Skip to main content
Home Warranty

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. AHS
  2. Home Warranty
  3. What is a Home Warranty?
A Family enjoying breakfast
A Family enjoying breakfast

What is a Home Warranty?

A home warranty is a yearly protection plan for your home’s systems and appliances. We spend about two-thirds of our time in our homes, and over time, the systems and appliances we rely on most will inevitably break down—like your heating and AC system, refrigerator, water heater, and washer/dryer. But when you warranty, you can look on the bright side because your covered items are protected.

See the plan agreement for coverage details, including service fees, limitations and exclusions. Coverage limits and charges for non-covered items may apply.

How a home warranty plan works:

Request service 24/7 via MyAccount or by phone at 1.800.776.4663 and pay your Service Fee.

We’ll assign a Pro from a network, and they’ll contact you to schedule their visit.

Your assigned Pro will diagnose your issue and identify a solution/next steps.

We’ll repair or replace the covered item. See a sample plan agreement for more details.

Thinking about coverage?

Sounds like a plan. Find the warranty that fits you best.

AHS

Frequently Asked Questions

Each of our 2 million members gets access to a nationwide network of thousands of local, qualified repair Pros; coverage for key parts of home systems and appliances; additional coverage options and special discounts on home maintenance services; plus, peace of mind and budget protection. We pay more claims than the other guys — we paid $4 billion in home warranty claims in the last seven years, to be exact.

American Home Shield also covers older items, no matter their age and provides a 30-day workmanship guarantee.

Our plans start at less than $1 a day. Your monthly home warranty cost depends on a few factors though:

  • Home details - The size, type and location of your home
  • Plan type - We offer plans for existing homeowners and people who are buying or selling a home, as well as different coverage levels based on your specific needs
  • Additional coverage - From electronics to pool & built-in spa equipment coverage, we offer additional coverage options that you can add to your base home warranty plan
  • Service Fee - When you request service, you’ll pay a small service fee to have a Pro diagnose the problem. You will select your Service Fee amount when you purchase your home warranty plan

 

For more information, see our Cost Explained page.

You'll pay a service fee each time you place a service request for a Pro to come to your home and provide service. The amount, plus sales tax (where applicable), is determined based on the service fee amount you select (either $100 or $125) when you purchase your plan.

A 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 during their real estate transaction only.

 

We also offer home warranty plans for customers who are not in a real estate transaction. See our Plans & Coverage page for more information.

You can start requesting service 30 days after you sign up for your plan. If you purchased or were given a home warranty during a real estate transaction, your coverage starts the day of closing.

View All FAQs
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