate everyone who tried to help us with the problem.
Helpful
On Dec 01, 2021
The company has responded to the customer through the CRP system.
Tom Kordus, Las Vegas, NV
On Nov 20, 2021
I trust American Home Shield to send competent technicians to my home whenever I have an appliance or plumbing or HVAC issue. There is a set fee for these visits...and the scope of work is (usually) clearly defined. Without AHS, there was always the worry a sneaky repairman might finagle a way to “justify” the expansion of his scope of work if he senses the owner is dumb, gullible, or ignoran ..Read Full Review
I trust American Home Shield to send competent technicians to my home whenever I have an appliance or plumbing or HVAC issue. There is a set fee for these visits...and the scope of work is (usually) clearly defined. Without AHS, there was always the worry a sneaky repairman might finagle a way to “justify” the expansion of his scope of work if he senses the owner is dumb, gullible, or ignorant—all of this, of course, followed-up with a subsequent padding in the final cost of the bill. I probably have been AHS 5-6 years. To date, I have not been disappointed. ..View less
HelpfulOn Dec 01, 2021
The company has responded to the customer through the CRP system.
JeffreyM, Silver Spring, MD
On Nov 20, 2021
There was no drama to schedule the service needed - a blocked kitchen drain. Repair person arrived as promised and the issue was resolved satisfactorily. So the whole experience regarding the inconvenience involved was really worth the money.
HelpfulOn Dec 01, 2021
The company has responded to the customer through the CRP system.
Joe Clifford, Warrensburg, MO
On Nov 18, 2021
I had an issue with an appliance and called Home Shield for a service request. Home Shield contacted W**** A******** the next day and Woods came to look at it. Awesome service from Home Shield and W**** A********.
HelpfulOn Dec 01, 2021
The company has responded to the customer through the CRP system.
Jan Griggs, Scottsdale, AZ
On Nov 16, 2021
American Home Shield is like no other home warranty we have used in the past. Their response is rapid! We had 2 issues and both were fixed within 2 days of placing the service request. The first one was fixed the same day we requested service. Both companies were courtious, efficient, and professional. We will stick with this home warranty company
HelpfulOn Dec 01, 2021
The company has responded to the customer through the CRP system.
Daryl G, Mililani, HI
On Nov 15, 2021
A must have for property management owners. A couple of claims could pay for a couple years of premiums. The deductible helps maintain better cash flow for the investor. When there is an repair issue, boom, the vendor who will be doing the repair is assigned online on the spot, no waiting. Helps property managers maintain a professional image, and respond to tenants need very quickly.
HelpfulOn Dec 01, 2021
The company has responded to the customer through the CRP system.
Cameron Grant, Phoenix, AZ
On Nov 10, 2021
G****** was very adept. He found a screw (a $100 screw it turns out) and was on his way. Garbage disposal good as new. That was that. Easy peasy. Done deal.
HelpfulOn Dec 01, 2021
The company has responded to the customer through the CRP system.
paulette may, Mount Airy, MD
On Nov 10, 2021
I have had 3 different service calls, electrical, plumbing and washer/dryer repair..... so far all have gone FANTASTIC!! I was leary at first to get this but it has save me money and aggrivation from having to figure things out ourselves.
HelpfulOn Dec 01, 2021
The company has responded to the customer through the CRP system.
Joey , Tracy, CA
On Nov 09, 2021
The service from M* A******** of N**** M****** was very satisfactory. They have given my repair high efforts until my appliance worked. I am pleased and I recommend others to utilize them.
HelpfulOn Dec 01, 2021
The company has responded to the customer through the CRP system.
steven gross, Boca Raton, FL
On Nov 08, 2021
I have recently purchased a home and with it American Home Shield--recommended by my realtor. What a terrific warranty. So far have had AHS out for two appliances...the customer service, professionalism, quickness of taking care of the problem, has been terrific. I have had other home warranties previously where it cost the same yearly price, but then service call was free but fixing the problem al ..Read Full Review
I have recently purchased a home and with it American Home Shield--recommended by my realtor. What a terrific warranty. So far have had AHS out for two appliances...the customer service, professionalism, quickness of taking care of the problem, has been terrific. I have had other home warranties previously where it cost the same yearly price, but then service call was free but fixing the problem always cost...if that company agreed it was covered. So far AHS has done everything they said they would do. I highly recommend AHS-SG, B*** R****, F* ..View less
HelpfulOn Dec 01, 2021
The company has responded to the customer through the CRP system.
Lilia G Ware, Austin, TX
On Nov 08, 2021
I have had services such as fixing my microwave oven and serving my heater to have it ready for Winter. Both services have being done on time and I have no complains.
HelpfulOn Dec 01, 2021
The company has responded to the customer through the CRP system.
Linda Geers, Mason, OH
On Nov 07, 2021
We are new to the program. Scheduled a plumber for a water spot on lower level ceiling. He was very timely and professional. He found a leak in our shower pan drain and fixed it in about 15 minutes. We had also discovered a small leak in a downstairs shower, but he was not allowed to look at that as we did not have that on our ticket and explained to us how each item needs to be on your request or it ..Read Full Review
We are new to the program. Scheduled a plumber for a water spot on lower level ceiling. He was very timely and professional. He found a leak in our shower pan drain and fixed it in about 15 minutes. We had also discovered a small leak in a downstairs shower, but he was not allowed to look at that as we did not have that on our ticket and explained to us how each item needs to be on your request or it cannot be looked at. ..View less
HelpfulOn Dec 01, 2021
The company has responded to the customer through the CRP system.
