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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 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
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 ...
Stanley M
8/11/2017
Technician was very good after he arrived to fix AC condenser water leak. I am not very impressed with the company, he works for; because we had to live with problem for over a week. We also had to contact American Home Shield to check on status, but ended up having to have company take action to get technician routed to house.

AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello Stanley, Thanks for sharing the feedback about your services. We appreciate the opportunity to improve our customer experience. Thanks

Sandra L
8/11/2017
This company is sending out poorly prepared companies to fix appliances and they leave the appliances in the same condition, they have to be called. Back three times for something that should had been fixed the first time. Oh to add to that one must wait more than thirty minutes before a representative will come on line to assist in the problem. Time and money should be the first concern, our time money not to mention frustration when appliances are not fixed correctly!!!

AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello Sandra, If you provide your contract number or property address and phone number to us at social@ahslink.com, attention "Consumers Advocate", we will follow up with you regarding this matter. Thanks

E
Eric
8/11/2017
Technician was on time, efficient, and courteous.

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
We appreciate the feedback Eric. Thanks

G
Gary G
8/11/2017
AHS was very prompt in their response to my request and the service tech was professional and efficient

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
We are delighted to hear that you are enjoying your services. Thanks for the feedback Gary.

D
Darrel
8/11/2017
A/C not cooling, two to three days before acknowledgement from AHS, one their contractors would not return phone calls, another finally came to look at it. Some part is needed. A week plus without A/C, still not cooling. If we pay AHS more they can get it fixed. What kind of scam are they pulling?

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello Darrel, I am sorry to hear that about this experience with your services and we would like to reach out to you concerning this matter. Please provide your contract number or property address and phone number to social@ahslink.com, attention "Consumers Advocate" and we will be in contact with you. Thanks

Bob C
8/10/2017
I have been a AHS customer for over 20 years and have used it maybe 4-5 times for various items, Although a little slow at times have always had the issues resolved and paid my $75.00 deductible. A few weeks ago, my AC went out. I called and after several days, a repairman finally determined that the unit was not repairable and a new AC was needed. After two weeks of waiting, they finally came back and said, AHS has approved putting in a new unit and your out of pocket cost is $1150.00 due to the Refrigerant only being covered for $10.00 a can, new Pad and the existing wiring updated. I was told when I began paying for AHS that the most--- I would ever have to spend to have a repair made... Read More

AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hi Bob, We would like to reach out to you regarding this issue. If you email your property address and phone number or contract number to social@ahslink.com, attention "Consumers Advocate", we will be in contact with you. Thanks

Chris C
8/10/2017
I highly recommend Andrew from AG Appliances! He was very professional, efficient and knows what he's doing. He fixed everything we needed done and did an excellent job. I was not very confident in using AG, but now would call them for any appliance problem I have as long as they send Andrew.

AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
We appreciate the feedback Chris. Thanks

J
John G
8/10/2017
This is absolutely the worst company ever allowed to exist. If this is the best America has to offer then the worst is in terrible trouble and we should all fly our flags upside down. Three days to replace a furnace motor on a Rheem system in Texas in the middle of the summer.

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hi John, I am sorry to hear about the length of time that it took to resolve this matter. If you can provide your property address and phone number to social@ahslink.com, attention "Consumers Advocate", we will follow up with you regarding this matter. Thanks

Renee C
8/10/2017
I've had this company for 3 years and only had to use 2 times. Well,my ac stopped cooling and i had to call them out. The guy comes out and says the compressor is gone out/condemmed,then he says AHS can replace,but you have to pay for the FREON,which after their little $10 allotment its $105 per lb,and my unit needs 11LBS. Are you serious??why not condem the entire unit,its 11 years old. I have 2 kids at home,what am i supposed to do? Just fork over $1.000 in freon alone,The R22 is the most expensive freon,i dont want to hear that, That;s what i pay$52 a month for. I had them come out months ago for a leak in ceiling ,they cut a hole out ,but then tells me they have no one who can repair... Read More

AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello Renee, My apologies for the issues that you have experienced with your services. I would like to follow up with you concerning this matter. If you email your contract number or property address and phone number to social@ahslink.com, attention "Consumers Advocate", I will be in touch with you regarding this issue. Thanks

N
Nancy
8/10/2017
This company does not listen to its customers. My AC went out and a repair man was supposed to come. He never showed up but still wrote a work order. I get a bill in the mail for services he did not render. I called AHS and they told me to speak with the contractor about the matter. I spoke with him and he said he got my house mixed up with someone else. He said he would call the company but he never did. I tried to contact him again but he never returned my calls. Months later I called AHC to have someone look at my unit. I expressed I did not want the same contractor. They told me I would get another one. Low and behold the same contractor called to set up an appt to look at my ac. I... Read More

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello Nancy, Please send your contract number or property address to social@ahslink.com, attention "Consumers Advocate", and we will be in contact with you. Thanks


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