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First American Home Warranty Reviews (2026)

First American Home Warranty offers broad coverage and high limits, but its higher monthly costs may not suit every homeowner. Compare its plans and costs to decide if the added coverage is worth it for your home.

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Updated 09/09/2026

First American Home Warranty offers comprehensive coverage for home systems and appliances. Its plans provide up to $7,000 in appliance coverage and no coverage limits on most systems. The First American Advantage upgrade also covers certain improper installations, modifications, and unknown preexisting conditions.

In this review, we compare First American with other top home warranty companies based on its plans, pricing, coverage, and customer reviews. Our analysis also includes firsthand claims testing and findings from our survey of 2,000 homeowners nationwide.

Key Takeaways

  • First American Home Warranty stands out for its high coverage limits, comprehensive plans, and First American Advantage upgrade, which covers certain issues many competitors exclude.
  • First American plans average between $78 and $131 per month, with service call fee options of $100 or $125.
  • In our 2026 survey, 86% of First American customers said they were satisfied or very satisfied with their current plan, and 91% planned to renew their coverage.
Best for High-End Items

First American Home Warranty

4.6
Overall Score
Monthly Cost $77–$130
Service Fee $100–$125
BBB Rating A-
States Covered 36 states

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Includes up to $7,000 in coverage for appliances and no caps on most home systems
  • Higher tier plans include unique bonus coverages like shower arms and garage door springs
  • Offers and upgrade covering damage from poor installations and modifications
Cons
  • Has higher monthly costs than many other companies we’ve reviewed
  • Only available in 36 U.S. states
  • Offer a limited selection of add-ons compared to other providers

Add-Ons

First American offers the following add-on options:

  • Additional refrigeration
  • Central air conditioning system (Starter Plan only)
  • First Class Upgrade 
  • HVAC tune-up
  • Limited roof-leak
  • Pool and spa equipment
  • Water softeners
  • Well pump

Our Take on First American Home Warranty

First American Home Warranty is a good choice for homeowners seeking strong protection for high-end appliances and home systems. It offers up to $7,000 in appliance coverage and no coverage caps on most systems. This protection may appeal to homeowners concerned about unexpected breakdowns. In our 2026 survey of 2,000 homeowners nationwide, 54% of respondents who chose First American said they purchased coverage to protect their home systems and appliances from breakdowns.

Its First American Advantage upgrade also covers issues related to improper installations, modifications, and certain preexisting conditions. Members receive additional perks, including discounts on select home services and appliances.

However, the lowest-tier plan excludes air conditioning, water heaters, and laundry appliances, requiring homeowners to upgrade for broader coverage. First American also offers only combined system-and-appliance plans, which may include coverage you don’t need.

Customer reviews frequently praised the quick claims process and technician dispatch, while negative reviews cited repair quality, replacement options, and claim denials.


First American Home Warranty Coverage

First American Home Warranty offers three comprehensive plans that cover both appliances and home systems. Coverage ranges from basic protection for major appliances and systems to higher limits for high-end appliances and expanded benefits for plumbing, HVAC, and water heaters.

Core Plans

The Starter Plan covers eight major appliances and four home systems, including heating, electrical, and plumbing. It provides up to $3,500 in appliance coverage with no limits on most systems. However, it excludes air conditioning, water heaters, clothes washers, and clothes dryers, making it better suited for homeowners who only need basic coverage.

The Essential Plan expands coverage to 11 appliances and adds air conditioning, water heaters, fans, and garage door openers. Most coverage limits remain the same as the Starter Plan, although water heater coverage is capped at $1,000. This plan is a solid fit for homeowners who want broader protection for common household systems and appliances.

The Premium Plan offers First American’s most comprehensive coverage and increases the appliance limit to $7,000, making it a stronger option for homeowners with high-end appliances. It also adds coverage for items such as window AC units, instant hot water dispensers, and showerheads, removes the water heater coverage limit, and includes roof-leak coverage and pre-season HVAC tune-ups.

