American Home Shield Reviews
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About American Home Shield
American Home Shield (AHS) is a home warranty provider based in Memphis, Tennessee. It offers three home warranty plans with varying levels of coverage, and you can choose either a $100 or $125 service fee. Its plans cover rust, insufficient maintenance, unknown preexisting conditions and faulty repairs, which are often excluded from this type of coverage. AHS is available in 48 U.S. states.
Visit www.ahs.com- Three plan options, plus add-on coverage
- Discounts and promotions available
- 30-day workmanship guarantee
- Covers rust, corrosion and sediment damage
- Coverage limits and exclusions
- Must generally use a contractor from its network
- Only available in 48 states
American Home Shield Reviews
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Reviewed June 7, 2010
I had this company for 4 years. I make my payment online and they claimed they didn't receive one which I had the bank to confirm they received it. I can't get them to help me to repair my fridge, they're very rude. My fridge is out, food is spoiling. I lost all that money on a company like this.
Reviewed June 7, 2010
Don't waste your hard earned money like we did. Put your $400+/year into a savings account instead and earmark it for home repairs. We finally allowed our contract to lapse after 14 frustrating years. Every single time we had to put in a work request, we were confronted with excessive response times, contractors that didn't know what they were doing, and an overall fight to get our covered items repaired. In all of the 14 years, we only had two contractors arrive that actually were able to fix the items and cared enough about their work to do whatever fighting it took to get AHS to authorize what needed to be done. Our home is 16 years old and so are most of the appliances. We had our 16-year-old built-in microwave repaired in excess of 5 times. AHS refused to replace the unit because one of the similar wattage was no longer manufactured and cannot be replaced without replacing the conventional oven of which it is a part. So, now I'm left with a 16-year-old microwave that rarely even boils water.
Our dishwasher was replaced a few years ago, but we had to pay several hundred dollars to get one that was acceptable. Sears installed it per AHS requirements and left brackets, insulation and wires showing. It looked terrible. Sears was not authorized by AHS to trim the dishwasher to our cabinets, so it looked very unfinished. When Precision Appliance (one of the only two decent contractors) came to work on the microwave/oven, once again they trimmed out the dishwasher at their own expense just so that the kitchen would look better. Oliver from Precision Appliance is wonderful! We still have an outstanding repair order (nearly two months old now) to have our whirlpool tub repaired. It took five contractor visits before the current contractor (the second decent contractor we've had through AHS) was able to figure out the problem, only to be told by AHS that they wouldn't cover the repair.
When I called, they said that the part that failed is not covered. When I questioned where it said that in the contract, all they could do is repeat, "Some parts are not covered, and some are." The part that failed is a switch that is a part of the whirlpool mechanism that relays power to the motor. I asked AHS how a whirlpool tub works without power. They said, "The motor is covered, but not the switch." Now, how in the world can an item be covered when a part within the item itself is not covered? The item is useless without this item. Don't Use AHS. You will be better off saving your premiums. We spent approximately $5,600 in premiums over the past 14 years, roughly $1,200 in service calls, and hundreds of dollars in "not covered" expenses. The cabinetry around the dishwasher was damaged by Sears through bad installation. We will have to spend close to $2500 to replace the microwave/oven combination due to the improper working condition of the microwave.
Reviewed June 4, 2010
I am most unhappy. I purchased a home in October of 2008 with an AHS warranty as recommended by my realtor. We were happy to find that we were 'covered' when the Air Conditioner developed problems the following summer (2009). We were perplexed by the problems we seemed to have initially getting a visit to check out our system (it took several days for the initial visit) but eventually All Right Heating came and looked at the system.
Our system was, at that time, leaking water on the inside, which was dripping from the cooling heat exchanger on the inside of the home and running down the metal surfaces on the inside and outside of the AC/Heater unit, and was actually dripping down internal wiring in the heater area and further down onto and into the blower motor that got replaced during the second call.
There was water and rust evident at all levels, but the technician shrugged on the first visit (the unit was not cooling adequately) and said the compressor needed freon, which he added. Repeat calls fell on deaf ears when I explained that the unit was operational but still dripping water inside the unit onto the wires and onto the motor, and from there through the bottom of the unit to the to the floor drain. I had requested that the technician check the A/C drip pan for a leaks during the second visit, but he did not comply with my request.
About a month later, the motor seized completely, and so All Right returned and replaced the motor. I noted again the problem I saw with internal water flowing over the internal wiring and the motor, but again, my concerns fell on deaf ears. This motor, now still less than one year old, broke off at 2 of the 3 mounts this past Tuesday. A call to All Right on motor warranty got the answer that blower motors are only guaranteed for 90 days.
I called another AC company. This time, the owner of the company visited and he indicated that the water running down through the rusted-through drain pan under the AV coils has destroyed the blower enclosure and that repair was possible but not advisable because of the leaking water. He stated that a repair of the housing was possible and would run between $800 and $1000 and that with water flowing downward there would not be a warranty on the repair.So now we are looking at a total Air Conditioner and Heater replacement for a problem that was identified last year under your warranty but never addressed nor prepared. The new AC unit will cost about $8000, and I will be filing formal complaints with you and ServiceMaster, as well as notifying the realtors home office so they can tell agents what a shoddy job your company does.I would gladly discuss this further with you or your customer service department. Again, I am most unhappy over this entire episode with your service company. Almost $9000 to replace both the heater and AC unit when a much less repair would have prevented the issue.
Reviewed June 3, 2010
Air Tran service set up an appointment for June 3. When they arrived, they looked at the statement from May 14 and claimed that they would need to collect a service fee since they were a different company. I called American Home Shield while Air Tran was on my property. The customer service claimed that their emails were exclusively sent to Air Tran and not to A-US Air Conditioning Service, but she did have record that a dispatch from A-US AC had called in saying they were taking the appointment. She also had record that a tech from A-US AC had called in saying he had completed the job order. I told her that I had a statement in my hand from A-US Air Conditioning of Texas dated 5/14/2010. She kept repeating to me about the emails sent directly to Air Tran and she did not know what happened.
I voiced my dissatisfaction with the situation. I was proactive in trying to avoid having AC issues and now my family has been without AC from 5/31/2010 to now, 6/03/2010. The tech from Air Tran tells me that our condenser went out on the AC and he has to have AHS approve ordering a new one, so now it will be 3-4 business days before he can return. This weekend, the temperature will be 102-103 degrees, and my family and pets will be without AC. Not a life threatening situation, I have found alternative accommodations for my family and pets; however, this company (AHS) draws $45 a month from my account claiming they assure 100% satisfaction of their service. They offered no solutions, and the customer service rep says, "I'm sorry for the inconvenience, we'll be waiting on the tech to call us with his part order."
Reviewed June 3, 2010
I contacted AHS for a Submittal Form March 2010 for a claim that was denied in 2005. They would not send a form, I tried to contact them with no luck. Under their plan my AC/Heat Pump was covered, they denied the claim stating builders problem. It cost me $600.00 for the repair.
Reviewed June 3, 2010
American Home Shield is a joke and does not warranty anything! Once they get your yearly fee, you are nothing to them. The below is a letter to AHS sent via the email address given on the denial letter. The email address is not valid. I called AHS to ask for a valid email address and I was told they do not have that information. I asked how do I contact the claims department, the AHS rep stated, you need to use the supplied information on the letter. The supplied information is invalid. I tried to explain to the rep the situation and I got nothing from them but "I understand what you are saying", however we all know the ending, AHS will not pay for anything.
I have received the letter stating American Home Shield has denied my claim for the hot water heater I had to replace 1 day after moving into the home and almost 1 month before receiving any information about the Home Warranty that was purchased for the home. I am not sure how to say this any clearer. On March 23rd, 2010, I purchased the home; the Home Warranty is for the period of 03/22/2010 through 03/22/2011 12:01AM. I was not given any Home Warranty information at the time of closing on the home. I was told, by the closing attorney, the Home Warranty information would be sent in the mail by the Home Warranty provider.
On March 24th, 2010 (still, no Home Warranty information has been received) I moved into the home, at which time I discovered the basement of the house was under water. I determined the cause of the water to be the hot water heater. The hot water heater had water pouring out the front. I then turned the electricity and water off to my house. I called a repair man. The repair man inspected the hot water heater and stated the hot water heater needs to be replaced, it is not repairable. I then go to the local Home Depot and purchase a smaller hot water heater than the original, bring it home and the repair man installs the hot water heater. Still, no Home Warranty information has been received. I have a small child who lives in my home; we cannot live without hot water.
I was not going to wait the 3 weeks, it took to receive the Home Warranty information before replacing the hot water heater. My child's welfare is most important. Your denial letter regarding my claim states, "We will not reimburse for the service performed without prior approval." 1. If I had the Home Warranty information, I could have and would have called the Home Warranty provider, you, American Home Shield to seek prior approval. 2. I am not asking to be reimbursed for service (labor). I am asking to be reimbursed for the hot water heater (item) I had to replace. Not only did this impact me economically, but physically and mentally I was impacted from the stress of trying to deal with American Home Shield. I honestly feel I do not have a home warranty and this leaves an uncomfortable feeling in that if something else breaks in the home, I will be footing the bill.
Reviewed June 1, 2010
Don't sign up with this company. I've been dealing with a bad washing machine for weeks. They send someone out that stated my pump was out. The next guy comes out and said that the pump wasn't the problem so he orders new parts. American Home Shield wants a second opinion because they don't want to pay for the expensive repairs. Now I'm into this for 12 hours so far with no resolution.
Reviewed May 28, 2010
For the past 5 years, I have had the same HVAC unit repaired by a company. They (AHS) continuously send to "patchwork" the unit to work until the next year. After fixing the unit on Tuesday, it is now broken on Thursday! Worst part, is that a part needs to be ordered because some component was damaged by someone who was testing for a leak which eventually malfunctioned another component/operation! Duh, like I said, the same company has been doing the repairs since it was first inoperable 5 years ago!
Anyway, I speak with the customer service rep. Bernice who tells me how much she sympathizes with me for the inconvenience. She has no idea. I have small children and the SC weather this weekend is predicted to be in the 90's! What an exciting weekend we have planned after a long week of working! After being unsatisfied with my experience with Bernice, I was connected (at my request) to Joe in the Executive Services Department. Joe gives me the same scripted lines that Bernice did and the person before her and so on. I requested that they look at the history on the unit because it has been an issue for several years. Joe tells me that she cannot draw any conclusions and makes compares the unit to a car.
I expressed that that was so unfair; if anything you should compare the air conditioning in the car to the air conditioning in the house as opposed to my HVAC system and a car. It is totally different like apples and oranges. Anyway, my contract expires soon and I will not be renewing. The money I have invested in annual fees and trade fees, I probably could have bought a brand new unit or at least have made a pretty significant dent in the cost of a new unit.
Buyers beware. The best thing is to get yourself a trusted and reliable handyman that can be honest and not stiff you each time. These are really hard and tough economical times not just for the homeowner but for many businesses as well. What incentive would this repair company (Air Plus Services) have to repair or replace the unit after 5 years of failed tries? None! That would mean missed revenue from a consistently reliable customer! Hope this message helps the next person. An extended weekend with no air conditioning because we would rather, for 5 years keep patching a unit as opposed to replacing. Unbelievable!
Reviewed May 26, 2010
Don't waste your time or money with American Home Shield. After paying the monthly contract charge for several months, I put in a call on two different appliances, my dryer and evaporator cooler. After 4 weeks and the required $60.00 payment to two vendors, I still have a dryer that won't dry and a cooler that won't cool, lot's of wasted time on the phone and plenty of explanations as to why they won't fix my appliances. I cancelled my contract. I'm out several months charges and $120.00 to the vendors and still have to fix the items myself. A total waste of time and money.
Reviewed May 26, 2010
Three weeks ago, our upstairs A/C unit stopped working. Our contractor friend had an A/C company check out the problem and found out that the compressor was not working, but it is still under warranty. This company ordered a new compressor from Carrier, the manufacturer. Since I have the American Home Shield policy, I called the AHS to see if I can have this company install the unit, and AHS only needed to pay them the installation fee. AHS told me no, it had to use their affiliated company. The first two companies sent out by AHS do not have any experience with this type of new AC system.
One week later, the third company was finally sent out which confirmed that it was the compressor problem. After nearly another week since this third company figured out the problem, I finally got an update today that it would take at least another two weeks before they can get the part. Meanwhile, our two other A/C units stopped working. It is too much a coincidence. I have to wonder if these people accidentally messed up the two previous working units.
During the whole three weeks ordeal, AHS has been extremely unreasonably inflexible and showed no concern of their customer’s needs. It would have been so simple and easy to solve the whole problem and would not have cost AHS any more money to just have the outside company do the installation. But, "No, we have our rules to follow." We have paid thousands of dollars each year for this type of rare occasion. When something is finally covered under the policy, but found out that this is not the company that is willing to help.
Reviewed May 25, 2010
We had to replace two 3-ton A/C-heater units on our roof. American Home Shield sent out their service contractor, Superior Systems, to install the last unit in July 09. They could not get the unit to cool the home properly and AHS finally refused to fix it, saying our ducts were installed improperly. After 20 calls with no response we hired another company to check the new unit out. They found a cardboard packing, with parts attached, still inside the return duct of the new unit blocking air flow. They also discovered that Superior had not installed a propane adapter instead of factory installed "natural gas" fitting. That cost me $625 to get it going perfectly. Later this past winter a leak developed around the A/C unit, allowing water to enter our kitchen and ruin the sheetrock.
As to date AHS and Superior Systems have done nothing to repay our cost of repairs despite a complaint to Superior Systems' insurance company or his bond holder. Our experience over the last 10 years is that AHS contracts with service agents whom are incompetent, lacking the expertise needed to perform much of the repairs required. At this date we are still litigating this matter. Superior's bond company sent out a representative to verify our claim and his finding was that the workmanship was shoddy and our claim valid for the damages but disagreed with the amount of our contractor's bid to repair the damage.
Reviewed May 25, 2010
Air conditioning failed on 5/20/2010. AHS was called to repair. They sent a company, ACS, who stated it was the coil. AHS had to order the coil and said they did so on 4/21. ACS was called but stated no fax received to verify. On Monday 5/24, again I called ACS but they said no fax verifying the parts were available from AHS. I called AHS who said it would be done that day. I called the today, 5/25, and same runaround. That was when Nicole ** got involved and together on the phone, we discussed situation with ACS. ACS has stated they can do it on Thursday 5/27 but would not give a time.
My 90-year old mother-in-law has been in the house, in 95 degree weather for seven days. Another two are required. I don't think "Please spare my mother-in-law" had any effect and fell on deaf ears. Neither AHS nor ACS expedited their service to assist the elderly. This is not the first time AHS has made it difficult. In another instance, they tried to insinuate that a dual over that was covered was faulty because it was cleaned with oven cleaner instead of using the electric facility for that purpose. It took my wife about two months to get that situation cleared up.
Reviewed May 25, 2010
I was assigned to work with A US Air by American Home Shield, my home warranty company. I asked for an evaluation of improper flames observed in my furnace, which were noted by a home inspector, who suggested a qualified HVAC technician provide an evaluation. First, the "window" for the evaluation was 8AM to 5PM on 5/15. I tried calling several times to contact the company on the day of the repair window, to narrow the estimate, which I was told by A US Air customer service rep was the best way to narrow the estimate. No one was able to get a hold of the technician to narrow the time window (after two calls and several messages by me). Once the technician finally called me, it was already 3PM, and he only arrived at the home at 3:40PM. He was accompanied by a friend. He evaluated the furnace for 5 minutes. He spent the rest of the time on the phone with American Home Shield, or talking about his plans to go fishing. He stated that there was a broken heat exchange, and my portion of the bill (not covered by American Home Shield) would be $730.
On Monday, 5/17, I had a second HVAC technician from a different company provide a second opinion, regarding the estimate for the work. He noted that the unit was a newer one (his best estimate was less than 5 years old), and that if there was a problem, it would likely be covered by the factory warranty. He turned on the heater, and evaluated the flames. He let it run for several minutes. He did not identify any evidence whatsoever, for a broken heat exchange, or the need to replace the furnace (the flames were blue, uniform, and no roll out was observed). Clearly, this was surprising news, since the A-US Air technician reported that there were problems, so significant that the entire furnace would need to be replaced. It is not clear what the A-US Air technician observed.
On Tuesday morning, Kenny from A US Air contacted me to schedule the replacement of the furnace. I stated that I did not intend to work with A US Air. He solicited additional information, and I told him the entire story, and expressed my concern that his company was attempting to up-sell and defraud me. He was very concerned about my experience, apologized immediately, and stated that he would get with the technician to understand what his side of the story was. He stated that I could expect a call from the manager later that day. I have not ever heard from the company again. I am writing a letter to American Home Shield regarding my experience.
Reviewed May 25, 2010
On 5/6/10, I placed a service call for my inoperative compressor to AHS under my warranty. A contractor came out, submitted false pictures and my repair was denied due to "lack of maintenance". A 2nd contractor came out and in discussions with me during the diagnosis did not suggest "lack of maintenance" contributed to the failure. However, when pictures were submitted the repair was denied for the same reason. I have measurements on the system that shows all auxiliary components are operating in specification. This information supports the pictures however the "opinion" of the technician's supervisor of the picture, who did not inspect the unit was decisive. AHS claims that the additional information is not relevant.
Reviewed May 21, 2010
We called our warranty co. because our A/C is not working only to have them deny us because it was not properly installed. Yet, it is a company that American Home Shield hired to install the unit in 2002. We have been without A/C for over a week now here in AZ. I have children and pets, and it is getting hotter and hotter everyday. They do not call back when they say they will and they keep passing the buck. I need help asap, they are really good at taking my money out of the bank every month. The company they hired is no longer in business, so they said they have to do some research to see what they did, which is completely ridiculous. There is nothing to research. They are responsible for who ever they hire and what they do, aren't they? It is hot as I said before and I get ill really fast when it is hot. My kids pets are struggling to keep cool. I have always made sure to have a warranty because I can't afford to fix things around the house when they break. I've learned quite a bit about how these warranty companies work and if I can get this resolved, I am no longer going to give my money away to these people. We live on my husband's retirement which is barely enough to live on.
Reviewed May 19, 2010
Horrible company. We've been without hot water for one week. The water heater that AHS installed 18 months ago have had nothing but problems. We didn't have hot water in November '09, December '09 and now again in May '10. We have a family member with health issues that need to be bathed twice daily and we also have a two-year old child. They contracted a company that is so unprofessional. I was promised two days ago that definitely it would be fixed by ARS company by this morning. No one called or anything. I called this morning and ARS (contracted co) said they are booked today and will not fix the water heater until tomorrow. Both AHS and ARS are the worst companies to deal with. We will not be renewing our contract with AHS ever again!
Reviewed May 19, 2010
I called AHS about a leaking hot water pipe in our other home located in Springfield, Vermont. I called them about noon time to file a claim. At 7:30 pm that night, we still had not heard back from AHS or a plumber. I called them again and was given a runaround about the status of the repair. They gave me a telephone number to another department which they would not connect me to directly. The person at this second number continued with the polished runaround that I now believe all their customers receive. AHS had no intentions of honoring their end of the service agreement. As it turned out, I told the persons living in the home to contact a plumber directly and we would pay the invoice. AHS is running a scam and the AG's office in every state that AHS operates in should be contacted to investigate this very shady operation. They need to be forced out of business. Do not waste your money with them.
Reviewed May 18, 2010
I am complaining on behalf of my mother who is 85 years old and just out of the hospital with a stroke. Her A/C went out on 5/15 at which time I contacted AHS and told them this was an emergency situation due to the heat and my mother's recent stroke. AHS sent two of their authorized service reps to the house for an estimate.
As of today, AHS will not accept either rep's estimate, and said that my mother would have to wait until 5/21 for a new compressor for the A/C. Both reps said they could have the compressor here within 24 hours. In the meantime my mother's health is being compromised by the heat and the stress that this situation has caused. My mother cannot leave her home due to the medical and physical support in her home, plus her pets would have to remain there in the heat. I really don't know where else to turn, but I am going to make a complaint to the BBB, the Washington State Insurance Commission, and the AARP who many times will advocate for seniors. I have also contacted Shandra ** who is the assistant to David Crawford, the CEO for AHS (under ServiceMaster Inc.). Physical...my mom is one week out of the hospital for a stroke! This is an emergency and AHS won't respond. My mother does not have the money to pay for these repairs nor do I.
Reviewed May 16, 2010
I had plumbing problems. They sent several incompetent and ill-equipped plumbers here. After several misdiagnosed problems, they "cashed me out." I hired my own plumber, got my insurance company involved and got the problems solved. Then, one of their supervisors, Shaquel, called and accused me of stealing the cash out because I cashed the check like I was told to do to pay part of the expense of hiring my own plumber.
I also have a dishwasher that doesn't clean properly. They have sent three different repair people out for a total of eight times. They've replaced parts and the dishwasher still doesn't clean properly. They've told me everything from the water isn't hot enough (140 degrees) to "don't load it full, use only half the spaces on the lower level." I've tried to explain that for eight years this dishwasher has worked properly and now it doesn't and they still say they don't know what else to do. Their contract says they will replace products if they cannot be repaired but, after eight service calls to my home, they say they're not going to replace it. I can have another service tech out if I want one.
I will not renew with this company. Their people are rude, incompetent and totally untrained for this work. The contractors they send out are also incompetent and mostly stand around staring at whatever is wrong and then say they don't know what to do. I definitely want to be in on any class action suit that is filed on these people. They are liars and thieves. They take your money and don't honor their contracts. It has cost me money to hire my own contractors (I'm disabled and on a fixed income). It will cost me more because I'll have to hire more and/or replace my dishwasher because it won't clean properly.
