Amazon Home Warranty Review (2024)
AHW Home Warranty is based in Columbus, Ohio, and has a network of licensed and insured contractors in the home warranty industry, partnering with over 40,000 in-network service providers nationwide. The company covers major home systems and appliances regardless of their age, as long as they’re in good working order upon the contract start date.
In this AHW Home Warranty review, we will review the company’s plans, coverage, pricing, claims process, and reviews, and recommend other top-rated home warranties for you and your home. We do not recommend AHW Home Warranty due to its alleged fraudulent activity. We recommend Liberty Home Guard as our top pick due to its outstanding customer service and extensive list of plan add-ons.
Is AHW Home Warranty Worth It?
While we do not recommend AHW Home Warranty, readers can compare the advantages and disadvantages of signing up for an AHW protection plan below:
Pros and Cons of AHW Home Warranty
Pros
- $75 off + 1 month free when signing up
- Wide variety of add-on options
- 24/7 customer service
Cons
- As of November 2021, AHW has settled a class-action lawsuit filed by the Arizona Attorney General alleging that the company violated the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act
- Does not cover items with pre-existing conditions
- Multiple This Old House readers have noted unexpected claim denials
In late May 2021, the Arizona State Attorney General filed a class-action lawsuit against AHW for alleged fraudulent activity, including misrepresenting its years in business, concealing the identity of its chief executive, and generating false positive consumer reviews.
The lawsuit was settled in late November 2021 with AHW agreeing to pay over $150,000 in customer restitution, civil penalties, and more.
We reached out to the company and have not yet received comment.
AHW Home Warranty Plans and Coverage
Under an AHW home warranty contract, policyholders can choose between three packages: a Systems Plan, Appliances Plan, and Combo Plan. The Appliances Plan protects major home appliances like the dishwasher and refrigerator, the Systems Plan covers air conditioning, heating, and other essential systems, and the Combo Plan is a comprehensive package that protects everything included in the Systems and Appliances Plans, covering 28 total items, which is more than the 18–19 units covered under an industry-average plan.
Here’s an overview of what’s covered under each plan.
What’s Covered In AHW Plans
Systems and Appliances | Combo Plan | Systems Plan | Appliances Plan |
---|---|---|---|
Central AC System |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Central Heating System |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Plumbing Including Stoppages |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Electrical System |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Hot Water Heater |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Ductwork |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Jetted Bathtub |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Garage Door Openers |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Dishwasher |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Refrigerator with Ice Maker |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Clothes Dryer |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Stand-Alone Freezer |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Oven, Range, Stove, and Cooktop |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Clothes Washer |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Microwave Oven |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Instant Hot Water Dispensers |
✓ |
||
Garbage Disposal |
✓ |
||
Attic Fan |
✓ |
||
Ceiling Fan |
✓ |
||
Bathroom Exhaust Fan |
✓ |
||
Doorbell |
✓ |
||
Kitchen Fan/Exhaust Hood |
✓ |
AHW also offers an extensive list of optional add-ons that can be included in the warranty for an additional fee.
HVAC & Climate
- Additional central heating unit
- Additional central AC unit
- Whole-House humidifier
Water Systems
- Well pump
- Water softener
- Additional hot water heater
- Sump pump
- Septic system
Appliances
- Ice maker
- Additional washer/dryer
- Additional microwave
- Wine refrigerator
- Secondary refrigerator
- Extra oven
- Additional dishwasher
- Central vacuum
Outdoor Features
- Pool and spa
- Lawn sprinkler system
- Limited roof leak
AHW promises to cover home systems and appliances if:
- They become inoperable due to normal wear and tear.
- They are in place and in proper working order on the contract start date.
- They are located inside the confines of the main foundation of the home or detached garage.
Contracts are subject to a 30-day waiting period after the policy is purchased and is in place for 365 days from that date.
Coverage Exclusions
While covered items are protected against malfunctions of components that are necessary for operation, AHW Home Warranty does exclude specific issues. For instance, cosmetic defects, pre-existing conditions, rust or corrosion, and problems caused by an improper operation are not included.
Additionally, according to an AHW sample contract, the maximum liability shall never exceed $1,500 per contract for access, diagnosis, and replacement. However, some covered items like plumbing and electrical are capped at $500. Fortunately, the maximum payout for expensive HVAC equipment is protected up to $2,500. There’s also no coverage cap on Freon, which is more generous than the industry average of $10 per pound.