Elmira Kukaj, Mckinney, TX
On Nov 06, 2021
Great company, i would recommend to everyone. I only ever had good experiences. They resolve every single problem, and they do it in time. They are very professional and great to have even if you don’t think you will ever need it.
HelpfulOn Dec 01, 2021
The company has responded to the customer through the CRP system.
Laura Barajas , Rohnert Park, CA
On Nov 04, 2021
This was my first time using American Home Shield. My washer was not locking or spinning so they assigned me a technician to come fix it. The company I was assigned to was not able to even come out and do the first inspection for over 2 weeks. When she came out to do the inspection she said that she would order the part should be no problem a Quick Fix. However two weeks later when she came to install th ..Read Full Review
This was my first time using American Home Shield. My washer was not locking or spinning so they assigned me a technician to come fix it. The company I was assigned to was not able to even come out and do the first inspection for over 2 weeks. When she came out to do the inspection she said that she would order the part should be no problem a Quick Fix. However two weeks later when she came to install the part she didn't check the part until she got to my home and realized it was the wrong part. She then had to reorder the part which took another week and a half. During that time I had called American Home Shield to complain that this was taking an extremely long time and that I needed the washer to be fixed faster was there any way to speed the process along. I was told that they would see what they could do. Apparently they did nothing because another week and a half she came out and installed the part however it did not fix the problem with my washing machine. So I called American Home Shield to get them to reopen my ticket and they didn't want to reopen it because they said it had been more than 30 days since I opened the work order. However it had been less than six days since the technician was at my house so I had to argue with them for 30 minutes before they said oh I'm sorry you are correct we will reopen your work order. They sent me the same person who didn't even bother to come out she just called me and told me that she was going to order some new parts that should fix the problem and she would get back to me when the parts came in. Another two and a half weeks her Parts came in she came out to fix the machine she left and once again when I went to do laundry my machine was not repaired. At this point it had already been 2 months and 1 week so I called American Home Shield back and told them that once again my machine had not been repared and that I wanted a new technician and they said they would give me a new technician because they were going to escalate it because of how many times she come out and not repaired my machine. However the following day they assigned me right back to the same person who said she would just call them and tell them that I needed a new washing machine however that's not what she did. She requested a second opinion and so then they had to assign me to a whole nother appliance company. When they came after waiting another week the man said this is a complete tub job and you need a new washing machine so he put in for a new washing machine. I will be getting my washing machine exactly three months to the day that I opened the work order. That means I went three months without a washing machine and American Home Shield would not help me expedite this process. In the amount of time that it took them to get me my washing machine I could have bought a new one with the cost of doing laundry at a laundromat. If this is the way that American Home Shield continues to do service I would suggest finding another company. I found out later that the reason my first technician wouldn't say that I needed a new washing machine even though I did need a new washing machine is because she was concerned that her rating with American Home Shield would go down. American Home Shield confirmed that to me so that means that they are putting emphasis on the rating that the technician gets through their company over doing the right thing for the customer. Not ok in my book! When I was given a choice at my replacement washer it was not even comfortable to my current washer so I had to call and get that fixed so that they could give me a new choice so that the washing machine they were placed is compatible with the one I had. In all I am very disappointed with this process and I hope others don't have to go through what I did and that this won't happen to me again. ..View less
HelpfulOn Nov 09, 2021
The company has responded to the customer through the CRP system.
earlean conroe, Pasadena, CA
On Nov 04, 2021
I Love the IMMEDIATE response after submitting a request!! Z*** was sent out, and he was professional, on time, and explained everything that needed to be done. Will request that company if any future problems come up!!!
HelpfulOn Nov 30, 2021
The company has responded to the customer through the CRP system.
waynesworld75@cox.net, Henderson, NV
On Nov 04, 2021
Very pleased with the whole experience. Everyone we had contact with was very professional The time frame was less than expected I am very pleased and will tell my friends about the experience
HelpfulOn Nov 30, 2021
The company has responded to the customer through the CRP system.
Joseph Hart, Visalia, CA
On Nov 03, 2021
You were honest, professional and efficient. You fixed the problem. No complaints at all.
HelpfulOn Nov 30, 2021
The company has responded to the customer through the CRP system.
Kathy Holland, Mesquite, NV
On Nov 03, 2021
Very good service! repairs made in timely fashion! thanks to all involved excellent service and completed quickly customer services were very good Glad that I purchased this warranty and hopefully all will be well in the future
HelpfulOn Nov 30, 2021
The company has responded to the customer through the CRP system.
Fay Bass, Phenix City, AL
On Nov 03, 2021
The company that performed my repairs were on time worked fast and got the job done my complaint is about the AHS customer service I was changed another repair fee of $100 because the representative did not understand me and I didn't understand her so it was hard to communicate my problem
HelpfulOn Nov 30, 2021
The company has responded to the customer through the CRP system.
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American Home Shield (AHS) RATINGS
RATINGS
Customer Service
Repair Time
Quality of Repair
Claims and Settlement
On Dec 01, 2021
The company has responded to the customer through the CRP system.