American Home Shield Review: Is it Worth the Cost?

The majority of customers who have used American Home Shield report positive experiences. Overall, customers are very satisfied with their coverage, customer service, and the ease of filing a claim.

About American Home Shield

American Home Shield is one of the largest home warranty companies in the nation, serving over 1.8 million customers and covering 4.5 million appliances since its founding in 1971. With plans extending to specific items or whole-house coverage, each customer can find the best fit for their needs and budget.

The company offers numerous benefits for those who use their services. Their plans are on a month-to-month basis instead of long-term contracts and provide coverage on deep discounts from local service providers. Each plan covers repairs or replacements for most of the major systems in a home such as HVAC and plumbing, as well as select home appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwaves depending on the plan type selected. The company also offers a waived trip charge fee and a 30-day money back guarantee.

However, some customers have reported dissatisfactory experiences with American Home Shield’s services. Reports of slow repair times may be due to the sheer volume of claims they receive; they received 16,000 complaints between December 2019-May 2020 alone. Furthermore, American Home Shield’s customer service has been noted to have issues with miscommunication among all involved parties. Some customers have also raised concerns about an ‘inability to cover old/outdated systems’ or ‘covered but not repaired’ parts which can lead to dissatisfaction with their services.

Overall though, American Home Shield appears to be one of the more reliable home protection plans with reasonable coverage costs and good customer support when issues arise. To weigh up whether their services are worth it or not is discussed further in this review.

With that in mind, the next section delves into what American Home Shield has to offer: Company Offers and Coverage.

Company Offers and Coverage

When deciding if American Home Shield is worth the cost, the company offers and coverage play an important role. Depending on the package purchased, as well as where you live, coverage can range from appliances and systems, to pools and spas, and even roofs. As such, it is important for potential customers to understand what is covered before making a purchase.

One side of the argument makes the case that American Home Shield offers one of the most comprehensive home warranties available, covering many common household items that may breakdown due to normal wear and tear. While other companies may offer spotty coverage with certain items excluded, American Home Shield’s coverage typically includes laundry appliances, HVAC systems and ducts, heating systems, kitchen appliances (including dishwashers), water heaters and sump pumps.

Some customers may be disappointed to learn that it does not include roof or foundation repairs. Additionally, there are coverage caps set in place for certain items so customers should review their plan carefully before purchasing to ensure they understand these limits.

On the other hand, many people swear by American Home Shield’s coverage options and are more than willing to pay for its comprehensive home warranty plans. Given that some repair bills can quickly add up over time due to unforeseen breakdowns or replacements of items like air conditioners or furnaces, American Home Shield gives customers peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong with a covered item within their home, they are likely going to be saved from a hefty bill from a service provider.

In short, American Home Shield offers diverse coverage depending on location and package, but roof and foundation repairs are not included in most plans. It is up to customers to decide if the comprehensive coverage they do offer is worth the cost.

Now we will explore the different service plans offered by American Home Shield as well as their individual policies and levels of coverage in detail in the following section.

Service Plans, Policies, and Coverage Details

When evaluating the value of American Home Shield, there are several service plans, policies, and coverage details to consider. The company’s plans vary significantly in terms of their coverage, cost, and services they provide.

The most basic plan offers coverage on HVAC systems, water heaters, garbage disposals, refrigerators / freezers and other major appliances with a 100% parts and labor coverage. This plan also covers up to $4,000 for miscellaneous items such as locksmtihs and plumbing repairs. Customers are able to select more comprehensive coverage by electing additional options like ceiling fans and smoke detectors for an additional fee.

American Home Shield has a range of exclusions and limitations associated with each policy. For example, some routine maintenance costs may not be covered by the plan. Additionally, some repairs and replacements will require pre-authorization from American Home Shield before the work is taken care of.

Ultimately, consumers need to carefully consider all coverage options available through American Home Shield when making an informed decision on this service. There can be cases where customers find value in these plans but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before committing to a long-term agreement.

The next section delves into the customer experience – exploring customer reviews, the claims process, customer support perofrmance and more – to see if American home Shield is worth the cost.

The Customer Experience

The customer experience associated with American Home Shield comes down to a variety of factors. Firstly, there is the ease of signing up for services. Customers can register for an account online, or alternatively call to speak with a customer service representative who will walk them through the registration process. Furthermore, consumers have the ability to customize their coverage plans in order to tailor their home repair payments and budget.

Once someone has signed up for American Home Shield, they are able to receive repairs when needed from one of their licensed repair contractors with just one call. Those who require emergency overnight services benefit from expedited service timescales for these particular types of requests; customers will be receiving assistance within two days at the very most.

However, reviews around customer experiences with American Home Shield are mixed. While some praise the company’s timeliness, knowledgeable staff and quality service providers, negative feedback usually involves long wait times when needing repairs, contractors who take too long to arrive and poor communication between customer service representatives and homeowners.

While it is clear that customers vary in their individual experiences with American Home Shield, understanding what other people may say about their services can be beneficial when researching such companies. That said, it is now time to discuss sign up and customer satisfaction as part of this American Home Shield review.

