- American Home Shield
American Home Shield
check_circle VerifiedAmerican Home Shield® is the founder of the home warranty industry and is one of the market leaders with over 1.7 million customers. Beginning in 1971, the company's goal has always been to protect homeowners from high, unexpected home repair costs. American Home Shield is affiliated with the home service company Frontdoor.
With its extensive experience in the home warranty business, American Home Shield is a trusted name compared to other service providers in the industry. American Home Shield offers a variety of warranty plans, including a build-your-own plan that allows customers to select the individual systems and appliances they'd like coverage for.
Read American Home Shield reviews below as well as the pros and cons of the company.
The Good
- Time in Business
- Discount Programs
- Four Flexible Plans
- Multiple Fee Options
- Upfront Contract Information
- No Home Inspection
- Referral Bonus
- Discounted Air Filters
- Sample Service Contract
Time in Business
American Home Shield has more than 45 years of experience and became the industry founder when it created home warranties back in 1971. American Home Shield now has more than 1.7 million customers and is one of the largest warranty companies in the industry. Being in business for so long is a good indicator that American Home Shield is equipped to give its customers what they want in a home warranty company.
Discount Programs
In addition to its decades of home warranty experience, American Home Shield offers its customers many money-saving incentives, including its Appliance Discount Program. With this discount program, customers save money over MSRP and have Energy Star certified options. Customers can also benefit from American Home Shield's "Refer a Friend" program, which rewards customers with a $25 Amazon gift card for each friend referred. In addition, the company offers discounts on air filters.
Four Flexible Plans
American Home Shield allows customers to choose between four different home warranty plans: Combo, Appliances, Systems, and Build-Your-Own. The Combo Plan covers major components of all 21 items covered in the Systems and Appliances Plans, including air conditioning and heating. The Appliances Plan covers major components of 10 appliances, including the refrigerator, dishwasher, clothes washer, and dryer.
The Systems Plan covers major components of 11 home systems, including heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical. Finally, the Build-Your-Own Plan allows homeowners to pick and choose 10 items from a list of 21 systems and appliances to cover.
American Home Shield warranty options also include coverage for real estate professionals and contractors. A detailed list of all warranty plans and included appliances and systems is as follows:
Combo Plan
- Air conditioner and ductwork
- Heating and ductwork
- Electrical
- Doorbells
- Smoke detectors
- Ceiling fans
- Plumbing (including stoppages)
- Water heater
- Garbage disposals
- Instant hot/cold water dispensers
- Central vacuums
- Refrigerators
- Ranges/ovens/cooktops
- Washing machine
- Clothes dryers
- Dishwashers
- Built-in microwave ovens
- Trash compactors
- Freestanding ice maker
- Garage door openers
- Built-in food centers
Appliances Plan
- Refrigerators
- Ranges/ovens/cooktops
- Clothes washers
- Clothes dryers
- Dishwashers
- Built-in microwave ovens
- Trash compactors
- Freestanding ice makers
- Garage door openers
- Built-in food centers
Systems Plan
- Air conditioning and ductwork
- Heating and ductwork
- Electrical
- Doorbells
- Smoke detectors
- Ceiling fans
- Plumbing (including stoppages)
- Water heaters
- Garbage disposals
- Instant hot/cold water dispensers
- Central vacuums
Add-On Options
- Electronics Plan by Asurion ($18)
- Pool and in-ground spa (pool and in-ground spa only $13.33 per month; pool and in-ground spa equipment: $13.99 per month)
- Guest unit (extend coverage to unit less than 750 square feet: $12.99 per month)
- Septic pump (available first year of warranty only: $2.50 per month)
- Well pump serving as home water source ($7.08 per month)
Build-Your-Own Plan
- Homeowners can add any system or appliance to their plan not currently covered in their chosen package.
Multiple Fee Options
With American Home Shield, customers pay a trade service call fee for a professional to help them with their problem, then fix the system or appliance or replace it. The three options for this service fee are $75, $100, and $125, which gives customers flexibility in how much they pay each month for their plan coverage. The higher the trade service call fee, the lower the amount the customer will pay each month.
Upfront Contract Information
American Home Shield offers a sample contract on its website, making it easy for customers to get an idea of what the company offers. American Home Shield also states upfront that the company does not require a home inspection in order to purchase a warranty plan and will not limit coverage based on the age of any of your home systems or appliances, making it easier for customers to get warranty coverage.
