What Is A Home Warranty?

A home warranty is a renewable service contract — typically lasting one year — that protects your home’s systems (such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical) and appliances (including refrigerators, dishwashers, and clothes dryers) from normal wear and tear. While homeowners insurance may cover these items in case of events like severe weather, vandalism, or theft, a home warranty’s coverage protects these items when they break down — potentially saving you thousands in unexpected repair and replacement costs.

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

In some cases, parts may need to be ordered and additional visits may be needed to complete the repair or replacement.*

Learn more about how your home warranty service process works.

Home Warranty Benefits

You already know First American can protect your family’s budget from unexpected repair and replacement costs and offer you 24/7 service requests, but our home warranties provide more than these benefits. When you choose First American, you also get:

• An expansive network of prescreened technicians at the ready. Our technicians are vetted and ready to repair or replace your items as quickly as possible.
• A simple solution to aggravating home system and appliance breakdowns. No more wasted time calling around town to find a provider. Typically, with one call or online service request, First American will dispatch a qualified technician to handle your problem.
• Unlimited service calls. You can request service as many times as needed and only pay for the service call fees for just the cost of a service call fee.
• Coverage regardless of appliance or system age. It doesn’t matter how old your home system or appliance is; if it’s included in your plan and in working condition at the start of your contract, it’s covered.

You can learn more about home warranties by getting a quote online, visiting our Home Care Buzz blog, or contacting our team at 888.875.0533.

What Does Home Warranty Coverage Include?

A home warranty covers major systems and appliances that help keep your home running smoothly. Chances are you use many items covered by a First American home warranty daily in your home, and you don’t want to be without those vital items that keep your household running smoothly. Luckily, a home warranty from First American can cover the following:

Home Warranty Coverage Options

Not all home warranty plans are created the same. First American offers optional coverage to fit needs you may have that aren’t covered in your base home warranty plan. This includes coverage add-ons like pools and spas, well pumps, additional refrigerators, and more. Upgraded coverage is also available and can expand your coverage to include the removal of old appliances or systems, correcting improper installations, covering the cost of building permits, and correcting any building code violations. These add-ons can help ensure your home warranty is working its hardest to protect your home and budget. You can view our different plans and add-ons with our handy tool to compare home warranty plans or by getting a free quote.

What Home Warranty Plans Typically Don't Cover

While your home warranty contract can protect you from unexpected repair or replacement expenses when your covered items break from normal wear and tear, it does have limits regarding what it will cover. Some examples of things that are not covered by a home warranty include:

1. Modifications or changes needed to install replacement equipment
2. Secondary damages resulting from a broken system or appliance (though your homeowners’ insurance may cover these damages)
3. Cosmetic defects that do not affect the functionality of your appliance or system
4. Damage from pests, improper installation, misuse, or neglect

What’s the Difference Between a Home Warranty and Homeowners Insurance?

Your home warranty coverage and your homeowners’ insurance policy can work in tandem to protect your household and finances from uncertainty. So, what is a home warranty used for? Your home warranty coverage applies to items that will break down over time, thanks to their age and normal wear and tear. And what about homeowners’ insurance? It can be used to cover damage caused by things that might happen — like severe weather, vandalism, or theft. If an appliance or system covered by your home warranty breaks down and causes damage to your other items or property, your home warranty may cover the repair or replacement of the appliance or system, while your insurance may cover the damages caused by the breakdown.

Read more about homeowners insurance vs. home warranty coverage.

 

Why Do I Need a Home Warranty?

Let’s face it, even the most reliable home systems and appliances will fail eventually. And the cost to repair or replace them can impact your budget — especially if you’re a first-time homeowner. Luckily, First American Home Warranty is here for you when you need support. We can give you peace of mind thanks to our 24/7 availability for service requests (online or by phone), budget protection, and more. Home warranty coverage can eliminate many surprise expenses, particularly if your home has older appliances or systems.

FAQs About Home Warranties

How much does a First American home warranty cost?

The annual cost of your home warranty coverage varies depending on which plan you choose and which add-ons you include. For a better idea of what it may cost, get a quick, no-obligation home warranty quote.

How long does a home warranty last?

Home warranty contracts are renewable agreements that typically last one year.

Does the age of my appliances matter?

The age of your appliances does not matter! As long as your covered system or appliance is in working condition when coverage starts, it’s covered.

Note: If an older system or appliance can’t be repaired, we may need to replace it with a different unit of like functionality.

How often can I request service?

Once your coverage becomes effective, there is no limit to how often you can request service. First American is ready and happy to support you whenever a covered item breaks.