American Home Shield (AHS) protects your home’s major systems and appliances with comprehensive coverage limits of up to $5,000. It’s one of the few home warranty providers covering items with existing problems or physical damage, which are typically excluded from coverage. This makes AHS ideal for older homes, especially if you’re worried about frequent breakdowns of older appliances or systems.

To help you decide if American Home Shield is the right provider for you, our team consulted 15 home warranty experts and surveyed thousands of customers, including current AHS plan holders, to better understand what homeowners really need. We also analyzed its sample contract and website, signed up for service to test its claims process firsthand, and read hundreds of customer reviews for a well-rounded evaluation.

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Our Take on American Home Shield

American Home Shield is a solid choice for homeowners looking for comprehensive protection. The company offers high coverage caps, with up to $4,000 for appliances and $5,000 for systems on its most comprehensive plan. You can feel confident that your repairs will be covered, even if they’re expensive or you have multiple issues in one year. Plus, it has a network of over 17,000 contractors, making it easier to get a professional to your home to complete repairs without long delays.

What really sets AHS apart is its willingness to cover items with physical damage or preexisting conditions, which most other providers won’t cover. “Preexisting conditions” means any problems your appliances or systems had before you signed up for a home warranty plan.

On the downside, AHS is more expensive than many home warranty companies and has only six add-on coverage options. The small number of add-ons isn’t a major issue if you just need basic system and appliance coverage, but if you have unique coverage needs, such as a septic tank or a second refrigerator, you may want to consider a different provider. 

In American Home Shield reviews, customers say they like how easy claim submission is, the company’s quick responses, and its knowledgeable technicians. Negative experiences include complaints about lower-than-expected claims payouts and technicians who lacked the skills necessary to complete the repairs.

Despite the limitations, AHS is a top choice for many U.S. homeowners. In our 2024 survey of 1,000 consumers, 37% named AHS as their current home warranty provider.

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American Home Shield Coverage

American Home Shield provides various coverage options, including a system-only plan and two system-and-appliance options. Our survey revealed that 82% of the 375 respondents with an AHS plan chose one of the more comprehensive plans. Below, we’ll break down the available plans and their coverage details.

Core Plans

American Home Shield offers three plans: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. If you just need coverage for your home’s major systems like heating, cooling, and electrical, ShieldSilver is a good fit. It covers 14 systems, and you get up to $5,000 in coverage for air conditioning, heating, and ductwork. Plus, there’s no cap on plumbing and electrical repairs.

The ShieldGold plan includes everything in ShieldSilver and adds major appliances such as cooktops, kitchen appliances, laundry machines, and refrigerators. Appliances have a $2,000 limit, which is on par with the industry standard.

ShieldPlatinum is the top-tier option, offering the most coverage. It doubles the appliance limit of the ShieldGold plan to $4,000 and throws in some extra perks like a free HVAC system tune-up and up to $1,000 for roof-leak repairs—something most other companies make you pay extra for. AHS’s plans also cover things other warranties usually exclude, like rust, corrosion, sediment damage, and preexisting conditions. The company also protects items installed or modified incorrectly, which is a nice bonus.

All American Home Shield plans come with a 30-day workmanship guarantee, which is standard for the home warranty industry. This guarantee ensures that AHS will fix your item for free if something goes wrong with a repair or replacement after it’s completed.

All AHS plans have a $50,000 aggregate limit, or the total amount the company will pay during your plan term. Once you’ve received $50,000 in approved payouts, you’ll have to pay for any remaining repairs or replacements out of pocket.

Here’s the list of items covered by each American Home Shield plan.

Add-Ons

AHS has six add-ons that can be included with plans. This is far less than other providers, which typically offer eight to 12 options. Pricing and coverage caps vary between each covered item, ranging from $500–$3,000, which is slightly higher than most other home warranty companies. We’ve listed the available AHS add-ons below:

• Electronics extended warranty
• Guest unit
• Pool and built-in spa equipment
• Roof-leak repair
• Septic pump
• Well pump

The Fine Print

Like all home warranty companies, American Home Shield has some exclusions that can lead to denied claims. For example, it won’t cover standard maintenance services, such as changing air filters in your air conditioner, which are routine tasks homeowners are expected to handle themselves. 

