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You can buy a home warranty online by using its Shop Plans function. Through this form, you will get information about pricing and coverage options specific to your address and needs. You may be able to purchase a plan by phone, although it’s not specified online. Once purchased, you will have to wait 30 days before coverage begins.
To file a claim, you can request service online or by phone. If you choose to request service online, you’ll just take these four steps:
- Enter your account information. You can do so either from the login page or the Request Service page by entering your contract details.
- Select the covered items that need service. This is all American Home Shield says you’ll need to do, after which you can submit your request.
- Pay your trade service call fee. Before a technician is assigned to your case, you’ll need to pay your pre-elected service call fee.
- Wait for confirmation of service. American Home Shield says that with confirmation of service visit, you’ll typically also receive your technician’s contact information to set up an appointment.
According to its contract, American Home Shield will initiate services under what it calls normal circumstances within 48 hours of service. This initiation only includes contacting the service contractor. It’s unclear how long after that service may begin.
American Home Shield offers a few discounts for certain buyers. If you’re a member of AARP or have an insurance plan through Allstate, Farmers, or Safeco Insurance, you may be eligible for a discount on your policy. You can also score savings when purchasing more than one property or referring friends. Every so often, it shares discount codes as well.
American Home Shield’s ShieldPlatinum plan covers roof leaks at no extra cost. This coverage pays for repairs to roof leaks caused by dry rot, broken or missing shingles, normal wear and tear, and normal freezing and thawing cycles up to $1,000 per contract term. It does not cover clogged cutters, roof-mounted installations, damage from hail, ice, mud, or wind, or metal or green roofs. You can add this coverage to ShieldSilver and ShieldGold for an extra cost.
American Home Shield does not cover the cost of mold damage or remediation. It also will not pay for repairs or replacements that are a result of mold damage. However, if the mold is caused by a sudden peril, like a hurricane, it may be covered by your homeowners insurance.
American Home Shield does not cover repairs or replacements when the malfunction is due to water damage. Depending on the type of damage, this may be covered by your homeowners insurance.
American Home Shield does not cover the cost of pest or termite damage. It also will not pay for repairs or replacements resulting from insect damage. Most companies don’t offer this as a standard part of coverage.
Any damages or loss caused by theft will not be covered by American Home Shield. This is often included as part of homeowners insurance and will instead be paid for by your insurance company. How much is included depends on your level of coverage.
According to its contract, American Home Shield does not pay for repairs or replacements caused by acts of God. This means that if a tree falls onto your air conditioner, it won’t be covered by your home warranty. Instead, your homeowners insurance policy may pay for it.
You can add coverage for electronics, pools, in-ground spas, guest units, septic pumps, and well pumps. These add-ons will be an extra cost on top of your annual cost.
American Home Shield holds a B rating with the Better Business Bureau. At the time of this review, it had closed over 6,000 customer complaints within the last 12 months. Some customer complaints across review sites seem to be focused on inefficient contractors who aren't employed by AHS but are hired by the company.
It is important to note that it is typical for home warranty companies to rely on a network of contractors.