This upfront contract information helps the customer decide early on if American Home Shield is a home warranty company that will work for their needs.
No Home Inspection
Unlike some home warranty providers, American Home Shield does not require a home inspection or maintenance records before using its services. The company also does not decline coverage based on the age of your systems and appliances. This is convenient for customers who want a simple home warranty process and don't want to worry about a home inspection process to discover what systems and appliances are covered and what ones aren't.
Referral Bonus
American Home Shield offers a referral program for its customers. If you refer a friend to its services, AHS will reward you with a $25 Amazon gift card. The company's website doesn't specify whether or not you can receive the referral bonus more than once, so check with an AHS representative to be sure.
Discounted Air Filters
As part of your AHS customer perks, you can get up to 50 percent off retail prices on air conditioning and furnace filters. American Home Shield will also deliver the filters directly to your home. However, it is unclear whether or not you have to pay extra for delivery, so check with the company to be sure.
Sample Service Contract
American Home Shield has a sample contract available online. According to our research, a majority of 1-star reviews for the home warranty industry involve claim denials that are typically outlined in the contract, such as damage that is beyond the scope of normal wear and tear, damages covered by another warranty such as a manufacturer's warranty, and damages from not following building codes.
American Home Shield ensures that you can see the terms outlined in a sample contract and be aware of the offered coverage.
The Bad
- Customer Complaints
- Lack of Monthly Pricing Information
Customer Complaints
Common customer complaints for American Home Shield range from rising warranty prices to bad customer service processes. There have also been complaints regarding the company's network of service technicians handling repairs, with some customers waiting days for a local technician only to have multiple faulty repairs. You can read American Home Shield reviews below to find out what else customers have to say about how they think American Home Shield warranty compares to other service providers.
Lack of Monthly Pricing Information
American Home Shield does not provide any information about monthly pricing on its website. Interested consumers are encouraged to obtain a quote from the company for more information on pricing.
The Bottom Line
There is a lot of good to say about American Home Shield. The company has extensive experience in the home warranty industry and offers discount programs, extensive coverage of many home appliances and systems, and options when it comes to trade service call fees. Its plan customization makes it simple for customers to find the right home warranty for their needs.
Being the founder of the home warranty industry, American Home Shield has extensive experience to back up its name. Many warranty companies are not as experienced as AHS, and this may result in quality issues.
If you're interested in learning more about the American Home Shield warranty experience, such as customer service and claim response time, check out American Home Shield reviews below. The company may be the right provider for you to protect your home's systems and appliances against regular wear and tear and other common malfunctions.
User Reviews
Star Rating
8,135 Reviews
Review Breakdown
Sentiment Criteria
Verified Customer
Marcus Phillips
Ease of use, quick filing, fast resolution
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 12, 2021
Hi Marcus, We hope you continue to enjoy the fast and efficient service we provide!
Verified Customer
O. M. Oden
AHS is ok. A higher rating would be given if I was grading AHS only. Their vendors can be slow at times providing needed services.
Verified Customer
Maria Christine Thompson
Easy to submit repairs, timely response 5 service. Well worth the price
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 11, 2021
Hi Maria, Thank you for providing us with feedback about your AHS experience. We strive to provide you with fast and efficient repairs. We hope you continue to enjoy the coverage we provide!
Verified Customer
Crystal Magruder
I have received 3 service and quick responses from the technicians.
Verified Customer
Lizabeth Davis
I have been without heat for over a week I spoke to a rep on 1/27, he stated my furnance should be here by 2/2. No furnance and now I'm told my furnance will not arrive until Friday 2/5. In my area this weekend we are expecting sub zero temps.
Verified Customer
Lpalm
No problems. Every service calls handled promptly
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 12, 2021
Hi Lpalm, Thank you for providing us with feedback about your AHS experience. We strive to provide you with prompt and professional service. We hope you continue to enjoy the coverage we provide!
Verified Customer
Verl Naber
on time and 5 service. Easy to get ahold of and set appointments
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 12, 2021
Hi Verl, I am pleased to hear about the excellent service you have received. I hope you continue to enjoy!
Verified Customer
J. McCoy
Prompt and efficient. 5 Knowledge of plumbing and home construction.
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 11, 2021
Hi J. McCoy, I am pleased to hear about the excellent service you have received. I hope you continue to enjoy!
