Compare Home Warranty Options in Ohio
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Company Background & Overview
First American Home Warranty has been protecting homeowners for over 40 years, having been established on February 8, 1984. The company operates as a subsidiary of First American Financial Corporation, one of the largest and most established names in real estate and property services, primarily known for title insurance and settlement services. Today, First American Home Warranty is available in 36 U.S. states in 2026; it is not available in 14 states plus Washington, D.C.
The company uses a network of pre-screened, local contractors to handle all service requests. It offers plans designed to cover the cost of repairing or replacing covered home systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear, giving homeowners a financial safety net against unexpected repair bills. For a broader view of how the industry stacks up, see our best home warranty companies guide.
Plans, Pricing & What's Covered
First American Home Warranty offers three tiered plans: Starter, Essential, and Premium. Each builds on the previous with broader coverage. Monthly pricing varies by state, ZIP code, and your chosen service fee. Independent 2026 cost guides put the typical range at $35 to $85 per month, while NerdWallet's 2026 quote set shows ranges as high as $42 to $172 per month for top-tier plans in some ZIP codes.
Plan Summary (2026 Pricing)
| Plan | Avg. Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Appliance Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | ~$35–$60/mo | $75–$125 | $3,500 per item |
| Essential | ~$50–$75/mo | $75–$125 | $3,500 per item |
| Premium | ~$65–$85/mo | $75–$125 | $7,000 per item |
Actual pricing varies significantly by state. Always get a direct quote from First American's website for your ZIP code. Compare typical industry costs in our home warranty cost guide.
What Each Plan Covers
The Starter plan covers the plumbing system, electrical and heating systems, dishwasher, refrigerator, garbage disposal, oven and cooktop, and microwave oven. The Essential plan includes everything in Starter, plus clothes washer and dryer, water heater, air conditioning, and garage door opener. The Premium plan includes everything in Starter and Essential, plus luxury appliances, HVAC tune-ups, roof leaks, garage door systems, and other additional coverage and enhancements.
The Essential Plan is the most popular middle-tier option. It also includes the First American Advantage upgrade (up to $500), which covers code violations, permit fees, crane fees, and refrigerant disposal charges. The Premium Plan bumps the Advantage cap to $1,500 and raises the appliance coverage limit to $7,000 per item, making it ideal for households with higher-end appliances. For a side-by-side breakdown of plan types industry-wide, check the home warranty plans comparison.
Optional Add-Ons Available
Example monthly add-on prices include pool/spa equipment at about $20.83, water softener at about $7.08, limited roof leak at about $8.33, HVAC tune-up at about $2.08, and additional refrigerator at about $4.17 per extra fridge.
Claims Process & Service Quality
How to File a Claim
Filing a claim with First American Home Warranty is straightforward:
- Log into your online account at the First American homeowner portal
- Select the type of service needed and describe the issue
- Pay the service fee ($75 to $125, depending on plan) when the technician arrives
- A contractor is assigned within approximately 48 hours of your claim submission
- Technician diagnoses the issue and reports to First American for repair/replacement approval
- Resolution is completed, either repaired on-site or a replacement is coordinated
Claims can also be submitted 24/7 by phone at 800.992.3400. First American home warranty plans have no total dollar limit on most covered items, and you can request service as often as needed.
Workmanship Guarantee
All completed repairs carry a 30-day workmanship guarantee. If the same issue recurs within that window, First American will send a technician back at no additional service fee.
