First American Home Warranty has a long-standing reputation for being an excellent home warranty provider. First established in 1984, First American offers multiple coverage plans at competitive prices. With affordable monthly premiums, it can protect your home’s systems and appliances from unexpected repair or replacement costs while providing 24/7 customer service. It also has a handful of add-on coverage options so you can create a plan that works for you.
Pros
- Affordable
- 24/7 customer service
- Comprehensive plans
Cons
- Not available nationwide
- Does not cover mold damage or roof leaks
- Air conditioning coverage costs extra
Table of Contents
- First American Home Warranty At a Glance
- Other Benefits
- Plan Pricing
- Payout Limitations
- Securing a Home Warranty Plan: We Put First American Home Warranty To The Test
- What We Like About First American Home Warranty
- What We Didn’t Like About First American Home Warranty
- First American Home Warranty Response Times
- How First American Home Warranty Stacks Up
- Methodology: How We Rated Home Warranty Companies
First American Home Warranty At a Glance
First American Home Warranty offers homeowners protection for essential home systems and appliances that may fail over time, bridging the gap that homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover. While homeowner’s insurance protects against accidents and damage from uncontrollable events like natural disasters, a home warranty safeguards your budget from unexpected repair or replacement costs due to wear and tear.
First American Home Warranty provides three comprehensive coverage options to suit a variety of homeowner needs: the Starter Plan, Essential Plan and Premium Plan. Each plan covers a range of essential appliances and systems, allowing you to choose the level of coverage that best fits your home and budget.
For those with unique home setups, First American also offers optional coverage add-ons for items such as a second refrigerator, standalone freezer or additional systems and enhancements.
The company achieved accreditation with the Better Business Bureau in 2000 and First American Home Warranty maintains a B rating with over 40 years in business. As with many large service providers, customer reviews vary, with some praising the company’s quick service and comprehensive plans, while others cite challenges with vendors and communication. With a current BBB rating of 1.76 stars and 3,843 complaints closed in the last three years (as of publication), it’s important to research recent reviews and consider your specific needs before making a decision.
If your home’s appliances or systems are showing signs of age or wear, First American Home Warranty’s plans could offer peace of mind that when something breaks down, you’ll have a reliable option for repair or replacement without breaking the bank.
Featured Partners
1
Select Home Warranty
Plans Available
3
Response Time
Great
Number of States
46 + District of Columbia
2
Choice Home Warranty
Plans Available
2
Response Time
Excellent
Number of States
49 + District of Columbia
3
American Home Shield
Plans Available
3
Response Time
Excellent
Number of States
48 + District of Columbia
4
AFC Home Warranty
Plans Available
4
Response Time
Excellent
Number Of States
47 excl. WA, HI and CA
Available Plans
First American Home Warranty now offers three distinct plans to meet the varying needs of homeowners. Each plan provides a different level of coverage for key home appliances and systems, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your household’s requirements.
- The Starter Plan is perfect for those looking to protect essential systems and appliances, including plumbing, electrical, heating systems, refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens and built-in microwaves.
- The Essential Plan builds on the Starter Plan, offering additional coverage for more frequently used systems like your air conditioning, washer and dryer and garage door opener. This plan is designed for homeowners seeking a more comprehensive coverage option for their homes.
- The Premium Plan provides the most extensive coverage, encompassing everything in the Starter and Essential Plans, plus luxury appliances and added protection for items like garbage disposals, faucets, instant hot water dispensers and full garage door systems. This plan is ideal for homeowners looking for the ultimate protection for their home’s systems and appliances.
| ITEM COVERED | STARTER PLAN | ESSENTIAL PLAN | PREMIUM PLAN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clothes washer and dryer | No | Yes | Yes |
| Dishwasher | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Oven and cooktop | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ceiling fans | No | Yes | Yes |
| Refrigerator | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Garbage disposal | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in microwave | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Trash compactor | No | Yes | Yes |
| Heating | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Electrical | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ductwork | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plumbing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Water heater | No | Yes | Yes |
| Garage door opener | No | Yes | Yes |
Other Benefits
First American also offers several add-on coverage options for customers who need additional coverage after purchasing a plan. Add-ons available for an extra fee include:
- Additional refrigerator
- Central air conditioning
- Pool/spa
- Well pump
- Septic tank system
- HVAC tune-up
Customers can also add on a First Class Upgrade to their plan, which comes with coverage for cosmetic damage on home systems or appliances, partial coverage for local building permit costs, appliance removal coverage and coverage for crane rentals when needed.
