American Home Shield Review

About America Home Shield

American Home Shield is a company that provides home warranty plans to homeowners in the United States. A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances that may break down due to normal wear and tear.

American Home Shield was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. It is one of the largest and most well-known home warranty providers in the country. The company offers a range of coverage plans to suit different needs and budgets.

When a covered system or appliance malfunctions, homeowners can contact American Home Shield to request service. The company will then arrange for a qualified service technician from their network of contractors to diagnose and repair the issue. Homeowners are typically responsible for paying a service fee or deductible for each service request.

American Home Shield’s coverage typically includes items such as heating and air conditioning systems, electrical systems, plumbing, water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, and other major appliances. However, coverage can vary depending on the specific plan and any optional add-ons selected.

While homeowners insurance primarily covers damage caused by unforeseen events like fires, floods, or theft, home warranty plans focus on the repair and replacement of systems and appliances due to normal wear and tear.

It’s advisable for homeowners to carefully review the terms and conditions of any home warranty plan before purchasing to ensure they understand what is covered and any limitations or exclusions that may apply.

American Home Shield Warranty Review

American Home Shield (AHS) offers home warranty plans that provide coverage for the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances. Here are some key details about American Home Shield warranty:

Coverage: AHS offers different coverage plans to meet various needs. Their plans typically cover items such as heating and air conditioning systems, electrical systems, plumbing, water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, and other major appliances. Optional coverage for additional items like pool/spa equipment, well pumps, and guest units may be available.

Service Requests: If a covered system or appliance breaks down, homeowners can submit a service request to American Home Shield either online or by phone. AHS has a network of qualified service technicians and contractors, and they will assign a local professional to assess and repair the issue.

Service Fee: When a service request is made, homeowners are generally responsible for paying a service fee, also known as a trade service fee. This fee is typically a fixed amount specified in the warranty plan and is due at the time of service. The fee helps cover the cost of dispatching a service technician to the home.

Pre-existing Conditions: American Home Shield generally covers systems and appliances that have experienced normal wear and tear. However, they may not cover pre-existing conditions, which are issues that existed before the warranty coverage started. It’s important to review the terms and conditions of the specific plan for details on coverage and any exclusions.

Contract Terms: American Home Shield warranty plans are typically annual contracts that automatically renew unless canceled. The cost of the warranty plan depends on the selected coverage and any additional optional coverage chosen. Pricing and contract terms may vary, so it’s essential to review the details specific to the plan being considered.

Claims Process: To file a claim, homeowners should contact American Home Shield either by phone or through their online portal. A representative will guide them through the process and arrange for a service technician to visit the home.

American Home Shield provides coverage for many systems and appliances, there may be limitations, exclusions, and maximum coverage amounts. Reading the terms and conditions of the warranty plan is crucial to understanding the extent of coverage and any specific requirements for filing a claim.

American Home Shield Plans Review

American Home Shield offers several home warranty plans to suit different homeowners’ needs. The specific plans and their coverage may vary depending on your location, so it’s always recommended to check the American Home Shield website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date information. However, here are some common plans offered by American Home Shield:

1. Appliances Plan: This plan covers essential household appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, built-in microwaves, garbage disposals, clothes washers, and clothes dryers.
2. Systems Plan: The Systems Plan focuses on major home systems, including air conditioning (including ductwork), heating (including ductwork), electrical, plumbing (including stoppages), water heaters, and garbage disposals.
3. Combo Plan: The Combo Plan combines coverage for both appliances and systems, providing comprehensive protection for a wide range of items in your home.
4. Build Your Own Plan: With the Build Your Own Plan, homeowners have the flexibility to choose specific systems and appliances they want to include in their coverage. This customizable option allows you to tailor the plan to your specific needs.

In addition to these standard plans, American Home Shield may also offer optional coverage for items such as pool/spa equipment, well pumps, guest units, and additional refrigeration or HVAC units.

Keep in mind that each plan may have its own coverage limits, deductibles, and service fees. It’s essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of the plan you’re considering to understand the specific coverage details and any limitations or exclusions that may apply.

How Does American Home Shield Work?

