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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.
 
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How is American Home Shield rated?

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

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
https://www.ahs.com/
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 ...
J
Joan G
8/23/2017
I have always had quality service from AHS as I did thi past time. The service was exemplary. However I had a problem after the installation of my new wall oven. The oven did not fit into the existing space to the exact specifications and it couldn't be helped. I placed a claim to have someone repair the small chip and slight space between the oven and wall cabinet. I sent pictures showing the problem to tthe company supervisor. I spoke to the supervisor and followed up with another phone call. I was told she would contact me if she needed further information; I never heard from anyone again. I'm ready disappointed I this service. My claim # is 3017819280001. The handling office for this... Read More

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AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hi Joan, I certainly apologize for this issue and we will be in touch with you concerning this matter. Thanks
D
Damon
8/23/2017
First, I have been an AHS customer for several years now and after my first/previous experience I decided to give them a second chance (would rate that experience a 2 stars at best). Having to use them again for an A/C that went out has now turned into another disaster where common sense would have my A/C running today. Situation: A/C quits working yesterday evening at rental property I own. I submit claim and am assigned company x in a matter of minutes which is great (company x has 48 hrs to respond). They respond this morning, which is again great, but only have availability tomorrow. I take their earliest slot and decide to call AHS back to see if they have another company... Read More

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello Damon, If you can provide us with your contact information, we would like to follow up with you regarding this matter. Please email your information to social@ahslink.com, attention, "Consumers Advocate" and we will be in contact with you.
Brenda T
8/23/2017
Save your money and hired qualified contractors!

AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello Brenda, I am sorry to hear this about your services. If you can provide your contract information to us by emailing social@ahslink.com, attention, "Consumers Advocate", we will be in contact with you regarding your concerns. Thanks
C
chuck a
8/23/2017
Service was fast and efficient carried out by a skilled technician who was able to properly diagnose our issues. He did not have the part in stock, but promptly ordered it and came back and fixed our dishwasher!

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Thanks for sharing the great feedback, Chuck!
Nathan V
8/23/2017
I will NEVER BUY ANOTHER WARRANTY FROM THIS COMPANY!!! I can understand not covering a water leak from exterior plumbing for a sprinkler system but, you should cover what is in the house!!!! Waste of money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello Nathan, We would like to look into this issue. Please provide your contract number or property address and phone number to us by emailing social@ahslink.com, attention, "Consumers Advocate", and we will be in contact with you. Thanks
Ginger G
8/23/2017
I have been with American Home Shield the better part of 25 years. They have always been prompt in obtaining repair personnel etc. to the best of their ability. I tried another company in between homes and cancelled after the first call. Thank you AHS for giving me peace.

AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hi Ginger, Thank you for the wonderful feedback!
M
mstarkey40
8/23/2017
I purchased American Home Shield about three years ago and I am very satisfied with the timeliness of repair requests being handled as well as the expertise of the companies that have been sent to address the problem. Each repairman has been courteous and was able to solve the problem quickly and accurately. My most recent experience with R & K Air Conditioning of Winterville, NC was excellent. I strongly recommend American Home Shield to homeowners who do not currently carry warranty insurance.

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
We certainly appreciate your feedback. Thanks!
E
Eric
8/23/2017
The installers (J & E Kenosha) were excellent! Super clean and delivered what they promised! American Home Shield dragged out our ac/furnace replacement for 3 weeks. Every time we called we would get a different story, decisions to fix/replace need to be sped up for the customer and the installer.

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello Eric, We would like to reach out to you regarding this matter. If you can provide your contract number or property address and phone number by emailing social@ahslink.com, attention, "Consumers Advocate", we will be in contact with you. Thanks
Bob B
8/23/2017
Actually had 2 issues, a cracked stove top and a failed A/C Both techs did a great and timely job. Clean, courteous, and quick. Very good service.

AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Great feedback Bob. Thanks!
Hermes M
8/23/2017
I have had American Home Shield as a warranty on my house for about ten years. I have found it to be a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing that if one of my major appliances stops working, I don't need to go into debt or worry about repair costs. I have been really happy with the service. I think everyone should have it.

AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
We certainly appreciate the wonderful, feedback Hermes. Thanks
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
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