Reviewed May 12, 2010
I purchased a home where the seller agreed in the contract to cover the costs of American Home Shield for the first year. Shortly after moving in, the air conditioner started leaking. My husband called American Home Shield to have someone come out to look at it. But he was told that since the contract had not been in place for 30 days, it would be considered a pre-existing condition and would not be covered. Shortly after, a supervisor agreed to go ahead and cover the air conditioner, so the supervisor had someone come out to look at it for $60.00. It was determined that the drain pan had cracked in half. American Home Shield determined that the crack was from the drain pan burning and the air conditioner overheating (there was no evidence of this). So, it was something that occurred before the start of the contract. The air conditioner did not leak before we purchased the home. To make matters even worse, the technician that was sent out and disconnected several hoses and pipes from the air conditioner to make it not even run at all. And the technician refused to even come back out to put the air conditioner back into its original state. So not only are we out $60.00, we now have an air conditioner that does not run at all.
Reviewed May 10, 2010
I had a home protection contract with American Home Shield. Last August 2009, my outside A/C unit heat pump went out. It was a Trane model. AHS sent Higginson's A/C to check the unit. It was determined that the unit was not worth repairing. So they replaced with a new Payne unit. Higginson's A/C did the install. When the technician came to install, he informed me that he only had one soldering rod so he had to make sure he is good and does it right. The unit worked fine for eight months.
Eight months later, The system suction line was freezing up. I contacted the A/C company that installed unit. A new technician advised me that the unit needed Freon and a coil was dirty in the air handler. The technician repaired a small leak in the system suction line on the unit that was installed where the line was soldered during the original install. The technician clearly stated to my son that the original install was not done correctly. He still billed me for 5 lbs of Freon and 3-hour labor and checking of the coils. He stated that the coils were clean. He was not at location for 3 hours.
I spoke to the owner of Higginson's who states that AHS only paid him $250 to install and has nothing to do with him. I asked the owner for some consideration and the owner stated that I was a thief. The owner stated that repairs only guaranteed 30 days. I told him that it has nothing to do with me on what the insurance company paid him to install the unit.
I threatened to go court to resolve this and the owner stated, "Go ahead." I advised that I would file a BBS insurance consumer complaint. I also contacted AHS and they refused to accept the responsibility for the A/C installer's actions. The representative spoke to a supervisor that relayed the message. I also asked for the CEO consumer complaint division. They just gave me an address and there's no phone available.
I had to pay $370 for repairs and the owner defamed my name over the phone. All I wanted was considerations for a repair not done right the first time and never did the company accept the responsibility. Because of the ** service, I cancelled my ** with AHS and quit paying.
Reviewed May 7, 2010
Where do I start? Our adjustable rate was never adjusted down to the correct interest rate after at least 10 calls. You are put on hold for an average of 30 minutes before you are told that someone will work on it. Then 2 weeks later, you receive a letter stating that they cannot help you. We ended up closing our mortgage with them by selling our condo, which is the only way we could get out of this mess at a loss of $46,000.
So, not only do we have to scrape together that money by getting loans against 401K & premature IRA distributions, which has penalties to pay later, but we pay off the loan on 4/30. What do they do on 5/5 but take our mortgage draft and basically steal our money. They won't give it back. I'm already living on pennies and now checks are going to bounce. Bounced checks, tax penalties, no savings left. Thanks AHMSI.
Reviewed May 5, 2010
This company was suggested by our realtor and we took the warranty based on a very good experience with a different company in our last home in another state. Our home inspector said the heater was not familiar to him but was working, and it worked when I arrived to claim our home in November 2009. After two days, it no longer put out heat and seemed to be stuck "on", the fan running constantly. I had to flip the breaker to cut power and stop the fan. My general contractor checked it and took photos of obvious issues, but called for an expert to come. (I had forgotten that at the last minute we added the warranty.) The heater technician said it was burned out and over 30 years old. We needed a new heater and this one was a fire hazard. Soon his supervisor came to see it and suggested a replacement. His comment was the same, fire hazard.
My contractor called a heater technician friend (not a candidate for a sale) who said the same thing, and while he ran it to check it, the heater sent up so much smoke the detectors sounded off! At this point we talked about replacements, and I suddenly remembered the warranty. My calls to AHS were many; they assigned a technician to come, but he couldn't come till the next day. Then the next day, he called and had a rude conversation with me, and then apparently got in a car accident on the way here, so obviously did not show up. So that second night, they assigned another technician, who couldn't come till the next day, and pushed it almost till 5PM (quitting time!). This technician just jumped into the basement space to work on the heater, but since 4 experts had said don't run it for fear of fire danger, I wanted him to talk to me about what he saw and what he intended to do. He got angry and said he had no obligation to discuss any aspect of his work with me (the owner) and then he walked out, leaving me with a weekend of below freezing temperature and no heater. AHS claims to have offered me the "Band Aid" solution of $75 for a space heater, but in fact the gal I spoke with about 10 times on Friday said she was "trying to get authorization" for that, and never really offered it.
Because I had spent 8 days, 5 of them wasted by AHS, in freezing temperatures trying to keep my pipes from freezing, using space heaters loaned by new and caring neighbors, I called to have the heater replaced myself on Monday. We replaced it with a similar conservative model, for $3000 less than the brochure's stated "average" price for heater replacement. AHS ignored my problem Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday (a full week after my first call of no heat in below freezing temperature, a condition Idaho folks consider a full emergency), a technician called saying he was coming out to take a look. We were actually leaving town for Thanksgiving, and informed him it had been replaced, so not to come. We subsequently attempted to negotiate reimbursement, but the AHS company said we did not go through "proper channels" so they would not pay. We reported to the BBB, and AHS responded to BBB with a request for several reports about the previous heater, etc. in spite of the fact we had given full reports of all inspectors involved, receipts for the heater and wiring, several photographs of the old heater, close-ups of the problem areas. Because we bought a house in foreclosure that had been vandalized and with few covered appliances, we have now decided to request our premium back and sever our relationship as clients. We have not yet decided whether to engage our attorney. It's nasty to have your life be all about the fight when a dishonest company takes advantage of hard working consumers.
Reviewed May 3, 2010
Thank God for the internet as a mean for us, the general public, to vent our frustration out on companies like America Home Shield. I only regret that I did not see or read these frustrations years ago before I paid all those yearly premiums to America Home Shield.
On April 5, 2010 I called AHS and told them that my air condition unit was not working. They sent a technician out the following day from a company that I had never heard of. When the repairman arrived, I showed him the unit that was sitting in my back yard. Be mindful that my unit sits on a level concrete slab. Not surrounded by tall grass or any other obstructions what so ever. After showing the repairman the location of the unit, I returned to doing some work on my computer. After about five minutes or so, I heard this loud noise and went outside to investigate. As I was heading for the location of the noise, I met the repairman coming to inform me as to what had happened. His exact words to me was "I think I have located your problem".
I asked what had happened. He informed me that he "energized" the compressor to see if it would come on manually, but as soon as he did that it blew.He proceeded to show me burnt oil from the compressor. He made me aware that the oil was also black and made references to the fact that this oil should be looking like Wesson oil. He then ran his finger over some oil that had escaped from the blown compressor and noted to me that there was metal shaving in the oil.
He surmised to me at this point that he felt like the compressor had had some internal failure and that is why it blew. He informed me right then and there that it would be covered under AHS Warranty. He told me that he was going to put it back together and that it would take about a week to get the repairs done. I thanked him for his services and said I will see you in about a week. After 8 days of waiting, I decided to call AHS to see what was the problem. I was told, after a long period of hold time from A calling B to see what C said, that my claim had been denied.Naturally,I asked why. And on the third day, I was told that this same repairman, who had told me 11 days ago that my unit would be repaired, has now changed his finding to my unit was 75% dirty and that voided my warranty.
I spoke with a supervisor at AHS and I asked her how can a claim be denied from the time the repairman left my home, until now 11 days later. She informed me that the repairman had still photos of the unit being 75% dirty. I said, lady I have still photos of it not being 75% dirty. I asked her what constitute 75%? I also asked if they would get a second opinion of which they said no. End of story and as soon as I finish this, I will be canceling my membership with this fraudulent company.
I am still without air and doing research as to the cost of having the unit or the compressor repaired or replaced. To date, the lowest cost for either is $1,000.00. A figure that I have surely paid to AHS over the years just for this purpose.
Reviewed April 27, 2010
We have called American Home Shield for several repairs this year. In each case (clogged drain, clogged washing machine lint trap, drain to sewer clogged), we were told the repairs were not covered. In another case they replaced a water heater and we were charged over $1,000 for installation.
When we spoke to American Home Shield they told us that damage due to normal wear and tear were not covered. In the past these were covered. Now they say it is not covered. We were not aware that they changed the policy on us.
Reviewed April 27, 2010
After reading all of the overwhelmingly negative reviews from AHS customers who feel they were swindled, I cannot believe this crummy company is still in business. I bought a house in 2/10 and the seller paid for the Service Plus package. With my dad's help (he's a contractor), I am redoing the house and we found several problems with the plumbing and electrical work but didn't think to call AHS because I didn't think they would cover it since we're redoing it.
We are also putting a small addition on and therefore had to move the plumbing stack in the basement. We tore up some concrete and were just planning on cutting out the portion of pipe that was in the way. Then the plumber could tie into the existing pipe. Unfortunately, the 55 year old cast iron pipe is bad (it is clean but completely rotted through on the bottom). Since this was a large and unforeseen expense, my boyfriend suggested seeing if the warranty company would cover it.
I called AHS and explained the entire problem. They said they would cover up to $500 since it was under concrete (I spoke to two different reps in the same day who said the same thing). It seemed like a bit of a rip off since the new sewage line is going to cost way more than $500 but I figured it was better than nothing. I said they could go ahead and send someone out. The plumber came and agreed that the pipe was bad. He wrote this in an invoice too.
However, he called AHS and they said it wouldn't be covered. They left me a message saying they were off the hook because some of the pipe was already taken out (their crook terminology: "it wasn't properly installed so they can't obtain a proper diagnosis"). We kept the portion of pipe that we removed, it is visibly bad. What kind of idiot do they think I am? Why on earth would I pay some bozo $60 bucks if I knew they were going to refute my claim? That's the whole reason why I called them twice to verify that it was at least partially covered. I explicitly told the reps we already took part of the pipe out (that's how we realized it was bad).
At this point, I'm not going to settle for the $500 (we tore up all of the concrete so the pipe is now exposed, they can't use that convenient loophole on me). I have never even thought of filing a lawsuit before but this is injustice. I am in no way a litigious person. AHS is deliberately scheming people. It seems to me that people need to stand up to these swindlers. I am so disgusted that there are such crooks out there.
Reviewed April 25, 2010
My air conditioner was leaking water inside and was cooling very cold that you would have to cut it off. I called for repair and they sent a person out to check it and they told me my system had not been serviced. I always service my unit every year. I was out the service charge and AHS refused to fix the air conditioner.
Reviewed April 22, 2010
AHS did not fix the problem or replaced the unit for the last 6 months. Over the period, they send three different technicians. Now they’re saying they’re going to send a fourth company. It does not make any sense to keep the warranty and cannot use the appliance for last 6 months. The customer service is not good and the supervisors are not helping to resolve the issue. I cannot cook on the oven for last 6 months. I attempted to cook and spoiled the food since the cooking cycle cannot complete.
Reviewed April 22, 2010
I've called this company several times in the last year regarding my freezer/refrigerator freezing up on the bottom with inches of ice and then the refrigerator part is not cooling. It is leaking water on my laminate wood floor. It is after about the fourth time that this happened and it still wasn't fixed. It is now buckling. I then called Sears out as AHS had not fixed the problem. The tech from Sears took one look at it (he was there in a few hours) and told me the plug in the back of the freezer needed to be replaced and that was where the water was coming from, not the ice maker like I'd been told. He then explained to me how a freezer/refrigerator worked and told me once I'd defrosted it entirely, he'd be back. The Sear tech could not have been any nicer.
Then I called the AHS rep to tell her all of this and that the part was about a $200 part. She took down all the information then switched me to a Supervisor. I worked for State Farm as an Agent/CSR for 20 years and could not believe how nasty this woman, Diane, was to me, the customer. She did say that they would send me a voucher for one service call (there had been several) and was not going to do anything about taking the vendor who could not fix anything off their list or even review their complaints. She was not going to do anything about the laminate flooring I am going to lose because of this leaking refrigerator. If it was fixed correctly in the first place, I wouldn't be losing my floor. She told me that she'd been in the business for 30 years and that she'd never heard of this problem. I then asked her to take a look at how many times it had taken them to fix my 2 month old dual oven. I told her it was the same company and that they'd been out several times before they finally figured out what was wrong (bad lock on the oven door).
In closing, the techs that they send are terrible and their customer service is terrible, too. Who needs a snotty Supervisor when you are already upset to have to defrost your refrigerator/freezer again? I'm going to lose my laminate flooring in the kitchen which cannot be matched. I have the same flooring throughout my dining room and great room and hallways which are all open. So, this will never look the same. If it had been fixed right to begin with, this would have never have happened. I happen to like what I have now and I'm upset that it is not going to match and about the cost and time incurred to replace this flooring. It's not worth the stress, money and frustration to deal with this company.
Reviewed April 21, 2010
We called American Home Shield (AHS) when we tried to turn on the heat pump and it kept blowing the circuit breaker off. The unit worked fine in the fall before we converted to heating. They contacted Allison Heating and Cooling. I did not receive any contact from them. Finally after calling their office and leaving several messages, and then calling repeatedly every 15 minutes for 3 hours, I got a response. We turned the heat pump on due to my allergies to clear the air, not totally for temperature.
They did not schedule the appointment for a week. Allison had been here for service on the same unit annually since we moved in 4 years ago. The tech was outside for 3 minutes, came in and first told me that the unit was dirty and that the charge to clean it would be an additional $60. I indicated that we would clean the unit if it needed to be cleaned (The same tech had not indicated that the unit was dirty during the last visits). Then he said the compressor was bad; he would order one and it would be about a week. He took a check for $60 with him.
Then, after waiting a week thinking he would be returning and I would be able to breathe and sleep again soon, I get a call from AHS indicating that he said it was dirty and that is what caused the compressor to go out. The short of it was that AHS was declining the claim! My feelings are that the unit was not dirty over the other times when he was paid to repair $60, but when it needed replaced, it suddenly was dirty and not covered.
I feel that AHS does not live up to their claims. We live in the Columbus area, yet the tech AHS sends is from Millersport. They are nearly impossible to get on the phone and untimely. AHS did not honor their claim. I have found numerous other complaints similar about Allison and AHS and other contractors and AHS. The repair companies they choose are less than top-rate. Additionally, it has been two weeks. I am suffering with my allergies and now I have to find someone to replace the system and pay for it myself. This is terrible, terrible service by Allison and AHS. One complaint said, "Worst possible service." I totally agree.
Reviewed April 20, 2010
During services through American Home Shield Home Warranty company, Bryan ** falsely reported a leaking coil as functioning properly and a 3lbs deficit of freon as sufficiently charged. As a result, the compressor is now close to failure. Bryan states that the compressor situation is due to a static pressure issue from the damper system.
After involving three additional independent air conditioner companies, it has been determined in Bryan's presence, that the coil does indeed have a leak. The compression is 3lbs low of freon and the static pressure problem he describes was not found. Bryan still reports to the warranty company that the leaking coil is not the problem and my claim for service of the leaking coil and low freon is being denied. Bryan has displayed dishonesty and a lack of integrity.
Background: It was determined in Sept. of 2009 by another contractor of American Home Shield that the coil was nearly rusted through and the system was 3lbs low of coolant and the system was then recharged. The leak was not found, but pictures were taken of coil. The condenser started running rough again in Feb 2010 and was determined by two independent companies to be low on freon, and that there was a leak in the system.
Bryan was the service provider at that point and that is when he pointed the finger at the damper system. It has been determined by the manufacture's specifications that the damper system was installed properly, but that the static pressure relay could be moved to provide a more accurate reading and that issue has since been corrected. That item does not resolve the leaking coil, the low freon level or Bryan's responsibility to report factual data to American Home Shield in reference to our service contract.
Reviewed April 19, 2010
I paid for a home warranty service plan when I purchased my new house. So far I've filed 3 service claims and none have been handled timely or I've been told part of the appliance is not covered and part is. My first issue began with not getting the full written contract. To date, which is now 1 months post purchase, I still do not have a full contract. So I'm operating on a 2-page summary. I found out after one of my many calls, that one of the service we needed right away in our house (to clean out duct work) is a covered expense. We had our duct work cleaned out right away as we were told they were loaded with post construction debris and this could either cause a fire or health issues due to the type of debris that was in our vents. So I had to send in the invoice, etc. and wait to see if they will reimburse me.
Second was reporting that my sump pump was not working. Once again, the sump pump is covered but not the piping that runs from sump pump to the drain field. As they put it, 'we do not cover the things outside the foundation of the home'. Again, I wouldn't know because nobody tells you any of this when you're filing the service claim and I don't have a contract. The latest complaint is my dishwasher. It started making a really loud noise. I placed the service call to AHS and then I was contacted by Sears repair. Even though there is a Sears right here in my town that services appliances, this was a Sears service center somewhere else and the soonest they could schedule me was a couple of weeks out. I scheduled the service being new to AHS. I contacted AHS to see if there was anybody else in the area (my community) that could service my dishwasher sooner. AHS said they would look into it for me and someone would contact me to see if there was another vendor who could do it sooner. I waited for the call, but none was made.
Today I called AHS back to see what the status was of the service on my dishwasher. They told me the service call was cancelled. I asked why, they said I did it. That was a complete lie. I never told them to cancel. According to their records I did. Apparently when you request to have someone else do the repair, they have to cancel your original service call in order to look into having someone else perform the service. Nobody at AHS told me this.
Now I have two options. I can wait another 3 weeks for Sears to come to my house or I can pay from my pocket to have another vendor perform the work. And then the next catch all. You must comply with all the AHS guidelines in order to get reimbursed. However, they won't tell you what those guidelines are until you say you're going to take that option. Once you take that option in order to learn the guidelines, they have to cancel your service call and you get to start all over again. I expressed my frustration and they did not express any compassion to me the customer who has paid their premium. It's difficult enough these days spreading our finances and just getting into a new house, and then to feel like you can get the complete service answer you need and timely. Payment out of pocket so far is $906 plus cost of warranty plan of $1276.
Reviewed April 16, 2010
The worse investment I ever made was entering into a contract with American Home Shield (AHS). Not only was I fooled into thinking I was going to save money, I also thought I was going to have stress free maintenance. Wrong! My experience with this company was horrific and I would advise everyone not to do business with them. They are deceptive amongst other things. Every time I needed service, the technician they sent (Someone from American Rescue Rooter) would report that the repair isn't covered due to me tampering with the unit, something being installed improperly, something too old or too dirty, etc. It was always, always an excuse not to cover the repair.
Additionally, ARS guys would come out with no tools and just look at stuff without taking anything apart. I ended up paying for all repairs out of pocket. ARS always reported some lie to AHS who in turn would never cover the repair. ARS, of course, would always give me their cost to cover the repair which was always near or over $1,000.
Every repairman that I paid after ARS said the problem was something totally different and charged me a lot less! AHS solution is to send another contractor out with me paying the service fee for this person too! You aren't allowed to use someone you know to be trusted and experienced. Just the crafty techniques they hire. You can bet the 2nd contractor is going to confirm the 1st lie told by ARS. If the 2nd contractor by chance say something different, then they'll go with ARS. They can count on them to hold true to the original lie. AHS whole business is a scam!
I've paid nearly $2,000 in premiums and service fees alone. On top of this amount, I still had to pay for the repairs by qualified individuals. One plumber from ARS named Shawn fixed a leak in the basement apartment. He told me it was a problem with the toilet on the 2nd floor apartment and he fixed it (I thought it was strange there was no leaking in the 1st floor apartment). A week later, water was leaking in the basement again. I called AHS they said the Shawn reported that something was wrong with the 2nd floor toilet flange (which they of course don't cover)and the leak may appear again in the future. I told them the Shawn told me he sealed the 2nd floor toilet and the problem was fixed. I called ARS and got a hold of Shawn.
I asked him why did he tell me one thing and AHS something else. At first he said he didn't tell AHS anything about a flange. Then he admitted he did. I asked him why would he do that. He said he was trying to save me money. He then told me ARS could fix the problem for $642 minimum. I've hired an independent contractor to find and fix the problem. He says the 2nd floor toilet flange has absolutely nothing to do with the leak in the basement. As usual, he knew the exact amount it would cost for ARS to fix the problem in this case the toilet flange.
Talking with AHS about the problems I've experienced with them was equally frustrating. My requests to speak to a supervisor were never granted. The customer service reps, especially one named Nicole, treated me like I am the con artist. Two days ago I canceled my contract with AHS. I finally realized I was dealing with false security and was going to continue to pay for all future repairs. When I called to cancel, they told the department that handled cancellations wasn't answering the phone and they would call me back. I fussed and finally got a person in the cancellation department. I wish I had read all the American Home Shield complaints a lot sooner. I've paid nearly $2,000 in premiums and service fees alone. On top of this amount, I still had to pay for the repairs by qualified individuals.
Reviewed April 16, 2010
Put in request for service on Wednesday April 14, for air conditioning service. Had not heard anything for two days, and had put in a call to AHS Friday morning and they assigned a contractor that I had previously used in the past, who come out and worked on our unit and said that AHS dispatched for the heater and not the air conditioner and charged me the 60 service fee for AHS's mistake in taking the information. He not even looks at the air conditioner and said that it would take another service call to look at that. Well it took AHS two days to dispatch the tech and he took 4 days to call and told me that he was on his way and I was out of town.
