First American Home Warranty

4.3

first american logo

Best Appliance Coverage

VISIT SITE
Monthly Cost:
$38–$48
Service Fee:
$75–$125
Response Time:
48 hours
Coverage Limit:
$500–$3,500
BBB Rating:
B
Availability:
35 states
High $3,500 appliance coverage limit
Flexible service call fee options
Comprehensive systems and appliances coverage
Lower $1,500 HVAC coverage limit
Slower 48-hour average response time
Limited availability in 35 states
Higher than average premiums for the Premium plan

First American Home Warranty is a solid choice for homeowners who prioritize comprehensive appliance coverage and are willing to pay a bit more for higher coverage limits. The company’s flexible service call fee options and Premium Plan make them an attractive option for those looking to customize their coverage. However, suppose you have high-end HVAC systems or live in a state where FAHW isn’t available. In that case, consider other providers with higher coverage limits and wider availability.

As a two-time homeowner myself, I know firsthand how vital a home warranty can be for your peace of mind and budget. A good home warranty covers costly repairs and replacements on major home systems and appliances when they break down due to normal wear and tear. However, I know there’s a lot of skepticism and negative stigma around home warranty companies. Horror stories abound of providers denying claims, taking forever to schedule repairs, or using shoddy contractors.

That’s why I’ve made it my mission to cut through the noise and help fellow homeowners find the most reputable, reliable home warranty companies out there. I’ve spent countless hours poring over sample contracts, collecting quotes, analyzing customer reviews and complaints, and even secret shopping providers to see how they treat potential customers. I examine each company from every angle, from the fine print of their service agreements to their track record on handling claims.

In this in-depth review, I evaluate First American Home Warranty (FAHW) using Today’s Homeowner’s comprehensive, rigorous review system. This system scores providers on six key criteria: plans and coverage, affordability, customer experience, company reputation, claims process, and availability. By thoroughly assessing FAHW’s strengths and weaknesses in each of these areas and assigning an objective 100-point score, I aim to present a complete, unbiased picture of what real customers can expect. You can trust that my team and I have performed exhaustive research, getting into the nitty-gritty details to provide expert insights you can rely on to make an informed decision. My goal is to be your go-to authority and advocate in the home warranty space, helping you find the ideal plan for your needs and budget while avoiding potential pitfalls. You can count on me to give it to you straight, highlighting both the good and the bad, so you have realistic expectations and can decide if First American Home Warranty is truly worth it for your home.

Today’s Homeowner Tips

First American Home Warranty advertises coverage in 35 U.S. states. However, they do not directly provide plans to homeowners in some of those states, such as my state of Indiana. In my case, they emailed me quotes from several other leading providers, including Liberty Home Guard, American Home Shield, and Choice Home Warranty. If you’re in a state where this happens to you, I strongly suggest booking directly with another leading provider. This cuts out the “go-between” company and can save you money and communication headaches down the road.

Why Trust Us?

Here’s how we ranked and reviewed the nation’s top home warranty companies to bring you the most accurate information.

76

Our team of experts reviewed over 70 home warranty providers to compare plan options, coverage limits, prices, and customer feedback.

152

We collected over 100 sample quotes from dozens of home warranty companies to give you an accurate look at industry pricing.

6

Our rating system scores providers based on 6 key factors: coverage options, affordability, customer experience, reputation, claims processes, and availability.

For more information, check out our Home Warranty Methodology page.

Best Coverage Limits
American Home Shield Logo
VISIT SITE
Limited Time:
40% Off Our Most Popular Plan
Our Top Pick
Best for Customization
VISIT SITE
Limited Time:
$200 Off + 2 Months free + Free Roof Leak Coverage
Best Customer Ratings
VISIT SITE
Limited Time:
$150 Off + 1 Month Free
Best Claims Acceptance
choice home warranty logo
VISIT SITE
Limited Time:
$50 Off + 1 month free!

