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2020’s American Home Shield Reviews: Key Details & Pricing
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Strengths
- Available in almost all U.S. states
- Clear and understandable plans and coverage
- Plans are customizable with plenty of add-ons
Weaknesses
- You cannot choose your own technician
- Pools and septic tanks cost extra
Breakdown
SERVICE FEE
$75 - $125
ANNUAL COST
Starts from $359.88
REPAIR GUARANTEE
30 Days
BBB ACCREDITATION
B
CANCELLATION POLICY
Within First 30 Days
HOME INSPECTION
No
American Home Shield entered the home warranty policy market in 1971 with the aim of making homeownership a less scary prospect. They have since established their reputation as one of the most prominent names in the industry.
American Home Shield reviews show that homeowners are attracted to their clear and transparent warranty packages, the fact that they can make unlimited callouts, and their 24/7 customer service.
In this review, we’ll cover:
- Pros, cons, and standout features
- Pricing plans and options
- American Home Shield warranty coverage, exclusions, and details
- How to file a service request
- American Home Shield reputation and reviews
- Top American Home Shield competitors and alternatives
- FAQs
How does American Home Shield compare to others?
American Home Shield Warranty Breakdown
| Feature | Details |
| States Served | AHS serves customers in all states, except for Alaska. |
| American Home Shield Annual Cost | Prices start at as low as $29.99 per month or $359.88 per year. |
| Service Fees | The applicable service fee can be $75, $100, or $125, depending on which plan you choose. |
| Waiting Period to Start Coverage | AHS has a standard 30-day waiting period. |
| Repair Facilities | AHS works with a network of independent contractors across the U.S. |
| Turnaround Claim Process Time | Turnaround time depends on a number of factors, such as the repair requirements, parts availability, contractor availability, and your own schedule. |
| Repair Guarantee | AHS offers a 30-day workmanship guarantee. If you experience any issues with your service and report it within 30 days, they will send a contractor back charge-free. |
| Customer Service Availability | You can call customer service at 888 223 3763 or request a service through your dashboard 24/7/365. |
| BBB Accreditation | BBB accredited, with a B rating. |
| Renewal Policy | If you have automatic payments set up, AHS will send a renewal agreement at least 30 days before your contract expires. Otherwise, you will need to contact them to renew your contract. No renewal fee is charged. |
| Cancellation Policy | You can cancel your policy for free within the first 30 days. Thereafter, you can cancel for a prorated refund. |
| Cancellation Fee | After the first 30 days, you will need to pay an administrative fee of up to 1 months’ value, depending on the state. |
| Home Inspection or Maintenance Records Required | No |
American Home Shield Home Warranty Details
American Home Shield maintains a network of service contractors across the entire U.S. When filing a claim, they will automatically try to locate an available contractor in your vicinity. For that reason, you aren’t able to choose your own technician and then file a claim later on.
AHS is pretty transparent when it comes to the exclusions and limitations that apply to their warranties. You can download sample contracts from their website or check the plans and FAQ for in-depth breakdowns. Their service limitations are pretty much standard among home warranty providers:
- Damage from insufficient maintenance, rust, corrosion, and sediment
- Improper repairs, modifications or installations
- Undetectable pre-existing conditions
You can also check out what each home warranty covers for an in-depth list of inclusions and exclusions.
As far as credibility goes, AHS is accredited with the National Home Service Contract Association which is pretty much the benchmark for home warranty providers.
AHS customer service can be reached 24/7 via the number 888.682.1043. They provide email contacts only for security or privacy information, however, you may also reach them via their numerous social media accounts.
There are some concerns about the availability and responsiveness of AHS’ customer service. American Home Shield customer reviews are mixed, with some customers complaining about the speed their claims are dealt with. That said, other customers have had very positive experiences and the staff themselves are friendly and professional. AHS also seems to have a higher claim approval rate than average, which should give customers peace of mind.
American Home Shield Warranty Pricing & Plan Options
American Home Shield offers three pricing plans to choose from – covering either home appliances, systems, or both. Although there isn’t a plan that covers every appliance or home system, there is a sizeable range of add-ons that you can purchase for an additional fee.
The cost of the plans depends on the state in which your home is located, any discounts offered by AHS, as well as how much you would like to pay in service fees.
Appliances Plan
Starts at around $29.99-$49.99/month
Service fee: $75-$125
Coverage
Covers home appliances including refrigerator, ranges, ovens, cooktops, clothes washers, clothes dryers, dishwashers, built-in microwave ovens, trash compactors, freestanding ice makers, garage door openers, built-in food centers.
What’s not covered
- Air conditioning: outside/underground pumping, window units, water towers, chillers, water lines, legally mandated testing
- Heating: outside/underground pumping. fuel storage tanks, portable units, fireplace grain, legally mandated testing
- Electrical: audio, video, computer, security, or telephone wiring, faceplates, circuit overload
- Central vacuum: removable hoses/accessories, cost of accessing location
- Water heaters: auxiliary tanks, noise, fuel storage
- Rekey: replacement of components
Reimbursement options
You will pay the service contractor upfront and then submit your invoice to AHS for reimbursement.
