AFC Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield
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Looking for a comparison of AFC Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield? AFC Home Warranty and American Home Shield both offer home warranty plans across the U.S. that protect major appliances and systems from expensive repairs. We analyzed both providers’ plans, pricing, and customer reviews to help you determine which offers the best home warranty for your home protection needs.
What’s Our Take on AFC Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield?
- American Home Shield offers coverage in more states nationwide, has more customizable plan options, and has more years of experience. However, AFC Home Warranty has less expensive monthly premiums.
Both AHS and AFC hold a B rating with the BBB and have service fees of $75–$125.
AFC Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Comparison | AFC Home Warranty | American Home Shield |
|---|---|---|
| This Old House rating | 4.7 out of 5 stars | 4.8 out of 5 stars |
| Get a free quote | Visit site | Visit site |
| Plan options | Platinum, Gold, Silver, Systems, and optional add-ons | ShieldSilver™, ShieldGold™, ShieldPlatinum™, and optional add-ons |
| Monthly premiums | $37–$60 per month | $40–$57 per month |
| Service fee deductible | $75–$125 | $75–$125 |
| State availability | 46 states (all except Hawaii, California, South Carolina, and Nevada) | 49 states (all except Alaska) |
| BBB rating | B | B |
| Years in business | 10 | 48 |
Pros and Cons of AFC Home Warranty
Pros
- Offers four different coverage plans and optional add-ons
- Guarantees parts and labor for the life of a customer’s membership
- Holds a BBB accreditation
Cons
- Only has 10 years of experience in the home warranty industry
- Not available in Hawaii or California
AFC Home Warranty offers four different coverage plans with a service guarantee that lasts for the entire duration of a homeowner’s membership. Not to mention, AFC Home Warranty offers unique benefits like free credit monitoring and discounts on maintenance-related parts and supplies.
Pros and Cons of American Home Shield
Pros
- Offers coverage for damage due to rust and corrosion
- Has more than 45 years of experience in the industry
- Provides 24/7 customer service
Cons
- Doesn’t let customers choose their own contractor for repairs
- Service guarantee is shorter than AFC Home Warranty’s guarantee
The longest-running and most popular home warranty company, American Home Shield has millions of customers nationwide and a large contractor network of more than 16,000 independent professionals. Aside from its trustworthiness, American Home Shield offers some of the most comprehensive coverage available and covers items with undetectable pre-existing conditions.
How Does AFC Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield Coverage Compare?
AFC Home Warranty offers four coverage plans, while American Home Shield offers three. Keep reading to learn how each company’s coverage plans stack up against each other.
AFC Home Warranty Coverage
AFC Home Warranty offers four different coverage plans: a Platinum Plan, Gold Plan, Silver Plan, and System Plan. The Platinum Plan is AFC Home Warranty’s most comprehensive plan, while the System Plan only covers systems and the Silver Plan only covers appliances. The company’s Gold Plan covers everything in the Platinum Plan, except for plumbing stoppages, an ice maker, and a built-in microwave.
Here’s what each AFC Home Warranty plan covers:
AFC Home Warranty Coverage Breakdown
| Plan | System Plan | Silver Plan | Gold Plan | Platinum Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Conditioning/Cooler | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Heating Systems | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Water Heater | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Electrical System | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Plumbing System | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Plumbing Stoppages | ✓ | |||
| Ductwork | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Clothes Dryer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Clothes Washer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Kitchen Refrigerator | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Ice Maker | ✓ | |||
| Oven | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Range | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Stove/Cooktop | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Dishwasher | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Garbage Disposal | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Garage Door Opener | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Built-in Microwave | ✓ |
AFC Home Warranty also offers six optional add-ons:
- Sump pump
- Septic system
- Hot water dispenser
- Pool and spa
- Stand alone freezer
- Tankless water heater
American Home Shield Coverage
There are three American Home Shield plans: ShieldSilver™, ShieldGold™, and ShieldPlatinum™. ShieldPlatinum offers protection for both systems and appliances with additional benefits like roof leak coverage. ShieldGold covers essential home appliances and systems, and ShieldSilver protects major home systems.
