Home Warranty Waiting Period: When Does Coverage Start?

A home warranty is a service contract that covers repairs and replacements of many major home systems and appliances when they break due to normal wear and tear. It can save you money on unexpected costs and provide peace of mind. At First American Home Warranty, you contact us when a covered item breaks, and we assign a prescreened technician to confirm coverage and then start the repair or replacement.

Waiting Periods for Home Warranties

A home warranty waiting period is the time between purchasing your plan and when coverage begins. The standard waiting period for homeowners is 30 days, although it varies by company/provider and plan type.

At First American, coverage start dates depend on the plan you purchase. If you are buying or selling a home, there is no waiting period. Coverage starts on the day of purchase. For homeowners, the waiting period is 30 days from the date of purchase.

When Does Home Warranty Coverage Start?

For Homeowners

When you purchase a home warranty directly from the company, as a current homeowner, you can request service after the 30-day waiting period expires. If you purchased a home warranty last week, you’ll need to wait a few more weeks before you can place a claim. The home warranty's 30-day waiting period helps ensure that coverage is used for genuine issues that arise after purchase, not for preexisting conditions that were already present at the time the plan was purchased.

For Home Buyers

If you get a home warranty as part of a home purchase, you’re getting what’s called a real estate home warranty plan. For this type of plan, there is no waiting period. Your coverage begins immediately at closing, giving you protection from Day 1 of homeownership.

For Home Sellers

If you’re adding seller’s home warranty coverage (or listing period coverage) when you list your home, coverage starts as soon as the home warranty is ordered. This means your home's systems and appliances are covered while your property is on the market. The cost is typically included in closing costs.

Why Do Home Warranties Have Waiting Periods?

Waiting periods help prevent misuse and ensure fairness for all homeowners. This time frame:

• Prevents people from purchasing a home warranty when they know something is about to break or has just broken
• Allows the home warranty company to confirm that problems weren’t preexisting conditions
• Keeps costs lower by reducing fraudulent claims

Important: Regardless of whether your plan has a waiting period, all home warranties require that covered items are in good, safe working conditions at the start of coverage.

Use Your Home Warranty Benefits Right Away

After purchasing your First American home warranty, set up your online account. It’s like the command center for your coverage, claims, and more. Once registered, you can start using your exclusive member benefits immediately, even during your waiting period. Here are a few benefits available on Day 1 of coverage:

• Up to 40% off major appliances from top brands
• Amazon gift card when you refer a friend to us, and they purchase a plan
• Savings on home improvement services
• Discounts on air filters and refrigerator water filters
• Re-key service for new homeowners

Check Your Coverage Details Anytime

Your online account makes it easy to review your plan details and coverage start date. Simply sign in to your account and click Coverage to see:

• The home systems and appliances your home warranty covers
• Your coverage limits and service fee
• When your waiting period is over, and when you can request service
• Coverage options and upgrades available for your plan

Learn more about what’s not covered by a home warranty.

How to Request Service

With a First American home warranty, requesting service is simple: contact us 24/7, online or by phone. Once your waiting period ends and your coverage is active, here’s how the service process works:

1. Request service when a covered item breaks. Go online to sign in to your account or call right away at 800.992.3400.
2. Pay your service fee upon submitting your service request.
3. We’ll assign a prescreened technician who will contact you to schedule an appointment.
4. The technician will diagnose the issue, confirm coverage, and repair or replace the covered item.

Not sure if something is covered by your plan? We’re happy to help you understand your coverage  — contact us anytime.

How Long Does a Home Warranty Last?

Home warranties, including most First American plans, can last 12 months and typically renew each year unless canceled.

What Happens When Your Home Warranty Expires?

If something breaks and you don’t contact your home warranty company until after your coverage ends, it won’t be covered.

• Request service promptly when a covered item breaks during your coverage period.
• Enable automatic renewal to keep your coverage renewing year after year.
• Watch for renewal notices sent 60 days before expiration.

Learn more about how long home warranties last and when coverage stops working.

Get Covered Now Before Something Breaks

Because homeowners typically have a home warranty waiting period and plans don’t cover pre-existing conditions, you’ll want to get home warranty protection now — before something breaks.

A home warranty gives you peace of mind and budget protection. And you’ll also have a simple, time-saving solution when a covered item breaks. It’s easy to get a quick quote and find the coverage that’s right for your home.

FAQs About Using Your Home Warranty

How soon can you use a home warranty after purchase?

Your coverage start date depends on how you purchase your plan:

• Homeowners: Most commonly, after the 30-day waiting period from your purchase date, you can start using your home warranty. This is the standard waiting period for many companies.
• Home buyers:  Coverage begins on your closing date if you get a First American real estate home warranty as part of your home sale.
• Home sellers: You’re covered as soon as your agent orders a home warranty (as part of a real estate transaction).

What is the waiting period for my home warranty plan?

The typical home warranty waiting period is 30 days. However, the waiting period can vary by company and plan type. If you have a First American home warranty and aren’t sure when your coverage starts, simply give us a call or sign in to your online account.

What happens if something breaks during the home warranty waiting period?

Claims filed during your 30-day waiting period won't be covered.

Do I need a home inspection before getting a home warranty?

No. First American does not require a home inspection or maintenance records before coverage begins. However, all covered systems and appliances must be in safe working order when your coverage starts. Some plans purchased as part of a real estate transaction offer protection against unknown pre-existing conditions — if, at the time coverage begins, the defect is not known or could not have been reasonably observed by looking at or operating the system or appliance.

Can I shorten or waive the home warranty waiting period?

The 30-day waiting period is waived in two situations: (1) when coverage is obtained through a real estate transaction, and (2) when you're renewing coverage from the previous year. For homeowners purchasing coverage directly, the 30-day waiting period ensures that coverage protects against future breakdowns rather than existing problems.