    First American Home Warranty: Best Appliance Coverage

    I like that FAHW offers a high $3,500 coverage limit per appliance in its Starter and Essential plans and $7,000 in its Premium Plan. This is one of the highest coverage caps I’ve seen among the dozens of home warranty providers I’ve researched. Its high caps mean that if your high-end refrigerator, dishwasher, or oven breaks down, you likely won’t have to pay anything out of pocket for the repair or replacement. In contrast, most competitors cap appliance coverage at $2,000-$3,000 per item.

    I’m also impressed by the flexibility and customization that First American offers. Unlike most providers that have set service call fees, FAHW lets you choose your own service fee of $75, $100, or $125. This allows you to tailor your plan to your budget and risk tolerance. If you prefer a lower monthly premium and don’t mind paying a bit more per repair visit, you can opt for the $125 service fee. Or, if you want to minimize out-of-pocket costs per breakdown, you can pay a slightly higher monthly rate and just $75 per service call. 

    One of my chief complaints about First American Home Warranty is that their plans are on the pricier side compared to other top providers I’ve reviewed. Their Essential and Premium plans, in particular, have some of the highest monthly premiums I’ve seen, ranging from $57 to $87, especially if you opt for the lowest $75 service fee. While I believe these plans offer solid value in terms of the extent and quality of coverage, they may be cost-prohibitive for some homeowners on a tight budget.

    Another issue I have with FAHW is inconsistent availability and fulfillment across their service area. While FAHW advertises coverage in 35 states on their website, in my experience, they don’t always directly service every state listed. For example, when I attempted to get a quote for my home in Indiana, I was redirected to a third-party site that collected my information and then sent me quotes from three other home warranty companies — Liberty Home Guard, American Home Shield, and Choice Home Warranty. None of the quotes were actually from FAHW. I find this rather misleading and confusing as a consumer.

    On the other hand, when I requested a quote for a colleague’s California home, I was able to get a direct quote from FAHW with no issues. This suggests that FAHW’s direct service area may be more limited than they imply. I’d like to see greater transparency from the company about which states they serve directly and which are through third-party partnerships.

    I’m also not thrilled with FAHW’s coverage caps for HVAC systems. They cap heating system coverage at $1,500 per contract term, which is lower than many competitors that offer $3,000-$10,000 coverage for this crucial home system. With HVAC repairs and replacements easily running thousands of dollars, I worry that $1,500 may leave some homeowners with high out-of-pocket costs. I’d love to see FAHW raise their coverage limit for HVAC to match what they offer for appliances and be more in line with industry leaders like American Home Shield and Elite Home Warranty.


    First American Home Warranty Bottom Line: 

    8.7/10

    After extensive research and hands-on experience with First American Home Warranty, I give this provider a strong 8.7 out of 10 rating overall. FAHW stands out for its exceptional $3,500 per appliance coverage limit in its Starter and Essential plans, which surpasses most competitors, and a $7,000 limit in its Premium plan — far surpassing all other providers. If you have high-end appliances, FAHW’s Premium plan could save you thousands in repair and replacement costs. I also appreciate the flexibility of choosing your service fee and tailoring optional add-ons for a custom plan.

    However, FAHW’s high premiums on their comprehensive plans may be cost-prohibitive for some homeowners. Plus, the $1,500 HVAC coverage cap is also lower than the $3,000-$10,000 limits common among industry leaders. For example, American Home Shield has $5,000 limits and Elite Home Warranty offers $10,000. Additionally, I encountered inconsistent availability when I got quotes in different states, which FAHW could address with greater transparency about their service area. Despite stating they service Indiana, it seems they have external providers (like Liberty Home Guard or Choice Home Warranty) that fulfill service in my home state. On the other hand, First American has direct plans in other states, such as California. 

    The bottom line is that if you prioritize extensive appliance coverage and don’t mind paying a bit more, then consider choosing FAHW’s Premium plan. It offers some of the most comprehensive coverage on the market. However, if you’re on a tighter budget or more concerned with HVAC coverage, you may find a better fit with other top contenders like Choice Home Warranty or American Home Shield. As with any big purchase, I suggest getting quotes from multiple providers, reading sample contracts closely, and choosing the plan that best aligns with your specific needs and priorities.

