American Home Shield Review

Rating: 9.4 / 10 (Excellent)
4,139 Customer 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. </br> </br> 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 Do We Rate American Home Shield?

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

Our 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

Our Partner

Limited Time Offer: $150 OFF All Plans*

  • Home Warranty Plans Starting at $29.99 a Mo.
  • Covering 2 Million Plus Members for 50+ Years
  • No Age Limits on Covered Systems & Appliances
  • No Inspections or Records Required

Latest American Home Shield Reviews

fortywater23

2/3/2025
I would give 0 stars if possible! Set up a repair on December 2nd to have my dryer looked at, on December 6th the repair technician came out said he knew the issue and would order parts. Come the end of December still no contact from repair company and when reach out I’m told parts are on order. I wait another 2 weeks and reach out and told the same thing “parts are on order” so I give it another 2 weeks and this time I request to cancel my warranty or give me a different company to fix my dryer. Long story-short there are no other companies they contract with and try to reorder parts after 2 months. I ended up cancelling the warranty and working on getting all my money back. This was the... Read More


johntinvegas

9/18/2024
This company is a complete fraud. I have paid them thousands over the years for coverage for a 'home warranty.' This is a thing they offer, but do not actually provide. Today I opened a ticket for a washing machine which has steadily been growing louder and louder. After a 100.00 fee, in addition to all the fees they collect month after month, after month, it takes some days to get a contractor assigned and a 'tech' dispatched. Was this a tech? I don't think he was. I would call him an inspector, as he did absolutely nothing. Told me it is the transmission. Makes sense. Sounds like it. Go ahead and fix it. Oh, no. Must write a report and submit it to the 'warranty' company... Read More


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Randy W

8/21/2024
We have used American Home Shield for several years and filed three claims. The first two were for a boiler furnace and both took over 5 days to complete the repair. We live in Michigan and it gets cold in January!!! The latest claim was to replace a hot water tank. There were over $800 in "uncovered charges" and took two weeks to replace. We will not be renewing this year. Buyer beware!!!!!


Merl S

7/26/2024
I have had the misfortune of having two claims with this company and it is a nightmare to get to do what they advertise they will do. They use every excuse they can to not pay claim and get customers to give up. They have enough hidden disclaimers in the contract that you need to pay an attorney to explain it to you and that that time you would probably come to the conclusion it would have been smarter to bank the premium they charge and pay for your own repairs. A one-star rating is too good for this company!!!


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Gary A

7/24/2024
I put in a service request due to the kitchen faucet not working properly. They quickly charge you $100 for the service call. The plumber they sent out said the faucet needs to be replaced and not repairable. He asked for authorization, and they denied it. Their customer service reps apparently look for any possible way to deny coverage. No chance offered to appeal or for a second opinion. Customer service reps have zero listening skills. Incapable of understanding that the issue was with the faucet, not the water flow into the house. My recommendation is to avoid this company. Something as simple as a kitchen faucet that isn't working properly gets denied should be a big red flag to... Read More


Matthew L

7/19/2024
Well, it has been 32 days, 5 visits, and 3 motors and my AC still isn't fixed. There's also now a giant 3x3' hole where my ceiling fell in due to the AC drip pan for the upstairs unit overfilling. AHS won't cover that as it is "secondary damage" despite the fact it was caused by the upstairs unit struggling to keep up with no downstairs unit for a month now in 90-degree weather. They also charged me a second service charge to have the tech look at the hole in the ceiling. Then told me it was not covered. After reporting them to the BBB they decided to refund the charge they conned me into as compensation. All bait and switch and they can translate the contract however they see fit. The... Read More