  • According to ratings website Trustpilot, American Home Shield has an overall score of 2.2 out of 5 stars based on over 6,000 customer reviews.
  • A review conducted by ConsumerAffairs in 2020 found that 85% of consumers recommend American Home Shield.
  • The Better Business Bureau gives American Home Shield an A+ rating, with 84% of customers rating their overall experience as positive.

Sign Up and Customer Satisfaction

When signing up for American Home Shield’s home warranty plans, homeowners have the option to choose their coverage and protection options and submit a plan comparison to determine which best fits their needs. Generally, customers report that the sign up process is efficient, straightforward, and customer service agents are knowledgeable and easy to work with. Customers report that they appreciate the online access offered in order to track claims, view contracts & policies and other pertinent information.

That being said, there are some customers who feel frustrated by the lack of transparency when it comes to pricing. It can be difficult to compare one plan’s cost to another if every plan has different service fees, deductibles, tax charges and additional fees or services. Additionally, it can be a hassle that terms may vary depending on what state you are in.

The customer satisfaction rating of American Home Shield is generally positive but likely varies depending on the specific case or situation. Generally speaking, customers say they appreciate the accessibility of customer service representatives when something goes wrong and that parts usually arrive quickly after a request has been submitted. On the opposite side, many customers express disappointment at being denied coverage for certain issues due to exclusions listed in the contract or discrepancies in insurance coverage between states.

Overall, reviews of American Home Shield’s sign up process and customer satisfaction level suggest that the company offers an efficient sign up process but may have drawbacks when it comes to comparing prices between plans or understanding state-specific terms.

Moving forward, we will look at products & services offered by American Home Shield in our next section.

Products and Services

American Home Shield (AHS) offers an impressive selection of products and services designed to cover potential repair costs your home might incur. Depending on the type of membership you choose, AHS provides coverage for items such as HVAC systems, plumbing, refrigerator, ranges, water heaters, electrical systems, and more.

On one hand, customers appreciate the round-the-clock monitoring and licensed technicians employed by AHS. They are available to address issues promptly and professionally in a wide range of situations. Additionally, customers are protected from any undue financial burden should their home experience a major breakdown; AHS covers all reasonable expenses associated with repairs or replacement up to the limits of the policy.

On the other hand, some people express concerns that traditional coverage may not apply if parts or labor for emergency repairs are completely excluded from the policy. Furthermore, some policies restrict members from choosing who does the work after an incident is reported, which can potentially leave them feeling frustrated and helpless.

Overall, the products and services offered by AHS can provide peace of mind and confidence during a time when the unexpected can occur without warning. Moving forward, it will be important to examine how home protection and repair services can benefit homeowners faced with potential emergencies.

Home Protection and Repair Services

Home protection and repair services are what make up the benefits of securing a plan from American Home Shield. It offers homeowners coverage for large repair or replacement jobs within its comprehensive plans, ranging from heating and cooling systems to plumbing and electrical work. This coverage can sometimes provide peace of mind for homeowners who may otherwise struggle with costly home repairs and replacements.

The benefits of securing a plan from American Home Shield can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of home you own and its age. For example, an older home may require more frequent repairs than a newer one, making it more beneficial to secure a plan with American Home Shield. Additionally, if you live in a geographic area that experiences extreme weather conditions, American Home Shield’s protection could be particularly valuable due to the boosted risk of repair needs caused by those exterior forces.

On the other hand, many consumers wonder if they’re getting their money’s worth out of these protection plans in comparison to paying repair costs as they arise. With American Home Shield covering labor and parts already determined ahead of time, there is potential for hidden fees that are not covered. Consumers should be aware that there can be an added cost for unexpected repairs that come up within the course of service.

Overall, whether home protection and repair services offered by American Home Shield are worth the cost can only be determined by evaluating an individual’s specific needs. Therefore, in order to find out what’s best for your financial situation, we recommend analyzing all angles before making any decisions. Now let’s move on to discussing some pros and cons associated with this choice.

The next section will explore the pros and cons associated with secuing a plan from American Home Shield to better understand who would benefit the most from this service.

Pros and Cons

American Home Shield offers many advantages to homeowners, including discounts on repairs, access to a network of over 14,000 contractors, and 24/7 customer service. Its plan options also address the different coverage needs for various types of homes, such as single-family or condominiums. These benefits make American Home Shield a popular choice for many homeowners.

However, there are some drawbacks associated with American Home Shield coverage. For one, the cost of its plans can be on the higher side when compared to other home warranty companies. Additionally, the company’s accounts are managed by sister company Cinch Home Services with a different website and customer service number than American Home Shield. This can add confusion and extra steps if customers want to make changes or file a claim. Further, claims may be denied if American Home Shield finds damage caused by existing issues or fails to find an appropriate contractor in their network.

Overall, while American Home Shield makes sense for some homeowners, it is important to weigh the pros and cons before signing up for a plan.

Next we will look at alternatives to American Home Shield to find out what other home warranty options are available for homeowners.

