American Home Protect, founded in 2016 in Texas, offers a Premier Coverage Plan that includes appliances and HVAC systems, with optional add-ons. While service call fees range from $36–$65, th company has mixed customer reviews, with complaints about misleading marketing and a lack of transparency. Due to these concerns, we recommend considering more established home warranty providers.
Our review will cover American Home Protect’s coverage and service, and provide recommendations for other home warranty companies to consider.
American Home Protect Plans and Coverage
American Home Protect offers a single coverage option, the Premier Coverage Plan, which includes 10 home appliances and four major systems. This coverage is more limited than competitors like First American Home Warranty and Choice Home Warranty, which cover 18 or more items. Unlike most providers, American Home Protect does not include plumbing in its plan. Additionally, most home warranty companies provide multiple plan options for greater flexibility. With only one plan available, you may end up paying for coverage you don’t need. However, if the included coverage aligns with your needs, it could still be a straightforward option.
Below is an overview of the company’s covered items:
Home appliances:
- Built-in dishwasher
- Built-in microwave
- Ceiling fans
- Clothes dryer
- Clothes washer
- Cooking range/oven/cooktop
- Garbage disposal
- Gutter cleaning
- Kitchen refrigerator
Home systems:
- Central air conditioning and cooling system
- Central heating system
- Electrical system
- Water heater
Add-On Coverage
American Home Protect offers seven add-ons, fewer than many competitors, which typically provide between eight and 12 options. Notably, American Home Protect lacks some common add-ons like roof leak protection, sump pump coverage, and septic system coverage. This limited selection may make it harder to customize coverage for homes with specialized needs, especially compared to providers that offer a broader range of add-ons.
The company’s list of add-ons includes:
- Central vacuum system
- Freestanding freezer
- Freestanding ice maker
- Garage door opener
- Plumbing
- Spa equipment
- Swimming pool
The plan is for a three year period, which is unusual since many providers offer one year of coverage as standard, with multi-year options also available. Unfortunately, the company doesn’t provide a sample contract for its plan, which is a common practice among many national providers. Instead, you must call its customer support team for more information.
The company also doesn’t disclose much information about its coverage limits. However, in its frequently asked questions (FAQs) section, we found the plan includes a $10,000 aggregate limit for the three-year period. If you exceed the $10,000 limit during the coverage period, you would be responsible for any additional costs beyond that amount. While this limit may be sufficient for many homeowners, it’s essential to assess whether it covers your home’s potential repair or replacement needs.
How Much Does American Home Protect Cost?
American Home Protect doesn’t disclose any pricing information on its website. The company encourages potential customers to call for this information. Keep in mind that the average home warranty costs $47–$82 per month or $564–$984 per year based on our review of leading providers. American Home Protect’s lack of upfront pricing transparency could cause concern for homeowners looking for a quick comparison. It’s important to get a detailed quote, as costs can vary based on factors such as the level of coverage, location, and any additional add-ons you might choose.
Although American Home Protect doesn’t list pricing information for its plan on the website, it offers a breakdown of average repair and replacement costs to help demonstrate the value of their home warranty service agreements.
| Service | Repair Cost | Replacement Cost |
|---|---|---|
|
Heating system |
$280–$400 |
$2,800–$4,000 |
|
Air conditioning |
$160–$500 |
$300–$6,000 |
|
Plumbing system |
$150–$750 |
$1,000–$15,000 |
|
Refrigerator |
$100–$400 |
$800–$8,000 |
|
Water heater |
$200–$700 |
$1,300+ |
|
Washer |
$100–$400+ |
$700–$1,000 |
|
Dryer |
$130–$180+ |
$400–$1,000 |
|
Dishwasher |
$100–$300 |
$400–$700 |
|
Oven/stove |
$160–$260+ |
$650–$2,000 |
How Do I Make a Claim with American Home Protect?
You can file a claim on the American Home Protect website or call its customer support team. Each time you request service, you’ll need to pay a diagnostic fee, which acts as the service call fee. The exact amount, ranging between $36 and $65, is specified in your individual service contract and is paid directly to American Home Protect’s customer service representatives. By comparison, most home warranty providers charge between $75 and $125 for service fees.
American Home Protect states that it allows unlimited covered repairs. If a service contractor determines they cannot repair a covered system or appliance, the company will replace it.
American Home Protect Reviews
American Home Protect is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has an A+ rating. As with any home warranty company, American Home Protect has a mix of positive and negative reviews.
