American Home Shield

4.3

American Home Shield Logo

Best Coverage Limits

VISIT SITE
Monthly Cost:
$35–$75
Service Fee:
$100–$125
Response Time:
24-72 hrs
Coverage Limit:
$6,000 per item
BBB Rating:
B
Availability:
49 states (ex. AK)
Affordable basic coverage plans
Covers unknown preexisting conditions
Electronics protection plan (add-on)
High coverage limits
Inconsistent customer reviews
Low customer reputation score
Pricing varies more than competitors

American Home Shield is a great choice for people looking for affordable home warranty rates or higher coverage caps. However, if you’re looking for reliability above all else, inconsistent customer reviews don’t paint a clear picture of the company’s performance, so I’d look elsewhere.

Home warranty policies can be polarizing. Depending on whom you ask, they’re a lifesaver or a scam. While both cases can be true, the truth is somewhere in the middle. Home warranty companies advertise their plans as providing a layer of protection over the major home systems and appliances, similar to homeowners insurance. In reality, there’s a lot of bad press around the industry because of denied claims and expensive service fees.  These policies won’t fix every malfunction for free, and there are always exclusions to the coverage. I’m a writer, not a salesman, but I’m here to lay out the facts about home warranties and let you in on all the information I’ve uncovered during my digging.

I’ve researched American Home Shield using Today’s Homeowner’s specific review criteria to rank home warranty providers. While doing some secret shopping, I obtained warranty quotes for a two-bedroom home in Philadelphia, thoroughly reviewed American Home Shield’s sample contract and scoured the internet for the most accurate customer reviews. I’ve ranked American Home Shield according to the most important factors to consider in a home warranty company, including specific plans, coverage, affordability, customer experience, company reputation, claims process and availability. Read on to see what American Home Shield has to offer and if it is one of the best home warranty companies for your needs.

Why Trust Us?

Here’s how we ranked and reviewed the nation’s top home warranty companies to bring you the most accurate information.

76

Our team of experts reviewed over 70 home warranty providers to compare plan options, coverage limits, prices, and customer feedback.

152

We collected over 100 sample quotes from dozens of home warranty companies to give you an accurate look at industry pricing.

6

Our rating system scores providers based on 6 key factors: coverage options, affordability, customer experience, reputation, claims processes, and availability.

For more information, check out our Home Warranty Methodology page.

Best Coverage Limits
American Home Shield Logo
VISIT SITE
Limited Time:
40% Off Our Most Popular Plan
Our Top Pick
Best for Customization
VISIT SITE
Limited Time:
$200 Off + 2 Months free + Free Roof Leak Coverage
Best Customer Ratings
VISIT SITE
Limited Time:
$150 Off + 1 Month Free
Best Claims Acceptance
choice home warranty logo
VISIT SITE
Limited Time:
$50 Off + 1 month free!

    American Home Shield: Best Coverage Limits

    My favorite things about American Home Shield are its affordable rates and high coverage limits. AHS offers basic plans for less than $30 a month, making it one of the cheapest home warranty companies. While other companies have higher cost barriers, American Home Shield makes it easy for customers to get basic coverage for a low rate. AHS also offers some of the highest coverage limits on the market ($5,000 HVAC and $4,000 appliance limits), which are roughly $2,000 more than most competitors. These coverage caps are only available on its ShieldPlatinum plan ($77.49 a month). Still, it’s rare that a company can simultaneously be considered a budget-buy and a luxury coverage brand, so I was impressed at the range of options. 

    Another big win for AHS is that it covers “normal wear and tear, undetectable preexisting conditions or breakdowns caused by a lack of maintenance, and malfunctions due to rust or corrosion — all without needing to provide maintenance records.” While this isn’t exclusive to AHS, it’s a perk to keep in mind.

    American Home Shield has few drawbacks, but inconsistent customer reviews and prices are the most notable. AHS has the lowest customer reputation score out of all of our top home warranty providers, partially because it has more negative reviews than most competitors. However, the reviews vary from site to site, which makes it hard to get a read on whether AHs is reliable.  American Home Shield’s prices also vary by more than $20 a month, depending on where you live and what promotional discounts are available at the time, so their inconsistency concerns me as well. AHS still has a B rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which makes me feel good about its legitimacy. However, the company can improve its overall consistency of price and performance.


