American Home Shield vs First American Home Warranty
An honest side-by-side comparison of two of our top home warranty companies picks — pricing, strengths, weaknesses, and who each one is really for.
American Home Shield
Ranked #1 of 15 in this directory
The original home warranty company with the most plan flexibility
First American Home Warranty
Ranked #4 of 15 in this directory
Reliable home warranty coverage with no home inspection required
Our pick: American Home Shield. Our editors rank American Home Shield higher overall in Home Warranty Companies — but First American Home Warranty can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case below. How we review
Compare the details
| American Home Shield | First American Home Warranty | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | See website | See website |
| Category | Combo Plans | Combo Plans |
| Editorial rank | #1 of 15 | #4 of 15 |
Strengths
American Home Shield
- ✓Largest and most established home warranty provider in the US
- ✓Three plan tiers allow customers to choose exact coverage level needed
- ✓Covers items regardless of age, make, or pre-existing conditions
- ✓Flexible trade service fee options from $75 to $125
- ✓Extensive contractor network across all 50 states
First American Home Warranty
- ✓No home inspection required to start coverage
- ✓Straightforward combo plan covers most major items
- ✓Strong reputation backed by First American Financial Corporation
- ✓Simple online and phone claims process
- ✓Available in most US states
Watch out for
American Home Shield
- !Monthly premiums are higher than many newer competitors
- !Coverage caps on certain items may not cover full replacement costs
- !Claims process can involve multiple service visits before resolution
- !Some customers report long wait times for contractor scheduling
First American Home Warranty
- !Limited plan tier options compared to some competitors
- !Coverage may not extend to certain high-end appliance brands
- !Service fees are fixed and cannot be adjusted for lower premiums
Best use cases
American Home Shield
- →Homeowners with aging systems and appliances wanting comprehensive protection
- →Real estate agents including warranties in home sale transactions
- →Budget-conscious homeowners wanting predictable repair costs
First American Home Warranty
- →New homeowners wanting quick coverage without inspection delays
- →Real estate transactions where warranty coverage is part of the deal
- →Homeowners preferring a simple single-plan option over complex tiers
About each tool
American Home Shield
American Home Shield is the pioneer of the home warranty industry and remains the largest provider in the US. AHS offers three plan tiers covering systems, appliances, or both, with flexible service fee options and coverage available regardless of the age or condition of covered items.
First American Home Warranty
First American Home Warranty provides dependable coverage with plans that do not require a home inspection to activate. The company offers a straightforward combo plan covering both systems and appliances, with optional add-ons for pools, spas, and guest units. Available in most US states with a simple claims process.
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