First Premier Home Warranty

3.8

Best for Affordability

VISIT SITE
Monthly Cost:
$39.99–$49.99
Service Fee:
$75
Response Time:
24–48 hrs.
Coverage Limit:
$1,500
BBB Rating:
F
Availability:
48 states (ex. CA & IA)
Affordable monthly pricing
Offers frequent discounts
Provides a large catalog of add-on coverage options
HVAC systems excluded from basic coverage
No service fee customization

First Premier Home Warranty offers the basic Premier and all-inclusive Platinum Plans to meet different coverage needs. The Platinum Plan is the provider’s most popular plan for single-family homeowners because it covers a wider range of home systems and appliances.

See coverages and exclusions for each plan in the table below:

First Premier Home Warranty is a nationwide provider offering home system and appliance warranties in 48 states. The company was founded in 1989, and its low prices and range of add-on coverages help it stand out among competitors. 

The Today’s Homeowner team has analyzed dozens of providers based on services, cost, and availability to help you find the best home warranty. Read on to learn more about First Premier Home Warranty, what each of its plans covers, and how this company compares to others in the home warranty realm.

Our Preferred Home Warranty Alternatives

Today's Homeowner recommends a few home warranty companies to our readers. Below, you'll see our latest suggestions and their money-saving deals. You can also read our review of the companies with similar home warranty plans to learn more about these top picks.

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$50 Off + 1 month free!

Our Take on First Premier Home Warranty

First Premier Home Warranty is a reputable home warranty service provider for anyone looking for affordable customizations and discount options. 

  • First Premier Home Warranty offers plans in 48 states.
  • While First Premier’s premiums and service fees are competitive, the company does not allow you to customize your deductible.
  • First Premier offers two plans, both of which include a vast selection of add-on choices. However, some major systems are excluded from the basic Premium Plan.
  • Policies include a $1,500 coverage limit on each appliance and system and a $15,000 overall coverage limit each year.

We should note that First Premier Home Warranty was previously involved in a lawsuit with the California Department of Insurance due to licensure disputes. On October 29, 2021, First Premier Home Warranty entered into an agreement with the California Department of Insurance that stipulated that the company cease selling policies until future licensure is approved. Currently, homeowners in California may not purchase a home warranty plan from First Premier. 


Pros and Cons of First Premier Home Warranty

This section covers First Premier Home Warranty's high-level pros and cons. Keep these points in mind as you read the rest of the review.

Affordable monthly prices and service fees
Discounts and free months of coverage available for annual payments
Wide range of add-on choices 
Does not allow you to customize your service fee
Major systems (like air conditioning and HVAC systems) excluded from basic plan coverage
Not available in CA or IA

First Premier Home Warranty Plans and Coverage

First Premier Home Warranty offers two home warranty plans for residential properties: the basic Premier Plan and the all-inclusive Platinum Plan. The Platinum Plan is First Premier’s most popular plan for single-family homeowners, and includes a wider range of home systems and appliances under coverage. View specifics inclusions on the two First Premier home warranty plans in the table below. 

First Premier Home Warranty Plans

Covered System or AppliancePremier PlanPlatinum Plan
Built-in microwave✓ ✓ 
Ceiling and exhaust fans✓ ✓ 
Cooktop✓ ✓ 
Dishwasher✓ ✓ 
Ductwork✓ ✓ 
Electrical system✓ ✓ 
Garage door opener✓ ✓ 
Garbage disposal✓ ✓ 
Oven, range, and stove✓ ✓ 
Plumbing stoppage✓ ✓ 
Plumbing system✓ ✓ 
Sump pump✓ ✓ 
Trash compactor✓ ✓ 
Water heater✓ ✓ 
Whirlpool bathtub✓ ✓ 
Air conditioning system (two units)X✓ 
Clothes washer and clothes dryerX✓ 
Heating system (two units) X✓ 
RefrigeratorX✓ 

Add-on Options

One major benefit of choosing First Premier Home Warranty is its wide range of add-on choices and options. First Premier currently offers the following add-ons with its home warranty coverage plans. 

