If you’re looking for solid protection for your high-end appliances and home systems, First American Home Warranty is a good option to consider. Unlike many companies that set strict coverage caps, First American offers up to $7,000 for appliances and no limits on most systems. These limits can offer peace of mind if you have pricey or luxury items.
Another standout feature is the First American Advantage upgrade, which covers issues caused by poor installations or modifications—coverage you won’t usually find with other providers. This is especially helpful if you have older items or, if you have done recent renovations, the upgrade also includes preexisting issues and installation mishaps. This flexibility makes First American a good fit for a wide range of coverage needs, filling in gaps where many other top home warranty companies fall short.
Our Take on First American Home Warranty
First American Home Warranty is a good choice for homeowners seeking comprehensive protection for high-end appliances and systems. The company provides up to $7,000 for covered appliances, one of the highest limits we’ve seen from a home warranty provider. Additionally, there is no cap on most systems, unlike many providers that impose set limits on this type of coverage.
Additional key features include the First American Advantage upgrade, which offers extended coverage for damaged items due to poor installations and modifications. Additionally, the upgrade includes preexisting conditions, which many other home warranty companies exclude. The company also offers members access to discounts on services such as light fixture installations, TV mounting, and handyman tasks through partners such as Porch and Helpful Heroes. Plus, members can save on Electrolux, Frigidaire, and GE appliances.
On the downside, First American excludes key coverage items such as air conditioning, water heaters, and laundry appliances from its lowest plan, meaning you’ll need to upgrade to a higher-priced policy for more comprehensive coverage. In addition, the company offers only comprehensive plans that cover both systems and appliances, which could lead to paying for coverage you don’t need or use.
Based on First American reviews, customers appreciated the company’s quick claims process and efficient technician dispatch. Negative reviews reported issues with repair quality, generic replacements, and frequent claim denials.
We recommend First American Home Warranty if you:
- Own luxury or high-end appliances
- Prefer no limits on major home system coverage
- Need added coverage for items damaged by poor installations or modifications
We don’t recommend First American Home Warranty if you:
- Need appliance-only or system-only coverage
- Prefer not to pay higher pricing to cover essential items, such as AC
- Want consistent item coverage regardless of your plan choice
First American Home Warranty Coverage
First American Home Warranty offers three comprehensive plans covering both systems and appliances. Based on our 2025 survey of 2,000 home warranty customers nationwide, 70% chose a plan with comprehensive coverage. We’ll explain each plan and the coverage included below.
Core Plans
First American offers the Starter, Essential, and Premium plans for homeowners. The Starter Plan covers eight major appliances, such as dishwashers, refrigerators, and ovens, along with four key systems, including heating, electrical, and plumbing. It provides up to $3,500 for appliance coverage with no limits on systems. However, the Starter Plan excludes air conditioning, clothes washers, clothes dryers, and water heaters, so an upgrade is required for this coverage.
The Essential Plan expands coverage to 11 appliances, adding clothes washers, clothes dryers, and trash compactors. It also broadens systems coverage to include water heaters, air conditioners, fans, and garage door openers. While most coverage limits remain the same as with the Starter Plan, water heater protection is capped at $1,000.
The Premium Plan offers the most comprehensive coverage, including added protection for luxury and high-end appliances, with appliance limits increasing to $7,000. Systems coverage includes window AC units, garage door components, instant hot water dispensers, and showerheads. Water heaters have no coverage limit under this plan, providing the same unlimited coverage offered for other systems. In addition, this plan includes free roof-leak coverage and pre-season HVAC tune-ups at no extra charge.
Additionally, First American’s plumbing coverage stands out by offering to clear stoppages up to 125 feet, which is more generous than many providers that only cover up to 100 feet. The Premium Plan also includes unique coverage for $250 to cover ground-level cleanouts, which most home warranty companies exclude. A cleanout is an access point in a plumbing system that allows for the removal of blockages or debris. These features offer more extensive protection for plumbing issues, giving homeowners greater peace of mind.
The First American Advantage upgrade, available with the Essential and Premium plans, includes coverage for crane fees related to rooftop HVAC repairs, corrections of code violations, and permit costs. It also covers issues arising from improper installation or mismatched systems, as long as they meet size requirements. Unlike most home warranty companies, which typically exclude coverage for preexisting conditions, this upgrade offers protection in these situations. It also provides coverage for refrigerant disposal and the removal of old appliances during replacements. Coverage limits include $500 under the Essential Plan and $1,500 under the Premium Plan.