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V C

7/17/2024
I placed a work order in June for my water heater, the technician with Stallion Plumbing did not do a full inspection on my water heater, they ordered a part for a flame sensor and left. After making several calls to see why our water heater was not repaired, or why they had not come back they returned one month later when we called again to report the water heater was leaking. Again you sent Stallion Plumbing out where he stated our expansion tank was bad, he noted a date on the expansion tank showing "Failed" yet this was not indicated with the first technician and now the claim is being denied due to secondary reasoning. Had this been inspected correctly in June we would not have had a... Read More


al.leesr

7/4/2024
Awful, I put in a service request to have my AC look at because the thermostat went out and it stopped blowing out cool air. The unit started working again so I thought it was ok and canceled the request and the rep said that I should receive a refund in 7-10 days. the Unit went out again, so I called to put in a request for service, I ask the rep could the just keep the refund and send someone out to check the unit. She said no because the refund has already been initiated and I would have to pay another 125.00 to start a new claim. So, I did. They sent a tech out and he said that a fuse was blown in the air handler. He left his phone number and asked me to monitor it because he was sure... Read More


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Nicole

7/2/2024
Awful. Created a service request to have my AC fixed. A month and four visits later and nothing has been done to fix my issue. It is currently summer in California. The inside of my home is over 100 degrees. Once the temperature exceeds 100 degrees the thermostat just reads "HI." They have no sense of urgency, nor do they seem to understand the severity of the issue. Customer service representatives are useless and provide no real resolutions. Worst insurance company I've ever dealt with. Completely unacceptable.


Doug A

7/2/2024
I have been an AHS customer for 8 to 10 years at least. Rarely need a repair and have never been late on a payment in all those years. Our AC went out and they sent a repairman on June 28th. We paid the $100 service fee they charge if you ever use their service. Our AC was not repaired correctly and went out again with the exact same issue on July 2nd. American Home Shield is making us pay the $100 service fee again because the AC broke 34 days after the original repair, and they adamantly told us they will not honor their repair if it is more than 30 days. Bad business folks. You really better hope the repairman gets it right the first time, because if it breaks even 1 day after the... Read More


jkathrynh

7/1/2024
DO NOT USE AHS.!!!!!!!After horrible customer service and different answers from different people, we are told we have to wait 3 weeks to get our HVAC looked at in over 90 degree heat and a house with temperatures of over 100 upstairs. This company is useless and wastes your time and money. They are rude and condescending with customers experiencing stressful situations. This is not the first time they have taken over a week to get someone to our home and couldn’t even resolve the issue. Go with another warranty company!!!!


jkathrynh

7/1/2024
DO NOT USE AHS.!!!!!!!After horrible customer service and different answers from different people, we are told we have to wait 3 weeks to get our HVAC looked at in over 90 degree heat and a house with temperatures of over 100 upstairs. This company is useless and wastes your time and money. They are rude and condescending with customers experiencing stressful situations. This is not the first time they have taken over a week to get someone to our home and couldn’t even resolve the issue. Go with another warranty company!!!!


mcmujame

6/25/2024
They are helpful until you have a major appliance go out and then they don't want to help you at all. I had an AC Unit go out and needed a new compressor and was 18 years old running on R22 which they didn't make anymore and the technician recommended a replacement, but he told me American home shield decided to repair the compressor instead and use the incorrect refrigerant which would most likely damage the coils. I talked to some of their contractors and they said they will always ask "Could it possibly be repair though?" at the end and anything is really repairable to an extent so they have to say yes to that so they don't have to help cover a new system.


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Angel M

6/17/2024
Very disgruntled client…….. I fell on hard times…… called and set up arrangements to get caught up…. Your customer service agreed…. All we in to pay…..EARLY…. And was told my contract has been cancelled…. I’ve been with AHS over 10 years….. never late…… they even reviewed documentation where I was told that once I paid it be reinstated…. Only to be told that since it was canceled it was nothing to be done but to restart a new contract. Poor customer service…… had I been told at the time I called in… this wouldn’t be so disturbing. I have never made a complaint about anything but this is very disturbing….. I have made payment arrangements with different company’s….. and the honor them….... Read More


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Aaron

4/10/2024
Customer of 5 years. I decided to cancel after numerous rate increases. There is no option to cancel online and you are forced to call, sit through multiple transfers, and argue with the support staff that you want to cancel your account. Then they have the cajones to charge you a cancellation fee. Absolutely frustrating and horrible experience.


