What is the difference between American Home Shield and Cinch Home Services?
Owning a home comes with its own set of challenges, and unexpected repairs are some of the most significant issues. Repairs can be needed at very inconvenient times and are often expensive. Home warranties help cover the cost of home repairs for systems and appliances. We took a close look at American Home shield and Cinch Home Services to break down the premium prices, service fees and what is covered. Use our analysis to help you decide which is best for you.
Cost
Monthly premium cost
$29.99 to $69.99
$27.99 to $61.99
Average cost for combo plan
$60
$50 to $62
Annual premium cost
$359.88 to $839.88
$335.88 to $743.88
Service call fee
$75, $100 or $125
$100, $125 or $150
Discounts available
Not specified
Not listed
$29.99 to $69.99
$60
$359.88 to $839.88
$75, $100 or $125
Not specified
$27.99 to $61.99
$50 to $62
$335.88 to $743.88
$100, $125 or $150
Not listed
Plans
Plans available
ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, Shield Platinum
Appliances plan, Built-in Systems plan, Complete Home plan
Covered systems
9
10
Covered appliances
9
12
Combo plan covered items
18
22
Service recall period
30 days
180-day workmanship guarantee
Availability
47 states
48 states
ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, Shield Platinum
9
9
18
30 days
47 states
Appliances plan, Built-in Systems plan, Complete Home plan
American Home Shield has three home warranty packages available, which helps people with varying budgets find a good fit. Additionally, the company offers several add-on package options that include guest unit coverage and electronics, options many other home warranty companies don’t offer. Other add-on packages include coverage for septic pumps, well pumps, spas, pools and roof leaks.
ShieldPlatinum: ShieldPlatinum is the most comprehensive and expensive option. It costs $64.99 per month. Coverage includes heating and cooling systems, plumbing and electrical systems, kitchen appliances, laundry appliances, unlimited air conditioning refrigerant, coverage for code violations and permits, roof leak repairs and a free HVAC tune-up.
ShieldGold: ShieldGold is a midlevel plan. It costs around $49.99 per month. Coverage includes heating, air conditioning, plumbing systems, kitchen appliances, electrical systems and laundry appliances.
ShieldSilver: ShieldSilver is the cheapest option and offers the least coverage. It does cover systems for plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning. It costs $39.99 per month.
What American Home Shield customers say
American Home Shield receives mostly positive feedback in reviews on ConsumerAffairs. Happy customers frequently say they are happy with the work done, find the contractors helpful and appreciate the fast service and the money they save on repairs. Some customers have left feedback about negative experiences and expressed frustration surrounding communication issues and the timeline for repairs.
The air condition wasn't working. So I called in the claim. It was easy enough to submit. American Home Shield said the contractor would contact me within 24 hours. And they did. ... [H]e was here right at 11:00 and did a good job. He was in and out. He said it was a small part and that it had rusted out. He replaced it and it's working fine now. The young man was professional and had a nice personality.”
Cinch Home Services also offers three tiers of home warranty plans, including an appliances-only plan, a systems-only plan and a plan that combines both. This helps provide several pricing options for your budget.
Appliances plan: The Appliances plan starts at $34.99 per month. It covers kitchen and laundry appliances, including washers, dryers, cooktops, built-in food centers, dishwashers, refrigerators, ranges, hoods, built-in trash compactors and more.
Built-in Systems plan: The Built-in Systems plan starts at $39.99 per month. It covers things like air conditioning, ductwork, fans, central vacuums, doorbells, electrical, garage door openers, heating, plumbing and smoke detectors.
Complete Home Plan: The Complete Home plan starts at $49.99 and combines systems and appliances coverage. This includes coverage for kitchen appliances, laundry appliances, whirlpool tubs, sump pumps, heat and air, toilets and more.
What Cinch Home Services customers say
Positive Cinch feedback mentions the ease of submitting claims and positive experiences with technicians. Customers say they like the peace of mind the contract provides. A few customers have expressed frustration with long wait times to resolve claims, and there are a few mentions of people having to call multiple times to resolve issues.
Cinch works with you. They understand everything that you are going through and they're very willing to help. The techs were very nice and helpful. They told me what was going on and everything that they had to do. It was an excellent experience and I would be more than happy to recommend them to other friends or family.”
Bottom line: American Home Shield or Cinch Home Services?
American Home Shield and Cinch Home Services both offer three levels of home warranty options and add-ons. However, there are some differences. Cinch Home Services offers an appliances-only package, which could be a big benefit to some. But American Home Shield offers coverage for electronics (not available in California), which is also beneficial.
Cinch Home Services is best for those who want the option of an appliance-only home warranty solution.
American Home Shield is best for those who want additional electronics and roof leak coverage options.
As a member of the ConsumerAffairs research team, Jessica Render is dedicated to providing well-researched, valuable content designed to help consumers make informed purchase decisions they can feel confident making. She holds a degree in journalism from Oral Roberts University.
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