Choosing between American Home Shield and First American Home Warranty comes down to your home’s needs. American Home Shield is a strong choice for homeowners with older systems or appliances, as it covers preexisting damage and wear. First American Home Warranty, on the other hand, is ideal for those with high-end appliances, offering up to $7,000 in annual repair coverage. Our guide breaks down costs, coverage, and customer feedback to help you decide which of these top home warranty providers is the better fit.
Is First American Home Warranty or American Home Shield Better?
American Home Shield (AHS) provides broad coverage for systems and appliances, including protection for undetectable preexisting conditions—issues that existed before coverage began. Since most home warranty companies exclude this, AHS is a solid choice for homeowners with older or well-used items.
First American Home Warranty (FAHW) is ideal for homeowners who need high-end or luxury appliance coverage. It offers higher coverage limits for key appliances and budget-friendly add-ons, making it a great option for homeowners with multiple or specialty items needing extended protection.
Both companies provide comprehensive coverage, but AHS stands out as the best pick due to its unique coverage for preexisting conditions and well-rounded protection for both systems and appliances.
We Recommend American Home Shield If You:
- Own older systems and appliances, including those with existing damage
- Only need baseline coverage without many add-ons
- Prefer a lower monthly cost
We Recommend First American Home Warranty If You:
- Are willing to pay more for higher coverage limits
- Have specific coverage needs and prefer budget-friendly add-ons
- Require higher coverage limits for luxury appliances
Comparing First American Home Warranty and American Home Shield Side-by-Side
The table below offers a side-by-side comparison of First American Home Warranty and American Home Shield. We’ve highlighted a winner in key categories that matter most to homeowners, such as coverage, cost, and customer reviews.
| Category | Winner | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | American Home Shield | American Home Shield provides broader coverage for systems and includes preexisting conditions like rust or corrosion damage. |
| Cost | American Home Shield | American Home Shield tends to have lower monthly costs, particularly when selecting a $125 service call fee, making it a cost-effective option for budget-conscious homeowners. |
| Customer Reviews | First American Home Warranty | First American Home Warranty has a higher Trustpilot rating and solid customer reputation. |
| Our Experience | American Home Shield | American Home Shield excels with an easy sign-up process, multiple payment options, and a reliable experience, including timely technician arrivals and quality repairs. |
First American Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield Coverage
Both American Home Shield and First American Home Warranty offer three plans. AHS has a system-only option and two comprehensive plans that cover both systems and appliances. In comparison, FAHW provides three comprehensive plans.
Our 2025 survey of 2,000 home warranty plan holders nationwide found that 70% of respondents prefer comprehensive plans covering systems and appliances. Therefore, we compared the top-tier plans from each provider: American Home Shield’s ShieldPlatinum plan and First American Home Warranty’s Premium plan.
What Do First American Home Warranty and American Home Shield Cover?
American Home Shield’s ShieldPlatinum plan covers nine appliances and 14 systems, including HVAC, ductwork, plumbing, and electrical. It also includes roof-leak protection, for which many other providers charge extra. First American’s Premium plan covers eight systems and 11 appliances. It also includes free roof-leak coverage, but it covers more appliances, including luxury appliances, central vacuum systems, and window air conditioning units.
A key feature of American Home Shield is its coverage for unknown preexisting conditions, such as damage caused by rust or corrosion. While First American offers an upgrade called the First American Advantage for extra protection against improper installation and repairs, it doesn’t offer the same level of coverage for preexisting conditions. Both providers offer a 30-day workmanship guarantee, which guarantees that if issues arise with covered repairs within that time frame, they will fix them for free.
Overall, both providers offer strong coverage, but American Home Shield focuses more on systems, while First American offers broader appliance coverage.
