Home Warranty Questions from Realtors
In 35 years of business, American Home Shield has run across many questions from real estate professionals who want to provide the best home warranties for their clients. If you're wondering about any of the following, select the question to find the answer.
- Is coverage through AHS available everywhere in the U.S.?
- What is "Basic Coverage"?
- How soon may my clients request service?
- How long does it take for warranty protection to begin?
- What number will my clients call when a covered system or appliance breaks down?
- Will the homeowner pay the technician anything during the service visit?
- Is the AHS plan renewable?
Do you have a question you don't see listed above? Please contact us. We'll get back to you promptly.
Is coverage through AHS available everywhere in the U.S.?
American Home Shield home warranties are currently available in 49 states, including the District of Columbia. (We do not offer coverage in Alaska at this time.)
What is "Basic Coverage"?
Generally, basic coverage for a home measuring less than 5,000 square feet, regardless of age, includes:*
- heating
- plumbing
- electrical system
- water heater
- major appliances such as range/oven/cooktop, dishwasher, garbage disposal and more
Home warranties are available for homes that measure over 5,000 sq ft for an additional fee. Please contact us online or call 1-800-735-4663 for complete details and information.
How soon may my clients request service?
Your clients may request service as soon as they need it. There are no waiting requirements and no exclusionary periods except one: if any covered system or appliance breaks down due to rust or corrosion during the seller's or the first 30 days of the contract for the buyer, American Home Shield will not cover repairs or replacement.
The reason for this exception is that it takes a period of time for rust and corrosion to build up, and AHS does not cover pre-existing conditions.
How long does it take for warranty protection to begin?
Protection for the home buyer begins at the closing date of the home sale upon receipt of funds and continues for one year for the homebuyer. Real estate professionals may call 1-800-735-4663 to order.
What number will my clients call when a covered system or appliance breaks down?
Your clients may visit www.ahsservice.com or call our 24-hour toll-free number, 1-800-776-4663 to request service. Then, AHS will have a local technician contact them during normal business hours to set up a mutually convenient appointment time.
If the problem is an emergency (for example, the temperature is extremely cold, gushing water is causing secondary damage, etc.) we can expedite the call to get your clients quicker service.
Will the homeowner pay the technician anything during the service visit?
Yes, there is a trade service call fee due when the technician calls on your client. The fee covers the initial service technician visit for each covered trade, as well as any additional service visits required for the same breakdown within 30 days of the original service date. Additional charges may apply to specific repairs and replacements.
Each fee applies to one type of trade covered. For example, if a client calls in a problem with the A/C system (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and a malfunctioning dish washer (appliance), two fees would apply: one for the A/C system and another for the appliance.
The reason a separate fee applies to each different trade is that one contractor may be an HVAC expert, but not as qualified to fix a dishwasher. If he is able to fix both problems, there may be different parts to order for each and separate visits to the home.
Is the AHS plan renewable?
Yes, warranty-holders may renew the AHS plan (at the option of AHS). American Home Shield will notify the homeowner in advance of the expiration date, and AHS will offer a variety of convenient payment plans.
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