Coverage Details

Beyond its core plan coverage, First American includes several benefits that extend protection for potentially costly home repairs. Its plumbing coverage, for example, covers stoppages up to 125 feet from an access point, compared with the 100-foot limit offered by many providers. This extra distance can help with clogs located farther into plumbing or sewer lines, while the Premium Plan adds up to $250 for ground-level cleanouts.

First American also offers its Advantage upgrade with the Essential and Premium plans. This option expands coverage to issues and expenses that home warranties often exclude, such as improper installations, mismatched systems, certain preexisting conditions, code violations, permits, and crane fees. Coverage for these items is capped at $500 with the Essential Plan and $1,500 with the Premium Plan.

All plans include a 30-day workmanship guarantee, the industry standard coverage. If a covered repair or replacement fails within that period, First American will send a technician to address the issue at no additional cost.

Membership Benefits

First American also offers the following membership benefits to homeowners:

  • Home project savings: Access discounted services for maintenance and improvements, including light fixture installations, TV mounting, and handyman tasks through partners such as Porch and Helpful Heroes.
  • Appliance discounts: You can save up to 40% on Electrolux and Frigidaire appliances as a First American customer.
  • GE appliance savings: First American policyholders can enjoy substantial discounts on a variety of GE appliances.
  • Filter subscription: Get 5% off refrigerator water filters with free shipping through a subscription delivery service.

Home buyers and sellers also receive these benefits plus rekeying services, including rekeying up to six locks and providing four new keys after paying the warranty service fee. They also receive $100 off Porch Home Assistant Gold concierge service, which provides four $25 coupons for handyman and moving services such as TV mounting and furniture assembly.

First American Home Warranty Plan Comparison

Below is a list of what’s covered under each First American Home Warranty plan.

Covered ItemStarter PlanEssential PlanPremium Plan
Air conditioning𝗫
Built-in microwave
Ceiling/attic/exhaust fans𝗫
Central vacuum system𝗫𝗫
Clothes dryer𝗫
Clothes washer𝗫
Dishwasher
Ductwork
Electrical systems
Faucets𝗫𝗫
Garage-door opener𝗫
Garbage disposal
Heating system
Hose bibbs𝗫𝗫
Install ground-level cleanout𝗫𝗫
Instant hot water dispenser𝗫𝗫
Kitchen range hood
Kitchen refrigerator
Luxury appliance𝗫𝗫
Oven/range/cooktop
Plumbing
Plumbing stoppages
Refrigerant𝗫
Shower head/shower arm𝗫𝗫
Toilet tank/bowl/mechanisms
Trash compactor𝗫
Water heaters𝗫
Window AC unit𝗫𝗫

Add-Ons

First American offers nine add-ons with its plans, providing you with the flexibility to tailor your coverage. This is about average for most home warranty providers, which typically offer between eight and 12 options. Coverage limits for these add-ons vary, ranging from $500–$2,500, depending on the item. Notable options include spa and pool coverage for up to two items and additional refrigeration coverage for up to three appliances.

We’ve listed the available First American add-ons below:

  • Additional refrigeration (for up to three appliances)
  • Central air conditioning (Starter Plan only)
  • First American Advantage upgrade (Essential and Premiere plans only)
  • HVAC tune-up
  • Limited roof leak
  • Pool and spa equipment (for up to two pools or spas)
  • Septic system
  • Water softener
  • Well pump
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Homeowner Insights

In our 2026 survey of 2,000 homeowners nationwide, 48% of respondents who chose First American Home Warranty said coverage was the most important factor when choosing a home warranty, compared with 23% who prioritized price.

The Fine Print

First American Home Warranty excludes cosmetic damage, routine maintenance, and items that are unsafe or non-functional when coverage begins. It also excludes items covered by manufacturer warranties or recalls, as well as damage caused by events such as fire, floods, storms, theft, vandalism, or misuse.

First American may cover certain preexisting conditions, including rust and sediment damage, if they were not detectable through a visual inspection or simple mechanical test when coverage began. If an issue was visible or otherwise detectable beforehand, the company may deny the claim.

Plan-Specific Item Exclusions

Exclusions can vary by plan, so check the coverage terms for individual systems and appliances before enrolling. For example, First American covers mini-split ductless systems under the Essential and Premium plans but not the Starter Plan. This means the same item could qualify for coverage under one plan but result in a denied claim under another.