The table below shows the specific items covered under each American Home Shield plan:
AHS Coverage Breakdown
| Systems and Appliances | ShieldSilver™ | ShieldGold™ | ShieldPlatinum™ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Conditioning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heating System | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ductwork | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electrical | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Doorbells | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Smoke Detectors | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ceiling Fans | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plumbing and Stoppages | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Water Heaters | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Water Dispensers | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Central Vacuums | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Refrigerators | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ranges, Ovens, and Cooktops | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Clothes Washer | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Clothes Dryers | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dishwashers | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Built-In Microwave | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Trash Compactors | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Freestanding Ice Maker | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Garage Door Opener | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Built-In Food Centers | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Coverage Boost | – | – | ✓ |
| Roof Leak Coverage | – | – | ✓ |
In addition to these plans, American Home Shield offers five optional add-ons:
- Electronic extended warranty
- Septic pump
- Well pump
- Pool and spa
- Guest units up to 750 square feet
How Does AFC Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield Cost Compare?
AFC Home Warranty and American Home Shield offer coverage plans at roughly the same monthly cost, but the low end of American Home Shield’s monthly cost range can be more expensive than that of AFC Home Warranty.
Both companies offer the ability to choose a service fee between $75 and $125. Customers who choose a lower service fee will usually pay a higher monthly premium, while customers who choose a higher service fee will have a relatively lower monthly premium.
Home Warranty Cost Comparison
| Company | AFC Home Warranty | American Home Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium cost | $43–$60 per month | $39.99–$57.99 per month |
| Service fee deductible | $75–$125 | $75–$125 |
How Does AFC Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield Warranties Compare?
AFC Home Warranty guarantees parts and labor on covered repairs made under its plans for the entirety of a customer’s membership, a rarity in the home warranty industry, while American Home Shield provides a 60-day service guarantee on parts and labor.
How Does AFC Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield Review Compare?
American Home Shield and AFC Home Warranty received a B rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and are both accredited by the organization. Regarding customer reviews, AFC Home Warranty reviews have been slightly more positive than American Home Shield reviews. However, American Home Shield has received substantially more customer reviews than AFC Home Warranty.
Home Warranty Customer Reviews Comparison
| Company | AFC Home Warranty | American Home Shield |
|---|---|---|
| BBB rating | B | B |
| BBB accreditation | Yes | Yes |
| Number of customer reviews on BBB webpage | 242 reviews | 6,247 reviews |
| BBB customer review rating (out of 5 stars) | 3 stars | 2 ½ stars |
Who’s Our Top Pick?
AFC Home Warranty and American Home Shield are two of the best home warranty companies in the industry. They both offer extensive coverage plans at relatively affordable pricing and hold a B rating from the BBB.
If you’re looking for a generous warranty or want unique benefits with your home warranty plan, consider AFC Home Warranty. If you want coverage for any undetectable pre-existing conditions, items damaged due to rust or corrosion, or improper installations, American Home Shield may be a good option. Customers who live in Hawaii or California may also prefer American Home Shield since AFC Home Warranty doesn’t offer services in those states.
Before buying a home warranty, we recommend getting quotes from AFC Home Warranty and American Home Shield using the panel above. Doing so will help you compare current pricing and promotions for your home. For more information on each of these providers, read our AFC Home Warranty review and American Home Shield review.
FAQs About Home Warranties
How does AFC Home Warranty’s service guarantee compare to American Home Shield’s service guarantee?
AFC Home Warranty guarantees parts and labor for the duration of your membership on repairs completed while coverage is in effect, while American Home Shield offers a 60-day guarantee on parts and labor.
Do AFC Home Warranty and American Home Shield cover air conditioning systems?
Both AFC Home Warranty and American Home Shield cover air conditioning systems in their plans. AFC Home Warranty covers air conditioning in its System, Gold, and Platinum Plans. American Home Shield covers air conditioning in all of its plans.
What is the difference between homeowners insurance and a home warranty?
A home warranty, also known as a home service contract, protects homeowners from expensive repair bills caused by normal wear and tear, while homeowners insurance protects your house and its belongings in the event of a destructive event, such as a fire, flood, or theft.
How does a home warranty work?
Homeowners pay a monthly payment, also called a premium, of about $25 to $60 per month for their plan. When they need a repair or replacement on a covered item, homeowners submit a service request with their home warranty company and pay a service fee typically between $60–$125.
What is the waiting period on a home warranty?
In general, there’s a waiting period of 30 days after purchasing a home warranty before you can file your first claim with the company. Both AFC Home Warranty and American Home Shield have a 30-day waiting period.
What are some other top home warranty companies?
In addition to American Home Shield and AFC Home Warranty, here are some other top-rated home warranty companies that made our list:
Related Home Warranty Provider Comparisons
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our home warranty ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each provider. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts from each company, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys. We then score each provider against our review standards for coverage, cost, trustworthiness, plan transparency, customer support, and flexibility to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.