  • Additional air conditioning system or heating unit: This add-on extends air conditioning coverage to include an additional unit on the Platinum Plan. It covers all components and parts of the following systems: ducted central electric split and package units, forced air (gas, electric, oil), wall mounted units, mini-splits, heat pumps, floor furnace, hot water or steam circulating heat, electric baseboard, and duct from unit to point of attachment at registers or grills.
  • Additional garage door opener: Covers all components of an additional garage door opener except doors and track assemblies. 
  • Additional oven: Includes coverage for all components on an additional oven, range, and cooktop. 
  • Additional water heater: Includes coverage for all components on an extra water heater, including tankless units. 
  • Additional spa: Covers an additional spa unit following the inclusions and exclusions for pools and spas laid out below.  
  • Central vacuum: Covers all mechanical parts and components.
  • Clothes washer and dryer: Coverage for a washer and dryer unit is available for $5 each as a premium add-on. This extension covers all mechanical parts and components.
  • Freestanding ice maker: Includes coverage for all components, including internal freezer units. 
  • Limited roof leak: The limited roof leak add-on provides you with reimbursements for up to $500 in limited roofing repair bills. 
  • Pool and spa: Both pool and built-in spa equipment are covered if they utilize common equipment. If they each have their own mechanical system, then only the pool is covered unless an additional fee is paid. All above-ground pool components are included in this coverage. 
  • Refrigerator ice maker/second refrigerator: Each one of these coverages includes all components, including the integral freezing unit. It does not include coverage for Freon recapture or replacement. You can also add coverage for an extra freezer as well. 
  • Septic pumping: This coverage includes up to $250 annually for stoppages and clogs on your main septic system line. 
  • Septic system: This add-on covers sewage ejector pumps, jet pumps, aerobic pumps, and includes coverage for your septic tank and the line from your house.
  • Sump pump: This add-on includes all components of permanently installed sump pumps. 
  • Water softener: Covers all water softener components. 
  • Well pump: Covers all well pump components. 

All add-ons include $1,500 in annual coverage and are covered under the $15,000 coverage umbrella unless a lower limit is noted. 

Best for Affordability

3.8

Limited Time:
$200 Off + 2 Months Free

First Premier Home Warranty Coverage Exclusions

First Premier’s coverage options include the following major exclusions. 

  • Air conditioning and heating systems: Excludes coverage for outside or underground piping, well pumps, well pump components for geothermal and/or water source heat pumps, window units, water towers, chillers, chiller components, and water lines. It also does not cover refrigerant line sets, portable heating and cooling units, fuel storage tanks, chimneys, and insulation. 
  • Electrical system: Plans exclude audio/video/computer/intercom/alarm or security wiring and cables, telephone wiring, circuit overloads, and faceplates. 
  • Garage door opener: Excludes door and track assemblies.
  • Plumbing stoppages and system: First Premier’s plans include a list of specific excluded damage, including anything caused by collapsed, damaged or broken drain, vent or sewer lines outside the home's main foundation.
  • Refrigerator: First Premier’s plans do not cover exterior audio and video equipment and internal connection components. 
  • Water heaters: First Premier’s plans exclude claims related to vents, flues, thermal expansion tanks, fuel, holding or storage tanks, noise, energy management systems, and units exceeding 75 gallons in capacity.

Individual add-ons may have limits lower than the plan’s standard $1,500 per-item limit. For example, the limited leak roof coverage includes up to $500 worth of damage coverage each year. Review your state’s contract to learn more about specific limitations you’ll be subject to. 


Can You Cancel First Premier Home Warranty at Any Time?

You can cancel your First Premier Home Warranty contract within 30 days of beginning your policy to receive a full refund of contract fees paid, less a $50 administrative service fee. If you want to cancel your plan after 30 days, you’ll receive a pro rata refund for the remainder of your contract you didn’t use, plus a $50 cancellation fee.  


First Premier Home Warranty Cost

To help you get an idea of what you might pay for a policy, we requested a free quote for a sample home located in Raleigh, North Carolina. The sample property used was valued at $225,000 and was classified as a single family residence. Here’s what we found. 

  • Monthly cost: The Premier Plan costs $39.99 when billed on a monthly basis. The Platinum Plan costs $47.99 when billed monthly. These costs are about average when compared to other providers in the industry, like Choice Home Warranty
  • Annual cost: The Premier Plan costs $419.99 when billed annually, while the Platinum Plan costs $499.99 each year. 
  • Service fee: All First Premier Home Warranty claims include a $75 service fee. Keep in mind that this service fee is not a deductible, but is due each time you use your plan benefits. This is lower than most other home warranty companies, which may charge between $75 and $125 each time you use your plan. 
  • Add-ons: Add-ons range in price from $2.08 per month for coverage for a central vacuum to $12.50 per month for an additional spa or pool coverage. 

Unlike some other plan options and providers, First Premier Home Warranty policies do not allow you to choose between a range of service fees. 