Coverage Plan Comparison
The table below compares the coverage of American Home Shield’s ShieldPlatinum plan with First American Home Warranty’s Premium plan.
| Coverage | First American Premium Plan | American Home Shield ShieldPlatinum Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Air conditioning | ✔ | ✔ |
| Built-in jetted tub motor and components | X | ✔ |
| Built-in microwaves | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ceiling/attic/exhaust fans | ✔ | ✔ |
| Central vacuum system | ✔ | X |
| Clothes dryers | ✔ | ✔ |
| Clothes washers | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dishwashers | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ductwork | ✔ | ✔ |
| Electrical systems | ✔ | ✔ |
| Faucets and valves | ✔ | ✔ |
| Garage door openers | ✔ | ✔ |
| Garbage disposals | ✔ | ✔ |
| Heating systems | ✔ | ✔ |
| HVAC tune-ups | ✔ | ✔ |
| Instant hot water dispenser | ✔ | ✔ |
| Luxury appliances | ✔ | X |
| Oven/range/cooktop | ✔ | ✔ |
| Plumbing stoppages | ✔ | ✔ |
| Plumbing systems | ✔ | ✔ |
| Refrigerators | ✔ | ✔ |
| Roof-leak repairs | ✔ | ✔ |
| Toilets | ✔ | ✔ |
| Trash compactors | ✔ | ✔ |
| Water heaters | ✔ | ✔ |
| Window AC unit | ✔ | X |
| Normal wear and tear | ✔ | ✔ |
| Improper installation or repair | ✔ | ✔ |
| Insufficient maintenance | X | ✔ |
| Rust, corrosion, or sediment damage | X | ✔ |
Coverage Limits
Both First American Home Warranty and American Home Shield don’t have caps for electrical systems and water heater coverage under their top-tier plans. No coverage cap, or an unlimited coverage cap, means there is no maximum dollar limit on the repair or replacement of covered items during the contract term. However, First American provides higher limits for HVAC system protection, ranging from $1,500 to no coverage cap, while American Home Shield sets a $5,000 limit per term.
In addition, First American offers higher coverage for most appliances, with limits ranging from $7,000 to no coverage cap, compared to American Home Shield’s $4,000 cap. Overall, First American provides higher coverage limits for essential household items.
Coverage Limits Comparison
Below, we highlight the coverage limits for key systems and appliances included in each provider’s highest-tier plans. This provides an overview of the coverage, but we suggest reviewing the sample contracts from both companies to understand the exact coverage. You can find American Home Shield’s sample contract here, and here’s First American’s sample contract.
| Item | First American Premium PlanCoverage Limits | American Home ShieldShieldPlatinum Coverage Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Air conditioning systems | $1,500–unlimited | $1,500–$5,000 |
| Clothes dryers | Unlimited | $4,000 |
| Clothes washers | Unlimited | $4,000 |
| Dishwashers | $7,000 | $4,000 |
| Electrical | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Heating systems | $1,500–unlimited | $1,500–$5,000 |
| Ovens | $7,000 | $4,000 |
| Plumbing | $600–unlimited | $500–unlimited |
| Refrigerators | $7,000 | $4,000 |
| Water heaters | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Add-Ons
First American Home Warranty provides a wider range of add-ons, offering eight options compared to American Home Shield’s six. Most home warranty companies offer between 8 and 12 add-ons, so AHS falls slightly short in this regard.
First American Home Warranty covers multiple refrigeration units and water softeners with add-ons, features not available in American Home Shield’s offerings. However, AHS provides specialized options like the Electronic Protection Plan and coverage for guest units, which FAHW doesn’t offer.
Overall, First American Home Warranty offers a wider selection of add-ons with higher coverage limits, while American Home Shield focuses on more specialized coverage options.
Add-On Coverage Comparison
The table below outlines the add-ons and coverage limits available from First American and American Home Shield.
| Add-On Coverage | First American Home Warranty Coverage Cap | American Home Shield Coverage Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Additional refrigeration units | $500 | 𝗫 |
| Central air conditioning | $1,500–unlimited | 𝗫 |
| Electronic protection plan | 𝗫 | $5,000 |
| Guest unit | 𝗫 | Unlimited |
| HVAC tune-up | Unlimited | 𝗫 |
| Pool and built-in spa equipment | $2,500 | $3,000 |
| Roof leak repair | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Septic system/pumping | $500 | $500 |
| Water softener | $500 | 𝗫 |
| Well pump | $1,500 | $1,500 |
The Fine Print
Both First American Home Warranty and American Home Shield have exclusions that limit coverage. Common exclusions include cosmetic damage, such as superficial scratches or dents that don’t affect functionality, and manufacturer defects or design flaws, including items with recalls.
Coverage also doesn’t extend to damage caused by natural disasters like fires, floods, and earthquakes or other external events such as storms, lightning, and vandalism. Items used outside the home or for commercial purposes are also excluded.