- Read more: Typical Home Warranty Coverage Explained
How Much Does AHW Home Warranty Cost?
Because AHW Home Warranty prices will vary based on the plan you choose and where you live, we requested a quote for Chicago, Illinois. Both the Appliances Plan and Systems Plan cost $479 annually, while the comprehensive Combo Plan is higher at $579 per year. Including a pool or spa under a contract will add $179 to the annual cost, and adding coverage for septic system protection is $65 per year.
Plan Type | Annual Cost | Service Fee |
---|---|---|
Appliances Plan | $479 | $75 |
Systems Plan | $479 | $75 |
Combo Plan | $579 | $75 |
Costs from AHW Home Warranty are in line with the industry average of $300–$600 per year. Basic coverage that covers the most essential home items will cost around $300, while more comprehensive coverage with add-ons will cost around $600.
AHW Home Warranty also requires a service fee, or deductible, of $75 which is due before a technician diagnoses or resolves an issue. The industry average ranges between $75 –$125.
- Read more: Average Home Warranty Costs
What States Is AHW Home Warranty Available In?
AHW Home Warranty is available in 42 states nationwide. It is not available in eight states, including California, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, and Washington.
AHW Home Warranty Reviews
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredited AHW Home Warranty in 2018 but revoked the company’s accreditation in November 2020 for its failure to adhere to the standards required for BBB-accredited businesses.
- AHW customers appreciate the company’s knowledgeable and helpful sales representatives, as well as their prompt, efficient, and thorough repair services.
Here are examples of positive reviews left on the Better Business Bureau:
“[AHW Home Warranty] repair was able to repair my dishwasher the next day and was knowledgeable about the mechanics of it and fixed it in about an hour. He left no mess and ran a test cycle, asking that I call if anything didn’t work just right. I didn’t have to call because everything worked perfectly. I highly recommend [AHW Home Warranty].” — Isabella S. on 3/15/2020
“My sales representative James was very helpful and easy to work with. He was very knowledgeable and did not pressure me into buying like the other home warranty companies I have dealt with.” — Zeeshan A. on 12/20/2020
However, like all major home warranty companies, AHW Home Warranty has also had unhappy customers. Multiple homeowners have shared experiences of the company denying claims without providing a clear reason, and some have expressed having difficulty canceling their plan.
- Negative reviews report issues with AHW, such as the company refusing to cover legitimate claims, misdiagnosing problems, and denying coverage for allegedly pre-existing conditions.
Here is some feedback shared by two of our readers:
“[AHW Home Warranty] is refusing to cover a claim to replace a bad blower in my HVAC unit, we have now been without central air conditioning for over a week…The technician they sent to my home mis-diagnosed the issue as being caused by a leak. The issue is that the blower motor failed while the compressor continued to run causing the coils in the unit to freeze. I followed the [AHW] second opinion process and had an independent repair company provide documentation or the cause, who documented the cause and AHW is still refusing to cover the repair, and cannot give me a reason why. For this reason, I am calling [AHW] a scam.” — Paul R. on 10/19/2020
“I signed up for AHW in October after reading your review. I had just purchased a home and had a thorough inspection [that confirmed it was] in very good condition. After a 30 day waiting period the policy went into effect (interesting that they charge you on day one but the policy isn’t in effect for 30 days). 4 days after the waiting period ended, my refrigerator ice dispenser went out…[I] did nothing for a few days and then my compactor started having issues. So, I called them and filed. In less than 24 hours they responded that both were declined because the issues were pre-existing. In a subsequent conversation with them, they indicated that the issues happened too soon after the start date. I asked how long after the 30 days was long enough. Their response was months for sure but maybe weeks for one item. The interactions have gone on for 2 1/2 months now. I am out $350. $200 for 4 months of the policy plus $75×2 for 2 service calls. For all of that I still have an ice maker dispenser that is out and a compactor with a bad switch.” — Dan. M on 1/15/2021
Additionally, a class-action lawsuit filed by the Arizona State Attorney General against AHW alleging false positive customer reviews was settled in November 2021, with the company agreeing to pay $150,000 of civil penalties and customer restitution. We have reached out to the company and have not yet received comment.
AHW Home Warranty vs. Competitors
If you’re not sure whether AHW Home Warranty is right for you, compare the company with other top home warranty providers in the industry. We recommend getting quotes from multiple home warranty companies so you can compare pricing and better understand your coverage options.