He said if I was not there he would leave and I would have to make another appointment and said he does not come our direction unless he has 2-3 appointments in our town at least. So basically we have to wait until it is convenient for him to work on our equipment. Well, I told AHS about this and requested another contractor and they stated that they would have the dispatch company call me.
Well, 4.5 hours later, I called them back and they said they have not even looked at it and I am obligated to give them at least 24 hours to let them contact me. I said I have waited almost 4 days for this and they said they understood my concern, but they can't do anything else for me. AHS is the biggest bunch of scam artists I have ever seen. They make it near impossible to get anything out of them, so you end up having to call a contractor yourself.
Reviewed April 16, 2010
My thermostat stopped working. AHS sent a tech who said, repair is not covered because the AC/Heater was improperly installed 28 years ago. I didn't believe him, since it had been working fine since I moved in in 1996. AHS forced me to get another independent service tech at my own expense to prove the first tech was wrong. My tech said the thermostat was broken and needed replacement. AHS read his report, and sent a different tech to replace it. I was out the $55 for my tech because their first tech was incompetent. Not fair and no appeal or recourse.
Reviewed April 15, 2010
American Home Shield was a part of our purchase contract on a home. After moving in, we found the central air (over 20 yrs old) didn't work. We called AHS and they assigned a contractor who took three days to call. We set an appointment (two hour window) and he didn't show. We called and he said he was busy and wanted to set another day. We did. He didn't show the second day. No show, no phone call. We called AHS and they assigned another contractor. Keep in mind, I've lost two and a half days of work waiting for their first contractor. The new contractor called and wanted to set a "day" to come out. No window and I would need to take off a day of work to wait for them. Their Service Request says "You can expect to hear from your contractor within normal business hours to schedule a mutually agreeable appointment time." Note "time," not day. AHS said there was nothing they could do and I could take it or leave it. This is something like a Grisham novel about insurance companies who take your money but never pay off.
Reviewed April 13, 2010
I've had this company for a few years and I wanted to cancel back in '09, but the rep was so pushy I decided to keep them. This company had access to my bank account, which I stopped all payments two months ago and now I am in collections for $249, which if I owed them it would be $83. What can I do about this matter?
Reviewed April 7, 2010
After 22 years of paying for and being a contract holder with AHS, and the first 5 or 6 years of no claims, I received a letter yesterday, out of the blue, no warning, that our contract was being terminated “after careful consideration." We have also paid for an extra option coverage that we pay over the normal basic home coverage for pool and spa equipment.
Last summer 2009, our pool pump broke down (a plumbing/valve problem). Our spa continued to drain out. After a few service calls, AHS sent out several companies none of which fixed the problem. A couple of them were not in the correct service field; for example, they sent out a company called Platinum which turned out to be electricians. After multiple visits that spanned the entire summer with no pool and green water, they continued not showing up; and when they did they messed with the pump, cut pipes and generally made a mess out of our system because they were not plumbers. They left cut pipe and trash all around the equipment and they never got it working. The problem was never fully solved and we called in yet another work order.
This time we got a company in that fixed the problem and helped us clean up the mess. We took photos of the mess Platinum made out of the plumbing and yard. We were told by AHS that they had had other complaints about Platinum and that they would no longer be a contractor for them. Ok. That’s after 22 years of payment. Since then it is now April 2010 and we have had a couple of normal calls such as a leaky faucet and an electric breaker went out as well. Guess who they were going to send out? Platinum Electric.
When we inquired as to why we were terminated so abruptly, we were told that we had over 7 incidents in a year’s time and that we had been "flagged” for too many calls for repair. AHS never told us this would be an issue with our contract. No one cared that it was their bad business that they continued to send out the wrong service companies which resulted in more calls to them. In 22 years we have had other properties under contract with AHS and to this date within my family there are 14 members with contracts. I counted references that I specifically made to co-workers and friends and they totaled 11.
Needless to say all of my family is terminating their contracts at the end of May "after careful consideration" and so far 8 of my friends are as well. Most of theses people have never even used the coverage; some because AHS would either not cover the item or it was just too minor of an issue. Of the 19 members that will be terminating the contract with AHS, 7 have never made a claim, 5 have made one each and 7 have made two in the span ranging from 18 to 20 years.
Goodbye, AHS. I felt good about having you in the wings but now I believe that after all these years I could have paid for my "fixes" and saved money by not paying you. Nice way to treat a good customer after 22 years of collecting my money.
Reviewed April 7, 2010
5:31pm My Air Now
6:00pm AHS
6:18pm Lynn from AHS
8:11pm My Air Now (My Choice!) on the way
8:18pm AHS
I have spoken to the department for approval, as all calls were recorded for customer insurance! Got to love this... Lynn told me that in two hours, I can call; and if they haven't found anybody to repair my Air unit, they will approve it to be fixed by an outside company that I have picked!
It has now been two hours, and My Air Now is on their way! I called AHS and spoke to a guy about getting this fixed. I was informed that I will have to front the full bill and that it will be reimbursed within 3-5 weeks. I informed him that all calls was monitored, and I was told that it will be covered and bill will be picked up! Not on my cost but on AHS!
I told them about all the complaints that I have read and that the service that I got already was poor so far! I asked to speak with a supervisor and as usual, they always try to cover up things, because they don't want to lose their customers! There was another of my 30-40 minutes time wasted when I could have been taking a shower to cool down! I will have more updates!
Reviewed April 6, 2010
It has been pretty hot today, and my saltwater tank was 82 degrees which has live coral which requires 72 degrees! I noticed after an hour that my Air Conditioner stopped blowing cold air and is now blowing hot! I tried to flip the breaker on/off and the A/C was not working.
I called American Home Shield, and they told me it can take 48 hours. They were going to have Third Generation Plumbing service my call. I asked them what does plumbing have to do with electric? I have informed them that my mother has COPD and I need the unit serviced. They asked me what COPD was. I told them that I had contacted MY AIR NOW, and they are able to service the unit tonight.
I was told that they don't cover that company and I have to be serviced with their company! After 40 minutes on the phone, they tried to contact their company which told them I would have to wait until Thursday, 2 days from now! They told me that I have to wait 2 hours and if they can't find anybody who will cover my unit, they will give me an approval for MY AIR NOW to fix the unit!
I don't understand why they can't do this now. She gave me a number and told me to call back within two hours! In the meantime, I have to wait!
Reviewed April 6, 2010
After paying premium for seven years, we were told that due to maintenance on one of our air conditioning units, we would have to pay to have the coils replaced and it was not covered under the contract.
Reviewed March 30, 2010
I started my contract with American Home Shield 6 years ago. My air conditioner broke 4 years ago, and AHS sent a company out to my house. The technician said the compressor unit had to be replaced, but that the insurance company would not cover it because it was dirty. I had just bought the house and the insurance company never sent out anyone to pre-inspect or said anything about their requirements when I did the contract.
After fighting with AHS for more than a week and temperatures over 98 degrees, then they approved the company to change the compressor unit, which was a Carrier. They replaced it with a cheaper unit under the condition that I paid $400.00 to the a/c company to remove the other compressor unit. I told them that we could remove it ourselves, but they said that they would not install the other one unless we paid the $400.00 to the company they sent to do the work, and so we did. I thought my mother and children were going to die from the heat.
The technician named James installed the unit, and it was very noisy. A couple years after the main board burnt and when AHS sent another company to see what had happened, the technician noticed that the compressor unit had been left with the electric cables out and that it created a short. The weather and rodents had eaten these wires just laying on the grass next to the unit.
After that, and just last year, the a/c stopped again. AHS sent out a company by the name of Barkers a/c. The technician just went top the attic and said that the fan motor had burned due to the fan motor being dirty on the top. But he did not check anything; he just saw that. He called AHS, and they denied the repair. I fought this company back and forth, and no one took responsibility. They wanted to charge almost $600.00 for the repair, and my husband got the part for $11.00 and changed it himself. It was not the fan motor; it was the capacitor.
I hired an a/c company to do maintenance on the a/c 2 times a year, and they were just over last week to do the spring/summer maintenance. My husband asked them about cleaning the fan motor, and they said that the dust on top of it is absolutely normal and that it won't cause anything to be damaged. My husband vacuumed it himself.
A month ago, the compressor unit outside broke. I called AHS, after I had already cancelled with them, since the compressor had to be under warranty with Carrier (well, their cheaper brand). It was, and I had to pay $565.00 for the company to install it. They stated that the compressor was never installed properly, and the constant vibration (the one causing the big noise) caused the plug to break and the compressor burnt out.
I highly recommend not to use AHS. It is better to have a separate savings account and put the fee you would pay them monthly, and use it whenever you need repairs. I was told by the technician that installed the compressor the first time (the one that did not do it correctly) that AHS trains the companies they use to find something wrong that is not covered under the warranty, so that the customer has to pay for it. In my case it was the a/c, and he tried by blaming it on lack of maintenance.
Reviewed March 28, 2010
I received service for my electric heater unit. American Home Shield (AHS) sent Patriot Heating this time and the technician only reset to high pressure switch on 3/18/2010. No mention of anything else. AHS now refused to order re-service based on what Patriot heating technician said. AHS now said my Heating Unit (only blow fan air) is malfunctioning. AHS is never there and failed to deliver on the contract obligations. I filed a complaint with AHS on internet but got nowhere.
Reviewed March 26, 2010
1. Two months ago, I had water dripping under my sink. It is difficult for me to bend so I called AHS. Plumber came and said I needed new faucet. I paid him $95.00, AHS would not provide faucet so I had to pay another plumber and also buy the faucet.
2. Today, I had a problem with my thermostat continuously running and hitting 90 degrees in room. A heating specialist was sent, again another $95.00 given and he said the problem was the thermostat and I needed a electrician and he called AHS. AHS then called me back and said I was not covered for whatever had to be done with the thermostat. I will never pay them another penny since this company is robbing insurance holders and should be investigated. This is an abomination. I would like to know what steps I can take other than cancelling my policy. This is downright robbery. I cannot complain about the servicemen just the thievery of AHS charging high premiums and not delivering.
Reviewed March 25, 2010
American Home Shield was partnered with an AC repair company (Joe C); when the authorized this company to perform the AC repairs covered under my home warranty, the AC repair company performed negligent and faulty repairs that cost me $4500 in out of pocket expenses for corrective repairs. When I called American Home Shield to ask them to send Joe ** back out to fix the problems they directly caused. American Home Shield advised me that they were no longer business partners due to the volume of complaints. American Home Shield then proceeded to throw me to the wind and tell me I had to take my concerns up with their former business partner.
I fail to see where it is my responsibility to seek reimbursement from the company that American Home Shield not only referred me to, but left me no other choice but to allow them and only them to perform the AC repairs. American Home Shield is who my contract was with and they are the ones who are liable for the acts of their authorized agents. If American Home Shield does not make this right within the next 30 days, I will be filing suit against them for specific performance and seek actual and punitive damages.
Reviewed March 24, 2010
On Dec. 30, 2009, I reported that my heat had quit working again and a tech was sent out on Dec.31 to try and repair it. He said our heat exchange was bad and needed to be replaced but since it was New Year's Eve and he had plans, he was going to list it as a two-man job. At the time that statement was humorous but I did not realize my family would be sitting in a freezing home for over six days while I begged for someone to help us. The temps outside dipped to 15 degrees for that entire time and the highest temperature we saw was 30 in that time. My son was home on leave from the Marines. My dog was deathly sick and we were cold.
After four days without heat, my dog made a great recovery. I was so happy until I found out from the company that I had to pay for to come out that my dog and my entire family had been probably suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning because of the condition of our heat exchange. It was said that the exchange had needed to be replaced for at least six years but probably longer and after I cut off 6" of my hair thinking my headaches were from that, I have to agree. We have had issues with our heat for over five years but if we ever got it working then it would stay on for the season. Thank God, it didn't this time.
We took pictures and had our company just replace the 17-year old unit out of fear and paid for it out of our pocket. After talking with at least 8-10 mostly mean people, I was put in touch with Joy S. who spoke with the company I used which by the way I used then after being told Home Shield would take care of it, only to find out as they called AHS with the ref# and diagnosis. AHS refused them and wanted to send the same *** back out maybe in two days. We chose to have heat that day since the high temp was 30 again and the rep for my company informed them of the dangers and everything we were put through.
After I sent my pics to Joy, AHS agreed to pay me half of what I paid for the unit, which shocked me. I thought I was just out of over $5000 because it could have been repaired but after almost killing my family, I was scared. I tried to cancel AHS and they will not cancel or refund my fees for the remaining six months I don't want. As I said, my dog was sick, seemed to recover, then my cat died January 15, 2010. My dog never fully recovered and had to be put to sleep on March 5, 2010. Both animals were old but very healthy until this. I paid $5,125 out of pocket for new heater. I was reimbursed half in Feb. I've had undue stress from every person representing AHS.
Reviewed March 24, 2010
I purchased a home and the seller provided the policy for the first year of coverage. About eight months later, my oven stopped working. I called American Home Shield to report the problem and they arranged for Sears Home Repair to come out on February 2nd. I left work early to meet the repairman. He took apart my oven and diagnosed the problem as a bad gas valve and ignitor. He said he had to go to his truck to get some parts so I focused on cleaning the interior of the oven while he was gone. I had to run out for a moment so I left my charge card with my son. When I returned, the repairman was gone and I had a receipt for the $60 co-pay.
I checked the oven and it was working again. About nine days later, a box from Sears arrived with the two parts in it that the repairman supposedly installed. I called AHS and they told me the repair was completed and they had already paid Sears. I called Sears and they told me their records showed that the repair was completed and they asked me to let someone come and pick up the parts. A few days after their repairman picked up the parts, my oven stopped working again. I called AHS again and reported that the repair was not completed. They scheduled a different repair shop and told me I was going to have to pay another $60 fee. I demanded to have Sears come out and finish the job properly. Another appointment was scheduled for March 12. At this point, I have been without a working oven for more 30 days.
When Sears arrived again, their repairman said he did not have the parts and would have to order them. Now, stick with me here. They knew what the make and model of my oven was from the last visit and what the problem was well before the appointment. He told me the parts would be ordered on a rush basis and the would arrive on March 16th. He scheduled the next service call for March 17th. On Monday, March 15, someone called my home and asked if the parts had arrived yet. My fiance told them they were not expected until Tuesday, March 16. The person thanked her and promised to find out why the parts have not arrived yet. The next day, March 16th, the box arrived with the parts. On March 17, I took the day off of work to wait for the repairman from Sears. He never showed up.
I called Sears and they told me my appointment was reschedule for April 12th (without my knowledge) since the parts had not arrived on Monday March 15th. I could not believe what I was hearing. I told the woman on the phone that another 30 days without an oven was unacceptable and I wanted my $60 back so I could contact a different organization to make the repair. She told me I would have to take it up with AHS since they were paying for the repair. I also asked her to connect me with her supervisor. She told me he was unavailable but he would call me. He never did.
I called AHS and they told me I could use a different repair service but that would cost another $60. I asked them to refund my $60 in accordance with their satisfaction guarantee and the woman told me that Sears would have to refund my money, not AHS. I finally got my oven repaired but it took more than 45 days and I never received so much as a "We're sorry we made a mistake" from AHS or Sears. Today in the mail, I received a notice from AHS asking me to spend $765 to renew the policy with them. Not after countless hours of wasted time and the total corporate runaround. No way, AHS! You've just lost a customer for life.
Reviewed March 23, 2010
In years past, when I have purchased a home and the seller provided an American Home Shield Home Warranty as part of the purchase contract, I had been well satisfied with the service AHS provided. First, back then, the warranty covered nearly everything in the home at one price; I always renewed the warranty for at least a year or more to stay covered. AHS, back then, asked no questions, but simply replaced the appliance or other item when it was not working properly for any reason. Now, the 'core warranty' covers very little, and the list of non-covered items or components is very, very long, making the warranty nearly useless. One is expected to buy additional 'levels' so that everything will be covered. Second, AHS now does only repairs to covered items, no matter what the age or condition of use of the unit.
The home I have purchased has a 15-year-old water heater. It will heat to an acceptable hot temperature only when set on 'very hot'. So I called AHS and reported this; the repairman came quickly. However, when he called this into AHS after examination of the water heater, he was told that he was not to replace the unit unless the unit was leaking. And that he was only to flush the water heater and see if that would 'repair' it. Apparently, the water heater had already been flushed as there was only a small amount of sediment that came out. He could do no more, and said that I would also have to flush it again several times over the next week.
I demanded my $60 'deductible' check back and he gave it to me, and left. Now, I know that AHS will probably not come out for any other problems that may arise, even though the seller paid $528 for the 'core level' plus 'service for undetectable' problems. So, all in all, AHS is no longer a warranty company at all; they accept sellers’ money, but never intend to replace problem units in a newly purchased home. There are no damages to report at this time; but I do feel it necessary to report to you that AHS does not stand for or behind what they sell to consumers. I see no point in ever calling AHS again and I will not renew 'the contract' after the year is over.
Reviewed March 23, 2010
They called me as a Wells Fargo mortgage customer. The person tried to talk me into their "warranty plan" and I kept saying I'm not interested. All through the conversation, I urged them not to even send me any information. I am not interested in any services that cost anything at all. Today, I received a "Disclosure Notification" which begins: "Thank you for your recent enrollment in the American Home Shield home warranty plan. We would appreciate your acknowledgement of receipt of this disclosure by returning this letter.
Reviewed March 22, 2010
I have been an American Home Shield customer since 2002. The service I have received on repairs has been excellent. I have had a heat pump replaced (compressor went bad and unit was 20 years old) with an allowance from AHS for the price of replacing the compressor; a well pump replaced, a hot water line replaced that had a pin hole leak that sounded like a steam kettle when it went bad. And my dishwasher, water heater, and dryer repaired. In every instance, the contractors were professional, the jobs were done right, and AHS delivered on the contract. Maybe my service experiences have been better because I live in a small town where most of the contractors don't try and rake AHS over the coals.
Reviewed March 19, 2010
I had a problem with my Refrigerator, it wasn't cooling properly. I called AHS to schedule a repair. An appliance service company proceeded to remove the back panel of the freezer because he felt the accumulation of ice had hindered the air flow affecting the refrigerator section from cooling properly. He used a heating device to remove the ice and said it should work if I defrosted the rest of the refrigerator.
I defrosted the entire fridge and still no cooling. I called AHS to schedule, yet another service repair and another 60 dollars. The technician had noticed a hole in the back lining of the freezer and indicated that it was the problem and couldn't be fixed. AHS denied the claim the very next day. I spoke to the supervisor and the market research department in charge of denied claims. I was informed that they would not pay the claim. After 120 dollars and approximately 60 dollars a month, I am without a refrigerator and had learned a valuable lesson about this company. Needless to say, I have ended my relationship with this company.
Reviewed March 16, 2010
American Home Shield sent a plumber out several times to fix a leak on my hot water pipe under the house. The plumber used duct tape to repair the pipe. Needless to say, the duct tape didn't fix the leak. However, mostly all of our walls cracked and our floors buckled causing costly damage to our home.
Our children were sick from mold and my family had to go without hot water in very cold weather. We are suing American Home Shield and the plumber for the damage to our home, health, and living conditions. While American Home Shield tries their best to get out of being responsible for the damage, they also sent us a letter saying that they are not renewing our contract. Ouch! Talk about insult to injury.
Reviewed March 15, 2010
1st complaint: Our outside water spigot broke, AHS sent out a plumber who promptly told us that since the spigot was no longer attached to the house (because it broke off mind you) that it would be our cost to replace it, $175 out of pocket.
2nd complaint: Basement drain from laundry flooded into basement and basement bathroom. AHS covered nothing, cost $1,000 deductible (thankfully our home owner's insurance covered the damage) plus $225 for plumber to come fix the drain.
3rd complaint: Sump pump failed, AHS did not cover it being fixed since we could not prove it was the sump pump failing over our (nearly new) roof "leaking".
Reviewed March 12, 2010
My husband called two service requests in on the same day back in late January 2010. One problem was fixed within 48 hours. We thought this was the best insurance ever! However, when the second problem wasn't ever fixed nor did the repairmen contact us, I started making phone calls 3 weeks after the service call was placed. They of course didn't have a record of the second service call just the first and tried to explain that they would have this fixed ASAP. Well, it is March 12, 2010 and we are still waiting on ASAP.
During all of this mess we were promised contact within 48 hours. Emergency service fees would be waived if we could just wait a few more hours. With so many apologies it would make your head spin. So my husband and I renewed our policy because we thought it was a good deal! Little did we know what was going to happen next! After speaking to numerous "supervisors" our electrical outlet is still not fixed and the customer service representatives were beyond rude! Now we are in the process of trying to cancel the renewal policy and are just waiting on that drama.
I contacted the electrical company direct to see why they haven't contacted us. The electrical company stated they informed the warranty company they were out of town on business and would not be back for several weeks. This information was never relayed to us. This is the most frustrating insurance company. I will never buy a home with this "free" insurance option ever again!
Reviewed March 11, 2010
My big complaint is the incompetence of the customer service dept! I don't care if it's billing or sales or service! If this company has been around for so many years as its website claims, then why wouldn't they produce better quality? The reps have no communication skills or any work ethic. They not only do not go out of their way to help, they barely do their jobs! The comment about the 5ht grade level education seems to be all too true! I asked on the 4th call in one week, where the calling center is located. It is in Memphis! So should I be happy it's not India? I will be looking into changing companies asap and I think the BBB needs to be notified. They say they record phone calls? For what? Obviously not to train their useless staff! I'm disgusted, thoroughly!
