American Home Shield Review

Overview

Founded back in 1971, American Home Shield has been in the business of protecting homeowners for decades. As one of the original home warranty companies, they have set many of the precedents that other companies follow, and their expertise in this area has led to some of the most comprehensive and thorough plans available. With American Home Shield you are getting more than just a home warranty, you are getting the peace of mind that comes with knowing you, your home, and your wallet, won’t suffer the next time something breaks down.

The reality of home ownership is that something is always needing to be repaired. From leaky faucets and toilets that won’t flush, to broken air conditioners and faulty heating units, the list of things that can go wrong is endless. That is why many homeowners are now turning to home warranty services so that these endless repairs don’t end up costing them a fortune. American Home Shield covers you for repairs and replacements, and all you pay is a reasonable monthly premium and a reduced service call fee. Enjoy your home without stress or worry, and check out American Home Shield to see how all of this is possible.

Company Information

Home warranties work in a similar fashion to the standard warranty that you receive when you buy a product. The entire point is to protect you in case that product stops working and you need a repair or replacement. Most people add on a warranty when they purchase something like a laptop or vehicle, but yet fail to do so when making the biggest purchase of their life - a house. 

American Home Shield’s warranty plans cover the systems and appliances inside your home that either did not come with a warranty, or have a manufacturer’s warranty that is expired. This means you have extended coverage on things such as your electrical system, as well as common household appliances like your fridge or dishwasher. 

One of the first things to note about American Home Shield is that their long history in this industry has afforded them an edge on other competitors. Customers are able to access years of reviews, and can see exactly the pros and cons of choosing them. With newer companies there is far less transparency, and you don’t always know what you’re getting, so this is certainly a big bonus. Not only that, but their experience in home warranties means they cover more than other companies do. They are well aware of what customers are looking for, and they have created plan options that are much more inclusive. 

Another key feature of American Home Shield is that they are extremely transparent. Their website is full of useful information, and it is easy to access their terms, exclusions, and general policy information. You can download a sample contract to see what yours may look like, and understand how policies and fees work. Transparency is something that isn’t always easy to come by, making American Home Shield more reliable and trustworthy overall.

Coverage

The thing most people are interested in when it comes to their home warranty plan is what exactly they are getting for the money they spend. While exact coverage is a bit tricky to lay out, since different plans have different options, there are some general rules when it comes to American Home Shield’s coverage.

Most home warranty companies offer coverage for two distinct parts of the home: appliances and systems. For appliances, this is generally limited to the main ones in your kitchen, and usually only covers one of each appliance. With American Home Shield, the appliances that are eligible for coverage include:

• Refrigerators
• Ranges/Ovens/Cooktops
• Dishwashers
• Built-In Microwaves
• Clothes Washers
• Clothes Dryers
• Trash Compactors
• Built-In Food Centers
• Freestanding Ice Makers
• Garage Door Openers

If you aren’t interested in appliance coverage, or you want appliance and systems then American Home Shield has options for you. Their coverage for systems includes:

• Air Conditioning with Ductwork
• Heating with Ductwork
• Electrical Systems
• Plumbing Systems
• Water Heaters
• Garbage Disposals
• Instant Water Dispensers
• Doorbells
• Smoke Detectors
• Ceiling Fans
• Central Vacuums

Most of the appliances and systems in your home fall under traditional coverage plans, but in some cases you may have something extra that isn’t covered. If this is true for you, American Home Shield does have additional coverage for optional items and these can be added onto any plan. Add-on coverage applies to items such as:

• Extended Electronics Warranties
• TVs
• Computers & Laptops
• Home Sound Systems
• Gaming Systems
• Smart Home Products
• Pools and Spas
• Well Pumps
• Septic Pumps
• Guest Homes Under 450 sq. ft.

Exclusions

As with any warranty, there are some exclusions that apply. Exclusions include any items that are not eligible for coverage, as well as incidents or situations that would void your coverage. For the most part, coverage is extended to any appliance or system that is listed and it will be protected for any cases that involve normal wear and tear. If, however, damage occurs outside of what is deemed normal wear and tear, then you will be responsible for the costs solely. 

Situations that could lead to it being deemed outside that scope includes things like neglect or abuse. If you are not properly maintaining your appliances or systems, or are using them in a way other than they are intended, then you will lose coverage. On their website, American Home Shield lists some specific areas where exclusions would apply.

1. Lack of maintenance, rust, or corrosion
2. Systems or appliances that were installed incorrectly
3. Pre-existing repairs or modifications that have been done 
4. Mismatched systems that do not operate properly
5. Known and unknown pre-existing conditions
6. An existing warranty on the product
7. Non-residential properties such as a commercial building

There are also more specific exclusions which are laid out in your contract, and those will apply to the systems or appliances you have on your plan. For example, when it comes to appliances there is no coverage for cosmetic damage, so if you scratch your new stainless steel fridge, you’re on your own for that repair.

Repairs & Service Calls

When it comes time for you to use your home warranty, there is a very easy and straightforward process for you to follow. Your plan will become active 30 days after you purchase your warranty, and then you are eligible to file a claim and receive assistance. From that point on, whenever something breaks down and stops working, you will simply request assistance through your online portal or by calling American Home Shield directly.

American Home Shield operates a wide network of contractors, and they have professionals in every area that they service. Depending on what is broken, they will find a contractor nearby who is able to assist, and then have that person contact you directly to set up the appointment. You will be responsible for paying your service call fee for each contractor that is dispatched to your home, and this amount will be the one you selected when you enrolled in your warranty plan. 

There is no limit to the number of requests you can make in any given year, but there is a limit on how much you can reimbursed per appliance or system. Each contract will have the limits stated clearly, and the total amount for reimbursement will be based on your monthly premium as well as other contributing factors. 

After your appliance or system has been repaired, there is a 30 day workmanship guarantee. This means that if at any point in the next 30 days the same problem occurs you can contact American Home Shield and they will send a contractor out again with no cost to you. If 30 days has elapsed, however, it will be treated as a new problem as you will be required to pay your service fee.

Plans & Pricing

American Home Shield is a bit unique when it comes to their plan options, as they offer a range of plan options to suit all homeowner needs. Whether you're looking for only specific home systems to be covered, or you want all aspects of the home protected, American Home Shield helps you secure the ideal plan for you, while also remaining budget-friendly in pricing. 

The total cost for each plan will depend on a multitude of different factors, including what you want coverage for, where you live, and how much you want to pay per service call. To find out how much you personally would pay for the plan you are interested in, it is best to reach out to American Home Shield directly and obtain a free quote. 

For general plan information, the following chart gives a breakdown of what is covered, but pricing information is not included due to the need for a personal quote.

Bottom Line

When it comes to choosing a home warranty company, there are many options on the market today, so how do you know which one is best for you? One of the best ways to make that decision is to look at reviews, history, and information in order to gather up as much as possible before you commit. American Home Shield has the history and reviews to back up their claims, and their long-standing positive reputation has stuck with them for decades. They have clear, comprehensive plan options and they pride themselves on being upfront and transparent with each customer.

If you’re tired of the never-ending list of repairs needed around your house, and your wallet is tired of taking that hit, then there is no better time than now to reach out to American Home Shield. By filling out a short form on their website you will be given a personalized quote for free, as well as be connected with a representative who can walk you through the plan options and answer any questions you may have. Appliances and systems are always going to break down, get old, need repair, and require replacements. Why spend more for these problems every year when you can sign up with American Home Shield and start saving today?