Compare Home Warranty Options in Ohio
See what plans you qualify for in less than 2 minutes
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 states and serves millions of homeowners across the country.
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.
Plans, Pricing & What's Covered
First American Home Warranty offers three tiered plans — Starter, Essential, and Premium — each building on the previous with broader coverage. Monthly pricing varies by location and your chosen service fee ($100 or $125 per claim), but here's a general breakdown:
Plan Summary
| Plan | Avg. Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Appliance Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | ~$37–$70/mo | $100 or $125 | $3,500 per item |
| Essential | ~$50–$85/mo | $100 or $125 | $3,500 per item |
| Premium | ~$68–$105/mo | $100 or $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.
What Each Plan Covers
The Essential Plan sits in the middle and is the most popular option — adding water heaters, air conditioning, clothes washers/dryers, garage door openers, and exhaust fans to the Starter coverage. 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.
Optional Add-Ons Available
- Pool & spa equipment
- Sump pump
- Additional refrigeration units
- And more (availability varies by state)
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 ($100 or $125) 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 by phone 24/7. There is no limit on the number of claims you can file per year, though each claim requires its own service fee.
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 but generally positive reviews across major rating platforms as of 2026:
| Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
| BBB | B+ rating |
| Trustpilot | 4/5 stars ("Great") |
| Trustpilot Positive Reviews | ~74% gave 4–5 stars |
| Trustpilot Negative Reviews | ~20% gave 1 star |
Common Positive Feedback
- Quick contractor assignment (often within 24–48 hours)
- Professional and knowledgeable technicians
- Easy online claims submission
- Significant savings on major repairs (HVAC, plumbing, electrical)
- Helpful customer support for straightforward claims
Common Complaints
- Claim denials citing exclusions or technicalities
- Slow resolution times for complex repairs (some Reddit users report weeks to months)
- Lower-quality replacement appliances in some cases
- Inconsistent technician quality depending on location
- Short 30-day workmanship guarantee compared to some competitors
First American vs. Top Competitors
| Feature | First American | American Home Shield | Choice Home Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | ~$37–$105 | ~$20–$120 | ~$49–$58 |
| Service Fee | $100 or $125 | $100 or $125 | $100 |
| Appliance Limit (Top Plan) | $7,000 | $4,000 | Not specified |
| Covers Pre-Existing Conditions | Limited | Yes (unknown issues) | No |
| Roof Leak Coverage | Premium plan only | Top plan only | Not offered |
| States Available | 36 | 49 | 47 |
| BBB Rating | B+ | B | B |
| Workmanship Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | Not specified |
American Home Shield is a better fit for older homes because it uniquely covers unknown pre-existing conditions — something First American does not. However, First American's appliance coverage limits are significantly higher ($7,000 vs. $4,000), making it a better choice for homeowners with premium appliances.
Choice Home Warranty wins on affordability and consistent nationwide pricing, but its coverage caps — especially for HVAC — are lower, and it excludes pre-existing conditions entirely.
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 unlimited system coverage 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 unknown pre-existing conditions might be a better fit.
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. 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+ rating from the Better Business Bureau as of 2026. The company has been BBB accredited since May 2000. While this is a solid rating, it is slightly below the A or A+ ratings held by some competitors. The company also earns a 4 out of 5 "Great" rating on Trustpilot, 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 emergency situations — they may allow it, but you should contact First American directly before hiring an outside contractor to avoid a denied claim.