Select Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield: Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing the right home warranty can provide peace of mind by covering unexpected repair costs for major home systems and appliances. Among the most popular options are Select Home Warranty and American Home Shield (AHS). While both companies offer comprehensive coverage, their pricing, service quality, and benefits differ in ways that might make one a better fit for your needs.
In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down the key differences between Select Home Warranty and American Home Shield, covering coverage options, pricing, customer service, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Overview: Select Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield
Both Select Home Warranty and American Home Shield provide home protection plans that cover appliances and major systems. However, their approaches to pricing, service fees, and coverage limits differ significantly.
Select Home Warranty
Select Home Warranty is known for its budget-friendly plans and free roof coverage, which sets it apart from many competitors. It offers three main plans: Bronze Care (appliance-only), Gold Care (systems-only), and Platinum Care (comprehensive coverage). With lower monthly fees and frequent promotional discounts, Select is a popular choice for homeowners looking for affordable coverage.
American Home Shield
As one of the longest-standing home warranty providers, American Home Shield offers flexible and customizable plans. AHS provides three coverage tiers: ShieldSilver (systems-only), ShieldGold (systems and appliances), and ShieldPlatinum (comprehensive coverage with higher limits). While AHS tends to have higher premiums, it also offers more generous coverage caps and fewer claim denials.
Coverage Comparison
Coverage is a key factor when selecting a home warranty, and both providers have distinct strengths in what they offer.
Systems and Appliances Covered
Both companies cover essential home systems and appliances, including air conditioning, heating, electrical systems, plumbing, refrigerators, dishwashers, and more. However, American Home Shield generally provides more extensive coverage options with fewer exclusions.
Roof Coverage
A major advantage of Select Home Warranty is its free roof leak coverage, which is included in all plans. In contrast, American Home Shield does not offer roof coverage as part of its standard plans.
Coverage Limits and Payout Caps
Select Home Warranty has a lower annual coverage cap, typically around $2,000 per covered item. American Home Shield, on the other hand, offers higher coverage limits, sometimes exceeding $3,000 per item in premium plans.
Pricing and Service Fees
Cost is often a deciding factor when choosing a home warranty. While Select Home Warranty has lower monthly fees, American Home Shield provides more customization options for service fees.
Monthly Premiums
Select Home Warranty is generally more affordable, with plans starting as low as $44 per month. American Home Shield’s plans range from $50 to $80 per month, depending on the level of coverage.
Service Call Fees
American Home Shield allows customers to choose their service call fee, which ranges from $75 to $125. Selecting a higher service fee reduces the monthly premium. Select Home Warranty, however, has a fixed service fee of about $75 per claim.
Customer Service and Claims Process
A home warranty is only as good as its claims process and customer service. Here’s how the two companies compare.
Ease of Filing a Claim
Both providers offer online claim submissions and 24/7 customer support. However, American Home Shield is known for its faster response times and larger contractor network, ensuring quicker repairs.
Customer Satisfaction
Customer reviews indicate that American Home Shield has better satisfaction ratings, primarily due to fewer claim denials and faster service. Select Home Warranty, while affordable, has received mixed feedback regarding its claim approval process.
Pros and Cons of Each Provider
Select Home Warranty Pros:
– Lower monthly premiums
– Free roof leak coverage
– Regular promotional discounts
Select Home Warranty Cons:
– Lower payout limits
– More claim denials compared to AHS
American Home Shield Pros:
– Higher coverage caps
– More flexible service fee options
– Faster claims processing
American Home Shield Cons:
– Higher monthly costs
– No roof coverage in standard plans
Final Verdict: Which Home Warranty Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the best home warranty for you depends on your budget and coverage priorities.
– If you want affordable coverage with roof protection, Select Home Warranty is a great option.
– If you prefer higher coverage limits and a better claims experience, American Home Shield may be worth the higher price.
Regardless of your choice, a home warranty can save you thousands in unexpected repair costs, making it a smart investment for homeowners.