Compare Home Warranty Companies
Provider | Best For | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | States Not Covered |
---|---|---|---|---|
AHW Home Warranty |
Best Add-ons |
$29–$46 |
$75 |
CA, IA, ME, MN, NM, OK, UT, WA |
Liberty Home Guard |
Customer Ratings |
$49–$60 |
$65–$125 |
WI |
American Home Shield |
Comprehensive Coverage |
$29–$90 |
$100–$125 |
AK, HI |
First American Home Warranty |
Appliance Coverage |
$47–$82 |
$75–$125 |
AK, CT, DE, HI, IL, IN, LA, ME, MA, MN, NH, NY, ND, RI, VT, WI |
AFC Home Warranty |
Customization |
$38–$62 |
$75–$125 |
HI |
Select Home Warranty |
Value |
$44–$48 |
$75 |
NV, WA, WI |
Cinch Home Services |
Additional Perks |
$38–$67 |
$100–$150 |
AK, HI |
*A settled class-action lawsuit filed by the Arizona Attorney General’s Office alleges that AHW started doing business in 2018, despite falsely claiming being in business for nearly or over a decade.
To get more information on the home warranty companies above, read our in-depth company reviews:
- Liberty Home Guard Review
- American Home Shield Review
- Choice Home Warranty Review
- Select Home Warranty Review
Our Final Take on AHW Home Warranty
Because the company is currently being sued by the Arizona State Attorney General, we do not recommend this provider. AHW Home Warranty also may not be ideal if you live in California, Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma, or Washington. Compare other home warranty options below.
Company Information
- Company name: AHW Home Warranty, LLC
- Address: 20 S 3rd Street Suite 210
- City/State: Columbus, OH
- Zip code: 43215-4206
- BBB rating: NR
Our Score Breakdown for AHW:
Criteria | Score |
---|---|
Plan options |
10 / 10 |
Coverage specifics |
9 / 10 |
State availability |
6.6 / 10 |
Pricing |
9 / 10 |
Trustworthiness |
9 / 10 |
Customer service |
8 / 10 |
Additional benefits |
10 / 10 |
Total Score |
9.1 / 10 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AHW Home Warranty offer a workmanship guarantee?
AHW Home Warranty offers a workmanship guarantee of 90 days for parts and 30 days for labor if the service work performed should fail.
Can I purchase an AHW Home Warranty for a rental property?
Yes, you can purchase an AHW plan for your primary residence of rental property.
Will an AHW plan cover old items?
Yes, coverage applies to all systems and appliances, regardless of how old they are, as long as they are in good working condition at the start of your plan.
How do I get a quote from AHW Home Warranty?
While we don’t recommend AHW Home Warranty, you can obtain a free quote by visiting the company’s website and completing an online submission with your name and address. If coverage is available in your state, you will be directed to choose your package and include any additional add-ons. The company then provides you with the contract costs. From there, you may choose to pay the lump sum or make monthly payments before entering your credit card information.
How do I file a claim with AHW Home Warranty?
To file a claim, call AHW at 844-996-0624. The company accepts service requests 24/7 and, under normal circumstances, will contact a contractor within 48 hours of receiving a claim. The approved technician will then call you to set up a mutually convenient appointment to diagnose the malfunction.
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our home warranty ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to score each provider objectively. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys.
We score each provider against our review standards, which include four comparison categories: coverage, value, trust and transparency, and availability and service. We rate each provider across 31 factors within these categories. Each factor is assigned a point value based on its importance to a homeowner, totaling 100 points. We then convert the final scores to a 5-star rating.
Here’s a breakdown of our weighted factors:
- Coverage (40%): We scored coverage based on included home systems and appliances, add-on options, and unique benefits. We also compared coverage caps and policy exclusions.
- Additional coverage items
- Annual coverage cap
- Home systems coverage
- Major appliances coverage
- Obstructed wall coverage cap
- Value (30%): We compared the coverage level received to monthly pricing to determine plan value. We considered premium pricing, service fees, and flexibility in customizing plan costs.
- Average monthly cost
- Cost flexibility
- Lowest service fee
- Trust and Transparency (16%): We evaluated each company’s reputation using the Better Business Bureau ratings and customer reviews on third-party review sites. We read through plan change policies, workmanship protections, and sample contract availability.
- Brand reputation
- Policy change flexibility
- Sample contract availability
- Workmanship guarantee length
- Availability and Service (14%): We award higher scores for faster claim processing and response times. We also considered service technician policies, including options to choose your technician.
- Claims process
- Guaranteed response time
- Service flexibility
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.