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American Home Shield Review


ConsumersAdvocate.org Rating: 4.7 / 5 (Excellent)
4,138 Customer Comments & Reviews - see all comments
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American Home Shield is a Tennessee-based company founded in 1971 to provide coverage on home appliances and systems in the United States through its network of home service professionals.

The company offers service contracts that cover the repair or replacement of major components of home systems and appliances. Customers can also purchase optional coverage for pools and spas, guest houses, home electronic systems, roof leaks, maintenance services, and more.

How Do We Rate American Home Shield?

Breakdown

4.8/5
Transparency
4.8/5
Claims Processing
4.7/5
Coverage Options
4.7/5
Additional Benefits
4.7/5
Customer Experience

Our Overall Rating: 4.7 / 5 (Excellent)

American Home Shield's coverage is among the most comprehensive we've seen in the industry. The company covers considerably more appliances and systems than its competitors and has fewer coverage limitations.

The company recently updated its plans—they now have three to simplify choosing the right one for your home. American Home Shield focuses on the repairs that offer the most value to consumers, removing items that are inexpensive to replace, increasing its coverage limits on appliances in its most expensive plan to reflect today's higher-priced, "gourmet" appliances, and adding roof leak coverage.

Coverage

Key Facts

Plan Types
Systems
Appliances
Combo Plan
Benefit Limit Type
Per Item
Typical Appliance Benefit Limit
$3,000
Typical Systems Benefit Limit
$0

Coverage Options - 4.7 / 5

American Home Shield offers consumers a choice of three plans, following a good-better-best model. Its ShieldSilver plan warrants systems only, but can be amended with certain add-ons, including pools, electronics, and guest houses. Its ShieldGold plan covers a range of systems and appliances, again with add-on options. Its ShieldPlatinum plan covers everything in the ShieldGold plan, plus roof leaks up to $1500 and some routine maintenance services. These include free HVAC tune-ups, unlimited top ups on your AC refrigerant, coverage for code violations including permits.

All told, American Home Shield covers 23 systems and appliances, considerably more than most of their competitors, and fully covers 11 of those items. There is no limit on the number of claims a customer can file over the year’s contract, either.

What does American Home Shield cover?

Covered Built-In Systems

  • Air Conditioning
  • Heating
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • Water Heater
  • Instant Hot/Cold Water Dispenser
  • Doorbells
  • Ceiling Fans

Covered Appliances

  • Refrigerators
  • Dishwashers
  • Clothes Dryers
  • Clothes Washers
  • Ranges/Ovens/Cooktops
  • Built-in Microwaves
  • Freestanding Ice Makers
  • Built-In Trash Compactors
  • Garage Door Openers
  • Built-in Food Centers

Exclusions

For a full list of American Home Shield exclusions, check out this page.

Specialty Items

  • Guest Unit
  • Pool/Spa
  • Well Pump
  • Septic
  • Roof Leaks

Contract & Price

Contract Details

Annual Premium
Starting at $0
Minimum Contract Length
12 month(s)
Home Inspection Required for Contract?
No
Online Quote/Application

Contract & Price - 5 / 5

American Home Shield has a flexible pricing policy and offers three different coverage plans and two trade service call fee levels: $100 and $125.

This allows consumers to have input into the annual price based on their budgetary needs.

We requested a quote for a single family home under 5,000 square feet located in a medium-sized midwestern city. The minimum annual premium (Shield Silver Plan) was $59.99 per month. The maximum premium (Shield Platinum Plan) was $109.99. So AHS prices are somewhat higher than many competitive plans. Consumers should note that their final price will vary by plan, service call charge selected, and location.

Sample Contract

American Home Shield provides a sample contract for potential customers on its website: American Home Shield Sample Contract

Cancellation Policy

Customers can cancel anytime within their 30 day wait period and receive a full refund, and can cancel anytime during the contract term, as this is a non-binding contract.

Claims & Service

Claims

Service Fee
$100 and $125
Maintenance Records Required for Service?
No
24/7 Claims Department?
Waiting Period
30 days

Contractors & Service

Contractor Selection
In-Network Only
Contractor Network Size
14,000+ contractors
Number of Technicians
45,000 technicians
Service Recall Period
30 days

Claims Processing - 4.8 / 5

Consumers can submit a service request online 24/7/365. American Home Security does not require an inspection prior to purchase.