    Why Choose First American Home Warranty?


    First American Home Warranty Plans and Coverage

    9.0/10

    I give First American Home Warranty a 9.0 out of 10 for its plans and coverage. FAHW offers three plans: Starter, Essential, and Premium. All plans include coverage for plumbing, electrical, and heating systems, as well as kitchen appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, cooktops, and built-in microwaves. The Essential plan adds coverage for clothes washers and dryers, water heaters, ductwork, central air conditioning, garage door openers, and more. The Premium plan further expands coverage to items like garbage disposals, central vacuums, and instant hot water dispensers and includes coverage for improper installation, modifications, and code upgrades.

    One unique aspect of FAHW’s plans is the ability to choose your own service fee, which allows you to balance your monthly premium with your out-of-pocket costs per claim. For example, selecting a $75 service fee will result in a higher monthly payment, while a $125 service fee means a lower monthly cost. This flexibility is rare among home warranty providers and can be a significant advantage for homeowners looking to customize their coverage. I would opt for the Premium plan. While it’s not the cheapest option, I believe it offers the best value overall, with comprehensive coverage for both systems and appliances, including several hard-to-find items. I would also pick the highest service fee of $125 with the lower monthly cost because I have a home that’s less than two years old, which likely won’t need many service visits. I wouldn’t recommend the Starter plan for most homeowners, as it doesn’t include essential items like air conditioning, washer/dryer, and garage door openers, which could lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses if these items break down.

    PlanMonthly CostService Fee*
    Starter Plan $47, $52, or $62$75, $100, or $125
    Essential Plan$57, $62, or $72$75, $100, or $125
    Premium Plan$72. $77, or $87$75, $100, or $125

    *You choose the service fee when signing up for a plan. The lower service fee goes with the higher monthly premium cost. For example, the Starter Plan will be $47 per month with the $125 service fee, $52 per month with the $100 service fee, and $62 per month with the $75 service fee. 

    Editor’s Note: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Santa Rosa, CA. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.

    Available Add-Ons

    First American Home Warranty offers several optional add-ons to enhance your coverage, as shown in the list below. As someone who understands the importance of regular HVAC maintenance, I appreciate the HVAC tune-up option for just $2/month. 

    • Additional refrigeration (each unit): $4.17/month
    • Central air conditioning (electric): $8.33/month 
    • HVAC tune-up: $2/month (free)
    • Limited roof leak: $8.33/month
    • Pool/spa equipment: $20.83/month
    • Septic tank pumping/system: $7.08/month
    • Water softener: $7.08/month
    • Well pump: $7.08/month
    Exclusions

    First American Home Warranty has several notable exclusions that apply to all plans:

    • Cosmetic defects
    • Damage due to acts of nature
    • Hazardous or toxic materials
    • Items covered under homeowners insurance and manufacturer’s warranty
    • Repairs or replacements needed due to missing parts
    • Residential properties over 5,000 square feet
    • Routine maintenance
    • Solar power systems and components

    Editor’s Note: While this article highlights certain exclusions, it is imperative for readers to review their contracts as the mentioned exclusions are not exhaustive, and additional exclusions may apply.


    First American Home Warranty Affordability 

    9.3/10

    I give First American Home Warranty a 9.3 out of 10 for affordability. When collecting sample quotes, I was impressed by the flexibility and customization options FAHW offers. Unlike most home warranty companies that have set service call fees, FAHW allows customers to choose their own service fee of $75, $100, or $125. This enables homeowners to tailor their plans to their budgets and risk tolerance. For example, if you prefer a lower monthly premium and don’t mind paying a bit more per repair visit, you can opt for the $125 service fee. On the other hand, if you want to minimize out-of-pocket costs per breakdown, you can pay a slightly higher monthly rate and only $75 per service call.

    First American’s rates are competitive with those of other top home warranty providers, especially considering the high coverage caps and comprehensive coverage offered in their Premium plan. While the Starter and Essential plans may have slightly higher monthly costs than some budget-focused competitors, they offer good value for the level of protection provided. FAHW’s prices are consistent across the states where they offer coverage, although it’s always a good idea to request a personalized quote to get the most accurate pricing for your location and home.