Reviewed March 4, 2010
I am very unhappy with the service that AHS is providing me. I have been without heat for one week. I have an infant child and temps are in the low to high 20's at night. We called in the emergency service on Sunday night and have yet to have this resolved. A voucher has been given for purchase of heater and or hotel stay ($60.00). I am not financially able to stay in a hotel room for one week nor will the vouchers cover this.
In speaking with the contractor, he has stated to AHS that the unit needs to be replaced completely and could have the unit done in a couple of hours, due to the problems it's causing and having to replace the motor every couple of months. AHS will not replace the unit instead only wants to continue to replace the blowing fan that has been replaced four times since September 2009. It is February 2010.
I can only assume that this is just a one-time issue with customer satisfaction. But, I do not think that is the case. I have contacted a lawyer for this issue, under the law (a certain law), this should not be happening. The unit should be completely replaced. Normally I would not be this upset but I have a little girl (infant) that breaks my heart that I can not see her or be with due to no heat at my home. I hope that someone reads this and will think long and hard before considering AHS for service!
Reviewed March 1, 2010
I have paid $120+ per month since 2004 for coverage on two duplexes. On 12/20/09, I had well/pump problem in freezing weather. AHS paid $15 out of $150 cost. Today, 3/1/2010, they said leaking toilet was not normal wear and tear and my cost will be $340. Their service is not cost effective for me. I have paid $1450 per year for five years and used their service five times. AHS does not provide coverage for my plumbing. I am on the phone demanding AHS to cancel my service contract immediately. AHS makes it difficult to contact their office. The email on their website will not work. There is no actual email address to send email directly.
Reviewed Feb. 27, 2010
We have paid as always on time. Then when we had an issue with a leaking bathroom faucet, they gave us a very, very hard time to file our claim, coming up with all sorts of excuses that we finally gave up and hired a plumber and paid out of pocket - our own money. They requested that we have an expansion tank installed (cost 200 dollars) or they could not do the job, then the plumber said that the entire faucet had to be replaced. Then he messed up our faucet so we could not use it at all. The plumber (or so the American Home Shield claims) that the work to get another plumbing company there once we had gotten an expansion tank installed would be only covered by 60 dollars (which coincidentally was the same as our deductible) when we know for a fact, since we called 2 plumbing companies and got quotes in the 300-400 dollar range for the job alone plus fixture and materials. So we just gave up.
If this has a legal merit or not, I am not sure since I am not a lawyer but it feels horrible being a customer with American Home Shield and we will terminate our contract as soon as they open their phone lines again. The other time they said that they issue, a broken pipe was not covered since it was outside the house, but yet charged $60.00 and that might be in the contract. But even so, that is a crappy and questionable business practice to charge for something that you will not cover as an insurance company. We will cancel our contract ASAP and recommend that nobody else ever, except my worst enemies, to use American Home Shield since they are a, in my opinion, just collecting fees and are doing everything to avoid paying out and helping clients with their claims! And I am sorry that they are still in business.
Judging from all other complaints I have found now, I am surprised they are still in business. But I hope they will be taken down by some powerful lawyer. In short, my recommendation is to stay away from American Home Shield!
Reviewed Feb. 26, 2010
This is a scam! I'm telling you, do not to purchase American Home Shield. We've been going round and round with them for the past 3 months trying to fix our oven. They send out the Apex appliance repair people from St. Pete, who are incompetent. We've lost 4 or 5 days work over this waiting for the repair people. When they do show up, it always the wrong part or the part doesn't work. Then they go back and reorder the part, again! They are never going to fix the oven. They just want the money. We would have the dollars to replace the oven if we hadn't signed on with AHS. I will lodge a formal complaint with the Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs.
Reviewed Feb. 24, 2010
I had experience dealing with AHS with a previous home I owned and had nothing bad or good to say about them thankfully due to no needed repairs. However, with our new home, we needed an oven repair. After waiting at home for 4 hours for the scheduled repairman, there was no knock on the door or phone call. Finally, a call came at 4:58 from the repairman. The man was unable to get a clear, coherent thought making me wonder if he was altered in some way. He finally managed to ask what specific part of the oven needed to be replaced. Embarrassed to say that oven mechanics/repair is a field unknown to me as a homeowner, I said as much. Unfortunately, the man felt that coming to the house would be a waste of his time without knowing specifically what he was coming for.
AHS was called to be alerted that the service promised to be provided was not in fact provided. The oven is still not working and the repairman isn't coming to fix it. AHS was unwilling to reschedule the appointment, unwilling to cover any repair fee costs and unwilling to contact an alternate service for repairs.
Reviewed Feb. 24, 2010
Gas Water heater claim, $1100 approved authorization for service, then $1100 cash out offered, then $195 reduction then complete denial of entire claim without cause. Any open class action buses that I can board? Sheet rock damage in five locations and imminent personal physical injury possible to my 11 year old daughter in.
Reviewed Feb. 24, 2010
On December 2009, my Amana refrigerator went out. I lost all the food in it. I called AHS, and they sent someone out who said I didn't maintain my unit and I was responsible for the repairs. This of course amounted to over $300. I asked AHS for a second opinion. The technician who came out said maintenance wasn't an issue, just that my relay switch had gone out. This tech also replaced the relay with an after-market piece (which is AHS's policy) without my consent.
This part lasted up until February 11, 2010. The technician who put this part in wasn't available, so another was dispatched. Not even an emergency basis. They replaced my relay again, but the fridge still didn't cool. He then had to order a thermostat control. Two more days went by, and he replaced the thermostat and said to give it 24 hours and see if a bowl of water freezes. It didn't; I gave it 4 days. All the while, I'm living out of an ice chest. He said I needed a new fridge and he would tell AHS.
Two days went by, and he didn't call. So I called on a Friday. They had him on the phone, and he told them that I needed a new fridge. He however faxed over that he doesn't work on sealed systems and referred it out. Monday, I got a call from the tech who originally replaced my relay, and he also said I needed a new fridge.
10 days have gone by, and now, Sears comes and says it's the compressor and they authorized replacement. It will be delivered in 3-5 days. Then I called for them to put it in. I am going on over 3 weeks without a refrigerator, and AHS can only say "I'm sorry, but that's how it is."
I paid my monthly payment every month and pay my co-pay when called, which has only been twice since I got it in the last two years. I am a single mother and have no fridge and have lost now two refrigerators full of food because of this. They could care less!
Reviewed Feb. 23, 2010
Currently, I am experiencing much difficulty with attempting to have AHS resolve a major discrepancy with regard to replacing a range oven appliance in our home. The appliance was delivered on Saturday, Feb. 20th. They did not retrofit the appliance into the space intended for the range. The workers left the appliance standing away from the back wall approx. 3 inches with empty space between the wall and the range.
As a result, since the appliance was not inserted into the space properly, the range hangs out in front of the counter space by three inches. The workers stated to me that since the gas line valve feed from the wall was too high, and the back of the new range had a stainless steel back that allowed no room for the valve to fit, therefore the range could not be fitted properly into its respective slot with the space restraints of the existing pipe.
My other complaint is, with the quality of the replacement appliance being substandard and causing additional with the smoke detector in my kitchen being triggered from one steak being cooked in the broiler. In addition, I boiled two pots of water for vegetables on the cook-top and when I was finished with cooking, I observed noticeable amounts of brown stains within three locations on the surface of the range, the metal burner caps that are located on the top of the gas burner heads, the fan vent that sits on top of the stove and the metal grates are inundated with gross brown stains from one cooking event. I removed the stained items and attempted to clean them with Dawn detergent and a soft cleaning cloth as prescribed in the range manual to no avail. The stains are there and appear to be permanent.
Reviewed Feb. 20, 2010
On Tuesday, Feb 16, 2010, a pipe burst in the wash area under my house. Water was gushing out the pipe and filling up under the base of my house. I immediately called AHS and asked for a plumber to come out and fix the problem.
The very next day, they sent a plumber who came out and looked at the pipe. After a few minutes, he said that the broken pipe was not covered under the warranty because it had "Green corrosion on it." I explained to him that all copper will have some sort of green corrosion on them. It's called oxidation. That's why the Statue of Liberty is green. He informed me and AHS that copper does not turn green and that the green color was due to an improper install. He said that the installer should have cleaned the pipe before he installed it and that would stop the pipe from turning green. I asked him what product he used to stop copper from turning green, and he could not give me an answer. Well, as you can imagine, upon hearing the plumber's explanation, AHS denied my claim.
First and foremost, I have lived in this house for 13 years and have had very few plumbing problem. Furthermore, when there's a plumbing issue, doesn't that mean something is usually wrong? AHS's brochure shows comparable pricing with their warranty as oppose to without one. It shows thousands of dollars in savings which are simply not true if they continuously denied consumer's claims.
I decided to call AHS myself and ask why they were denying the claim and while on hold, the plumber from Yankee's Plumbing decides to up and leave. When I finally got a representative on the line, they stated that they would get another company to call me that afternoon because it was a dire emergency. Needless to say, no one ever called and when I called them back the next day in the afternoon, they assured me someone would call me back before the end of business day. By 4pm, no one still had called and when I called them, they said they were still looking for another company to come out.
I was on the phone with them for about an hour and they could not give me a definitive answer as to when the other company would be contacted. I then asked what companies had been contacted and if I could get their names and numbers and contact them myself. I was told that wasn't an option and that I simply had to wait and that there was no time frame as to how long the wait would be. Not happy with that answer, I asked to speak with a supervisor.
Finally, a supervisor got on the line and told me that she personally had contacted a company who would be at my house first thing Friday morning. So, I took a full day off work and waited for the plumbing company to come. They called me in the morning time and told me they could not come until Monday, Feb 22, 2010. It's Friday and I have already been without water since Tuesday night! It will be almost a week before I will have a second company come out to my home.
Something needs to be done about this company, even if I need to file a lawsuit against them myself.
Reviewed Feb. 17, 2010
I have used the services of American Home Shield 3 times in 1 year. The first time, all was okay. It dealt with 2 bad ovens in the house. The technician knew what he was doing and did right the first time. The second dealt with plumbing leaks inside the house. The technician from His & Hers Plumbing mostly knew what he was doing, found the 5 issues we called in on and even one we did not know about. When he repaired them, 2 of them were done okay, 1 of them he was called back on to fix again, 1 still is not fixed, and 2 he was told by American Home Shield not to do them because they were not covered!
When we bought the house, we asked for the warranty, which was included in the closing of the house and included the well to be covered, but American Home Shield never sent us a copy of the contract so we could see what was and was not covered. What it turns out to be is that unless you get the premium package, Hose Bibbs and the 2 feet of piping connecting them are not covered! Now, the third time dealt with the well and pressure of the pump building up way too high. We told them what was going on. I even found someone who would work with them because they did not even have a service provider for wells when we got the warranty, and they sent the guy out (for the $60 copay/service fee) and the technician was told by American Home Shield that nothing would be covered. Why would they waste my money to send someone out to not do anything?
Reviewed Feb. 17, 2010
This is the worst company I have ever worked with. Do not waste your money with this company! I have been waiting since October for a simple repair to my dishwasher. The company that they contacted to service mine cannot get it together enough to order and service the dishwasher. After coming to my home to fix one thing, they broke something else! The heat went out in December. American Home Shield said that they would have to put it out for a district dispatch because they did not see any companies that serviced that area.
After 24 hours and no call, I contacted them to see what the hold up was. At that point, I was told that I could contact a Heating and Air company myself and pay for it and be reimbursed. I was able to find a company online that was able to service my heat within an hour! This is the biggest rip off I have ever encountered! No one has been able to resolve the dishwasher problem! A simple repair has taken over 4 months and no one at American Home Shield can even give me a solution. I am sure that I can contact someone on my own to fix it within the hour but unfortunately they already have my money. Beware, do not use this company!
Reviewed Feb. 16, 2010
I have paid for AHS warranty for 4 years now. On numerous occasions, a service tech was dispatched for the same appliance. They spent very little time diagnosing the problem, never had the parts to fix the problem and had to come again and again. When I contacted them in regard to the work they had done, they could not provide me with any information or diagnosis, or proper documentation of by what means. They came to their conclusion that AHS would not cover the problem. They did, in fact, offer to try and get this information together for a fee to them of $85!
I decided to cancel my AHS policy. I emailed them because the wait time on the phone was always more than 15-20 min. I was told someone would contact me within 48 hours, which, not to my surprise, never happened. I have now been on hold on 3 separate occasions for more than 17, each time with no response.
I will be contacting the news as well as the Better Business Bureau in regard to this and many past problems I have had with the business ethics of AHS. Thank you for time. Being out hundreds of dollars, I still have to pay out of pocket for most all repairs anyway, and being without heat in our home in winter conditions for a month.
Reviewed Feb. 14, 2010
No good crooks. American Home Shield should be shut down. They deal only if bad faith. They have a business plan of delay, delay, poor contractors, deliberate misrepresentation, lies, fraud together with collection of premium income by false sales claims and representations. The Federal Trade Commission should issue a cease and desist order February 16, 2010. We paid American Home Shield $800.00 for their fake and fraud coverage for Dark Hollow Road on or about December 20, 2009.
On Wednesday, January 2010 we called about a plumbing back up in the down stairs bath at the covered property. American Home Shield set up a claim under the claim number ** at that time. They told us that Service Contractors of America, AHS's delegated service company, would call us and set up a time. Service Contractors of America called us on Wednesday and told to tell if or what the problem was as their instruments was would not work in the wet conditions due to the rain and snow. On Thursday February 13 was the large snow in the Dallas area. Their original excuse was they were over booked. We said well it is an emergency, may we call a local plumbing company and allow them to do the fix? American Home Shield refused to do any thing to help with this demanding that Service Contractors be the only company to do the work.
Friday: same thing. Too wet, too much snow. American Home Shield's required company could not or would not make the call. All this time the people in the home had no bath and no use of toilet. There are four children in the home and mother and dad. Saturday morning, Service Contractors at last sent a man. He arrived and looked at the back up in the down stairs bath and toilet and then asked if the home was on septic. He was told yes. He then went outside probed the location of the tanks. Then advised he would have to call AHS on this; he told AHS the home was on septic and in his opinion the system was stopped up. He did not ask where the clean out was located, he did not attempt any fix, and he just left. I was called within 3 minutes of this as he was leaving the drive way. I then called him within 2 minutes and advised him where the clean out was and demanded he at least check out the system inside the home before he left for good. He told me he was already in Plano, TX, which I drive every day and it is a 45-minute drive. He lied. He told me he would have some one else from his company make another call and help with a fix. He did not. American Home Shield does not at any time intend to live up to its insurance policies and should be shut down for fraud by intent.
The people in the home ended up in a motel. My wife is in tears. I may lose my tenant at $2,000.00 per month. If I lose the tenant, I may not be able to make the payments and lose the home. Loan balance is $220,000.00; current value is $350,000.00. I paid the $800.00 to American Home Shield for protection from stuff like this. They took the money and promised under an insurance contract to do their part. They never had any intent to preform under the contract. Fraud.
Reviewed Feb. 11, 2010
I submitted a request for a furnace repair on February 8th, and getting the part on February 11th. We have been without heat in freezing temperatures, since February 8th. Now, my wife and I both are getting sick. We have a warranty, and had constant problems with the furnace not heating or cooling. It has been replaced once, but it's still having problems. The physical damage that has taken place is that, the wires have burnt up, causing the electrical attic furnace not to operate.
Reviewed Feb. 8, 2010
I requested service for a corroded plumbing pipe that leaked under my house. This shady company sent out a tech and when he arrived it was raining, he looked through the crawl space and said, "Oh no, I'm not crawling through that." He then went to my restroom and looked behind my tub with a flash light for about 15 seconds and said that the house was built with improper links. I tried to see what he was looking at but I could not see anything, it was so dark and the pipe was in an angel that you could not see unless you were under the house. He then turned around and went out side and called American Home Shield.
He stayed out side for about 20 minutes, came back in and demanded service fee and said American Home Shield would call me. I gave service fee and he left. About 10 minutes later, American Home Shield called and said my warranty did not cover my problem. How did this guy properly diagnose my problem with just a 15 second look behind a crammed hole. He even told American Home Shield that it was an improper repair when he told me that it was built that way. I asked for a second opinion and American Home Shield said, I would need to pay for a second service fee. This company is [bad] and a complete ripoff! [They] are ridiculous and should be taken to court. I paid 60 dollars for some ** to say, " I ain't crawling down that hole."
Reviewed Feb. 5, 2010
My husband and I were victims of predatory lending. American Home Mortgage had a corporation here in San Diego, and they close down or changed their name. The loan officers falsify our loan application stating we made $12,000 a month and did not tell us. We tried to modify our loan in 3 different times in 3 years from 2007-2009. We were denied by American Home Mortgage. They fail to offer any help of any sort. They only called, demanding their money, which was a negative arm loan and taking us nowhere.
American Home Mortgage file for bankruptcy and change their name to AHMSI (ahmsi3.com), and they advertise false help in the webpage. You call them, and the people who answer are located in India and offer no help. We never received letters from AHMSI, Inc to offer anything for us to retain the property, and they went ahead and foreclose without any proper posting in the property or certified mail. I will like for this company to stop taking advantage of hardworking families and stop being so greedy.
Reviewed Feb. 5, 2010
Microwave sparked flames and on fire called American Home shield 1-27-10. They called a technician and on 1-28-10, I called this company and the tech came out. He tried the microwave and saw the sparks and turned it off before a fire started again. It smelt like an electrical fire. He stated it would have to be replaced but that American Home Shield might want to replace the liner instead if they can find one. I asked why would this spark and cause a fire and he couldn't give an answer and stated he didn't know why. He also stated he didn't know why there was a metal screw in the microwave. Originally American Home shield replace this microwave themselves in previous years with another owner.
Since 1-28-10, I have made phone calls every day with updates. On Friday was told tech never sent report in. Then was told tech went away for the weekend. On that Monday no report from tech, Tuesday no report from tech Wednesday no report tech. Now, today, Thursday again no report from tech then told one hour later on on voice mail the liner is not a covered item. I then spoke with a supervisor Will ** and told him about the sparks and fire. The tech never told them about that and now am waiting again. The liner was no problem it was the fire in the microwave. I am making a complaint about their tactics and not getting reputable contractors who do not file accurate reports.
Reviewed Feb. 4, 2010
I reported a door bell issue. Technician arrived and found out that the line that connects the door bell to the transformer has corroded and got disconnected just above the door bell. The technician recommended running a new wire. AHS doesn't cover running a new wire because they concluded that there is nothing wrong in the wire except that it is an inch short. Although they admitted that the wire is corroded and broke as a result of that, it was not enough for them to admit that there was anything wrong with the wire itself.
Their solution was to relocate the door bell 4-5 inches higher. Of course, they don't cover anything but attaching the screws to the newly relocated door bell. Of course, it is ridiculous to relocate the doorbell, to open a hole in the wall and to cover the existing hole just to avoid running a new wire as their technician recommended. Ridiculous. Stay away from this company. Take your business elsewhere. Beware! It took $60 for a 2-minute inspection and didn't cover anything.
Reviewed Feb. 3, 2010
I needed to have some ducts checked at my rental property. I called American Home Shield who sent House Pro. The guy that came out said the ducts needed to be replaced, but he would have to check to see if it was covered. After not hearing from anyone for a few hours, I called American Home Shield to find out the status and was told that only if it was normal wear and tear would the ducts be covered.
Reviewed Feb. 3, 2010
I needed to have some ducts checked at my rental property. I called American Home Shield who sent House Pro. The guy that came out said the ducts needed to be replaced, but he would have to check to see if I was covered. After not hearing from anyone for a few hours, I called American Home Shield to find out the status and was told that only if it was normal wear and tear would the ducts be covered.
Reviewed Feb. 2, 2010
I've had this coverage for years. My water heater stopped functioning and had to be replaced. They sent out someone from Rescue Rooter. He said they AHS would replace the water heater. When he came out with the replacement, he had a list of extra charges that amounted to $1,100. Way more than it would cost to buy a 40 gallon electric water heater from Lowes or Home Depo including. I work and I had to get the water heater replaced. I couldn't afford to take more time off to purchase another one and have it installed. I overpaid for a water heater that was supposed to be replaced for free and it doesn't provide enough hot water. In fact, it doesn't provide half the hot water than my former 38 gallon water heater provided. This is a complete rip off.
Reviewed Feb. 1, 2010
We had been paying substantial premiums for some time for a home warranty to cover the large appliances in our home. Up until this incident, we hadn't really needed to call them, but enjoyed the peace of mind that came with knowing we were covered just in case. On a steamy hot Florida day in June of '09 we contacted American Home Shield to report an a/c problem. We were informed by their rep that they could not secure an a/c repairman in the next day or so, and thus we were contractually entitled to use one of our own choosing.
We were given an American Home Shield work order number, and instructed to use one of our own choosing, pay them out of pocket, and send the work order number along with the a/c invoice to American Home Shield for 'prompt reimbursement'. As instructed by them, we found a professionally state licensed and registered repair man who could come out the following day, and the work was completed to our satisfaction. We paid the a/c company out of pocket, and submitted a copy of their invoice along with the work authorization number as per instructed.
Three months later, I hadn't received the check and called American Home Shield. They denied all responsibility for payment, saying they never authorized the work, and that a work authorization number wasn't god enough for payment. What?! We have paid hundreds and hundreds of dollars in premiums to cover our household products, and one of the first times I need them, American Home Shield, refused coverage even after it was promised. My wife and I have wasted countless hours on the phone being shifted from one customer service representative to another, multiple levels of supervisors, always to no avail.
