American Home Shield
4.2
American Home Shield offers three plan options. Each plan can provide excellent coverage for your home systems or appliances, and you can choose which option works best based on your needs and budget. If your plan doesn’t cover a necessary item, you can easily add it to your warranty coverage.
The table below shows the coverage inclusions ShieldSilver™, ShieldGold™, and ShieldPlatinum™ plans:
In this American Home Shield review, we at the Today's Homeowner team looked at everything you could think of to determine if buying a home warranty with AHS was worth your money or not.
One finding I loved was that AHS covers rust or corrosion without needing to provide maintenance records systems whereas most other home warranty companies do not cover rust at all.
American Home Shield has been around for 50+ years and currently serves over 2 million homeowners in the U.S. They have three different plan options, so most homeowners will be able to find something that fits their budget and their particular home situation.
I plan to get into all of that with this review, so if you're in the market for a home warranty, sit back and enjoy this in-depth review of American Home Shield.
Our Review of American Home Shield
American Home Shield has been around for 50+ years, so I had high hopes when diving into this write-up.
You'll notice I first cover the high-level pros and cons for American Home Shield, then dive into what we like and don't like about the company, briefly touch on the state availability so you know if AHS covers your state, and I wrap up the review with a recap of our assigned scores.
For each home warranty company we review (AHS included), we take an objective and unbiased approach. This starts with a qualitative review and then a quantitative review.
Best Home Warranty Companies of 2023
This review focuses on American Home Shield, but we also recommend several other home warranty companies to our readers. Below you'll see some of the top-rated home warranty providers and their unique superlatives.
Compare the Best Home Warranty Companies
| Company | Logo | Best For | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Response Time | BBB Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Best Coverage Limits |
$35–$75 |
$100–$125 |
24-72 hrs |
B |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
Best for Customization |
$50-$60 |
$75 |
12-48 hrs. |
A+ |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
Best Claims Acceptance |
$46–$55 |
$85 |
24-48 hrs. |
N/A |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
Best Value |
$52–$58 |
$60 |
24-48 hrs. |
B- |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
Best for Additional Benefits |
$38–$62 |
$75–$125 |
48 hours |
B |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
Best Appliance Coverage |
$38–$48 |
$75–$125 |
48 hours |
B |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
Best for Preventative Maintenance |
$28–$68 |
$100–$150 |
2–24 hrs |
B |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
Best Workmanship Guarantee |
$17–$60+ |
$65–$100 |
24 hrs |
N/A |
VISIT SITE |
| Company | Star Rating | Best For | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Response Time | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Coverage Limits |
$35–$75 |
$100–$125 |
24-72 hrs |
B |
||
|
Best for Customization |
$50-$60 |
$75 |
12-48 hrs. |
A+ |
|
|
Best Claims Acceptance |
$46–$55 |
$85 |
24-48 hrs. |
N/A |
|
|
Best Value |
$52–$58 |
$60 |
24-48 hrs. |
B- |
|
|
Best for Additional Benefits |
$38–$62 |
$75–$125 |
48 hours |
B |
|
|
Best Appliance Coverage |
$38–$48 |
$75–$125 |
48 hours |
B |
|
Best for Preventative Maintenance |
$28–$68 |
$100–$150 |
2–24 hrs |
B |
||
|
Best Workmanship Guarantee |
$17–$60+ |
$65–$100 |
24 hrs |
N/A |
Pros & Cons of American Home Shield
Overall in our review of American Home Shield, we found there was a lot more to like than dislike. We found quite a few positive customer success stories, and although we found some not-so-good stories, the general sentiment toward AHS was better than most home warranty companies.
Our Review Scores For AHS
Below is our quantitative scoring breakdown for American Home Shield. You can see there is an 'average' represented by the gray line and what AHS scored represented by the green line. For the most part American Home Shield scored above average compared to other home warranty companies we've reviewed.
What We Like and Don't Like
In this section, we dive into what we like and don't like about American Home Shield. Specifically in the context of different areas of their business. We find this to be extremely important when deciding if a home warranty, like AHS, is worth it or a waste of your money.
Because American Home Shield offers three different plans and a variety of additional benefits, the company is well-positioned with a range of coverage. The company also earned points in our ratings for covering unique systems and appliances like your roof, electronics, and even a guest house.
The company’s basic plan — ShieldSilver™ — is one of the most affordable of all our home warranty providers. More so, American Home Shield’s more expensive plans — including ShieldPlatinum™ and ShieldGold™ — offer comprehensive home system and appliance coverage.
American Home Shield’s most basic coverage only includes your home’s major systems, but you can add other appliances or systems as needed.
The company’s ShieldPlatinum™ plan is also one of the most expensive of all our home warranty providers, but its inclusion of roof leak protection is a major benefit.
