Read this review to learn about AHW plans, pricing, coverage specifics, claims, and customer reviews and why we recommend other home warranty providers.
Written by Dana Getz + 1 other
Reviewed by Michael Mansueto Updated 06/07/2024
Dana Getz is an experienced content manager with more than a decade of publishing experience across various industries. She has spent the last several years covering home services, specializing in home warranty recommendations and helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions.
Michael Mansueto has more than 20 years of experience in the real estate and impact window and door industries. His knowledge in both sectors has made him a sought-after consultant for residential and commercial home projects. Michael continuously adapts to the latest industry innovations, ensur…
AHW Home Warranty is based in Columbus, Ohio, and has a network of licensed and insured contractors in the home warranty industry, partnering with over 40,000 in-network service providers nationwide. The company covers major home systems and appliances regardless of their age, as long as they’re in good working order upon the contract start date.
In this AHW Home Warranty review, we will review the company’s plans, coverage, pricing, claims process, and reviews, and recommend other top-rated home warranties for you and your home. We do not recommend AHW Home Warranty due to its alleged fraudulent activity. We recommend Liberty Home Guard as our top pick due to its outstanding customer service and extensive list of plan add-ons.
Best Overall $200 Off + 2 Months free + Free Roof Leak Coverage Best for Comprehensive Coverage Labor Day Sale: 50% OFF Select Plans Best Value
While we do not recommend AHW Home Warranty, readers can compare the advantages and disadvantages of signing up for an AHW protection plan below:
$75 off + 1 month free when signing up
Wide variety of add-on options
24/7 customer service
As of November 2021, AHW has settled a class-action lawsuit filed by the Arizona Attorney General alleging that the company violated the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act
Does not cover items with pre-existing conditions
Multiple This Old House readers have noted unexpected claim denials
In late May 2021, the Arizona State Attorney General filed a class-action lawsuit against AHW for alleged fraudulent activity, including misrepresenting its years in business, concealing the identity of its chief executive, and generating false positive consumer reviews. The lawsuit was settled in late November 2021 with AHW agreeing to pay over $150,000 in customer restitution, civil penalties, and more. We reached out to the company and have not yet received comment.
Under an AHW home warranty contract, policyholders can choose between three packages: a Systems Plan, Appliances Plan, and Combo Plan. The Appliances Plan protects major home appliances like the dishwasher and refrigerator, the Systems Plan covers air conditioning, heating, and other essential systems, and the Combo Plan is a comprehensive package that protects everything included in the Systems and Appliances Plans, covering 28 total items, which is more than the 18–19 units covered under an industry-average plan. Here’s an overview of what’s covered under each plan.
| Systems and Appliances | Combo Plan | Systems Plan | Appliances Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central AC System | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Central Heating System | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Plumbing Including Stoppages | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Electrical System | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Hot Water Heater | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Ductwork | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Jetted Bathtub | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Garage Door Openers | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Dishwasher | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Refrigerator with Ice Maker | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Clothes Dryer | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Stand-Alone Freezer | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Oven, Range, Stove, and Cooktop | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Clothes Washer | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Microwave Oven | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Instant Hot Water Dispensers | ✓ | ||
| Garbage Disposal | ✓ | ||
| Attic Fan | ✓ | ||
| Ceiling Fan | ✓ | ||
| Bathroom Exhaust Fan | ✓ | ||
| Doorbell | ✓ | ||
| Kitchen Fan/Exhaust Hood | ✓ |
AHW also offers an extensive list of optional add-ons that can be included in the warranty for an additional fee.
HVAC & Climate Water Systems Appliances Outdoor FeaturesAHW promises to cover home systems and appliances if:
Contracts are subject to a 30-day waiting period after the policy is purchased and is in place for 365 days from that date.
While covered items are protected against malfunctions of components that are necessary for operation, AHW Home Warranty does exclude specific issues. For instance, cosmetic defects, pre-existing conditions, rust or corrosion, and problems caused by an improper operation are not included.