Verified Customer
John Martrin
overall experience has been great & what characters should i use instead of words
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 11, 2021
Hi John, I am pleased to hear about the excellent service you have received. I hope you continue to enjoy!
Verified Customer
Robert Wilkinson
Fast repair and on time. Friendly and knowledgeable
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 11, 2021
Hi Robert, Thank you for providing us with feedback about your AHS experience. We strive to provide you with fast and efficient repairs. We hope you continue to enjoy the coverage we provide!
Verified Customer
Susan Charshaf
Overall I have been very impressed with the service and companies they sent.
Verified Customer
Arturo Sanchez
I am waiting for resolution on my refrigerator repair. Currently they say it would take 2 months to get the parts. We can’t live without refrigerator for 2 months.
Verified Customer
Cliff Nishikawa
Very easy to schedule a repair service and prompt service by repair technician.
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 11, 2021
Hi Cliff, Thank you for providing us with feedback about your AHS experience. We strive to provide you with prompt service. We hope you continue to enjoy the coverage we provide!
Verified Customer
Anonymous
They give you a VERY HARD time when it comes to replace any major appliances. They're 4 on repairs.
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 10, 2021
I hate to hear about your last service call that was incomplete. I would be glad to speak with you about your customer service experience and the repairs.
Verified Customer
Lisa Scarboro
Great service, fast service, reliable service
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 11, 2021
Hi Lisa, Thank you for providing us with feedback about your AHS experience. We strive to provide you with fast and efficient repairs. We hope you continue to enjoy the coverage we provide!
Verified Customer
KG Mosley
Service has been of quality. Placing a claim is easy and painless.
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 12, 2021
Hi KG, We hope you continue to enjoy AHS and our competitive prices!
Verified Customer
Helen
3 coverage at a 2 price. The company responds quickly in assigning a contractor. Some contractors are better than others but for the coverage it is a 3 investment for me.
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 12, 2021
Hi Helen, We would like to thank you for your feedback to AHS and hope you continue to enjoy the ease of service we provide!
Verified Customer
Jay Smith
They use competent and responsive contractors, but some take some time to complete.
Verified Customer
Toni D
great customer service and very responsive
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 12, 2021
Hi Toni, Thank you for your warm kind words.
Verified Customer
Judith Watkins
High Priority plumbing responded to a problem I was having. It took two visits to correct the problem and even now the problem is returning.
Verified Customer
Emily
Easy to notify of issue & get service; quick turnaround; no hassle or arguments -- they just cover what we need without challenging us
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 12, 2021
Hi Emily, We would like to thank you for your feedback to AHS and hope you continue to enjoy the ease of service we provide!
Verified Customer
Nadine Glent
Great customer service, Always available. Always send help.
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 12, 2021
Hi Nadine, It is a pleasure to read your kind words. We hope you continue to enjoy American Home Shield!
Verified Customer
O.A
Horrible response and service once they realize they may have to replace an appliance.
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 11, 2021
Hi O.A, I hate to hear about the delay in service that you have experienced to have the appliance repairs completed. I would be glad to speak with you to get the issues resolved.
Verified Customer
Evelyn
I pay alot monthly to cover many areas, but it seems like when I need a repair, it's not covered.
Charlie Coleman
I have had many different companies for home warranty. This is the first company I’ve had who actually did what they said without any hassle or sniveling about what kind of replacement. They replaced with comparable applicants if not exact. Great job AHS
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 12, 2021
Hi Charlie, We appreciate your feedback regarding your American Home Shield experience and hope you continue to enjoy the service we provide to honor the contract.
David Garber
My so-called warranty with AHS has been non existent. They do not answer their phone--you can only file a request on line. They will have a contractor contact you after you pay a $100. fee, In my case the response time has been 10 days to over two weeks--unacceptable when you have no hot water. If you hire a plumber yourself to get you hot water heater fixed, you're not getting your $100. back. For me this company has been a complete ripoff.
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 08, 2021
Hi David, Thank you for bringing these issues to our attention. I would be glad to speak with you and get the issues resolved.
sheretta Anderson
Friendly, prompt and excellent communication between homeowners and contractors!
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 08, 2021
Hi Sheretta, Thank you for providing us with feedback about your AHS experience. We strive to provide you with prompt and professional service. We hope you continue to enjoy the coverage we provide!
Vincent P. Sarro II
I was denied a claim for my hot water heater because of something which was done 3 or 4 years ago by a plumber sent by them.
