Frequently Asked Questions
American Home Shield wants to help you find the information you need. Please see below for a list of our most-asked questions!
- Refer a Friend - Refer a friend to American Home Shield, and we’ll say thanks with a $25 Amazon gift card.
- Additional Property Discounts - Save money when you buy warranty coverage for multiple properties.
- Discounts on Appliances - Members can download the Appliance Discount Shopping Worksheet by logging into My Account and selecting "Appliance Discount Program" at the footer of the dashboard.
- Discounted Air Filters - Get up to 50 percent off retail prices on filters for your AC and furnace. And, we'll deliver them to your door.
A manufacturer's warranty typically covers the failed part of a single appliance or system, but it doesn't always cover the cost of the labor or repair. American Home Shield helps protect your budget when covered components of home systems and appliances break down due to normal wear and tear including the cost of labor or repair. See the plan contract for coverage details, including service fees, limitations and exclusions. Charges for non-covered items may apply. Plus, we cover multiple appliances*, so if you have two refrigerators, they’re both covered.
*Applicable only to Systems, Appliances, Combo, Build Your Own, ShieldSilver, ShieldGold and ShieldPlatinum plans.
Once your coverage begins, you can request service 24/7 online. You can also call 833.706.2863 to request service.
No. We do not place a limit on the number of covered repairs, although some coverage limitations and exclusions, such as dollar amount caps, may apply. Please review the Sample Contracts for a specific list of coverage limitations and exclusions.
Yes. We offer a 30-day workmanship guarantee, which means if you have an issue regarding your completed repair within 30-days of service, we'll send a Pro back out for free. Either request service online or call 833.706.2864.
No, we do not cover stand-alone freezers.
Yes, we offer roof leak repair coverage in select states.
You can check the status of your service request by logging into MyAccount.
Of course. You can make changes to your coverage for 60 days after your plan becomes effective. To change your plan, call 833.706.2868.
If you have set up automatic payments with us, we will send your next year's agreement at least 30 days before your current contract expires. If you do not have automatic payments set up, you can contact us to continue coverage by logging into MyAccount or calling 833.706.2869.
Yes, you can cancel at any time.
If you cancel your contract within the first 30 days of your coverage, we'll refund your contract fees minus any service and claims incurred by American Home Shield.
If you cancel your contract after 30 days, you'll receive a pro-rated refund of your contract fees for the rest of the contract term, minus an administrative fee of up to one month's payment (where permitted by law) and any service or claims costs incurred by American Home Shield. Terms may vary by state.
To cancel your contract, please call 833.706.2865 and a customer representative will assist you.
Please note, if you are moving, you can transfer the remainder of your plan to the new buyer and set up coverage for your new home. Call 833.706.2866 to transfer your warranty.
Homeowners insurance typically protects your home from things that might happen, like fires, theft or natural disasters. A home warranty helps protect your budget when covered components of home systems and appliances break down due to normal wear and tear.
If you want to learn more, check out our blog post on the difference between homeowners insurance and home warranties .
Yes, but keep in mind that the coverage options and coverage provided may vary from state to state. View your state's Sample Contracts. For questions regarding the coverage available in your state, please contact 833.706.2867
To expedite service on your request, American Home Shield will assign a Pro to reach out to you as quickly as possible. In some cases, American Home Shield may offer you the ability to choose your own Pros, also known as Outside Authorizations. If you choose to use outside authorizations, the service Pro must be licensed where applicable, qualified in the applicable state and trade, adequately insured for worker's compensation and third-party general, and have automobile liability coverage. The chosen Pro must provide a diagnosis and itemized bid to American Home Shield before any work is performed. American Home Shield will not reimburse you for services performed without prior authorization. You are responsible for paying the service Pro's charges and then must forward the invoice to American Home Shield for reimbursement less any applicable Service Fee or costs not covered by your home warranty.
Yes, you can pay monthly (for no additional finance fee) or annually. If there’s a specific day you want to start your billing cycle each month, call 833.706.2870. You can also pay by checking account, credit or debit card.
You'll pay a Service Fee each time you file a Service Request for a Covered Item. You'll choose the amount when you purchase your plan.
See the plan contract for coverage details, including service fees, limitations and exclusions. Charges for non-covered items may apply.
Our customers asked for more flexibility with plans tailored to their budget. You can pay a higher Service Fee to lower your monthly plan price, or choose a lower Service Fee and pay a higher monthly price.
Depending on the situation, you might. When you request service, you’ll pay your Service Fee. In addition, you may be responsible for any repair or service costs that aren’t covered by your home warranty. See the plan contract for coverage details, including service fees, limitations and exclusions. Charges for non-covered items may apply.