Trying to work with this company has been a nightmare, costing us thousands of dollars, countless hours of phone time, and needless stress and aggravation. Finally having enough of the whole thing, I called the dedicated cancellation number. The recorded voice said wait time exceeds fifteen minutes. No wonder they're lining up to cancel! American Home Shield appears to be a clever conspiracy with one goal - bill consumers out of costly premiums while using every means necessary- legal and illegal, to deny paying claims.
Reviewed Jan. 28, 2010
They replaced my hot water heater. According to the contract, the replacement should have been comparable. My hot water heater is less than five years old and so many parts have to be replaced--that it is cheaper to buy a new hot water heater than replace parts. My older hot water heater was 20 years old. I have been told by plumbers that they should at least last for 10 years. I am not in a position to replace or repair financially.
Reviewed Jan. 27, 2010
American Home Shield is refusing to assist us in repairing products that are covered on our plan. I'm tired of calling and speaking with representatives that continually argue with you. When I've asked to speak to a supervisor, I'm told I can't. I'm told that the supervisor will agree with them and therefore it's useless. We are freezing on account of our heating system failing, my water heater is leaking, but they claim after sending someone that it's being caused by something else therefore it's not covered. In the meantime, we are freezing. I have paid into this insurance for 5+ years and have never filed but one claim. Now that I need their assistance, I can't get it. I'm told to cancel my policy if I don't like it. I won't renew next year. I plan to report you to the Better Business Bureau as well.
Reviewed Jan. 27, 2010
In July 2009, I had American Home Shield send someone out to fix the guest bathtub because there was a leak coming from the second floor of my townhouse. The person they sent out said they could fix it, but AHS didn't cover jobs due to faulty craftsmanship. Okay, fine. I ended up paying $375 out of pocket to fix the lopsided tub shoe. All AHS paid for was the replastering of my ceiling.
A month ago, I noticed the tub leaking again. This time, it was due to something around the overflow. I decided to get in touch with AHS online because I figure it won't hurt for them to send someone out again, in case this isn't a case of faulty craftsmanship. However, when I went online to set up the appointment, I noticed "plumbing" was suddenly gone from my list of choices. What am I paying these people for, if they can slice and dice whatever they want off my list of problems whenever they feel like it? How is it that I don't have plumbing covered when my contract isn't even up yet? Come June, I'm dumping these crooks. I hope they get the plumbing sued out of them.
Reviewed Jan. 24, 2010
I purchased an older home in November 2009 and I was confident that if we had issues, our home warranty with American Home Shield would handle any issues. We lost heat on December 20 and American Home Shield sent Strong Heating to fix the problem. They came on 12/21 and we were told that the control panel needed to be replaced. After a few days of no heat, the temperatures in the 20s and no word from Strong, we called American Home Shield and Strong. We were given several explanations from the factory being closed for the holidays, that the part had to be manufactured, and Strong was trying to locate a refurbished part. We were also initially given an option to locate another contractor to fix the problem but 2 days later, we were told that was no longer an option.
After many phone calls, freezing temperatures in the home, days missed for work, late arrival of technician, a letter to the President of American Home Shield and an email to American Home Shield, finally 2 and 1/2 weeks later, on 1/7/2010, our heating system was repaired. However, the work was sloppy. The ductwork was dislodged causing heat to pour out from under the house and we still have not received the free $60 service fee card from American Home Shield as promised. They also advised us that we would be reimbursed for the purchase of space heaters which we still have not received either. We would never recommend American Home Shield or Strong. After getting online to do some research, it appears that there are many complaints about both companies.
Reviewed Jan. 23, 2010
When we contacted American Home Shield regarding coverage for our personal home and our rental home, we asked some very specific questions. First, we asked about our septic system being covered and they immediately responded, "No". We then asked about plumbing coverage, specifically, water supply stoppages. They responded, "As long as the stoppage is within the home and not outside of the home it is covered". That was the only response we received.
I then contacted American Home Shield to have a repair completed on the furnace in our rental home. The full cost was $75.00. Our portion was $60.00 (Service call fee). Our monthly policy cost is $45.00. Total savings was $30.00. Yes, I was out $30.00 more than I would have been if I would have just paid the full amount of the repair. Later, we contacted American Home Shield to have plumbing repairs on the kitchen sink of our rental home and for a water supply problem in our personal home.
When I contacted them regarding the water supply stoppage, I asked again, "Is this covered by the policy?" Again, I was told, "Yes, as long as it is within the home and not outside of the home". That was the only response I received both times I asked the same question. Again, I paid the $60.00 service call fee for both homes totaling $120.00. They repaired the plumbing under the rental homes kitchen sink which would have cost me $80.00 had I just paid the full amount for it. Again, including the monthly policy fee, I over paid again by $25.00.
Now, the plumber arrives at our personal home. He states that the blockage is from calcium build up in the pipes within the home and American Home Shield will not cover it. He also stated that American Home Shield is not worth the money in his opinion because they will not authorize the replacement or repairs for most of his work and that as soon as his companies contract is over he will not renew it. I then contacted American Home Shield about this issue.
They now stated that they will not cover blockages caused by rust, corrosion or chemicals. The last I checked, Calcium is neither of those. I then asked why I was told two separate times that the blockage would be covered as long as it was within the home. They then stated that they can not explain every part of a warranty, that's why the policy is mailed to the consumer. I then asked if it was so easy for them to state that to me over the phone when I was filing the claim, why could they not explain that to me when I asked, All I got was a tap dance.
In my opinion, American Home Shield is a scam. They will only disclose enough information to the consumer to get the sale. I have filed BBB complaints on this and they will not follow up on it. I have since spoken with several other contractors in our area and they have all stated that if American Home Shield is supposedly covering the work, they require that the homeowner pay for the repairs and then file it with American Home Shield for reimbursement because American Home Shield does not pay as they say they will.
All of the contractors have also stated that they have never seen American Home Shield authorize any full replacement of any appliance as they claim they will. I'm sure there are some very few instances out there but not many. It is a much better financial decision to just save the money in a savings account and pay for any needed repairs that way. I am now out several hundred dollars and I am sitting on a repair that will cost me $2,800.00 to complete. The cost of the coverage and the cost of the service calls far exceeded the actual cost of repairs. There is a $2,800.00 repair that still needs to be completed. I am not pleased with their performance and I have not received my money back.
Reviewed Jan. 22, 2010
I placed an online request for service. I always have to wait 3-5 days for service. The technician showed up late. They do not call when they are running late. On our garage door, nothing is covered. We still have to pay the $60.00 for the service call and than hire the company to fix the problem. The technician has to get the parts approved and then order them. It could take a week to 10 days. They do not answer their phones. They claim this is business, but no one ever answers the calls.
There are reputable businesses in our area, but they bring in these small businesses that have to travel an hour or longer to get up here. They do not have 4-wheel drive to drive in our snowing climate. They get stuck. It is just a joke. American Home Shield is just a joke. It costs us more money because we pay the service fee for nothing. We have to hire a company to fix the problem. We have already waited 3 -5 days just to get someone up here. It is hard not having your appliance in a timely manner.
Reviewed Jan. 20, 2010
I have the same complaints as many. Only one company came out and then didn't fix it. The company never had availability when I did so I got off work, then the next day the problem was still not fixed. I haven't had hot water in my home for two weeks and it is January 2010. I am the only adult in this home and they repeatedly tell me I have to take off work. So I do and then their repairmen shows up one hour after the two hour window. Then the next day, the problem is still no hot water.
There is a similar problem with my dishwasher. First they said they couldn't repair it, even though the things were broken when we moved in. Then they said they would replace, but offered me only one dishwasher, which didn't fit in my space. The cash out allowance was $300, but every other dishwasher was $550 and up with their"delivery fees and installation fees." So I could have bought a dishwasher at Lowe's and replaced it for less than the deductible and now the difference in price for the only dishwashers available to fit in my space. Then I had to wait another week for them to get my power of attorney because at no point in dealing with me on the phone did they say that I was not named in the Home Owner's Warranty. My husband is in Iraq, and next year we will not be renewing this warranty. This is too expensive.There are too many things they don't fix or replace.
Reviewed Jan. 20, 2010
AHS did not honor its contract. Both the technician, who was sent to my home to assess the problem, and I agreed that the terms of my contract were met in multiple ways, e.g. improper installation, pre-existing problem and code violation. AHS refused to cover the repair.
Reviewed Jan. 19, 2010
We bought our house in April 2009. We had the choice of home warranties and decided to use AHS. We haven't had to use it until January 2010. First, our furnace went out. It was an emergency, because temperatures dropped to 14 degrees in Texas. I call that an emergency. They couldn't send anyone out until the morning. We luckily had space heaters for us and our 10 year old son and let our 19 your old down syndrome son stay another night at his grandmother's. It was apparently only a gunked up flame sensor, but it cost $60 for the trip. The company they hired was more professional than they were.
Then a week later, our hot water heater went out. I happened to be vacuuming my son's room and discovered a wet carpet. His room shares a wall with the utility room. I opened the door and there's water running down the hot water heater. I call my husband, who walked me through turning off the valve. He came home, called AHS, and they gave us the name of a company. That was Martin Luther King day. They didn't tell us that no one was there. We waited, called several times to get a recording and then left a message, thinking someone will get back to us. Five hours later, AHS told us it will probably be the next day. They only have one company that does that work in the area. We're one day without hot water. My husband is a mechanic, no shower tonight.
The man showed up, and at first he said there was no leak. I had to press him and said that I wasn't blind, I saw it pouring out. After it warmed up, it started leaking, so he determined it needed to be replaced. He then warned me that AHS doesn't pay for everything, he's very familiar with AHS. He said it's typical that the owner has to pay between $500-1,000. He said if I didn't have home owner's insurance, it would cost over $1800. I get it, it's like health care, they have to write off what they don't cover.
So, when he added up the code violations that he had to fix, and called it in, we ended up having to pay $619 on top of the $60 for the trip. My husband tried to argue with the lady, but she would have none of it. How was it our fault that code changed after this unit was installed? Isn't that why you buy a home warranty? You're banking on it breaking in a year, and they're banking it doesn't? We lost the argument and have to fork out $679. We'll see how it goes because we have to spend another night with no hot water heater because he had to leave without replacing it. We're supposed to get it tomorrow.
Reviewed Jan. 18, 2010
Having had this happen at work before, I know if you fill the back tank up again with water, it'll flush again. I moved in Fri. Jan. 8th 2010. I called Mon., Jan. 11th. AHS they told me a plumber would call.
No call but a plumber did show up the next day. I was delighted! He didn't look at hardly anything around the toilet tank, and said my pipes were probably froze and if I started hearing water running in my basement, turn the water off. He showed me how to turn the water off in the basement. He informed me that my pipes probably were not wrapped for winter weather before I bought the house. And now that American Home Shield knew that a water pipe was frozen. No other plumbing would be covered in my house.
My sister came over the next day and had to use the bathroom. I told her, "Okay we're going to have to fill the tank back up until the pipes thaw out." She came out of the bathroom saying, "It might help if the water was turned on to the toilet!" It flushed on it`s own but the hose at the top of the tank into the toilet isn't tight and leaks. So the pipes are not frozen! Never were frozen! I need a good hose hook-up! Seems easy enough for a Home Warranty plumber to do, right?
He looked in my Michigan basement and said, "it's a job but not one for me," because he is a big man! He told me, "if my brother-in-law was smaller, then he was to see what he could do. Yeah, seriously. I'll take a polygraph on this statement any day." I told him, "My brother-in-law is bigger than you are. And that's a fact, Jack!"
All in all, I do not have frozen pipes! Never have. Since American Home Shield Warranty people sent a plumber out, the plumber told me, since you've had frozen pipes, Home Shield Warranty won't cover any other plumbing problems you might have in the future. It's just totally wrong and AHS is going to send me a bill for $60.00. The plumber told me the day he came out, "You don't have to pay me if you don't think it's right. I don't work for these people. They'll just bill you later." "Bill me later, for what?" I thought there was a real plumbing problem going on.
Why didn't this Amer. Home Shield plumber see such an easy fixable problem?! My real state agent is on this like an aggressive pit-bull, and so am I. My own sister had a problem with roofing flashing when she bought her house and she actually paid for American Home Shield right after she moved in. Small problem. But they told her it was caused by hurricane Ike, and was a Natural God Disaster. Yes, all the way to Ind., my sister paid $60.00 for a roofman from Amer. Home Shield to come out. They gave her an estimate for $837.00. She paid $55.00 to have it fixed, by an Elkhart Roofing Co. So, I am writing this, printing this and sending it to J. Warlarsky, to let all home buying citizens know to be aware of American Home Shield. My agent is livid after H.S.W. people came into their office at Cressy and Evrette and gave such a gun-ho-speech. She even gave me the name of the Home Shield Warranter.
Reviewed Jan. 16, 2010
They deny repairs every time "their" service people state the failure was due to lack of maintenance. AHS subcontracts repair people to do work at some service rate. If that rate doesn't cover the cost of repairs, all the repair person has to tell AHS is it was due to lack of upkeep. The repair person gets $60, and AHS doesn't have to fix the unit.
It doesn't make sense for the repair people to fix something that will cost more than AHS will reimburse. So they throw out the trump card. AHS gets my annual cost, and the repair person keeps my $60. Kind of sweet on their part.
Reviewed Jan. 15, 2010
I called AHS to have my garage door opener repaired because its part of my home warranty. It will just open when it wants to. This started 2 weeks ago. So they sent a repairman to my home on 1/13/2010 and he told me it needed a circuit board and the board may not be able to be gotten because of the year of opener 1996. So I said do what you must to fix the problem. I ask him if the board can not be gotten then what. He went on to say most likely a new opener would be installed, so I said find you could fix this one I am find with a repair. Now when I bought the home I noticed it had a different light mounted on it, but didn't think anything about it. AHS is using the light as a way to get out of making repair. The light works find and opener worked great from May 2005 till now and with the same light and it still works now. They should have inspected my home to see if they wanted to sell me a warranty not just take monthly payments and take $60.00 when the repairman came over and say sorry, denied.
I called AHS and spoke to Leroy and he said denied claim stands. How can they sell warranties without inspection of my home and say denied? The kitchen cook top that is to be looked at on Wednesday the 20th could be denied as well because of the door opener. This is Leroy’s words to me. Why would he say something like that? They charged me $60.00 for the service call and said sorry we denied the claim. This isn't right. They had the right to inspect my home before selling me the warranty contract. I called AHS on 1/14/2010 at about 7:10 pm and spoke to Leroy **, authorization supervisor. And again at around 7:35 pm. I had to call twice; he hung up on the first call. This has upset me to the point I just don't understand why they do these things. How could he say cook top could also be denied because of a door opener?
Reviewed Jan. 12, 2010
Simple Situation: On January 6, I made a service request, reporting a tripping circuit breaker. On January 7, a contractor called me to advise they would send a technician on January 8. The technician arrived on January 8, concluded that he could not do the work and that we would hear from an electrician within 2-4 hours. After not hearing from any electrician by the next morning, I contacted AHS on January 9. It is now January 12, i.e. 6 days later, and I have not heard back from AHS nor any sub-contractor/electrician. I ended up fixing the problem myself. Identifying and fixing a tripping breaker is hardly brain surgery.
Reviewed Jan. 11, 2010
At the beginning of this cold snap in Tampa Florida, my heating unit went out. I called AHS and it took 3 days for a service company to respond (I had to call everyday to press them for service). The company came out, diagnosed the problem on a Wednesday and I was told a new compressor had to be ordered and I would be contacted in a day or so.
The temperature inside my home was 48 degrees. No one contacted me and by Friday I contacted both AHS and the contractor and was told nothing could be done till Monday or Tuesday. On Monday I called again and was told no compressor was ordered by either the contractor or AHS and to call back in an hour. As of now, the compressor is to be delivered to the contractor on Thursday, tentatively, and I will be contacted when installation can take place. I am also being charged for the removal of the old compressor and for the freon.
Reviewed Jan. 11, 2010
I'm sure the notes on my account will let you understand my frustration. I made an emergency call on my heater being out on 12/8/2009. It was not fixed until 01/05/2010. In that time I lost money leaving work, as did my wife, waiting to hear from the contractor or AHS. We spent nights at neighbors’ houses to keep out of the cold. This went on and on because the contractor would not return phone calls. I have been with AHS for 10 years or better, and I never expected the rotten service I have had! The loss of wages, the inconvenience we put on other people was bad enough, but to pay the contractor all that money for not expediting or needs is a slap in the face. I don’t know if I should keep AHS or not. This has been a rough and extra costly situation that I'm not sure we can do again!
Reviewed Jan. 10, 2010
We purchased AHS home warranty with a home purchase, all glowingly recommended by the selling agent. And it seemed like a good bumper against future home problems. Well, when it came time to put AHS warranty to the test, January 2010, outside temp 22F, the fan in the heat exchanger stopped working. I called AHS on a Saturday; their literature claims 24/7 response to problems. After 23 minutes on phone, I get a rep who immediately seems to think my problem may not be "covered" but let me check. After 5-6 minutes, she was sorry to tell me that unfortunately my problem was not covered by AHS and is there anything else she could help me with? 22 degrees outside, no heat, and no help from AHS.
A word to the wise: Do not buy any home warranty policies, you will just get ripped off! If you have a policy, cancel it and put the policy money aside in a bank account for future needs. You will come out a whole lot better that way. American Home Shield should be sued by all the people they have ripped off and cheated! I had to call in a heating and cooling company and pay out of pocket.
Reviewed Jan. 7, 2010
I had two contractors come to my house, to work on my HVAC units. The first one installed an incorrect thermostat. The second, 4 or so months later, comes out, because we have the same issue. He installs the correct thermostat, and our heat worked again. Apparently the first contractor did not contact AHS when they replaced the first thermostat, so AHS had no record of it. After the second contractor talks to AHS, he told us that they won't pay for the new thermostat, nor the labor associated with it.
I called them back, and talked to Leroy for half an hour or so. I expected a professional, helpful, respectful AHS representative, but Leroy was anything but. I asked Leroy if AHS was responsible for incorrect work done by their contractors, and he didn't answer. He would put me on hold and then get back on the line and say, "okay, do you have anymore questions". It is true that the second contractor jumped the gun, and replaced the thermostat without AHS approval, but I have nothing to do with that. This really was an issue with AHS not communicating with their contractors, and vice versa.
He told me that AHS contractors cannot do work without authorization, so I told them fine, and they need to contact the second contractor, and work it out, but he said they don't need to. He told me that they will not pay for the second thermostat, to which I reply that I won't either. I asked who will pay for it then, and I get silence. I asked him to please transfer me to someone else, and he puts me on hold. After he comes back he, again, says "okay, what other questions do you have for me?" This is my second year with AHS, since I paid the $400 or so to re-up for a year. I expect to be treated with respect, and for them to want to help their customer, but this particular AHS representative did not care. After my warranty expires this time, I will not re-up for another year. Many of my friends own a home with warranties, and I will share this story with them. Maybe another rep would be more helpful, but if anyone calls AHS with an issue, and gets Leroy, immediately ask to speak to someone else, but remember, he won't transfer you.
Since AHS would not call their contractor back to square the issue away, I had to. I called the second contractor back, and he admitted he jumped the gun. He was understanding and helpful. We settled on me sending him the $60 fee, and he'd have to eat the rest. AHS should have called their contractor, and worked this out, but they wouldn't. This could have been handled differently, and AHS might have kept me as a customer. Instead I had to do the dirty work, that they simply refused to do.
Reviewed Jan. 7, 2010
They refused coverage on my warm water heater because there was sediment in the tank, it's only 15 years old, ya think! Its going to break and flood my house or blow up
Reviewed Jan. 6, 2010
I have been waiting for seven weeks to have the fan in my cook top fixed. After the initial evaluation, the technician came and brought the wrong switch. It took another four weeks or so to come back with the correct switch but then they said that the engine of the fan was not working. Currently, I am awaiting for the last week to see when they will come with the new engine for the fan. This is an example of poor coordination, human errors and plain incompetency. It seems that AHS does not care if the customer is satisfied.
Reviewed Jan. 4, 2010
In the peak of summer in Florida (July '09) my air conditioner went out! American Home Shield did not help or honor their home warranty and provide me with a reputable company so I relied on the yellow pages. I came across this company, spoke with Pat, told him of my issue, second day with no air, and he sent two service techs out to my house. They came out and appraised the situation and told me that the entire unit (inside and out) needed to be replaced and that they could have air in the house tonight. I, in a situation that I thought I would never be in, unfamiliar with anything the tech was telling me and uncertain, signed a contract. $6800 financed by Air National through Wells Fargo (another sorry company) and four months later, a city home inspector has been out here twice and failed their job. Each time the inspector comes out someone has to miss a day of work.
Today the inspector came out and stated exactly what was wrong after an Air National Tech came out Saturday and said "there is nothing wrong with it". Two hours after the inspector leaves, a second tech comes to the house (this time my BF is home) and the tech tells him that the unit was put in wrong to begin with. I come to hear that the way the unit was put it was that once we fired up the furnace that the area which the service guys installed "would smolder and smoke". But their website boldly states "Air National has experienced and professional service technicians that will treat your house like their house. " Would they install a unit in their own home that would smolder and not pass inspection? Well, since this is not over, we will see how this plays out!
Here it is in the middle of winter in Florida and it is in the low 50's as a high and this heater blows out cold air and will not go above 72 degrees. On Dec. 29 or about that date, I called Air National to advise that the heating unit that we have not used since it was installed is blowing out cold air. After speaking with Rachel, she stated that all management is on vacation and that there is one manager that is local and she would get in contact with him to get approval for a tech to come out to check the heating unit. To this day the heating unit will not go above 72 and we never gto any explanation on how to use the unit and all of the new elements.
