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 U.S. states in 2026, and it is not sold in 14 states (Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin) 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. Plans start at about $35 per month on First American's own site, but real-world quotes commonly land in the $42 to $87 per month range, with third-party 2026 quote sets showing top-tier prices as high as $142 to $172 per month in some ZIP codes. Homeowners now select either a $100 or $125 service fee, with the higher fee lowering the monthly premium by roughly $5, plus a small $2 handling fee per monthly payment.
Plan Summary (2026 Pricing)
| Plan | Avg. Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Appliance Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | ~$37 to $70/mo | $100 or $125 | $3,500 per item |
| Essential | ~$50 to $85/mo | $100 or $125 | $3,500 per item |
| Premium | ~$68 to $142/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. 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, ductwork, dishwasher, refrigerator, garbage disposal, oven and cooktop, and built-in microwave. The Essential plan (First American's most popular tier) includes everything in Starter plus clothes washer and dryer, water heater, air conditioning, and garage door opener. The Premium plan bundles everything in Starter and Essential plus luxury appliances, HVAC tune-ups, limited roof leaks, an expanded garage door system, faucet and shower components, and a central vacuum system.
The Essential Plan also includes the First American Advantage upgrade with coverage up to $500 for code violations, permit fees, crane fees, refrigerant disposal charges, and access through concrete (Concrete Limit). The Premium Plan bumps that Advantage cap to $1,500 for items like code corrections, and doubles the Concrete Limit to $1,000. Premium also raises the appliance coverage limit to $7,000 per item, removes the water heater dollar cap entirely (Essential caps water heaters at about $1,000), and covers 100% of refrigerant costs (Starter and Essential cap refrigerant at $20 per pound with the homeowner covering up to $250 per unit). Compared to Essential, Premium is a better fit 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
Approximate 2026 monthly add-on prices include pool and spa equipment at about $21 per pool, water softener at about $7, limited roof leak at about $8, HVAC tune-up at about $2, septic system pumping at about $7, well pump at about $7, and additional refrigerator at about $4 per extra fridge. First American currently lists roughly nine add-ons with coverage limits ranging from $500 to $2,500 depending on the item.
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 and select "Request New Service"
- Choose the category and describe the issue (appliance, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc.)
- Pay the service fee ($100 or $125, depending on your plan configuration) at submission or when the technician arrives
- A prescreened contractor is assigned and typically contacts you within about 48 hours of your claim submission (First American states it initiates claims within four business hours once coverage is confirmed)
- The technician diagnoses the issue and reports back to First American for repair or 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 throughout your contract term. Independent 2026 data pegs First American's overall claim approval rate at about 76%, up from 74% in 2024, on roughly 280,000 claims per year. For emergencies, review our home warranty emergency service guide.
Waiting Period & Workmanship Guarantee
If you buy a plan as an existing homeowner, there is a 30-day waiting period from the purchase date before you can file a covered claim. However, if the warranty is purchased through a real estate transaction (buying or selling a home), coverage begins on the day of purchase with no waiting period. Learn more about the home warranty waiting period and when coverage actually starts.
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 in 2026. The BBB customer review score sits at 1.96 out of 5 stars based on 1,439 reviews, with about 2,827 complaints filed against the business in the last three years. However, the company's BBB letter grade has recently been upgraded to A- on the live BBB profile (many 2026 review sites still list the previous B+ grade), reflecting how BBB weighs complaint response and resolution rather than customer sentiment. Trustpilot tells a very different story with about 4.1 out of 5 stars across roughly 17,276 reviews.
| Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
| BBB Letter Grade | A- (recently upgraded from B+; accredited since May 2000) |
| BBB Customer Reviews | 1.96/5 (1,439 reviews) |
| Trustpilot | 4.1/5 stars ("Great," ~17,276 reviews) |
| BestCompany.com | ~4.0/5 (4,000+ user reviews) |
| ConsumerAffairs | 4.0/5 (9,019+ reviews) |
| ~2.8/5 |
Common Positive Feedback
Customers frequently describe knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful service technicians, and report quick claims handling and prompt technician dispatch on many appliance and plumbing repairs. Others mention saving thousands on major systems like HVAC, sump pumps, and garage doors when claims are approved promptly. Long-tenured customers also praise the multiple plan tiers and add-ons that allow tailored coverage.
Common Complaints
The most common negative themes involve claim denials and disputes over what the contract covers, slow repairs or long waits for completion, and difficulty reaching customer service through the automated phone system. Some reviewers report 20 to 45+ minute hold times on the phone line and paying multiple service fees only to have both claims denied. Negative reviews also describe repairs that fail shortly after the 30-day workmanship period, forcing customers to pay a new service fee to reopen the same issue. To compare provider-by-provider denial rates, see our home warranty claim approval rates breakdown.
First American vs. Top Competitors
| Feature | First American | American Home Shield | Choice Home Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | ~$37 to $142 | ~$29 to $120 | ~$46 to $68 |
| Service Fee | $100 or $125 | $75, $100, or $125 | ~$85 to $100 |
| Appliance Limit (Top Plan) | $7,000 | ~$4,000 | Lower caps (~$3,000) |
| HVAC Limit | ~$1,500 to $3,000 (Starter/Essential) | 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 to 49 |
| BBB Rating | A- | B | B |
| 2026 Claim Approval Rate | 76% | 85% | Lower |
| Workmanship Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 60 days |
For deeper dives, see our American Home Shield reviews and Choice Home Warranty reviews.
American Home Shield generally offers stronger coverage and higher caps, especially for HVAC and major systems, plus a higher 85% claim approval rate and three service-fee tiers. However, First American's per-item appliance coverage on the Premium tier is significantly higher at $7,000, making it a better choice for homeowners with premium appliances. Choice Home Warranty tends to have a longer 60-day workmanship guarantee and simpler bundled plans, but coverage caps are typically lower, 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. First-time buyers should also review our home warranty first-time buyer guide.
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 (with an 85% approval rate and higher HVAC caps) 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 a homeowner-purchased contract are not covered. Always review your state-specific contract for the full list of exclusions and per-item caps.
How long does First American take to process a claim?
First American typically assigns a contractor within about 48 hours of submission (and states it initiates claims within four business hours once coverage is confirmed), after which the technician contacts you directly to schedule the visit. Total resolution time varies significantly. 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 by location and the type of repair needed.
What is First American Home Warranty's BBB rating?
First American Home Warranty's live BBB business profile currently shows an A- letter grade (recently upgraded from B+), and the company has been BBB accredited since May 2000. However, the BBB customer review score sits at 1.96 out of 5 stars based on about 1,439 reviews, reflecting customer frustration with claim denials and delays. On Trustpilot, the company earns a 4.1 out of 5 "Great" rating across roughly 17,276 reviews.
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.