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Home Protection Plans: Choose Coverage That Fits Your Home and Budget

MARCH 05, 2026 | Home Care Buzz Experts | 6 minute read

Blog Summary

A First American home warranty has no age limits on home systems and appliances, no inspection required, and provides comprehensive protection for about $2 a day.

Home warranties cover appliances and systems against everyday breakdowns due to normal wear, unlike homeowners insurance, which covers damage from natural disasters.

When your water heater fails on a lazy Sunday morning or your AC dies in the middle of summer, the last thing you want to worry about is how to pay for expensive repairs. A home protection plan, also called a home warranty plan, can help cover the cost to repair (or replace) these household items and many more, providing a valuable financial safety net and peace of mind.  

Unlike homeowners insurance, which typically covers damages caused by natural disasters, vandalism, and other such major events, a home protection plan is a service contract that covers the major home appliances and systems you use every day to keep your household running smoothly. When a covered appliance or system breaks, we assign a service provider to repair the broken item. If it can’t be repaired, we’ll replace it.*

With flexible monthly or yearly payment options, a home warranty from First American is a smart way to safeguard your budget from life’s little surprises. Best of all, our plans can be renewed every year, and we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind for any reason.†

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

First American home protection plans cover a variety of essential home appliances and systems, such as dishwashers, ovens, cooktops, HVAC, washers, dryers, plumbing, electrical, and much more. You can also add extra coverage options and upgrades to protect your home’s distinct features, such as pool/spa coverage, coverage for a well pump, and extra coverage for luxury appliances.

Home Systems and Appliances Covered by First American Plans

Appliances

Kitchen Refrigerator

Washer & Dryer

Dishwasher

Built-in Microwave

Oven, Range & Cooktop

Trash Compactor

HVAC Systems

Central Air Conditioning

Heating System

Ductwork

Thermostats

 

 

Plumbing Systems

Stoppages

Leaks and Breaks

Garbage Disposal

Water Heaters

Toilet Tanks & Bowls

Sump Pump

More Systems

Electrical System

Central Vacuum

Ceiling, Attic & Exhaust Fans

Garage Door Openers

Well Pumps

Additional coverage available: Limited Roof Leak, Septic System, Pool/Spa Equipment, and more. View all options when you get a quote.

Want to learn more? It's easy to compare home warranty coverage, plans, and costs.

When Does a Home Warranty Replace Instead of Repair?

We’ll always attempt to repair your covered item before replacing it. When a repair isn’t possible, we’ll replace it with a comparable item similar in features, efficiency, and capacity. You can also agree to accept payment of cash in lieu of replacement if you want a certain brand, model, color, etc. ‡

What Sets First American Home Protection Plans Apart?

At First American, we’re committed to providing a stellar member experience that delivers superior value. As a leading home warranty company since 1984, homeowners have relied on us for decades to help their appliances and systems keep up with everyday life.

No Age Limit on Covered Items

All covered items should be in good working order at the start of your contract, but there’s no inspection required to receive your First American home warranty, and no age limit on your home’s covered items.

Comprehensive Coverage

  • Your exclusive member benefits start on Day 1 of coverage. Register or sign into your online account to access generous appliance discounts, home improvement services, and much more. If you’re a new homeowner, schedule re-key service for your new home right away.
  • We won’t ask for maintenance records when evaluating a claim.
  • First American's coverage limits are some of the most generous in the industry.

Professional technician is working on the bottom drawer of a broken refrigerator.

How Much Does a First American Home Warranty Cost?

Most of us have better things to do with our money than spend it on fixing broken appliances and home systems. That’s why home protection plans make smart financial sense. A First American home warranty costs about $2 a day and provides comprehensive protection for your home's major systems and appliances — and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you don’t have to worry about how to manage repairs when something breaks.

It’s easy to get a quick, no-obligation online home warranty quote to find a plan that best suits your needs.

How Does a Home Protection Plan Work?

When you have a home protection plan from First American, we support you every step of the way.

  • You request service – When an appliance or system covered by your home protection plan breaks, call us or sign in to your online home warranty account to request service 24/7. You’ll pay your service fee when you place your service request.
  • We assign a service provider – We'll assign a technician from our prescreened service provider network to assist you. They’ll reach out to you to schedule a convenient appointment.
  • Service provider diagnoses problem – At the appointment, your technician will diagnose the issue, and, if needed, report their findings to First American.
  • Covered item is repaired or replaced – After confirming that the issue is covered by your plan, the technician will repair or replace the item. If parts need to be ordered, additional visits may be necessary to complete the repair. If a covered item is beyond repair, we’ll replace it.*

Want more details? See our infographic on how the service process works.

When Can I Request Service?

We’re available by phone 24/7 to take your service request, or you can log in to your home warranty account to request service at any time. We monitor and rate our contractors on their response times, with most responding within 24 to 48 hours, so we can make sure to get someone out to help you as quickly as possible.

Can I Cancel My Home Warranty Plan?

If, for any reason, you change your mind and want to cancel your First American home warranty plan, you have a full 30 days after your coverage goes into effect to cancel and get your money back.† We want you to feel confident in your decision, which is why we offer this money-back guarantee.

Are You and Your Home Ready for a Home Protection Plan?

Taking care of your home's systems and appliances can feel overwhelming, especially when unexpected breakdowns happen at the worst possible times. A First American home protection plan can help you worry less and enjoy your home more. Get a personalized home warranty quote to see the protection plan that fits your home and budget. 

FAQs About Home Protection Plans

What’s the difference between a home warranty and a home protection plan?

A home protection plan and a home warranty are two names for the same thing — a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of your home's major systems and appliances when they break from normal wear and tear. At First American, we use "home protection plan" to emphasize that we're protecting your budget and peace of mind, not just your appliances.

Does a home warranty cover pre-existing problems?

First American home protection plans cover unknown pre-existing conditions for real estate transactions, meaning if an issue existed before your coverage started but wasn't detectable through visual inspection or a simple mechanical test, it can still be covered. Your covered items should be in safe working order when your coverage begins, but we understand that hidden issues can exist in any home, especially older ones.

What does a home warranty NOT cover?

First American plans don't cover cosmetic damage, damage from pests, misuse, or items still under the manufacturer's warranty. We also don't cover damage that would typically be covered by your homeowners insurance (like damage from natural disasters).

Is a home protection plan worth it for an older home?

A home protection plan can be especially valuable for older homes where systems and appliances are more likely to break. First American has no age limit on covered items — as long as they're in safe working order when your coverage starts, they can be protected regardless of age.


*In some instances, Homeowner and First American may agree to payment of cash in lieu of repair or replacement. Payment will be made based on First American’s negotiated rates with its suppliers, which may be less than retail. Please review the sample contract for specific coverage, terms, and limitations.

†Contract may be canceled in writing, within 30 days of the contract effective date, for a full refund of any contract fees paid, provided no claims have been filed. In the event claims have been filed, paid claims expense will be deducted from any eligible refund at the time of cancellation. In some cases, the claim expense on contracts with claims filed will exceed contract fees paid at the time of cancellation so no refund will be available.

‡Please note that payment will be made based on First American's negotiated rates with its suppliers, which may be less than retail.

Home Care Buzz Experts
Home Care Buzz Experts

The First American Home Care Buzz team is made up of experienced home warranty writers and editors. Our team provides valuable insights and information to help homeowners like you meet the daily challenges of homeownership.  

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