We have spent multiple days off work, countless hours on the phone with Patric, Sarah and Rachel only to get no satisfaction service. I am still awaiting on that local manager to respond to my request for a tech. When we first fired up the unit, we did not sleep well at all the first night in fear of fire. So we would like to be repaid for lost hours waiting and babysitting your tech over and over again as they continued to do a shoddy work. They failed inspection three times and we believe they may have paid off the last inspector to get the project to pass no matter what happens to the house. We want some sort of liability coverage that if the house does catch on fire because of the heating or air conditioning, Air National will be responsible. Total amount desired is $3000 for raising two people's blood pressure, for poor/shoddy workmanship and denying it was done wrong along with the liability agreement!
Reviewed Jan. 4, 2010
On Tuesday, July 28, upon arrival at home, I noticed that the house was really hot. I checked the air conditioner's thermostat to see a reading of 98 degrees. I immediately called American Home Shield to get an air conditioning person out here as soon as possible. The first customer service rep, Andrea, provided me with the name and number of US Heating and Air Conditioning. The representative for them informed me that the earliest they could get a tech out would be Friday.
The second customer services of AHS, Coco provided me with the number to Air Doctor, but the number only had an answering machine to take their calls. I left a message and waited for a response. While waiting, I called back to AHS and received a very bad treatment by the next customer service person. Because of the condition of the house getting hotter, I felt the need to call and seek another company. But this customer service person would not provide any assistance. I requested to speak with a supervisor and was refused.
The following morning, I called back to Air Doctor and made an appointment for a tech to come out between the hours of 2 and 4 p.m. on Wednesday. Mr. ** had contacted AHS that same morning, and the customer service person called Air Doctor and informed him that they were scheduled to come out that day. Mr. ** was under the impression that AHS made the appointment, but I made it.
At 2 p.m., I began to inquire if someone was going to actually come out or not. The receptionist at Air Doctor stated I was next to get service. I called again at 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and gain at 4 p.m. when I got the answering machine. I was not aware that Mr. ** was also in communication but through AHS by having a customer service person call Air Doctor at 3:30 p.m. where he was informed that as soon as the tech finishes with the job he Is on, he will be to my residence.
Mr. ** continued to communicate with AHS, trying to get them to get in contact with the tech to expedite the order, so we would not have to spend two nights in a house over 97 degrees. At around 4:45 p.m., the technician showed up. He arrived, walked over to the outside unit, and without touching it, stated with stuff or some sort of tobacco in his lip, that the compressor was out. I asked if it could be fixed. The tech blasted me by saying "You think I carry this type of equipment around with me? It will take at least two to three weeks before we will have it."
The tech stated that Air Doctor was the one who installed the unit and that the previous customer was having problems with it. He began to write up the service receipt and then stated that it will be $75. My thought was "For what?" He never took the unit apart, looked inside, or nothing really. If he can provide a diagnosis without touching a unit, he is in the wrong profession. I refused to pay the service fee and gave him a few choice words as I sent him on his way.
I then went to the phone book to find a reputable company that was concerned about the customer and spoke with Pat of Air National. They immediately dispatched two techs out who took the unit apart and gave it a good diagnosis. They stated that they could do a temporary repair, but in the next couple of months or more, it will go out. This was not new information to us, because (as you will see with the attached document) Joe ** was dispatched out by AHS last year who told us the same thing when they replaced the compressor on 09-02-08.
In the mean time, Mr. ** was on the phone with AHS customer service, attempting to get a diagnosis from the Air Doctor tech who ignored the emergency calls placed to him by three customer service persons and two by Mr. ** to contact AHS ASAP. One of the customer service reps did offer to compensate us with a room for a night at $60 per night rate, but we would have to send in the receipt to get reimbursed. Another customer service person stated that if we went outside of our contract and used a outside vendor for the services, we would be liable for all expenses.
By this time, the conclusion was pretty clear that we needed to get air by any means necessary. So Air National installed a complete unit that evening. Their service techs did not leave our resident till 2:15. They returned the next evening and spent another three hours completing the task and insuring that it was operating properly.
On Thursday, I contacted AHS and inquired about the service from Air Doctor and was told that we needed to contact the vendor and to handle any complaints. After speaking with Air Doctor and to have them state that they are standing behind their employee and attempted to justify the reason why the diagnosis was not called in the prior evening, Mr. ** called again to AHS.
The customer service person stated that the information was received and being processed as we were speaking. Mr. ** requested to speak with a supervisor and was refused. The customer service person stated that because my name was not on the account, I could not speak with anyone higher. After being told that Ms. ** would have to authorize his name being added to the policy and being put on hold, miraculously the customer service person stated "Your name has been added to the policy."
By this time, we were done with AHS and informed the customer service person that we would be canceling our service. She stated that she would be informing the cancellation department and that within 48 hours, someone would be contacting us. Mr. ** called Monday after getting no response. Because AHS did not hold up to their end of the agreement, we ended up paying $7000 for an entire inside and outside unit that is still today not working correctly.
Because of the anguish and heartache that ASH caused Ms. **, she is now taking high blood pressure medication and has not been able to maintain control of her finances since this occurred. She has failed classes, which she has to retake coming out of her own pocket, to achieve her Master's degree in Business. And she has to pay this outrageous money for the new unit which has caused an increase in our monthly electric bill. So by having AHS, we lost all the way around.
Reviewed Jan. 2, 2010
Prior to signing up with American Home Shield, I had a lengthy conversation with them. Since I bought an older home, I wanted to make sure that everything was covered. I was told "as long as everything was in good working condition," I was fine. I did explain that the heater was at least 30 years old and would probably need to be replaced. Again, I was told as above. It was working when I bought the warranty, but stopped shortly after. First, I was told that the issue was due to "maintenance," so it would not be covered.
After more phone calls, they stated that it would be covered. The first company that they sent out stated that it would have to be replaced. The second opinion stated that he could repair it. Initially, I was told that the the first company would be fixing it. Then, they changed their mind when he stated that the heater needed to be replaced. Now, I am being told that I would have to pay $450 to have the unit cleaned. I contacted another company to have yet another opinion on the unit. They refused to clean the heater and stated that since it was so old, it needed to be replaced. I contacted American Home Shield, and have yet to hear anything, and that was months ago. So my children and I are without heat. Being a single parent, I can not afford $4,000 for a heating unit.
Reviewed Dec. 30, 2009
Contract # **. Furnace not working. Two of their contractors verified heat strips burnt out. Have been told many stories for over three weeks now, but no one comes to fix. AHS manager will not return calls, and dispatchers tell me they do not know why it has not been fixed. I know if I pay to have it fixed, they will not reimburse me, so trying to wait. Obviously they are trying to get out of their end of the agreement. Help please! Thanks.
Reviewed Dec. 29, 2009
I'm disgusted with the deceptiveness of this company's brochure regarding yearly fees. I first obtained their services when I bought a new house. My realtor gave me their brochure which clearly listed prices. I used them for two issues during the year, but did not have much problem getting the repairs done so I decided to renew for one more year. My renewal rate, however, is over $150 more than it cost for the first year. When I called to inquire about the rate change, the representative informed me in quite a condescending manner that my first year's premium was at a special discount and the higher rate was the norm. There is nothing on the brochure, which clearly lists their rates, about these being discounted one-time rates. I suspect that they're charging me more because I actually used the service or perhaps because they now think I'm hooked. Ridiculous.
Reviewed Dec. 28, 2009
American Home is the worst. I was put on hold for 50 minutes in an attempt to cancel my policy. These people are criminals.
Reviewed Dec. 28, 2009
My heat pump went out on 12/14/09. I reported it to AHS for repair. The repairman came out and told AHS the heat pump should be replaced. AHS agreed and then proceeded to delay and impede the work it had okay-ed during the December holidays. Now they tell me (12/27/09) that I'll have to wait until 1/12/2010 to have heat in the dead of winter! I had to order $250 worth of propane to keep the stove going for heat (only heats upstairs kitchen) and cancel Christmas visitors as downstairs is like an iceberg. AHS offered to give me $125.00 for a space heater (which floor would I put it on?) and 2 days at a motel. I live on a ranch and can't leave animals. What would 2 days do? Let me defrost until I have to come back home with still no heat?
This is the worst treatment I have received. I got in touch with a manager and told her I either get heat in the next couple of days or I am calling the Insurance Commissioner of the State of WA and the Attorney General of the state. AHS already has class action suits against them. They have lost, so you would think they would learn! To go without heat in the dead of winter and not care about living up to your contracted agreement is bordering on criminal. Let alone, civil violations. I am awaiting their reply.
Reviewed Dec. 28, 2009
I tried to cancel warranty in 2007 but AHS refused to acknowledge this and kept billing us. We then decided there must be a reason that we need this warranty, and kept paying premium for the next three years. Shame on us for mot realizing that this is a disreputable practice in the first place! I called to have someone come look at our stove/oven today and much to our surprise, our $55 deductible was raised to $95 without any notification! When we called customer service, they did not know why the rate had gone up. We were then transferred to a rep in the sales dept., who asked what state we live in, then promptly said "Oh, the whole Northeast had an increase." We were never notified of this increase. Beware of AHS. We have spent over $2000 in premiums and paid a $95 deductible, to maybe, in the end, get back $200. Any company who would double your deductible without notice is not reputable in my book and I will not be their customer for much longer!
Reviewed Dec. 27, 2009
On 8/3/2009, I placed a service call to AHS on my electric hot water heating that was leaking. I was given the name of the company listed above. I called them and they came out on August 5th to look at the heater. I received a call from American Home Shield stating that the company told them they had to pull a permit and install an expansion tank as well as a new ball valve which AHS stated was not covered under my warranty. I gave the approval to do the work with a cost estimate of $535.00 not knowing that the company should have had a permit and gave me a copy of the permit prior to me authorizing the work. I was charged $250.00 for an expansion unit, $75.00 for a new ball valve and $150.00 for a permit as well as the $60.00 service fee to AHS. I had to give them my credit card prior to them doing the work and was charged the entire amount on August 5th, and work did not take place until August 6th.
The company came out on August 6th to repair the heater and was to be here between 1-5pm. They did not show up until 6:00 PM after I placed several calls to ask when I could expect them. The person who answered the phone from their company was very rude and said they were on another job and would get to me when they were finished. They never gave me a time. I questioned the repairman about the cost of the permit and asked to see the permit. He told me he did not have it with him and said that an appointment would be set up for a county inspector to come out August 10th to inspect the work. The county inspector never came to inspect the work. So I called the contractor back and asked when the inspector would be by and he said a master plumber had to call them to set up a date to come out.
A man named Robert called and said he would be at my house on August 18th to inspect the water heater and would call me with a three hour window. No one called and no one showed up to inspect the water heater installation. I spoke to Dave ** WSCC (301) 206-4003, and he told me a postcard permit in the amount of $50.00 was required and had to be pulled prior to commencement of work. He informed that as a customer, I should have received a copy of the permit prior to commencement of the work, so I could schedule an inspection after the work was completed. I called Waldorf Water and Gas and spoke to Wayne. I informed him I had spoken to Dave ** WSCC and that the permit they need is just a postcard permit costing $50.00. And he said he had to charge me an additional $100.00 because someone had to go and stand in line to get the permit.
On August 17th, I called Dave ** WSCC and found out a permit was never pulled on my address for replacement of the water heater; therefore, the contractor should not have replaced my hot water heater without having one. He advised to contact Tom **, Chief Plumbing Inspector WSCC or send him an email and let him know the problems I was experiencing. I sent an email and letter to Tom ** on August 17, 2009, issuing a complaint against Waldorf Water and Gas stating they had replaced the water heater in my home prior to pulling a permit, did not give me a copy of the permit and charged me $150.00 for said permit.
To this date, I have not received any response from Mr. **, WSCC, or seen a permit so I could call an inspector to come and out and inspect the newly installed system. I feel that not only have I been ripped off my AHS but the company they referred me to and WSCC for not doing anything to resolve the complaint I filed with them. I don't feel like I should have paid $150.00 for a permit. I think AHS is in cahoots with these service providers. I could have gone to Home Depot or Lowe’s and bought a hot water heater and had it installed by a plumber. In fact, I have a plumber who told me that the heater should not have been installed without the permit being pulled and giving me a copy of the permit prior to commencement of the work. An inspector should have inspected the work after it was completed.
I feel that I have been ripped off by both companies. I now see that there is a class action suit against AHS, and I can see why; and I want my name added to the list as an interested party. I am seriously considering cancelling my home warranty with this company after reading all the complaints. I can take the money I pay them monthly and put in an interest bearing account and call who I want to come out and replace things in my home. I am paying them over $500 a year for what?
I was charged $535.00 for a new water heater and none of the compliances were taken care of prior to installation, no inspection to ensure the installation was done correctly and nothing to show that the company every pulled a permit and charged me for one. I feel like I should have paid AHS the $60.00 fee and the work should have been done for that fee.
Reviewed Dec. 22, 2009
I had contacted American Home Shield numerous times about my broken furnace. It shuts off and would not restart. They finally sent someone out on 12/21/09 where my wife had to leave work to wait for them. They finally showed up, got the furnace to restart, but the technician broke the fire door on the furnace. He then stated it was not a covered problem because it was not due to normal wear and tear. He then attempted to extort $1,000 from us so he could fix the problem he caused. He then condemned the furnace because it would now spew carbon monoxide into our home and most probably kill us. I called American Home Shield and they refused to fix this problem stating they believe the technician over us.
Reviewed Dec. 18, 2009
American Home Shield, a service company for home repair services, sent a plumbing contractor to my home on 12-15-09 to repair our toilet's internal mechanism (constant running water). The plumbing company, Service Connection, jerry-rigged the internal mechanism with "hanger wire" and the toilet problem worsened. My wife and I waged a complaint with both companies; a new appointment was scheduled for 12-18-09.
The 2nd plumber came out and said that the first job was done wrong and that he'd have to order parts. I called both companies to complain about me losing money from work waiting around for someone to do this job right. Roy (mgr. of Service Connection) dismissed me by saying the job wasn't botched; AHS apologized but refused to prorate or refund my service fee because of this inconvenience.
Reviewed Dec. 17, 2009
We had smell of a gas leak from our heat unit outside. I called for AHS to send a repairman to find the leak. I was told we had Carbon Monoxide inside our home from a faulty heat exchanger, which was also the gas smell. This repair company, High Quality Heat and Air, also goes by other names - one being Expert Service. They sent a young man to change the heat exchanger that could not speak good English. He was awful. He never tested the system and almost forgot to turn the gas back on to it before he left. We had a worse gas smell, and it was coming through the registers in the house every time the unit was on. I called them to come back, and they sent a different young guy who never tested anything. He just said he couldn't smell gas. He told me his boss told him to refer me to either the fire dept. or the gas co. to find the leak.
I insisted that AHS send someone with a brain to detect the problem, since it was obvious it was the heat unit. The man they finally sent seems to be extremely knowledgeable and found that not only was the ignitor bad, but the fittings on the new heat exchanger were the wrong size and leaking as well! He immediately disconnected the gas and said that we were extremely lucky we hadn't had an explosion that would have not only leveled our house but put my neighbors in harm's way as well! I insisted that AHS do away with High Quality (aka Expert Service, Joe's Expert Service, aka at least 3 more names)! They supposedly blackmarked them from my file to never send them to me again.
I then have trouble with my washer, and guess who they wanted to send! I am still pursuing they discontinue using these idiots as a service provider. If my home, with or without family and pets inside, had blown up, they would never see daylight again with the lawsuits thrown at them. They are letting these fools put their clients in danger and allowing them to continue servicing other clients!
Reviewed Dec. 15, 2009
Very unhappy customer with American Home Shield (contract # **) - We have had no heat in our Southlake, Texas home since Thanksgiving. We have two small children (6 years & 20 months). It is an intermitting problem. AHS has dispatched a technician 4 times with no success. We called them again this morning (12/15), and they said a technician wouldn't be available for a couple of days. In addition, they were rather rude on the phone and displayed no empathy at all. We are very unhappy with their service thus far. Please call me ASAP on my cell at **.
Reviewed Dec. 11, 2009
I never had a problem with AHS until my hot water tank went out. I placed a service request, and after a few days a plumbing contractor looked at the tank for 5 minutes and said that the tank went out due to lack of maintenance. I asked for a second opinion, and the AHS rep said that they would send someone out but I would have to pay the service fee if the diagnosis was the same. The second contractor said that the tank went out due to improper installation from before, so I did not pay for the second service fee. I called my own plumber, who said that the tank went out because it was over 9 years old and they usually have a life span of 8 - 10 years. My plumber looked at it for free.
I informed AHS that my plumber inspected the unit and could not find anything wrong other than it being an old unit. I paid my plumber to replace the unit and was done. I accepted the fact that AHS would not cover the unit and bit the bullet. Then, my bathroom faucet stopped working, and when I placed a service request, I got a message that they could not receive any service requests until I paid the service fee from the second opinion. That upset me, so I contacted the Better Business Bureau and reported them for trying to charge me the service fee, and submitted the invoice from my plumber for the replacement of the tank. On the invoice it clearly showed in writing that the unit was up to code and went out do to age. I finally received a call from AHS about the complaint and was reimbursed for the replacement.
Fall rolls around and my heater would not come on, so I placed a service request on 9/30/09. Neil's Heating and Air came out and looked it over. They said a relay switch had gone out and that they would contact AHS for replacement. After a week goes by with no calls, I called the contractor and AHS. The contractor said "Oh, has AHS not called you?" The relay switch that needed to be replaced was not made any more for the heating unit. So I called AHS and of course got nowhere - just promises to call me back that never came.
After another week, I called the contractor. They said "Oh, has AHS not called you?" The contractor said that they were looking for a replacement relay that may be compatible with my unit. After another week, I called and got the same results. Finally after 4 1/2 weeks, the contractor called and said that AHS could not find a replacement and would replace the unit. "Great!” I said, but then the contractor said that there were some things not covered, and he rattled off a bunch of stuff that I could not understand until he said my part would be $1300.00.
By this time it was getting very cold at night. I called my own heating guy who said they would do the entire job for $1600. I called AHS and told them that I wanted the cash out option. A few days later, some grumpy old man from AHS' cash out department called me and rudely told me that AHS would only pay out $707.00. I called AHS a day or so later asking for a breakdown of what they were paying me for the reimbursement. Since only basic installation and cost of the heating unit was covered, I wanted to see how much was being paid for what. Karen said she would mail me the breakdown. After 2 weeks, 4 calls and 3 emails, I still had nothing. I went ahead and replaced the unit, covering the entire $1600 out of pocket.
I finally got a call from AHS regarding the breakdown I had asked for. The rep said that it was against AHS' policy to disclose what they pay for repairs to the customer. I asked them where they got the $707.00 figure from and they said it was what Neil's Heating and Air quoted them to do the repair. I called Neil's and they said that since I took the cash out option they did not have to send or tell me anything. They did say that the $707 was for their cost for the basic installation. When I was talking with the AHS rep, she said that the $707.00 was for the unit and that they did not cover the cost of basic installation when you take the cash out option.
I am still fighting with them for the breakdown and have just recently submitted the invoice for the work that I paid for, for reimbursement. I know that several weeks later, if I'm lucky, I may get the $707.00 reimbursement. I have already reported them again to the Better Business Bureau and wait patiently for their response.
Reviewed Dec. 10, 2009
We have had so many problems with this company. I would never recommend them and would say, stay far away! We were a customer with them for 12 years in the Chicago area, not too many problems, but they would always just fill the air conditioner with more freon no matter what the problem, always a bandage never a fix!
Now we have been with them for 5 years in Florida, never called them except for our air conditioning, again always filling it with freon. There never was a fix, now we had someone else to take a look at it and they said we have a leak in the coil. American Home Shield refuses to fix it! Also, they have been calling and arguing with me daily. Their service providers are horrible!
It seems that we should have been experts in air conditioning, who knew? We paid to get it cleaned many times but it was not good enough for American Home Shield. It seems we are always at fault and nothing is really covered. They charge us 55 dollars a month and 60 dollars each time someone comes out, to tell us it is not covered, or tell us they will come back and fix it, then to call the company and tell them some other story; then American Home Shield calls to tell us we are not covered!
It turns out we wasted $660 a year, also thousands on calls. We could have saved money by not using them!
Reviewed Dec. 10, 2009
We live in a two-story house built in the 70s. We have upstairs and downstairs heating and air. One cold morning, I woke up hot. I looked at the temp upstairs which was set to 70 and realized it was going like mad. I couldn't figure out why it was working so hard. As I moved downstairs, my first impression was "uh oh!" ... The further I went downstairs, the cooler it became. I looked at the temp downstairs which was also set to 70, and the temp was set on the heater for 70 degrees, but the actual temp was 61 and going down.
Needless to say, I informed my husband and he called AHS (America Home Shield), the insurance we decided to try (I was thanking God for the fact we got it). To make my story short, here's a quick... AHS called Arctic Air here in Lubbock. Arctic Air showed up perfectly on time and the man was well dressed, groomed, and very nice. He looked at our heating and air and said "Oh my gosh! It's a huge unit, kinda old." He doesn't see very much like that.
Our emergency heat didn't work, our Auxiliary heat is an air conditioner - much like emergency heat - and the Arctic Air guy said our sequencer was out and he'd have to get a new one. Lucky for us, the Arctic Air guy said we could use the heat by heating it one digit at a time. My husband stayed home that day and was able to raise the heat back to 70. It's still blowing cool air but if the heat runs constantly we can keep the house close to 68 degrees, sometimes cooler, sometimes warmer. "I feel like we're carrying the heater on our backs"...
