I purchased this policy to be protected in case anything that is listed in the AHS brochure broke and was in need of repair. The policy is $535 for the year. I had a problem with my garage door opener so I called and scheduled an appointment. A service representative was here the next day. He looked at the unit...took off the cover, fiddled around with it a bit and told me that it had a 'burned out board'. He also pointed out where a spot near the light bulb on the exterior of the unit, showed signs that a higher than called for bulb wattage was used at one time. He then checked the rollers which attached the door to the track and mentioned that they were all 'loose', and needed repair as well.

He left to ' call for approval from AHS and returned about 15 minutes later and told me that unfortunately, nothing was covered. Because a higher than called for bulb was used they were not able to repair the unit inder the warranty. I purchased the home 4 years ago and the spot on the opener was always visable and the unit has continued to work for 4 years nonetheless. He continued to 'advise' me that he could repair everything for about, $600. Crazy! He was from A-1' Door Repair Service in Tampa Florida.

I'm sure that this is a complete scam because I had the door checked for other reasons prior to the problem with the opener and on both occasions was told the track and the rollers were fine. By the way, he said that because the board was burned out I wouldn't get any power to the unit at all. When I tapped on the side of the unit and caused the light to flicker he just shrugged and said, 'so it flickers'. AHS said they could only go by his professional opinion and since the bulb showed what it did they could not cover it as it was not normal wear and tear.

One has nothing to do with the other but they didn't care...they had an excuse. AHS said I had an option...I could have a second repairman come to evaluate the situation but it would cost an additional $60. A supervisor then told me that they only had 1 company for garage doors so there wasn't anyone else to send.

This is a complete scam! I did some further research and found complaint after complaint with the same excuse scenario. Always looking for a way to deny the claim. I did some searching myself after he left and found this to be a common problem with my type of door opener and was able to order the replacement part from EBAy $30. I will fix it myself! I will also cancel this scam policy and let everyone know what a fraud they are...Pass it on!

Irate
tampa, Florida
U.S.A.

Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on American Home Shield