American Home Shield (AHS) works as follows:

1. Purchase a Plan: Homeowners can select a home warranty plan from American Home Shield that best suits their needs. Plans typically cover major systems and appliances in the home, such as HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical, kitchen appliances, and more.
2. Report an Issue: If a covered system or appliance breaks down or malfunctions due to normal wear and tear, the homeowner contacts American Home Shield to report the issue. This can be done online or by calling their customer service.
3. Service Request Processing: American Home Shield reviews the service request and determines if the issue is covered under the homeowner’s warranty plan. If it is covered, they will assign a qualified service technician from their network of contractors to visit the home and assess the problem.
4. Service Technician Visit: The assigned service technician contacts the homeowner to schedule a convenient appointment. The technician visits the home and diagnoses the problem.
5. Repair or Replacement: Once the issue is diagnosed, the service technician will either repair the system or appliance if possible. If the repair is not feasible or cost-effective, American Home Shield may approve the replacement of the item, depending on the terms of the warranty plan. The homeowner may have input in selecting a replacement product within the coverage limits of the plan.
6. Payment Responsibility: As part of the warranty plan, homeowners are typically responsible for paying a service fee or trade service fee for each service visit. This fee is paid directly to the service technician and covers the cost of dispatching the technician to the home.
7. Ongoing Coverage: The warranty coverage from American Home Shield typically continues for a specified term, usually one year, and can be renewed annually. During the coverage period, homeowners can continue to submit service requests for covered items that require repair or replacement.

American Home Shield’s warranty coverage generally applies to items that have experienced normal wear and tear and are in proper working order at the start of the warranty. Pre-existing conditions and certain exclusions may not be covered. Reading and understanding the terms and conditions of the specific warranty plan is essential for homeowners to know what is covered and any limitations or exclusions that apply.

American Home Shield Fees

American Home Shield (AHS) charges various fees associated with their home warranty plans. Here are some common fees you may encounter when working with American Home Shield:

1. Service Fee or Trade Service Fee: This is the fee you pay when you request service for a covered item in your home. The service fee is typically a fixed amount per service visit, and it is paid directly to the service technician assigned by AHS. The specific service fee amount can vary depending on your plan and location. It’s important to note that the service fee is separate from the cost of repairs or replacements.
2. Optional Coverage Fees: American Home Shield offers optional coverage for additional items not included in their standard plans, such as pool/spa equipment, well pumps, guest units, and additional refrigeration or HVAC units. If you choose to add any of these optional coverages to your plan, there may be additional fees associated with them.
3. Deductible: Some American Home Shield plans may have a deductible. A deductible is the amount you are responsible for paying before the warranty coverage kicks in. If your plan includes a deductible, it will be specified in the terms and conditions.

Review the terms and conditions of your specific American Home Shield plan to understand the fees associated with it. These fees can vary depending on the plan you choose and any optional coverages or deductibles selected. The fees help cover the costs of dispatching service technicians and providing warranty services to homeowners.

Who Is American Home Shield For

American Home Shield (AHS) is designed for homeowners who want to protect their budget and have peace of mind when it comes to unexpected breakdowns and repairs of major home systems and appliances. AHS can be beneficial for the following groups:

1. Homeowners: American Home Shield is primarily targeted at homeowners who want to safeguard their investment and protect their budget from expensive repairs or replacements. It provides coverage for a wide range of systems and appliances that are essential for daily living.
2. Homebuyers: AHS can be attractive to homebuyers who are purchasing an older home or a property with older systems and appliances. It can help provide assurance that they won’t face significant repair costs immediately after moving in.
3. Sellers: For homeowners looking to sell their property, having an American Home Shield warranty in place can be an appealing feature to potential buyers. It provides confidence to buyers that they will have coverage for systems and appliances in case of any issues post-purchase.
4. Real Estate Professionals: Real estate agents and brokers often recommend American Home Shield to their clients as a way to protect their investment and facilitate smoother transactions. It can help provide peace of mind to both buyers and sellers during the home buying and selling process.

American Home Shield is primarily available for residential properties. However, there may be some options available for certain types of investment properties or rental homes. It’s recommended to contact American Home Shield directly or visit their website for specific details and eligibility requirements.

Ultimately, American Home Shield is for individuals who want to mitigate the financial burden and uncertainty of unexpected repairs and replacements of major home systems and appliances. It offers coverage and assistance when these items break down due to normal wear and tear, providing homeowners with peace of mind and potential cost savings.

Is American Home Shield Worth It?