    American Home Shield Bottom Line: 

    8.6/10

    American Home Shield has a great overall score and ranks second when compared to all the providers we researched, partially because of the higher coverage limits on its ShieldPlatinum plan. The limits are $5,000 for HVAC systems and $4,000 for appliances, while most other competitors top out at $2,000 per appliance. American Home Shield’s basic plans are some of the cheapest in the industry — as low as $7.49 a month, depending on your location and the current promotional discounts. While few companies can touch AHS’s basic coverage, the ShieldPlatinum plan is overpriced for most homeowners at almost $80 a month. If I could only pick one plan from American Home Shield, I’d choose the ShieldGold plan because it covers all major home systems and appliances for a reasonable rate. However, if you value affordability, I’d recommend the ShieldSilver plan because of its low monthly rate.

    Despite all the company’s positives, American Home Shield has more negative reviews than the competition, specifically about claims that were denied. While this isn’t uncommon, customer reviews and prices vary much more than any other company I’ve researched, which makes me believe its service is much more unpredictable. For example, AHS’s reviews on Trustpilot are significantly more negative than on Google Reviews. And even within those two sites, there are a lot of mixed messages. Likewise, AHS’s prices rise or fall by $10 to $20 based on where you live, and promotional deals only add to that fluctuation. In short, it’s hard to get a read on some aspects of American Home Shield. If you’re looking for a company that’s known for its reliability, I’d recommend you look elsewhere.


    American Home Shield Plans and Costs 

    9.0/10

    American Home Shield has the most affordable basic coverage out of every service provider I’ve researched, with its ShieldSilver plan reaching as low as $7.49 in certain areas of the country (with promotional discounts). Even at the full price of $29.99, it’s still a bargain that most competitors can’t get close to. However, the Shield Gold plan is my top choice at just under $50 a month. It covers most major systems and appliances for less than most competitors’ comparable plans, so it’s definitely worth getting a quote and seeing if it meets your needs. The ShieldPlatinum plan is pricey at $79.99 a month, so I don’t recommend it for most homeowners. It’s worth noting that American Home Shield’s online discounts and pricing change very frequently, so don’t be afraid to wait until a good promotion comes along before purchasing.

    PlanMonthly CostService Fee
    ShieldSilver$29.99$100 – $125
    ShieldGold$49.99$100 – $125
    ShieldPlatinum$79.99$100 – $125

    Editor’s Note: We sourced cost data in this article for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in [Philadelphia, PA]. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.

    Available Add-Ons

    American Home Shield offers the following add-ons for all plans:

    • Electronics protection plan (all plans): $14
    • Guest unit (all plans): $6.99
    • Pool and built-in spa equipment (all plans): $18
    • Roof leak repair limit (included in the ShieldPlatinum plan but available as an add-on for others): $10
    • Septic pump (all plans): $5
    • Well pump (all plans): $8

    American Home Shield only offers six add-ons, which is low within the market, but the electronics protection plan is a rare option that I found useful. There are plenty of limitations (it doesn’t cover cell phones, preexisting conditions, theft, cosmetic damage, etc.), and it’s a bit pricey at $14 a month. But if you value your devices and aren’t bothered by the exclusions, the company is worth considering.

    Exclusions

    American Home Shield has the following exclusions for all plans:

    • Acts beyond our control (earthquake, storms, mud, fire, etc.)
    • Flues, chimneys, fireplaces, and exhaust lines
    • Hazardous materials 
    • Improper capacity
    • Items covered by other insurance or warranty
    • Known preexisting breakdown 
    • Manufacturer or government recalls
    • Misuse or accidental acts
    • Multimedia centers
    • Outdoor kitchens
    • Power and fuel sources
    • Routine maintenance
    • Smart home systems
    • Special systems (radon mitigation systems, gas detection systems, etc.)

    Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, readers should review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.


    American Home Shield Affordability 

    8.7/10

    American Home Shield has some of the least expensive plans on the market, but because its prices vary more than those of competitors, we downgraded its affordability score to 8.7. In some cases, its rates rise or fall by more than $20, getting as low as $7.49 a month in some locations for the ShieldSilver plan. The ShieldPlatinum plan is also one of the most expensive in the industry. However, for budget-conscious buyers, I recommend waiting for a sale because AHS has a few solid promotional deals. If you plug in your email address and phone number for a quote, AHS will text and call you periodically with updates for promotional deals so you can jump on a plan when the price is right. Read the entire American Home Shield sample contract before you buy it. There are always fine print details about your coverage that can affect your overall expense.