All plans include a 30-day workmanship guarantee for repairs and replacements. If a covered repair or replacement fails within 30 days, First American Home Warranty will send a technician back to fix the issue at no additional cost to you.
First American Home Warranty Plan Comparison
Below is a list of what’s covered under each First American Home Warranty plan.
| Covered Item | Starter Plan | Essential Plan | Premium Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air conditioning | 𝗫 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Built-in microwave | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ceiling/attic/exhaust fans | 𝗫 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Central vacuum system | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ |
| Clothes dryer | 𝗫 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Clothes washer | 𝗫 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dishwasher | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ductwork | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Electrical systems | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Faucets | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ |
| Garage-door opener | 𝗫 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Garbage disposal | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Heating system | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Hose bibbs | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ |
| Install ground-level cleanout | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ |
| Instant hot water dispenser | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ |
| Kitchen range hood | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Kitchen refrigerator | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Luxury appliance | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ |
| Oven/range/cooktop | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Plumbing | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Plumbing stoppages | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Refrigerant | ✔ | 𝗫 | ✔ |
| Shower head/shower arm | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ |
| Toilet tank/bowl/mechanisms | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Trash compactor | 𝗫 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Water heaters | 𝗫 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Window AC unit | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ |
Add-Ons
First American offers nine add-ons with its plans, providing you with the flexibility to tailor your coverage. This is about average for most home warranty providers, which typically offer between eight and 12 options. Coverage limits for these add-ons vary, ranging from $500–$2,500, depending on the item. Notable options include spa and pool coverage for up to two items and additional refrigeration coverage for up to three appliances.
We’ve listed the available First American add-ons below:
- Additional refrigeration (for up to three appliances)
- Central air conditioning (Starter Plan only)
- First American Advantage upgrade (Essential and Premiere plans only)
- HVAC tune-up
- Limited roof leak
- Pool and spa equipment (for up to two pools or spas)
- Septic system
- Water softener
- Well pump
The Fine Print
When considering First American Home Warranty, it’s important to know the exclusions outlined in your policy’s fine print. Coverage does not extend to cosmetic damage, such as minor issues with dials, door glass, knobs, or other non-functional parts. Additionally, the company excludes items in unsafe or non-functional condition at the contract’s start.
First American covers some preexisting conditions, including rust and sediment damage, but only in certain circumstances. According to the sample contract, these conditions must be unknown, meaning they couldn’t be detected through a visual inspection or simple mechanical test at the start of coverage. For example, if rust or corrosion caused a failure that wasn’t visible or easily detectable with basic inspection methods, the company should cover the repair. However, if the damage was visible or could have been detected before coverage began, First American may deny the claim.
First American Home Warranty excludes systems or appliances under existing manufacturer warranties, recalls, or those deemed defective by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Repairs due to natural disasters such as fire, flood, lightning, or storms, as well as theft, vandalism, misuse, and acts of God, are not covered, as these are typically handled by homeowners insurance. Lastly, warranty coverage does not include routine maintenance and general care for systems and appliances.
Plan-Specific Item Exclusions
First American’s coverage exclusions depend on the plan you select. This differs from some home warranty companies that offer consistent item coverage regardless of your plan level. For instance, the screenshot below illustrates how coverage for heating systems differs across the Starter, Essential, and Premium plans in the company’s contract. First American only covers mini-split ductless systems, for example, under the Essential and Premium plans. If you submitted a claim for one under the Starter Plan, the company would deny your claim.
Out-Of-Network Service Providers
If First American cannot locate a Service Provider for your claim, the company may ask you to contact an out-of-network provider. However, you must obtain prior approval before any work is performed, as the company will not reimburse services completed otherwise. The out-of-network provider must hold the proper licensing and insurance and provide a detailed diagnosis to validate coverage.
First American Home Warranty Cost
First American Home Warranty costs vary based on the plan, add-ons, and service call fee you select for your home. Below, we’ll break down the typical pricing for First American plans to help you understand what to expect.
Plan Cost
First American plans range from $42–$82 per month, based on a sample quote for a 1,585-square-foot single-family home in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Starter Plan, the most affordable option, is priced between $42 and $47 per month. The mid-tier Essential Plan costs between $57 and $62, while the top-tier Premium Plan ranges from $77–$82 per month.
