Fidelity National vs American Home Shield

Customer Service (Winner: American Home Shield)

American Home Shield has thousands of user reviews while Fidelity National only has dozens. It wouldn't be fair to review their complaints in isolation — negative reviewers are typically the first to flock to a company profile.

However, throughout several review sites, perception of Fidelity National is largely negative. This may mean that the company needs to place more emphasis on reputation management and addressing its complaints.

On the other hand, American Home Shield is responsive to consumers’ reviews, showing a higher commitment to customer service.

Time in Business (Winner: American Home Shield)

AHS has been in business since 1971; Fidelity National has been in business since 1995. Both companies have proven themselves as established, but if a company’s time in business matters to you, AHS has twice the experience.

Contract (Winner: American Home Shield)

Both Fidelity National and American Home Shield have one-year contracts. But AHS provides flexibility after the first year of a contract, allowing customers to continue month-to-month.

Basic Coverage (Winner: Fidelity National and American Home Shield)

American Home Shield's Appliances Plan ($599.88 per year) includes coverage for the following appliances:

• Refrigerator
• Range/oven/cooktop
• Clothes washer
• Clothes dryer
• Dishwasher
• Built-in microwave
• Trash compactor
• Freestanding ice maker
• Garage door opener
• Built-in food center

The following systems are covered under American Home Shield's Systems Plan ($599.88 per year):

• Air conditioner and ductwork
• Heating and ductwork
• Electrical
• Doorbells
• Smoke detectors
• Ceiling fans
• Plumbing (including stoppages)
• Water heater
• Garbage disposal
• Instant hot/cold water dispenser
• Central vacuum

Fidelity National mentions that it has plans to choose from to fit customer needs. Here's what's available for standard coverage:

• Plumbing system
• Plumbing stoppages
• Toilets
• Sump pump (permanently installed)
• Bathroom whirlpool motor pump
• Recirculating hot water pump
• Water heater
• Heating and ductwork
• Electrical system
• Telephone system
• Central vacuum
• Garage door opener
• Ceiling fans
• Attic and exhaust fans
• Smoke detectors
• Doorbells
• Dishwasher
• Range/oven/cooktop
• Built-in microwave
• Instant hot water dispenser
• Trash compactor 

It’s difficult to compare the two, because AHS splits its basic coverage into two plans and charges a slightly higher yearly rate ($659.88 per year, based on a $75 service fee) for its combo plan including all features. Some of AHS’s basic coverage for major appliances are add-on options for Fidelity National service plans, such as the refrigerator, washer, dryer, and air conditioner. 

Meanwhile, Fidelity National covers a few things AHS only addresses in optional coverage, such as the sump pump, bathroom whirlpool, and recirculating hot water pump.

Your company preference will differ based on what the warranty offers. When looking at this basic coverage side by side, you might see one that’s a better option for you.

Licensed Contractors (Winner: American Home Shield and Fidelity National)

Both AHS and Fidelity National require their contractors to be licensed. This will keep you from having to research a good technician for your service requests, because they do the homework for you.

American Home Shield vs. Fidelity National: Which is the better option?

Both companies have proven after a couple decades of business that they’re in it for the long haul. However, based on our analysis, American Home Shield might be the better choice.

If you’re looking for a smaller warranty provider and you see that Fidelity National has coverage that’s better suited to your needs, it might make sense to choose Fidelity. However, by and large, American Home Shield is more likely to produce happy customers.