American Home Shield vs Select Home Warranty
An honest side-by-side comparison of two of our top home warranty companies picks — pricing, strengths, weaknesses, and who each one is really for.
American Home Shield
Ranked #1 of 15 in this directory
The original home warranty company with the most plan flexibility
Select Home Warranty
Ranked #3 of 15 in this directory
Customizable home warranty with free roof coverage
Our pick: American Home Shield. Our editors rank American Home Shield higher overall in Home Warranty Companies — but Select Home Warranty can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case below. How we review
Compare the details
| American Home Shield | Select Home Warranty | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | See website | See website |
| Category | Combo Plans | Combo Plans |
| Editorial rank | #1 of 15 | #3 of 15 |
Strengths
American Home Shield
- ✓Largest and most established home warranty provider in the US
- ✓Three plan tiers allow customers to choose exact coverage level needed
- ✓Covers items regardless of age, make, or pre-existing conditions
- ✓Flexible trade service fee options from $75 to $125
- ✓Extensive contractor network across all 50 states
Select Home Warranty
- ✓Free roof leak repair coverage included in Gold Care plan
- ✓Highly customizable with numerous add-on options
- ✓Competitive multi-year pricing with significant discounts
- ✓Online claims portal for easy service request submission
- ✓30-day money-back guarantee on new plans
Watch out for
American Home Shield
- !Monthly premiums are higher than many newer competitors
- !Coverage caps on certain items may not cover full replacement costs
- !Claims process can involve multiple service visits before resolution
- !Some customers report long wait times for contractor scheduling
Select Home Warranty
- !Not available in all states
- !Per-item coverage limits can be restrictive
- !Contractor network is smaller in rural areas
- !Base plan covers fewer items than some competitors
Best use cases
American Home Shield
- →Homeowners with aging systems and appliances wanting comprehensive protection
- →Real estate agents including warranties in home sale transactions
- →Budget-conscious homeowners wanting predictable repair costs
Select Home Warranty
- →Homeowners wanting to customize warranty coverage to their specific needs
- →Property owners who value included roof leak protection
- →Cost-conscious buyers attracted to multi-year discount pricing
About each tool
American Home Shield
American Home Shield is the pioneer of the home warranty industry and remains the largest provider in the US. AHS offers three plan tiers covering systems, appliances, or both, with flexible service fee options and coverage available regardless of the age or condition of covered items.
Select Home Warranty
Select Home Warranty differentiates itself with free roof leak coverage included in its top-tier plan and highly customizable add-on options. The company offers three plan levels and serves customers in 46 states with a focus on transparent pricing and easy online claims submission.
Still deciding? Browse all 15 options with honest pros, cons, and pricing.
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