Alternatives to American Home Shield

As with any major purchase or investment, it’s always a good idea to consider alternatives and thoroughly weigh pros and cons before making a decision. American Home Shield is not the only home warranty provider on the market, and homeowners should definitely look at other options before settling on one service.

First, let’s consider some of the advantages of choosing an alternative provider over American Home Shield. For starters, by shopping around, you may find another company that offers better coverage tailored to your particular needs. In addition, a different company may provide more personalized service than American Home Shield, which could be beneficial if you’re looking for customized care. Finally, it’s possible you could receive the same level of coverage from an alternative provider for less money than what American Home Shield charges. As with most things in life, you usually get what you pay for—so keep in mind that when making your choice.

On the other hand, since American Home Shield has been around for so long and is such a large company, there are certain benefits that come along with that for customers such as access to resources and longevity of the company itself. In addition, since AHS is so well-known and established, its name carries more weight in the home warranty industry—which could be helpful if you ever need to make a claim on your policy.

Ultimately, deciding between American Home Shield or another home warranty provider will depend on each homeowner’s individual needs and budget. Although AHS provides a wide range of coverage options, shoppers should also explore all available alternatives to make sure they’re getting exactly what they need at the right price.

Now that we’ve considered possible alternatives to American Home Shield let’s move on to our conclusion and overall review of this home warranty provider.

Conclusion and Overall Review

American Home Shield is a comprehensive home protection service that provides coverage for major components of the home, such as heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, and more. It can provide a safety net for homeowners when something breaks and expensive repair bills loom. The cost of the service depends on factors like the size of the home and the age of certain components, but it’s generally more affordable than hiring individual contractors for each repair job.

It’s important to review the specifics of any American Home Shield plan before signing up. Some plans may have hefty deductibles or restrictions on what types of repairs are covered by the plan. Additionally, some consumers may find that their existing warranties cover many of the same items as an American Home Shield plan, making it unnecessary to pay extra for a separate policy.

However, even with its limitations, an American Home Shield plan can be worth the cost in some cases, especially if there is an older system being protected or multiple expensive appliances in one household. In those instances, being prepared with a policy rather than scrambling to find funds for emergency repairs can prove invaluable down the line.

Ultimately, whether or not American Home Shield is worth the cost depends on individual circumstances – there is no single “right” answer to this question. Consumers should compare their current options and weigh their needs and budget when considering an American Home Shield policy (or any other home protection service). Doing so can help them find a plan that meets their needs while providing peace of mind in the event that something unexpected happens inside the home.

Common Questions and Their Answers

What types of services does American Home Shield cover?

American Home Shield (AHS) covers a range of services, including HVAC systems, electrical and plumbing issues, water heaters, refrigerators, ovens, and other major appliances. Additionally, AHS covers things like washer and dryer repair, dishwasher repair, garage door repair, and more.

For most of these services homeowners can look forward to 24/7 customer service availability in addition to no out-of-pocket costs for approved repairs – often with the same day service available too. Even if you encounter something not covered by AHS there is an optional Whole Home Coverage plan that adds coverage for items such as ceiling fans, pools and spas, well pumps and more.

Put simply: AHS has a flexible coverage plan that can help ease the burden of expensive houshold repairs. Their customer service reputation and coverage plan options make them worth investigating when shopping for home protection plans.

What are the pros and cons of using American Home Shield?

The pros of using American Home Shield include:

– Comprehensive coverage: American Home Shield provides a range of coverage options for things like plumbing, heating and air conditioning, electrical systems, water heaters, and more. This gives customers the flexibility to customize a plan that best suits their needs.

– Money savings potential: By having access to home repair services through AHS, customers can save time and money by being able to have repairs done quickly and professionally. Homeowners can also avoid the high costs of repair work since AHS often covers the full cost of damages.

– Fast service: When something goes wrong at home, time is usually of the essence. Fortunately, AHS offers 24/7 customer service and same day service for routine maintenance issues. This helps give homeowners peace of mind knowing their issue will be looked at quickly and efficiently.

The cons of using American Home Shield include:

– Costliness: As with any insurance plan, customers may feel that they are paying too much for a service they may not use very often. The cost will vary depending on how much coverage you need, so it’s important to weigh the price against your comfort level with your current home maintenance habits before signing up.

– Limited coverage scope: Not all home repairs are covered under an AHS policy, so if something breaks outside of their scope of services you’re stuck footing the bill yourself. It’s important to understand which services are covered within your policy before signing up.

Overall, using American Home Shield could provide valuable benefits to homeowners who want more peace of mind when it comes to keeping their home in good condition but should be weighed carefully given its potential costliness as well as its limitations on coverage

How do customers rate the customer service of American Home Shield?

Many customers rate the customer service of American Home Shield quite highly. On review sites like Consumer Affairs, customers often cite quick response times, knowledgeable customer service representatives, and helpful solutions to problems as reasons they appreciate AHS customer service. In fact, across many of these platforms, American Home Shield earns excellent ratings from customers—averaging four stars or higher in most cases. These satisfied customers generally report that AHS is easy to communicate with and willing to take the time to answer their questions or help solve any issues that arise. Overall, customer service is one area where American Home Shield definitely seems to shine.


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