    American Home Shield Customer Experience

    8.4/10

    American Home Shield’s inconsistent customer reviews don’t provide a clear image of the company’s customer experience, but its responses to complaints eased my mind a bit. AHS representatives commented on almost all negative Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and BBB complaints, assuring customers that it was working on a solution. In the home warranty industry, these comments are often meaningless, but it’s nice that AHS responds to them, which many companies don’t. Most customers seemed happy with AHS phone representatives, which I can confirm based on the conversations I’ve had with them. However, the majority of complaints were about denied claims and incompetent service contractors. One customer on Google said:

    This company protects and sides with the sub-contracting company instead of siding with the customer.

    These are common complaints in a range of reviews, but it’s clear that American Home Shield cares about customer satisfaction. So, we gave it an 8.4.


    American Home Shield Company Reputation

    7.7/10

    At a 7.7, American Home Shield has the lowest company reputation score of any of our top home warranty providers. Not all of its customer reviews were negative, but the inconsistency of reviews made it much harder to get a read on the company’s performance. Complaints were usually about denied claims, sub-par technicians and logistical errors. One customer said:

    “Each time you call, you get a new service rep who says completely opposite things. You have to fight them on everything and make sure the rep marks your issue as needing to be expedited. This puts them under a tighter timeline to assign and complete the job, and if they don’t find an available contractor, you can hire your own, and they must reimburse you. I use this tactic frequently, and it has always worked.”

    However, reviews of AHS are wildly inconsistent. On Trustpilot, 78% of all AHS reviews were 1-star, but on Google, almost all reviews were 5-star. Another customer said:

    “This company is really great. When I have a problem in my home, all I do is sign into my account, and within 24 hours, I have an appointment to get my problem fixed.”

    While American Home Shield reviews don’t provide a consensus, the reviews tend to balance each other out, so we gave AHS a 7.7 since customers praised their friendly and efficient performance.

    Rating SiteRating# of Reviews
    BBBBCustomer Reviews are not used to  calculate BBB Rating
    Trustpilot2.25,249
    Google4.532,789

    Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.


    American Home Shield Claims Process

    8.4/10

    American Home Shield has an average score of 8.4 when it comes to its claims process. Because American Home Shield has coverage limits of $5,000 for HVAC and $4,000 for appliances (on the ShieldPlatinum plan), it pays out very well for claims. However, it also has more complaints about denied claims than the competition. Additionally, AHS has an average but unimpressive response time of 48 hours. One Google customer wrote:

    “American Home Shield gave the job to the worst contractor ever. It took them more than a month to come to my house and do the first assessment.”

    Another customer said on Trustpilot:

    “AHS denied my claim, stating it was due to a manufacturer defect. A coil failure after 11 years was deemed to be a manufacturer defect, even though the expected life of the part was between 8 to 12 years.”

    These kinds of complaints are common in the home warranty industry, and some blame falls more on the contractors than the warranty provider. However, these complaints happen more with AHS than to others in the industry.  Still, for its ease of use and high payouts, we gave American Home Shield an 8.4.


    American Home Shield Availability

    10/10

    American Home Shield operates in the continental United States, so we gave it a perfect availability score. Nationwide availability isn’t the most important aspect of a company, but it can point to the company’s legitimacy as a business.

    Today’s Homeowner Tips
    I recommend getting quotes from as many companies as possible before deciding on your final choice. I always get follow-up texts and calls from home warranty providers after my initial quote, usually to offer me limited-time deals. You can use these texts to accept the company’s offer and get a better bargain, or you could use the deals as leverage to negotiate a better rate with a different company.

    American Home Shield vs. The Competition

    CompanyRatingMonthly CostService FeeResponse TimeBBB RatingLink

    $50-$60

    $75

    12-48 hrs.

    NR

    VISIT SITE
    American Home Shield Logo

    $35–$75

    $100–$125

    24-72 hrs

    B

    VISIT SITE

    $44.99-$58.99

    $70

    48 hours

    A+

    VISIT SITE
    choice home warranty logo

    $46–$55

    $85

    24-48 hrs.

    B

    VISIT SITE
    select home warranty logo

    $52–$58

    $60

    24-48 hrs.