Both companies require repairs to be done by preapproved service contractors, though homeowners can opt for their own technicians if local options aren’t available. Prior authorization is required, and failing to get approval could lead to delays or claim denials.
Some policies vary between the two providers, which we’ve highlighted below.
Aggregate Claims Limit
An aggregate claims limit is the maximum amount a home warranty provider will pay for claims within a specific time frame, usually one year. This limit is $50,000 per 12-month contract period for American Home Shield. Once this limit is reached, no additional claims will be reimbursed until the plan is renewed.
First American Home Warranty, on the other hand, doesn’t impose an annual cap on claims payouts, allowing you to file multiple claims for expensive repairs throughout the year without worrying about exceeding a limit.
Second Opinions for Denied Claims
Both companies offer the option of a second opinion if a claim is denied. If you choose this option, the company will send another contractor at its expense, but it won’t cover the cost if you use an unapproved technician.
First American gives you 14 days to request a second opinion and will cover the repair if the second technician disagrees with the initial assessment. However, if the second technician agrees with the original decision, you’ll be responsible for another service fee.
American Home Shield offers a similar process but only allows seven days to request a second opinion. If the second opinion favors you, AHS will refund the service fee and approve the repair. AHS may also request a second opinion at its own expense if needed.
In either case, requesting a second opinion can be a useful option if you believe your claim was unfairly denied.
Item Exclusions by Plan
First American Home Warranty’s exclusions differ depending on the plan you select. For instance, the screenshot below shows that heating system coverage varies between the Starter, Essential, and Premium plans.
In comparison, American Home Shield offers consistent exclusions across all its plans, meaning you’ll receive the same heating coverage regardless of your chosen plan.
Cost Comparison
We requested quotes from each company for a 2,351-square-foot single-family home in Denver. Below, we compare the home warranty costs of American Home Shield and First American Home Warranty.
Plan Cost
First American Home Warranty offers a range of monthly costs depending on your service call fee, with plans starting at $42 for the Starter Plan and going up to $82 for the Premium Plan with a $100 service call fee. If you choose the $125 service call fee, prices are slightly lower, starting at $42.
American Home Shield offers a more affordable range, with ShieldSilver starting at $29.99 per month and ShieldPlatinum reaching $79.99 per month with a $125 service call fee. Overall, American Home Shield offers lower monthly costs, especially for basic plans.
You can compare each provider’s monthly plan costs in the tables 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 |
American Home Shield Monthly Plan Cost by Service Call Fee
| ShieldSilver | ShieldGold | ShieldPlatinum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 service call fee | $39.99 | $59.99 | $89.99 |
| $125 service call fee | $29.99 | $49.99 | $79.99 |
Add-On Costs
First American Home Warranty offers add-ons starting as low as $2.08 for HVAC tune-ups, with higher-cost options like pool and spa equipment coverage at $20.83. American Home Shield provides a similar range, with add-ons like the electronic protection plan priced at $14 and guest unit coverage at $15.99. First American offers more budget-friendly options across the board.
Below, we compare each provider’s add-on coverage cost.
First American Home Warranty Add-On Costs
| Add-On | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Additional refrigeration (up to three appliances) | $4.17 |
| Central air conditioning (Standard Plan only) | $8.33 |
| HVAC tune-up | $2.08 |
| Pool and spa equipment (up to two pools or spas) | $20.83 |
| Roof leak repair | $8.33 |
| Septic system | $7.08 |
| Water softener | $7.08 |
| Well pump | $7.08 |
American Home Shield Add-On Costs
| Add-On | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electronic protection plan | $14 |
| Guest unit | $15.99 |
| Pool and built-in spa equipment | $24 |
| Roof leak repair | $10 |
| Septic pump | $5 |
| Well pump | $8 |
Discounts
Both American Home Shield and First American Home Warranty offer various discounts to help reduce the cost of coverage.
First American Home Warranty Discounts
- Military: $25 off for active and former U.S. Armed Forces members.
- Multiproperty: Save up to $48 per year for 2–4 properties or $60 for five or more.
- Refer a Friend: Receive a $50 Amazon gift card for each referral, and your friend gets one, too.
American Home Shield Discounts
- American Association of Retired Persons (AARP): A 25% discount for members can be combined with other offers.
