AHS Home Warranty: What You Need to Know
If you are a homeowner, you know how expensive and stressful it can be to deal with unexpected system and appliance breakdowns. That’s why many homeowners choose to protect their homes with a home warranty, a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of major home items. However, not all home warranties are created equal. We will review one of the most popular and trusted home warranty companies in the US: American Home Shield (AHS).
What is AHS Home Warranty?
AHS Home Warranty is a service contract that covers parts of up to 23 systems and appliances in your home, such as heating and air conditioning, electrical systems, plumbing systems, kitchen appliances, laundry appliances, roof leak repair, and more. AHS Home Warranty has been in business since 1971 and has served over 1.8 million customers across the US. AHS Home Warranty is also the official home warranty partner of the National Association of Realtors.
How Does AHS Home Warranty Work?
When you purchase an AHS Home Warranty plan, you pay a monthly or annual fee depending on your chosen plan and service fee level. You can customize your plan with additional coverage for items like swimming pools, electronics, and more. If one of your covered items breaks down due to normal wear and tear, you can request service online or by phone 24/7. AHS will assign a qualified, local professional from their network of over 17,000 contractors to diagnose and repair the problem. You pay a service fee (also known as a deductible or trade call fee) for each service request, which ranges from $75 to $125 depending on your plan. AHS will pay for the repair or replacement of your covered item up to your contract terms and limits.
Read more about Home Warranty Choice: A Guide to Choosing the Best Home Warranty Company
What are the Benefits of AHS Home Warranty?
AHS Home Warranty offers many benefits for homeowners, such as:
- Saving money on costly repairs and replacements of home items
- Having peace of mind knowing that you have a plan for unexpected breakdowns
- Accessing a nationwide network of trusted and screened contractors
- Enjoying discounts on home services and seasonal maintenance through their member perks program
- Having flexible payment options and no long-term contracts
- Transferring your warranty to the new owner if you sell your home
What are the Drawbacks of AHS Home Warranty?
AHS Home Warranty also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of, such as:
- Not covering everything in your home, such as cosmetic defects, structural issues, or items damaged by natural disasters or improper installation
- Having coverage limits and exclusions that may vary by state and plan
- Charging additional fees for non-covered items or repairs that exceed the limit
- Having mixed customer reviews online, with some complaints about service delays, denials, or quality
How to Choose the Best AHS Home Warranty Plan for You?
AHS Home Warranty offers four main plans for homeowners: Systems Plan, Appliances Plan, Combo Plan, and Build Your Own Plan. The Systems Plan covers 11 major systems in your home, such as heating and air conditioning, electrical systems, plumbing systems, etc. The Appliances Plan covers 10 major appliances in your home, such as refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, washer, dryer, etc. The Combo Plan covers both systems and appliances for a comprehensive coverage. The Build Your Own Plan allows you to choose the items that you want to cover from a list of 23 options. You can also add optional coverage for items like pools, spas, septic pumps, etc.
The best plan for you depends on your needs and budget. You should consider factors such as:
- The age and condition of your home items
- The cost and frequency of repairs or replacements
- The value and importance of your home items
- The availability and quality of local contractors
- The monthly or annual fee and service fee level
You can compare the plans and prices on the AHS website or call their customer service representatives for more information.
Conclusion
AHS Home Warranty is one of the most reputable and reliable home warranty companies in the US. It offers coverage for parts of up to 23 systems and appliances in your home, as well as additional benefits like discounts on home services and member perks. However, it also has some drawbacks like coverage limits and exclusions, additional fees for non-covered items or repairs that exceed the limit, and mixed customer reviews online. Therefore, you should carefully review the plan details, terms and conditions before signing up. You should also compare different plans and prices to find the best option for you.
