Fidelity National vs American Home Shield
Fidelity National and American Home Shield are both home warranty companies, but that’s about where the similarities end. AHS has been in business for nearly 50 years; Fidelity National has clocked half that. While AHS covers 49 states, Fidelity National’s coverage is more limited. The comparison we’re making is between a large, established company versus a mid-sized competitor.
When you stack up the data, there's a clear overall winner between the two. But just because one company leaves a better impression for most consumers doesn't mean it has to be the right company for you. Read on to see our comparison.
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Overview
Fidelity National
N/A
$65
N/A
N/A
Undisclosed
American Home Shield
N/A
$100
N/A
N/A
Undisclosed
Ratings
Fidelity National
American Home Shield
Pros & Cons
Fidelity National
PROS
- 13-month contract
- Customizable plans
- 30-day guarantee on labor
- 90-day guarantee on parts
CONS
- No sample contract online
- Limited plan selection
American Home Shield
PROS
- Monthly and annual payment options
- Plans for homeowners, realtors, and sellers
- Transferrable contracts
- 30-day workmanship guarantee
CONS
- 30-day waiting period
- Fee and service costs with cancellation
Reviews
Fidelity National
Reviews
American Home Shield
Reviews for Fidelity National
Helpful Favorable Review
Sean Flanagan Modesto, CA
I've had Fidelity for several years and I've had numerous service calls. Technicians they've sent were always great and were able to fix the problem same day. AC was serviced with several issues and was up and running within an hour. Only negative I've seen is the max AC coverage is low and the amount you pay for years, doesn't seem to be in line with low HVAC or AC coverage.
1 year ago
Helpful Critical Review
Olivette Whipple Arlington, TX
Horrible customer service! Now their warranty service 800 number doesn’t work! Tried their sales number and it doesn’t work either! We cannot reach anyone. We have waited for several days to get “approval” for a Air conditioning compressor problem. Very frustrating. We paid $700 for annual coverage and now worried they’ve gone “out of business”. Don’t sign up with this company!!! Terrible!
1 month ago
Reviews for American Home Shield
Helpful Favorable Review
Sharon Taylorson Pasadena, CA
We have experienced one AC company which AHS contracts with that is DISHONEST. It has caused us to pay hundreds of dollars out of pocket that would not have happened with an honorable company. AHS needs to thoroughly evaluate companies they hire. The problem being the word of the customer vs. the contracted company.
6 days ago
Helpful Critical Review
Bridgette Martinez Houston, TX
they pick companies that are 2 & 3 stars to do the work. seems they never cover much of anything but you pay them every year. had my hot water heater serviced cuz the pilot light kept going out so the company they sent replaced the ignitor to only leave us in our home smelling gas and almost blowing up so I had to call a good plumbing company out they said the hot water heater was fixing to blow up and we would of had a big mess
6 days ago
The Final Word
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.