You also won’t be covered for construction costs, which include any expenses related to structural changes or modifications to your home. Manufacturing defects, which are flaws in an appliance or system that occur during production, are also excluded. Additionally, AHS won’t cover mold and mildew removal, as these are often considered environmental hazards and require specialized removal services.

Below is a screenshot of a sample contract from the American Home Shield website outlining key coverage limitations and exclusions taken in October 2024.

Other things to watch for in your contract are exclusions for items used for commercial purposes—meaning any appliances or systems that are in a business setting may not be covered. Breakdowns resulting from misuse, vandalism, natural disasters, or cosmetic issues not due to normal wear and tear are also excluded. While these exclusions exist, 99% of AHS users we surveyed this year had their claims approved, reflecting overall positive experiences with the claims process. Our tester had a similarly smooth experience with AHS, submitting several claims requests that were approved and resolved to his satisfaction.

Keep in mind that AHS’s service contract terms can differ based on your location. The company provides sample contracts for six specific states and a general sample contract for the rest. Make sure to review the contract that is applicable to your state.

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American Home Shield Cost

The total cost of AHS coverage depends on the plan, add-ons, and service call fee you choose. Below, we’ll break down the typical AHS costs so you can get a better idea of what to expect.

Plan Cost

American Home Shield costs between $29.99 and $89.99 per month, based on a sample quote we gathered for a home in Mesa, Arizona. ShieldSilver, the cheapest plan, ranges from $29.99–$39.99. The other plans are pricier, with ShieldGold running from $49.99–$59.99 and ShieldPlatinum from $79.99–$89.99. 

AHS only allows you to pay monthly premiums, unlike many home warranty companies that give you the option to pay annually. This matters because other providers typically offer discounts if you pay annually.

In certain states, AHS comprehensive plans can be more expensive than the industry average of $70–$80 per month. For instance, in Rhode Island, we saw quotes for the ShieldGold plan starting at $129.99 and $159.99 for ShieldPlatinum coverage. The exact cost depends on your location, plan type, and any add-ons. If you live in an area with severe weather or have a home larger than 5,000 square feet, expect higher premiums due to the increased risk of claims and more systems to cover.

Pricing also varies based on your selected service call fee, or the price you pay when a technician comes out to service an item. AHS allows you to choose between a $100 or $125 fee. Choosing the lower service call fee will raise your monthly costs. When we used the online quote tool, we found that the higher $125 fee lowered our monthly premiums. So, if you don’t mind paying a bit more when you need a repair, you can save on your monthly costs.

We’ve outlined AHS plan pricing and service call fees below:

The cost of add-ons varies based on your selected service. It starts at $5 monthly for septic pumps and goes up to $18 for pool and built-in spa equipment. You can add roof-leak coverage to the ShieldSilver and ShieldGold plans for $10 monthly. We recommend only choosing essential coverage and limiting add-ons to keep your overall costs down.

Here’s a breakdown of add-on fees by plan:

Discounts

AHS provides various discounts. Here’s an overview of ways you can save:

• AARP: AARP members receive an exclusive 25% discount when signing up as a new AHS member. Members can stack this credit with other valid offers for additional savings.  
• Military personnel: Active and veteran military personnel get $35 off for new signups with the option to stack with other eligible promotions. 
• Multiple properties: You can receive $50 off when signing up for protection for multiple properties. 
• Refer a friend: Under American Home Shield’s program, you will receive a $25 Amazon gift card for each referral who becomes an AHS member. Additionally, each referred friend will also receive a $25 gift card.

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Comparing American Home Shield to Other Top Providers

American Home Shield tops our list of leading home warranty providers, though it’s more expensive than other companies. Liberty Home Guard and Select Home Warranty are more budget-friendly, but Select has the lowest rating compared to other providers because it generally offers less coverage. Elite Home Warranty and First American are great midrange options.