    B

    VISIT SITE
    AFC Home Warranty logo

    $38–$62

    $75–$125

    48 hours

    B

    VISIT SITE
    first american logo

    $38–$48

    $75–$125

    48 hours

    B

    VISIT SITE

    $17–$60+

    $65–$100

    2–24 hrs

    A-

    VISIT SITE

    $28–$68

    $100–$150

    2–24 hrs

    B

    VISIT SITE

    American Home Shield vs Liberty Home Guard

    Liberty Home Guard is my No. 1 pick for a home warranty provider. In most categories, American Home Shield can’t compete with Liberty’s performance. The only area where American Home Shield outperforms Liberty is in customer experience, primarily because Liberty has such a long waiting period (30 to 60 days) and because Liberty doesn’t cover known or unknown preexisting conditions. In every other category, Liberty wins.

    In fact, the primary areas where Liberty shines are in its plans, coverage and company reputation. Liberty has more add-ons than any other competitor, and its plans are reasonably priced for the coverage they provide. Likewise, Liberty’s customer reviews are unmatched, giving it a higher company reputation score than any of our other top providers.

    While American Home Shield may be a better option for customers who want the most affordable rate possible, I trust Liberty Home Guard more because of its positive reviews and overall reliability.

    Provider Subscores (10 Point Scale)Liberty Home GuardAmerican Home Shield
    Plans and Coverage10.09.0
    Affordability8.98.7
    Customer Experience7.88.4
    Company Reputation9.17.7
    Claims Process10.08.4
    Availability10.010.0
    Overall9.38.6

    American Home Shield vs Liberty Home Guard Review

    American Home Shield vs. First American Home Warranty

    First American Home Warranty ranks close to American Home Shield in its overall score but has a few crucial differences in performance. Both have solid appliance coverage, but while AHS only offers the best overage limits on its most expensive plan, First American covers up to $3,500 per appliance in all its plans, making it one of the best home appliance insurance companies. Likewise, First American has a much better company reputation score, which goes a long way toward peace of mind when purchasing a policy.

    The biggest downfall for First American Home Warranty is that it’s only available in 34 states (not available in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont or Wisconsin). American Home Shield is available in 48 states. 

    First American also has affordable plans, but American Home Shield has cheaper basic coverage, which may appeal to budget-conscious homeowners. If you’re looking to save money, AHS may be the right choice for you. But if you’re looking for a more reliable option with better coverage limits throughout, I highly recommend First American Home Warranty.

    Provider Subscores (10 Point Scale)First American Home WarrantyAmerican Home Shield
    Plans and Coverage9.09.0
    Affordability9.38.7
    Customer Experience8.18.4
    Company Reputation8.97.7
    Claims Process8.48.4
    Availability6.010
    Overall8.78.6

    American Home Shield vs. First American Home Warranty Review

    American Home Shield vs. Cinch Home Services

    One thing American Home Shield and Cinch Home Services have in common is generous coverage limits. While AHS boasts $5,000 HVAC and $4,000 appliance limits on its most expensive plan, Cinch offers an annual coverage limit of $10,000 (with a few exceptions). Depending on how many covered items malfunction during your home service contract, each plan has its unique benefits. If fewer items break, Cinch is a better bargain because you have the whole $10,000 to pull from, aside from their expensive service call fees of $100 to $150. However, if more than a few items break, AHS is a better bargain because their limits are higher for individual items.

    Another area where American Home Shield rivals Cinch is in its coverage of unknown preexisting conditions, along with rust and corrosion coverage. Both companies cover the previously mentioned conditions, which is rare in the industry. Despite their similarities, American Home Shield has more affordable basic plans, while Cinch has better deals on comprehensive coverage. Additionally, Cinch has a better company reputation score, so if you want reliability and affordable comprehensive coverage, I’d recommend Cinch. If you’d rather have the most affordable plan possible, American Home Shield may be more up your alley.

    Provider Subscores (10 Point Scale)Cinch Home ServicesAmerican Home Shield
    Plans and Coverage6.79.0
    Affordability8.78.7
    Customer Experience7.88.4
    Company Reputation8.37.7
    Claims Process9.28.4
    Availability1010
    Overall8.18.6

    American Home Shield vs. Cinch Home Services Review

    Who is American Home Shield Best For?