So the heat upstairs and now downstairs is running 24/7 trying to keep the house warm (I can't wait to see the heating bill)... Arctic Air called us and said the part for the heater no longer exists. So they're having to get someone to make the part (boy, I hope that works). The highest it's been lately is 50 degrees, lows have ranged to 14 degrees.
Arctic Air says that it'll take about 8 to 10 working days to get the part in (which we hope works). We called AHS to find out what to do with the cool house, and the constant heater going. They pretty much said, "tough luck." We had an upstairs heater, we can live in our bedrooms if it gets too cold, and they couldn't help it if our electric bill shot out the window - not their problem.
So now we're waiting. We will see what happens We will see the bill later, and hopefully maybe in three weeks we will have the heat. Otherwise we're keeping our three kids bundled and hoping the weather gets warmer, not cooler during Christmas.
Reviewed Dec. 9, 2009
In July 2009, I called for repair on my LG (major brand) dishwasher. The repair company contracted by AHS came to fix, was told a part needed to be ordered and while the repairman was assessing the situation, broke a part which had to be ordered as well. In the meantime, AHS called me and offered me $280 to replace the washer. I turned them down at the time because I had paid approx. $700 for the stainless washer which was only 3 years old and I didn't feel that was an adequate restitution.
A month passed, the repairman came to replace the parts. I ran the dishwasher that night and it was not fixed and it leaked all over floor. AHS sent the same contractor on Sept. 9th to fix and now there was another problem in which a part is needed to be ordered. Numerous calls to AHS with each representative promising to find out and call me back and here we are on Dec. 9th with an unrepaired dishwasher. Today’s call ended with AHS rep telling me the claim had been sent to their complaint dept. and I should hear from them... blah, blah, blah. At this point, I would accept the $280 to replace, but AHS said I would have to repay for the work already done which surpasses $300. My call today ended with my explaining I was contacting the BBB and the rep said “Go ahead.” This is a nightmare! Help.
Reviewed Dec. 8, 2009
On 11/4/2009, I contacted AHS about my non-working microwave. After the usual time off work (because not a person associated with AHS works on weekends), a local dealer came out, looked at it, asked for $60 and said parts would be ordered. Mind you, this is a 1996 microwave. Three weeks later, parts and repairman came by in the middle of the day only to discover even with the three-week late parts, the microwave is not fixable. Now we start the process of getting AHS to approve replacement, then the order and shipment by company who does not install and only deliver.
Then lo and behold, only five weeks later on 12/8/09 did an installation person come. I will not be renewing the contract with AHS. They are dreadful to work with. Lowe's would have had a new 2009 GE microwave delivered and installed on 11/6 for a mere $320. That only validates the obvious, you are throwing your money away at $500 annually to AHS plus the gall of the $60 fee to the I-don't-know-a-thing and parts order that never work, that ultimately end up with the d-r-a-w-n out affair for the approval, order, delivery and install sham.
Reviewed Dec. 7, 2009
I have used them at total of 4 times. I got satisfaction twice. The other two times were a nightmare. My electrical box burned out. I called my brother, an electrician. He told me what was wrong. I called AHS. They sent a guy out. He would not fix anything because my brother had taken out a part to see if there was a replacement part that could be used. They would not fix it. The second person would not fix it. I had to have my brother fix the problem. AHS said that they would not repair my light box if I had another problem with it. I complained and they said they would remove that from my record.
The real complaint was my refrigerator. The door would not close unless you pushed it shut. I called AHS and they send out a repairman. He looked at the door, made some adjustments, but could not fix the problem. He said my floor was uneven. I knew he was lying, because I had just had my kitchen remodeled. I called AHS and they sent out another guy. He looked at the refrigerator and took the door off. He made some adjustments and the same excuse - the floor was uneven. I called AHS again. They sent out another guy, and if he had said the same thing, they could not do anything - it was my floor.
The third guy came out, removed the door, adjusted some screws, and said he could not fix it. By that time, I had discovered that it was the wheel at the bottom of the frig that needed to be adjusted. After the technician put the door back on, I said, “Why don't you look at the bottom?” He did and then adjusted the part. The door now closes. If I had not told him what to do, I would have paid the $59.00 service call and my door would still not close. They seem to send out people that do not know what they are doing or are told to do very little.
Reviewed Dec. 6, 2009
I called the AHS regarding my dishwasher and dryer. This was my first call after joining them in September. It took almost 3 weeks to have a local company named JNB to come to my house to tell me that my gas dryer can't be serviced. The reason was, it is okay to make loud noises because AHS won't fix it until it stops. Then the tech had to order a part that spins and releases water in the dishwasher. Well after 3 weeks, they came back and installed the part. They left without testing the dishwasher. I tried using it a week later and found that it didn't work. I called back to schedule another tech appointment. Well they came to tell me the water line isn't hooked properly and they can't fix it.
I bought the house over a year ago and used it almost every day. It has a copper tube line that comes from another area and the dishwasher is like new. I found out it is shy 20 years. It has been hooked up for 20 years and now something is wrong with the hook up. Every time I call AHS, they have an excuse. I will write to the Better Business Bureau and try to get some of my future money back. I hired a plumber and buying a new dishwasher, installed $200.00. It's not the money. It is how they treat you and don't care for you as a customer. They are a ripoff. Has anyone got their money back?
Reviewed Dec. 5, 2009
Several years ago, a person with whom I worked with, mentioned that they had purchased a contract from American Home Shield and were happy with the service. Based on that recommendation, my wife and I also purchased a plan from them, and within 2 months our hot water heater started leaking, which prompted a call to AHS for assistance. The plumber, whom they sent, installed a new heater, but we had to pay for an upgrade to the venting, which was required by the current plumbing code. Understandable.
The next year our washing machine stopped working and it was determined that our model was a lemon (thank you Whirlpool), which required a new electronics module. After numerous discussions with AHS, we were informed that they would pay for the replacement of the module, give us a new low end GE model or give us the cash equivalent of the cost to repair our old unit. We elected to take the cash and purchased a more expensive front-loading model, which we are very happy with. What we have learned is that they will not necessarily replace with a comparable model, but we understand that. We have also made other calls to AHS for service on various problems in our house and have been very pleased with the quality, promptness and level of service that we have received from them and the company’s technicians, who they have sent.
Reviewed Dec. 3, 2009
On October 11, 2009, my air conditioner went out. On Monday, October 12, 2009, American Home Shield's contractor came out and said it looked like a power surge. I told him there wasn't a power surge, nothing else went out. American Home Shield said they wouldn't pay because it was a power surge. I called FPL, they said there wasn't a power surge. I called American Home Shield, told them to call FPL. They said they couldn't talk to a third party, they didn't have another contractor in the area for a 2nd opinion. They told me I had to pay for one so that's what I did. DS Air Conditioning came out said it wasn't a power surge, it was a compressor start terminal blown out due to a short between the compressor windings, all other electrical motor, caps, etc. are okay. American Home Shield hasn't paid anything. I even wrote and faxed the Claims Review Department on October 22, 2009.
Reviewed Nov. 30, 2009
I purchased the AHS warranty in early September and I was told I would receive an explanation of benefits in the mail within three to five business days. Three months later, I'm still waiting for the information. I filed three claims, a claim for my dishwasher, a claim for the garage door opener, and a claim for my central vacuum. They claim for the garage door and the central vacuum were placed on one service claim. The company assigned to the repairs called and said they work on central vacuums only and there would be a separate $60 trip charge. I called AHS and they said, "Only pay the central vacuum company for the $60 as it was our fault." I did.
The dishwasher claim was a whole other issue. The service company came to service my dishwasher three times. First, to access the problem and order part. Second, to replace part (which wasn't needed as it wasn't the source of the problem) third time, pick up dishwasher, and take back to shop to determine the problem. When the technician picked up our dishwasher, he stated someone from his company would contact me and let me know the problem. I had to call everyday and never received an answer as to what the problem was with my dishwasher. Finally, after three weeks I received a call from the service company and their representative said they would be out in my area on Thursday to repair my dishwasher (three weeks after picking up my dishwasher). She was the same representative I had left numerous messages with asking for a technician to call regarding the repairs to my dishwasher. (Very obvious she had no clue what was going on.) I explained to her that they were in possession of my dishwasher and her response was, "Oh!".
When the tech arrived to install my dishwasher, he was unable to secure the dishwasher properly under my sink because the previous tech had broken the brackets. He said he would raise the legs on the dishwasher so it would be secure and not lean forward every time the door was opened. Approximately a month later, the dishwasher started leaning every time we pulled the top basket out. November 30th, I called regarding a stoppage in my kitchen sink. The lady I spoke with was rude. I explained my plight and she said, "Not an emergency, you will be seen when the plumber has a no emergency appointment available today unless you pay $60 plus $75 emergency charge". That was the last straw. I failed to mention prior to placing the claim for the stoppage in my kitchen sink and other drains in the home that were slow to drain, I had to pay $60 for the past service call which I was told I would not need to pay!
After all the run around and waiting on hold for over one hour, I spoke to a floor supervisor who wouldn't identify herself, other than to say she was the floor supervisor and she didn't have a supervisor over her. I explained my plight and she wasn't helpful at all. I let her know I wanted to cancel my contract for all the above reasons and as a licensed real estate professional, I will never refer another client to AHS Warranty (As of date, I referred 6 clients), no more! I just checked my email and they placed a claim for the dishwasher company to come out and collect another $60 to repair the bracket which they broke. As I said, last straw! I've now read all the complaints against this company and felt compelled to document my results to other consumers. If you're looking for a company that holds true to their word, focuses on customer satisfaction, and doesn't charge more than stated, stay clear of AHS Warranty. The employees they hire are rude and cannot articulate a sentence much less help you with a service claim. As consumers, we do have a choice of vendors and I'm writing this so to warn other consumers to stay clear of AHS warranty co.
I decided to call a plumber to come and repair the stoppage on the day requested. I had to pay $225 out of my pocket to get the stoppage repaired, so I could go out of town on business as scheduled and not worry my home would flood. I will not pay another $60 for the appliance company to repair something they damaged in the first place. I will call Whirlpool directly and order the brackets and replace myself. My reputation as a real estate professional is on the line when I refer clients to a company that is less than professional and isn't customer focused. In this business, if you don't have a good reputation and partner with honest ethical vendors you're finished. As for a dollar value, priceless!.
Reviewed Nov. 25, 2009
I bought my first home in November 2008 and purchased the home warranty from American Home Shield. They found I needed a new forced air heater. A company called The Plumbing Doctor installed it in December of 2008. I used it very little. Not even a year later, on November 25, 2009, I turned on my heater this a.m. and smelled something strange. I turned it off and called San Diego Gas & Electric. They came out immediately and found that unit was installed incorrectly, there was no combustion air vent and the air that was circulating could very well be coming back into my home. I called The Plumbing Doctor, they said I had to call AHS. I called them and they said my insurance had lapsed and I would have to renew. I told them it was for the installation when I was insured. The Plumbing Doctor said since AHS got a discount, there was only a 1-month warranty.
Reviewed Nov. 25, 2009
After purchasing a home, we were asked by the realtor if we wanted to buy insurance to protect us against major problems in the house. We called American Home Shield to send out a repairman to fix a problem with the built in dishwasher. We were told that since they found some signs of insects inside the dishwasher door, they would not cover the replacement of the electronic board. They stated that the insects or cockroaches had caused the damage. If indeed they did it was before I had purchased the home. However, in all my 55 years, this will be the first time I've ever heard of cockroaches causing such a problem. They sent out a young 18 year old Russian speaking repairman who took our $60 and never told us anything about insects but said he had to order a part. What a rip off company these guys are.
Reviewed Nov. 18, 2009
My water heater went out on Nov. 1, 2009. So I called AHS to file a claim. Someone came out to inspect the following day. I was told that it would be fixed that Friday (Nov. 7). AHS did not order the part so it was not fixed until the 10th. I had no heat or hot water for 10 days. I was not compensated for the time I had to take off work for their mistake nor did they cover any of the costs for bringing the system up to code. What a worthless warranty. Customer Service was horrible and couldn't understand why I was so upset. What a worthless company.
Reviewed Nov. 17, 2009
We have been dealing with AHS since 8/18/09 trying to get a 2-speed Lennox heat pump (A/C and heating unit) fixed. There have been 4 different A/C companies assigned over the last 3 months and 3 different electricians (although I don't believe all 3 electricians responded). First, it was the compressor, so they ordered a compressor which took two weeks to come in. After Airwise A/C company went out to install the compressor, they claimed there was a problem with the breaker box, so AHS sent out an electrician. The electrician determined there was no problem with breaker box. Then AHS sent out a different A/C company on or about 9/18/09, Air Rite, who wouldn't attempt to make any repairs claiming they didn't want to assume any liability because there were problems with the way the compressor had been installed by Airwise A/C company.
So on 9/22/09, AHS reassigned it to Airwise who has replaced almost every part (compressor twice, hard start relay, 2 contractors and now the brain/circuit board unit) and the unit is still not running. Every time they have to order a part, it takes another 2-3 weeks to get it, and they are ordering parts one piece at a time. AHS has done very little in trying to get this expedited and get this repair done. At one point, Airwise had requested AHS to replace the unit because the unit was so old and they weren't sure it could be repaired and AHS refused the request - so here we sit 3 months later, still trying to get it repaired.
We have renters in the house who have been hugely inconvenienced and we are hoping we don't lose them. We have had to constantly make calls to find out what was going on because the communication has been very poor. They recently assigned a Gilda ** to work it, but she really can't make any decisions and I can't reach her by phone even though that was supposed to be the whole point behind assigning her to the problem. Today, 11/17/09, I tried calling her 5 times in the afternoon (because she was supposed to call me back and didn't) and I could not reach her. I left a message and still didn't get an answer back.
Reviewed Nov. 16, 2009
I called American Home Shield to help unclog my drain pipe in the bathroom. I have looked at the trap and cleaned it myself with a snake (which reached 10 ft down the drain) but was not successful to clear the stoppage. After 4 days, their contractor (A Water Solution) came over and saw that my pipe was flexible. He called AHS to get authorization. Then after 30 min. of waiting, their authorization representative refused to do the service. The contractor man left me a $60 bill for showing up and doing nothing and left. Most people buy the warranty because their homes are not new. If all they can honor are services on new homes or new pipes, why in the world do you need to pay for nothing?
My advice to anybody whose home is not brand new, don't buy American Home Shield. They are no different from the Snake Oil salesman on the street. My contract is going to expire in 3 weeks and this is the only time I called for services and they refused because my home was old and not up to their building standard.
Reviewed Nov. 13, 2009
We just purchased our first home and felt we needed coverage in case something went wrong with our new home. At closing, American Home Shield was suggested to us. We contacted American Home Shield and purchased the basic plus the extended coverage. One week later, our garage door came off of the track because it pulled away from the wall. I told the dispatcher what had happened and she told me she would send a tech out. When the tech came out, the first thing out of his mouth was, "how do you plan on paying for the service call? " When I told him I would pay with a check, he told me that he would "not do any work unless he got the check first." After getting the check, he looked at the garage door and in 2 min. told us it was not covered. I showed him in my contract that the trolley was covered. He called in to American Home Shield and explained what he saw.
When I talked with the lady with American Home Shield, I told her that the trolley should be covered. She said, "yes, the trolley was covered but the board that pulled away from the wall was what caused the problem and that was not covered." When I called to complain about this service, you could tell that the person on the other end of the line dealt with complaints all day and was not interested in mine. Do not use this company. I wish I would have done my research better.
Reviewed Nov. 10, 2009
I made an emergency work order request on Sat. Nov. 7, as my freezer had broken and water was all over my kitchen, as food and ice were thawing. I was told that I would get a call within 24 hrs for service. Today is Tuesday, Nov. 10 and I have still not had service. AHS blames it on the contractor, the contractor claims never to have received the work order. AHS has engaged in false advertising and breach of contract, as their ads -- and my contract -- clearly state that I would be contacted within 48 hrs on weekends, and "sooner" in the event of an emergency. Here I am, four days later, still no service, not even a call. When I called, the vendor, Batten's Appliances, says they never got the order, AHS claims they indeed sent it. I'm in the middle....with spoiled food and a wet floor. AHS keeps making excuses rather than trying to fix the problem.
Reviewed Nov. 10, 2009
Two of the four lights over my bathroom vanity blew a bulb every time I put one in. AHS came out. The technician screwed a bulb in the socket, said the fixture had gone bad and AHS did not cover fixtures. He was at my house less than 10 mins. I had to pay him a $60 service fee. If that were the case I should have been informed before the tech came out that AHS did not cover fixtures. I had no idea it was the fixture. I thought it was something in the wall.
Reviewed Nov. 6, 2009
My home warranty from AHS says that they will repair or replace my heating/cooling systems and other items when they fail. My 23-year-old furnace failed, but AHS refuses to cover it saying that the rust in it indicates that it was not properly maintained, even though it was already well beyond the normal life of a gas furnace. I sent them a letter from one of several companies I contacted who all said the same thing. This company does all the furnace work for Home Depot (at least for Ga. and Al.), and is a reputable contractor. Metro Mechanical's letter stated: "The furnace failure is due to a rusted and cracked heat exchanger. This is normal for a furnace of 20 plus years. There is no planned maintenance that will prevent a heat exchanger from rusting. The purpose of preventive maintenance is to find parts that are beginning to fail and replace them. The heat exchanger has failed and furnace has to be replaced. If you have any questions please call me at **" (from Jeremy **).
Even AHS's own contractor--who had gotten it working for a short time--put on his invoice the same thing that other contractors had told me for several years: "Heat exchanger is very rusty. There are a lot of rust particles in bottom of burners. I would be afraid to clean." Numerous contractors told me previously and now that there was nothing that could be done to stop the rust inside the furnace, and they would not be allowed to (or would not, if they were independent contractors) clean the rusty burners (which would require removing the rusty heat exchanger to do so), or the rusty heat exchanger, because it might poke a hole in the heat exchanger or cause it to crack, thus allowing carbon monoxide leakage, and creating potential liability for them for causing it.
One previous AHS contractor had warned that AHS would not cover the furnace for lack of maintenance if it was rusty, and wanted over $400 to clean it, but warned me that he would not be responsible if that caused it to fail immediately (which was several years ago), and that he would have to tell AHS that it was rusty and it would not be covered if his cleaning caused it to fail, and he couldn't guarantee that he could clear all of the rust out. I had then contacted several heating/ air companies, who all said what I had previously been told, that rust couldn't be cleaned out, and trying would likely to cause it to fail right away, whereas leaving it alone might let it run for several more years, and they would not clean out rust for fear of potential liability for causing carbon monoxide leakage. As is was, it ran for at least eight years from the first time I was told that it was rusty and failing, but would probably last about 2 to 5 more years if left alone.
This is not the first time that American Home Shield's crooked contractors have tried to rip me off to make extra money, or that AHS has refused to honor its contract (besides performing late or incompetent service). My water heater failed a year or two ago, and their contractor refused to replace it unless I paid him an extra $4,000 to disassemble and re-assemble the furnace in the same upstairs closet), so I had to pay Home Depot nearly $1200 to replace it (without touching the furnace), but AHS reimbursed me $127 for the "replacement cost." I had also provided maintenance records for the normal maintenance that had been done prior to the time the systems got so old and rusted nothing further could be done. Prior to that, I had already had the motor inside and air conditioner coil on top of the furnace replaced as part of the normal, routine maintenance.
Reviewed Nov. 5, 2009
On September 28th, our central air conditioner was not blowing cold so I contacted our normal service contractor, Senica A/C & Plumbing. We have a maintenance agreement to service the unit and it has been serviced two times a year for the 5 years we have owned the home. When Senica came to check out the problem, they indicated the unit held 14 lbs. 12 oz. of Freon and had to install 11 lbs. 8 oz. to bring it up to normal and advised us that we had a leak, most likely in the accumulator which was rusting out. The unit is the original equipment installed when the house was built. The age of the compressor is 17 years and the air handler 15 years.
On October 6th, I called you requesting emergency service. The service man you sent from Air Zone also indicated the accumulator was leaking and put in another 4 lbs. of Freon just to keep us somewhat cool. If we had lost that amount or more in a week's time, there was a serious leak.
On October 8th, when I contacted your offices for status, I was advised that you were looking for a Lennox dealer to come take a look which could take another several days. So much for "emergency" service. If your representative had bothered to ask me when I called in the request for service, I could have told her the type and size of unit and saved some time. Perhaps you should add this to your "script" for customer service reps.
It was 93 degrees that day in Florida with 84% humidity giving us a heat index of 100+. I have a 95 ½ year old mother (the reason for the request for emergency service) who lives with us and I was concerned about her going into cardiac arrest or suffer from heat prostration should the unit give out entirely while you got your act together. I contacted Senica and had a new 4-ton compressor and an air handler installed that day. Senica is holding the old Lennox compressor (S/N 5894B56139) for your inspection since I believe we are entitled to some remuneration for this claim.
Finally, on Nov. 5th, it was determined they could give me $27.50 for repair costs. So much for their "emergency service" and "replacement" promise. I will NOT be renewing my contract in Dec. and as a real estate agent, will be informing my fellow agents and clients of my experience with this firm.
Reviewed Nov. 3, 2009
I have spent more than 2 hours trying to get to someone who could take me off their automatic renewal of my contract. They are making it impossible by passing you back and forth and people not being available. These guys are a bunch of dishonest people.
Reviewed Nov. 3, 2009
I called AHS for about the 12th time trying to get service on my AC unit duct work. I called for this service about 10 months or so ago and a contractor came out and surveyed the job. He made a list of materials needed to repair my AC duct work. I paid my $60 deductible to the service provider. He never returned to complete the job. I've been calling AHS for almost a year and all I get is lip service.
