Short answer
American Home Shield's sample contract is stronger on unknown pre-existing issues and cancellation. Old Republic Home Protection's is stronger on heating & cooling cap, best appliance cap and overall limit. Which fits better depends on whether your biggest risk is aging systems, appliances, or contract flexibility. Confirm terms in the contract for your state.
Side by side
| Checked Oct 23, 2026 |  American Home Shield |  Old Republic Home Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Plans | 3 plans (best of those shown) ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, ShieldPlatinum | 3 plans (best of those shown) Basic, Deluxe, Elite |
| Heating & cooling cap | $5,000 (best of those shown) per system | $6,500 (best of those shown) per system |
| Best appliance cap | $4,000 (best of those shown) per appliance, top tier | $7,000 (best of those shown) per appliance, top tier |
| Overall limit | $50,000 (best of those shown) per term | No limit (best of those shown) |
| Service fee | $100 or $125 (best of those shown) | Per trade; you select the amount (best of those shown) |
| Code & permit upgrades | Limited (best of those shown) Platinum only, up to $250 | Limited (best of those shown) Deluxe $500, Elite $1,000; not on Basic |
| Unknown pre-existing issues | Limited (best of those shown) Excluded only if known or reasonably detectable | Excluded (best of those shown) Malfunctions before the effective date excluded |
| Cancellation | Anytime (best of those shown) Yes; pro-rata refund, admin fee after 30 days | Non-cancelable (best of those shown) Non-cancelable except listed reasons (state rules vary) |
| Waiting period | 30 days (best of those shown) | Not stated (best of those shown) |
| Availability | Varies by ZIP (best of those shown) No state list published | Varies by ZIP (best of those shown) No state list published |
| Sample contract | Read it (best of those shown) | Read it (best of those shown) |
| Links | Review | Review |
Covered Limited Excluded Best Most favorable term among the providers shown From each provider's sample contract and plan pages. Not a quote; terms can vary by state.
Which one fits your home?
American Home Shield may suit
- Homeowners who want to choose between a $100 and $125 service fee
- Homes where systems matter more than appliances (ShieldSilver)
- Buyers who want a contract that excludes only pre-existing problems that were known or reasonably detectable
Watch for: Code, permit, and modification costs are excluded except a $250 allowance on ShieldPlatinum.
Old Republic Home Protection may suit
- Older homes where code or permit work is likely during HVAC or plumbing repairs (Deluxe or Elite)
- Homes with polybutylene plumbing, since pipe leaks including polybutylene are listed as covered
- Owners of higher-value appliances (Elite, $7,000 per appliance)
Watch for: The Trade Call Fee is charged per trade and is due even if a claim is denied.
AHS vs. Old Republic: common questions
Is American Home Shield better than Old Republic Home Protection?
American Home Shield's sample contract is stronger on unknown pre-existing issues and cancellation. Old Republic Home Protection's is stronger on heating & cooling cap, best appliance cap and overall limit. Which fits better depends on whether your biggest risk is aging systems, appliances, or contract flexibility. Confirm terms in the contract for your state.
Which has higher coverage caps, AHS or Old Republic?
Heating and cooling: AHS $5,000 per system, Old Republic $6,500 per system. Appliances: AHS $4,000 per appliance, Old Republic $7,000 per appliance. Caps are from each provider's sample contract and can vary by plan and state.
Can I cancel AHS or Old Republic at any time?
AHS: Yes; pro-rata refund, admin fee after 30 days. Old Republic: Non-cancelable except listed reasons (state rules vary).
Next steps
- Read the full American Home Shield review and Old Republic Home Protection review.
- See how both stack up against every other provider on our comparison page.
- Check which plans are sold where you live with the plan finder.
This page is general education, not legal, financial, or insurance advice. Home warranty terms vary by provider, plan, and state; the contract you sign controls what is covered. Spotted an error? Request a correction.