Yes, you'll get a $50 discount on coverage for each additional home (under 5,000 square feet).
An American Home Shield® Real Estate Home Warranty is a one-year service agreement that covers the repair or replacement of many major home system components and appliances. It is available to sellers (limited listing coverage) and buyers typically via their real estate agent in the context of a real estate transaction only.
We also offer home warranty plans for customers who are not in a real estate transaction. See Pricing and Plans.
If one of your home's appliances or systems breaks down, it can mean more than your air conditioning or dryer notworking — it it can also mean having to cover an unexpected expense. Instead of paying the full retail cost to repair or replace a covered item, a real estate home warranty can help you manage the costs of unexpected, covered breakdowns.
A real estate home warranty helps protect your budget when a covered item breaks down. You pay your Service Fee when you request service instead of paying the full retail cost of repairing or replacing a covered item out of pocket. You will still be responsible for any costs not covered.
Yes. To transfer your agreement, please call 833.706.2866.
You can add a warranty to your new home at any time, but you must add the warranty to your new home within 90 days of closing to take advantage of our special real estate pricing.
We have three home warranty plans designed for residential real estate transactions (described in the next FAQ).
To see real estate home warranty options for a home you're buying, review our available real estate plans. Then, ask your real estate agent to arrange the warranty to be purchased from American Home Shield.
- ShieldEssential ℠: Includes covered parts of many major home systems, like HVAC, electrical, and plumbing, plus a variety of additional home items.
- ShieldPlus ℠: Includes all systems in the ShieldEssential plan, plus many major appliances like your clothes washer, dryer, refrigerator, stove, and more.
- ShieldComplete ℠: Includes all systems and appliances in the ShieldEssential and ShieldPlus plans, plus additional items - one free HVAC tune-up,* modifications coverage up to $1,000, roof leak repair coverage up to $1,000,** unlimited refrigerant and more.
*Tune-ups are available seasonally (spring: A/C; fall: heating) and offered by a third party. Your first tune-up of one unit is included for free per contract term. Service dates are limited and may vary based upon location. For buyer use only.
**Roof leak repair coverage not available for condos/townhomes/mobile homes. For buyer use only.
Yes. If you are selling your home, you can add the Seller Coverage Option*. Click here for a quote to help protect your home while its on the market.
Here's how our Seller Coverage Option* works:
- Seller chooses the home warranty plan to provide to the buyer.
- Seller adds on the Seller Coverage Option. This option covers the same items as the ShieldEssential plan (excluding rekey).
- Sellers enjoy coverage for up to 6 months (term renewable upon request and at the discretion of American Home Shield) while the home is on the market.
- Payment is not due until closing.
- The warranty transfers to the buyer and becomes effective at closing.
*Subject to a $1,500 cap for all trades during the listing period.
Yes! After the first year of your agreement term is over, you will have the chance to renew your coverage for a second year. In addition, all of the property types listed above (except for multi-family properties) qualify for an initial 2-year plan through our Real Estate Edition Home Warranty Plans where you will be able to lock in your initial yearly rate for your first two years of coverage.
Yes. If you have more than one of the following home systems or appliances, they're included in your coverage at no additional cost.
Covered Systems/Appliances:
- Air Conditioning Systems
- Heating Systems
- Electrical - multiple items of hard-wired home electrical system
- Plumbing - multiple items such as lines, faucets, shower heads, stoppages, etc.
- Built-in Exhaust Fans
- Ceiling Fans
- Water Heaters
- Built-in Microwave Ovens
- Dishwashers
- Doorbells
- Garbage Disposals
- Ranges, Ovens, Cooktops
- Garage Door Openers
- Installed Instant Hot/Cold Water Dispensers
Yes. We cover breakdowns that occur due to normal wear and tear. For example, if a hose on your dishwasher breaks due to normal wear and tear, we would cover it. But, if a child stands on the dishwasher and breaks the door, we would not cover it, because the damage was not from normal wear and tear, in addition to other exclusions and limitations that may apply.
See the plan contract for coverage details, including service fees, limitations and exclusions. Charges for non-covered items may apply.
Your coverage starts the day of closing, however, if payment for the home warranty funds has not been received from the home closing process, the number of service requests may be limited.
If you sell your home before the end of your warranty agreement, you can transfer the remainder of your plan to the new buyer. Call 833.706.2866 to transfer your warranty.
If you need to change or upgrade your coverage options, you can do it within the first 60 days from closing. To upgrade or change your coverage options, call 833.706.2868.
Yes, we want you to review our agreements. View the following Sample Agreement:
Our standard agreement lasts for 12 months after closing. If you chose the 2-year warranty, your agreement term will last for 24 months.
