Plans and contract version reviewed: Starter Plan, Essential Plan, Premium Plan. Facts checked October 23, 2026. We did not perform first-hand testing of this provider's service unless stated.
Our assessment (editorial opinion)
First American's Colorado sample contract covers lack of maintenance, rust and corrosion, states no general aggregate cap, and raises appliance limits to $7,000 each on Premium. Code and permit costs need the optional Advantage add-on, and unknown pre-existing defects are covered only in real estate transactions.
Who it may suit, and who it may not
May suit
- Homes with higher-value appliances (Premium's $7,000 per-appliance limit)
- Owners who can't document past maintenance, since the contract covers failures due to lack of maintenance
- Buyers in a real estate transaction, who get unknown-defect coverage
May not suit
- Direct homeowner buyers worried about unknown pre-existing problems
- Anyone who wants to cancel mid-term after making a claim
- Homes that need AC covered on the lowest tier (Starter excludes it)
Plans at a glance
As published by First American Home Warranty in its plan pages and sample contract, checked October 23, 2026. Not a quote; your contract and state version control.
Starter Plan
combination plan
- Includes
- Plumbing, Plumbing stoppages, Heating, Ductwork, Electrical, Kitchen appliances, Kitchen refrigerator
- Limits & caps
- Kitchen appliances and refrigerator up to $3,500 each; geothermal/water-source/glycol/steam/oil heating up to $1,500; refrigerant $20/lb, you pay excess up to $250 per unit and failure (CO sample contract)
- Service fee
- Service call fee per Trade Call, shown on your Home Warranty Summary page (sample contract)
- Optional add-ons
- Central air conditioning (stand-alone option), Pool/spa equipment, Additional refrigeration, Well pump, Water softener/RO, Septic, Limited roof leak, Pre-season HVAC tune-up, First American Advantage
Essential Plan
combination plan
- Includes
- Everything in Starter, Central air conditioning, Water heater, Clothes washer and dryer, Garage door opener, Attic, exhaust, whole-house and ceiling fans, Mini-split ductless systems
- Limits & caps
- Appliances, refrigerator, washer and dryer up to $3,500 each; water heater up to $1,000; concrete-encased items up to $500; refrigerant $20/lb, you pay excess up to $250 (CO sample contract)
- Service fee
- Service call fee per Trade Call, shown on your Home Warranty Summary page (sample contract)
- Optional add-ons
- Pool/spa equipment, Additional refrigeration, Well pump, Water softener/RO, Septic, Limited roof leak, Pre-season HVAC tune-up, First American Advantage
Premium Plan
combination plan
- Includes
- Everything in Essential, Limited roof leak (up to $1,000), Pre-season HVAC tune-ups, Faucets, shower heads, hose bibbs, Central vacuum, Garage door hinges, springs, transmitters
- Limits & caps
- Kitchen appliances and refrigerator up to $7,000 each; washer/dryer and water heater limits removed; concrete-encased items up to $1,000; all refrigerant costs for covered units (CO sample contract)
- Service fee
- Service call fee per Trade Call, shown on your Home Warranty Summary page (sample contract)
- Optional add-ons
- Pool/spa equipment, Additional refrigeration, Well pump, Water softener/RO, Septic, First American Advantage
Key contract terms
| Term | What the contract says | Contract wording |
|---|---|---|
| Code & permit upgrades | Optional Advantage add-on: $500 (Essential), $1,500 (Premium) | Company will pay to correct code violations when effecting approved repairs or replacements. |
| Unknown pre-existing issues | Covered only for real estate transaction customers | coverage for unknown defects ... (excluding renewal and non-real estate transaction customers) |
| Cancellation | Full refund within 30 days if no claims; after a claim, non-cancelable | After 30 days if a claim has been made, this Contract is noncancelable other than by mutual agreement |
Trade-offs
- AC is a stand-alone option on Starter.
- Code, permit and crane costs require the Advantage add-on.
- Repairs through walls and floors are returned to rough finish only.
Availability
First American publishes state-specific sample contracts (for example Colorado, California, Texas, Virginia, Florida and Ohio versions) but does not list the states it serves on the pages checked.
Sources
- First American Home Warranty — homeowner plans
- First American Home Warranty — FAQ
- First American sample contract — Colorado version (CS3T 03/24, PDF)
This page is general education, not legal, financial, or insurance advice. Home warranty terms vary by provider, plan, and state; the contract you sign controls what is covered. Spotted an error? Request a correction.
