If you’re looking for comprehensive home warranty coverage, consider two of the largest and most reputable home warranty companies in the industry—TotalProtect and American Home Shield. Before choosing one of these companies to protect your home, keep reading to compare plans, pricing, benefits, drawbacks, and customer reviews.

Brand

Visit Site

Available Plans

• Appliances plan

• Systems plan

• Combo plan

• Build your own plan

• Appliances plan

• Systems plan

• Combo plan

Average Cost

$50-$60 per month

$35-$60 per month

Service Fees

$75, $100, or $125

$100-$125

Service Recall Period

30 days on parts and labor

180 days

Support

24/7 online system open for claims

24/7 claims department

Availability

All states except AK

All states

BBB Rating

B

A-

Years in Business

49 years

42 years

TotalProtect vs. American Home Shield coverage comparison

Before deciding between TotalProtect and American Home Shield, take inventory of your home systems and appliances to determine what items need coverage. Include auxiliary items like pools and spas, wells, septic systems, and other custom features for the most comprehensive coverage.

Take a look at what’s covered under a TotalProtect and American Home Shield plan:

    TotalProtect coverage

    TotalProtect home warranty testimonials from satisfied customers are proof of the company’s trustworthiness. They offer coverage for the following major systems and appliances:

    SystemsAppliancesOptional coverage
    Air conditioning (two units)RefrigeratorPool
    Heating (two units)DishwasherSpa
    ElectricalClothes washer
    PlumbingClothes dryer
    Plumbing linesRange/Oven/Cooktop
    Plumbing stoppagesBuilt-in microwave oven
    Whirlpool bathtubTrash compactor
    Water heatersGarage door opener
    Central vacuums
    Smoke detectors
    Doorbells
    Garbage disposal
    Sump pump
    Attic/whole-house fan
    Main breaker/fuse panel
    Interior electrical lines
    Interior gas line

    American Home Shield coverage

    American Home Shield provides comprehensive protection for the following home items:

    SystemsAppliancesOptional coverage
    Air conditioningRefrigeratorElectronic extended warranty
    HeatingRange/Oven/CooktopPool and spa
    DuctworkClothes washerWell pump
    ElectricalClothes dryerSeptic pump
    Plumbing + stoppagesDishwasherGuest unit under 750 square feet
    DoorbellsBuilt-in microwave oven
    Water heaterTrash compactor
    Smoke detectorsFreestanding ice maker
    Ceiling fansGarage door opener
    Instant hot/cold water dispenserBuilt-in food center
    Central vacuum
    Re-key
    Garbage disposal

    TotalProtect vs. American Home Shield cost

    Comprehensive home warranty plans are priced based on the following factors:

    • Where you live
    • Square footage of your home
    • Type of coverage chosen
    • Service fee selected (note: the higher the service fee, the lower the annual cost)

    Both American Home Shield and TotalProtect offer comprehensive home warranty plans to ensure that your chosen home appliances and systems are covered—and both offer free quotes, so you know exactly what you’ll be paying annually for coverage.

    Here’s a rough breakdown of TotalProtect vs. American Home Shield costs: 

    TotalProtectAmerican Home Shield
    Annual plan cost$528–$708$600–$720
    Monthly premiums$44–$59$50–$60
    Service fees$100$75, $100, or $125

    How does each home warranty work?

    Once you’ve chosen the home warranty plan that’s best for your budget and needs, the process for submitting claims is very similar. Both American Home Shield and TotalProtect offer 24/7/365 claims service either by phone or online.

    Once your claim is filed, customer service will provide you with the service company’s name, phone number, your service fee or deductible needed, and when you can expect service for your appliance or home system. 

    After your service is scheduled, your technician will evaluate the problem and determine if a repair or replacement for the covered item is the best option for the appliance or system. The service fee is typically paid at the time of service, directly to the technician. Both TotalProtect and American Home Shield offer replacement of appliances that are beyond repair. Be sure to read the policy carefully to understand the limitations and exclusions.

    Policy differences

    If you’re still debating between TotalProtect and American Home Shield, let’s take a look at the differences in coverage policies. This chart does not replace an independent evaluation of contracts and plans, so carefully review any contract before you sign.

     TotalProtectAmerican Home Shield
    Annual aggregate capsNonePer policy
    Appliance annual cap$3,000$3,000
    Systems annual cap$1,000$1,500
    Waiting period30 days30 days

    Our conclusion

    Both TotalProtect and American Home Shield have their benefits and drawbacks. TotalProtect is slightly more affordable, but American Home Shield provides more comprehensive coverage for your home systems and appliances.

    American Home Shield may be a good option for:

    • Homes with guest houses (extended coverage is available for these units)
    • People who want to pick and choose which items they want to be covered
    • Those who want to select their own service fee

    TotalProtect may be a good option for:

    • Older homes that have pre-existing conditions
    • Homes with multiple heating or air conditioning systems, as up to two units, are covered under the standard plan
    • Homes with whirlpool bathtubs
    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Alora Bopray

    Alora Bopray

    Staff Writer

    Alora Bopray is a digital content producer for the home warranty, HVAC, and plumbing categories at Today's Homeowner. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of St. Scholastica and her master's degree from the University of Denver. Before becoming a writer for Today's Homeowner, Alora wrote as a freelance writer for dozens of home improvement clients and informed homeowners about the solar industry as a writer for EcoWatch. When she's not writing, Alora can be found planning her next DIY home improvement project or plotting her next novel.

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    photo of Roxanne Downer

    Roxanne Downer

    Editor

    Roxanne Downer is a commerce editor at Today’s Homeowner, where she tackles everything from foundation repair to solar panel installation. She brings more than 15 years of writing and editing experience to bear in her meticulous approach to ensuring accurate, up-to-date, and engaging content. She’s previously edited for outlets including MSN, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes & Gardens. An alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, Roxanne is now an Oklahoma homeowner, DIY enthusiast, and the proud parent of a playful pug.

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