Home Warranty
What is a home warranty?
A home warranty is a plan or service contract that can help fix covered parts of your home systems and appliances - like your HVAC and fridge - when they breakdown due to normal wear and tear.
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What does it mean to have a home warranty?
Home systems and appliances break down. It's not a matter of if, but when. Not only is it inconvenient when a critical system like your HVAC fails, but if you haven’t planned for it, a breakdown can be costly, too. Having a home warranty gives you peace of mind and a plan. That means when covered breakdowns happen, you aren't stuck trying to find the right repair Pro and you have help protecting your wallet from unexpected costs. It's an easier, more predictable way to manage home repairs.
- Home warranty definition: A home warranty is a service contract that can help fix covered home system or appliance breakdowns from normal use.
- AHS’s simple service process: With AHS, you request service, pay a pre-set service fee, and a qualified Pro will diagnose the issue and outline next steps.
- Budget confidence: Can help limit unexpected out-of-pocket costs for common household system and appliance breakdowns.
- Not the same as insurance: It’s designed for everyday wear and tear—not damage from fire, floods, or events covered by homeowners insurance.
How does a home warranty work?
Home warranties can help lower the cost of covered repairs when your systems and appliances fail due to everyday use. With AHS, when something breaks, all you have to do is request service and pay your service fee. Then an approved technician will be assigned to diagnose the issue. AHS will fix the covered item—and if we can't repair it, we'll replace it.
We Assign a Pro
We assign a qualified, independent repair Pro to diagnose the issue.
Appointment timing can vary by location, season, and parts availability
Repair or Replace
If it's covered, we’ll repair it. If it can't be repaired, we may replace it (based on your plan).
Coverage is based on your plan agreement
Also known as a diagnostic fee, this is the cost for a Pro to figure out what's wrong with your system or appliance. This standard, nonrefundable fee is required each time you place a service request. You choose the fee amount at the time you purchase your home warranty plan.
Service timing depends on your specific issue. It can vary based on a few factors like:
- The type of problem
- Appointment availability
- Whether parts need to be ordered
When you place a service request, our goal is to assign a Pro as quickly as possible to:
- Assess and diagnose the issue
- Order any necessary parts
- Complete the repair
Please note that service requests are intended for covered repair needs and may not be the best fit for situations requiring immediate attention.
AHS coverage varies depending on the plan you choose. Some cover systems, while others cover both systems and appliances. Coverage also depends on the terms, limits, and exclusions of your specific plan. To view a sample agreement, click here.
Some of the common appliances that we cover in our home warranty plans include: Major appliances like built-in microwaves, ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, garbage disposals, instant hot/cold water dispensers, washers, and dryers. We also cover major home systems like air conditioning, heating, ceiling fans, doorbells, garage door openers, electrical systems, and interior plumbing lines.
You can also purchase additional coverage for roof leak repairs, electronics, pools & built-in spa equipment, guest units, septic pumps, and well pumps.
*See the plan agreement for coverage details, including service fees, limitations and exclusions. Coverage limits and charges for non-covered items may apply.
What does a home warranty cover?
A home warranty typically covers key parts and components of your HVAC, plumbing, electrical, appliances, and other common items you rely on to run your home. With AHS, our coverage can work as hard as your home does. American Home Shield® plans can protect:
HVAC
Heating or cooling issues? We will fix covered parts of your heating and cooling systems with any of our American Home Shield home warranty plans. If we can’t repair the covered item, we’ll replace it.
Plumbing
Whether you’re dealing with a drip, leak, or clog, we can help get your covered issues flowing again. Get plumbing coverage with any of our American Home Shield home warranty plans.
Electrical
From outlets to interior components like lines, wiring, breaker boxes, panels, and more, get electrical coverage with any of our American Home Shield home warranty plans.
Appliances
Refrigerators, ovens & ranges, dishwashers, built-in microwaves, washers, dryers, and more. Our ShieldGold™ and ShieldPlatinum™ plans can help get your key appliances up and running.
Optional add-ons
Well pump, pool & built-in spa equipment, guest unit, roof leak repair, and more. All homes are unique, which is why we offer optional add-ons to fit your home’s unique needs.
See the plan agreement for coverage details, including service fees, limitations and exclusions. Coverage limits and charges for non-covered items may apply.
