Skip to main content


  1. Home Warranty
  2. Blog
  3. Home Warranty 101
  4. How to Use Your Home Warranty

How to Use Your Home Warranty from AHS

Welcome to the world of worry-free home management with American Home Shield. You've made a smart choice. A home warranty isn't just a plan; it's your budget safety net for those "just in case" moments when life throws a curveball at your home's systems and appliances.

Getting Started with Your Home Warranty  

As an American Home Shield member, your home warranty covers the parts of up to 23 home systems and appliances you rely on each day to help keep your home running smoothly, including your AC, heating system, refrigerator, washer and dryer, and so much more.

Your 30-Day Waiting Period 

If you purchased your warranty through a real estate transaction, your warranty is active at closing.* Otherwise, you sign up, wait 30 days, and then you are charged and can begin using your home warranty plan. During this time, familiarize yourself with your coverage details by reviewing your plan agreement in MyAccount — so you know what's covered and what's not. That way, when something happens, you’ll be prepared.

Maintaining Your Home 

To ensure a smooth experience with your American Home Shield home warranty, regular maintenance of your home systems and appliances is essential. Here are some general guidelines for maintaining your home:

  • Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect your home systems and appliances to identify any issues before they become major problems.
  • Follow Manufacturers' Maintenance Schedules: Adhere to the maintenance guidelines provided by the manufacturers of your appliances and systems.
  • Record Keeping: Keep a record of all maintenance activities. This documentation can be crucial in case of a warranty claim.
  • Pre-season HVAC Tune-ups: We recommend getting an AC tune-up in the spring to ensure your unit is ready for the hot, summer temps ahead, as well as a heating tune-up in the fall so you're ready for winter. We even offer HVAC tune-ups that you can easily book in MyAccount, and you get one free tune-up per agreement term with our ShieldPlatinum plan.

Following these practices can help prevent future issues and breakdowns. However, a home warranty plan helps provide peace of mind that we'll help you get your covered item back up and running when inevitable breakdowns occur. To review your specific coverage details, refer to your American Home Shield plan agreement. You can access it easily via MyAccount, and we email you a copy once you sign up for a plan.

Thinking about coverage?

Security for your home. Protection for your budget.

How to Place a Service Request

Whether your air conditioner fails in the summer, or your dishwasher quits mid-cycle, your warranty is there to ease the stress and financial burden of repairs or replacements.

So how do you make a warranty claim? When a covered system or appliance breaks down, follow this straightforward three-step process. The process starts when you place a service request and pay your service fee.

  1. Initiate a Warranty Claim by Placing a Service Request:
    • You can easily place a service request via MyAccount or call our Shield Agents at 800.776.4663.
    • Simply submit your service request, pay your service fee, and we'll assign a repair Pro to diagnose the issue.

NOTE: Members pay a service fee each time they place a service request. The service fee amount is selected when you purchase your home warranty plan. The service fee amount you select stays the same throughout the term of your plan agreement.

  1. We Assign a Pro:
    • A qualified, local Pro from our network will reach out within 24 – 48 hours to schedule an in-home visit.
    • In certain areas, a video diagnosis option is available for faster resolution.
  2. Next Steps:
    • Our Pro will diagnose and repair the covered problem, adhering to your plan agreement limitations and exclusions.
    • If repair costs exceed the limits of your agreement, we’ll discuss additional costs upfront so you can decide how to proceed.

Our process is designed to be clear, straightforward, and supportive – keeping you informed and in control every step of the way.

Before You Initiate Your Service Request

Preparation is vital when placing a service request. It simplifies the process, helping service professionals understand and resolve your issue more effectively.

Here’s what you need to do:

  • Understand Your Coverage: Because coverage differs based on the specific plan you signed up for, be sure to review your warranty terms.
  • Document the Issue: Write down the specifics of the problem, including when it started and any error codes or symptoms.
  • Maintenance Records: Keep a record of maintenance and any prior repairs. Though not required, this information can be crucial during the claim process.
  • Identify Urgency: Assess the urgency of the issue to communicate its severity accurately. Please note that for all claims, you should communicate the nature and timing of the breakdown and contact AHS as soon as the problem occurs as this could prevent further damage to the system or appliance.
  • Access: Before the Pro arrives, ensure the area around the malfunctioning appliance or system is accessible and tidy. This not only helps the Pro work efficiently but also speeds up the diagnostic process.

Working with Our Repair Pros  

What can you do to help make the repair process go smoothly? 

When the Pro arrives, proper communication is crucial. Describe the problem thoroughly, including when it started and any specific symptoms or error codes you've noticed.

IMPORTANT TIP:  Being present during the appointment is extremely helpful. That way, you can directly answer any questions the Pro might have, plus you can ask questions to help you better understand the repair process. This two-way communication leads to a more effective repair and a better overall experience. 

Our 30-Day Workmanship Guarantee

American Home Shield is committed to the quality of our service. Should any issue arise with a completed repair or replacement of the same item within 30 days of service, we will send a Pro back to your home at no additional cost.

Ready to Place a Service Request?

If you have an issue that needs to be addressed, log in to MyAccount to review your plan agreement and begin the process. If you’re not yet an American Home Shield member, compare plans & costs today to choose the right plan for your household!

*When home sellers add the Seller Coverage Option, their coverage begins immediately. Subject to $1,500 cap for all trades during the listing period; renewable upon review at the discretion of American Home Shield for a 6-month period, up to 12 months.

Share:

AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.

American home shield short logo mark

Don't worry. Be warranty.

Have a plan for your home when things don't go according to plan

Shop Home Warranties