- Refer a Friend - Refer a friend to American Home Shield, and we’ll say thanks with a $25 Amazon gift card.
- Additional Property Discounts - Save money when you buy warranty coverage for multiple properties.
- Discounts on Appliances - Members can download the Appliance Discount Shopping Worksheet by logging into My Account and selecting "Appliance Discount Program" at the footer of the dashboard.
- Discounted Air Filters - Get up to 50 percent off retail prices on filters for your AC and furnace. And, we'll deliver them to your door.
A manufacturer's warranty typically covers the failed part of a single appliance or system, but it doesn't always cover the cost of the labor or repair. American Home Shield helps protect your budget when covered components of home systems and appliances break down due to normal wear and tear including the cost of labor or repair. See the plan contract for coverage details, including service fees, limitations and exclusions. Charges for non-covered items may apply. Plus, we cover multiple appliances*, so if you have two refrigerators, they’re both covered.
*Applicable only to Systems, Appliances, Combo, Build Your Own, ShieldSilver, ShieldGold and ShieldPlatinum plans.
Once your coverage begins, you can request service 24/7 online. You can also call 833.706.2863 to request service.
No. We do not place a limit on the number of covered repairs, although some coverage limitations and exclusions, such as dollar amount caps, may apply. Please review the Sample Contracts for a specific list of coverage limitations and exclusions.
Yes. We offer a 30-day workmanship guarantee, which means if you have an issue regarding your completed repair within 30-days of service, we'll send a Pro back out for free. Either request service online or call 833.706.2864.
No, we do not cover stand-alone freezers.
Yes, we offer roof leak repair coverage in select states.
Visit MyAccount to register.
You can check the status of your service request by logging into MyAccount.
Of course. You can make changes to your coverage for 60 days after your plan becomes effective. To change your plan, call 833.706.2868.
If you have set up automatic payments with us, we will send your next year's agreement at least 30 days before your current contract expires. If you do not have automatic payments set up, you can contact us to continue coverage by logging into MyAccount or calling 833.706.2869.
Yes, you can cancel at any time.
If you cancel your contract within the first 30 days of your coverage, we'll refund your contract fees minus any service and claims incurred by American Home Shield.
If you cancel your contract after 30 days, you'll receive a pro-rated refund of your contract fees for the rest of the contract term, minus an administrative fee of up to one month's payment (where permitted by law) and any service or claims costs incurred by American Home Shield. Terms may vary by state.
To cancel your contract, please call 833.706.2865 and a customer representative will assist you.
Please note, if you are moving, you can transfer the remainder of your plan to the new buyer and set up coverage for your new home. Call 833.706.2866 to transfer your warranty.
Homeowners insurance typically protects your home from things that might happen, like fires, theft or natural disasters. A home warranty helps protect your budget when covered components of home systems and appliances break down due to normal wear and tear.
If you want to learn more, check out our blog post on the difference between homeowners insurance and home warranties .
Yes, but keep in mind that the coverage options and coverage provided may vary from state to state. View your state's Sample Contracts. For questions regarding the coverage available in your state, please contact 833.706.2867
To expedite service on your request, American Home Shield will assign a Pro to reach out to you as quickly as possible. In some cases, American Home Shield may offer you the ability to choose your own Pros, also known as Outside Authorizations. If you choose to use outside authorizations, the service Pro must be licensed where applicable, qualified in the applicable state and trade, adequately insured for worker's compensation and third-party general, and have automobile liability coverage. The chosen Pro must provide a diagnosis and itemized bid to American Home Shield before any work is performed. American Home Shield will not reimburse you for services performed without prior authorization. You are responsible for paying the service Pro's charges and then must forward the invoice to American Home Shield for reimbursement less any applicable Service Fee or costs not covered by your home warranty.
Yes, you can pay monthly (for no additional finance fee) or annually. If there’s a specific day you want to start your billing cycle each month, call 833.706.2870. You can also pay by checking account, credit or debit card.
You'll pay a Service Fee each time you file a Service Request for a Covered Item. You'll choose the amount when you purchase your plan.
See the plan contract for coverage details, including service fees, limitations and exclusions. Charges for non-covered items may apply.
Our customers asked for more flexibility with plans tailored to their budget. You can pay a higher Service Fee to lower your monthly plan price, or choose a lower Service Fee and pay a higher monthly price.
Depending on the situation, you might. When you request service, you’ll pay your Service Fee. In addition, you may be responsible for any repair or service costs that aren’t covered by your home warranty. See the plan contract for coverage details, including service fees, limitations and exclusions. Charges for non-covered items may apply.
Yes, you'll get a $50 discount on coverage for each additional home (under 5,000 square feet).
