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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 ...
ciiskokid
5/27/2020
Read This and ignore ROBO writers Initial call for AC repair, was on hold FOR 3 HOURS. They obviously use an overseas answering service during normal business hours. So the scam is put you on hold until 99% would give up trying to make a claim or request service. Then they tell you it will be 24 hours before anyone arrives. Even when you tell them it's 110 degrees. Bear in mind that any other repair company will be there in an hour. Then it's Typically some no name contractor. Then they make you wait if parts are required. I am a contractor (Telecommunications), I always bring the most likely parts needed to any job. Their game is to 1: hangup before they answer due too long hold times... Read More


Robert T
5/27/2020
American Home Shield Contract #263602272 - Consider this notice that we will be filing a complaint with the BBB and several other Consumer Advocates, including the most popular social media platforms describing our unsatisfactory experience with your service. You have been unable to repair our freezer / icemaker since March 24. We have been on the phone with you and your contractors weekly with no results and have been left absolutely frustrated and very upset with American Home Shield. We believe that we are owed a full refund of our service fee and partial refund of our annual policy fee.


C
carlos m
5/27/2020
They subcontract with UNLICENSED companies. Do NOT work with American home shield


qtfrompa
5/27/2020
My claim was handled quickly and resolved in minutes. The company that was sent did an excellent job.


S
syed h
5/27/2020
please do not buy this warranty i had issues they gave me run around hold for hours every time diff story and then i called because i was super upset wanted to cancel the warranty the person i talked agent id 5257942 name carol i think you guys can listen to the phone call i made around 4:30 Ca time on 5/26/20 she told me there was a charge 34 dollar to cancel the warranty i had paid for 12 months and used only for 10 months when she told me the charge i was gonna ask her since i am not getting any money back for 2 months left i rather keep it but she cancelled it when i was just asking her why have to pay 34 dollars to cancel which was not disclose when i was talking abt cancelling it... Read More


Hugh P
5/24/2020
I have used the service several times and my fee is charged after the service is completed. Had one time I had to do a call back for a leaking sink which took them two (2) trips but, the company came back and I was lucky to get the same tech and he was great and explained what he was going to do and corrected the issue. Recently I had my AC Unit checked to make sure it was ready for the season and again I was taken care of on time and with the COVID-19 problems the tech was in a mask and wearing gloves. He checked everything gave me some suggestions to keep my system in good shape. Outstanding job AMS!


ronnie.toms
5/24/2020
Have had to use the service twice now. It was easy quick responsive. Issue fixed. No hassle. I am very satisfied.


amandagamez0713
5/23/2020
I had American Home Shield for 2 years until 05/20/20 when I logged into my back account to notice that they had charged me more money for my bill. I then logged onto my account with them to realize my contract had expired. They state on their website that you will be notified by email or mail BEFORE your contract is set to expire so that you are able to renew it. So I then called to speak to someone, after all of the sale gimics I ended up cancelling my contract with them. Fast forward to today 05/23/20 when we turn on the AC....it isnt working. The same AC compressor is messed up. I call American Home Shield because I was told this part is under warranty as we had it replaced June of... Read More


Jimmy L
5/21/2020
I have used AHS for a number of years. The company’s responsiveness Is impressive. They get my appliances repaired, or replaced, as necessary every time I made a call for assistance. I have never considered leaving AHS for another company, even though I have had many such offers from competitors who promise to save me money and give me better service. When you are as satisfied as I, those promises fall on deaf ears. This is a good company with a great policy.


maylaatman
5/21/2020
this is the 4th day and no one has contacted me to set an appointment for my service request. I paid my fee of $100, it was taken out of my account and no service. I've been calling AHS all they do is put me on hold to contact the contractor, which I was doing the same thing and not getting my call answered. AHS needs to rethink about their agreement they have for the contractors they have for their customer's services. taking money and promising a service within 48 hours and still nothing is NOT RIGHT! I'm ready to take my service elsewhere and refund back my money. Mind you, when calling AHS you will be on hold for over 30mins only to answer you call without solutions or drop your... Read More



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