lisakrayner

3/13/2024
NIGHTMARE… Do not purchase an American Home Shield contract. They used to be a reliable company, but now are operating as a scam…they do not replace items that need replacing, instead they only replace parts, even when their “approved” technicians recommend replacement. Oh, and then try and CANCEL your contract…they put you on a loop of “customer service” people that either hang up on you (forcing you to call back) or you get an incredibly RUDE person like NAYA… who is glib as she “cancels” your policy then tells you that you now owe a cancellation fee… I was so upset that I Called back (and finally after going through the hoops) got someone in conflict resolution named “Jen” who calmed me... Read More


Joanne B

3/1/2024
Absolutely terrible customer service, incompetent contractors, warranty not honored. Do not trust this company.


mrs.alansr

2/15/2024
I’ve been without a refrigerator for 6 weeks eating out the restaurant everyday that’s not good for my health I lost a lot of food when my fridge went down American home shield was great until my fridge went down and offered me 500 and something dollars towards a new fridge my fridge that broke was three thousands dollars and my new one is four thousand dollars so that five hundred wasn’t even close and it’s taken so long I’m gone to look for a new warranty company


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Suzanne M

2/8/2024
We just received a new rate for 2024 which is higher. Our service fee also went up. We'll be shopping around to compare prices. Last year I received lower rates on a new contract. I've never been able to log into that contract to update my credit card. For service I've had to call rather than order online. I need some help.


jwizash

2/8/2024
AHS needs to do a serious review of the companies on their roster. My sump pump failed and flooded my basement. Filed my claim on a Friday, spoke with the plumber that day, he gave me a 10 am to 3 pm window the next day. Never showed up, nor called or answered the phone. Sunday I call customer service, who couldn't get in touch with him either. One would THINK, they'd dispatch someone else!! Nope, that would make too much sense. Monday comes still nothing, I called my old Air Force roommate who's a plumber, thank God he came and changed out my sump pump. Took him all of 30 freaking minutes!! Got all the water cleaned up. Thanks for not the AHS.


dpettitt66

1/26/2024
Pay monthly..pay the service charge.. nothing gets fixed! Stall after stall. Canx them and look for another company!


morenaphd28

11/24/2023
American Home Shield is dishonest and doesn't honor the services and quality of replacement. They falsifies information not to provide the repair on services needed. to charge another deductible to come back about the same problem. I have been very patient throughout the 17 years of there services and I am not going to tolerate substandard service and quality of replacements that is not even close to what I have. example: my deep freezer stopped working all of a sudden it was not covered. When I started the policy all my appliances were covered, door bell etc. I pay for the monthly fee in the event a repair is necessary. Whenever I need services, they don't follow... Read More


dcomito2

11/14/2023
I have had their coverage for almost 40 years. One item I noticed in my current contract is the refrigerator ice maker is no longer covered. When I read their standard contract for the 2022-23 year it shows it's covered. So my question is, why, as a customer for almost 40 years, was this exclusion made in my contract.


dbaumgart65

11/8/2023
I have had AHS for three years now and have been paying for their premium service, which I have only used three times. The waiting time for each service I've placed has been significant to ridiculous. It makes no difference how much information you provide before hand (including make, model, serial number, the exact problem, photos, etc), the contracted company will always arrive with no information conveyed to them, and will take the same information you previously provided to AHS, only to have you reschedule and wait another two weeks, and another two weeks, and so on. It took a month to repair my furnace, over a month for my microwave, and as of today, two weeks waiting on service to... Read More


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John E

11/1/2023
I would not invite these people to a dog fight. They absolutely suck. I had AHS home coverage and called in because my refrigerator went in the blink eventually losing everything in the side by side freezer and fridge. The overseas call center they have, has no empathy whatsoever and only about 1% speak english. I called numerous times to find out when someone would come to fix the problem and explained to them that all of my stuff was defrosting and needed someone to come and fix my fridge/freezer. Finally someone called and said that they would come in a couple of days to fix my appliance. Try to get a supervisor was nill and none, as they told me that a supervisor was not... Read More