On this page13 sections
- Ratings and complaints
- First American Home Warranty vs. competitors
- Pricing
- Step by step
- First American Home Warranty legitimacy and licensing
- First American pricing and plans
- Does First American really have no coverage limits?
- How First American works
- First American complaints and how to avoid problems
- How to cancel First American
- What customers say
- Alternatives
- FAQ
First American Home Warranty is a legitimate company, established in 1984, part of the First American family of companies and BBB accredited since 2000. Plans start at $35 a month, and its main selling point is no total dollar cap per contract term and none for repairing or replacing conventional heating and air conditioning. That is not the same as no limits: First American says appliances and roof leak coverage do have dollar limits, set in your contract. With a BBB B+ and 2,657 complaints in three years, read your state's sample contract for limits, exclusions and the service fee before you buy.
- Company
- First American Home Warranty Corporation, West Hills, CA; established 1984; part of the First American family of companies1
- Plans
- Starter (plumbing, electrical, heating, kitchen appliances), Essential (adds washer, dryer, water heater, AC, garage door opener) and Premium (adds luxury appliances, HVAC tune-ups, roof leaks)2
- Price
- From $35 a month; the company says average home warranty coverage costs about $55 a month, as listed October 20262
- Coverage limits
- No total cap per contract term and no total dollar cap for conventional heating and AC; appliances and roof leaks have dollar limits listed in the contract3
- Service fee
- Charged for each new service request; amount shown in your contract or quote, not on the plan page3
- Waiting period
- Typically 30 days for many new customers; check your contract's Coverage Effective Date3
- Age of items
- No age limit if the item works when coverage starts; items broken before coverage usually aren't covered2
- Cancellation
- Annual contract; call 800.327.9292 Ext. 7521 to discuss options. Refund terms aren't published on the FAQ3
Pros
- No total cap per contract term and no total dollar cap on conventional heating and AC
- Starting price published at $35 a month
- No age limit on working items
- Code, permit and improper installation coverage available
- More than 40 years in business; 4.0 on Trustpilot from about 19,300 reviews
Cons
- Appliances and roof leaks still have dollar limits
- Service fee and limits shown only in the quote or contract
- Starter plan leaves out AC, water heater and laundry
- BBB B+ with 2,657 complaints in three years
- Cancellation handled by phone, and refund terms aren't on the FAQ
Best for: Homeowners with costly central heating and AC who want no total dollar cap on those systems.
Skip it if: You want every plan limit, the service fee and refund terms posted before you request a quote.
First American Home Warranty vs. competitors
| Company | Starting price | HVAC cap | Appliance cap | Waiting period | BBB | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First American Home Warranty | $35 a month | No total dollar cap on conventional systems | Dollar limits apply, set in the contract | 30 days for many plans | B+, accredited | |
| American Home Shield | $29.99 a month | $5,000 | $2,000 (ShieldGold) or $4,000 (ShieldPlatinum) | 30 days | B, accredited | Read review |
| Choice Home Warranty | Quote only | $3,000 per item per year | $3,000 per item per year | 30 days | B, not accredited | Visit site |
| Fidelity National Home Warranty | Quote by phone | Varies by item | Varies by item | A+, accredited | Read review |
Home warranty companies we reviewed
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First American Home Warranty This review BestGuide rating: 4.0 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Homeowners with costly central heating and AC who want no total dollar cap on those systems. -
First Premier Home Warranty BestGuide rating: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Homeowners who have read the full service agreement, keep maintenance records, and want low-cost coverage for minor appliance repairs in a state where First Premier is registered. -
American Home Shield BestGuide rating: 4.1 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Homeowners with older HVAC systems and appliances who want predictable repair costs and will read the plan agreement before buying. -
Select Home Warranty This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 3.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Homeowners who want a low first-year price for routine repairs and accept small payout caps. -
Fidelity National BestGuide rating: 3.7 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Home buyers and sellers in FNHW's states who want a warranty paid through escrow and covering plumbing, heating, the water heater and kitchen appliances. -
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty BestGuide rating: 3.7 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Homeowners who want simple flat pricing and a high HVAC cap, and who will read the state contract before buying.
First American Home Warranty pricing at a glance
First American Home Warranty plans, as listed October 20262
| Plan | What it covers | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | Plumbing, electrical and heating systems; dishwasher, refrigerator, garbage disposal, oven and cooktop, built-in microwave | From $35 a month |
| Essential (most popular) | Starter plus clothes washer and dryer, water heater, air conditioning, garage door opener | Quote by ZIP code |
| Premium | Starter and Essential plus luxury appliances, HVAC tune-ups, roof leaks, garage door systems and more | Quote by ZIP code |
Add-ons include pool and spa, septic and roof leak repair. Code, permit and improper installation coverage starts at $250 depending on the plan. A service fee applies to every new request.
First American Home Warranty, step by step
Get a quote by ZIP code
Pick Starter, Essential or Premium and any add-ons; the quote shows your price and service fee.
Read your state's sample contract
Check appliance and roof leak limits, exclusions and the cancellation terms before you pay.
Wait for coverage to start
Many new plans have a 30-day waiting period; real estate plans can start differently.
Request service
Call 800.992.3400 or go online any time; a prescreened technician contacts you to schedule.
Pay the service fee
The technician diagnoses the problem and repairs it or First American approves a replacement or cash in lieu.