A portion of a First American Home Warranty sample contract.
Credit: First American Home Warranty

Out-Of-Network Service Providers

First American may allow you to use an out-of-network provider if it cannot locate a service provider for your claim. However, you must receive approval before repairs begin or the company may not reimburse the work. The provider must also be properly licensed and insured and submit a detailed diagnosis to confirm coverage.

A portion of a First American Home Warranty sample contract
Source: First American Home Warranty sample contract

How Much Does First American Home Warranty Cost?

First American Home Warranty costs between $78 and $131 per month, based on averages we calculated from more than 1,200 sample quotes nationwide and across all available service call fees. Your total cost depends on the plan, add-ons, and service call fee you choose. Here’s a breakdown of the average plan costs:

PlanAverage Monthly CostService Call Fee
Starter$78$100 or $125
Essential$100$100 or $125
Premium$131$100 or $125

What Affects Your Cost?

Your plan, service call fee, and optional add-ons are the main factors that affect your First American Home Warranty cost. The company offers $100 and $125 service call fees, which is the amounts you pay when a technician services a covered item. Choosing the lower $100 fee results in a higher monthly premium, while the $125 option lowers your monthly cost.

Your plan choice also significantly affects price. The Starter Plan is the least expensive option but excludes several major items, including air conditioning, water heaters, and laundry appliances. The Essential and Premium plans cost more but expand coverage, while the Premium Plan also increases appliance coverage limits and includes additional benefits.

Add-On Costs

Add-on pricing for additional coverage, such as central air conditioning, limited roof leak protection, or pool and spa equipment, ranges from $2–$21 per month, depending on the plan and coverage selected. For example, each additional refrigeration unit costs $4.17 per month, based on a quote we requested. The Essential and Premium plans include the First American Advantage upgrade at no extra cost.

First American Home Warranty Add-On Costs

Below is a breakdown of First American’s add-on fees based on each plan.

Add-On CoverageStarter PlanEssential PlanPremium Plare
HVAC tune-up$2 $2 Included
Additional refrigeration (per item cost, up to three)$4 $4 $4 
Septic system$7 $7 $7 
Water softener$7 $7 $7 
Well pump$7 $7 $7 
Central air conditioning (electric)$8 IncludedIncluded
Limited roof leak$8 $8 Included
Pool and spa equipment (per item cost, up to two)$21$21$21
First American AdvantageIncludedIncluded

Discounts

First American Home Warranty offers several discounts to help reduce your monthly costs:

  • Military discount: Active or former U.S. Armed Forces members can receive a $25 discount when buying or selling a home.
  • Multiproperty savings: Save up to $48 annually with plans for 2–4 properties or up to $60 annually with five or more properties.
  • Referral bonus: Refer a friend to earn a $50 Amazon gift card for you and your friend.
  • Seasonal discounts: First American offers seasonal discounts throughout the year, including promotions around Black Friday, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Comparing First American Home Warranty to Other Top Providers

To help you find the right plan for your home, our team has reviewed the top home warranty companies nationwide. Learn more about how First American stacks up against other top-rated providers below.

Provider Our Score (Out of 5) Monthly Plan Cost Service Fee Cost BBB Rating*
First American Home WarrantyGet Quote
$77–$130
$100–$125
A-
American Home ShieldGet Quote
$36–$100
$100–$125
B
Choice Home WarrantyGet Quote
$60–$68
$100
B
AFC Home WarrantyRead Our Review
$44–$82
$75–$125
B

*Note: Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings are accurate as of the time of publishing.


What Do Customers Say About First American Home Warranty?

We reviewed First American Home Warranty customer feedback on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and Reddit, along with results from our 2026 home warranty survey, to evaluate customer experiences with claims, repairs, and overall service.

Insights From Customer Reviews and Our Survey

Positive reviews frequently mentioned professional technicians, responsive customer service, and straightforward claims processing. Our firsthand testing reflected these experiences, with a technician assigned within an hour of submitting a claim. Negative reviews, particularly on Reddit, cited repair delays, contractor quality, denied claims, and difficulty resolving ongoing repairs.