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 08, 2021
Hi Vincent, Thank you for bringing these issues to our attention. I would be glad to speak with you and get the issues resolved.
Robin McDaniel
Our refrigerator broke before Thanksgiving. It took weeks for one of their service providers to come out and then they ordered the wrong part. It is now February and the refrigerator is still broken. We have dealt with techs ordering the wrong parts, losing the parts, saying they never got the parts, parts were sent to the wrong place, forgetting they scheduled us for the service. We have just purchased the parts ourselves and had an appointment for the techs to come fix the refrigerator again yesterday. Once again they did not show up. We ended up fixing it ourselves. We have tried contacting AHW and have not been able to receive a response. We have contacted attorneys.
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 11, 2021
Hi Robin, We appreciate you for bringing the ongoing refrigerator issues to our attention.
Christina Davison
Since switching to AHS over a year ago I have been very happy with the responsiveness and companies being sent out for the service calls. Thank you!
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 05, 2021
Hi Christina, We are pleased to hear about your decision to become a member of American Home Shield. We hope you continue to appreciate the ease of service that is provided!
Kenny Jordan
It's great to have coverage for home appliances. So far I had the Dishwasher pump failure and a burnt circuit in my range oven. Both times the AHS website walked me through the process, arranged an appointment time, and called me when the repairman was on the way. Good to know I'm covered.
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 05, 2021
Hi Kenny, It is always great news to hear about our wonderful customer experiences and the ease
Verified Customer
Amy
I was impressed with how quickly they were able to come out and check my heat pump. From the time I put in the order and how someone at my house was 2 days! I was anticipating 5-6 if not more. The technician was on time, friendly, and explained what he was doing so I could understand.
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 04, 2021
Good morning Amy, I am pleased to hear about the excellent service you have received. I hope you continue to enjoy!
Verified Customer
George and Flora Brehon
Because they are very Best at what they do most of the time, sometimes the contractors they send to us need to be really checked out. We were tricked by once into making a purchase ourselves for over $5200 When we should have just said no, we will let AHS do the purchasing, but the contractors were fast talker and offered us a deal that only caused us heartaches, headaches etc. into buying a new Air condition/heater, our old one could not be repaired it was well over 12 years old. We spent $5200 that we should not have paid for. So we have to let AHS to investigate the contractors they send to us. Some of the vendors are out to rob the system. AHS is really a great company - Been with them over 20 years..
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 04, 2021
Hi George, We love to hear when we have provided fast and professional service to our customers. Please continue to share your experiences with us and we will continue to strive to meet your needs.
Verified Customer
Allan Chouang
AHS is trying to deny my claim for a water leak on my tankless water heater saying that it was a preexisting condition. I don't buy that excuse. It is leaking to normal wear and tear and contractor said it's non repairable and needs to be replace. I'm still fighting with AHS for them to approve my claim.
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 05, 2021
Hi Allan, I hate to hear about your most recent experience to have the water heater repaired. I owuld like to speak with you to reach a resolution urgently.
Verified Customer
Joe munoz
I've had American home shield for years and every time I have a problem they get it fixed for me and it's worth every penny of what I pay monthly thank you American home shield
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 04, 2021
Hi Joe, I am pleased to hear about the excellent service you have received. I hope you continue to enjoy!
Verified Customer
S Dobson
Customer is always very helpful. We had issues with our repairs. Not the fault of the repair persons or the company. Every was so helpful in making sure it was fixed and working properly. We were given a follow up call to make sure the repair company had followed up.
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 04, 2021
Hi, I am pleased to hear about the excellent service you have received. I hope you continue to enjoy!
Verified Customer
amanda slivenski
Plumbers were super nice. When I called about the problem I was a little uneasy having to wait so long for the service call. When they came out they were really fast and nice. And, my water bill wasn't as bad as I thought it would be from the leak they repaired.
Verified Customer
Helen Sopocko
They rarely resolve my issue without significant expense. The replacement value is never accurate. The hold time for calls is extreme. There is no way to complain or ask for a different contractor without paying an additional service call fee. The work is only guaranteed for 30 days. If there is a problem on day 31, you have to pay another service fee. Once my contract term is up, I will be cancelling and finding a different home warranty company.
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 05, 2021
Hi Helen, Thank you for bringing the service fee dispute to our attention. I would be glad to speak with you at your convenience to discuss a resolution.
