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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

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Rene G
11/6/2016
I had to replace my water heater, I notified Home Shield and immediately gotr a call from the company in Spokane and got an a[ppointment for installation. The installation was proffessionally done at the minimal fee I had to pay. We are extremely pleased wirth the work and the prompt attention given to us by Home Shield.Excellent response an d work.


O
Omar H
11/6/2016
American Home Sheild has done a fabulous job, they get the job done. Customer service is always very helpful, they send out some of the best contractors in the area. I am so glad we renewed our contract with them after we bought our house.


V
Vicki Z
11/6/2016
Our garage door opener was not working, I called and scheduled an appointment. The contractor was flexible with his schedule and we were able to have it fixed within a few days. He was very informative and took care of replacing the motor.He was very neat with his work and cleaned up after.


B
Barbara F
11/6/2016
Have had 3 service calls so far. The appoints were made on a timely matter. The service people were pleasant dressed appropriately with ID. They always called prior to coming and prompt. We were very satisfied with their service. Glad we joined the service. Since we are now senior citizens it nice to know we can count on respected businesses to take care of our service needs


H
Heather
11/3/2016
Since there is no email address provided anywhere for customer services, I'll write this here, so I have further documentation: I have no heat. It has been over a week since I first called American Home Shield, and 1 week since the contractor was out to see my home. They have NOT fixed anything, nor given me even a timeline. They say they are "researching" a part for me - for a WEEK. Customer service is not helpful, and they will not let me use my own contractor even though theirs is not doing anything! With temps in the low 30s at night this is completely unprofessional and irresponsible and poses a health safety issue. If they have a contractor who is unable to complete the job then I... Read More


R
Ramaa
11/3/2016
I'm having a very bad experience with American Home Shield(AHS). I've been having issues with my dishwasher and the status is still pending for close to 3 months now.


Ethel B
11/2/2016
The worst company to deal with. I dealt with three of my worst experiences. Nothing seem to get fixed properly. One, I feel as though the people they used seemed a little inexperienced. That ready frustrated me trying get stuff fixed. First, the plumber unclogged one side of sink and water went into the other and then go out of sink. He said he can't gut it out any further cause his hose short. He said call again so home shield can send out somebody else. I said I'm not paying another copay. Second, water heater which they supplied me but the plumber kept finding reasons why he would not put it in. I needed a board to fix floor so he could heater on. Then he said he wont put... Read More


J
Jennifer
11/1/2016
I purchased the AHS warranty with the most comprehensive coverage when I closed on my home a month ago. I have requested service three times on plumbing and water heater issues. Two of the three times were for busted pipes that I actually had to have the water to the house turned off. Never got a call from anyone. Had to call my own repairman out. The water heater was not repaired correctly and actually now needs to be replaced. Spent hours on the phone between the three issues on hold. When I finally spoke with someone to voice my concerns, they didn't care. This is THE WORST company and customer service I have ever dealt with. Seriously, the scam they are running should be illegal.


E
Eva
10/31/2016
This is the worst home warranty you could get ... they pick company with poor review to check your home and poor technicians to fix your problems and it's still not fix ... Poor customer services also


K
Kathy c
10/30/2016
Promised, but never followed thru



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