Home systems and appliances can fail when you least expect it, leaving you with expensive repair bills. That’s where First American Home Warranty steps in. With more than 30 years of experience, they offer affordable protection for your home’s essential systems and appliances.
Whether you’re dealing with aging equipment or just want peace of mind, their plans provide coverage options that suit a range of needs. But is it the right fit for your home? Let’s break down what First American Home Warranty offers to help you decide.
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First American Home Warranty Plans
Before selecting a First American Home Warranty plan, verify that coverage is available in your area. The company offers home warranties in 36 states, excluding Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
Service Fees and Payment Options
First American provides three home warranty plans: Starter, Essential, and Premium. Service fees range from $75 to $125, depending on your contract and chosen monthly premium. Contracts with higher monthly premiums have lower service fees, and vice versa.
If you opt for monthly payments, a $3 handling fee applies to each payment. Paying annually can save you $36 per year, offering flexibility to fit these plans into your budget.
Starter Plan
Cost: Approximately $42–$47 per month
Coverage:
- Plumbing system
- Electrical and heating systems
- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator
- Oven and cooktop
- Built-in microwave oven
Essential Plan
Cost: Approximately $57–$62 per month
Coverage:
Includes all Starter Plan coverage, plus:
- Clothes washer and dryer
- Water heater
- Air conditioning
- Garage door opener
Premium Plan
Cost: Approximately $77–$82 per month
Coverage:
Includes all Essential Plan coverage, plus:
- Luxury appliance coverage
- Garbage disposal
- Full garage door system
- Faucets
- Instant hot water dispenser
Optional Add-Ons
First American also offers optional coverage for additional items, such as:
- Central air conditioning (if not included in your plan)
- Additional refrigeration
- Pool and spa equipment
- Well pump
These options allow you to customize your warranty to fit your specific needs.
First Class Upgrade
For enhanced protection, First American offers the First Class Upgrade, which includes:
- Refrigerant recapture, reclaim, and disposal
- Costs for removing and replacing appliances
- Coverage for code violations up to a specified amount
- Coverage for improperly installed or modified systems and appliances
This upgrade extends coverage to additional components and situations, providing more comprehensive protection for your home systems and appliances.
Key Considerations
It’s important to note that prices and coverage details may vary by location and are subject to change. For the most accurate and current information, contact First American Home Warranty directly or visit their official website.
Who Should Consider First American Home Warranty?
A home warranty from First American can be a great fit for certain homeowners, especially those looking to manage repair costs for essential systems and appliances. Here are some scenarios where this warranty makes the most sense:
- Homeowners with Aging Appliances: If your appliances or home systems are several years old, they are more likely to break down. First American’s plans cover many of these items, offering peace of mind without worrying about expensive repair bills.
- Older Homes with Outdated Systems: Homes built decades ago may have systems and components that are prone to wear and tear. First American’s coverage includes heating, plumbing, and electrical systems, making it an excellent choice for maintaining older properties.
- Real Estate Sellers and Buyers: Sellers can include a First American Home Warranty as an incentive to attract buyers, showing confidence in the property’s condition. Buyers can benefit by avoiding unexpected repair costs during their first year of homeownership.
- Budget-Conscious Homeowners: With low service fees and customizable plans, First American is an affordable option for those who want comprehensive protection without overspending.
By addressing these specific needs, First American Home Warranty caters to a variety of homeowners, making it a practical choice for protecting your home.
First American Home Warranty Reviews
Customer feedback for First American Home Warranty presents a mix of positive and negative experiences.
Positive Feedback
- Affordable Service Fees: Many customers appreciate the competitive pricing of service fees, which range from $75 to $125, allowing flexibility based on chosen plans.
- Flexible Payment Options: The option to select service fees and corresponding monthly premiums is valued by homeowners seeking plans that fit their budgets.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Customers commend the extensive coverage options, especially the high coverage limits for appliances, with the Premium Plan offering up to $7,000 per appliance.
Negative Feedback
- Technician Punctuality: Some customers report delays in service appointments, expressing frustration with the time taken for technicians to arrive and complete repairs.
- Inconsistent Coverage Decisions: There are instances where customers feel that certain claims were unjustly denied, particularly concerning coverage limits and exclusions.
- Customer Service Challenges: A number of reviews mention difficulties in communication with customer service, including delays in response times and dissatisfaction with issue resolution.
Authentic Customer Quotes
- Positive Experience: “It is fantastic to know that you were provided five-star service. We’re glad you chose us and look forward to being here when you need us again!”
- Negative Experience: “We have been fighting with them for almost 6 months on a claim for an electrical box replacement. They keep denying saying it was an upgrade when the electrician clearly indicated it was a replacement.”
These insights reflect the varied experiences of First American Home Warranty customers, highlighting areas of satisfaction and aspects that may require improvement.
First American Home Warranty Special Features
First American Home Warranty offers several features designed to make managing home repair costs more convenient and stress-free. From round-the-clock customer support to flexible service options, they provide a comprehensive approach to protecting your home.
24/7 Customer Service Availability
Their customer service is available 24/7, allowing you to file a claim whenever an issue arises. Service requests can be made online or by phone, ensuring flexibility for homeowners. After submitting a request, a qualified technician will typically contact you within 48 hours to schedule a service appointment.
Comprehensive Coverage
First American covers systems and appliances regardless of brand, age, or prior maintenance history. Coverage also extends to issues caused by rust, corrosion, sediment, and similar wear-and-tear problems. However, pre-existing conditions are not included under their standard coverage.
Flexible Service Fees and Payment Options
Homeowners can choose between service fees ranging from $75 to $125, depending on the selected plan. This flexibility allows you to tailor costs to fit your budget, with higher service fees often resulting in lower monthly premiums.
High Coverage Limits
For appliances, First American offers generous coverage limits, starting at $3,500 and going up to $7,000 per appliance under the Premium Plan. This ensures homeowners have adequate protection for high-cost repairs or replacements.
Optional Add-Ons
To customize their coverage further, homeowners can add optional protection for items like pool and spa equipment, additional refrigeration, and well pumps. These add-ons make it easier to tailor a plan that fits your home’s specific needs.
How to Get a Quote from First American Home Warranty
Getting a quote for a First American Home Warranty is simple and can be done online or over the phone. The online form requires your contact information and the address of the property you wish to cover. While convenient, the form can occasionally misinterpret some addresses, causing delays or errors. If this happens, calling their customer service at 888-875-0533 might be a quicker option.
Once you’ve signed up, there is a mandatory 30-day waiting period before coverage begins. However, First American allows you to select a different start date, up to 45 days after signing up. This flexibility can help align the coverage start date with your specific needs, such as moving into a new home or transitioning from a previous warranty.
Is First American Home Warranty Right for You?
Choosing a home warranty depends on your specific needs and circumstances, and First American is a solid option for certain homeowners. Their service fees are on the lower end of the industry standard, which is appealing for budget-conscious individuals. Additionally, their plans are competitively priced, making them accessible for those seeking affordable protection.
Both the Basic and Premier Plans offer decent coverage, but it’s worth noting that neither includes air conditioning unless you opt for an add-on or upgrade. For homeowners with aging systems and appliances, First American’s coverage for issues like rust and lack of maintenance can be a valuable feature. The First Class Upgrade is another highlight, as it provides enhanced protection for a broader range of components.
On the downside, First American’s services are not available in all states, which can limit their accessibility. If you live in a covered area and value affordability alongside flexibility, First American Home Warranty might be a strong fit. However, homeowners needing extensive HVAC coverage or immediate start dates should explore alternative providers to ensure their needs are met.