Verified Customer
Jerry Johnson
I had 2 issues with plumbing. One was a leak behind a wall. The other one was a stoppage in a sewage line. They would not send anyone else out to see if they could unclog the stoppage. The plumber claim it was a foreign object causing the stoppage. I asked for a supervisor didn't get one. Still waiting on the call back from a supervisor, that been over 4 days now.
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 05, 2021
Good afternoon Jerry, I owuld like to thank you for making AHS aware of the delay in service to have the leak repaired. I would be glad to speak with you at your convenience to have the issues repaired.
Verified Customer
Vasquez, Rev. Sylvia
They have responded well when I needed them. One concern I have is that the number of companies that are available to me are limited. But the ones they have provided have been satisfactory.
Verified Customer
Ellen
The only reason I didn't rate them a 5 is because if waiting times and disconnects on the phone with customer service. But the service we received was 5. Always took care of our problems
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 09, 2021
Hi Ellen, I hate to hear about your most recent AHS experience to have speak with a customer service representative.
Verified Customer
James
Haven't been a customer for too long but was told by the contractor they sent out that my warranty doesn't cover equipment that has failed due to expiration. That was disappointing
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 09, 2021
Hi James, I hate to hear about your most recent AHS experience and the decline in coverage.
Verified Customer
Anonymous
I've had issues with a recall order - I've called about it at least 3 times now with different responses every time! They are charging me as though it's a new order, and I would like to effectively CANCEL my warranties because of it. Waiting for a call back from a supervisor that I first requested weeks ago.
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 10, 2021
Hi, I hate to hear about the delay in service that has been experienced and the recall. I would be glad to speak with you and get the issues resolved.
Verified Customer
Marcella
Because the quality of the services are spotted. I had the last 2 wonderful plumbers but the previous guy that came to fix the kitchen fan was an absolute nightmare. I called you company to put the complaint 3 times snd as of today no one has called back
Verified Customer
Sara Loeb
I requested that the problem on my dishwasher would probably require a new drain hose. They refused my request for repair due to a screw that fell in dishwasher and was stuck in hose, after 3rd attempt to fix dishwasher
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 11, 2021
Hi Sara, I hate to hear about the delay in service that you have experienced to have the dishwasher repairs completed. I would be glad to speak with you to get the issues resolved.
Verified Customer
Belinda katz
We have been without heat since November 19, 2020. We have called them everyday for the past 70 days to try to get this resolved. A different person answers the phone and we get a different answer every time. They will not let us talk to a supervisor and say they will escalate the situation. The contractor only came out twice and didn't fix the issue, they were supposed to come back with new parts and never did. We have also tried to contact the contractor with no luck. The warranty company sent a new contractor out, but they couldn't fix it either. I would not recommend this company for your warranty service.
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 05, 2021
Good afternoon Belinda, We hate to hear about your most recent service experience with American Home Shield to have the furnace repaired. I would be glad to speak with you to assist with a resolution.
Verified Customer
Jagdish Shah
1 service from their vendor, plumber wants to charge extra for water heater install and American home shield says that what vendor charges is between me and vendor. What a nonsense ! Vendor lumber wants to cut ceiling to open blocked drain! Nothing is done properly or timely !no bathroom to take shower because this lousy vendor !American home shield collects $100 upfront and no servics! I got regular plumber and paid him to get drain unclogged ! Totally useless warranty company ! Infact not useless Harmful and waste of time and money and aggravation
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 05, 2021
Hi Jagdish, Thank you for bringing the matter with your plumbing to our attention. I would be glad to speak with you to assist with the ceiling repairs that need to be completed.
Verified Customer
sandra
They sent out a plumber who didntb finish the job then i just to pay again for them to send another plumbing company to come out and finish the job. I closed my account because it cost me $250 to do a very small job that i could've paid a local plumber $50 to fix
Reply from American Home Shield
Feb 09, 2021
Hi Sandra, I hate to hear about your AHS experience and the noncovered cost to have the plumbing serviced.
Verified Customer
De Anna
They got a worker out here heating and air. Because you can smell something like wires burning and he said it was not a job for him. He wasn't here 5 minutes and I still had to pay $100 for the visit. And $100 for the next guy who said that he can't do anything without an error code present. So that visit was only less than 5 minutes.
Verified Customer
Veronica Embrey
I paid $675 at closing and later got a statement saying I owe 60$. They said it's 735$ annually. No, I was quoted $675. And I or my closing agent was never told of it being $735.