    First American Home Warranty Customer Experience

    8.1/10

    I give First American Home Warranty an 8.1 out of 10 for customer experience. One of the standout features of FAHW’s customer experience is their intuitive and user-friendly website. It’s incredibly easy to compare plans, view coverage details, and understand pricing options. The ability to toggle between the three service call fee choices and see how they affect monthly premiums is a helpful tool for customers trying to find the best balance for their budget. Additionally, the comprehensive snapshot of optional add-ons and their associated costs makes it simple for homeowners to customize their coverage to suit their specific needs.

    When I spoke with FAHW’s customer service representatives, I found them to be knowledgeable, friendly, and focused on helping me find the right solution for my home warranty needs. They took the time to answer my questions thoroughly and provided guidance on plan selection without applying high-pressure sales tactics. Customers generally praise FAHW’s customer service in online reviews, while some have reported longer-than-average wait times to reach a representative during peak periods. However, the company’s overall responsiveness and helpfulness still rank well compared to many competitors in the home warranty industry.


    First American Home Warranty Company Reputation

    8.9/10

    I give First American Home Warranty an 8.9 out of 10 for reputation. FAHW has a strong presence on various review platforms, with a high volume of customer feedback. On Trustpilot, the company boasts an impressive 4.1 stars based on over 13,000 reviews, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction. Many customers praise FAHW for their comprehensive coverage, responsive customer service, and fair claims processing. However, the company’s ratings on other platforms are more mixed, with a 2.8-star rating on Google and a 1.0-star rating on Yelp. Negative reviews typically mention issues with claims denials, slow repair times, and difficulty reaching customer support.

    Despite these challenges, FAHW maintains a decent B rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The company is actively engaged in addressing customer complaints on the BBB and working to resolve issues promptly. Over the past few years, FAHW has maintained a relatively stable reputation, with a consistent volume of both positive and negative reviews. Compared to other top home warranty companies, FAHW’s reputation is generally strong, with a higher number of positive reviews on Trustpilot.

    Rating SiteRating# of Reviews
    BBBBCustomer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating
    Trustpilot4.113,726
    Google2.82,564
    Yelp1.0425

    Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.


    First American Home Warranty Claims Process

    8.4/10

    I give First American Home Warranty an 8.4 out of 10 for its claims process. FAHW offers multiple convenient ways to submit claims, including online through their customer portal, by phone, or by email. This flexibility makes it easy for homeowners to request service when they need it most. However, FAHW’s response time is slightly slower than that of some competitors, with a wait time of up to 48 hours for a contractor to diagnose the issue after a claim filing. In comparison, some other top home warranty companies guarantee a technician visit within 24 hours.

    Once a claim is approved, FAHW does a good job of communicating with customers throughout the repair or replacement process in its online dashboard. They provide updates on the status of the claim and an estimated timeline for completion. While FAHW doesn’t disclose the exact percentage of claims paid out, customer reviews suggest that the company has a fair and straightforward claims approval process.


    First American Home Warranty Availability

    6.0/10

    I give First American Home Warranty a 6.0 out of 10 for less than stellar availability. While FAHW advertises coverage in 35 states, there are some inconsistencies in their service across these locations. When attempting to obtain a quote for a home in Indiana, I was redirected to a third-party website that collected my information and provided quotes from other home warranty companies instead of FAHW. However, when requesting a quote for a home in California, I was able to receive a direct quote from FAHW without any issues.

    Nationwide availability is an important factor when evaluating a home warranty company’s legitimacy and reliability. A provider with a wide service area is more likely to have a stable business model, a larger pool of contractors, and the financial resources to handle claims efficiently. Companies with limited availability may struggle to maintain consistent service quality and could face challenges in meeting their obligations to customers. While FAHW’s advertised 35-state coverage is better than that of some smaller regional providers, the inconsistencies in direct service across these states raise some concerns about the company’s true reach and capabilities.