Our survey of First American customers found:

  • 90% had their most recent claim approved
  • 90% were satisfied or very satisfied with their most recent claim outcome
  • 86% were satisfied or very satisfied with their First American plan
  • 91% planned to renew their coverage

Overall, our survey results were more positive than some third-party feedback, particularly on Reddit. However, the recurring complaints about repair delays and contractor experiences suggest that service quality can vary when a claim requires more complex or ongoing repairs.


Our Experience With First American Home Warranty

We gained valuable insights into the First American customer experience by signing up for service and speaking with a team member who has held a plan with the company since 2008. Below is a summary of our tester’s experiences with the company.

Signing Up

To sign up for First American Home Warranty service, you can start by calling the sales department at 855-816-6457 or signing up through the company’s website. We tested the company’s online quote process to learn more about signing up for services.

1. Review Your Plan Options 

After entering your basic information online, including your name, home address, and property details, you can select your plan options. The “Show Plan Details” button at the bottom allows you to compare coverage options. A toggle button lets you switch between the two service call fee options, with real-time updates to plan costs displayed. The plan start date is also shown—ours, for example, was 30 days from sign-up.

First American provides sample contracts on its site, tailored to the state entered during the initial quote process. This is a helpful feature, as it highlights any relevant state-specific policies. This was the only instance where we found a sample contract on the website. We recommend saving the contract if you need more time to review it before signing up for the service.

A screenshot of the First American online quote tool.
Credit: First American Home Warranty

2. Choose Add-Ons 

After selecting your plan, you can customize it with any desired add-ons. For the Starter Plan, the central air conditioning add-on is available as an option. For the Essential and Premium plans, included add-ons are preselected for you, such as air conditioning coverage. At this step, you can also adjust your service call fee and apply any promo codes before finalizing your plan.

A screenshot of the First American online quote tool.
Credit: First American Home Warranty

3. Confirm Coverage Address and Pay

In the final step, you can update your initial coverage address if needed and opt for paperless delivery for your contract and plan details. First American accepts credit card payments only, unlike some providers that allow options such as bank transfers or PayPal. It’s worth noting that First American applies a $2 handling fee per payment. After entering your payment information, click “Purchase” to complete your transaction.

A screenshot of the First American online quote tool.
Credit: First American Home Warranty

Filing Claims

You can file a claim via the company’s 24/7 claims phone line at 800-992-3400 or through its online portal. Our First American tester shared his experience with the online claims filing process below.

1. Open a New Claim

After logging into the online portal, select “Request New Service” to begin the claim process.

A screenshot of the First American online claims portal.
Credit: First American Home Warranty

2. Choose Your Repair Contractor Type

Next, select the type of repair needed for your home. These options are organized into specific categories. For example, our tester selected “HVAC” for their repair request. After making your selection, click “Start Service Request.”

A screenshot of the First American online claims portal.
Credit: First American Home Warranty

3. Detail Your Repair Request

Next, provide the necessary details for your request. First American offers convenient drop-down menus so you can make selections for details such as “Service Item” and “Symptom.” Use the comment box to describe the issue in more detail. Ensure all fields are completed before submitting your request. First American also includes a “Coverage Details” link, allowing you to verify coverage for your repair. You can add additional related service requests if needed. Once everything is complete, click the “Continue” button.

A screenshot of the First American online claims portal
Credit: First American Home Warranty

4. Pay the Service Call Fee and Submit

In the final steps, you’ll need to pay the service call fee, which you can do using a credit or debit card. Once payment is complete, click “Submit Claim” to finalize your request.

A screenshot of the First American online claims portal.
Credit: First American Home Warranty

Our First American tester noted that the entire claims process took just a few minutes to complete. Within about five minutes, he received a confirmation text message with contact information for the assigned technician. Shortly after, the technician called to schedule an appointment—typically within 15 minutes to an hour after receiving the text.

For non-emergencies, First American schedules appointments Monday through Friday. For example, when he filed a claim for a broken garage door opener on a Friday, the technician appointment was set for the following Monday. On the day of the appointment, the technician arrived on time, completed the repair in about 20 minutes, and explained the issue and solution. The tester paid only the service call fee for the repair.