Customer Satisfaction Ratings & Competitor Comparison
What Customers Are Saying
First American Home Warranty earns mixed reviews across major rating platforms as of 2026. It holds about 4 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot with mostly positive feedback, but also a B/B+ BBB rating alongside thousands of complaints and very low BBB customer-review scores, with recurring themes of claim delays, denials, and customer-service issues.
| Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
| BBB Letter Grade | B+ (Accredited since 2000) |
| BBB Customer Reviews | ~1.8/5 stars |
| Trustpilot | 4/5 stars ("Great") |
| Trustpilot Positive Reviews | ~74% gave 4 or 5 stars |
Common Positive Feedback
Customers often describe knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful service technicians, report saving thousands of dollars on major systems such as HVAC, sump pumps, and garage doors when claims are approved promptly, and praise the multiple plan tiers and add-ons that allow tailored coverage. Several reviewers also praise First American for paying multiple repair or replacement claims without a hard cap on number of claims.
Common Complaints
Many unhappy customers report lengthy delays in the claims process, including waiting weeks or months for resolution or reimbursement. A recurring complaint is denial of claims that customers believe should be covered, sometimes after long investigations. Negative reviews also describe long automated phone trees and difficulty reaching a live representative, plus repairs that fail shortly after the 30-day workmanship period, forcing customers to pay a new service fee to reopen a claim.
First American vs. Top Competitors
| Feature | First American | American Home Shield | Choice Home Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | ~$35–$85 | ~$20–$120 | ~$49–$57 |
| Service Fee | $75–$125 | Configurable | ~$85 |
| Appliance Limit (Top Plan) | $7,000 | $4,000–$5,000 | Lower caps |
| HVAC Limit | No total dollar cap | Up to $5,000 | Up to $3,000 |
| Roof Leak Coverage | Premium plan only | Top plan only | Add-on only |
| States Available | 36 | 49 | 48 |
| BBB Rating | B+ | B | B |
| Workmanship Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
For deeper dives, see our American Home Shield reviews and Choice Home Warranty reviews.
American Home Shield offers stronger coverage and higher limits, especially for HVAC and major systems, and lets you choose your own service fee. However, First American's appliance coverage limits are significantly higher on the Premium tier, making it a better choice for homeowners with premium appliances. Choice Home Warranty tends to be more affordable for premiums but typically has lower coverage caps, especially for HVAC.
If you live in an older home, you may also want to compare options in our home warranty for old homes guide, or check the Old Republic Home Warranty review and 2-10 Home Warranty review for additional alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is First American Home Warranty worth it?
For most homeowners, yes, especially if you have newer systems and higher-end appliances. The Premium plan's $7,000 appliance limit and no total dollar cap on most covered items provide strong financial protection. However, if your home has older systems that may have pre-existing issues, a competitor like American Home Shield that covers some unknown pre-existing conditions might be a better fit. Browse more home warranty options before committing.
What does First American Home Warranty not cover?
First American does not cover pre-existing damage, issues caused by improper installation or DIY repairs, cosmetic damage, pest or weather-related damage, or breakdowns from power surges. The 30-day waiting period also means any failures in the first month of your contract are not covered. Always review your state-specific contract for the full list of exclusions.
How long does First American take to process a claim?
First American typically assigns a contractor within 48 hours of a submitted claim, after which the technician contacts you directly to schedule the visit. Total resolution time varies. Straightforward repairs can be completed in a few days, while complex replacements or disputed claims can take weeks or even months according to some 2026 BBB filings. Customer reviews suggest the experience varies significantly by location and the type of repair needed.
What is First American Home Warranty's BBB rating?
First American Home Warranty holds a B+ letter grade from the Better Business Bureau as of 2026, and has been BBB accredited since May 2000. However, the BBB customer review score sits around 1.8 out of 5 stars based on more than 1,700 reviews, reflecting customer frustration with claim denials and delays. On Trustpilot, the company earns a 4 out of 5 "Great" rating, with about 74% of reviews being 4 or 5 stars.
Can I use my own contractor with First American Home Warranty?
Generally, no. First American Home Warranty uses its own network of pre-screened contractors for all service calls. You cannot hire your own technician and expect reimbursement under a standard claim. In some limited circumstances such as emergencies, they may allow it, but you should contact First American directly before hiring an outside contractor to avoid a denied claim.