    First American Home Warranty vs. The Competition

    CompanyRatingMonthly CostService FeeResponse TimeBBB RatingLink

    $50-$60

    $75

    12-48 hrs.

    NR

    VISIT SITE
    American Home Shield Logo

    $35–$75

    $100–$125

    24-72 hrs

    B

    VISIT SITE

    $44.99-$58.99

    $70

    48 hours

    A+

    VISIT SITE
    choice home warranty logo

    $46–$55

    $85

    24-48 hrs.

    B

    VISIT SITE
    select home warranty logo

    $52–$58

    $60

    24-48 hrs.

    B

    VISIT SITE
    AFC Home Warranty logo

    $38–$62

    $75–$125

    48 hours

    B

    VISIT SITE
    first american logo

    $38–$48

    $75–$125

    48 hours

    B

    VISIT SITE

    $17–$60+

    $65–$100

    2–24 hrs

    A-

    VISIT SITE

    $28–$68

    $100–$150

    2–24 hrs

    B

    VISIT SITE

    First American Home Warranty vs Liberty Home Guard

    First American Home Warranty and Liberty Home Guard both offer comprehensive coverage options, but they excel in different areas. FAHW stands out for its high coverage limits on appliances, offering up to $3,500 per appliance, which is $1,500 more than Liberty’s appliance coverage limit. This makes FAHW a better choice for homeowners with high-end or expensive appliances. However, Liberty Home Guard offers a wider range of optional add-ons, including less common items like carpet cleaning, casita guest units, and re-key services, giving homeowners more flexibility to customize their coverage.

    When it comes to reputation, Liberty Home Guard has a clear advantage. Liberty boasts an impressive 4.1 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot based on over 2,200 reviews and an A rating on Google with more than 9,600 reviews. In contrast, FAHW’s customer reviews are more mixed, with a 2.8 out of 5 stars rating on Google and a 1.0 out of 5 stars rating on Yelp. While both companies have their strengths, I recommend Liberty Home Guard for its superior reputation and more extensive add-on options, which give homeowners greater peace of mind and customization possibilities.

    First American Home Warranty vs American Home Shield

    First American Home Warranty and American Home Shield are both well-established companies in the home warranty industry, but they have some notable differences. AHS offers more comprehensive coverage, with its ShieldPlatinum plan covering items like roof leaks and higher coverage limits for appliances (up to $6,000) compared to FAHW’s $3,500 limit for its Starter and Essential plans. However, FAHW’s Premium plan offers an impressive $7,000 appliance coverage limit, surpassing AHS. AHS also covers preexisting conditions and breakdowns due to lack of maintenance, which FAHW does not. Both companies offer flexible service call fee structures, with AHS providing two choices ($100 or $125) and FAHW offering three options ($75, $100, or $125).

    When it comes to affordability, FAHW’s Premium plan starts at $72 per month, while AHS’s ShieldPlatinum plan begins at $79.99 per month, making FAHW slightly more budget-friendly for comprehensive coverage. FAHW also offers more add-on options, such as HVAC tune-ups and septic tank pumping, while AHS has fewer add-ons but includes unique options like electronics coverage. Ultimately, for homeowners seeking the most comprehensive coverage and protection for preexisting conditions, AHS is the better choice. But for those prioritizing affordability, higher appliance coverage limits, and add-on customization, FAHW is the better option.

    First American Home Warranty vs American Home Shield Review

    First American Home Warranty vs Elite Home Warranty

    First American Home Warranty and Elite Home Warranty take different approaches to protecting your home, with each provider excelling in specific areas. When it comes to appliance coverage, FAHW’s Premium plan offers a higher limit of $7,000 compared to Elite’s $6,000 cap. However, Elite really stands out with its $10,000 coverage limit for home systems, which is significantly higher than FAHW’s $1,500 limit. This makes Elite a better option for homeowners with expensive or high-end HVAC units and other critical systems.