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Customer Reviews: Reddit, Trustpilot, and More

To better understand the AHS customer experience, we analyzed dozens of third-party reviews from sources such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Reddit, and Trustpilot. Many customers were happy with quick fixes and easy claims processes, while others had issues with denied claims and negative experiences with on-site technicians.

Customers noted that the company frequently responds to submitted claims within 24 hours or less, surpassing its promised 48-hour turnaround time. Our 2024 survey uncovered similar findings, with 44% of AHS customers receiving a response in 12 hours or less. We also experienced a quick turnaround when we tested AHS’s claims process. After submitting our claim online, a service technician contacted us an hour later to schedule a next-day appointment. 

Other reviews mentioned repair technicians who were friendly and took the time to explain issues. We also noticed that many reviewers were long-time customers who had stayed with AHS for 10 years or longer. It’s rare to find such loyalty with a home warranty company.

Negative reviews suggested that American Home Shield’s quick service is not consistent in every area. Some customers reported waiting for two weeks or more for repairs or replacements, which corresponds to 3% of our survey respondents. Other reviewers also mentioned delays in waiting for replacement parts, with some repairs taking a month or longer. Additional complaints included lower-than-expected payouts and claims that technicians lacked the required skills to complete repairs.

Below are sample reviews from AHS customers:

“I had issues with the A/C not working once and the water heater leaking. The a/c got fixed within three days, only had to pay the $75. The water heater was more expensive because they had to update some plumbing to be up to code which was not covered. My total there was $500, which included the new water heater, all parts, and three workers to get to the current code. This was also done within a week or so.”  —ChiefBroady, June 2024 on Reddit

“I strongly recommend against using American Home Shield. We had them for over [eight] years, and they were a hassle every time. Because we don’t live in a big city, [one time they] suggested we find a plumber and give them the info. This time, they refused to cover the replacement of our water pump. They said because we had an electrical outage, they will not cover the cost. They will take [your] money and then find any way they can to not pay [or] delay the process.” —GFab30, October 2024 on Reddit

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Our Experience With American Home Shield

We signed up for an American Home Shield plan and submitted a couple of claims to see how it really works. Below, we’ll share what we learned about the sign-up process and how AHS handled things when we needed a repair.

Signing Up

AHS makes signing up for services online or over the phone easy. Our tester used the online quote tool to start his sign-up process. You can also use the online tool to compare plans and switch between service call fees. Any changes you make, like adjusting fees or selecting add-on options, will instantly update to show your estimated costs in real time.

After selecting your plan, you’ll be prompted to finalize your payment details. Our AHS tester confirmed that the company automatically withdraws monthly premiums from the credit card on file. You can make payments via PayPal, a credit card, or your bank account. You can also add any promo codes before finalizing your purchase. Once completed, you’ll receive a confirmation from AHS that includes your plan start date, which is 30 days after sign-up. 

The whole process is straightforward, and once you’re set up, you can manage your policy through the customer portal or intuitive smartphone app. 

Filing Claims

American Home Shield’s claims process involves filing a claim via your online portal or calling its 24/7 claims phone line. Our team member tested the AHS claim process and listed out the following steps:

Step 1: Start the Claim

You can request service 24/7 online or by calling 833-706-2863. Our team member filed a claim on his smartphone by signing into his claims portal account. AHS’s claims portal displays what’s covered under your plan and lets you select your required repair. In his case, he needed to repair a leaky bathroom pipe.AHS offers service call fees of either $100 or $125 per service repair. Our homeowners survey revealed that home warranty customers at large pay an average of $100 for service call fees. You can pick your service call fee when using the company’s online quote tool.

Step 2: Enter Issue Details

Once you’ve selected items, you’re taken to the next screen that lets you describe the problem. The “symptom” drop-down box offers several common issues to choose from. It also provides an “other” option if you can’t find an applicable problem. This screen also displays your agreed-upon service fee.

