A home warranty plan can offer peace of mind to homeowners by providing coverage for unexpected repairs and breakdowns of household appliances and systems. American Home Shield (AHS) is one of the largest and most established home warranty companies in the United States, with more than 2 million customers across the country. In this review, we'll take an in-depth look at AHS's home warranty plans, pricing, coverage, customer service, and reputation.
American Home Shield (AHS) was established in 1971 and later became a part of Frontdoor, Inc., a publicly traded company. With over 2 million customers nationwide, AHS is one of the largest home warranty providers in the United States. They collaborate with a vast network of over 15,000 independent contractor firms and 45,000 skilled technicians. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, American Home Shield continues to offer comprehensive home warranty plans to homeowners across 49 states and the District of Columbia.
AHS offers three main home warranty plans: the ShieldSilver plan, the ShieldGold plan, and the ShieldPlatinum plan. Each plan comes with a different level of coverage and pricing. The ShieldSilver plan covers essential appliances and systems in your home, while the ShieldGold and ShieldPlatinum plans provide more comprehensive coverage.
The ShieldSilver plan starts at $39.99 per month, while the ShieldGold plan starts at $59.99 per month. The ShieldPlatinum plan, which includes additional coverage for items like HVAC systems, starts at $89.99 per month. AHS also offers optional add-on coverage for items like pool and spa equipment, Electronics Protection Plan, well pumps, Roof Leak Repairs, Septic Pump, and guest units (up to 750 sq. ft.).
AHS provides a 30-day workmanship warranty, so if you have a problem with the finished repair within 30 days of service, AHS will send a pro out again at no additional cost. The company also offers a discount for customers who pay annually instead of monthly.
One of the major advantages of AHS is the broad coverage it provides. The company's home warranty plans cover a wide range of appliances and systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and kitchen appliances. The ShieldPlatinum plan even includes coverage for items like septic systems, ductwork, and doorbells. This level of coverage makes AHS an attractive option for homeowners who want to protect their homes from unexpected breakdowns and repair costs.
In addition to standard coverage, AHS also offers a "build your own plan" option. With this feature, homeowners can select the specific items they want to cover in their home warranty plan. This customizable approach allows homeowners to tailor their coverage to their unique needs and budget.
However, it's important to note that AHS has some limitations on coverage. The company does not cover pre-existing conditions, cosmetic defects, or items that have not been properly maintained. For example, if your HVAC system breaks down due to lack of maintenance, it may not be covered under your AHS plan.
The claims process is an important factor to consider when choosing a home warranty provider. AHS has a straightforward claims process, which can be initiated through the company's website or by phone. Once a claim is submitted, AHS will assign a contractor to diagnose the issue and determine whether it is covered under the plan. If the repair or replacement is covered, AHS will pay for the cost of the repair or replacement, minus any applicable service fees.
One common complaint against AHS is its lengthy claims process. Some customers have reported waiting several days or even weeks for repairs to be completed. However, it's important to note that the speed of repairs can vary depending on the availability of contractors in your area and the complexity of the repair.
AHS has a 24/7 customer service line, which is accessible to customers via phone or online chat. The company also has a mobile app that allows customers to easily manage their account, file claims, and track the status of repairs. Overall, AHS has a good reputation for customer service, with many customers reporting positive experiences with the company's representatives.
One potential area of concern is the company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. AHS currently has a B rating with the BBB, which is lower than some of its competitors in the home warranty industry. However, it's important to note that the BBB rating is based on several factors, including the number of customer complaints, how the company responds to complaints, and the length of time the company has been in business.
AHS has a mixed reputation in the home warranty industry. While the company has many satisfied customers who appreciate the broad coverage and customizable plans, there are also some complaints about the claims process and delays in repairs. Additionally, some customers have expressed frustration with the company's service fees, which can range from $75 to $125 per claim depending on the plan.
Despite these concerns, AHS has a strong track record of customer satisfaction. The company has been in business for over 50 years and has more than 2 million customers across the country. AHS has also won several awards for its service, including the 2020 Women's Choice Award for America's Most Recommended Home Warranty Provider.
American Home Shield is a reputable home warranty company with a long history of providing comprehensive coverage to homeowners. While the company has some limitations on coverage and fees, its broad range of plans and customizable options make it a popular choice for homeowners looking to protect their homes from unexpected repair costs. Overall, AHS is a solid option for homeowners who want peace of mind knowing that their appliances and systems are covered by a reliable and established home warranty provider.