An American Home Shield® Real Estate Home Warranty is a one-year service agreement that covers the repair or replacement of many major home system components and appliances. It is available to sellers (limited listing coverage) and buyers typically via their real estate agent in the context of a real estate transaction only.
We also offer home warranty plans for customers who are not in a real estate transaction. See Pricing and Plans.
If one of your home's appliances or systems breaks down, it can mean more than your air conditioning or dryer notworking — it it can also mean having to cover an unexpected expense. Instead of paying the full retail cost to repair or replace a covered item, a real estate home warranty can help you manage the costs of unexpected, covered breakdowns.
A real estate home warranty helps protect your budget when a covered item breaks down. You pay your Service Fee when you request service instead of paying the full retail cost of repairing or replacing a covered item out of pocket. You will still be responsible for any costs not covered.
Yes. To transfer your agreement, please call 833.706.2866.
You can add a warranty to your new home at any time, but you must add the warranty to your new home within 90 days of closing to take advantage of our special real estate pricing.
We have three home warranty plans designed for residential real estate transactions (described in the next FAQ).
To see real estate home warranty options for a home you're buying, review our available real estate plans. Then, ask your real estate agent to arrange the warranty to be purchased from American Home Shield.
- ShieldEssential ℠: Includes covered parts of many major home systems, like HVAC, electrical, and plumbing, plus a variety of additional home items.
- ShieldPlus ℠: Includes all systems in the ShieldEssential plan, plus many major appliances like your clothes washer, dryer, refrigerator, stove, and more.
- ShieldComplete ℠: Includes all systems and appliances in the ShieldEssential and ShieldPlus plans, plus additional items - one free HVAC tune-up,* modifications coverage up to $1,000, roof leak repair coverage up to $1,000,** unlimited refrigerant and more.
*Tune-ups are available seasonally (spring: A/C; fall: heating) and offered by a third party. Your first tune-up of one unit is included for free per contract term. Service dates are limited and may vary based upon location. For buyer use only.
**Roof leak repair coverage not available for condos/townhomes/mobile homes. For buyer use only.
Yes. If you are selling your home, you can add the Seller Coverage Option*. Click here for a quote to help protect your home while its on the market.
Here's how our Seller Coverage Option* works:
- Seller chooses the home warranty plan to provide to the buyer.
- Seller adds on the Seller Coverage Option. This option covers the same items as the ShieldEssential plan (excluding rekey).
- Sellers enjoy coverage for up to 6 months (term renewable upon request and at the discretion of American Home Shield) while the home is on the market.
- Payment is not due until closing.
- The warranty transfers to the buyer and becomes effective at closing.
*Subject to a $1,500 cap for all trades during the listing period.
Yes! After the first year of your agreement term is over, you will have the chance to renew your coverage for a second year. In addition, all of the property types listed above (except for multi-family properties) qualify for an initial 2-year plan through our Real Estate Edition Home Warranty Plans where you will be able to lock in your initial yearly rate for your first two years of coverage.
Yes. If you have more than one of the following home systems or appliances, they're included in your coverage at no additional cost.
Covered Systems/Appliances:
- Air Conditioning Systems
- Heating Systems
- Electrical - multiple items of hard-wired home electrical system
- Plumbing - multiple items such as lines, faucets, shower heads, stoppages, etc.
- Built-in Exhaust Fans
- Ceiling Fans
- Water Heaters
- Built-in Microwave Ovens
- Dishwashers
- Doorbells
- Garbage Disposals
- Ranges, Ovens, Cooktops
- Garage Door Openers
- Installed Instant Hot/Cold Water Dispensers
Yes. We cover breakdowns that occur due to normal wear and tear. For example, if a hose on your dishwasher breaks due to normal wear and tear, we would cover it. But, if a child stands on the dishwasher and breaks the door, we would not cover it, because the damage was not from normal wear and tear, in addition to other exclusions and limitations that may apply.
See the plan contract for coverage details, including service fees, limitations and exclusions. Charges for non-covered items may apply.
Your coverage starts the day of closing, however, if payment for the home warranty funds has not been received from the home closing process, the number of service requests may be limited.
If you sell your home before the end of your warranty agreement, you can transfer the remainder of your plan to the new buyer. Call 833.706.2866 to transfer your warranty.
If you need to change or upgrade your coverage options, you can do it within the first 60 days from closing. To upgrade or change your coverage options, call 833.706.2868.
Yes, we want you to review our agreements. View the following Sample Agreement:
Our standard agreement lasts for 12 months after closing. If you chose the 2-year warranty, your agreement term will last for 24 months.
†New Jersey Residents: The product being offered is a service contract and is separate and distinct from any product or service warranty which may be provided by the home builder or manufacturer.