Fine Print
Unfortunately, First American Home Warranty isn’t available for coverage in all of the United States. Currently, it’s available in 37 states nationwide, leaving 13 states without coverage options.
First American is not available in:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Minnesota
- New Hampshire
- New York
- North Dakota
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
If you require service from a First American technician, expect to pay a service call fee. It’s standard with most home warranty companies in the industry, but it’s still a drag. First American gives you the choice between a $100 and $125 service fee, which is about average among home warranty companies.
Plan Pricing
First American Home Warranty offers three plan options with costs that vary based on the service fee you select. Homeowners can choose between a $100 or $125 service fee, which directly impacts the monthly plan cost.
- The Starter Plan starts at $42 per month with a $125 service fee or $47 per month if you opt for a $100 service fee.
- The Essential Plan is priced at $57 per month with a $125 service fee or $62 per month if you prefer the $100 service fee.
- The Premium Plan costs $77 per month with a $125 service fee or $82 per month with the $100 service fee.
The service fee you choose will affect your monthly premium, so it’s important to consider which option aligns with your budget and coverage needs.
Payout Limitations
Coverage exclusions are to be expected with any home warranty plan. They will differ based on which plan you purchase, but in general, First American doesn’t cover components that are not technically required for equipment to function. Examples include:
- Water heater holding tanks
- Space heaters
- Chimneys
- Heating system filters
- Grills
- Kitchen appliance knobs
- Doorbells
- Alarm systems
Specific causes of breaks or failures may also result in exclusions. First American does not cover damage caused by pests, inadequate maintenance or improper use of the item. Some events that cause the item to fail aren’t covered either, including power surges, smoke, theft, accidents, vandalism and natural disasters. But, in these cases, homeowner’s insurance will often step in to cover the damage.
Additionally, First American puts coverage limits on some items, as most home warranty companies do. Companies often set coverage caps to lay out the maximum dollar amount it will cover to repair or replace certain appliances or systems. The customer will be responsible for paying anything that exceeds that coverage limit.
For example, First American limits repairs or replacements on heating systems to $1,500 per contract. If your repair or replacement costs $2,000, you will have to pay the $500 difference.
Securing a Home Warranty Plan: We Put First American Home Warranty To The Test
Getting a home warranty quote from First American Home Warranty is a streamlined and straightforward process. To start, you’ll need to fill out a short online form with your basic details, including your name, phone number, email, whether you’re buying or selling a home, street address, zip code and property type.
Once completed, you’ll move to the next step where you can select your desired service call fee and choose from First American’s three plan options.
For our test, we opted for the Essential Plan paired with a $125 service fee. After selecting the plan, we were given the option to add any additional coverage based on our needs.
Once the add-ons were chosen, it was just a matter of submitting payment and receiving confirmation of our new home warranty coverage. Simple, clear and efficient.
What We Like About First American Home Warranty
First American Home Warranty offers competitive pricing across its three plans, making it a flexible option for homeowners with varying needs and budgets. We appreciate the wide coverage offered, especially with the Premium Plan, which includes essential systems, appliances and luxury items.
Additionally, the company’s clear coverage limits and optional add-ons for systems like pools and water softeners provide homeowners with customizable protection. The straightforward online quote process and 24/7 claims service further enhance the overall convenience, making it a solid option for peace of mind.
