Choosing a home warranty provider can be a critical decision for homeowners. First American Home Warranty stands out as a notable option with its long-standing presence in the industry.
With over three decades in the business, they’ve established themselves as a reliable provider, known for their diverse plan offerings and competitive pricing. While they excel in many areas, it’s also important to acknowledge the limitations they present, such as restricted state availability and specific coverage exclusions. Understanding these aspects is key to determining if First American is the right choice for your home warranty needs.
Want to make sure you get the best home warranty?
Whether you’re looking for a basic plan to help minimize the costs of selling a house or the peace of mind that extensive protection can provide, First American plans can help. This versatility makes them a considerable option for various homeowners, from those making a move in the real estate market to those seeking to safeguard their home appliances and systems comprehensively.
In the following sections, we’ll explore the different plans First American offers, their unique features, and how they stack up against industry standards, providing you with a comprehensive guide to make an informed decision.
First American Home Warranty Plans
Before you consider a First American Home Warranty plan, it’s best to first verify that coverage is available in your area. The company only offers home warranties in 35 states, and if you’re in a state that isn’t covered, the online quote system will route you to another home warranty provider.
First American Home Warranty offers two home warranty plans that provide decent coverage. Both of the plans have a $75 service fee, which is on the lower end of the industry standard. You’ll pay this fee when a service technician comes to your house to provide service.
Keep in mind that if you choose to pay monthly, you’ll incur a $3 monthly handling fee with each payment. If you can afford to pay annually, you can save $36 per year. This variety of payment options can help these plans fit into your monthly or yearly budget. The following prices reflect quotes received for a single-family home under 5,000 square feet in South Carolina.
Basic Plan ($32 per month or $348 per year)
- Washer and dryer
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Oven range
- Cooktop
- Microwave
- Garbage disposal
- Trash compactor
Premier Plan ($46.50 per month or $522 per year)
The Premier Plan includes all the coverage of the Basic Plan, plus:
- Plumbing
- Plumbing stoppages
- Heating
- Water heater
- Electrical
- Garage door opener
- Ductwork
- Central vacuum system
Tailoring Your Coverage: Optional Upgrades
Basic and Premier Plan Enhancements
First American Home Warranty’s Basic and Premier Plans cover a range of essential home systems and appliances. However, for those needing more comprehensive coverage, the company offers several optional upgrades. These additions allow homeowners to customize their plans to include specific systems or appliances that are crucial to their household.
Optional Coverage Add-Ons
The optional coverage includes:
- Central air conditioning
- Additional refrigeration
- Pool/spa equipment
- Well pump
These options are designed for homeowners who have specific needs beyond the standard coverage, ensuring that their unique home systems and appliances are protected.
First Class Upgrade: Expanded Coverage
The First Class Upgrade takes coverage a step further by including:
- Refrigerant recapture, reclaim, and disposal
- Costs for removing and replacing appliances
- Up to $250 for correcting code violations
- Covering improperly installed or repaired systems or appliances
Enhanced Coverage with Basic Plan
When added to the Basic Plan, the First Class Upgrade extends to:
- Clothes washer and dryer knobs and dials
- Dishwasher racks, baskets, rollers, knobs, and dials
- Microwave oven interior lining, door glass, clocks, racks, and knobs
- Oven/range/cooktop rotisseries, racks, knobs, dials, and interior lining
- Smoke detectors, including all parts and components
- Trash compactor removable buckets and knobs
Premier Plan First Class Upgrade
For the Premier Plan, the First Class Upgrade includes all the above, plus:
- Plumbing faucets, shower heads, arms, hose bibbs, and toilets
- Heating registers, grills, filters, and heat lamps
- Fees for cranes or equipment for rooftop heating unit services
- Garage door opener hinges, springs, and remote transmitters
- Ductwork grills and registers
Through these tailored options, First American Home Warranty allows homeowners to enhance their coverage, ensuring a better fit for their specific home maintenance needs.
First American Home Warranty Reviews
Evaluating customer reviews is a reliable way to gauge the performance of home warranty companies. First American Home Warranty reviews, especially those on independent platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), offer insightful perspectives from actual users.
First American Home Warranty maintains a ‘B+’ rating from the BBB, accompanied by an average customer rating of 3 out of 5 stars, based on 1,659 reviews. These ratings reflect general customer satisfaction levels and highlight areas needing improvement.
A notable point in many reviews is the issue with service technicians’ punctuality. However, First American demonstrates a commitment to addressing customer concerns, as evidenced by their responsiveness to feedback. Many customers have updated their reviews to a more positive tone after the company resolved their issues, indicating a proactive approach in handling customer service and problem resolution.
First American Home Warranty Special Features
The First American Home Warranty customer service department is available to assist you with claims 24/7, 365 days a year. You can initiate your service request online or call and speak with a representative. Technicians will usually contact you within 48 hours to schedule a service appointment.
First American’s home warranties cover items regardless of brand or age. Additionally, the warranties cover unknown conditions like rust, corrosion, sediment, and problems that are caused by a lack of maintenance. These warranties do not cover pre-existing conditions.
How to Get a Quote from First American Home Warranty
You can get a quote by filling out a short online form. You will need to provide your contact information and the address of the property that will be covered. The online form, particularly the property address section, is touchy and doesn’t recognize some addresses as being legitimate properties. You may have better luck calling First American Home Warranty at 888-875-0533 to speak with a representative.
First American has a 30-day wait period, so your coverage will start approximately a month after you sign up. You can also choose a different start date up to 45 days from your sign-up date.
Is First American Home Warranty right for you?
If you’re considering a warranty through First American Home Warranty, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons. The service fees are reasonable and on the lower end of average service call costs.
Both the Basic and the Premier Plan offer decent value, but neither plan includes air conditioning, which is often included in even basic plans offered by other home warranty providers. However, the plan costs are competitively priced, and the ability to choose a First Class Upgrade allows you to access comprehensive coverage for increased peace of mind.
With coverage available for home systems and appliances that weren’t properly maintained or that have been affected by issues like rust, a First American plan may be ideal if your home has older appliances. These warranties are some of the most affordable in the industry, and the $75 service fee is also one of the lowest that you’ll find. Unfortunately, First American Home Warranty plans aren’t available in every state, so this home warranty company won’t be the right choice for every homeowner or seller.