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American Home Shield Review

In a Nutshell: American Home Shield offers affordable pricing with flexible plans covering repairs on household appliances and systems. AHS Home Warranty has three main packages along with optional add-ons for customers.

American Home Shield Review

Overview

American Home Shield offers flexible plans with affordable pricing and covers repairs for up to 23 household appliances and systems. With more than 2 million members and over 50 years of experience, AHS has paid more than $2 billion in home warranty claims over the last 5 years.

Depending on the plan, AHS will cover all main household systems such as air conditioning (including duct-work), heating, electrical, plumbing, water heaters, garbage disposals, instant hot/cold water dispensers, central vacuums, smoke detectors, doorbells, and ceiling fans.

Covered appliances include everyday household items including refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes dryers, clothes washers, ranges, ovens, cook-tops, built-in microwave ovens, free-standing ice makers, trash compactors, garage door openers, and built-in food processors. Most home warranty solutions don’t openly publicize pricing.

One of the great aspects about American Home Shield is that they actually display pricing for plans based on the state. For a quote, make sure to select your state of residence on their plans page.

Packages

The ShieldEssential plan protects up to 14 major systems in your home.

Their most popular plan, the ShieldPlus plan, covers everything in the ShieldEssential plan plus 9 more common appliances.

The ShieldComplete plan covers everything in the other plans plus roof leaks, free HVAC tune-up, unlimited A/C refrigeration, and coverage for code violations and permits.

Terms of Service

When it comes to repairs, home warranty systems will cover the major costs. Their policy typically includes a service fee for repairs. AHS offers a competitive and reasonable service fee. Customers can choose from three trade service call fee levels: $75, $200, and $125. These prices are fairly standard within the industry. With this service fee, you do not actually pay for the cost of the repair. That cost comes with the coverage in your plan. Contracts cover repairs or replacements of covered items regardless of age, make, or model.

Customer Support

When it comes to customer support, American Home Shield offers decent service to customers with service available both online or by phone. To request a repair, customers can call a toll-free number or fill out a form online to request service. Their website boasts a comprehensive online resource center that includes a blog and FAQ section. Customers can also get more information through their many social media pages including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, Google+, and LinkedIn.

For New Jersey Residents: This is a service contract, not a warranty from the home builder or manufacturer.

Pros

Impressive payouts for repairs
Customizable plan options
Over 17,000 technicians
Coverage regardless of age

Cons

Not available in Alaska & Hawaii
Some add-ons aren’t available in all locations

Our Top 3 Picks

Choice

American Home Shield

First American

Coverage options

Extensive coverage options, including virtually all home systems and appliances, coverage for luxury items and unique systems

Claims process

8.0

They offer a user-friendly platform that simplifies the claims submission process

Cost

8.0

Premiums and service fees are also in line with industry norms, offering a balanced cost for the standard coverage provided

Customer service

8.0

Customer support available during extended hours by phone, email, and live chat

Contractor network

8.0

Huge network of highly-rated contractors ensuring timely and efficient repairs and maintenance

FAQs for Home Warranty

Purchasing a home warranty is the best way to protect yourself from expensive home and appliance repairs. To help you learn more about home warranties, how they work, and how they differ from home insurance, we have compiled answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

What's the difference between a home warranty and home insurance?

Home warranty and home insurance offer valuable protection for your home, guarding against unforeseen damage that can result in significant financial burdens. While home insurance covers your home if there's a major event, home warranties will save you thousands of dollars in repairs when your home systems and appliances break down. Let's highlight the key differences between home warranties and home insurance:
1. Coverage Focus:
Home warranties primarily cover the repair or replacement of home systems and appliances due to normal wear and tear. Home insurance, on the other hand, provides broader coverage for perils such as fire, theft, natural disasters, and liability.

2. Coverage Duration:
A home warranty operates on a specific term, typically one year, and can be renewed annually. Home insurance is generally in effect as long as you continue paying the premiums.

