AMERICAN HOME SHIELD (AHS) FAQs
How much does an American Home Shield contract cost per month?
Unlike other home warranty providers, AHS pricing is flexible, varying as per the deductible you have chosen ($75, $100, $125). A basic American Home Shield plan starts at around $299 per year and can go up to $600+ for advanced coverage that includes items with optional coverage. Monthly costs can range from approximately $40 per month and can range up to $60, depending on the coverage selected. Get a free quote for an accurate price estimate in your area.
When should I buy AHS Home Warranty?
Buying AHS Home warranty is a good idea for those with homes older than 4 years, especially after the expiry of the original warranties on home systems and appliances. Sellers and home buyers of old properties wanting to place their homes on the market can also benefit from home warranty coverage since such homes sell faster. If you have many older systems and appliances, it can save money to cover 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 damages or losses due to floods, fires, disasters, etc. On the other hand, the home warranty plan can be considered as home repair insurance which provides for discounted repairs and replacements of home systems and appliances. An American Home Shield insurance is not homeowners' insurance per se but a home warranty plan which is legally separate. It can run complementary to your actual home insurance.
Is a home inspection required before a home warranty purchase?
American Home Shield does not make a home inspection mandatory for the purchase of home warranty plans. However, if your home systems and appliances are ancient, getting a home inspection to prove that there are no pre-existing conditions will significantly improve your claims' chances of being successful. As homeowners' plans do not cover damage due to rust and corrosion, a prior home inspection will also help.
Does American Home Shield have a waiting period?
There is a 30 day waiting period after the purchase of your home warranty plan to ensure that the 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 already broken-down appliances. The waiting period will not apply to real estate plans.
My home appliances are old. Will they even be covered?
American Home Shield provides coverage to home systems and appliances via its home warranty plans, regardless of the age make and model of home appliances. As long as your systems and appliances do not have pre-existing conditions that make them prone to breaking down and fulfill certain conditions mentioned in the home warranty contract, your home appliances 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 a trade service fee again.
What if my covered item is not repairable?
If your covered item is not repairable, AHS may replace it or pay cash in lieu of the 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 repaired outside.
Does American Home Shield provide a cash out option?
American Home Shield cash out option may be available under some circumstances. They may agree to pay cash instead of providing 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 a cash out option if a covered item is not repairable but a replacement item can also not be found. Also in cases where the item may not be compliant with codes or regulations following a response or if the service cost will exceed the dollar limit of contract liability.
Does AHS cover roofs?
No, AHS does not provide roof coverage. However, you can opt for top tier companies like Choice Home Warranty and Select Home Warranty to provide roof coverage.
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.
Does American Home Shield cover pest control?
While AHS does not have its own pest control service, the corporation that owns them also owns Terminix, a reputed pest control service provider.
What appliances or systems are excluded from an AHS home warranty?
AHS would cover all the appliances and home systems mentioned in your home warranty contract. Within each system or appliance is mentioned a list of exclusions. Anything not specifically mentioned can be considered as excluded.
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 that there is no sign to hint at inoperability. In a mechanical test, the item, when turned on, should operate without visible damage, irregular sounds, smoke, or other abnormal outcomes.
How to cancel an American Home Shield contract?
You need to call 888.682.1043 to cancel your American Home Shield contract as you cannot cancel it online. If you're canceling it within 30 days of signing up for the contract and have not made a service call request, you will get 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.
On Feb 24, 2021
The company has responded to the customer through the CRP system.