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
$475
$65
1 year
26 Years
American Home Shield
Varies by Location
$100
None
50 Years
Ratings
Fidelity National
American Home Shield
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.
10 months ago
Helpful Critical Review
Tony LeCavalier Houston, TX
Absolutely the worst ever. They decline everything. Range went out, oh it was a power surge. Dish washer two months later. Oh it was a power surge. Good luck with this company. 4 months after that heating element went out on hot water tank. 7 days without a service call, luckily I was priority or it would have taken longer. I ended up just hiring someone else.
2 weeks ago
Reviews for American Home Shield
Helpful Favorable Review
Sherri Wiley Homewood, IL
AHS has been good so far especially with my one service request. As a new customer, I don't feel we've had enough time together for a true rating. However, two coworkers suggested that I give AHS a try and so far I'm not disappointed.
4 hours ago
Helpful Critical Review
Shelia Steart Raleigh, NC
They never return your call when they say they will call you back. When you complain about a contract they do nothing about it. When responding to how did their service contractor do they do nothing about it nor do they even both to contact you. Very poor service from service contractor.
4 hours 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.
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