Plans and contract version reviewed: ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, ShieldPlatinum. Facts checked October 23, 2026. We did not perform first-hand testing of this provider's service unless stated.
Our assessment (editorial opinion)
AHS offers a systems-only tier and two combination tiers with a $5,000 per-system HVAC cap and a $50,000 aggregate limit in the sample agreement. The main differences between tiers are appliance caps and whether code-upgrade and roof leak allowances are included.
Who it may suit, and who it may not
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
May not suit
- Older homes likely to need code or permit work during a repair, unless on ShieldPlatinum (and even then only $250)
- Owners of high-end appliances who need more than $2,000–$4,000 per appliance
Plans at a glance
As published by American Home Shield in its plan pages and sample contract, checked October 23, 2026. Not a quote; your contract and state version control.
ShieldSilver
systems plan
- Includes
- Heating system, Air conditioning system, Ductwork, Electrical, Plumbing, Garage door openers
- Limits & caps
- HVAC $5,000 per system per term; $50,000 aggregate per term (sample agreement / plan page)
- Service fee
- $100 or $125 per service request, as chosen in the plan summary (sample agreement)
- Waiting period
- 30 days (per AHS plan pages)
- Optional add-ons
- Roof leak repair, Well pump, Septic ejector pump and pumping, Pool and built-in spa equipment, Guest unit, Electronics
ShieldGold
combination plan
- Includes
- Everything in ShieldSilver, Washer and dryer, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Range/oven, Built-in microwave, Garbage disposal, Kitchen exhaust fan, Instant hot/cold water dispenser
- Limits & caps
- HVAC $5,000 per system; appliances $2,000 per appliance; $50,000 aggregate per term
- Service fee
- $100 or $125 per service request, as chosen in the plan summary (sample agreement)
- Waiting period
- 30 days (per AHS plan pages)
- Optional add-ons
- Roof leak repair, Well pump, Septic ejector pump and pumping, Pool and built-in spa equipment, Guest unit, Electronics
ShieldPlatinum
combination plan
- Includes
- Everything in ShieldGold, Roof leak repair (limited), Code violations, permits and modifications (limited)
- Limits & caps
- HVAC $5,000 per system; appliances $4,000 per appliance; roof leak $1,000; code/permits/modifications $250; refrigerant unlimited; $50,000 aggregate per term
- Service fee
- $100 or $125 per service request, as chosen in the plan summary (sample agreement)
- Waiting period
- 30 days (per AHS plan pages)
- Optional add-ons
- Well pump, Septic ejector pump and pumping, Pool and built-in spa equipment, Guest unit, Electronics
Key contract terms
| Term | What the contract says | Contract wording |
|---|---|---|
| Code & permit upgrades | Platinum only, up to $250 | If your Plan is ShieldPlatinum ... coverage up to the Modifications Limit ... The Modifications Limit is $250 |
| Unknown pre-existing issues | Excluded only if known or reasonably detectable | Breakdowns that existed prior to the start date ... that were either known by you or were reasonably detectable by you are not covered. |
| Cancellation | Yes; pro-rata refund, admin fee after 30 days | You may cancel your Plan Agreement at any time for any reason by contacting us via telephone. |
Trade-offs
- ShieldGold's $2,000 per-appliance cap is half of ShieldPlatinum's.
- Refrigerant is limited on Silver and Gold per the plan page; unlimited on Platinum.
- Cancelling after the first 30 days of the initial term carries an administrative fee of up to one month's plan price.
Availability
AHS says coverage is not available in all areas and depends on ZIP code; it publishes separate sample agreements for AZ, CA, NV, TX, UT, WI, and all other states.
Sources
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.