Step 3: Confirm Your Claim and Submit

After that, you’ll get details about the service professional assigned to your claim. AHS will let you know when to expect a call and share info about the company handling the repair. If they can’t find a technician through their network, you can choose your own—just make sure to get AHS approval before any work starts. We recommend keeping itemized repair or replacement receipts for later reimbursement.

After our team member submitted his claim, AHS sent a confirmation email and text stating that it had been received. Within an hour, our team member got a call from a local service provider and scheduled a next-day appointment. The service contractor arrived before the appointment time and repaired the leak in two hours. Our survey showed that 20% of AHS users had repairs completed in less than a day, while 39% said their technicians finished the job within one to two days.

Although you can file claims at any point, American Home Shield’s response time may vary. The company states that it will process claims and send service technicians to diagnose your issue within 48 hours of receiving it. However, AHS may take longer if you file a claim after normal business hours or during holidays.

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Advice From a Homeowner

Determining whether an American Home Shield plan is the way to go depends on your needs. Having that safety net for unexpected repairs is a big relief for many homeowners. AHS covers major systems and appliances, saving you significant money if something breaks down. But over time, the monthly premiums and service fees can add up, making you wonder if you’re getting your money’s worth.

Take our tester, Scott P., for example. He was satisfied with the service he received. However, he was unsure whether to keep his AHS policy. “I appreciate the peace of mind that my home is covered with the policy,” Scott says, “But my biggest complaint is the amount I’ve spent on the plan over the years.” 

The real question is whether the coverage makes sense for your situation. If your home is older or has aging systems, the chances of costly repairs are higher, so having a plan could be a good move. But if your home is newer and doesn’t need a lot of maintenance, the plan’s lifetime cost might not be worthwhile.

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Is American Home Shield Worth It?

American Home Shield is worth it If you’re looking for a reliable home warranty plan, especially if you have an older home that might need more repairs. It offers higher coverage limits and even covers preexisting conditions, which can really help with unexpected breakdowns. While its plans might be more expensive than those of other providers, the assurance of knowing your home is covered could make it worth it in the long term.

Some people have mentioned issues with technicians or delays, but the service was quick and efficient when we tested it. In our survey, 92% of AHS users said they were either very satisfied or satisfied with their current plan. We recommend assessing the age and condition of your home’s appliances and systems to see if a comprehensive plan from AHS makes sense for you.

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How We Evaluated Home Warranty Providers

We use a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each home warranty company we review. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts, and running focus groups and homeowner surveys. 

We use this information to score each provider in six comparison categories that we think are most important when choosing a home warranty. We rate each provider across 23 factors within those categories. Each factor is assigned a point value based on its importance to a homeowner, totaling 100 points. We convert the final scores to a 5-star rating. 

Here’s a breakdown of our weighted factors:

• Coverage (35%): This category looked at how comprehensive each provider’s coverage was, including whether they covered unique items. Companies that covered the most items and had higher annual limits received the highest scores. We docked points from providers that impose long waiting periods or had depreciation policies that decrease your payouts for aging items. 

• Cost (20%): We looked at average monthly prices and service call fees. We gave the most points to companies that offer pricing at or below the industry average and don’t impose any surcharges or extra fees.

• Trustworthiness (15%): To gauge reputation and reliability, we reviewed customer ratings across sites like the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot as well as companies’ responses to complaints. We also checked for National Home Serice Contract Assocation (NHSCA) membership. Providers with the highest ratings and longest workmanship guarantees received higher scores. We deduced points for any ongoing legal issues.

• Plan transparency (10%): We read terms, policies, and disclosures in provided contracts and on each company’s website. Providers with transparent contract details and policies received more points. 

• Customer support (10%): Companies with multiple claims filing options, fast response times, and accessible customer support scored well in this category.

Flexibility (10%): We awarded more points for providers offering more plan options, larger add-on catalogs, the ability to choose your own technician, and customer-friendly cancellation policies.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at [email protected].