First American Home Warranty Reviews, Complaints, Plans & Cost.

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

Pros

Offers solid coverage for major systems and appliances. With First American Home Warranty coverage transferability, you can even carry your plan with you to a new home.
24/7 claims availability that includes holidays and weekends.
Lots of add-on coverage is available to help customers customize their contracts.
Cancellation is free within the first 30 days. After 30 days, you need to call to speak with a representative about the First American Home Warranty cancellation process.
Allows you to control your premiums by selecting your service call fee.

Cons

Coverage is only available in 35 states. You cannot purchase a First American policy in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont, or…
First American Home Warranty waiting periods last 30 days before claims can be made.
Lack of coverage for air conditioners in the Starter plan will force most people to upgrade to the Essential plan.
Add-on options for roof leaks and electronics are skimpy compared to competitors.
No systems-only plan.

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's35.

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.

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

Is First American Home Warranty a ripoff?

First American Home Warranty is a legitimate company that has been offering home warranties since 1984.

While the company's coverage is robust, some customers may find that exclusions and coverage caps cause them to spend money without getting much in return. Others may save thousands of dollars.

Is First American Home Warranty worth it?

If you have a home with high-end appliances, First American may help you to save thousands of dollars if you end up with unexpected repairs.

However, coverage through First American may not be worth it if you have older appliances and systems with known problems because First American excludes pre-existing conditions from coverage.

Is First American Home Warranty worth it, according to customer comments on Reddit?

Reddit experiences are mixed. Several Reddit users report that they've received checks for hundreds of dollars to repair appliances with no hassles.

Others felt unsatisfied by the "bare minimum" work done by First American contractors. First American Home Warranty contractor quality can be a problem in some cases.

First American Home Warranty vs. Landmark Home Warranty – Which plan is best?

It's hard to put Landmark and First American in the same category due to the fact that Landmark offers limited plans that are only available in a handful of states.

How do I buy a home warranty from First American?

After browsing plans on the First American website, simply select the option to get a personalized quote. You will need to share your name, address, and contact information.

How do I file a claim with First American Home Warranty?

Claims can be filed online or by phone. Once you're a customer, you can use your customer portal to submit claims directly 24/7.

How long does it take after a claim is made for a technician to come?

While First American doesn't make guarantees, most customers report that the First American Home Warranty claims process time is around 48 hours.

Does First American Home Warranty cover roof leaks?

While roof leaks aren't covered under any of First American's plans, you can opt for add-on coverage of up to $1,000 for leaks caused by basic wear and tear.

Does First American Home Warranty cover mold?

Mold, fungus, and other similar toxins are excluded from First American's coverage.

Does First American Home Warranty cover water damage?

No, First American will not cover water damage even if it's caused by a faulty appliance or system that is covered.

Does First American Home Warranty cover termites and insects?

Termites and insects are part of the First American Home Warranty coverage exclusions.

Does First American Home Warranty cover theft?

Theft is not covered.

Does First American Home Warranty cover damage from trees?

Tree damage is excluded from all plans.

What additional home warranty coverages are offered by First American Home Warranty?

Once you've selected a plan tier, First American Home Warranty add-on coverages can be added for refrigerators, pool and spa equipment, roof leak repairs, septic systems, water softeners, and well pumps.

In a rare move, First American also offers add-on coverage for improper installation, hauling away of old items, and permits.

Does First American Home Warranty have customer complaints?

First American has had a total of 4,792 complaints closed with the Better Business Bureau within the last 3 years.

Customer complaints tend to be focused on poor workmanship from contractors, exclusions, and First American Home Warranty claim denial reasons.

About Author

Scott Dylan Westerlund

Scott Dylan Westerlund has been writing about home improvement, repair, and maintenance for almost ten years. In addition to Trusted Company Reviews, he writes for Angi, HomeAdvisor, Today's Homeowner, Homedit, Flyhomes, and HomeLight. You'll find his byline on articles about everything from buying a house and managing rentals to clearing clogged drains and picking the right lumber for your home improvement project. Prior to writing, Scott was an apprentice building contractor and property manager--so he knows how to keep the lights on and the water running.