American Home Shield offers three plans with costs to fit many different budgets. Its basic ShieldSilver™ plan is one of the most affordable at less than $50 per month if you choose the highest service fee.
You can also visit the American Home Shield website for a sample contract that outlines your potential home warranty coverage. The company tries to ensure the samples available online for each state are as close as possible to your final service contract, although the two may not match exactly.
Unlike some of its competitors, American Home Shield does not charge a cancellation fee if you decide to end your warranty contract. Instead, you have 30 days to decide if a plan is right for you and if you choose to cancel, you get a full refund. You can still get a prorated refund after 30 days if you did not use your warranty plan, but if you did file a claim during that time, you’d likely have to pay a fee.
The company’s premium ShieldPlatinum™ plan is one of the most expensive options of all our home warranty providers, but unlike other companies, it includes roof leak protection at no additional cost.
Many homeowners are satisfied with their American Home Shield warranty and have used their coverage to repair broken home systems and appliances. Customers also report fast and efficient service with knowledgeable technicians sent to their homes.
American Home Shield also has an easy quote process, offering customers an instant quote online in minutes. Your quote should include a detailed overview of plan rates, any additional costs, and the ability to see how different service fees would affect overall costs. Each plan is also presented side-by-side in a comparison chart so you can easily compare coverage and determine which is best for your home.
American Home Shield has several customer complaints online about customer service, including long wait times, refund issues, email unsubscribes, and problems with sending third-party technicians to your home. Although many customers report a resolution of their complaints, others report ongoing issues with customer support.
American Home Shield’s lower score in this category is due to the intrusiveness of its sales process. In our reviewer’s experience, American Home Shield contacts customers repeatedly via phone and email after a quote is requested — the company contacted our reviewer 11 times by phone or email within the first day of requesting a quote. Within 24 hours, representatives even texted our reviewer and repeatedly called throughout the week.
Overall, American Home Shield’s reputation is average — the company boasts a B rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and a 3.3-star average from Glassdoor. Whereas some employees discuss fair pay and the ability to work as many hours as they want, others discuss poor management and poor relations with their supervisors.
Although American Home Shield actively addresses customer complaints online, it lost points in this category due to class action lawsuits. In some cases, the company has been sued for misrepresentation, fraud, and breach of contract. American Home Shield resolved its cases in 2003 and 2009, but a current case as of 2021 is still in process.
American Home Shield offers 24/7 customer support, and you can call for emergency service if your systems and devices fail without warning. There are several ways to get in touch with customer service, namely by calling customer care or submitting an online claim.
The company also has a 30-day waiting period, so you only have to wait a month before you can claim your warranty.
While American Home Shield offers multiple ways to file a claim, customers have reported long response times of up to 48 hours. The company also lost points in this category due to negative online reviews surrounding the claims process.
American Home Shield has a robust service area. The company covers nearly all 50 states, from the coast of California to its main headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, and most states in between. The only areas American Home Shield does not cover are Alaska, Hawaii, and New York City.
Because of this extensive availability, American Home Shield received all points in this category.
Due to service exclusions, homeowners in Alaska, New York City, and certain parts of Hawaii can not purchase an American Home Shield warranty.
Availability of AHS By State
Below we provide a map visual to show you where American Home Shield has coverage and where it does not. Given AHS has been around for 50+ years, it covers most of the U.S.
Video Overview of American Home Shield
Below we pulled out a video we thought would help give you an overview of American Home Shield. AHS recorded this video, but it isn't overly 'salesy,' providing you with a solid overview of what the company does and doesn't offer.
What Plans Does American Home Shield Offer?
American Home Shield offers homeowners three different warranty plans and coverage options. Each of these plans can provide excellent coverage for your home systems or appliances, and you can choose which option works best based on your needs and budget. If your plan doesn’t cover a necessary item, you can easily add it to your warranty coverage.
The company’s three warranty plans are ShieldSilver™, ShieldGold™, and ShieldPlatinum™, which we describe in more detail below.
Service Fee Cost | ShieldSilver™ Monthly Cost | ShieldGold™ Monthly Cost | ShieldPlatinum™ Monthly Cost |
| $75 Service Fee | $69.99 | $89.99 | $119.99 |
| $100 Service Fee | $59.99 | $79.99 | $109.99 |
| $125 Service Fee | $49.99 | $69.99 | $99.99 |
- American Home Shield ShieldSilver™: This plan is American Home Shield’s most affordable plan option. It covers 14 major systems — including heating, cooling, electrical and plumbing. You’ll get up to $5,000 in coverage for HVAC systems and complete coverage for covered electrical and plumbing components. Although this plan does not include home appliances, you can add protection for electronics, pools and spas, roof leaks, and more.
- American Home Shield ShieldGold™: This plan offers comprehensive coverage, including 23 major household systems and appliances. This plan has a $5,000 coverage limit for HVAC systems, and homeowners have a limit of $2,000 per appliance.