First American’s pricing also depends on the service call fee you select, which is the amount you pay each time a technician services a covered item. First American offers options for a $100 or $125 service fee. Opting for the lower $100 fee will result in higher monthly premiums while selecting the $125 fee lowers your overall cost. If you’re comfortable paying a bit more for each repair visit, choosing the higher service fee can help reduce your overall monthly costs.
First American Home Warranty Plan Cost
We’ve detailed First American Home Warranty’s plan pricing and service call fees below:
First American Home Warranty Monthly Plan Cost by Service Call Fee
| Starter Plan | Essential Plan | Premium Plan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 Service Call Fee | $47 | $62 | $82 |
| $125 Service Call Fee | $42 | $57 | $77 |
Note: We based pricing information on a sample for a 1,585-square-foot, single-family home in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Add-On Costs
Add-on pricing for additional coverage, such as central air conditioning, limited roof leak protection, or pool and spa equipment, ranges from $2–$21 per month, depending on the plan and coverage selected. For example, each additional refrigeration unit costs $4.17 per month, based on a quote we requested. The Essential and Premium plans include the First American Advantage upgrade at no extra cost.
First American Home Warranty Add-On Costs
Here’s a breakdown of First American’s add-on fees based on each plan:
First American Home Warranty – Add-On Fees by Plan
| Add-On Coverage | Starter Plan | Essential Plan | Premium Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC tune-up | $2 | $2 | Included |
| Additional refrigeration (for up to three appliances) | $4 | $4 | $4 |
| Septic system | $7 | $7 | $7 |
| Water softener | $7 | $7 | $7 |
| Well pump | $7 | $7 | $7 |
| Central air conditioning (electric) | $8 | Included | Included |
| Limited roof leak | $8 | $8 | Included |
| Pool and spa equipment (for up to two pools or spas) | $21 | $21 | $21 |
| First American Advantage | 𝗫 | Included | Included |
Discounts
First American Home Warranty offers several discounts to help reduce your monthly costs:
- Military discount: Active or former U.S. Armed Forces members can receive a $25 discount when buying or selling a home.
- Multiproperty savings: Save up to $48 annually with plans for 2–4 properties or up to $60 annually with five or more properties.
- Referral bonus: Refer a friend to earn a $50 Amazon gift card for you and your friend.
- Seasonal discounts: First American offers seasonal discounts throughout the year, including promotions around Black Friday, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Membership Benefits
First American also offers the following membership benefits to homeowners:
- Home project savings: Access discounted services for maintenance and improvements, including light fixture installations, TV mounting, and handyman tasks through partners such as Porch and Helpful Heroes.
- Appliance discounts: You can save up to 40% on Electrolux and Frigidaire appliances as a First American customer.
- GE appliance savings: First American policyholders can enjoy substantial discounts on a variety of GE appliances.
- Filter subscription: Get 5% off refrigerator water filters with free shipping through a subscription delivery service.
Home buyers and sellers also receive these benefits plus rekeying services, which include rekeying up to six locks and four new keys after paying the warranty service fee. They also receive $100 off Porch Home Assistant Gold concierge service, which provides four $25 coupons for handyman and moving services such as TV mounting and furniture assembly.
Comparing First American Home Warranty to Other Top Providers
To help you find the right plan for your home, our team has reviewed the top home warranty companies nationwide. First American Home Warranty received 4.6 out of 5 stars in our review standards, but American Home Shield edges it out with a 4.8 rating. First American’s monthly costs range from $42–$82, a bit higher on average than competitors such as AFC Home Warranty or American Home Shield. The company’s service fees are pretty standard at $100–$125, though Elite Home Warranty stands out with fees starting at $70. Each of our top-rated providers have a BBB rating of B, meaning First American is on par based on company reputation.
| Provider | Logo | Our Score (Out of 5) | Monthly Plan Cost | Service Fee Cost | BBB Rating* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
First American Home WarrantyGet Quote | | $77–$130 | $100–$125 | B | |
American Home ShieldGet Quote |  | $36–$100 | $100–$125 | B | |
Choice Home WarrantyGet Quote |  | $60–$68 | $100 | B | |
Elite Home WarrantyGet Quote |  | $45–$60 | $70 ($150 for after hours and weekends) | B | |
AFC Home WarrantyGet Quote |  | $44–$82 | $75–$125 | B |
*BBB ratings are accurate as of February 2025.