First American Home Warranty legitimacy and licensing
Yes. First American Home Warranty was established in 1984 and is part of the First American family of companies, which traces its history to 1889. Its headquarters is in West Hills, California. The BBB rates it B+ and lists it as accredited since May 2000, but it also shows 2,657 complaints in three years, a high number even for a large warranty company. Trustpilot shows 4.0 out of 5 from more than 19,000 reviews, with 19% one star.
A home warranty is a service contract, not insurance. It’s regulated by your state, so complaints you can’t resolve go to your state’s insurance or consumer protection agency.
First American pricing and plans
Plans start at $35 a month, and First American says the average home warranty costs about $55 a month. Starter covers plumbing, electrical, heating and kitchen appliances. Essential, the most popular plan, adds the washer, dryer, water heater, air conditioning and garage door opener. Premium adds luxury appliances, HVAC tune-ups and roof leaks. Your price depends on your location and the options you pick.
Every new service request has a Service fee (trade call fee). The amount you pay each time the company sends a technician. Compare home warranty companies, but the amount appears only in your quote or contract. Get that number before you buy, since it applies even to small repairs.
Does First American really have no coverage limits?
Partly. First American says its plans have no cap on the total it pays per contract term, and no total dollar cap for repairing or replacing conventional heating and air conditioning systems. Its FAQ also says some items do have dollar limits, naming appliances and roof leak coverage. Those amounts are in the sample contract for your state.
Other rules matter too. First American may pay cash instead of repairing or replacing an item, based on its negotiated supplier rates, which can be less than retail. It usually won’t cover items that were broken before coverage began, though some real estate plans cover unknown pre-existing defects.
How First American works
After a Waiting period. The time after purchase, usually 30 days, before you can file a claim. Compare home warranty companies, typically 30 days for new customers, you request service by phone at 800.992.3400 or online, any day. A prescreened technician from First American’s network contacts you, diagnoses the problem and starts the repair if possible. You can’t pick your own contractor. There’s no limit on how many times you can request service, and First American says it covers failures from lack of maintenance if the item worked when coverage started. It doesn’t cover cosmetic damage.
What customers say about First American Home Warranty
Recurring themes across the review sites and complaint records listed above, not individual quotes.
Common praise
- Courteous, prompt technicians
- Straightforward claim filing
- Clear explanations of repairs
- Quick scheduling for many requests
Common complaints
- Long waits for phone support and contractors
- Problems that take several visits to fix
- Coverage denials and disputes over exclusions
- Poor updates on claim status
First American complaints and how to avoid problems
Recurring complaints are long waits for phone support and contractors, repairs needing several visits, denials over exclusions and poor updates on claims. To protect yourself:
- Read the sample contract for your state, especially appliance and roof leak limits and exclusions.
- Confirm the service fee and waiting period in writing.
- Photograph and test major systems and appliances when coverage starts.
- Keep maintenance records and every service request number.
How to cancel First American
Coverage is an annual contract. First American’s FAQ says to call 800.327.9292 Ext. 7521 to discuss cancellation, and it doesn’t post refund terms there. Ask how any refund is calculated, whether service costs are deducted, and whether a fee applies, and get the answer in writing before you agree.
Alternatives to First American Home Warranty
-
American Home Shield
Publishes its caps and a 30-day full refund window if you want limits spelled out up front.
-
Fidelity National
A BBB A+ option if you live in one of the roughly 17 states it serves.
-
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
Worth a quote if you are buying a home and want a plan tied to the sale.
-
A home repair savings fund
Setting aside the yearly premium yourself avoids service fees and denials if your systems are newer.
First American Home Warranty reviews
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Frequently asked questions
Is First American Home Warranty good?
It's a long-established company with no total dollar cap on conventional heating and AC. Its BBB B+ rating and 2,657 complaints in three years mean you should read the contract closely.
How much does First American Home Warranty cost?
Plans start at $35 a month, and the company says average coverage is about $55 a month. Your price depends on location, plan and add-ons, plus a service fee per request.
What is First American's service fee?
You pay a service fee for each new service request. The amount is in your contract or quote; it isn't posted on the plans page.
Does First American have coverage limits?
There is no cap on the total per contract term and no total dollar cap on conventional heating and AC. Appliances and roof leak coverage have dollar limits listed in the contract.
What is First American's waiting period?
Many new customers have a 30-day waiting period. Your contract shows the Coverage Effective Date.
Does First American cover old appliances?
Yes. There's no age limit as long as the item works when coverage starts.
Does First American cover pre-existing conditions?
Usually not. Some real estate plans cover unknown defects that couldn't reasonably be seen when coverage began.
Can I choose my own contractor?
No. First American sends a technician from its network.
How do I cancel First American Home Warranty?
Call 800.327.9292 Ext. 7521. Ask how your refund will be calculated before you confirm.
Who owns First American Home Warranty?
It is part of the First American family of companies, which traces its history to 1889.
Sources (6)
Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards
- First American Home Warranty: About us (accessed October 12, 2026)
- First American Home Warranty: Pricing and plans (accessed October 12, 2026)
- First American Home Warranty: FAQ (accessed October 12, 2026)
- First American Home Warranty: Air conditioning coverage (accessed October 12, 2026)
- BBB: First American Home Warranty (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Trustpilot: First American Home Warranty reviews (accessed October 12, 2026)
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