What We Didn’t Like About First American Home Warranty
While First American’s plans are comprehensive, some coverage caps, like the $1,000 limit on water heaters or $1,500 for heating systems, may leave customers covering part of the repair cost for larger issues. Additionally, the mixed customer reviews—particularly around delayed service and communication issues—are worth considering when evaluating their reliability. Another drawback is that some common home features, like faucets and instant hot water dispensers, are only available under the most expensive plan, limiting full coverage unless you opt for the Premium Plan.
First American Home Warranty Response Times
First American Home Warranty aims to process claims efficiently. Once coverage is confirmed, a repair technician is generally assigned within four hours during normal business hours. Most services are scheduled to begin within 48 hours. While straightforward repairs are often completed during the initial visit, more complex issues requiring parts may take additional appointments to resolve, extending the repair timeline.
How First American Home Warranty Stacks Up
| COMPANY | COVERAGE INCLUSIONS |
|---|---|
| First American Home Warranty | Clothes washer and dryer, dishwasher, oven and cooktop, ceiling fans, refrigerator, garbage disposal, built-in microwave, trash compactor, heating, electrical, ductwork, plumbing, water heater and garage door opener |
| Choice Home Warranty | Heating, electrical, plumbing, water heaters, Whirlpool bathtub, oven, range, stove, cooktop, dishwasher, built-in microwave, garbage disposal, ductwork, garage door opening and ceiling and exhaust plans |
| Liberty Home Guard | Appliances, washer/dryer, garage door openers, air conditioning and heating, plumbing, electrical and water heaters |
First American Home Warranty vs. Choice Home Warranty
First American Home Warranty and Choice Home Warranty offer homeowners two distinct approaches to coverage. While both companies provide basic and more comprehensive plans, First American Home Warranty tends to focus on higher customer satisfaction and broader plan customization, including a premium option for high-end appliances.
In contrast, Choice Home Warranty offers a more budget-friendly solution, ideal for newer homes with fewer breakdowns but faces more customer service challenges, reflected in its slightly lower Better Business Bureau ratings. Homeowners should consider their specific coverage needs and customer support expectations when choosing between these providers.
Learn more: Choice Home Warranty review
First American Home Warranty vs. Liberty Home Guard
When comparing First American Home Warranty to Liberty Home Guard, there are a few key distinctions. Liberty Home Guard offers more customizable plans with 36 additional coverage options, allowing homeowners to tailor protection to specific needs, making it a great choice for those who want flexibility. Liberty also boasts strong customer ratings, with a 60-day service guarantee, but imposes a $2,000 per-item annual payout cap, which is lower than some competitors.
First American Home Warranty offers broader base plans at competitive prices and provides high coverage limits but with fewer add-on options. Ultimately, Liberty Home Guard may suit homeowners seeking more customizable protection, while First American focuses on solid overall coverage.
Learn more: Liberty Home Guard review
Is First American Home Warranty The Right Home Warranty Company for You?
Choose First American Home Warranty if you want a comprehensive yet affordable home warranty plan that covers essential home appliances and systems. It’s a great option if you need to add coverage for specific items as it has a solid list of coverage add-on options. Be sure to double check that it covers what you need it to before committing. You can request a quote online or call a representative for more information.
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Methodology: How We Rated Home Warranty Companies
To determine the home warranty companies ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 54 companies, with each company’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics and subcategories, including years of experience, signup and restrictions, plan pricing, fees and discounts, coverage features, property coverage, customer reviews and support and nationwide availability.
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates home warranty companies on our detailed methodology page.
All figures and facts were accurate at the time of first publication.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does a $500 home warranty cover?
A $500 annual home service contract will cover basic systems like plumbing, air conditioning and electrical and essential home appliances like your washer, dryer and refrigerator.
Can I cancel my contract with First American Home Warranty?
Yes, you can cancel your contract with First American Home Warranty within 30 days with an industry standard $50 administrative fee for a full refund of paid contract fees. Call its customer service number or send the company a message online to request a cancellation.
Are home warranties worth the money?
Home warranty companies offer financial peace of mind, protecting you from unexpected expenses and alleviating financial burdens that often come with homeownership. The warranty does cost money up front, but many homeowners find the warranty services valuable enough to justify the cost.
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