First American Home Warranty Review

First American Home Warranty Review

Are unexpected home repair costs adding stress to your life? You’re not alone. Welcome to our updated review of First American Home Warranty. Whether you’re a current homeowner seeking peace of mind or a prospective buyer protecting your investment, this guide is here to help.

Industry expert Scott Dylan Westerlund—renowned for his insights on Angi.com, HomeAdvisor, and Today’s Homeowner—breaks down everything you need to know about First American Home Warranty.

In this review, we’ll cover:

• Key features of their home warranty plans
• Coverage options, costs, and service fees
• Customer reviews and common complaints
• A comparison with top competitor Choice Home Warranty

Let’s dive in and help you decide if First American Home Warranty is the right fit for your needs.

KEY TAKEAWAYS–

• BBB Rating: “B” Rated and Accredited Since 5/30/2000
• Time in Business: 39 years
• BBB Complaints: First American Home Warranty has 4,747 complaints in the last 3 years
• Customer Reviews at TrustPilot: 11,648 reviews with an average rating of 3.8/5 stars
• Cost: First American home warranty plans cost between $47 to $72 per month

What Is First American Home Warranty?

First American Home Warranty (FAHW) has been a trusted name in the industry since its founding in 1984, building on the broader legacy of First American, a company established in 1899. Beyond home warranties, First American offers services such as title and insurance, trust and closing services, and lending solutions, making it a multifaceted leader in real estate and homeownership needs.

FAHW provides homeowners protection against expensive repairs and replacements for essential systems and appliances. Using a network of prescreened contractors, the company ensures quality service to help minimize the stress of unexpected breakdowns. If you’re comparing top-rated home warranty companies, First American Home Warranty and American Home Shield are two key contenders worth exploring.

Overview of First American Home Warranty Coverage

First American Home Warranty offers coverage for vital home systems and appliances, with the flexibility to add protections for pools, spas, well pumps, and more. Additionally, exclusive upgrades address concerns such as appliance hauling, code violations, and correction of installation failures.

Key features include:

• Coverage Limits: Up to $3,500 for appliances under Starter and Essential plans, and up to $7,000 under the Premium plan.
• Unlimited HVAC Coverage: No cap on heating, air conditioning, or ductwork repairs.
• Optional Add-Ons: Extend protection to less common items like septic systems or additional refrigerators.

First American Home Warranty Plans and Pricing

While some home warranty companies offer a high-end tier and low-end tier, First American offers three plans to help you customize your coverage based on your needs.

1. Starter Plan

• Monthly Cost: $47
• Coverage: Includes major appliances (e.g., refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers) and systems like plumbing, heating, and electrical.

2. Essential Plan

• Monthly Cost: $57
• Coverage: Adds air conditioning, water heaters, washer/dryer units, and garage door openers to Starter coverage.

3. Premium Plan

• Monthly Cost: $72
• Coverage: Expands to include garbage disposals, trash compactors, mini-split systems, faucets, and premium coverage upgrades like code violations and improper installations.

Keep in mind that a home warranty plan is not a substitute or replacement for home insurance. If you’re also shopping around for home insurance, take a look at these important questions to ask when buying a home insurance policy. 

• Compare top-rated home insurance companies 

How First American Home Warranty Compares to Other Companies

Select Home Warranty vs. First American

Select Home Warranty offers plans starting at $41, making it the budget-friendly choice. However, First American delivers more comprehensive coverage per tier. Select allows you to choose between appliance-only or system-only plans, whereas First American combines both in all tiers for convenience.

Choice Home Warranty vs. First American

Choice Home Warranty operates in 49 states compared to First American’s 35.

While Choice offers two plans starting at $46, First American’s Premium plan offers higher coverage limits, making it ideal for homeowners seeking robust protection for high-value items.

For more details on warranty providers, check out our guides to the top home warranty companies.

• Best California Home Warranties
• Best Virginia Home Warranties 
• Liberty Home Guard Warranty Reviews 
• Choice Home Warranty Reviews 

Is First American Home Warranty Worth It?

While First American’s premiums may seem higher, its robust coverage, generous limits, and optional add-ons provide excellent value for homeowners seeking comprehensive protection.

Coverage for appliances up to $7,000 and unlimited HVAC coverage are standout features. Additionally, add-ons like septic tank protection start at just $7 per month, making customization affordable.

First American Home Warranty Customer Reviews

Better Business Bureau (BBB):

• Rating: “B”
• Customer Reviews: 2.07 out of 5 stars based on 2,122 reviews.
• Trustpilot: Rating: 3.8 out of 5 stars (“Great”) from over 11,000 reviews.
• Key Praise: Fast service, helpful customer support, and easy claim processing.

First American Warranty Customer Complaints:

Some customers report issues with contractor availability and delays in service due to communication gaps. Others highlight frustration with preexisting condition exclusions. Despite these, many testimonials praise significant savings and hassle-free repairs.

Claim Process and Customer Support

• 24/7 Claims: File online or via phone anytime.
• Service Call Fees: $75–$125, depending on your plan.
• Turnaround Time: Typically within 48 hours, though contractor availability can vary by region.

First American also allows customers to choose their own contractor with prior approval, offering flexibility not all competitors provide.

Limitations and Exclusions

While First American provides extensive coverage, exclusions include:

• Damage from acts of nature or toxic materials.
• Routine maintenance and preexisting conditions.
• Specific appliance parts (e.g., knobs, glass doors).

For complete coverage details, it’s crucial to review your contract.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Author

Scott Dylan Westerlund