    In terms of reputation, Elite Home Warranty has the edge, with an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars rating on Trustpilot based on over 40 reviews. FAHW, on the other hand, has a Trustpilot score of 4.1 stars but with many more reviews — nearly 14,000. This major difference in the total number of reviews makes it difficult to compare customer satisfaction levels directly between the two companies. Additionally, Elite boasts an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, while FAHW has a B BBB rating, with lower ratings on sites like Google and Yelp. Considering Elite’s superior systems coverage and strong reputation, I would recommend Elite Home Warranty for homeowners prioritizing protection for their high-value home systems.


    Who is First American Home Warranty Best For?

    First American Home Warranty is an excellent choice for homeowners who prioritize comprehensive appliance coverage. With its Premium plan offering an impressive $7,000 coverage limit per appliance, FAHW is particularly well-suited for those who have invested in high-end or luxury kitchen and laundry appliances. This generous coverage cap ensures that even the most expensive appliance repairs or replacements are adequately covered, providing peace of mind for homeowners.

    Additionally, FAHW’s flexible service call fee structure makes them an attractive option for homeowners looking to customize their plans to fit their budget. By offering three service call fee options ($75, $100, or $125), FAHW allows customers to find the right balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. This flexibility, combined with FAHW’s comprehensive appliance coverage, makes them a strong choice for homeowners who want to protect their valuable appliances while maintaining control over their monthly expenses.

    Best Appliance Coverage

    4.3

    first american logo
    Limited Time:
    $100 Off with code PROTECT

    FAQs About First American Home Warranty

    Is First American Home Warranty Legit?

    First American Home Warranty is a legitimate home warranty provider with over 35 years of experience in the industry.


    How Much Does First American Home Warranty Cost?

    First American Home Warranty costs between $47 and $87 per month on average, depending on the plan and service call fee you choose. To learn more about home warranty costs and factors that can affect pricing, visit our guide on how much a home warranty costs.

    * Disclaimer: The cost data mentioned in this article was sourced for a single-family, two-bedroom home under 5,000 square feet in Philadelphia, PA. 


    What Does First American Home Warranty Cover?

    First American Home Warranty covers:

    • Plumbing systems
    • Electrical systems
    • Heating systems
    • Appliances (dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, cooktops, built-in microwaves)
    • Clothes washers and dryers
    • Water heaters
    • Air conditioning
    • Garage door openers

    Here are the notable exclusions in First American Home Warranty’s plans:

    • Cosmetic defects
    • Damage due to acts of nature
    • Hazardous or toxic materials
    • Items covered under homeowners insurance and manufacturer’s warranty
    • Repairs or replacements needed due to missing parts
    • Routine maintenance
    • Solar power systems and components

    For a more in-depth look at what home warranties typically cover, check out our comprehensive guide on home warranty coverage.


    How Do You Cancel First American Home Warranty?

    ​​To cancel your First American Home Warranty policy, you must submit a written request to the company’s cancellation department via email, fax, or mail.



    Other Resources for Homeowners

    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Jonathon Jachura

    Jonathon Jachura

    Contributor

    Jonathon Jachura is a two-time homeowner with hands-on experience with HVAC, gutters, plumbing, lawn care, pest control, and other aspects of owning a home. He is passionate about home maintenance and finding the best services. His main goal is to educate others with crisp, concise descriptions that any homeowner can use. Jon uses his strong technical background to create engaging, easy-to-read, and informative guides. He does most of his home and lawn projects himself but hires professional companies for the “big things.” He knows what goes into finding the best service providers and contractors. Jon studied mechanical engineering at Purdue University in Indiana and worked in the HVAC industry for 12 years. Between his various home improvement projects, he enjoys the outdoors, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with his family.

    Learn More

    photo of Andrew Foligno

    Andrew Foligno

    Andrew Foligno is an editor for Today’s Homeowner, with over 6 years of experience working in digital marketing. He started his career as a content writer at an agency, covering industries such as HVAC, plumbing, painting, lawn care, and more. Soon, he was promoted to an editor position where he oversaw a team of writers before moving on to other facets of digital marketing. When he isn’t working, Andrew enjoys going to the gym to be active, as well as going to the movies to unwind.

    Learn More

    Browse by State