What’s not covered by a home warranty?
A home warranty covers a lot, but not everything. Knowing and understanding the coverage details, including service fees, limitations and exclusions, is important. Before you make your decision, read a sample plan agreement to understand what your plan does and doesn’t cover.
Is a home warranty worth it?
Breakdowns are inevitable and often happen at the worst time. A home warranty can give you peace of mind knowing you don't have to search for a contractor. What’s best, with AHS, you'll have a plan. Here are just some of the reasons a home warranty is worth it.
Great for aging appliances
Ideal if you own older systems or appliances that are more likely to need repairs
Predictability
A set plan price and service fee help you budget for covered repairs.
Help that’s easier to find
Convenient access to qualified, independent service providers.
Breathing room for your wallet
Peace of mind knowing you are helping protect your wallet from covered breakdowns.
Discover AHS member benefits
American Home Shield members get more than just coverage. From exclusive discounts to high-tech solutions, we help you both repair and care for your home.
Video Chat a Repair Expert
As a benefit to members, you can video call with live repair Experts who can help assess or fix breakdowns in real time at no extra cost.
* *Video chat hours are from 8AM-9PM CST, 7 days/week. Subject to change.
New HVAC Discount Program
One of the many perks of being an AHS member is having access to potentially valuable savings on the home services and equipment you really need—like a new HVAC system.
Smart Home Tech Installation and Setup
We make tech installations and support a snap for our members. Get help with smart device installation, wifi and network connectivity support, and much more.
Appliance Discounts
You rely on your appliances every single day. When the time comes to get a new one, you can save big on brand name appliances through our Appliance Discount Program.
Partner discounts & Offers
From lawn care to filter discounts and interior design services, we can help take the hassle out of owning a home.
Frequently Asked Questions
With American Home Shield, you get coverage for key parts and components of your home systems and appliances with access to a network of local, independent repair Pros. Plus, AHS offers additional coverage options you can add to your plan and member benefits that can help provide time and cost savings. AHS also covers systems and appliances no matter their age, with a 30-day workmanship guarantee. Want to hear from happy AHS members? Click here.
Yes, you will still pay a service fee even if the item isn’t covered. A service fee covers the time and labor cost to have a service Pro come to your home to assess the issue.
AHS will look to repair the parts and components of any covered items subject to the terms of your plan agreement. If the covered item can't be repaired, or AHS determines that a replacement is the better option, AHS will provide you with a replacement, again subject to the terms of your plan agreement including applicable limitations.
To view a sample agreement, click here.
After you place a service request with AHS, here’s what you can expect:
- You’ll pay your service fee when you place the request
- A Pro will reach out to schedule an appointment for an in-person visit
- At the in-person visit, the Pro will assess the breakdown and ensure that it’s covered
- Your Pro may need to order parts necessary for the repair and schedule a follow-up visit
- AHS will fix the covered item based on the coverage limits outlined in your plan agreement.
No, a home warranty is not an emergency service. A home warranty will fix covered parts of home systems and appliances when they break down due to normal wear and tear, subject to the terms of the plan agreement.
When you submit a service request, we will assign a qualified service professional to diagnose the issue and recommend next steps based on your plan’s coverage. While we try to connect you with a qualified, independent Pro within 24-48 hours (excluding holidays and weekends), response times can vary depending on service professional availability, the nature of the issue, and whether parts are needed.
If you’re experiencing a true emergency situation, you should contact local emergency services or the appropriate utility provider right away. Once the immediate issue is resolved, you can then submit a service request with AHS for the affected item.
There are several reasons why your service request might be denied or why you may have charges for non-covered items. All home warranties have exclusions, restrictions, and limitations which are set out in the plan agreement. It's important that you understand what is covered, and what is not, under your home warranty, so you should read your plan agreement carefully.
To view a sample agreement, click here.
You'll pay a non-refundable service fee each time you place a service request for an item. You'll choose your service fee amount when you purchase your plan. See the plan agreement for coverage details, including service fees, limitations and exclusions. Charges for non-covered items may apply.
You can place your first service request 30 days after signing up for a plan. You can place a service request 24/7 in MyAccount or via the AHS app. Please note that if you have a real estate home warranty, your coverage starts the day of closing. If payment for the home warranty funds have not been received from the home closing process, the number of service requests you can place may be limited.