Home repairs can be very expensive, and your bank account can take a blow if you’re not prepared. If you have a home warranty, repair costs are covered if a system or appliance breaks down. It’s important to note that home warranties and homeowners insurance are two different things. When choosing a home warranty provider, you should consider costs, service call fees, coverage and any guarantees. We take a detailed look at two home warranty companies to help make your choice easier.
HomeServe vs. American Home Shield cost
HomeServe stands out with a lower starting service fee, which is what you pay per service call. It also offers more affordable monthly rates for its introductory and top-tier plans. This makes HomeServe the more budget-friendly option across the board compared to American Home Shield.
To estimate your total annual cost, use this equation: Annual premium + (service fee × expected claims per year) + uncovered overages from caps or exclusions.
Fees, caps and exclusions differ by plan and location. Review the complete contract terms before enrolling in either American Home Shield or HomeServe to understand your potential total cost.
HomeServe plans and pricing
HomeServe's pricing model differs from traditional home warranty providers. It has no service fee and offers no add-ons. Instead, it has 17 plans — far more than the standard one to four that most companies offer. With the company’s a la carte style of coverage, you can combine plans that best suit your needs. Monthly pricing for three of its plans is shown below.
| Service fee | Electrical Surge | Heating & Cooling System | Premium Home Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | $3.99 | $19.99 | $69.99 |
*Cost information is accurate as of the time of publishing. Price quotes used a Texas ZIP code; pricing may vary in other locations.
American Home Shield plans and pricing
American Home Shield lets you choose a service fee of $100 or $125, which is what you pay when you file a claim. Choosing a higher service fee reduces the monthly cost of your plan.
| Service fee | ShieldSilver | ShieldGold | ShieldPlatinum |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | $39.99 | $59.99 | $89.99 |
| $125 | $29.99 | $49.99 | $79.99 |
HomeServe vs. American Home Shield coverage
Both American Home Shield and HomeServe focus their coverage exclusively on major home systems like heating and plumbing. Neither company offers plans that include coverage for common household appliances like refrigerators or ovens. Their coverage approach is very similar, focusing on core infrastructure rather than all-in-one protection.
 |  | |
| Coverage |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Plan | ||
| Air conditioner | | |
| Heating | | |
| Plumbing | | |
| Electrical | | |
| Ductwork | | |
| Sump pump | | |
| Water heater | | |
| Interior plumbing lines | | |
| Interior electrical lines | | |
| Exterior plumbing lines | | |
| Exterior water lines | | |
| Refrigerator | | |
| Dishwasher | | |
| Oven | | |
| Range | | |
| Cooktop | | |
| Microwave | | |
| Food center | | |
| Garbage disposal | | |
| Trash compactor | | |
| Ice maker | | |
| Hot/cold water dispenser | | |
| Range exhaust hood | | |
| Kitchen exhaust fan | | |
| Clothes washer | | |
| Clothes dryer | | |
| Toilets | | |
| Bathtub/shower | | |
| Faucets | | |
| Ceiling fans | | |
| Attic fans | | |
| Central vacuum | | |
| Doorbells | | |
| Garage door openers | | |
| Roof leak repairs | | |
| Main breaker | | |
| Plumbing stoppages | | |
| Home electronics | | |
| Smoke detectors | | |
| Jetted tub components | | |
HomeServe vs. American Home Shield add-ons
The difference in add-on coverage between these companies is stark as HomeServe does not offer any optional add-ons. American Home Shield provides a list of extra coverage options for items like pools, spas and well pumps. HomeServe's focus remains solely on its core plans.
HomeServe add-ons
HomeServe does not offer add-ons, unlike most other home warranty companies. Instead, it offers 17 plans that you can combine to get the coverage you want. It's a unique system that allows you to pay for what you need without requiring single-item add-ons.
American Home Shield add-ons
American Home Shield offers six add-ons. See pricing for the most popular additional coverage items below.
| Optional coverage | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Septic pump | $4.99 |
| Roof leak repair | $9.99 |
| Well pump | $9.99 |
| Guest unit | $12.99 |
| Electronics protection | $14 |
| Pool and spa | $20.99 |
What HomeServe customers say
HomeServe customers with positive experiences mention prompt and professional service at affordable prices. While some feedback for HomeServe is positive on ConsumerAffairs, not everyone detailed a perfect experience. Many noted issues with customer service and multiple service calls, with some saying they felt they didn’t get the help they needed.
HomeServe is great. They fixed my furnace and my air conditioner, and I didn't have a giant bill I had to cough up. I just pay the little fee every month. I've submitted claims three or four times for different things. ... Usually within 15 or 20 minutes, somebody calls.”
– Shirl, Clarks Green, PA
What American Home Shield customers say
American Home Shield customers comment on the easy claim submission process and say the service helps them cut down cost on repairs and saves them money. Positive reviews say the company does what it promises and indicate customers are happy with the quality of work provided by technicians. Those who have had issues with the company comment on the timeline of resolutions and communication issues.
The young man came within a couple of days and was considerate about wearing a mask and putting booties on. He was able to take care of my faucets and wasn't there very long. I was very happy with it.”
– Toni of Louisville, KY
FAQ
Do American Home Shield and HomeServe have waiting periods?
Yes, American Home Shield and HomeServe both have a 30-day waiting period until warranty coverage starts.
Can you choose your own contractor with American Home Shield and HomeServe?
No, both American Home Shield and HomeServe require you to use a licensed, in-network technician. In rare cases, American Home Shield may give you the ability to choose your own technician. Review your contract for more information.
Do American Home Shield and HomeServe require a home inspection?
No, neither American Home Shield nor HomeServe requires a home inspection.
Bottom line: HomeServe or American Home Shield?
American Home Shield and HomeServe both offer great options for home warranty coverage. HomeServe offers several more choices, which makes the experience more customizable. American Home Shield offers three different home warranty plans, which gives customers the chance to find something within their budget.
- HomeServe is best for budget-conscious homeowners because it offers plans as low as $7.99 per month. HomeServe’s plans can be more customizable for specific needs.
- American Home Shield is best for those who want the extra benefit of electronics coverage (not available in California). It is also a great option for those looking for plans that offer a combination of systems and appliances coverage.