- American Home Protect reviews accuse them of using misleading sales tactics, such as sending letters falsely claiming that customers’ home warranties have lapsed, which may particularly target vulnerable individuals like the elderly.
Here’s what customers have to say:
“Watch out for [predatory] sales tactics. Got a pink slip in the mail that alluded I already had a home warranty that had lapsed and that American Home Protect had attempted to contact me twice regarding this issue. In fact, I have never owned any home warranty product from anyone. These kinds of sales tactics prey on the elderly and other unsuspecting victims. American Home Protect, LLC should not be permitted to continue these tactics without legal [repercussion.]” —Brian B. on Feb. 26, 2020
“I have received the “second notice” [letter] from American Home Protect, LLC. Both the first letter and this one scream scam at second look, if you do some easy research. Don’t be fooled by this or many other companies when buying or owning a house. Do your research first and keep full records of everything that relates to the house or personal assets!” —Kevin B. on Jan. 24, 2020
Our Final Take on American Home Protect
American Home Protect falls short in home warranty coverage and policy transparency. Many home warranty providers offer upfront details about their plans and pricing through their websites or online quote tools, making it easier for customers to compare options. However, American Home Protect lacks clear pricing information, requiring potential customers to contact the company directly for quotes.
Additionally, the company has a poor reputation for customer service, and there have been many complaints regarding their deceptive sales tactics. The lack of transparency and customer service issues make it difficult for homeowners to assess whether the coverage is worth the investment.
Our Preferred Provider: American Home Shield
We recommend American Home Shield as a reliable home warranty company over American Home Protect due to its comprehensive coverage options, longstanding reputation in the industry, and customer satisfaction. While American Home Protect may have certain features, American Home Shield stands out for its more extensive coverage, including protection for major systems and appliances, making it a stronger choice for most homeowners.
Here’s how our top choice stacks up against American Home Protect.
American Home Shield vs. American Home Protect
| Provider | American Home Shield | American Home Protect |
|---|---|---|
|
Sample contract available |
Yes |
No |
|
Number of plans |
3 |
1 |
|
Monthly pricing |
$30–$100 |
Not provided |
|
Optional add-ons |
Yes |
Yes |
|
State availability |
48 |
Not provided |
|
Service call fees |
$100–$125 |
$35–$65 |
|
Year founded |
1971 |
2016 |
|
BBB rating |
B |
A+ |
FAQs About American Home Protect
How long does American Home Protect coverage last?
Once you sign up for a home warranty and payment is received, your American Home Protect Home Warranty contract will be in effect for three years, with a renewal option on expiration. You can renew your contract by calling the provider directly at 1-877-407-3820.
Does the age of systems or appliances matter to receive coverage?
American Home Protect’s website states that it will cover items that are properly maintained and in good working condition at the time you purchase the plan, and that the age of your systems and appliances doesn’t matter.
What is home appliance insurance?
Home appliance insurance, which is different than homeowner insurance, protects major home systems and appliances when they break down due to normal wear and tear. In the event of a breakdown, home appliance insurance can save homeowners hundreds of dollars on expensive repair and replacement costs.
Related Resources on Home Warranties
Our Rating Methodology
Our rating methodology involved a thorough process to score each home warranty company we reviewed objectively. We conducted research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts, and gathering feedback from focus groups and homeowner surveys. We also tested 11 home warranty providers firsthand and conducted secret shopping.
We used this information to assess each provider in six key categories we considered essential when choosing a home warranty. We rated each provider within those categories, assigning points based on their importance to homeowners. Each provider received a total of 100 points. The final scores were then converted into a 5-star rating.
Here’s a breakdown of the weighted factors:
- Coverage: This category assessed the comprehensiveness of each provider’s coverage, including whether companies cover unique items. Providers with broader coverage and higher annual limits received higher scores. Points were deducted for having long waiting periods or depreciation policies that reduced payouts for aging items.
- Cost: We reviewed average monthly prices and service call fees, awarding the most points to companies with pricing at or below industry averages, and those with no additional fees.
- Trustworthiness: We evaluated customer ratings on platforms like the BBB and Trustpilot and the provider responses to complaints. Companies with higher ratings and longer workmanship guarantees scored better, while those with ongoing legal issues lost points.
- Plan transparency: We examined terms, policies, and disclosures in contracts and on company websites, giving more points to those with transparent details.
- Customer support: Providers with multiple claim filing options, fast response times, and accessible customer support earned higher scores.
- Flexibility: We awarded points to companies with more plan options, larger add-on catalogs, the ability to choose technicians, and customer-friendly cancellation policies.
