We maintain complete transparency with the readers on our website. The company rankings on our site are independent of any marketing relationships that we may hold with a home warranty company. We may receive compensation for receiving quotes or placing advertisements. However, this does not affect a company's rankings. Companies are ranked solely on the basis of consumer reviews and ratings received from home warranty users.
*The lead information obtained will be sent to the respective companies as selected by the readers. However, the lead will be shared with a similar company if the selected company either doesn't participate in Leads Program or doesn't respond.
We maintain complete transparency with the readers on our website. The company rankings on our site are independent of any marketing relationships that we may hold with a home warranty company. We may receive compensation for receiving quotes or placing advertisements. However, this does not affect a company's rankings. Companies are ranked solely on the basis of consumer reviews and ratings received from home warranty users.
*The lead information obtained will be sent to the respective companies as selected by the readers. However, the lead will be shared with a similar company if the selected company either doesn't participate in Leads Program or doesn't respond.
American Residential Warranty (ARW) and American Home Shield (AHS) are prominent home warranty service providers in the industry. These two companies offer different plans and services that meet the demands of today’s modern-day homeowners. To choose between ARW and AHS, you must analyze necessary coverage, and cost-related aspects, etc.
This detailed post compares both companies in terms of service, coverage, cost, policies, and benefits. ARW and AHS have several similarities and differences that you will understand in the following sections of this article. Ultimately, after reading through, you will know what to expect once the policy comes into action.
Analyzing critical details will help you understand what to expect when the contract gets initiated. Once you’ve scrolled through the table below, you will have a clear idea of what to look forward to from the respective companies’ offerings.
Check out the table below to know what systems and appliances you can expect to get covered by both companies.
Items | American Residential Warranty | American Home Shield |
Central Air Conditioning (Air Conditioners) | ✔ | ✔ |
Home Heating | ✔ | ✔ |
Electricals (Interior) | ✔ | ✔ |
Plumbing Systems | ✔ | ✔ |
Plumbing Stoppages | ✔ | ✔* |
Doorbells | ✖ | ✔ |
Smoke Detectors | ✖ | ✖ |
Ceiling Fans | ✔ | ✔ |
Water Heater | ✔ | ✔ |
Garbage Disposal | ✔ | ✔ |
Instant Hot/Cold Water Dispensers | ✖ | ✔ |
Central Vacuum | ✖ | ✖ |
Ductwork | ✔ | ✔ |
Roof Leak Repair | ✖ | ✔ |
Kitchen Exhaust Fan | ✔ | ✖ |
Humidifier | ✔ | ✖ |
Refrigerator | ✔ | ✔ |
Garage Door Opener | ✔ | ✔ |
Built-in Microwave | ✔ | ✔ |
Central Home Heating | ✔ | ✔* |
Toilet & Internal Mechanism | ✔ | ✔ |
Flat Screen TVs | ✔ | ✔ |
Desktop/Laptops | ✔ | ✔ |
Optional Coverage | ||
Pool/ Spa | ✖ | ✔ |
Guest Unit | ✖ | ✔ |
Well Pump | ✖ | ✔ |
Septic Pump | ✖ | ✔ |
*Note – The coverage is subject to whether particular parts are covered in the company’s contract.
American Residential Warranty – ARW Offers customers seven plans, ranging from comprehensive coverage to basic protection. The 4-in-Bundle Plan provides patrons with the broadest security for vital systems and appliances, while the Platinum Plan is an entry-level option covering primary devices in any household.
American Home Shield – Presents customers with four plans that protect critical systems and appliances. The ShieldPlatinum Plan dishes out advanced coverage for essential items present in any household. Basic protection is also available for devices under the ShieldSilver plan. Patrons will receive coverage for flatscreen TVs and desktops & laptops under the unique Electronics Plan provided by the company.
Comparing both the companies’ plans helps you pick the perfect option of your choice. We have compared critical details such as the price of plans, service call fee, appliance coverage, and systems coverage. Opt for a free quote from the company of your choice.