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Homeowner Insights

In our 2026 survey, 52% of First American customers who filed a claim said their most recent claim was resolved within one week or the same day.


Advice From a Homeowner

One of our testers, Nic C., has used First American Home Warranty since 2008 and has continued to renew his plan. He values the convenience of having First American schedule technicians and finds the online claims process easy to use. “I appreciate the convenience of never having to source technicians or request quotes,” Nic said.

Nic recommends researching contractors assigned to your claim before scheduling service. When First American assigned him a contractor with poor reviews, he raised his concerns and received a different provider. In another case, he hired his own technician for a garage door issue after receiving a $700 repair estimate. The technician fixed the problem in 10 minutes for a $55 service fee, and First American later refunded Nic’s original $85 fee.

Overall, Nic said the convenience and peace of mind have made the coverage worthwhile. “I’ve never had a bad service and couldn’t recommend it enough,” he said.


Is First American Home Warranty Worth It?

First American Home Warranty is worth it for homeowners who want comprehensive coverage and high limits, particularly those with high-end appliances. Our testing and survey results support this recommendation: First American assigned a technician within an hour during our claims test, 86% of surveyed customers were satisfied or very satisfied with their plan, and 91% planned to renew.

However, First American may not be the best fit if you want a low-cost home warranty plan or appliance-only or system-only coverage. In our national quote analysis, its plans averaged $78–$131 per month, and its lowest-tier plan excludes several major items. First American is a stronger choice if you’re willing to pay more for broader coverage and higher limits.


FAQs About First American Home Warranty

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

You can file a First American Home Warranty claim online through your account or by contacting the company by phone. First American then assigns a service provider to diagnose the covered issue and determine the appropriate repair or replacement.

Does First American Home Warranty cover preexisting conditions?

First American may cover certain preexisting conditions, including rust and sediment damage, if they were unknown when coverage began. The condition must not have been detectable through a visual inspection or simple mechanical test. If the issue was detectable before coverage began, First American may deny the claim.

How much is First American Home Warranty’s service call fee?

First American offers $100 and $125 service call fees, which you pay when a technician services a covered item. Choosing the $100 fee typically results in a higher monthly premium, while the $125 option lowers your monthly cost.

How long is First American Home Warranty’s waiting period?

First American Home Warranty generally has a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins. Check your contract for your specific coverage start date and any exceptions that may apply.

Is First American Home Warranty the same as American Home Shield?

No, First American Home Warranty and American Home Shield are separate companies offering home warranty services. These companies provide similar coverage options for systems and appliances, but plans, pricing, and service details vary.


How We Evaluated Home Warranty Providers

We use a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each home warranty company we review. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts, and running focus groups and homeowner surveys. 

We use this information to score each provider in six comparison categories that we think are most important when choosing a home warranty. We rate each provider across 23 factors within those categories. Each factor is assigned a point value based on its importance to a homeowner, totaling 100 points. We convert the final scores to a 5-star rating. 

Here’s a breakdown of our weighted factors:

  • Coverage (35%): This category looked at how comprehensive each provider’s coverage was, including whether they covered unique items. Companies that covered the most items and had higher annual limits received the highest scores. We docked points from providers that impose long waiting periods or had depreciation policies that decrease your payouts for aging items.
  • Cost (20%): We looked at average monthly prices and service call fees. We gave the most points to companies that offer pricing at or below the industry average and don’t impose any surcharges or extra fees.
  • Trustworthiness (15%): To gauge reputation and reliability, we reviewed customer ratings across sites like the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot as well as companies’ responses to complaints. We also checked for National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) membership. Providers with the highest ratings and longest workmanship guarantees received higher scores. We deduced points for any ongoing legal issues.
  • Plan transparency (10%): We read terms, policies, and disclosures in provided contracts and on each company’s website. Providers with transparent contract details and policies received more points.
  • Customer support (10%): Companies with multiple claims filing options, fast response times, and accessible customer support scored well in this category.
  • Flexibility (10%): We awarded more points for providers offering more plan options, larger add-on catalogs, the ability to choose your own technician, and customer-friendly cancellation policies.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.

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