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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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Ellen B
8/16/2017
Professional, efficient plumbing expert. The gentleman worked quickly, explained to me the issues regarding the repairs, went to the hardware store to purchase an item he needed to repair my faucet.

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AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Great feedback Ellen. Thanks

K
Ken
8/16/2017
It has now been 5 visits from two different AHS Contractors to repair our refrigerator and it is still not fixed. Just ridiculous. This fridge is old and should have just been replaced. Instead, they keep replacing parts, which is not fixing the problem. Very Frustrating!

T
T. W  
Official Response

AHS Rep of American Home Shield
Ken, I agree. If the technician is not able to complete the repair in a timely manner, we should look into replacement options. Please email us at social@ahslink.com Attention: Consumer Advocate. We will be glad to contact you.

Matt M
8/16/2017
Any company which is only willing to allow customers who would recommend them to write reviews is complete garbage.

AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello Matt, If you have any issues regarding your services that we can assist with, please email your information to social@ahslink.com, attention, "Consumers Advocate" and we will be in contact with you. Thanks

A
Anita F
8/16/2017
Our recent service request was completed professionally and in a timely fashion. My AC went down in triple digit heat. I received a call within 24 hours and service the next day. We were back on line quickly and only had to endure 80 degree temperature on one side of the house for one day. We couldn't have asked for better service. Thank you AHS staff and contractors.

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Thanks for sharing the wonderful feedback, Anita!

M
Marty P
8/16/2017
Very disappointed in the service that was provided by AHS. 7/10/17 call placed AC out 105 degrees in home over 1 hour to get phone contact. Was informed that Technician would be on site. Had to stay in hotel since temperature in home was in excess of 110 degrees.7/11- NO SHOW 7/12-Another company sent by AHS. Technician replaced capacitor and performed other work indicated on service report but unable to read. 7/13-Another call placed to AHS, system not cooling properly and unable to get any confirmation that a technician was coming.7/14-called personal AC contractor that was used in past and they did Report indicated) quick fix and recharge AC voltage absorption system Indoor Add... Read More

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello Marty, We would like to look into this situation that you have made us aware of. If you provide your contract number or property address and phone number to social@ahslink.com, attention, "Consumers Advocate", we will follow up with you. Thanks

V
ValDora c
8/16/2017
My experience with AHS when my washer could not be repaired was very rewarding. They assisted with scheduling an appointment for a repair person to assess the problem and once a determination was made they found a replacement which was acceptable. The installation was handled within a week. The techs were very professional and informative regarding proper use and maintenance.

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
We appreciate the great feedback ValDora!

P
Paul M
8/16/2017
The response was timely and the workmanship very professional. I recommend.

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
We are happy to hear that you are satisfied with your services Paul. Thanks for the feedback.

M
Margie
8/16/2017
Everything got done but it was a painful experience getting there. To begin with Altho the recording states 10 minutes EVERY SINGLE CALL I was on hold for OVER AN HOUR- unconscionable! The contractor Donell, from Controlled Climates was excellent. However his hands were tied because the part that was supposedly ordered didn't come in, he had to do all the followup, the purchase order was misplaced, the supply house gave it to another contractor who had the same purchase order. Sloppy sloppy sloppy and a horrible run around leaving me without air conditioning for almost 4 weeks ... and only then with my having to be involved with the followup and calling the President, Tom Haynes' office... Read More

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello Margie, I am sorry to hear about the experience you've had with your services. I am happy that this matter has been resolved to your satisfaction. If you have any issues that we can help with please provide your information to social@ahslink.com, attention "Consumers Advocate" and we will be in contact with you. Thanks

D
Danielsjheila84
8/16/2017
Costs are reasonable but seem to use very small companies per my experience with plumbing and dryer repair this year. On both occasions contractors had to return when primary repair was insufficient.

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Daniel, Thanks for sharing the feedback of your service experience. We will use it to improve our products and services.

D
Di
8/16/2017
my contract with AHS is half and half, of course you refer Contractor to me immediately, last year 8/29/16, I had problem with my A/C in basement, you refer 3 Contractor, first one came (Liberty Plumbing) Service man came and left for no report, I had complain to AHS, on 9/22/16 you refer 2nd Contractor (Eastern Air Control) from South NJ, on the way to my apt. they called to cancel the appt. because the man got traffic ticket. on 9/26/16 you refer 3rd contracti American Airflow -Brian, they ordered new Split unit and installed on 11/3/16, it was winter season, we did not use, until this year super hot day June 22, 2017 we turned on both A/C and split unit, A/C in main house did not work,... Read More

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello Di, I am sorry to hear about the problems that you have experienced regarding your services. If there is anything that we can assist you with please let us know by emailing 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


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