3. Cost and Premiums:
Home warranties require homeowners to pay a monthly or annual premium, along with service fees for each repair request. Home insurance premiums are typically paid annually or as agreed upon in the policy contract.

4. Scope of Protection:
Home warranties cover specific items listed in the warranty contract, while home insurance provides protection for the entire property.

What is a home warranty?

Similar to a warranty that comes with the purchase of a new phone, or piece of equipment, home warranties, cover home appliances and system repairs. Home warranties shield homeowners from the high cost of unexpected appliance breakdowns and system failures. They provide protection not just for your home, but for your budget and time as well.

How do they work?

What's great about home warranties is that, unlike a standard warranty that comes with an appliance, home warranties cover a wide variety of appliances that can be customized depending on your needs. When signing up for a home warranty or receiving an initial quote, you will be asked to fill in basic information about the location of your home and which appliances you want to cover. Most home warranty companies like Choice Home Warranty, Select Home Warranty, or American Home Shield, offer a choice of several plans with options to add appliances based on need. These home warranty companies will charge an annual contract fee for yearly coverage and a small service fee when they need to send someone to repair or replace an appliance. Typically home warranty companies work with certified local technicians who work quickly and efficiently to help ensure your home is back in working order.

How does a home warranty complement my home insurance?

Think of home insurance as a way to protect the structure of your home from unforeseen events, while a home warranty, like those from American Home Shield, safeguards against unexpected appliance and system breakdowns. Together, they provide comprehensive protection for both your home's structure and its contents.

What appliances do home warranties cover?

As mentioned, home warranty coverage varies from company to company and there is no one set item list that all home warranties cover. In general, it's best to review your contract and make sure all your essential appliances are listed.

In general home warranties may cover some of these items and more:
Central heating systems
Air conditioning systems
Electrical systems
Plumbing systems
Washing machines and dryers
Microwaves
Dishwashers
Refrigerators
Ovens and stove-tops

How do I compare home insurance quotes with home warranty plans?

When looking to compare home insurance quotes, consider factors like coverage limits, deductibles, and premiums. For home warranties, focus on the appliances and systems covered, service fees, and contract terms. Websites like ours provide comparisons of top-rated plans from America's leading providers.

How do I find the cheapest homeowners insurance and warranty options?

The cheapest homeowners insurance might come from providers like Progressive Home Insurance or Farmers Home Insurance. However, the cost-effectiveness depends on your specific needs and location. Similarly, warranty costs vary based on coverage. On our site, you can find the most reliable home warranty providers. It's best to get a quote for homeowners insurance and warranty separately to determine the most affordable options.

Why would you need a home warranty?

As a homeowner, you never know when your essential systems or appliances may break, and repairing them can be both time-consuming and extremely costly. Home warranties are there to offer peace of mind by ensuring you'll be taken care of by certified professionals when the unexpected occurs.

Who are home warranties for?

Typically home warranty plans are purchased by homeowners who want to ensure they are covered in case of a breakdown. However, others can benefit from the services a home warranty provides. Landlords who have purchased a home and are renting it out should strongly consider purchasing a home warranty plan. As a landlord, the last thing you need is for a tenant to be without a heater, fridge, or even electricity. You'll find yourself scrambling to find the proper technician without knowing how much you'll have to pay out-of-pocket. A home warranty provides you with peace of mind and is a significant selling point for a tenant when considering homes.

Real estate agents can also benefit from home warranty plans and many agents will purchase a home warranty to protect the buyer. This can be done as a gift as a way to say thank you for their business. Moving into a new home with a home warranty already in place provides the buyer with peace of mind knowing there won't be unexpected costs to fix systems or appliances.

AHS: For New Jersey Residents: This is a service contract, not a warranty from the home builder or manufacturer.
†ADT: Req 1-mo min pro monitoring w/ Self Setup OR pro install w/ 36-mo agm't (Term & install fees). Excludes discounted equipment bundles. Video service req for 30% discount. Taxes addt'l.

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