Customer Reviews: Reddit, Trustpilot, and More
To gain a clearer understanding of the First American Home Warranty customer experience, we analyzed multiple third-party reviews from sources such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Reddit, and Trustpilot.
Based on customer reviews, many First American Home Warranty users praise the professionalism and courtesy of the company’s technicians, as well as the responsiveness of customer service representatives. Quick and efficient claims processing is another common highlight, with many claims handled within 24 hours. Similarly, our tester experienced fast claims processing, with technician assignments typically completed within an hour of submitting a claim.
However, some customers express frustration over claim denials, often citing exclusions or perceived contract loopholes. Additional complaints include poor repair quality, with issues persisting or recurring after service, and dissatisfaction with low-quality replacements that use generic brands.
We’ve highlighted two online reviews for First American Home Warranty below:
“I had a pretty smooth experience with First American Home Warranty when my fridge broke down. The claim process was straightforward, and they assigned a contractor quickly. The technician arrived on time, fixed the issue, and I didn’t pay anything out of pocket beyond my service fee.” —BlueberryCertain2603 via Reddit on Aug. 19, 2024
“I have almost two years of experience with First American Home Warranty. I won’t renew. I don’t recommend it. They deny claims for the most unbelievable reasons. Don’t assume even a basic clear-cut repair will be covered, even if your warranty says it’s covered. It takes unreasonable amounts of time to get things fixed—dishwasher [took] five months and still not fixed, refrigerator [took] four months, AC [took] six weeks, [and] furnace [was] denied. They don’t stand behind their work. Same appliance, same failure, [and] the part they replaced failed after five weeks.” —jazar02 via Reddit on Dec. 20, 2024
Our Experience With First American Home Warranty
We gained valuable insights into the First American customer experience by signing up for service and speaking with a team member who has held a plan with the company since 2008. Below is a summary of our tester’s experiences with the company.
Signing Up
To sign up for First American Home Warranty service, you can start by calling the sales department at 888-875-0533 or signing up through the company’s website. We tested the company’s online quote process to learn more about signing up for services.
1. Review Your Plan Options
After entering your basic information online, including your name, home address, and property details, you can select your plan options. The “Show Plan Details” button at the bottom allows you to compare coverage options. A toggle button lets you switch between the two service call fee options, with real-time updates to plan costs displayed. The plan start date is also shown—ours, for example, was 30 days from sign-up.
First American provides sample contracts on its site, tailored to the state entered during the initial quote process. This is a helpful feature, as it highlights any relevant state-specific policies. This was the only instance where we found a sample contract on the website. We recommend saving the contract if you need more time to review it before signing up for the service.
2. Choose Add-Ons
After selecting your plan, you can customize it with any desired add-ons. For the Starter Plan, the central air conditioning add-on is available as an option. For the Essential and Premium plans, included add-ons are preselected for you, such as air conditioning coverage. At this step, you can also adjust your service call fee and apply any promo codes before finalizing your plan.
3. Confirm Coverage Address and Pay
In the final step, you can update your initial coverage address if needed and opt for paperless delivery for your contract and plan details. First American accepts credit card payments only, unlike some providers that allow options such as bank transfers or PayPal. It’s worth noting that First American applies a $2 handling fee per payment. After entering your payment information, click “Purchase” to complete your transaction.
Filing Claims
You can file a claim via the company’s 24/7 claims phone line at 800-992-3400 or through its online portal. Our First American tester shared his experience with the online claims filing process below.
1. Open a New Claim
After logging into the online portal, select “Request New Service” to begin the claim process.
2. Choose Your Repair Contractor Type
Next, select the type of repair needed for your home. These options are organized into specific categories. For example, our tester selected “HVAC” for their repair request. After making your selection, click “Start Service Request.”
3. Detail Your Repair Request
Next, provide the necessary details for your request. First American offers convenient drop-down menus so you can make selections for details such as “Service Item” and “Symptom.” Use the comment box to describe the issue in more detail. Ensure all fields are completed before submitting your request. First American also includes a “Coverage Details” link, allowing you to verify coverage for your repair. You can add additional related service requests if needed. Once everything is complete, click the “Continue” button.
4. Pay the Service Call Fee and Submit
In the final steps, you’ll need to pay the service call fee, which you can do using a credit or debit card. Once payment is complete, click “Submit Claim” to finalize your request.