Annual Coverage Caps

Each of First Premier Home Warranty’s policies include an annual coverage limitation of $15,000. This means that the most First Premier will pay out in total for qualifying claims each year is $15,000. Any costs incurred beyond this limit will need to come out-of-pocket. 

While First Premier’s annual limitations are higher than many competing companies, plans include a clause that states the company only covers “access, diagnosis and repair and/or replacement” expenses you claim up to $1,500 per item. 

This $1,500 limitation applies to most home appliances and systems on each plan, but optional add-ons may come with their own limit. For example, optional roof leak coverage options only include $500 worth of protections. Review your service contract before you agree to a plan.

Best for Affordability

3.8

Limited Time:
$200 Off + 2 Months Free

Where Is First Premier Home Warranty Available?

First Premier Home Warranty is available in 48 states. Policies are not currently available in California or Iowa

First Premier Home Warranty Reviews

While First Premier is not currently accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and was recently downgraded to a B- rating on the BBB’s website.* 

Third-party reviews of First Premier vary depending on the website. Customers who were satisfied with First Premier regularly applauded the company’s responsive technicians and quick fixes. Complaints from First Premier Home Warranty are typically related to communication failures. Multiple customers complained that their policy was unclear on the types of damage that are excluded from policies, thus leading to frustration during the claims process. 

Here are some reviews from customers on the BBB:

"We were with a few warranties before but none compared to First Premier. This is my second service request with them and they took care of it in a timely fashion. Our dryer went out on 1/24/22. They had services assigned that same day and he repaired that for us. We are amazed with First Premier and look forward to our long lasting plan with them."

Greg G Feb. 2022

"First Premier home warranty does not offer good customer service and will make verbal guarantees that they do not uphold. I wanted to purchase coverage for 2 properties in 2 different states. They said they covered CA and IL. I purchased coverage for my IL property and they guaranteed that my CA property would have the same coverage start date as they were renewing the contract for CA. Long story short CA has yet to be renewed so I canceled my policy within 30 days. They said that were processing my cancellation. I called several times to follow up. I finally received a cancellation letter 2 weeks later. They have now charged me for 2 months of service and an administration fee totaling $281. The policy started was purchased on 24 March with a 24 April start date I called on 20 April to cancel."

Lisa M May 2022

Compare First Premier Home Warranty to Other Home Warranties

Here's a look at how First Premier Home Warranty stacks up against our top-recommended providers:

CompanyFirst Premier Home WarrantyLiberty Home GuardSelect Home WarrantyAmerican Home ShieldChoice Home WarrantyHome Service Club
Annual Cost$419 to $499 annually$699 to $799 annually$479 to $524 annually$591 to $891 annually$560 to $660 annually$600 to $756 annually
Service Fee$75$60     $60 to $75$125$85$65 to $125
Coverage Cap$15,000 annually; $1,500 for most items$2,000 per covered item$3,000 for major systems; $500 for appliances$5,000 for systems; $2,000 to $4,000 per-appliance coverage$3,000 for each item annually$500 to $2,000 per individual item
Plans offered233322
Our Rating(out of 5 stars)3.84.54.34.24.04.4

First Premier Home Warranty vs. Liberty Home Guard

While First Premier is a reputable home warranty provider, our top recommended option for homeowners is Liberty Home Guard. With a $60 service fee each time you use your coverage and protection from just $1 a day, Liberty is unbeatable in terms of price. This can make Liberty Home Guard an ideal choice for homeowners on a budget looking for comprehensive home warranty care. Liberty is also able to process most claims within 24 to 48 hours, meaning that you won’t be left waiting should you need to call for repairs. 

First Premier Home Warranty vs. Select Home Warranty

First Premier and Select Home Warranty both offer competitively-priced plans, with lower-than-average service fees and monthly premiums. However, Select offers 90-day guarantees on repairs, which means that you won’t need to pay an additional service fee if you need to schedule the same repair multiple times within three months. If you live in a home that tends to see the same repairs multiple times, Select might be a better choice for you. 

First Premier Home Warranty vs. American Home Shield

Like First Premier, American Home Shield (AHS) offers impressive coverage caps, meaning that your home warranty provider will pay out more when you need to use your coverage. While First Premier and AHS both offer extensive ranges of coverages and inclusions, American Home Shield includes no overall annual coverage caps. This can make AHS a better choice if you have top-of-the-line models—and you’re willing to spend a bit more on home protections. 


Final Thoughts: Is First Premier Home Warranty Worth It?

