I had American Home Shield, it came with the house when I bought it. They were a total scam. About 10 months into the one year term, one of the water heaters went out. Of course like most homes here in the Houston area, my water heaters are in the attic. American Home Shield sent their contractor to my home upon us filing the claim with them. Their contractor wanted extra money to "bring the installation up to code". Extra to remove the old one. Extra because it was in the attic. Extra because they had to build a "rig" to get it in and out of the attic. A few other extras as well that I can't even remember.
It turns out that I learned later that they pay their contractors virtually nothing, and the only way these guys make any money when contracted by American Home Shield is by soaking you for as many extras as possible. I called American Home Shield and told them what was happening, and asked for another contractor to be sent to my home. They refused to send another contractor, testily telling me that you get one and only only sent. If (when) he tries to rip you off, you have no other alternative. Of course the contractors know this is the policy, and it empowers them and you're helpless.
I went to Home Depot, bought a better quality heater myself, had a local handyman that we used at the time pick it up, install it and take the old one out. No "rig" needed. NO complaints, no extra charges. Our total cost was about $1,000 less paying cash than using the so called "home warranty". American Home Shield are borderline criminals. Stay far, far away. 4951