Overview
Fidelity National
N/A
$65
N/A
N/A
Undisclosed
American Home Shield
3
$75
Annual
No
55 Years
Ratings
Fidelity National
American Home Shield
Pros & Cons
Fidelity National
PROS
- 13-month contract
- Customizable plans
- 30-day guarantee on labor
- 90-day guarantee on parts
CONS
- No sample contract online
- Limited plan selection
American Home Shield
PROS
- Monthly and annual payment options
- Plans for homeowners, realtors, and sellers
- Transferrable contracts
- 30-day workmanship guarantee
CONS
- 30-day waiting period
- Fee and service costs with cancellation
Reviews
Fidelity National
Reviews
American Home Shield
Reviews for Fidelity National
Helpful Favorable Review
Sean Flanagan
September 8th, 2020
Modesto, CA
DETAILS
I've had Fidelity for several years and I've had numerous service calls. Technicians they've sent were always great and were able to fix the problem same day. AC was serviced with several issues and was up and running within an hour. Only negative I've seen is the max AC coverage is low and the amount you pay for years, doesn't seem to be in line with low HVAC or AC coverage.
Helpful Critical Review
Carlos Tafoya
April 7th, 2022
Sunland Park, NM
DETAILS
I would leave 0 stars if I could. Their process for filing claims is incredibly opaque. That combined with the fact it is incredibly difficult to communicate with them has left me paying the full amount for work on my home not once but several times. Their phones don’t work and you are left to fend for yourself. Waste of money. Use a different company for home warranty.
Reviews for American Home Shield
Helpful Favorable Review
Heather Nuffer
January 18th, 2023
Pleasant Grove, UT
Mr. Mint, the Peppermint Lumberjack and Keeper of the Royal Peppermint Forest, is at the Licorice Castle. Let's play trivia! Question: What flavor of Pop Tart does Buddy the Elf use in his spaghetti? Ready for the answer? Here it is: Chocolate. Did you know that? I did! Their friends enjoy saying, "You can't buy happiness, but you can buy a video game, and that's pretty close." It's time to fix wiring and clear asteroids before the Imposter finds and kills me.
Helpful Critical Review
Paul Rivera
April 19th, 2022
Reno, NV
DETAILS
Stay AWAY!!! This company has the worst service in the world. Complete theft. Their policies are to keep billing you even when you sell your home and cancel. Then they tell you they can't do anything about refunding the money. They Keep auto-drafting because it's their policy. DO NOT GET American Home Shield.
The Final Word
Customer Service (Winner: American Home Shield)
American Home Shield has thousands of user reviews while Fidelity National only has dozens. It wouldn't be fair to review their complaints in isolation — negative reviewers are typically the first to flock to a company profile.
However, throughout several review sites, perception of Fidelity National is largely negative. This may mean that the company needs to place more emphasis on reputation management and addressing its complaints.
On the other hand, American Home Shield is responsive to consumers’ reviews, showing a higher commitment to customer service.
Time in Business (Winner: American Home Shield)
AHS has been in business since 1971; Fidelity National has been in business since 1995. Both companies have proven themselves as established, but if a company’s time in business matters to you, AHS has twice the experience.
Contract (Winner: American Home Shield)
Both Fidelity National and American Home Shield have one-year contracts. But AHS provides flexibility after the first year of a contract, allowing customers to continue month-to-month.
Basic Coverage (Winner: Fidelity National and American Home Shield)
American Home Shield's Appliances Plan ($599.88 per year) includes coverage for the following appliances:
- Refrigerator
- Range/oven/cooktop
- Clothes washer
- Clothes dryer
- Dishwasher
- Built-in microwave
- Trash compactor
- Freestanding ice maker
- Garage door opener
- Built-in food center
The following systems are covered under American Home Shield's Systems Plan ($599.88 per year):
- Air conditioner and ductwork
- Heating and ductwork
- Electrical
- Doorbells
- Smoke detectors
- Ceiling fans
- Plumbing (including stoppages)
- Water heater
- Garbage disposal
- Instant hot/cold water dispenser
- Central vacuum
Fidelity National mentions that it has plans to choose from to fit customer needs. Here's what's available for standard coverage:
- Plumbing system
- Plumbing stoppages
- Toilets
- Sump pump (permanently installed)
- Bathroom whirlpool motor pump
- Recirculating hot water pump
- Water heater
- Heating and ductwork
- Electrical system
- Telephone system
- Central vacuum
- Garage door opener
- Ceiling fans
- Attic and exhaust fans
- Smoke detectors
- Doorbells
- Dishwasher
- Range/oven/cooktop
- Built-in microwave
- Instant hot water dispenser
- Trash compactor
It’s difficult to compare the two, because AHS splits its basic coverage into two plans and charges a slightly higher yearly rate ($659.88 per year, based on a $75 service fee) for its combo plan including all features. Some of AHS’s basic coverage for major appliances are add-on options for Fidelity National service plans, such as the refrigerator, washer, dryer, and air conditioner.
Meanwhile, Fidelity National covers a few things AHS only addresses in optional coverage, such as the sump pump, bathroom whirlpool, and recirculating hot water pump.
Your company preference will differ based on what the warranty offers. When looking at this basic coverage side by side, you might see one that’s a better option for you.
Licensed Contractors (Winner: American Home Shield and Fidelity National)
Both AHS and Fidelity National require their contractors to be licensed. This will keep you from having to research a good technician for your service requests, because they do the homework for you.
American Home Shield vs. Fidelity National: Which is the better option?
Both companies have proven after a couple decades of business that they’re in it for the long haul. However, based on our analysis, American Home Shield might be the better choice.
If you’re looking for a smaller warranty provider and you see that Fidelity National has coverage that’s better suited to your needs, it might make sense to choose Fidelity. However, by and large, American Home Shield is more likely to produce happy customers.
