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AHS Membership 101: What is Covered in Your Home Warranty Plan? 

You know the sinking feeling when something in your home breaks down unexpectedly. Whether it's the air conditioner during the summer or the water heater during your morning shower, these moments can throw a wrench in your life, and budget. This is where a home warranty can be your ally – not as a cure-all, but as a smart strategy for managing these inevitable hiccups.

What is Home Warranty Coverage? 

Unlike homeowners insurance, which covers your home from events like fires, theft, or natural disasters, a home warranty helps protect your budget when covered parts of home systems and appliances break down due to normal wear and tear.

At American Home Shield®, we understand that a broken fridge or a malfunctioning HVAC system is more than a mechanical annoyance – it's a disruption to your family’s comfort and routine. That's why we stand by your side, ready to help when these small yet significant issues arise. 

In this guide, we'll walk you through the ins and outs of home warranties, what they cover, and how they differ from home insurance. 

Understanding Home Warranty Coverage: A Comprehensive Guide

Home warranties help homeowners reduce the impact of unexpected covered repair costs. By providing a predictable and affordable solution, they give homeowners peace of mind. This means less worry about the "what ifs" and more focus on “what a great home.”

Let's peel back the layers to see what this coverage entails.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover? 

Depending on the specific plan you choose, we cover a wide range of up to 23 parts of home systems and appliances, regardless of their age. This includes major components of items such as your HVAC system, electrical systems, plumbing, refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and more. 

Imagine a home warranty from American Home Shield as your budget’s safety net.

All home warranties are not created equal. Our Shield Assurances are always included, even in our base plans.

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That means you get coverage for:

  • Normal wear-and-tear, no matter the age of a covered item
  • Unknown, pre-existing breakdowns
  • Items without maintenance records
  • Duplicates of the same item, like that extra A/C unit
  • Removal of defective equipment
  • Refrigerant recapture, reclaim and disposal[LB1]
  • Breakdowns caused by:

o   Improper installations or repairs

o   Insufficient maintenance

o   Rust, corrosion and sediment

o   Mismatched HVAC systems

  • Included in Real Estate + ShieldPlatinum™ plans:
    Permits and correction of code violations
    ($250 or more per agreement term[LB3] when required during a covered repair/replacement)
     

See the plan agreement for coverage details, including service fees, limitations and exclusions. Coverage limits and charges for non-covered items may apply. Coverage not available in all areas.


If you have an issue with your completed repair within 30 days of service, we’ll send a Pro back out for free.

American Home Shield provides coverage for mechanical and electrical failures of specific parts of home systems and appliances related to normal wear and tear. However, this means that we won't cover your dishwasher should your child sit on the door or bash it with a toy, for example. Normal wear and tear refer to breakdowns related to everyday use. 


Your American Home Shield agreement contains all your specific coverage details, limits, and more. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with your plan agreement upon becoming a member via MyAccount.


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

Thinking about coverage?

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

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

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