- American Home Shield ShieldPlatinum™: This plan is the most expensive plan option, offering comprehensive coverage of all 23 major household systems and appliances plus roof leak coverage. If you choose this plan, you’ll get up to $5,000 in HVAC coverage, $1,000 in roof leak repair, and a $4,000 coverage limit per appliance. You’ll also get $250 in coverage for home code violations, permits, and alterations.
The table below outlines the major home systems and appliances included in each American Home Shield plan.
| Home System or Appliance | ShieldSilver | ShieldGold | ShieldPlatinum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in exhaust, vent, and attic fan | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ceiling fan | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Doorbell and chimes | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Garage door opener | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Interior electrical lines | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Main breaker and fuse panel box | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Air conditioning systems | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ductwork | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Heating systems | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Built-in microwave | - | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dishwasher | - | ✔ | ✔ |
| Garbage disposal | - | ✔ | ✔ |
| Instant hot and cold water dispenser | - | ✔ | ✔ |
| Oven, range, and cooktop | - | ✔ | ✔ |
| Refrigerator | - | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dryer | - | ✔ | ✔ |
| Washer | - | ✔ | ✔ |
| Faucets and valves | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Interior plumbing lines | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Toilets | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Water heater | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Whirlpool bathtub motor and components | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
What Optional Add-ons Does American Home Shield Offer?
If your American Home Shield plan does not cover any of your home systems or appliances, you can include them as add-ons for an extra monthly cost. Add-ons include extra systems, maintenance services and certain levels of coverage.
The table below shows the type and cost of American Home Shield’s available add-ons.
| Add-on | Cost per Month |
| Pool | $24.99 |
| Spa | $24.99 |
| Roof Leak | $10 |
| Electronics Unlimited | $14 |
| Guest Unit | $19.99 |
| Septic Pump System | $5 |
| Well Pump | $8 |
| Sump Pump | $5 |
| House Rekey | $100 |
| Discounted A/C Unit and HVAC Tune-up | $75 (included in ShieldPlatinum™) |
| Air Filter Discount | Starting at $5.25 each |
Remember, roof leak protection is already included in the ShieldPlatinum™ plan. However, if you choose the ShieldSilver™ or ShieldGold™ plans, you can add roof leak protection for $10 per month.
The unlimited electronics plan is relatively new to American Home Shield and covers all of your home electronics up to $2,000 per claim. Currently, this protection plan includes the following electronic devices:
- TVs
- Desktop computers and laptops
- Tablets
- Printers
- Home theater systems
- Smart home products
- Headphones
- Video game consoles
When your electronics fail due to mechanical and electrical defects caused by normal wear and tear, American Home Shield provides world-class technical support to help you get your systems back up and running. The plan also covers surge protection and workmanship defects.
Does American Home Shield Have Any Exclusions?
Similar to other home warranty companies, American Home Shield has some exclusions to its contract coverage, mostly due to a lack of maintenance and treatment. Your home warranty plan does not cover the following:
- Routine maintenance
- Repair and replacement of cosmetic defects
- Repairs needed due to misuse or abuse
- Radon monitoring system, fire sprinklers and solar equipment
- System or appliance upgrades when the issue is missing components or parts
- Flues, venting, chimneys and exhaust lines
- Electronic or computerized home management systems
- Repairs of systems that have hazardous or toxic material
- Repairs needed due to mold
- Costs of construction or carpentry
- Restoration of walls, floor coverings, cabinets, countertops, tiling, paint or similar items
- Natural disasters, fires, freezing, water damage, electrical failure, pests or pets
The above list broadly covers all of AHS’s exclusions. If you want a more detailed description, read through American Home Shield’s sample contract.
Does American Home Shield Have Any Coverage Limits?
All three warranty plans from AHS include coverage of up to $5,000 for each HVAC system and full coverage for covered plumbing and electrical components.
The biggest difference lies in how ShieldPlatinum and ShieldGold cover your household appliances. With the ShieldPlatinum plan, you receive up to $4,000 per appliance; with the ShieldGold plan, the cap is $2,000 per appliance.
American Home Shield has excellent coverage limits on its add-ons, which range from $500 to $3,000 per covered item. Whereas most companies have a coverage limit of $1,000 for pools, for example, AHS has a coverage cap of $3,000.
The table below highlights the coverage limits for each covered item.
| Covered Item | Coverage Limits |
| Electrical systems | No special limits for covered items |
| HVAC systems | $5,000 |
| Kitchen appliances | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| Laundry appliances | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| Plumbing systems | No special limits for covered items |
| Pool and built-in spa | $3,000 |
| Roof leak repair | $1,000 |
| Septic ejector pump | $500 |
| Well pump | $1,500 |
Does American Home Shield Have a Good Reputation?