Platinum Premier
$59.99
Platinum
$49.99
Kitchen Plus
$34.99
Heating & Cooling
$39.99
Ultimate Electronics Protection
$24.99
4-In-Bundle
$124.99
3-In-Bundle
$109.99
Service Call Fee
$55
Appliance Coverage
$5000
Systems Coverage
$5000
ShieldSilver
$39.99
ShieldGold
$49.99
ShieldPlatinum
$64.99
Service Call Fee
$75,$100,$125
Coverage Limit
$3,000
Appliance Coverage
$3000 ($6000 for ShieldPlatinum Plan)
Systems Coverage
$1500
Understanding the differences in policies between the two companies helps you comprehend critical aspects. We’ve analyzed intricate details of both companies’ contracts and service processes. Read on to know what you can expect once assistance begins.
ARW service begins 30 days after you sign up for the policy. This interim period is known as the waiting period. As per the ARW contract, you can opt for different payment options: annual, quarterly, or monthly.
It is also crucial to note that only those systems and appliances mentioned in your contract will get covered under the company’s service agreement. For an item to be deemed as serviceable, it must have been in good condition when registering.
You must ensure that the item is well maintained and correctly installed for it to be worthy of repair or replacement when it starts malfunctioning. Also, only if the device breakdowns will it be permitted to get fixed.
Residential properties, single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, multi-family properties, and mobile homes are only eligible for service. ARW contract also states certain limitations in its protection for items.
Structural damage or missing parts in items will not be covered, Items malfunctioning due to sedimentary or chemical overload is not covered, cleaning coils in HVAC are omitted, etc. To know what components are excluded and included under items, read the detailed service contract provided by the company before signing up.
Submitting claims with ARW is a simple process.
You can resume your ARW contract before it expires. All you need to do is get in touch with customer care and update the executive that you would like to renew your policy. Renewals can be done annually or quarterly. Make sure to opt for an option that best suits your requirements.
Homeowners using the services of ARW can transfer their contracts at any given point in time. If you pass on your policy to any new homeowner residing at your current address, you will be required to pay a nominal fee of $39. However, ARW contracts cannot get transferred to any new address currently.
AHS policies last for one year. During the coverage, only those items stated in the policy will be eligible for repairs or replacements. AHS has the right to determine if a particular item that is malfunctioning will get repaired or replaced.
The contract also states that items covered by manufacturers, distributors, extended warranties, or builders are not subject to coverage availability. If any item cannot get repaired or replaced due to reasons beyond the company’s control, AHS will pay the necessary amount in cash.
You should also note that AHS will not provide regular maintenance for your devices. It is up to you to take care of your systems and appliances.
Items malfunctioning due to mold, mildew, fungus, or pest damage, will not get serviced. Also, if items have been misused or mistreated, the device will not get repaired or replaced. However, pre-existing conditions are covered under the AHS contract. Read the complete policy before signing up to know what particular components under each device get protected.
AHS addresses custom claims at the earliest.
You can renew your policy before it expires. Depending on your preference, pick your current plan or opt for a new plan based on your needs. To do so, get in touch with the AHS customer care team and opt for a renewal. Your new contract will also last for one year.
Transferring your AHS policy is possible. You can pass on your policy at any point in time. Get in touch with the company’s customer service team to transfer your contract to a new owner. If you are keen on canceling your policy, customer support can guide you on what needs to be done. Cancellations cannot be made through the My Account Portal currently.
Find out critical details about both the companies in the tables below. Once you understand the advantages and disadvantages, you know what to expect from the service.
Pros | Cons |
Coverage available in 50 states | Customer service not available on Sunday |
Wide variety of plans to choose from | 30- day waiting period for coverage to begin |
Affordable service fee | It takes 48 hours for customers to receive service after a claim gets approved |
High coverage caps | Instant Hot/Cold Water Dispensers coverage not available |
Pros | Cons |
Quick claims process | Coverage not available in Alaska |
Large contractor network | At times contractors may not be up to the mark |
Electronics Plan available | 30- day waiting period before the policy comes into action |
Roof leak repair coverage available | Protection for humidifier not available |
ARW and AHS are reliable home warranty providers, assisting customers with their individual needs. ARW currently offers several discounts in many of its plans. But on the other hand, as per customer reviews, the company is not as popular in terms of service when compared to AHS. However, if you feel ARW plans fit your needs, you should definitely opt for a free quote right away.
AHS is the pioneer of the home warranty industry and has served several happy homeowners to date. But service is not available in Alaska, and a 30-day waiting period is enforced before the home warranty coverage begins. If you think AHS fits your requirements, you should consider getting a price estimate for coverage today. Make sure to always opt for a plan factoring in your cost budget and requirements. Never make a hasty decision, as canceling your policy is never a nice feeling!