Determining whether American Home Shield (AHS) is worth it depends on your individual circumstances, preferences, and the specific coverage needs for your home. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating the value of an AHS home warranty:

1. Age and Condition of Systems and Appliances: If your home has older systems and appliances that are more prone to breakdowns or if you anticipate potential issues due to wear and tear, an AHS warranty could be beneficial. It helps protect against the high costs of repairing or replacing these items.
2. Financial Considerations: Evaluate the potential costs of repairs or replacements without a home warranty versus the cost of an AHS plan. Consider your budget and whether the service fees and premiums are reasonable compared to potential out-of-pocket expenses for repairs.
3. Peace of Mind: Some homeowners find value in the peace of mind that comes with having a home warranty. Knowing that you have a dedicated provider to call for covered repairs and replacements can alleviate stress and uncertainty.
4. Convenience: AHS manages the service requests and coordinates with qualified service technicians, saving homeowners time and effort in finding reliable contractors themselves.
5. Coverage Exclusions and Limitations: Review the terms and conditions of the AHS plan to understand any coverage exclusions, limitations, and maximum coverage amounts. Make sure the plan aligns with your specific needs and expectations.
6. Alternative Options: Consider alternative approaches, such as setting aside funds in an emergency repair fund or self-insuring for smaller repairs. Assess whether these options may be more cost-effective for your situation.

To determine if AHS is worth it for you, you may want to compare the cost of the plan, including service fees and premiums, against the potential costs of repairs or replacements. Additionally, consider your risk tolerance, the age and condition of your home systems and appliances, and the level of convenience and peace of mind you desire.

How To Get Started On American Home Shield

To get started with American Home Shield (AHS), follow these steps:

1. Visit the AHS Website: Go to the official American Home Shield website (www.ahs.com) using a web browser.
2. Explore Plan Options: Take some time to explore the different home warranty plans offered by AHS. Review the coverage details, options, and pricing to determine which plan best suits your needs.
3. Request a Quote: Once you have identified the plan that interests you, you can request a quote directly from the AHS website. Provide the necessary information, such as your contact details and address, to receive a personalized quote for the selected plan.
4. Customize Your Plan (Optional): Depending on the plan you choose, you may have the option to customize it further by adding optional coverage for additional systems or appliances not included in the standard plan. Explore these options and select any desired add-ons.
5. Sign Up: If you are satisfied with the quote and plan details, you can proceed to sign up for an American Home Shield plan. Follow the instructions on the website to complete the enrollment process. This may involve providing additional information, such as payment details, for the purchase of the plan.
6. Review the Terms and Conditions: It is essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of the selected plan before finalizing your enrollment. Understand what is covered, any limitations or exclusions, the service fee structure, and the cancellation policy.
7. Start Using Your Coverage: Once you have signed up and your plan is active, you can start using your American Home Shield coverage. In the event of a covered system or appliance breakdown, contact AHS through their customer service channels, such as phone or online, to submit a service request.

American Home Shield website or contact their customer service directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information on getting started with their home warranty plans.

FAQ

What is a home warranty?

A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances due to normal wear and tear.

What does an American Home Shield warranty cover?

American Home Shield offers various plans that typically cover items such as heating and air conditioning systems, electrical systems, plumbing, water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, and other major appliances. Coverage can vary depending on the specific plan.

How do I request service from American Home Shield?

To request service, you can contact American Home Shield through their customer service channels, such as phone or online. You’ll need to provide information about the issue, and they will arrange for a qualified service technician to assess and repair the problem.

How much does an American Home Shield warranty cost?

The cost of an American Home Shield warranty depends on the plan you choose, any optional coverage selected, and your location. It’s best to request a quote from AHS to get an accurate cost for your specific situation.

Is there a service fee or deductible with American Home Shield?

Yes, American Home Shield typically charges a service fee or trade service fee for each service visit. The specific fee amount can vary depending on the plan and the nature of the repair or replacement needed.

Are pre-existing conditions covered by American Home Shield?

American Home Shield generally covers systems and appliances that have experienced normal wear and tear. However, pre-existing conditions or known issues before the coverage start date may not be covered.

How long does an American Home Shield warranty last?

An American Home Shield warranty is typically an annual contract that automatically renews unless canceled.

Can I cancel my American Home Shield warranty?

Yes, you can cancel your American Home Shield warranty. The cancellation process and any associated fees or refunds may depend on the terms and conditions of your specific plan.