American Home Shield currently hold a B rating on the Better Business Bureau and receives mixed customer reviews. Positive feedback cites reasonable prices and skilled technicians. However, common complaints involve long wait times for repairs and denied claims. Overall, AHS provides affordable coverage but experiences vary regarding responsiveness and claim approvals.
Here are some examples of positive AHS customer reviews:
However, not everyone's experience has been positive. Here are some examples of negative AHS customer reviews:
How to File a Claim With American Home Shield?
You can file a claim with American Home Shield by submitting a service ticket online or you can call the company’s 24/7 customer service line. You can also track your home repair history and follow up on previous home service claims.
The company’s claim filing portal accepts requests 24/7. The below steps can help you know what to expect when filing your claim.
FAQs about American Home Shield
Is American Home Shield legitimate?
American Home Shield is a reputable company that offers warranties to homeowners who want to protect their major home systems and appliances. If something breaks or malfunctions in your home, AHS will send technicians such as plumbers and electricians to fix the issue.
Does American Home Shield cover pre-existing conditions?
American Home Shield will cover repairs for pre-existing conditions so long as you do not detect the issue before purchasing your warranty. Similar to the process for other warranty repairs, you submit a service request after your 30-day waiting period has ended.
Does American Home Shield cover roof leaks?
American Home Shield covers roof leaks with its ShieldPlatinum™ plan. If you have the Shield Silver™ or ShieldGold™ plan, you can add roof leak coverage for an additional monthly fee. If you choose roof leak coverage, it becomes part of your covered repairs.
Does American Home Shield require a home inspection?
American Home Shield does not require a home inspection to purchase a home warranty. All you have to do is get a free quote from the company then you can purchase your preferred warranty plan. After the 30-day waiting period, you can start to submit service requests under warranty coverage.
How do American Home Shield home warranties work?
After you receive your free quote from American Home Shield, you can purchase your home warranty plan. Once you have a home maintenance contract, you must wait at least 30 days before filing a claim. These claims will prompt a representative from ASH to send a technician to your home to inspect your home systems and appliances.
Do I need an American Home Shield home warranty if I have homeowners insurance?
An AHS home warranty is separate from homeowners insurance. While homeowners insurance is required to own your home, a home warranty is optional and protects your home’s systems and appliances if they fail. A home warranty covers your home systems and appliances, while homeowners insurance covers damage and loss of property.
How do you cancel an American Home Shield policy?
To cancel your American Home Shield home warranty policy, you must call the 24/7 customer service line. You cannot cancel your home warranty policy online.
Methodology: How We Reviewed American Home Shield
To help consumers like you choose the best home warranty companies for your home, we dive deep into every top-rated home warranty company and rate them based on six factors. Once we research a company and have gathered all our data, we use the following scoring system to grade each home warranty company on a 100-point scale. We then convert the score to a 5-star rating.
- Plans + Coverage Options (24 Possible Points): Since every customer has different needs and a different budget, we award more points to providers that offer more plans and greater flexibility. American Home Shield has good coverage options and offers several unique additional benefits, so it scores well in this category.
- Affordability (22.5 Possible Points): Affordability is an important factor because many homeowners choose home warranties to avoid high payments for home appliance repairs. We evaluate each company based on the cost of its plans and additional services, service call fees and cancellation terms. American Home Shield offers multiple plans and competitive pricing and therefore scores well in this category.
- Customer Experience (18.5 Possible Points): Your experience as a customer is important, including the support you receive when contacting your home warranty provider. We gauge overall support by looking at customer reviews, conducting homeowner surveys and analyzing the quotes process. American Home Shield scores well in this category, but its customer service seems to vary by service request and agent.
- Company Reputation (17.5 Possible Points): A company’s reputation is a combination of reviews from customers and reputable organizations like the BBB. We also take into account the years of experience a company has, how satisfied its employees are and any past or pending lawsuits. While American Home Shield has a B rating with the BBB, which we consider average, the company lost points in this category due to past and present lawsuits.
- Claims Process (12.5 Possible Points): In this category, we look at the overall claims process, including how easy it is to file a claim and a company’s response time. While American Home Shield offers multiple ways to file a claim, customers report long response times and negative reviews regarding claims resolution in some cases.
- Availability (5 Possible Points): Availability refers to how many states and locations a company serves. American Home Shield scores well in this category, serving a total of 48 U.S. states.
Change Log For This AHS Review
Updated layout and structure. Reworked the pros and cons sections and combined the 'what we liked' section into one so it's easier for readers to see our review notes in one view.
Updated some plan pricing information around American Home Shield's ShieldSilver plan.
Added a new video section.
New Jersey Residents: The product being offered by the featured brand is a service contract and is separate and distinct from any product or service warranty which may be provided by the home builder or manufacturer.