Additionally, according to an AHW sample contract, the maximum liability shall never exceed $1,500 per contract for access, diagnosis, and replacement. However, some covered items like plumbing and electrical are capped at $500. Fortunately, the maximum payout for expensive HVAC equipment is protected up to $2,500. There’s also no coverage cap on Freon, which is more generous than the industry average of $10 per pound.
Because AHW Home Warranty prices will vary based on the plan you choose and where you live, we requested a quote for Chicago, Illinois. Both the Appliances Plan and Systems Plan cost $479 annually, while the comprehensive Combo Plan is higher at $579 per year. Including a pool or spa under a contract will add $179 to the annual cost, and adding coverage for septic system protection is $65 per year.
| Plan Type | Annual Cost | Service Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Appliances Plan | $479 | $75 |
| Systems Plan | $479 | $75 |
| Combo Plan | $579 | $75 |
Costs from AHW Home Warranty are in line with the industry average of $300–$600 per year. Basic coverage that covers the most essential home items will cost around $300, while more comprehensive coverage with add-ons will cost around $600.
AHW Home Warranty also requires a service fee, or deductible, of $75 which is due before a technician diagnoses or resolves an issue. The industry average ranges between $75 –$125.
AHW Home Warranty is available in 42 states nationwide. It is not available in eight states, including California, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, and Washington.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredited AHW Home Warranty in 2018 but revoked the company’s accreditation in November 2020 for its failure to adhere to the standards required for BBB-accredited businesses.
Here are examples of positive reviews left on the Better Business Bureau:
“[AHW Home Warranty] repair was able to repair my dishwasher the next day and was knowledgeable about the mechanics of it and fixed it in about an hour. He left no mess and ran a test cycle, asking that I call if anything didn’t work just right. I didn’t have to call because everything worked perfectly. I highly recommend [AHW Home Warranty].” — Isabella S. on 3/15/2020
“My sales representative James was very helpful and easy to work with. He was very knowledgeable and did not pressure me into buying like the other home warranty companies I have dealt with.” — Zeeshan A. on 12/20/2020
However, like all major home warranty companies, AHW Home Warranty has also had unhappy customers. Multiple homeowners have shared experiences of the company denying claims without providing a clear reason, and some have expressed having difficulty canceling their plan.
Here is some feedback shared by two of our readers:
“[AHW Home Warranty] is refusing to cover a claim to replace a bad blower in my HVAC unit, we have now been without central air conditioning for over a week…The technician they sent to my home mis-diagnosed the issue as being caused by a leak. The issue is that the blower motor failed while the compressor continued to run causing the coils in the unit to freeze. I followed the [AHW] second opinion process and had an independent repair company provide documentation or the cause, who documented the cause and AHW is still refusing to cover the repair, and cannot give me a reason why. For this reason, I am calling [AHW] a scam.” — Paul R. on 10/19/2020
“I signed up for AHW in October after reading your review. I had just purchased a home and had a thorough inspection [that confirmed it was] in very good condition. After a 30 day waiting period the policy went into effect (interesting that they charge you on day one but the policy isn’t in effect for 30 days). 4 days after the waiting period ended, my refrigerator ice dispenser went out…[I] did nothing for a few days and then my compactor started having issues. So, I called them and filed. In less than 24 hours they responded that both were declined because the issues were pre-existing. In a subsequent conversation with them, they indicated that the issues happened too soon after the start date. I asked how long after the 30 days was long enough. Their response was months for sure but maybe weeks for one item. The interactions have gone on for 2 1/2 months now. I am out $350. $200 for 4 months of the policy plus $75×2 for 2 service calls. For all of that I still have an ice maker dispenser that is out and a compactor with a bad switch.” — Dan. M on 1/15/2021
Additionally, a class-action lawsuit filed by the Arizona State Attorney General against AHW alleging false positive customer reviews was settled in November 2021, with the company agreeing to pay $150,000 of civil penalties and customer restitution. We have reached out to the company and have not yet received comment.
If you’re not sure whether AHW Home Warranty is right for you, compare the company with other top home warranty providers in the industry. We recommend getting quotes from multiple home warranty companies so you can compare pricing and better understand your coverage options.
