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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

Loading Reviews ...
Will H
7/31/2017
On recent service call, problem was traced and fixed quickly and professionally. Service representative was personable and knowledgeable. A good experience!

AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Thanks for making us aware of the good experience that you have had, Will.

T
Terry R
7/30/2017
Came out, did nothing, took my $75, and left. Called them to find out why, and they threw a bunch of garbage at me, lied to me and then called me a liar! Please do not ever send this company back to my residence! I have been with American Home Shield for more than 25 years, and I have never been treated this way, by anyone!!!

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello Terry, I am sorry to hear about the situation that you have experienced regarding your services. We have located your information in our system and will be in contact with you concerning this issue. Thanks

J
Julie
7/30/2017
Did not respond to my request for assistance. I emailed multiple times asking for help and follow up. I never received any. While there was a slight delay in my initial response, due to a family emergency, I was not happy.

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello Julie, If you send your information to social@ahslink.com, attention, "Consumers Advocate", we will reach out to you regarding this matter. Thanks

C
Carlos R
7/30/2017
Your customer service, needs improvement. I waited 40 minutes on the phone to talk to a customer service representative . I have been a customer for years, this has been the worst service . Now, it has been 2 1/2 weeks and my microwave is still not fixed, What happened to- #1 BEST ! NEW RATING - POOR.

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello Carlos, It is our goal to provide excellent customer service, and we sincerely apologize if we did not provide you with the excellent customer service that you deserve. We would like to look into the matter that you have made us aware of. Please send your information to social@ahslink.com, attention, "Consumers Advocate" and we will follow up with you. Thanks

S
Sal R
7/30/2017
I have been a customer for 18 years, and over that time I was told by AHS that I was one off their better customers with below average claims. I have been having on going issues with my dryer and had express appliance come out one month after their first visit. On the second visit, which I had to wait an additional 10 days, the technician said the igniter was bad and needed replacement. He asked me if I wanted to clean out the lint inside the housing while he went out and got the part in the truck. I asked him specifically if I could clean where the carbon scoring was. I began cleaning it and couldn't get inside so I told the tech that I was getting an attachment that would let me get... Read More

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello Sal, We would like to follow up with you concerning this issue. If you email your property address and phone number to social@ahslink.com, attention "Consumers Advocate" we will follow up with you. Thanks

L
Luis
7/30/2017
Usually we get a call back within minutes to schedule a contractor the next day . Recently we had a major plumbing issue that needed to be expedited and we couldn't afford to wait for AHS to get a contractor out to our home . Unfortunately, we had to use another contractor and pay out of pocket .

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Luis, I am sorry to hear about the recent issue that you have had and I would like to follow up with you regarding this experience. Please send your information to social@ahslink.com, attention "Consumers Advocate" and we will follow up with you. Thanks

A
Amir S
7/30/2017
Washer was broken, called AHS and had a company come out with in 24 hours. The tech came out fixed the problem with in 30 minutes.

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Amir, We appreciate the wonderful feedback. Thanks

B
Beth
7/30/2017
Excellent service

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Thanks for the excellent feedback, Beth!

R
Ryan
7/30/2017
I have been trying to get this AC problem fixed since June 14th 2017 it is now July 30th and the problem is still not been resolved every time I call and talk to a customer professional I get the runaround saying they're going to call me back saying that they have recorded everything and noted in their computers but everytime I call back I have to tell the story over and over and over it is basically a joke they have overcharged me twice saying that the same company has been to my house twice and I'm getting emails about my account being delinquent because of it they have not yet resolved the problem trying to send me the same contractor that told me there was nothing wrong to begin with... Read More

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello Ryan, We would like to help resolve this issue regarding you a/c problems. If you email your property address and phone number to social@ahslink.com, attention "Consumers Advocate", we will be in touch with you regarding this issue. Thanks

S
Steve r
7/29/2017
It takes too long to get a response from customer service

A
AHS A  
Official Response

Company Rep of American Home Shield
Hello Steve, If you are in need of assistance regarding your services, please send your information to social@ahslink.com, attention, "Consumers Advocate" and we will follow up with you. Thanks


Top Rated
Our Partner
  • 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