Reviewed Oct. 28, 2009
My advise: Never buy any protection from American Home Shield. They specialize in denying claims - any and all claims. There are so many deliberate loopholes and back holes in their so-called "warranty"; they do not pay for any repairs at all. It is all a scam to get your money, then more of your money, and then even more.
Reviewed Oct. 26, 2009
My electricity when out during a storm. When the service resumed about a day or two after my electricity in the front upper section of the house went out. An electrician came out and he came out with an assistant that my wife said looked shady. They managed to get the electricity back on but a month later it went out again. The electrician reported that the ac in the window caused the problem and that he would charge $300 to fix the issue. I bought this house in July. I am financially placed on a fixed budget. I thought the home warranty would cover this. It didn't and the information came after the incident that show that it did not cover it. They sold another product that would have cost me close to another $75 a month I could not afford.
Reviewed Oct. 26, 2009
I have been trying to get my air conditioning unit repaired or replaced for the last almost 3 years with American Home Shield. The have sent technicians to my home at least 4 times a year and no one is able to fix the problem. The AC will work for a few months and then break again. Every time the technician comes out it cost $60 and the monthly cost is $55 for AHS.
Reviewed Oct. 26, 2009
When I talked with AMS the representative stated the unit was old and rusted and would not be covered under warranty. (house built in 1986) I always paid my monthly premium in advance and consequently was then refunded to me at that time. I have a name of Eric written on my notes who I talked to at AMS. I finally contacted several local A/C professionals in February 2005 who stated the unit needed to be replaced.
Reviewed Oct. 23, 2009
I called the repairman back and he would not answer or return my phone calls. I contacted AHS and was told that they could send out another repairman but that would cost me another deductible or service charge fee. I was forced to take my children because of the extreme heat and check into a hotel for a couple of days.
The temperature in my home in the basement was well over 100 degrees. I contacted AHS about this and they said that they were not responsible for any of the cost incurred to me. I have not had an air conditioner since and I could not afford to buy one. I found out about this lawsuit and tried to call them. Originally, they were very helpful but since this last June when I spoke with one of their representatives over the phone, I began to feel a little less assured about what they were saying to me. I was told that the court case was still pending and they thought it had been continued and that they were going to be in court in a couple of days. The representative then gave me a number and told me that she had my information in the computer and to look for a submittal form again in the mail. It is now October of 2009.
When I tried to call them, the number that they gave me is always busy. I had to get on the internet and find a new way to contact them and get someone to answer and talk with me. It has been a long time since I called that repairman, and a long time to not have an air conditioner. I should think that they would have to live up to their end of the bargain sometime. I have since installed an attic fan as this wasn't as expensive but as anyone knows that lives in Missouri, this sometimes still is not enough.
Reviewed Oct. 22, 2009
My family (2 adults a 5 year old daughter and myself, 8 months pregnant) has been trying for 5 WEEKS to get our refrigerator/freezer fixed using American Home Shield. The cooler, going to the grocery store to buy dinner to cook everyday & buying bags of ice everyday is no longer working. This amount of time to get the refrigerator fixed is past ridiculous. Even the company's own employees have agreed "the ball has been dropped" with my service order.
Reviewed Oct. 21, 2009
American Home Shield is a very unethical and unscrupulous company. They have very incompetent and unknowledgeable contractors working for them. I had a simple leak in my toilet, and Rite Way Services from Riverside, CA was dispatched to fix the problem. The technician, who seemed befuddled, worked with adjusting the lever inside the flush bowl and left. Later that day, the problem re-occurred. I paid them $60.00 for shoddy service. I called them the next day to complain and they said they could have someone come out again two days later. I couldn't wait and stopped payment on the check I issued and sent the BBB a written complaint of the situation. AHS is a total rip-off and I would not recommend them to anyone. I hope they go out of business. I have since also canceled my service with American Home Shield.
Reviewed Oct. 20, 2009
I purchased this house a year and a half ago. It is an old house, and it was anticipated that some problems would be encountered in my first few years here. Eight weeks ago, new laminate floors were installed. Two weeks ago, the laminate began to bubble and I called the company that installed them. Their inspector said that there was water damage caused by a leak under the house in the foundation. A plumber was called and found a hot water leak under the house and repair this problem. A Restoration company from the primary home insurance policy worked on the floors, drying out the water under the house.
American Home Shield was ordered in the escrow for the house, and it said plumbing was covered. I did not think they would cover the extensive problem, but I figured it was worth a try. They were called, and they sent out a plumber from Rescue Rooter in Haltom City, Texas to check problems with my plumbing. (I have a plumbing company that I am happy with, but they sent one of their own.) Their plumber charged me $60.00 and ranted and raved about my plumbing and bad-mouthed the plumbing company which had completed the last repair. This company did not install all the plumbing or have anything to do with most of the problems with the plumbing.
American Home Shield called and said they could not cover extensive plumbing problems. That is not a problem to me. I really didn't think they would. It was worth a try or would have been if they didn't sent someone who just wasn't interested in dealing with the problem and wanted to bad-mouth the other company. I told this plumber that I did not believe a word he said to me. His response was "Don't get mad at me. I don't work for American Home Shield." He apparently doesn't work for Rescue Rooter, either!
Reviewed Oct. 20, 2009
We have had AHS since we purchased our house and have only called them a few times in 14 years for minor repairs. We now pay over $500.00 a year. Eight days ago we called them because we had no heat. They sent someone out four days later to look at our heating unit. Meanwhile it is 36 degrees outside. We paid a $60.00 service fee and the serviceman said he would be back the following week with a part to fix the unit. He was extremely rude and unfriendly. The next day I received a call from AHS saying that I must have tried to fix the unit myself and broke a wire. They refused to repair the unit saying it wasn't covered because it was not due to normal wear and tear.
I called back that same day and complained that I never touched the unit. AHS said they had to go by the serviceman's report, but would send a different company out for a second opinion for another $60.00. I had no choice. It is now eight days since my first call and nobody has called or come to look at the unit. The temperature last night was 34 degrees! Who can put a stop to these criminal actions?
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2009
On September 12, 2009, I had an A/C duct come crashing through my ceiling in my foyer. We called American Home Shield (AHS). My account is current, and I have an inspection of my HVAC at least annually. So we figured at least the system will be repaired. According to my contract, it should have been. On Friday, October 16, 2009, a service man came out from K & W Heating and Air (Danny) representing AHS and determined that the system was pumping water into the duct causing the collapse. AHS denied my claim and refused my claim for replacement of the ductwork that became ripped as it came through the ceiling or replace the water level sensor that stops AC system when the water in the condensate drip pan reaches a certain level. AHS also refused to repair for the shielded insulation bottom on the unit itself that became soaked from absorbing water from the condensation drip pan.
I was told that the ductwork was not covered. The contract reads: Duct Work: "Covered: Ducts from heating and/or cooling unit to the point of attachment at registers or grills and flex ductwork." The customer service representative stated to me that we were not covered based on an exclusion under "Section G, Limitations of Liability, paragraph 5" which reads:
"AHS is not responsible or liable for secondary, incidental and/or consequential loss or damage resulting from the malfunction of any covered item including but not limited to food spoilage, loss of income, utility bills, additional living expenses, personal, and/or property damage, or authorized contractor's service or delay in service."
The damage to my system is a direct result of the system failure, and my claim is for the repairs to the system and the ductwork only. I called AHS, thinking I would get a fair deal and get my system restored to working order. What I got was the plumbing lines to the AC unit blown out cleared and a full diet of the classic runaround. Well now, I plan to turn the heat up on them.
To add insult to injury, a person called from AHS to check on my satisfaction and I was advised that if I am not happy with the diagnosis, they will send out another ("independent") HVAC firm for second opinion to diagnose the problem and that if they still deny the claim, then I would pay another $60 fee. I refuse to be screwed. The denial of my claim is wrong and unfair, and I advise anyone who considers AHS to think again. The internet can be an excellent tool for growing your business. It can also be a company's worst enemy.
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2009
On September 2, 2008, Southwest Pool and Spa Repair, who was handpicked by American Home Shield, came out to my residence in response to a call placed to AHS regarding my pool heater. The service man spent all of about 3 minutes examining the heater. He opened the front cover, looked inside, and told me the heater could not be repaired; and he did not think AHS would pay to have it replaced. According to my Service Contract, the pool heater is a covered item under my policy with AHS; and in fact, it has been covered for repairs in the past. I asked the repairman why they would refuse to replace the heater if it couldn't be fixed. His response was "You'll have to contact American Home Shield."
I then called AHS and told them what the repair person had said. They had no comment other than to state they had not heard from the repair company yet. I told them that I didn't believe this opinion was right. The pool heater is a covered item under our contract, and as indicated in the agreement, it will be replaced if it is deemed non-repairable. This is, after all, why we obtained insurance with AHS in the first place. They stated that they would review the claim and get back to me.
AHS contacted me by phone about two days later. They indicated they would not be paying this claim because Southwest Pool and Spa Repair had reported to them that the heater was not repairable due to homeowner neglect. I advised them that I disagreed with their decision and requested a second opinion. They agreed to send out another company to look at the heater.
The second pool company, again handpicked by AHS, was Golden West Pool & Spa Repair. Their repairman spent more time examining the heater by taking the top section off and looking inside. He also removed the front panel and checked the electrical wiring inside. After he finished his assessment, he told me the heater would have to be replaced. I asked him if he found anything at all that would lead him to believe the heater was not working due to homeowner neglect. He stated to me that he found no evidence of that and would contact AHS with his findings.
I waited a couple of days and then contacted AHS and told them what the second repairman had said. Their response was that Golden West Pool & Spa Repair agreed with Southwest Pool & Spa; i.e., that the pool heater was no longer working due to homeowner neglect. I was extremely upset over this complete turnaround by Golden West Pool & Spa. Why had they changed their mind? I came to the conclusion that someone was obviously being told what to report to AHS, so that this claim could be denied. I told AHS that I believed I was being scammed and that their business practices were very questionable.
I later contacted Golden West Pool & Spa Repair to get an explanation as to why they changed their opinion. Of course, they had no comment other than to reiterate that the pool heater needed to be replaced - a job they could do for a bargain price of only $3,000.00. I told them not only no, but hell no! I strongly believe my previous service request should be reviewed and the Denied Claim overturned or revised.
Reviewed Oct. 17, 2009
In early September, our air conditioner stopped working. We called AHS, our warranty company. They sent out a tech from Sunn Corporation. The tech told us that our compressor was fried because the unit was so dirty. On the following day, when the same tech came to replace the compressor and clean the unit, he tried to convince my husband that it wasn't worth cleaning or repairing. There was something about the tech that we didn't trust. I called for another company, not related to the home warranty, to come out and give us their opinion. The new tech that came out (for a free estimate) told us that we were being scammed and the unit wasn't dirty enough to cause damage and we should insist that the warranty company cover the repair.
I called AHS and told them that I didn't trust their first estimate, that another trustworthy company had told me that my unit wasn't excessively dirty and requested a second opinion. AHS told me I was just in time to request a second opinion, they give you one week, but, never tell you about the timeline. AHS told me that if the second opinion was the same as the first I would pay a service fee. AHS sent out another company. The tech spent a lot of time on my unit. I called AHS within an hour after the tech left my house. The lady that I spoke with at AHS read the tech report and told me that the second tech didn't agree with the first tech and that my repairs would be covered by the warranty.
The AHS representative explained to me that I could cash out and hire my own tech since I refused to have the Sunn Corporation in my home again. The AHS representative told me that I would be contacted later to find out how much the cash out amount would be. Four hours later, I received another call from AHS from a male representative telling me that the technician who came out found that my unit was too dirty and that was the cause of the broken compressor. I explained to AHS that he must have the wrong information as I had spoken to a representative earlier who told me I would get cash to repair my unit. I tried to explain to the representative that he needed to look at the notes from my earlier call and listen to the call, as they tell you when you are on hold that the call is being recorded. The tech acted as if I must have imagined the earlier call as all he knew was that my warranty wouldn't cover it because the second technician said the unit was dirty.
I could never understand how four hours earlier, the technician said it wasn't dirty and now it is. I called the manager of the second air-conditioning/heating company that came out and told him I wanted to verify what his technician reported to AHS. He told me that he couldn't verify what the technician said because, remember this is just two days later, that technician no longer worked for him because he didn't have the proper license. That means the second technician, who can no longer be contacted to verify his report, wasn't even licensed to come into my home and work on my unit. I asked for a manager from AHS to return my call after I told AHS about the unlicensed technician.
I never received a call from the manager and I made numerous calls to AHS. I could never get a manager, only representatives who read my notes, had me tell the story from the beginning again and tell me that a manager would call me. Two weeks later when I called back, the AHS representative reprimanded me for letting the time go by. I explained to her that I was a mother of three who worked full-time and didn't have time to keep calling AHS when they never returned my call. She told me that the picture that the second technician gave AHS showed that the unit was dirty. I told AHS that if they are only going by a picture to determine if my warranty will cover the repair and not the opinion of the tech, I could have sent a picture of my unit for the $35 that I pay a month for my warranty. The AHS representative told me that she would forward my file to the manager who would review my file and call me back. I left my cell phone number, again, as a return number to call.
Two days later when I hadn't heard from anyone, I called and left another message. The next day, I came home and my ten-year-old had taken a message from AHS telling me that my repair wouldn't be covered. When I tried to call back, I could only talk to another representative who could again, only read my notes. We have moved on and found a new air conditioning/heating company to replace our entire unit. It is now mid-October and our house is too cold to wait any longer. Now, AHS is sending me a bill for the second opinion that they claim agreed with their first opinion. I keep thinking that this AHS company is a complete scam. I want to refuse to pay the fee that AHS is requesting, but, I don't want them to ruin my credit. Since you can never talk to anyone of authority at AHS, I feel completely taken advantage of and I want my money that I have paid so far with the monthly payments back!
Reviewed Oct. 15, 2009
I purchased a home warranty from American Home Shield, which supposedly covers my celling fans. Although the bearings are obviously going out in my fan and I can't use it because it's so noisy, they tell me it's not covered because "my contract doesn't cover noise." I am convinced by reading what others have written to cut my losses now. It's always going to be this way with this company. They'll look for every little loophole to avoid covering the problem. I've only wasted 5 monthly payments so far, time to cancel.
Reviewed Oct. 15, 2009
In 2003, AHS replaced the AC unit in my home (I had the expense of purchasing the matching furnace). It has never worked right. After many calls, in ‘08, I finally gave up. The unit stopped working in Sept. ‘09. I called AHS; they refused to replace the compressor, as they state it was overcharged. The problem is that the only folks to touch this darn thing were service folks sent by AHS. I tried explaining this to these folks, but they still are denying. I have complained with CA DOI and the California Attorney General. This place is a complete rip off. By the way, I am told that they are in ownership with Service Master and have financial interest in many of the companies they send out. What did I pay my premium for? 100+ weather in LA, no air.
Reviewed Oct. 13, 2009
The air conditioning unit/system at one of our properties, after a long period without incident, stopped cooling abruptly. Since the system was in no way abused or neglected, I placed the service call to AHS (the insurance firm that supposedly covers the unit, etc., as advertised), and they sent a technician. At first, he stated that all it needed was additional Freon and charged the unit. The unit cooled for several days, but it did not stop running, as the automatic function should have cut it off to conserve energy. The electric bill for that billing period was more than $600. Again, I called AHS, and after several calls, they finally sent a technician. The ensuing sloppy "quick fixes", including not screwing back in the valve cover (spewing Freon back out into my yard) once, had done nothing to remedy any issue.
Taking several days to "fix" the problem at our expense (Florida is not a cool place during summer), the technician continues to stall. Months pass, multiple service calls later, the technician finally did a test called the "Dye Test", what he explained was injecting a colored dye on the system to "see (visually mark) where the leak is located". Instructing to call them when the system stops cooling, we do, and they return few days later for the analysis of the test's results. Not being able to find (at whatever lack of effort or professionalism), they state that the leak should be under the house in "the line" that feeds ext. to int. units and that they will notify AHS about it. AHS informs me that they do not cover this line, justifying that AHS may replace this line if they report something that implies the total installation of a new unit.
In a separate conversation, AHS explains that they do not cover the line underneath the house, which was fine, so I had to call a new technician to fix the air conditioning entirely. This technician comes and shows me that the leak is obviously in the condenser coil and not in the line, as his expertise was not necessary in showing the Freon sensor's readings indicating the leak is clearly underneath the coil itself and not in the line. I called AHS back and requested another company's second opinion because the leak is evidently in a "covered" item (the coil) and not where the first company's technician opinion held (the line).
AHS told me that they "refuse to authorize second visit”, thus refusing to fix or replace the unit they clearly cover. At this point, I realized that I must choose to engage with a lawyer and pursue the case full steam, as I have been a client for 29 years (despite multiple issues I have had in that history). I seek to blow the whistle on American Home Shield's serious unethical business practice, at whatever degree this occurs (even a superficial online research exhibits a sea of relative complaints).
Reviewed Oct. 9, 2009
We have numerous complaints with AHS over the last 3 years and will not renew. 2 years ago, our refrigerator went out. AHS replaced it with a very cheap model--definitely not of comparable value as they claim and simply doesn't work well and sounds like the shuttle launch. "Tough luck" was their response. Next, in August 2009, we had our built-in oven and microwave that just stopped working. They replaced in October 2009 (2 months later) with 2 standalone models with very different colors, and both are different brands, and neither fits into our wall opening. The trim has a 2-inch gap between the two. AHS says "tough luck".
They claim we can return and “Go buy your own,” and they will come pick the two up. But AHS wants to charge $160 for picking up the oven and $90 for the microwave. Neither appliance comes close to matching our other appliance colors, comparable value and again "tough luck". They told us they will contact customer service, and by the way, "Customer service doesn't have a phone number, but they will call you." This has been a continuous runaround for 2 months. In mid-2009, we had our well pump go out. We called AHS and were advised, “Your well pump is not covered.” We proceeded to call well repair since you simply need water.
We then find out later it was covered. AHS can't find the call and who advised us it was not covered. AHS rep advised us to send a letter to their reimbursement department with only a PO Box number; again, they had no phone number, so we did. 2 weeks later, we receive a generic rejection letter saying, "Read your contract. You must use our providers; therefore, your claim is denied." We sent a rebuttal letter late September 2009 again stating, "It was your service rep that denied service," and asking to speak to a live person, and without a response to date. So satisfaction of comparable value is in their print only and not their mission. Our premiums have doubled in 2 years, which is okay, but service and quality of replacement has decreased beyond what any company can provide. AHS has to be a fast falling company.
Reviewed Oct. 5, 2009
American Home Shield promised fix or replacement. What a lie, and they play constant games. How do these people get away with it and stay in business? They said they would fix my rusted, falling apart, 26-yr.-old dishwasher that the motor & water pump was gone or I could take a settlement of a courtesy of $231. If I bought a replacement from them, they would send the dishwasher out and it would be left, without installation, sitting in my living room in a box. That is not replacing it! I had 2 other items, microwave and clothes washer, in the past 7 yrs. I have been with them. It took them 2 mos. each time, playing their games, before they fixed them and I had to fight with them every step of the way.
Their customer service is a laugh. I asked how would you like to be without an appliance for 2 mos. and I was told they won't have a problem with it. Another idiot told me that if I didn't have a model/serial # that the service people have a Big Book with pictures and it would not be a problem for them to pick the right picture. They never call you back. You have to constantly call them to find out what is going on. They never have the number or it is the wrong number to the cancellation department either. Then you are on hold for a half hour because so many people are trying to cancel. This company is the biggest rip off going. Don't waste your money, you will be so sorry.
Reviewed Oct. 5, 2009
I called in a service repair on my garbage disposal at 8:00 am. I was given a claim number and a plumber was assigned to my claim. I called the plumber at the number I was given about 9:45 am since I hadn't heard from anyone. I was told he was having a problem with his telephone and would call me back in a few minutes. I tried to call again at 12:30 pm and was told the number was disconnected.
I called the AHS customer service and was told to hold while they tried to call. Back on the line, I was told that they had also left a message. Bear in mind that all this time, there is water coming out from under my disposal every time we use the sink. Her advice was not to use the sink. Duh? I needed it fixed. I have cancelled the order and called another plumber. It is going to cost me $600 to replace the disposal. I won't be renewing my contract with American Home Shield although I have been a loyal customer for 13 years.
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2009
What is the purpose of this home warranty? There isn't one. They are about as worthless as the piece of paper their contract is on. I have called them at least 7 times about my toilet leaking. They sent out the first plumbing company, which came out 2 times. They said they fixed the problem. They didn't. So we called AHS and told them the plumbing company can't fix it, and they said they would send out their second opinion. The next plumbing came out and said they fixed it, and it still leaked. I called them again and said they didn't know what was wrong.
We then had a plumber we knew come out, and they found the leak and told us we needed a new toilet within 1 minute of being in the house. We have been arguing to AHS that we wanted to get someone ourselves because they didn't know what they were doing and didn't want to help us. All they want to tell you is what the contract says. Well they don't know their contract that well, because they sent out a 3rd company. We had to move the toilet into the garage because of the leak and odor it was causing.
AHS knew this and still sent the plumber out and told us we were at fault because we moved the toilet. Well, in the contract it states the modification has to cause damage to the toilet. It didn't. So they are fighting us tooth and nail, because they didn't want to replace the toilet the first time. They are a piece. I am surprised they have not been shut down yet. They are only supposed to call for two opinions, and if they can't figure it out, then they have to pay us to get it fixed or replaced. Nope, they rather have a plumber live at my house then put a stupid $99.00 toilet in. I want to do something about these people. They are just ridiculous.
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