- Military: $35 off for active and veteran military members, with the option to stack with other promotions.
- Multiple properties: Get $50 off when you sign up for coverage on multiple properties.
- Refer a Friend: Earn a $25 Amazon gift card for each successful referral, and your friend will also receive one.
Both companies offer seasonal discounts during major holidays, such as American Home Shield’s 50% off Black Friday deal for ShieldSilver and ShieldGold plans and First American’s Thanksgiving promotion offering $200 off its Essential and Premium plans.
Our Experience With First American Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield
To get a true sense of the customer experience, our team purchased home warranty plans from both American Home Shield and First American Home Warranty and filed claims. Here’s how the companies compare based on our hands-on experience.
Signing Up
Both First American Home Warranty and American Home Shield offer a seamless online sign-up process, making it easy to get quotes and enroll. We tested each provider’s online tools to compare plans and adjust service call fees to assess their impact on overall costs.
First American Home Warranty provides a straightforward four-step sign-up process. After selecting your plan and service call fee, you can choose your add-ons and then enter your contact and payment details. A drawback is that payment options are limited to credit cards only.
American Home Shield also follows a simple four-step process, but it offers more payment flexibility than FAHW. After selecting your plan, service call fee, and add-ons, AHS lets you pay via credit card, PayPal, or bank account.
While both companies offer an easy sign-up, American Home Shield excels with its wider range of payment options.
Claims Process
Our testers generally had positive experiences filing claims with both American Home Shield and First American Home Warranty, though the providers differed in efficiency, flexibility, and customer service. AHS was quick to process claims and had responsive customer support, while FAHW’s online portal made it easy to file claims but occasionally lacked consistency in service.
American Home Shield
The American Home Shield tester found the claims process quick and efficient. After filing a claim for a pipe leak through AHS’s online platform, the process was seamless, with our tester receiving confirmation via email and text, followed by a call from a local contractor within five minutes.
The appointment was scheduled for the next day, and the contractor arrived early, completing the repair in under two hours while addressing a mold issue caused by the leak. AHS covered all repair costs, leaving the tester responsible only for the service call fee.
Our tester has been consistently satisfied with American Home Shield, having several service requests resolved to his satisfaction. Technicians typically arrived promptly, usually within a day. The only exception was a previous HVAC claim, which required a follow-up after the initial repair didn’t fully address the issue. However, AHS promptly sent a technician the following day to resolve the problem.
First American Home Warranty
Our First American Home Warranty tester also found the claims process efficient, with the online portal easy to navigate. After filing a garage door opener claim, the tester received immediate confirmation and contact information for the technician. Within an hour, the contractor called to schedule an appointment for the following Monday, and the technician arrived on time and completed the repair in 20 minutes. Like the American Home Shield tester, the FAHW tester only paid the service call fee.
While claims were generally processed quickly, the tester experienced a few challenges, including being assigned a contractor with poor reviews. However, after raising concerns, First American promptly reassigned a new technician. Despite these minor issues, the tester appreciated FAHW’s quick response and willingness to resolve problems.
What Homeowners Say
Both First American Home Warranty and American Home Shield have mixed customer reviews online. First American Home Warranty holds a relatively strong 4.1 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, based on nearly 16,000 reviews. However, it has a B rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with a much lower average of 1.84 out of 5 stars across nearly 1,800 reviews, indicating a significant number of complaints despite some positive feedback.
American Home Shield also carries a B rating from the BBB, with a slightly higher average of 1.96 out of 5 stars from over 9,200 reviews. On Trustpilot, AHS has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars based on over 10,000 reviews, a slightly lower rating than AHS.
First American Home Warranty Reviews
Based on the reviews we read, homeowners praised First American Home Warranty for its affordable plans, quick claims approvals, and user-friendly online portal that simplifies the claims process. However, some customers reported unexpected out-of-pocket costs, limited contractor availability in rural areas, and inconsistent customer service communication. We also found that the quality and professionalism of contractors received mixed feedback—some customers were satisfied, and others were dissatisfied with the service.
