We may receive a fee if you click on the links below. Compensation does not influence rankings. Not all brands are featured. Learn more

American Home Shield Review


ConsumersAdvocate.org Rating: 4.7 / 5 (Excellent)
4,138 Customer Comments & Reviews - see all comments
Our content is free because we may earn a commission when you click or make a purchase using our site. Learn more.
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

Leave a comment for American Home Shield
Minimum 12 words.
 No maximum length.
* What's Your Rating?
To make this comment as helpful as possible for our community, please provide at least 2 sentences.

4138 Customer Comments & Reviews

Loading Reviews ...
L
Lee D
9/2/2016
We were having an electrical breaker problem in part of our home. We called American Homeshield and within a couple of hours we had a return call from an electrician. He came the next morning found and repaired the problem. So our problem was solved in less than 24 HRS.. We were very pleased that we had the protection.


E
EVELYN C
9/2/2016
I was really impressed with the last contractor, he exceeded my expectations!!!. He was on time in fact, he gave me a timeline and the day before the appointment...called to give me an exact time. He showed up right on the money and this was important to me because of my busy schedule. he was so honest and told me that I didn't need any repairs, I just needed to know how to turn the system back on ??. I then asked him about a certain repair I was planning on doing, thank God for his info. He explained how it wasn't necessary and how there was an easier less expensive fix. I was sooooo grateful to this company, I wish they were all like him!!!. Thank you American Home Shield for sending me... Read More


J
Joann T
9/1/2016
He was very professional, polite and on time. He had to order a part which was delivered in about 2 hours. He came back and replaced the part for the dryer. I felt very safe with the technician in my home.


F
Fred R
8/31/2016
The tradesmen that American Home Shield provides are top notch professionals. From experience, other companies send people that are marginal, at best. American Home Shield cares about getting the repair done right the first time.


R
richard s
8/30/2016
Have been a customer for many years have had many major repairs and new washer . but the last couple of times the repair poeple have seemed to be less knowlegeable about what they have done . we had a plumber for three items toliet bowl leak, bath facet drip ,and i had to tape my kitchen drain to keep disposal from viberating the drain loose. the man repaired the toliet , the facet on the tub still drips and the sink ????He claimed to fix all three but only did one ! I watched him at work and wasnt impressed at all !! was on his smart phone like he wasnt sure what he was doing ?? I m waiting to see what they do.


J
Jimmie M
8/30/2016
I was pleased with their automated service and the quick response of the assigned repairman. This was the second time I have dealt with this repairman. He shows when he promises and is extremely courteous.


J
JAMES B
8/30/2016
Tucker Appliance and Tax is a pleasure to work with. The staff was very cordial, courteous and professional. They were very prompt in scheduling and appointment for install of my refrigerator and icemaker. The two gentleman worked together as a unified team and the work was completed expediently. They picked up all their packing materials and no task was left undone. This company is definitely at the forefront of providing excellent customer service.


L
LoLoddd
8/29/2016
looking to replace my current home warranty, I spoke to Derrick Rodgers who told me they were celebrating there 40 years in business, AHS was offering 25% off your monthly payment for a year, if I signed up that day. After we chose my plan and I provide my CC info, Derrick was to email me the contract to review. after 1 week of not receiving the information on the plan I purchased with the discount. I called Derrick Rodgers back with the number he provided. I got a different rep. who told me the company was not celebrating there 40 years in business and there was no 25% off special. Feeling very deceived, I cancelled my contract.


N
Natalie G
8/29/2016
I have not had any good experiences with AHS in the past year that I've had them. They use shady contractors with horrible ratings and then turn around and deny the claim due to the contractors feedback. I just filed a claim online today for AC being out. I received an email to contact the contractor to set up an appointment. The contractor had a voicemail saying to leave message and they would return the call the next business day. So I called AHS to see about getting another contractor assigned that actually does emergency service calls and was told that my situation doesn't warrant an emergency call, although I have a disabled vet with heart condition and high blood pressure. When I... Read More


D
DEE D
8/29/2016
Beware the corporate office isn't as helpful as you may think!



148 of visitors
selected this partner
148 of visitors  selected this partner
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