The company has a large network of service professionals and offers a 30-day workmanship guarantee on their services.

American Home Shield Reputation

Company Details

Year Founded
1971
NHSCA Membership
Number of Customers
1.7 million
Number of Employees
1,700
TrustPilot Rating
2.1 out of 5
BBB Rating
B
BBB Positive Reviews
392
BBB Neutral Reviews
50
BBB Negative Reviews
1,874
Date Collected
2023-07-24

Reputation - 5 / 5

American Home Shield has been in business since 1971, making it the oldest player in the industry. It has over 1.7 million customers.

In 1989, the company was acquired by ServiceMaster, an established firm that also owns Terminix and Merry Maids.

American Home Shield is accredited by the BBB and has a B rating. In this industry, negative customer reviews far outnumber positive ones.

Contact & Additional Information

Homepage URL
Company Phone
(888) 429-8247
Headquarters Address
150 Peabody Place, Memphis, TN, 38103
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 849, Carroll, IA, 51401
Year Founded
1971

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4138 Customer Comments & Reviews

Loading Reviews ...
Sara B
9/30/2017
At the recommendation of my realtor, I purchased AHS 16 years ago and have used it ever since. They have always come through for me for repairs. I have never needed to have an appliance repaired, so cannot speak to that.


David D
9/30/2017
Placed my work orders online and have had no problems, repairs are usually done within 24 hours.


Shane P
9/30/2017
ahs has alway treated us well and did what they said they would. If you need a warranty this is a good one. Can't imagine not having one it saves money and is a great comfort.


D
David B
9/30/2017
American Home Shield handled my service request in a timely and courteous manner. The service professionals that were dispatched to my home were by far top-notch, courteous, knowledgeable, professional and efficient. A somewhat complicated problem was solved quickly and expertly. I am completely satisfied with the entire process that I experienced with American Home Shield and their service providers. Most highly recommended.


E
Elizabeth Z
9/29/2017
My Moen kitchen faucet was leaking (started leaking on Sun., Aug. 6, 2017) and I called American Home Shield originally on Mon., Aug. 7. Rooter King (RK) Plumbing of Tucson called me back and scheduled to come out on Wed., Aug. 9. That occurred. Ivan came out and it was a leaking cartridge in the faucet. He left to go to a plumbing parts house. When he left I saw that the “dome” part had been damaged by the force of his wrench. My husband said that Ivan had asked to use a paper towel, but still, it was damaged. To make a very long story short, RK Plumbing never completed the repair! We hired another plumbing company to properly complete the job! I wrote a long, detailed letter... Read More


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Linda
9/29/2017
My last experience was replacing the sewer line under my house. The plummer AHS sent out did a great job. AHS also put some money toward the repair which suprized me. My insurance paid for a lot of it but AHS cover some of it also. Thank you.


Ron K
9/29/2017
Very unsatisfied, it took 1hr and 15min waiting for customer service, and the service was bad, I had 3 items repaired and they all required a 2nd visit and the items still aren't working well. My ceiling fan is worse than before they so called fixed it.


L
Lory
9/29/2017
We did get the dishwasher repaired, it work just as poorly as before, we would have preferred to pay to replace it but....could not get ahold of anyone at American Home Shield to discuss it😡 Will have to warn others about the lack of good service!!!!


G
Gregory W
9/29/2017
American Home Shield has always answered within 24 hours as promised. They have always dispatched reputable local companies and have always made the right decision when making the repair or replace. By the way, this policy is for my 83 year old mother. I am grateful, she has always felt comfortable with the repair And repair person. So far, great service!


Jbs P
9/29/2017
I have been without air for almost 2 1/2 months. Only 2 people tried to help, but they have limits too. Im still trying to give you all a chance, but that is fading away quickly. We have sent photos and estimates to have our central unit fixed from the inside to out, but have not heard back from anyone.



Our Partner

Limited Time Offer: $150 OFF All Plans*

  • Home Warranty Plans Starting at $29.99 a Mo.
  • Covering 2 Million Plus Members for 50+ Years
  • No Age Limits on Covered Systems & Appliances
  • No Inspections or Records Required