Systems Plan
Starts at around $29.99-$49.99/month
Service fee: $75-$125
Coverage
Covers home appliances including refrigerator, ranges, ovens, cooktops, clothes washers, clothes dryers, dishwashers, built-in microwave ovens, trash compactors, freestanding ice makers, garage door openers, built-in food centers.
What’s not covered
- Freezers: freestanding freezers, multi-media centers, wine chillers
- Garage door openers: garage doors, garage door track assemblies
- Built-in food centers: any removable accessories
Reimbursement options
You will pay the service contractor upfront and then submit your invoice to AHS for reimbursement.
Combo Plan
Around $59.99
Service fee: $75-$125
Coverage
Covers everything in both the Appliances and Systems Plans.
What’s not covered
Everything excluded in Appliance and Systems Plans
Reimbursement options
You will pay the service contractor upfront and then submit your invoice to AHS for reimbursement.
Additional Coverage
You can get additional coverage for the following items:
- Electronics Coverage powered by Asurion: $14
- Guest Unit (Maximum square footage: 750 feet): $9.99
- Pool and Inground Spas:
- Pool only: $18.75
- Inground spa: $18.75
- Pool/inground spa equipment: $18.75
- Inground additional spa: $12.92
- Septic System Pumping & Septic Sewage Ejector Pump: $4.17
- Well Pump: $8.33
These add-ons also come with their own list of limitations and exclusions.
How To File Your Home Warranty Service Request Step By Step
To ensure that any future claim goes as smoothly as possible, you should always have copies of your warranty near at hand. That being said, it’s very simple and hassle-free to file a service request via AHS:
- Take your contract and try to determine whether the damage you’ve sustained is covered. Your customer service representative or service contractor can also help you later on if you’re not sure.
- File a service request via the online form or the customer service number.
- AHS will find a service provider near you and put you in contact to arrange a home inspection date.
- The service contractor will inspect the damage, determine whether it’s covered by your warranty, and report back to AHS.
- If possible, the service contractor will fix the issue on the spot, otherwise, they will arrange another appointment to carry out the repairs/replacement.
- You will need to pay an on-the-spot service fee between $75 to $125 for each callout. If any of the work is not covered by your plan, you’ll also need to pay for it.
- Once the work is completed, the contractor will invoice AHS directly to be paid for the work covered in the warranty.
- Under the 30-day workmanship guarantee, you can file a claim for the service contractor to return and fix the issue for free.
Pros & Cons
Available in almost all U.S. states
Clear and understandable plans and coverage
Plans are customizable with plenty of add-ons
You cannot choose your own technician
Pools and septic tanks cost extra
American Home Shield Reviews & Reputation
AHS has been a BBB accredited business for over 20 years, since 4/30/1997. Despite this, they only have a respectable rating of B. American Home Shield user reviews on BBB give it just over 2.5 stars based on more than 6,000 reviews, so it is a bit of a mixed bag.
American Home Shield doesn’t get much better ratings on Trustpilot, where they score only 1 star, although this is for a relatively low number of reviews. However, they’ve maintained an excellent 4-star rating on ConsumerAffairs from an overwhelming 15,532 customer reviews. Most of the American Home Shield complaints seem to be about exceptionally long holding times when trying to get through on the phone.
American Home Shield Alternatives
- First American Home Warranty: Part of the 125-year-old First American Family of Companies, FAHW features comprehensive coverage, replaces unfixable appliances, and covers improper installation, modification, or maintenance. Prices start at around $25 per month.
- American Residential Warranty: An A+ BBB accredited company that offers 5 individual plans. Prices start at an affordable $24.99 with low service fees.
Wrap-Up
Customers are sure to appreciate AHS’ understandable and clear packages. While it’s not the most comprehensive coverage around, AHS caters to their customers’ individual needs with packages that focus on different types of coverage.
So, if you want to specifically cover either your home appliances or your home’s electronic, HVAC, or other systems – AHS might be the most logical option. The same applies if you need coverage for a specific item like a pool, spa, guest unit, or septic tank system.
Unlimited callouts and 24/7 service requests make them a consumer-friendly option. Judging by numerous American Home Shield customer reviews, many of their customers agree.
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FAQ
Are there any limits to my coverage or exclusions to my contract?
Like any other home warranty provider, there are certain exclusions as well as a limitation of liability at play. AHS does a good job of explaining these in their FAQs, pricing plans, etc. You should carefully review your contract to establish exactly what is covered. However, the following guidelines apply: Damage from insufficient maintenance, rust, corrosion, or sediment Improper home repairs, modifications, or installations
What if I have an appliance that can’t be fixed?
As long as it’s covered within your warranty contract, AHS will replace certain appliances if they are deemed irreparable by the service contractor.
How can I reach customer service?
Customer service as well as filing a claim is available 24/7, either via the phone number provided on the website (888.682.1043) or via an online form.
Are there any discounts?
American Home Shield reviews show that there are a number of discounts on offer. They usually provide a discount for subscribing to an annual plan instead of paying month by month. There is also a $50 discount for purchasing a warranty for your second home, a $25 Amazon gift card for referrals, and they claim to pass on discounts for certain parts and appliances on to you.