Below are sample reviews for First American Home Warranty:
“My experience was great bc I was able to get a new refrigerator without any problems. The technician came out to fix my fridge. It couldn’t be fixed. I received a check and was able to upgrade by adding my own money to the check. Customer service was also great. No issues at all.” —Terra via Trustpilot on Jan. 24, 2025
“I’ve [had] First American for many years and they used to be good, but have gone downhill in recent years. I’ve had a couple of slab leaks over the years and they paid around $1,200 towards the repair each time. Fast forward about 3-4 years and I have a new one. This time they only offered $500 towards the repair, or I could get a cash-out of that amount and apply that to however I choose to have it repaired. I decided to take the cash out and apply the $500 to a company to re-pipe my plumbing through the attic to avoid the issue going forward. They revised their cash-out offer and only offered me $250.” —Chase M. via Trustpilot on Jan. 17, 2025
American Home Shield Reviews
Many homeowners praised American Home Shield for its efficient claims process, with contractors often being assigned quickly, sometimes within minutes. Customers also valued the company’s knowledgeable contractors. However, some complaints centered around unprofessional contractors, subpar work, and occasional delays in scheduling repairs. We also noticed that a number of customers expressed frustration with claims being denied due to exclusions or fine print in contracts, leaving them caught off guard during the claims process.
Below are sample reviews for American Home Shield:
“The service tech knows his job well, fixed my garage door opener, sold me on doing a maintenance service while here and reprogramed the keyless entry. Only bad thing was I had to call an hour and a half past the 2-hour window frame to see if someone was still coming. Service tech said he doesn’t get a time frame, just the address and job description. Would be helpful if the service techs knew about the time frame too!” —Denise Z. via Trustpilot on Feb. 2, 2025
“My contractor was amazing. However, American Home Shield, even though it said water heater was covered under my policy, you guys didn’t pay a darn thing. The bill ended up being $945 for re-plumbing, a new water heater and a new water heater which you paid zero towards. [S]o for that you get one star.” —Gerlinda via Trustpilot on Jan. 31, 2025
FAQs About First American Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield
What does a home warranty typically cover?
A home warranty covers repairs or replacements for major home systems and appliances due to normal wear and tear. Commonly covered items include HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, refrigerators, dishwashers, and washers and dryers. Coverage varies by provider and plan, and some warranties offer optional add-ons for pools, septic systems, and well pumps.
Which is better: First American Home Warranty or American Home Shield?
The best choice depends on your needs. American Home Shield is ideal if you need coverage for older systems and appliances, as it includes protection for preexisting conditions. First American Home Warranty may be the better option if you want higher payout limits and budget-friendly add-ons for high-end appliances.
How do First American Home Warranty and American Home Shield compare regarding coverage?
First American Home Warranty and American Home Shield both cover major home systems and appliances, but American Home Shield offers more flexible plans with fewer exclusions. First American requires an add-on for central air conditioning, while AHS includes it in standard coverage. In addition, AHS covers unknown preexisting conditions, a benefit not offered by First American.
What is the cost of a home warranty in 2025?
In 2025, the average home warranty cost is around $55 per month, though prices vary based on the provider, coverage level, and service call fee. Add-ons, such as coverage for pools or septic systems, may increase the total cost.
How We Evaluated Home Warranty Providers
Our research process includes requesting sample quotes, reviewing contracts and coverage details, and analyzing company policies. We also read customer reviews on sites like the BBB and Trustpilot, tested home warranty websites, and contacted customer support teams to assess responsiveness. To gain firsthand experience, we used online quote tools and signed up for service with 11 top providers.
Using our in-depth research, we assessed each company across six key factors and assigned a final 5-star rating based on our detailed rating methodology.
Here’s an overview of each factor we considered in our reviews:
- Coverage: We evaluated the extent of coverage, considering unique items and annual coverage limits. Companies lost points for long waiting periods or depreciation policies that reduce payouts for older items.
- Cost: We assessed monthly pricing and service call fees, awarding the highest scores to providers with competitive rates and no hidden surcharges.
- Trustworthiness: This category weighted customer ratings from sources like the BBB and Trustpilot, responsiveness to complaints, and membership in the National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA). Points were deducted for legal issues or short workmanship guarantees.
- Plan transparency: Companies scored higher if they clearly outline terms, policies, and exclusions in contracts and on their websites.
- Customer support: Providers with multiple claims filing options, fast response times, and accessible support earned more points.
- Flexibility: Companies with diverse plan options, extensive add-ons, the ability to choose your own technician, and fair cancellation policies received higher scores.
