If you’re looking for comprehensive home warranty coverage, consider two of the largest and most reputable home warranty companies in the industry—TotalProtect and American Home Shield. Before choosing one of these companies to protect your home, keep reading to compare plans, pricing, benefits, drawbacks, and customer reviews.
Brand |  |  |
Visit Site | ||
Available Plans | • Appliances plan • Systems plan • Combo plan • Build your own plan | • Appliances plan • Systems plan • Combo plan |
Average Cost | $50-$60 per month | $35-$60 per month |
Service Fees | $75, $100, or $125 | $100-$125 |
Service Recall Period | 30 days on parts and labor | 180 days |
Support | 24/7 online system open for claims | 24/7 claims department |
Availability | All states except AK | All states |
BBB Rating | B | A- |
Years in Business | 49 years | 42 years |
TotalProtect vs. American Home Shield coverage comparison
Before deciding between TotalProtect and American Home Shield, take inventory of your home systems and appliances to determine what items need coverage. Include auxiliary items like pools and spas, wells, septic systems, and other custom features for the most comprehensive coverage.
Take a look at what’s covered under a TotalProtect and American Home Shield plan:
TotalProtect coverage
TotalProtect offers coverage for the following major systems and appliances:
| Systems | Appliances | Optional coverage |
| Air conditioning (two units) | Refrigerator | Pool |
| Heating (two units) | Dishwasher | Spa |
| Electrical | Clothes washer | |
| Plumbing | Clothes dryer | |
| Plumbing lines | Range/Oven/Cooktop | |
| Plumbing stoppages | Built-in microwave oven | |
| Whirlpool bathtub | Trash compactor | |
| Water heaters | Garage door opener | |
| Central vacuums | ||
| Smoke detectors | ||
| Doorbells | ||
| Garbage disposal | ||
| Sump pump | ||
| Attic/whole-house fan | ||
| Main breaker/fuse panel | ||
| Interior electrical lines | ||
| Interior gas line |
American Home Shield coverage
American Home Shield provides comprehensive protection for the following home items:
| Systems | Appliances | Optional coverage |
| Air conditioning | Refrigerator | Electronic extended warranty |
| Heating | Range/Oven/Cooktop | Pool and spa |
| Ductwork | Clothes washer | Well pump |
| Electrical | Clothes dryer | Septic pump |
| Plumbing + stoppages | Dishwasher | Guest unit under 750 square feet |
| Doorbells | Built-in microwave oven | |
| Water heater | Trash compactor | |
| Smoke detectors | Freestanding ice maker | |
| Ceiling fans | Garage door opener | |
| Instant hot/cold water dispenser | Built-in food center | |
| Central vacuum | ||
| Re-key | ||
| Garbage disposal |
TotalProtect vs. American Home Shield cost
Comprehensive home warranty plans are priced based on the following factors:
- Where you live
- Square footage of your home
- Type of coverage chosen
- Service fee selected (note: the higher the service fee, the lower the annual cost)
Both American Home Shield and TotalProtect offer comprehensive home warranty plans to ensure that your chosen home appliances and systems are covered—and both offer free quotes, so you know exactly what you’ll be paying annually for coverage.
Here’s a rough breakdown of TotalProtect vs. American Home Shield costs:
| TotalProtect | American Home Shield | |
| Annual plan cost | $528–$708 | $600–$720 |
| Monthly premiums | $44–$59 | $50–$60 |
| Service fees | $100 | $75, $100, or $125 |
How does each home warranty work?
Once you’ve chosen the home warranty plan that’s best for your budget and needs, the process for submitting claims is very similar. Both American Home Shield and TotalProtect offer 24/7/365 claims service either by phone or online.
Once your claim is filed, customer service will provide you with the service company’s name, phone number, your service fee or deductible needed, and when you can expect service for your appliance or home system.
After your service is scheduled, your technician will evaluate the problem and determine if a repair or replacement for the covered item is the best option for the appliance or system. The service fee is typically paid at the time of service, directly to the technician. Both TotalProtect and American Home Shield offer replacement of appliances that are beyond repair. Be sure to read the policy carefully to understand the limitations and exclusions.
Policy differences
If you’re still debating between TotalProtect and American Home Shield, let’s take a look at the differences in coverage policies. This chart does not replace an independent evaluation of contracts and plans, so carefully review any contract before you sign.
| TotalProtect | American Home Shield | |
| Annual aggregate caps | None | Per policy |
| Appliance annual cap | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Systems annual cap | $1,000 | $1,500 |
| Waiting period | 30 days | 30 days |
Our conclusion
Both TotalProtect and American Home Shield have their benefits and drawbacks. TotalProtect is slightly more affordable, but American Home Shield provides more comprehensive coverage for your home systems and appliances.
American Home Shield may be a good option for:
- Homes with guest houses (extended coverage is available for these units)
- People who want to pick and choose which items they want to be covered
- Those who want to select their own service fee
TotalProtect may be a good option for:
- Older homes that have pre-existing conditions
- Homes with multiple heating or air conditioning systems, as up to two units, are covered under the standard plan
- Homes with whirlpool bathtubs