First Premier can be a strong choice for a home warranty provider if you’re looking for a balance of affordable plans and moderate coverage. First Premier’s $15,000 annual limit is generous, and all of its plans are available for less than $500 annually. It also offers a number of add-ons you can use to customize your coverage. However, it only offers a single service fee, and policies are not available in all states. 

Here are some other top brands we recommend:

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

First Premier Home Warranty FAQs

What is the difference between First Premier Home Warranty and Home Warranty Direct?

First Premier Home Warranty is a legitimate home warranty service provider, while Home Warranty Direct is a scam company that utilizes threatening language to urge homeowners to buy a bogus home warranty policy.


Is freon covered under First Premier Home Warranty?

No, First Premier Home Warranty’s contract specifies that it does not cover freon recapture or installation needs.


Does First Premier Home Warranty cover roof leaks?

First Premier’s plan options do not cover roof leaks. However, you can add up to $500 worth of this coverage for a few extra dollars a month.


Does First Premier Home Warranty cover water heaters?

Yes, both of First Premier’s plans include coverage for one water heater without an additional charge.


Does First Premier Home Warranty cover garage doors?

While First Premier’s policies cover garage door openers, contracts specify that they do not cover damage done to the structure of the door itself.


Is First Premier Home Warranty transferable?

Yes, First Premier Home Warranty is fully transferable. If you sell your home, the homeowner who takes over your lease will enjoy your outstanding benefits, and there is no fee to transfer the policy.


Do I need a home inspection before getting First Premier Home Warranty?

No, First Premier Home Warranty’s contract does not specify that your home warranty company must inspect your home before being approved for a policy.



Methodology: How We Rank Home Warranty Companies

At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. Our home warranty company ratings emphasize what matters most to you—whether you’re looking for low-cost coverage, a hassle-free repair process, 24/7 assistance, or all of the above.

Our ratings are based on publicly available information about each company, secret shopping online and over the phone, customer-review analysis, and discussions with real estate professionals and repair contractors.

A company can earn a maximum of 100 points across six categories converted to a five-star scale. We researched more than 60 home warranty providers to develop the following formula:

  • Plans and Coverage (24 points): A home warranty provider can earn the maximum point value in this category if it offers multiple robust plans that cover all basic systems and appliances and optional add-on coverage. We give bonus points to companies that cover uncommon items, such as electronics and roof leaks.
  • Affordability (22.5 points): When evaluating costs, we not only consider monthly plan prices, but we also take into account the cost of add-on coverage, service fees, and whether companies offer free cancellation periods or money-back guarantees. If a provider allows potential customers to view sample contracts before getting a quote, that transparency earns more points in this category.
  • Customer Experience (18.5 points): A home warranty company must give its customers ample support when they experience issues. We gauge overall support by looking at customer reviews and conducting homeowner surveys. We also go through the quotes process with each company and take meticulous notes about the friendliness of salespeople, how detailed each quote is, and how often the provider contacts us after giving a quote. 
  • Company Reputation (17.5 points): In this category, we look at a combination of customer reviews and reputable organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). We also consider the years of company experience, how satisfied its employees are, and whether it has been hit with any consumer rights violations or lawsuits. 
  • Claims Process (12.5 points): We score providers highly when they offer short response times, multiple ways to file claims, and around-the-clock availability. Companies can earn bonus points if they have a good reputation for quick and easy claims processing.
  • Availability (5 points): Providers that serve more areas can have experience dealing with a wider range of homeowner headaches. A company earns the maximum points in this category if it offers services in most U.S. states.

We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.


Editorial Contributors
avatar for Alora Bopray

Alora Bopray

Staff Writer

Alora Bopray is a digital content producer for the home warranty, HVAC, and plumbing categories at Today's Homeowner. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of St. Scholastica and her master's degree from the University of Denver. Before becoming a writer for Today's Homeowner, Alora wrote as a freelance writer for dozens of home improvement clients and informed homeowners about the solar industry as a writer for EcoWatch. When she's not writing, Alora can be found planning her next DIY home improvement project or plotting her next novel.

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photo of Roxanne Downer

Roxanne Downer

Editor

Roxanne Downer is a commerce editor at Today’s Homeowner, where she tackles everything from foundation repair to solar panel installation. She brings more than 15 years of writing and editing experience to bear in her meticulous approach to ensuring accurate, up-to-date, and engaging content. She’s previously edited for outlets including MSN, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes & Gardens. An alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, Roxanne is now an Oklahoma homeowner, DIY enthusiast, and the proud parent of a playful pug.

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