Our First American tester noted that the entire claims process took just a few minutes to complete. Within about five minutes, he received a confirmation text message with contact information for the assigned technician. Shortly after, the technician called to schedule an appointment—typically within 15 minutes to an hour after receiving the text.
For non-emergencies, First American schedules appointments Monday through Friday. For example, when he filed a claim for a broken garage door opener on a Friday, the technician appointment was set for the following Monday. On the day of the appointment, the technician arrived on time, completed the repair in about 20 minutes, and explained the issue and solution. The tester paid only the service call fee for the repair.
Advice From a Homeowner
Our tester, Nic C., has had a largely positive experience with First American Home Warranty, enjoying the convenience his plan offers. Since first receiving the plan in 2008 as part of his home purchase, he has continued to renew it year after year. Nic appreciates that the company handles technician scheduling, eliminating the need for him to source contractors himself. He finds the service “very easy to use and intuitive,” especially the online claims process, which allows him to submit issues and get responses quickly.
While his experience has been mostly smooth, Nic highlights the importance of researching the contractors assigned to claims. When he was initially assigned a contractor with poor reviews, he expressed his concerns to First American, and the company promptly reassigned a different company.
On other occasions, Nic hired contractors outside of First American’s network when he felt it was necessary. For example, when a garage door issue resulted in an estimated $700 repair, Nic found another technician who fixed it in just 10 minutes for a $55 service call fee. After submitting the receipt to First American, the company refunded the $85 fee he originally paid.
Nic values the peace of mind his home warranty provides.
“I appreciate the convenience of never having to source technicians or request quotes,” he said. “I’ve never had a bad service and couldn’t recommend it enough.”
Is First American Home Warranty Worth It?
If you own high-end appliances or expensive home systems, First American Home Warranty is a good option thanks to its higher coverage caps and comprehensive plans. It covers essential systems such as heating, cooling, and ductwork without imposing limits, offering strong protection for valuable or complex systems.
However, if you’re looking for a low-cost home warranty plan or need coverage focused solely on appliances or systems, you might want to consider other providers that specialize in these areas. While there are occasional reports of claim denials or exclusions in customer reviews, the company’s efficient claims processing and professional technicians make it a reliable choice for many homeowners.
FAQs About First American Home Warranty
Is First American Home Warranty the same as American Home Shield?
No, First American Home Warranty and American Home Shield are separate companies offering home warranty services. These companies provide similar coverage options for systems and appliances, but plans, pricing, and service details vary.
Does First American Home Warranty have any coverage caps?
Yes, First American Home Warranty has coverage caps that vary by plan. For example, the Starter Plan has a $3,500 limit for appliance coverage, while the Premium Plan offers $7,000 in coverage. We recommend reviewing the First American website and sample contracts for full details on plan coverage.
How do I cancel a First American Home Warranty plan?
To cancel a First American Home Warranty plan, contact customer support at 800-327-9292, extension 7521, or submit a request via email at cancellationsupport@firstam.com.
How We Evaluated Home Warranty Providers
We use a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each home warranty company we review. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts, and running focus groups and homeowner surveys.
We use this information to score each provider in six comparison categories that we think are most important when choosing a home warranty. We rate each provider across 23 factors within those categories. Each factor is assigned a point value based on its importance to a homeowner, totaling 100 points. We convert the final scores to a 5-star rating.
Here’s a breakdown of our weighted factors:
- Coverage (35%): This category looked at how comprehensive each provider’s coverage was, including whether they covered unique items. Companies that covered the most items and had higher annual limits received the highest scores. We docked points from providers that impose long waiting periods or had depreciation policies that decrease your payouts for aging items.
- Cost (20%): We looked at average monthly prices and service call fees. We gave the most points to companies that offer pricing at or below the industry average and don’t impose any surcharges or extra fees.
- Trustworthiness (15%): To gauge reputation and reliability, we reviewed customer ratings across sites like the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot as well as companies’ responses to complaints. We also checked for National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) membership. Providers with the highest ratings and longest workmanship guarantees received higher scores. We deduced points for any ongoing legal issues.
- Plan transparency (10%): We read terms, policies, and disclosures in provided contracts and on each company’s website. Providers with transparent contract details and policies received more points.
- Customer support (10%): Companies with multiple claims filing options, fast response times, and accessible customer support scored well in this category.
- Flexibility (10%): We awarded more points for providers offering more plan options, larger add-on catalogs, the ability to choose your own technician, and customer-friendly cancellation policies.