    American Home Shield is best for homeowners on a tight budget and those who have a disposable income and want the best coverage limits available. While it may seem odd that AHS is best for being budget-friendly and providing luxurious, premium coverage, those two qualities aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive. American Home Shield’s basic coverage options offer excellent value for the money and cost $30 or less per month, so they’re perfect for budget-conscious buyers. On the other hand, the ShieldPlatinum plan offers some of the best coverage limits available ($5,000 HVAC and $4,000 appliance limits) . It rings up at almost $80 a month, so while it’s not great for frugal shoppers, it’s perfect for homeowners with expensive appliances and cash to spare. 

    For more information on the benefits of home warranties, consult the Federal Trade Commission’s home warranty consumer alert.

    Best Coverage Limits

    4.3

    American Home Shield Logo
    Limited Time:
    40% Off Our Most Popular Plan

    FAQs About American Home Shield

    Is American Home Shield Legit?

    American Home Shield is a legitimate home warranty provider that operates throughout the continental United States.


    How Much Does American Home Shield Cost?

    The average cost of a home warranty plan from American Home Shield is $53.32 a month*, not including service fees or any promotional discounts. To find out more about the costs associated with home warranties, check out our home warranty cost guide.

    * Disclaimer: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Philadelphia, PA. 


    What Does American Home Shield Cover?

    American Home Shield covers the following, either in a plan or as an add-on:

    • Air conditioners
    • Built-in exhaust fans
    • Built-in jetted tub motors, pumps, and air switch assemblies
    • Built-in microwaves
    • Ceiling fans
    • Code violations, permits & modifications
    • Dishwashers
    • Doorbells
    • Dryers
    • Ductwork
    • Electrical systems & accessories
    • Electronics protection plan
    • Faucets & valves
    • Garage door openers
    • Garbage disposals
    • Guest units
    • Heating systems
    • Home electronics
    • HVAC tune-ups
    • Indoor services & maintenance
    • Installed instant hot/cold water dispensers
    • Interior electrical lines & components
    • Interior plumbing lines
    • Kitchen appliances
    • Laundry appliances
    • Main breaker & fuse panel box
    • Ovens
    • Plumbing systems & accessories
    • Pool & built-in spa equipment
    • Ranges and cooktops
    • Refrigerators
    • Rekey service
    • Roof leak repair
    • Septic pump
    • Tech installation & support
    • Toilets
    • Washers
    • Water heaters
    • Well pumps

    American Home Shield has the following exclusions for all plans:

    • Acts beyond our control (earthquake, storms, mud, fire, etc.)
    • Flues, chimneys, fireplaces, and exhaust lines
    • Hazardous materials 
    • Improper capacity
    • Items covered by other insurance or warranty
    • Known preexisting breakdown 
    • Manufacturer or government recalls
    • Misuse or accidental acts
    • Multimedia centers
    • Outdoor kitchens
    • Power and fuel sources
    • Routine maintenance
    • Smart home systems
    • Special systems (radon mitigation systems, gas detection systems, etc.)

    Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, readers should review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.

    To learn more about home warranty coverage and its limitations, check out our in-depth guide on what home warranties cover for more information.


    How Do You Cancel American Home Shield?

    To cancel your American Home Shield policy, call a customer representative at 833-706-2865, and someone will assist you.



    Other Resources for Homeowners

    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Mitchell Layton

    Mitchell Layton

    Mitchell Layton is a former professional mover who currently lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mitchell spent years packing and moving for REAL Rock N Roll Movers, a commercial and residential moving company based in Los Angeles that’s primarily staffed with up-and-coming musicians. That gave him plenty of experience navigating box trucks up and down the winding streets of LA. In addition to moving hundreds of happy customers into new homes and apartments all across Southern California, Mitchell has also performed corporate moves on company lots for Nickelodeon, Warner Bros, Universal Studios, Paramount, and more. After pouring blood, sweat, and tears into his profession, Mitchell has all the helpful tips you need for your next move.

    Learn More

    photo of Irma Omerhodzic

    Irma Omerhodzic

    Irma Omerhodzic, an accomplished editor for Today's Homeowner, brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Holding both a Master's and Bachelor's degree from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, Irma is a member of Kappa Tau Alpha, a national honor society in journalism. Beyond her successful editorial career, Irma is a dynamic professional who holds an active real estate license in Ohio. She is proudly affiliated with Howard Hanna, a nationally acclaimed real estate company that stands as the third-largest in the country. In her spare time, Irma finds joy in outdoor adventures, frequently embarking on hikes with her dog. Her love for exploration extends beyond nature, as she equally delights in traveling to new destinations and savoring culinary delights.

    Learn More

    Browse by State