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American Home Shield Review


ConsumersAdvocate.org Rating: 4.7 / 5 (Excellent)
4,124 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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4124 Customer Comments & Reviews

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Jack A
8/26/2017
The company is only as good as its service providers. The first problem I had was a problem with my tub, the second a fan, and the third an AC. The first two took almost five months each to resolve. On a positive note, the AHS representatives tried to help, but they weren't given tools to do anything to help me directly. Just - eventually - to give their contractors a bad grade. In both cases, the service providers didn't communicate, didn't show up, etc. Months later, I was finally fixed. Now, with my AC out and my house over 90 degrees in a FL summer, the tech responds within two days, says he fixes the unit, but doesn't. Still 90. I call for help - the emergency line doesn't pick up,... Read More

AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello Jack,. We would like to look into this matter regarding your services. If you provide your contact information to social@ahslink.com, attention, "Consumers Advocate", and we will be in contact with you regarding this matter. Thanks

D
Dwb
8/26/2017
The plumbing technician claimed that the travese of the shower valve was stripped due to owner use. The unit is made of plastic and is 30 years old. Nothing lasts forever; AHS. is taking the plumbers side of the issue and refuses to stand by their warranty of plumbing issues.

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello, We would like to look into this matter. If you can provide your contact information, to us by emailing social@ahslink.com, attention, "Consumers Advocate", we will be in touch with you regarding this matter. Thanks

J
Jesse K
8/26/2017
I wasn't so sure about the whole home warranty thing at first, especially being new homeowners. After having some issues with our refrigerator and no luck with repair, American Home Shield issued us a replacement and we were 110% satisfied and glad we made the decision to chose AHS warranty!

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Thanks for the great feedback Jesse!

K
Katherine S
8/26/2017
Since purchasing our home 4 months ago we have only had to use our warranty once for the air conditioning. After putting in the request via their website I received a text and email confirming what was needed and the company they used to repair my a/c also called us within the hour. Their was no haggling or struggle.to find someone to do the repair and when a second leak was discovered 2 days later they were on top of it getting the repair man back out again. I lover my warranty and plan to renew it every year.

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Katherine, We are happy to hear that you are pleased with your services! Thank you for the wonderful feedback.

Lance G
8/26/2017
We had asked for service on our air conditioner leaking through the drain in the garage. We didn't know that it was an air conditioner issue so we initially asked for a plumber. The plumber realized it was an AC issue so had AHS transfer providers at no additional call out cost. The HVAC technician had the issue resolved in 15 minutes. Great service!

AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Thanks for taking the time to tell us about your service experience, Lance. Happy to hear the issue was resolved to your satisfaction.

R
Robert W
8/26/2017
I have been with American home shield for at least 6 years and can say that it was a very important decision. They have helped me on several items a were very professional and curtious. They made a bid difference in my life. I would recommend them to friends and family. Everyone need this kind of service I highly recommend them to everyone.

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Thanks for the great feedback.

L
Lisa
8/26/2017
I've never been more frustrated with a customer service experience than in my experience dealing with American Home Shield. While the technicians they ultimately sent out to work on my problems were professional, competent, and polite, the folks at American Home Shield were the exact opposite. In the three times I called as a new home owner, I was told a variety of different stories relating to my coverage. Being told you don't have Home Warranty coverage (when you do), is extremely frustrating when your air conditioner is broken and the outside temperature is greater than 95 degrees. Being treated rudely and dismissively is a whole different level of frustrating. I've never been more... Read More

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello Lisa, I sincerely apologize for this frustrating experience with your services. If you provide your contract number or property address and phone number to us by emailing social@ahslink.com, attention, "Consumers Advocate", we will be in contact with you. Thanks

L
Leon P
8/26/2017
The service was great. The problem was discovered and fixed quickly

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello Leon, Thanks for providing your feedback. We are happy to hear that you are enjoying your services.

S
Sara
8/26/2017
I am not sure what I am reviewing.. but the customer service that I experience from your company has been horrible so far. The first time I called in I waited on the phone for 20 minutes and when I spoke with a customer service agent she told me her computer was down and I said will can you please transfer me to somebody else and she said no we don't have that capability you'll have to call back. So then I call right back because the lady was rude to me and I wait on the phone for 45 minutes this time before I get anybody.

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello Sara, We would like to reach out to you concerning this issue. If you send your information to us by emailing social@ahslink.com, attention, "Consumers Advocate", we will be in contact with you regarding this matter. Thanks

G
Gail S
8/26/2017
Every experience has been outstanding. Very professional and timely. Except for fixing my ceiling fans/lighting. The last "professional" could not come over till he got off work at 7 pm. He never could make it to the house. There was no follow-up on the part of American Home Shield. So I gave up. That is my fault. Considering this is the only breakdown in service/communications in thirteen years, they rate a definate 4.5 stars overall. Outstanding company, one you can depend on.

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
We appreciate the great feedback, Gail. Thanks


Top Rated
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  • Plans & pricing to fit every budget
  • No age limit on systems & appliances
  • No inspection or maintenance records required
  • If a covered item can’t be repaired, they replace it
  • 30-day workmanship guarantee